On February 5, 2022, Norbert Link will present “Comments on News and Prophecy, February 5, 2022,” and the sermon, titled, “The Spirit Bears Witness.”

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.

Eric Rank’s Sermonette a few weeks ago on the challenge of a prideful spirit stimulated many thoughts for me. As Mr. Rank shared his impressions, I too have allowed myself to bask in the glow of my own prideful humanity. I’ve learned that the things that I have succeeded at have been the result of God’s hand, and the moments that have not gone well were either lessons or challenges that I must learn or overcome. Still, this world celebrates success, and the pride that can accompany achievement can cause people to believe in the power of their inflated wisdom.

This is not to say that we cannot be pleased when we achieve something we’ve worked hard for. However, when being pleased becomes boastful, even with oneself, then we have indeed crossed the line in God’s eyes. We must acknowledge God’s supremacy in our lives.

I too have spoken about pride and on leadership, and the tendency for people to respond to a diligent and sincere leader, and not as much to a person who is in your face about his or her skills and victories. So, what is this factor that triggers the movement from sincerity to boastfulness? In a word: arrogance!

This editorial is not intended to be a commentary on specific leaders—but on the attitude that is so prevalent in the world, among the world’s leaders, and frankly—so many people. This is not a trait that is limited to one political party or movement. It is also an attitude that we’ve come to expect with popular sports and entertainment stars. But this character trait is not limited to the rich and famous, and to be fair, there may be humble people among them.

However, humility is not a virtue that this world generally appreciates. Society tends to consider humble people to be push-overs or worse. Yet even the Harvard Business School offers a course on the value of quiet power as a leadership skill. Now, a quiet person can still be an arrogant person, but humility and arrogance are typically opposite ends of the spectrum.

In the Book of Micah, we see the two types juxtaposed—on the one hand a boastful person suggesting that sacrifices and riches would impress God, and on the other hand a merciful, kind and just person who humbles himself before God.

We read in Micah 6, 6-8: “With what shall I come before the Lord, And bow myself before the High God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, With calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams Or ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?”

Edgar Schein, professor emeritus at MIT Sloan School of Management and an expert on leadership and culture, once asked a group of his students what it meant to be promoted to the rank of manager. They said without hesitation, “It means I can now tell others what to do.” And yet, a management column in the Wall Street Journal offered a different headline: “The Best Bosses Are Humble Bosses.” The article referred to a study at Arizona State University in 2014 that reported that humble leaders “inspire close teamwork, rapid learning and high performance in their teams.” It even reported that one HR consulting firm was planning to introduce an assessment to identify personality traits that include “sincerity, modesty, fairness, truthfulness, and unpretentiousness.”

These are traits that would be unheard of in a political campaign. Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, Vladimir Putin, Darth Vader and so many others are not characters that we describe as humble and forthright, but it is easy to build a movie plot around them. For some reason, this personality type is still integral in the eyes of many to the likelihood of success—whether the aim is good or evil.

In 1 Peter 5:5, we are told:”Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.’”

It is troubling to witness politicians invoking God at will as a bludgeon against their rivals. Sadly, this is increasingly used as a method to illustrate superiority over the opposition. At the conclusion of the State of the Union address, the President asks that “God bless the United States of America”—but few understand that there is a contract that comes along with following God. Our part of the contract is straightforward: obeying Him and following His commandments. Can we obey God and be an arrogant person, out for him- or herself? We have our guidance in Mark 10:43-45:

“Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.  And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

God requires an attitude of service in His people—not arrogance. When we think of other faiths we may think of gold, and the finest fabrics, and some of the most exclusive real estate in the world. Leaders of these organizations live as monarchs and not as humble servants of God. John 13:14 illustrates what is expected of us: “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.”

God sent His Son to save us as the ultimate sign of His love for us. This should humble us and cause us to evaluate our arrogance and self-righteous behavior. We must recognize that we are to be humble and caring towards one another and most certainly in our relationship with God the Father and His Son. We cannot impress God with material success, anything we do to achieve fame and notoriety, or anything we possess. What God demands of us is simple: obey Him and live as He commands.

by Norbert Link

We begin with the unparalleled “Freedom Convoy” by Canadian (and other) truckers against the coronavirus restrictions and mandatory vaccinations; report on Dr. Fauci’s and BLM’s many problems; and Germany’s attempts to censor “politically incorrect” platforms.

Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Germany’s March into its Prophesied Horrible Dictatorship.”

We continue to report at length about the deeply troubling developments pertaining to Russia and Ukraine, and the lack of confidence in Germany’s new government.  In this context, please watch our new presentation, “Germany is the Key?– Comments on News and Prophecy, January 29, 2022.” 

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

The Freedom Convoy

The Guardian wrote on January 28:

“Earlier this month, Canada began requiring any truckers arriving from the US be fully vaccinated against coronavirus. Those who are not vaccinated… are required to quarantine for 14 days…. A convoy of truckers and their supporters is set to converge on the Canadian capital in a protest which has spiralled from frustrations over vaccine mandates into calls for the repeal of all public health measures – and even the overthrow of the federal government.”

The USA imposed similar requirements for truckers entering the USA.

Breitbart wrote on January 27:

“Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has labelled the anti-mandatory vaccination trucker convoy… a ‘fringe minority’ with ‘unacceptable views.’…

“Wednesday’s comments come after Canadian mainstream media outlets… have painted many of the truck convoy participants as having links to ‘far-right groups.’ The claim has been rejected by Tamara Lich, one of the Freedom Convoy organisers…

“The allegations are not the first time Canadian politicians or media have equated those against lockdowns or vaccination policies to white nationalists or far-right extremists. Last year in March, former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi claimed that anti-mask and anti-lockdown protestors were extremists…”

One wonders who the extremists are.  According to Fox News, dated January 28, the convoy of truckers is 70 kilometers or 43.5 miles long. Protests are now all over Canada, not just in Ottawa. For whole families to be out protesting in -20C to -30C for hours, they must be determined.

The Daily Mail wrote on January 30:

“Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his family have left their home in the national’s capital Ottawa for a secret location as up to 50,000 truckers gather to protest against the country’s vaccine mandate and Covid lockdowns. .. Trudeau said Friday that the truckers’ views — which he described as anti-science, anti-government and anti-society — posed a risk not only to themselves but to other Canadians as well… Despite security concerns, there have been no incidents at the rally…

“Elon Musk… tweeted praise for the truckers, saying: ‘If you scare people enough, they will demand removal of freedom. This is the path to tyranny. ‘He’d earlier tweeted that ‘Canadian truckers rule’… As many as 32,000, or 20 percent, of the 160,000 Canadian and American cross-border truck drivers may be taken off the roads due to the mandate…

“In a list of demands, the organizers of the Freedom Convoy are calling for an end to vaccine passports and for the federal government to respect the rights of the unvaccinated. Trudeau hit the brakes on their demands. ‘What we are hearing from some people associated with this convoy is completely unacceptable,’ he said. ‘We know the way through this pandemic is to get everyone vaccinated.”

Who is “we”?

Breitbart wrote on January 29:

“Former President Donald Trump on Saturday praised the ‘freedom convoy’ of Canadian truckers protesting against Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s coronavirus health mandates… ‘The Canadian truckers… who are resisting bravely these lawless mandates are doing more to defend American freedom than our own leaders by far,’ he said, speaking to a crowd in Conroe, Texas.

“He made clear that he supports the convoy’s movement, saying, ‘and we want those great Canadian truckers to know that we are with them all the way.’”

What impact the demonstrating truckers will have on the Canadian government and even many Canadians who support draconian restrictions, is unclear.

The Calgary Herald wrote January 29:

“… the Canadian Trucking Alliance said on Sunday that they ‘strongly disapprove’ of the cross-Canada trucker protest and that the vast majority of Canadian truck drivers are vaccinated with estimates upwards of 90 per cent…”

Trudeau the Coward

Fox News wrote on January 31:

“Critics are slamming… Trudeau as a ‘coward’ for reportedly fleeing his residence in the country’s capital of Ottawa as a massive anti-vaccine mandate protest converged on the city. ‘What a complete coward. He won’t even face the citizens he has discriminated against,’ Fox News contributor Lisa Boothe tweeted. The protests have been peaceful, with most disturbances coming in the form of honking horns, chanting and dancing. ..

“Critics in both the U.S. and Canada lambasted and mocked the prime minister as ‘gutless’ and ‘cowardly’ for fleeing the protesters instead of addressing their concerns over health freedom. “

Of course, there were occasional incidents where monuments were defaced, which are now being used by the government to attack the truckers and launch criminal investigations. In all likelihood, these incidents were not even committed by any of the truckers but by elements who always appear at peaceful demonstrations to commit their despicable acts. According to the mass media, “violence” broke out at the Alta. Border, “after multiple trucks and tractors broke through police lines Tuesday afternoon.”  But  Alberta Premier Jason Kenney only said that “he received reports from the scene ‘of people aligned with the protesters assaulting RCMP officers, including in one instance trying to ram members of the RCMP, later leading to a collision with a civilian vehicle’” (The Western Producers, February 1).

In addition, Breitbart wrote on February 2:

“Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have confirmed to Breitbart News that no officers have been assaulted by protesters at the Alberta border blockade despite the assertion from the province’s Premier, Jason Kenney, that they had…. 

“As first reported by Rebel News, the assault claim was untrue, and RCMP Cpl. Curtis Peters, who is on the ground in Coutts, independently confirmed to Breitbart News that no such assault took place, and the incident with the vehicle was an accident that occurred between civilians. ‘There were no RCMP officers assaulted,’ he said. ‘There was an assault that took place between two civilians. One of them was a protester who had been traveling the wrong way on a one-way lane of highway and then got in a collision with the innocent person. … But we haven’t had any assaults of police.’ According to Peters, the collision caused a fight to break out between the drivers.”

It can be expected that the truckers will be labeled by Trudeau’s  government once again as “dangerous and violent extremists.”  

Zero Hedge wrote on January 31:

“[The] Canadian Prime Minister was accused of hypocrisy when he suddenly was nowhere to be found late last week as a convoy of truckers rolled into Ottawa to protest the government’s COVID mandates. Many scoffed at Trudeau’s sudden disappearing when confronted by a massive crowd of protesters, many carrying signs mocking his comment that the truckers and their supporters were part of a “tiny fringe minority”.

“Making matters worse for the PM, Canadian media reported Monday morning that Trudeau had been diagnosed with COVID, despite receiving a booster dose early this month on Jan. 4. [He tweeted from his undisclosed location that he was feeling fine.]

“Is it possible to get infected with COVID while being boosted and in hiding? Or has Trudeau really been stricken with COWARD-19?”

Trudeau’s Berlin Wall of Covid Totalitarianism

Ron Paul wrote on January 31:

“We all remember where we were when the Berlin Wall came down. While it may have seemed that communist rule would go on forever, when the people decided that they had enough suddenly the wall fell. Just like that. Thus it is after two years of Covid authoritarianism that in Canada the largest truck convoy in history has smashed through the Berlin Wall of tyranny. I have watched as… Canada… turned into one of the most repressive countries on earth…

“Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau had been basking in his ability to terrorize the population in the name of fighting a virus. He was so confident in his seemingly unlimited power that he felt he could ridicule any Canadian with different views. The prime minister said in a recent interview that unvaccinated Canadians were ‘extremists,’ ‘misogynists,’ and ‘racists.’

“When the Canadian truckers stood up to his tyranny and began their historic convoy to Ottawa, he thought he could continue ridiculing people…  Less than a week later, as tens of thousands of trucks began entering the capital with millions of supporters behind them, the ‘brave’ Canadian prime minister had fled the city and shuffled off to an undisclosed location…

“The Canadian mainstream media is obviously just as obedient to the regime as ours. They ignored the Freedom Convoy for as long as possible. There was almost no reporting. Then, when it became impossible to ignore, they began to attack and ridicule instead of trying to report it accurately. It was disgusting and almost comical to see a ‘reporter’ from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation suggest that the Canadian Freedom Convoy was cooked up by Putin and the Russians!…

“This protest is so important because it’s not limited to Canada. The truckers are being supported worldwide, and a similar convoy is being planned from California to Washington, DC. In a US where grocery store shelves are increasingly bare, the truckers have more leverage than the powers-that-be would like to admit. [The Daily Mail reported on January 31 that “Australian drivers have taken inspiration from a ‘Freedom Convoy’ in Canada to drive to Canberra and protest against vaccine mandates [as] Victoria’s Premier has warned booster shots will soon be mandatory. Protesters from all around the country arrived in the nation’s capital on Monday as part of the ‘Convoy to Canberra’ demonstration. The convoy of cars between Pheasants Nest, NSW and the capital trailed for several kilometres.”].

“If I were prime minister of totalitarian Australia or New Zealand – or most anywhere in Europe – I would be getting pretty nervous right now. Just as the Covid tyranny descended across the globe in a seemingly coordinated fashion, now that the Berlin Wall of the tyrants has been breached, it’s just a matter of time before the shockwaves are felt far and wide.”

Let’s hope Ron Paul is right. According to the Edmonton Sun, dated January 31, a remarkable change in attitude has happened, as “A majority of Canadians now say it is time to end COVID restrictions, according to an Angus Reid poll, a sharp increase from when the same question was asked in early January. The latest poll, taken Jan. 27-28, found 54% want restrictions to be lifted compared to just 39% who wanted restrictions lifted when the same question was asked two weeks earlier.”

We received the following report from one of our Canadian members:

“The things happening in our capital are on everyone’s mind here… a very special event, that the main media has basically blocked out, or if they say anything, they bash everyone there and pick on minute details. There has been NO violence, no arrests as per Ottawa police dept, in spite of the media and politicians describing the protesters as extremists. Many pastors at an open air service on Parliament Hill were telling our Prime Minister and the government to bring back God’s word to the parliament and schools.”

The Nonsense of Mandatory Vaccinations

LifeSiteNews wrote on January 28:

“Thrice vaccinated German politician Ricarda Lang (28) has tested positive for COVID-19 only hours after giving a speech in favor of mandatory vaccination at the German parliament Wednesday. Lang is currently running to become the leader of the Green party… Lang, who says she is bisexual, had done two rapid tests on Tuesday and Wednesday morning, both of which came back negative. On Wednesday night, after she gave a speech in support of mandatory vaccination in Germany, she received the results of a PCR test which came back positive… Lang claimed she had ‘no symptoms,’ which she attributed to the fact that she has been vaccinated three times against COVID-19…

“Meanwhile, far left member of parliament Sahra Wagenknecht, who is unvaccinated and one of the most outspoken German politicians in the fight against vaccine mandates, tested positive as well, and has no symptoms, either. Lang also argued that vaccination against COVID ‘protects very reliably against severe courses and death,’ despite the fact that fully vaccinated people actually represent a majority of hospitalizations in many countries…”

Breitbart wrote on January 28:

“Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) has tested positive for coronavirus, according to a statement from his office released on Friday night. The 74-year-old Senator, who is fully vaccinated and boosted, is asymptomatic. Romney’s wife, Ann, tested negative for coronavirus.”

Another Rock Star stands up to Vaccine Mandates

Breitbart wrote on January 28:

“Detroit rocker Kid Rock says if venues implement vaccine or mask mandates for concerts on his upcoming ‘Bad Reputation Tour,’ fans will ‘be getting your money back, because I won’t be showing up.’… Kid Rock noted that his tour ‘actually scratched Buffalo, New York, off the list because of that — and Toronto, Canada, and several other cities we were looking at.’…

“On Monday, Kid Rock released a politically charged song, titled, ‘We the People,’ bashing mandates in response to the Chinese coronavirus, and slamming President Joe Biden and Dr. Anthony Fauci.”

Fauci should be in so much Trouble

Breitbart wrote on January 28:

“Dr. Anthony Fauci suggested his political opponents are ‘bad people’ and need to be healed by accepting his political opinions, the Washington Post reported Friday. While Fauci called a U.S. senator a moron during his last Senate committee hearing, he told the Post his political opponents are feeling ‘pain’ and ‘suffering’ and are ‘rebelling’ against society…

“The Post also interviewed Fauci’s old boss, Dr. Francis Collins, who recently resigned. Collins told the Post he is worried about Fauci being too focused on those who politically oppose Fauci’s opinions…

“Fauci’s political opponents have struck a chord with independents, according to polling. A majority of 53 percent of Democrats believe Fauci should resign from his position, while 46 percent said he should stay. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) have accused Fauci of lying to Congress about his financials and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) medical investments. President Joe Biden’s top medical adviser also reportedly owned a $10.4 million investment profile in 2020 that included Chinese companies.”

Apart from worrying signs of Fauci “losing it” mentally and his conflicting medical recommendations, he stands accused of suppressing reports suggesting that the Chinese virus was manufactured in labs, and he still has to account for allegedly supporting Chinese labs being engaged in gen-altering experiments and the despicable torturous experiments on beagles.  Fauci should resign for sure, and he must give an account for his alleged wrongdoings. Note the following article.

The New York Post wrote on January 28:

“Fauci… should be under federal investigation answering serious questions about his knowledge of the National Institutes of Health’s reckless funding of dangerous gain-of-function research of bat coronaviruses at China’s Wuhan lab via EcoHealth Alliance while overseeing the government agency.

“And [he] should be explaining shocking new information and emails obtained by Fox News’ ‘Special Report’ program exposing Fauci’s reported role in withholding vital information about the true origins of the suspected bioengineered coronavirus and subsequent alleged cover-up at the outset of the pandemic beginning in January 2020. The fact that [he] reportedly failed to disclose this critical information to the public is beyond frightening; it’s a dereliction of duty warranting his immediate dismissal and full investigation by authorities…

“Over the course of the pandemic, Fauci has been instrumental in getting social media networks and Big Tech to censor anyone spreading ‘misinformation’ about vaccines or lab leak ‘conspiracy theories’ while spreading misinformation himself to America and the world…”

BLM in Hot Water?

The Washington Examiner wrote on January 27:

“No one appears to have been in charge at Black Lives Matters for months. The address it lists on tax forms is wrong, and the charity’s two board members won’t say who controls its $60 million bankroll…

“BLM’s shocking lack of transparency surrounding its finances and operations raises major legal and ethical red flags…

“BLM co-founder Patrisse Cullors appointed two activists to serve as the group’s senior directors following her resignation in May amid scrutiny over her personal finances. But both quietly announced in September that they never took the jobs due to disagreements with BLM…”

The New York Post wrote on February 2:

“California’s Department of Justice is pursuing Black Lives Matter over its murky $60 million coffers — warning the group’s shadowy leadership that it will be ‘personally liable’ for any fees or fines. The state’s Attorney General Rob Bonta sent a formal warning to the controversial activist group on Monday… BLM was given 60 days to file tax and charity documents for 2020 — the year it previously confirmed  collecting a staggering $90 million, with at least $60 million left over after expenses and grants.”

CNN Boss Resigns in Disgrace

Fox News wrote on February 2:

“Embattled CNN boss Jeff Zucker walked away from the liberal network on Wednesday after failing to disclose a “consensual relationship” with a CNN staffer….

“Under Zucker, CNN has recently been plagued by scandals,  embarrassing headlines and struggles to attract an audience, leading critics to wonder if he would be shown the door once a planned merger between Warner Media and Discovery is finalized later this year. However, the sudden resignation before the potential deal was finalized sent shock waves across the media industry.”

Biden’s FCC Nominee Gigi Sohn

The New York Post wrote on January 29:

“Gigi Sohn’s journey to the Federal Communications Commission has seen more volatility than the Nasdaq… new, troubling details have emerged that could further taint her nomination to one of the country’s most important and powerful regulators of big business... Sohn, a vocal, progressive telecom lawyer and activist who co-founded an advocacy group funded by…  billionaire George Soros,  is being vehemently opposed by Senate Republicans. She has received at best lukewarm support from moderate Dems in the Senate, making her nomination a tough lift for the Biden administration.”

Wikipedia wrote the following about Gigi Sohn:

“Gigi Sohn has been married to her wife, Lara Ballard since August 2007… not much of her wife Lara’s life is known to the world… Gigi Sohn only has a daughter in terms of her children. She adopted her in 2004 even before marrying her wife Lara… the current whereabouts of her daughter are also not accessible along with her name and age. Biden’s nomination choices for his new government including Sohn have been termed as ground-breaking by NPR.”

German Government’s Fight against Telegram

Breitbart wrote on January 29:

“Nancy Faeser, Germany’s current Minister for the Interior, has distanced herself from previous threats she made against the popular encrypted messaging service, Telegram. The app has proved popular amongst the so-called ‘lateral thinker’ anti-lockdown movement within the country, and is frequently used to help organise and coordinate anti-lockdown protests in the Federal Republic.

“According to a report by Der Spiegel, Faeser had previously threatened to block the app from Germany over concerns to do with ‘hate speech’, as well as ‘violence and hatred on the internet’… The minister had also requested for Apple and Google to throw Telegram off of smartphone app stores over the messaging services transgressions, saying that both tech companies had a ‘social responsibility’ to do so.

“However, Faeser has suddenly stepped back on her fiery rhetoric, distancing herself from her previous remarks about shutting the service down in Germany. ‘Of course it’s not my goal to switch off Telegram,’ Der Spiegel reports Faeser as saying on Thursday, instead arguing that she was merely attempting to ‘increase the pressure’ on the company with her shutdown comments.

“While Germany’s political class may not approve of the app, the act of shutting off the service in Germany, according to Der Spiegel would be logistically very difficult. Russian authorities had reportedly tried — and failed — to shut out the messaging service from the country in 2018, resulting in nothing but embarrassment for the Kremlin as the app bypassed restrictions. Meanwhile, it seems doubtful whether the app will acquiesce to Germany’s demands for moderation, with two fine warnings sent to the company — which is located in Dubai — not receiving any response.

“Instead, the Federal Republic has begun looking at more direct approaches to the issue, with Der Zeit reporting that The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) has set up a task force to deal with people who break the law on the platform.”

The question is, WHAT LAW are they referring to?

German Police Officers Raid School

LifeSiteNews wrote on January 31:

“A German school not registered with the government, where children were being taught in a mask-free environment, was closed following a raid by heavily armed police on January 20. The school had been set up by parents in an effort to protect their children from some of the most traumatic and long-term damaging effects of COVID restrictions such as mask mandates currently imposed on school children in Germany. According to local reports, the raid took place after the police was tipped that school-aged children were being taught at a private property in a small town near Erlangen in Bavaria during school hours.

“Following the raid, the city of Erlangen stated that the school, which was ‘operating without a permit,’ had been closed… there had been previous unsuccessful searches at the school, including an attempt by police to gain access to the building without a warrant… some 30 to 35 police officers successfully stormed the property in full gear, masked in black, and equipped with batons and automatic weapons. The entrance door of the school was broken open with a battering ram…

“The 15 children, aged 4 to 14, who were present on that day attempted to flee to the upper floor but were stopped by the officers. They were then separated from their parents and gathered on the second floor before being questioned individually for four hours… the police used intimidation tactics in order to obtain information from the children, telling them that they would be placed into juveniles’ homes if they refused to provide their names. The police also told the parents that they would have to file a missing person’s report before their children could be returned to them.

“Money and school equipment were also confiscated by the police. The city of Erlangen stated that any confiscated property would be returned following an investigation. In their previous schools, the children had been forced to wear a mask from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., even while using the restroom. When eating, the mask could only be lifted, but not removed completely. One of the mothers characterized this as a ‘torture method’ and reported that some children even fainted at home after having been forced to wear the mask all day… In Germany, children are forced to attend school in government-sanctioned environments. Private schools essentially follow a curriculum outlined by the government. Homeschooling is banned.”

Germany’s school system is an abomination.

Austria’s Growing Dictatorship

Bloomberg wrote on February 1:

“Austria is embarking on a dramatic public health experiment from Tuesday, with a controversial new law that makes Covid-19 vaccines mandatory for everyone.  Multiple European countries have stigmatized people who refuse a vaccine, but Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s government is going further and will start criminalizing holdouts.  Police will begin checking the vaccination status of people on the street and during traffic stops. Beginning in mid-March, offenders who haven’t had a shot will face fines rising to as much as 3,600 euros ($4,050).

“Political and public-health analysts suggest the policy is replete with risk. With opposition lawmakers rebelling and tens of thousands of protesters regularly thronging Vienna’s streets, Nehammer — less than two months in the job — is facing a huge test….

“Denmark, which has one of the highest vaccine rates in the world, last week reclassified Covid as no longer a threat to society.”

The West’s Capitulation to Russia

The Daily Mail wrote on January 24:

“If Russia does invade – and with thousands of troops and materiel massed on the border that could happen any day – the whole Western political class should hang their heads in shame. Through disunity and mixed messaging they have handed Putin a gift-wrapped opportunity to expand his autocratic empire at Ukraine’s expense.

“Guarantor of peace for more than 70 years, Nato is wracked with division. Germany is reluctant to offend Putin because it is a slave to Russian energy. French President Emmanuel Macron undermines the alliance further, describing it as ‘brain-dead’ and calling for the creation of an EU army… Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden says a ‘minor incursion’ might not be enough to justify the most extreme sanctions. Could there be a more open invitation?…

“If Europe fails Ukraine, Putin’s greedy eye will fall next on some other former Soviet state. We should have learned by now that appeasing tyrants never works.”

Deutsche Welle wrote on January 24:

“Germany, Austria and Hungary are more closely linked to the Russian economy than, say, Portugal or the Netherlands; and, because the EU requires unanimity to pass any political actions, the only thing that the European Commission has at the moment is a list of possible sanctions, tucked away in a drawer in Brussels…. [They]  would have to be coordinated with the United States and the United Kingdom, which has also announced unspecified plans for sanctions.”

American Troops to the Region

Deutsche Welle wrote on January 28:

“US President Joe Biden said Friday he will soon send a small number of US troops to bolster the NATO presence in Eastern Europe… ‘I’ll be moving troops to Eastern Europe and the NATO countries in the near term. Not too many,’ Biden told reporters.”

Newsmax added:

“The Pentagon has placed about 8,500 U.S. troops on stand-by for possible deployment to Europe amid Russia’s military build-up near Ukraine’s border.”

Politico stated:

“The president told reporters on Tuesday that he does not foresee U.S. troops moving into Ukraine.”

3,000 More US Troops to Europe

Fox News reported on February 2:

“Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby told reporters Wednesday that the current situation around Ukraine ‘demands that we reinforce the deterrent and defensive posture on NATO’s eastern flank… To be prepared for a range of contingencies, the United States will soon move additional forces to Romania, Poland and Germany,’ he said.

“Kirby announced that 1,000 American troops will be repositioned from Germany to Romania, while another 2,000 are set to be deployed to Europe from the U.S. in the coming days… These troops are separate from the 8,500 currently based in the U.S. who were placed last week ‘on a heightened preparedness to deploy’ if needed, Kirby added.”

Deutsche Welle clarified on February 2:

“Under the plan, the US will reportedly send about 2,000 American troops to Poland and Germany, while 1,000 troops would move from Germany to Romania…. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby stressed they would not be fighting in Ukraine…. Following the announcement, the Kremlin said the deployment was a ‘destructive’ move.”

If they won’t be fighting in Ukraine, what’s the point?

While Johnson Acts, Biden Sleeps

The Sun wrote on January 29:

“AS UKRAINIAN mothers and grandfathers practise drills with wooden rifles to protect their homeland, Joe Biden once more sits on his hands and hopes. The US president who abandoned millions to starve in Afghanistan has again failed to truly stand up and be counted in the face of tyranny.

“It is into this moral void that Britain — freed from a paralysed EU led by a ­thoroughly compromised Germany — has honourably stepped… the PM [Boris Johnson] today vows to protect Ukraine from Russian aggression by land, sea, and air.

“Thankfully, he is not merely offering warm words. He has rightly pledged to double within days the number of UK Armed Forces in Eastern Europe — backed by fighter jets, rocket launchers and warships. It is a significant show of support for our threatened ally…

“Fundamental freedoms in the world are at risk – not to mention the lives of countless innocent Ukrainians. The stakes could not be higher.”

Biden’s Offers of Appeasement

The New York Post wrote von February2:

“The White House floated an offer to Russian President Vladimir Putin that would allow Kremlin access to key NATO bases in exchange for Moscow de-escalating tensions over its military buildup on Ukraine’s border.

“The proposal was included in Washington’s response last week to Moscow’s demands for so-called ‘security guarantees’ from the West, including barring Ukraine and other former Soviet states from becoming NATO members and rolling back forces from Eastern Europe. … The five-page US response also indicates willingness to discuss refraining from installing ground-based missile systems or deploy combat forces in Ukraine if Russia agrees to do the same. “

Putin’s Many Options

The Daily Mail wrote on January 28:

“Vladimir Putin is weighing up how to respond after the US and NATO rejected his security demands around Ukraine, with Biden warning an attack is likely to come in February when the ground freezes solid, allowing Putin’s tanks to roll in. If he’s right, that gives Zelensky just a few weeks to prepare his defenses, with the main question being: Where will Putin attack, and what will his targets be?

“MailOnline has pulled together expert opinion and open source information to lay out the strongman’s likely options, from cyberattacks and sabotage to assaults on ports, nuclear reactors, the seizure of key military bases and infrastructure such as powerplants and bridges. Defending all this is the daunting task facing Ukraine’s military, if Putin decides to take the plunge.”

The Daily Mail also published in its article charts with five options which Putin has to conquer Ukraine. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10442787/How-Putin-invade-Ukraine-amid-warnings-imminent-attack.html

Russia Sends Blood Supplies to Ukraine Border

Reuters wrote on January 28:

“Russia’s military buildup near Ukraine has expanded to include supplies of blood along with other medical materials that would allow it to treat casualties, in yet another key indicator of Moscow’s military readiness, three U.S. officials tell Reuters.

“Current and former U.S. officials say concrete indicators — like blood supplies — are critical in determining whether Moscow would be prepared to carry out an invasion, if Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to do so…

“The Pentagon has previously acknowledged the deployment of ‘medical support’ as part of Russia’s buildup. But the disclosure of blood supplies adds a level of detail that experts say is critical to determining Russian military readiness. ‘It doesn’t guarantee that there’s going to be another attack, but you would not execute another attack unless you have that in hand,’ said Ben Hodges, a retired U.S. lieutenant general now with the Center for European Policy Analysis research institute.”

Ukraine Gone in 48 Hours?

Express wrote on January 29:

“AN ALLY of Vladimir Putin claimed it would take the Kremlin no more than 48 hours to win over Ukraine in case of war.

“Konstantin Malofeev, a Russian tycoon said to be a sponsor of several pro-Kremlin Orthodox and ultra-conservative projects, claimed ‘open military conflict between Russia and Ukraine’ can only go one way given the massive ‘difference in military potential’ between the two. Calling the crisis a ‘suicidal conflict’, he largely blamed the West for it… ‘It will take 48 hours maximum, and we cannot talk about different fronts’…

“Mr Malofeev… considers NATO’s and its allies’ actions  a provocation rather than an attempt to stop the conflict from going any further. He claimed: ‘We consider Ukraine as a country temporarily occupied by the Anglo-Saxon special services, in which there is no sovereign power, which is completely under the control of these special services…’ Putin… wants under no circumstances [to] see Kyiv being made part of the [NATO] alliance.”

Germany the Key?

Express wrote on January 29:

“RUSSIA and Ukraine’s growing tension has an ‘80 percent chance’ of erupting into a full-blown conflict by the end of February, former US Army chief Ben Hodges warned… ‘The only thing that is going to stop it is if Germany and the rest of Europe are 100 percent force-squared against what Russia is doing. Germany is the key… Germany, they don’t have the self-confidence right now. They don’t know who they are in Europe.’

“He also suggested Vladimir Putin might look to wait until the end of February before pushing ahead with any military action in Ukraine… ‘The two big factors are the Beijing Winter Olympics, I don’t imagine he’s going to want to upstage his friend’s big show. He waited until the end of his Sochi Olympics in 2014 before he invaded Ukraine. The other thing, of course, is getting everything in place.’”

Focus wrote on January 29:

“The Western world is behind Ukraine – except for the Germans. The failed delivery of 5,000 steel helmets not only caused jokes in the US media, but also made the Americans doubt the federal government’s foreign policy abilities. ‘Is Germany a reliable US partner?’ – the ‘Wall Street Journal’ answered the question already in its headline with a clear ‘no’. The conservative daily newspaper is by no means alone with this opinion. Left- and right-wing US media currently seem to be in agreement: The American press reacted with astonishment and were in some cases stunned by Germany’s hesitant attitude to the Ukraine crisis. Open criticism of the federal government is getting louder and louder…

“[The New York Times] calls Olaf Scholz’ attitude towards Ukraine a ‘shambles’… Bloomberg News also describes the German chancellor as the ‘weakest link in the Ukraine crisis’ . .. ‘Berlin puts Russia’s interests ahead of those of the West’, according to the ‘Wall Street Journal’,[continuing:] Cheap natural gas and the appeasement of Putin are more important to the Germans than their solidarity with allied democracies. It is hardly understandable that President Joe Biden continues to call Germany America’s most important ally – there can no longer be any talk of a credible partner…

“The Germans as reliable allies – this image is becoming increasingly difficult to believe, NBC concludes, and wonders whether Germany’s focus is on its relations with America and Europe – or on those with Russia.”

If Germany is the key, then Ukraine is doomed.

Germany’s Ex Chancellor Supports Putin

Bild Online wrote on January 29, 2022:

“Ex-Chancellor and Putin friend Gerhard Schroeder (77, SPD) apparently no longer has any inhibitions when it comes to twisting the facts in the Ukraine crisis. While the world looks on in fear at the approximately 130,000 Russian soldiers who could invade Ukraine at any time, Schröder accuses Ukraine of fueling the conflict and provoking Putin’s revenge.

“‘I really hope that the saber-rattling in Ukraine will finally stop,’ he said on the podcast ‘The Agenda’. ‘What I have to hear there, also about blame being laid on Germany because of the reasonable rejection of arms deliveries, that sometimes knocks the bottom out of the barrel.’…

“Only someone can speak that way who makes a lot of money as top manager of the state-owned companies Nord Stream 2 and Rozneft. CDU’s foreign politician Norbert Röttgen described Schröder as ‘Putin’s paid henchman!'”

How the EU Can Become a Superpower

Euractiv wrote on January 27:

“The EU is losing its relative significance at the global stage every day; while we have the potential to be a superpower, it must be unlocked by necessary reforms, such as moving to qualified-majority voting in foreign affairs, according to Dr Federiga Bindi, expert on the EU’s foreign policy at a Citizens’ Panel of the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE)…

“‘ As long as one country can block decisions, we will always go with the lowest common denominator. … Getting rid of unanimity is the number one priority in foreign and security policy… In terms of their individual military potential, even the strongest EU member states like France have puny armies compared to the rest of the world. In addition, maintaining separate armed forces is a huge waste of money… The reality is that our armed forces, at least at the leadership level, are already highly integrated. Their commanders genuinely talk to each other and work together. Still, we need more integration on the lower levels…”

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 the first part of this series, we looked at the relationship between God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.   In the second part, we will give an outline of biblical information to show just how important inter-personal relationships are with other human beings, and how bad relationships can be disastrous for everyone involved.

Relationships – Man’s interpersonal relationships with fellow man.

In Genesis 1:26, we read that God spoke about creating man who was to be made in His image with God’s end goal of reproducing Himself through man. As God is a Family, He wanted man to become part of His Family—to ultimately join Him in His Family as born-again immortal God beings. In Genesis 2:21-25, we read that a woman was made and that husband and wife, as well as their children, were to be a human family (compare Genesis 1:28). This was to be a physical pattern of the ultimate purpose of enlarging the God Family. However, Adam and Eve failed to obey God, and so there were conversations in chapter 3 where God spoke to Adam and his wife after they had eaten of the forbidden fruit and where, as a consequence, God expelled them from the Garden of Eden, thereby preventing them to eat from the Tree of Life and obtain God’s Holy Spirit and finally eternal life.

Since the dawn of civilisation, man’s relationship with fellow man has been a constant problem.  Adam obeyed Eve in eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, which he should not have done, and the first child born to Adam and Eve was Cain who killed his brother Abel, because Abel’s works were righteous, while Cain’s works were evil (1 John 3:12). As mankind multiplied, so did the problems, and it became so bad that Noah was instructed to build an ark and that those on board that ark would be the only ones who would survive the Flood, and that was after only 1,650 years after the creation of man.

Why would this be so?

In his booklet “Military Service and War,” Mr Herbert Armstrong wrote the following on pages 10 and 11:

“There are the two broad, general philosophies or WAYS OF LIFE.

“God’s WAY is the WAY of LOVE (which is outgoing concern)—of being God-centered , loving and obeying God ahead of all else—and loving fellow man (including enemies) as one’s self. It is the way that believes Jesus when He says it is more blessed to GIVE than to receive (Acts 20:35). It is THE WAY of cooperation, helping, sharing.

“SIN is THE WAY of vanity, self-love, self-centeredness, selfishness, greed, competition, grasping, taking, getting, accumulating, acquiring; and of jealousy, envy, malice, resentment, strife, hatred, murder. It is the OPPOSITE of God’s way. It is the way of WAR.

“In the SIN WAY OF LIFE, love of SELF is balanced by an equal hostility or lack of concern for others—although the ‘empirical self’ usually includes those one feels allied with—such as wife or husband, one’s club, team, group, or country. In GOD’S WAY, concern for others is in equal balance to love of self.

“These are the two OPPOSITE WAYS OF LIFE—opposite ATTITUDES of HEART. One is the way of righteousness, the other the way of SIN.

“God is LOVE. His whole character is that of LOVE and OUTGOING CONCERN. HE IS THE GIVER of every good and precious gift. In love for us humans, God GAVE His Son – gave His Law that it might go well with us! God desires to GIVE each of us His Holy Spirit, and eternal life!

“This gives you the broad, general PRINCIPLE of God’s LAW—the basis and foundation of the Government of God.

“The entire Law may be summed up in the one word, LOVE. It is love toward God, and love toward neighbor—the two great commandments. The first four of the Ten Commandments define, in principle, HOW to love God. The last six, love toward fellow man. These, in turn, are applied in principle to specific cases.

“Military service, bearing arms (for use against humans), killing, war, is directly contrary to God’s Law in principle! It is not THE WAY of giving, sharing, helping, serving… The one specific point of God’s basic Law concerning war is the sixth of the Ten Commandments, ‘Thou shalt not kill.’”

(Please also read our free booklet, “The Ten Commandments,” and, especially in this context, chapter 9, “The Sixth Commandment,” as well as our free booklet, “Should YOU Fight in War?” ).

From these insightful observations, it becomes clear WHY we have had interpersonal relationship problems from the dawn of civilisation.

From the biblical record, there was rebellion and a self-centered attitude from the first family on earth right on to the time that Noah was given his commission.   This was brought about by man’s behaviour, as we read in Genesis 6:5: “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Adam and Eve took what was not theirs—they ate from the forbidden fruit of the Tree of Knowledge—and at the time of Noah, “the sons of God” –descendants from Adam and Eve’s son Seth—“took wives for themselves” from “the daughters of men”—descendants of the evil Cain (compare Genesis 6:1-2). These women were idol worshippers and of a different race, and God did not approve of such a marriage. As Eve looked at the Tree of Knowledge and “saw” “that it was pleasant to the eyes” (Genesis 3:6), so the descendants of Seth “saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful” (Genesis 6:2). In both cases, their desire for what was forbidden led to sinful and evil conduct. (For more information, please read our Q&A, “Did angels have sexual intercourse with women and thereby produce giants?”).

After the Flood, man again went his own way, as we read in Genesis 11 about the Tower of Babel, when men disobeyed God by assembling at one place, rather than filling the earth (Genesis 9:1; 11:4). God intervened, as we read in Genesis 11:6-9: “And the Lord said, ‘Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them.  Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.’  So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city.  Therefore its name is called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.”

So, God saw to it that they ultimately did what they were at first unwilling to do. God will always make sure that His plan is carried out.

As man was scattered all over the earth, again God and His Ways have generally been ignored with man’s governments holding sway and developing their own laws and ideas.   Other gods were of man’s own making with the usual results. All of this occurred, of course, under the inspiration of Satan who has deceived the whole world (Revelation 12:9).

Then God chose Israel to be His nation and, although there were some good times and mainly bad times in their history, as both the houses of Israel and Judah did what was right in their own eyes, disobeying God, the Messiah came through the lineage of Judah—one of the 12 tribes of Israel (compare Hebrews 7:14; Matthew, chapter 1; and Revelation 5:5).

Jesus came to fulfil (fill to the full, expand) the Law of God (compare Matthew 5:17-20), and while the true Church of God has always maintained the knowledge of God’s Law,  it has in these end times continued to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom to the world as a witness, as Jesus Himself preached and emphasised that the Law of God must be kept.

Satan is the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4) and “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). He is the same evil spirit, in serpent form, which lied to Eve and persuaded her to take of the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil which, as he claimed, God had selfishly withheld from them (see Genesis 3:1-7). This has been at the heart of all of the problems that man experiences with both himself and his fellow man.

(For more information on the two trees in the Garden of Eden, please read our free booklet, “Human Suffering, Why… and How Much Longer?,” and especially in this context, chapter 2, “The Two Trees.”).

Before we discuss in detail how we should, as Christians, react and behave, let us have a brief look at how people form their relationships in the first place, and why true and proper relationships are important. We read the following on the website of  theologyofwork:

“Many people form their closest relationships when some kind of work—whether paid or not—provides a common purpose and goal. In turn, working relationships make it possible to create the vast, complex array of goods and services beyond the capacity of any individual to produce. Without relationships at work, there are no automobiles, no computers, no postal services, no legislatures, no stores, no schools, no hunting for game larger than one person can bring down. And without the intimate relationship between a man and a woman, there are no future people to do the work God gives. Our work and our community are thoroughly intertwined gifts from God. Together they provide the means for us to be fruitful and multiply in every sense of the words.”

(To be Continued)

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

compiled by Dave Harris

“Germany’s March into its Prophesied Horrible Dictatorship,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary: Germany’s March into its Prophesied Horrible Dictatorship – YouTube 

Do we realize how much Germany has already embraced a dictatorial system? This program gives some examples about Germany’s autocratic school system, from schools to governmental officials to judges, punishing and persecuting parents who are willing to follow God and obey His commandments. Most Germans are in support of the government’s dictatorial conduct, and the war against minorities on so many different levels  is escalating on a frightening scale. What can the individual Christian do?

“2022 in der Prophezeiung,” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “2022 in Prophecy.”

“Makellos,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath in Germany by Daniel Blasinger, is now posted. Title in English: “Flawless.”

“Germany is the Key?—Comments on News and Prophecy, January 29, 2022,” presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

With the probability of Russian invasion in Ukraine in February, Germany is being described as holding the key to stop Putin. But so far, Germany has done nothing to make a difference, and the left- and right-wing US media is astonished and stunned by Germany’s hesitant attitude. Germany’s new chancellor, Olaf Scholz, is viewed as the “weakest link” in the Ukraine crisis, and Germany is no longer perceived as a credible partner and a reliable ally.

“True Passion,” the first split sermon presented last Sabbath by Michael Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Is there anything that we are truly passionate about?  Are we enthusiastic about God’s law?  There are many examples of those who were truly passionate about God’s law, including God’s plan for mankind.

“Water,” the second split sermon presented last Sabbath by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Water – the most abundant resource on planet earth and the most widely used by humans. What does the Bible say about this precious resource and how does it tie into our Spiritual lives?  Is there anything we should know about what God plans to do with the water on this earth in the near future?

On January 29, 2022, Kalon Mitchell will present the first split-sermon, titled, “Water,” and Michael Link will present the second split-sermon, titled, “True Passion.”

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.

A while ago, someone rang and spoke to my wife as I was not available at the time.   The person said he would ring again later in the day.   The call did not happen.   I was musing on this matter as this was not the first time (nor the second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth time…) I had been let down by this person.

Actually, the lack of this phone call did not present a problem, but it could have done.   How many times have we stayed at home waiting all day for the workman to arrive, as agreed, for him not to turn up?   What about the time we took off work to make sure that someone turned up to do an urgent job and never arrived?

I remember the old joke about two promises we should never rely on – the cheques in the post and I’ll ring you back.   Funny, but not so funny when it actually happens to us when we are relying on someone else doing what they said they would do.

I recall a boss from many years ago who said he would do certain things and he had to be chased, reminded and nudged gently to do what he had said he would do.   I had over six years of being subjected to this approach, and it wore very thin over that period of time.

In “Tired Of Being Let Down? How To Hold People Accountable”, Margie Warrell states the following:

“When you decide not to call someone on their broken promise and ill-managed commitment, you’re, albeit inadvertently, being part of the problem. The one thing you can count on is to expect more of it. More broken promises. More turning up late. More cut corners. More well-worn excuses. More missed deadlines. And more of the stress, frustration and resentment you’d much rather avoid.

“If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated at someone who’s perpetually slack, or late, or unreliable then you’ll relate to some of the comments above. Many people value their promises cheaply or simply manage their commitments poorly. Others have a hard time holding people to account. It’s easier to just let it go and hope they’ll be more reliable next time.

“The problem is, they rarely are.”

When we’re let down by someone and the promise to follow through is not achieved, it might be a good idea to review whether we are guilty of doing this to others.   Do we say that we will get back to someone with an answer by a certain time and not achieve this?   Do we assure someone that we will answer their query within a certain time period?   Do we do anything at all where we let others down by not being true to our word or timescale?  If so, we need to change because this is a case of breaking our word and can be considered as lying.   Our intentions may be honourable, but the end product is unreliability.

It is not good, or godly, to be known as someone who cannot be relied upon to do as they say.

Wikipedia states that the saying “the road to hell is paved with good intentions” is attributed to “Saint Bernard of Clairvaux” who wrote this around 1150 and so the problem has been around a long time!   They further state: “One meaning of the phrase is that individuals may have the intention to undertake good actions but nevertheless fail to take action.  This inaction may be due to procrastination, laziness or other subversive vice.  As such, the saying is an admonishment that a good intention is meaningless unless followed through.”

In a study published in 2017 (“Citizens’ Beliefs about Pledge Fulfilment” by Fraser McMillan/John Smith Centre), 20,000 specific campaign promises from 57 elections in 12 countries were reviewed, showing that over 85% of promises by governing parties at least were partly enacted in the years studied with the strongest “programme-to-policy linkage” found in the United Kingdom.   The observations seemed to be that that was pretty good but we must note that this percentage was “partly enacted” and the result was still only 85%, well short of what it should be.   There were lots of promises not kept or only partly kept.   For a man or woman of honour, that simply isn’t good enough and yet another reason why a true Christian must not be involved in the politics of this world!

It is inevitable in society today, which is very heavily influenced by Satan, “the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2) and the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4), that humanity, in general, follows the wrong way of Satan who is “a liar and the father of it” (compare John 8:44).   Bearing false witness which is lying breaks the ninth Commandment (Exodus 20:16), and, as the people of God, our word must be reliable and be our bond (For further information, please read our free 180 pages-long booklet, “The Ten Commandments”).

Let us make sure that we are as good as our word and always follow through, doing exactly what we say we will do.   Then and only then will others be able to totally trust what we say knowing that our word is reliable!

by Norbert Link

We report on developments pertaining to Russia and Ukraine, as well as Russia’s further ambitions and the “response” of the USA, the UK and continental Europe, especially Germany. In this context, please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Germany’s Troublesome Dependency on Russia.”  

We address developments pertaining to coronavirus restrictions and authoritarian measures, and interesting reactions, in the USA, Canada, Israel, Australia, Austria and Germany.

We discuss developments pertaining to the scandal-ridden Catholic Church.

We conclude with developments pertaining to controversial medical experiments and the abomination of abortion.

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

US Evacuates Ukraine

Fox News wrote on January 22:

“The State Department has ordered families of U.S. Embassy personnel in Ukraine to begin evacuating the country as soon as Monday, U.S. officials tell Fox News. Next week, the State Department is also expected to encourage Americans to begin leaving Ukraine by commercial flights, ‘while those are still available,’ one official said.

“Late Friday night, the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine announced the first shipment of ammunition had arrived as directed by President Biden. U.S. officials say small arms ammunition constitute the bulk of the 200,000 pounds of what the State Department is calling lethal aid – needed by Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines. U.S. officials also tell Fox that Javelin anti-tank missiles are expected to arrive early next week from the Baltic states and from U.S. military stockpiles.

“Advanced Russian fighter jets have now arrived in Belarus, north of Ukraine.  The Pentagon is concerned that Ukraine’s capital is ‘now in the crosshairs,’ another official added. The U.S. government is planning to move ‘a ton’ of weapons and ammunition into Ukraine in the coming days, officials say.”

No More Normal Relationship with Russia?

Fox News wrote on January 22:

“Senate Judiciary Committee member Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., told Fox News that earlier Friday he met with former President Donald Trump and that the two had a frank discussion about the state of the country. Graham told ‘Hannity’ that both agreed President Biden has been a disaster as commander-in-chief, and that Russian President Vladimir Putin no longer fears a serious U.S. response to his geopolitical proclivities… ‘Putin realizes that under Biden, he can invade Ukraine and get away with it,’ he continued…

“‘But here’s what President Trump said to me today: Putin is realizing that Biden’s weak, but he doesn’t realize that Biden won’t be around in 2024 — so President Trump said today if they invade the Ukraine, the Russians will make it impossible for any future president to have a normal relationship with Russia...’”

Will Russia invade soon? In any event, we know from the Bible that ultimately, Russia and Ukraine will be united and fight Europe together.

What Is Russia Planning?

The Associated Press wrote on January 23:

“Russia’s Foreign Ministry on Sunday rejected a British claim that Russia was seeking to replace Ukraine’s government with a pro-Moscow administration…

“‘The disinformation spread by the British Foreign Office is more evidence that it is the NATO countries, led by the Anglo-Saxons, who are escalating tensions around Ukraine,’ Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said…

“British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the information ‘shines a light on the extent of Russian activity designed to subvert Ukraine, and is an insight into Kremlin thinking’… “

The Associated Press wrote on January 22:

“With tens of thousands of Russian troops positioned near Ukraine, the Kremlin has kept the US and its allies guessing about its next moves in the worst security crisis to emerge between Moscow and the West since the Cold War. Amid fears of an imminent attack on Ukraine, Russia has further upped the ante by announcing more military drills in the region. It also has refused to rule out the possibility of military deployments to the Caribbean…

“The military muscle-flexing reflects a bold attempt by the Kremlin to halt decades of NATO expansion after the end of the Cold War. In talks with the United States, Russia demands legally binding guarantees that the alliance will not embrace Ukraine and other former Soviet nations, or place weapons there. It also wants NATO to pull back its forces from countries in Central and Eastern Europe that joined the alliance since the 1990s…

“Putin has repeatedly asserted that Russians and Ukrainians are ‘one people,’ and says large chunks of Ukrainian territory are historic parts of Russia — arbitrarily granted to Ukraine by Communist leaders during Soviet times…

“In recent days, Putin also spoke by phone with the leaders of Nicaragua and Venezuela, and a Russian government plane was recently seen cruising between Cuba and Venezuela in a possible harbinger of the next Kremlin moves. After the US and its allies rejected Russia’s demands for a halt to NATO expansion, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov kept the door open for the deployment of military assets to Cuba and Venezuela.”

Putin will not stop with Ukraine.

EU not that Unified

The Guardian wrote on January 23:

“Behind the repeated assertions of unity, it is no secret that western allies are divided on how to respond to further Russian military aggression. Joe Biden’s comments that Nato allies would be ‘having to fight about what to do and not do’ in the event of a ‘minor incursion’ of Ukraine – comments that the White House subsequently rowed back on– were seen as undiplomatic, rather than untrue, in Brussels. In the EU, where sanctions have to be agreed by unanimity, differences are emerging. Germany’s foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, has expressed doubts about cutting off Russian banks from the Swift global payments system, one option under discussion. Poland and the Baltic states, however, think it is a mistake to take anything off the table.

“Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, accused Germany over the weekend of not showing enough support for his country. Writing on Twitter, he expressed disappointment about Germany’s apparent hesitations on Swift, refusal to supply offensive weapons, as well as recent comments from the head of the German navy, who said Ukraine would never get Crimea back [He subsequently resigned.]… Michael Gahler, a German MEP from the centre-right Christian Democratic Union party [and] the parliament’s standing rapporteur on Ukraine, said it was ‘unfortunate’ that Germany was not delivering offensive weapons to Ukraine…

“But it is not just Germany that has raised questions about EU unity. Alarm bells were set off when it was announced last week that Hungary’s autocratic prime minister, Viktor Orbán, would meet Putin on 1 February to discuss a planned Russian-built nuclear power station in Hungary, the Sputnik vaccine and Hungary’s gas supply contracts…”

Germany not only refuses to send weapons to Ukraine, but also prohibits other European countries which have bought weapons from Germany, to send their weapons to Ukraine.

Is the West preparing for War with Russia?

Fox News wrote on January 24:

“NATO announced Monday that it will send fighter jets and ships to eastern Europe… Denmark will sail a frigate to the Baltic Sea and send four F-16 fighter jets to Lithuania. Spain is also sending ships to join NATO naval forces in the region and is considering sending fighter jets to Bulgaria, the statement read. France said it is willing to send troops to Romania, and the Netherlands also said it will send two F-35 fighter aircraft to Bulgaria in April.”

The Guardian added on January 24:

“The US administration was also ready [other reports say, “considering”] to increase its military presence in eastern Europe, Nato’s chief, a former prime minister of Norway, warned in a statement… Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European commission, announced that the EU would provide €1.2billion in loans and grants to Ukraine to help cover the financial cost of the conflict.”

The Daily Mail wrote on January 24:

“Boris Johnson delivered a stark message as he admitted that the prospects of averting a confrontation over Ukraine were ‘gloomy’. Russia has stirred the pot by announcing live-fire naval drills off the coast of Ireland next month… There are concerns that any escalation will send gas prices spiralling again, with threats of punitive sanctions against Moscow. Speaking on a visit to a hospital in Milton Keynes, Mr Johnson said: ‘The intelligence is very clear that there are 60 Russian battle groups on the borders of Ukraine, the plan for a lightning war that could take out Kyiv is one that everybody can see’…”

Germany and France vs. USA and UK

 The Guardian wrote on January 26:

“Germany and, to a lesser extent, France are in danger of dividing from the US and the UK… [There is]  a deep fissure going back decades about what Germany and France, as opposed to the Anglosphere, regard as the best way to handle Russia…

“In Britain, the foreign secretary, Liz Truss, has been openly critical of Germany for leaving itself so dependent on Russia for energy, and Berlin’s recent refusal to allow Estonia to send German-manufactured arms to Ukraine...

“In the US, the German question is increasingly riling Republicans, leading to commentary in the Wall Street Journal with the headline ‘Is Germany a Reliable American Ally? Nein.’…

“… in the wake of Russia’s intervention in Georgia in the summer of 2008, the then German Social Democrat (SPD) foreign minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier[now German President], warned Europe against sanctions that he said would shut doors to rooms it wanted to enter later. Although Merkel’s response to the invasion of Ukraine in 2014 was firm, Steinmeier… went to Moscow and proposed an economic partnership with Russia… Within a week of the invasion, the chief executive of Siemens was in Moscow…

“That remains the dominant thinking inside parts of the SPD. The current economics minister, Robert Habeck, whose ministry is responsible for sanctions, is opposed to cutting off Russian access to the Swift payments system…

“However, in recent weeks the compromises inherent in Ostpolitik [by SPD chancellor Willy Brandt] have come under challenge from a younger generation. Michael Roth, the SPD chair of the foreign affairs committee, argued his party had to escape the shadow of Brandt… Other ministers have insisted that energy, including the future of Nord Stream 2, cannot be removed from the list of potential sanctions, as it was in 2014.”

Notwithstanding some “lip services” to the contrary, Germany’s new Chancellor, Olaf Scholz (SPD), seems to be following the official party line of not willing to antagonize Russia in any way. 

Who is in Charge at the White House?

The New York Post Editorial Board wrote on January 23:

“It sure doesn’t look to be President Biden. The latest evidence came last week when chief of staff Ron Klain delivered a behind-the-scenes message to Democratic allies and staff, just hours after Biden’s disastrous news conference: The prez had failed to mention that his next Build Back Better bill would fund child and elder care, but Klain insisted it would.

“As Axios reported,  ‘Klain’s private comments are yet another indication the White House has a core set of priorities it plans to fight for’ … even if the president doesn’t know about it fully yet. Klain’s real message: Don’t worry, we staff will make sure Biden does what we say.

“Yet some in Congress want the actual president to take charge: Politico reports that moderate Democrats complain that Klain is ‘overly deferential to their liberal colleagues’ and want him out…”

Fox News added on January 24:

“NBC anchor Chuck Todd said Sunday that President Biden was in trouble with the American electorate following the release of a new NBC poll last week showing dismal approval ratings to kick off the midterm election year. During the opening segment on ‘Meet the Press,’ Todd… declared Biden’s 43% approval rating showed he’d ‘lost his identity,’ and was ‘no longer seen as competent and effective’ in the eyes of voters, spelling a potential ‘shellacking’ for Democrats  in November.”

Trump the 47th US President?

 The New York Post wrote on January 26:

“Donald Trump has confidently declared himself the “45th and 47th” US president. The former president made the remarks while playing a round of golf at one of his clubs… As Trump was filmed walking to the first tee, one of his playing partners could be heard saying: ‘Now on the tee, the 45th president of the United States.’ ‘The 45th and 47th,’ a grinning Trump quickly fired back…

“Trump hasn’t publicly said if he is planning to run for the White House again — but he has repeatedly teased a second campaign and has been holding rallies ahead of the 2022 midterm elections. He already holds a commanding lead over other potential Republican 2024 candidates, according to several polls conducted this month. In one Reuters/Ipsos poll, Trump was leading Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis by 43 percentage points.”

Federal Judge Blocks Vaccine Mandate for Federal Workers

The New York Post wrote on January 21:

“A Texas federal judge has blocked the Biden administration’s order for federal employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in the latest setback to the administration’s pandemic response. The ruling… stated that ‘because the President’s authority is not that broad, the court will enjoin the second order’s enforcement,’ wrote [Judge Jeffey] Brown, who was nominated to the federal bench by President “Donald Trump.

“Brown cited the Supreme Court’s decision last week that prevented the administration from enforcing a requirement that all businesses with at least 100 employees mandate that workers get vaccinated or undergo weekly testing… Brown claimed the administration’s order for federal workers was a ‘bridge too far’ by allowing the White House ‘with a stroke of a pen or without the input of Congress, [to] require millions of federal employees to undergo a medical procedure as a condition of their employment.’’…

“The DOJ has already appealed Friday’s ruling, sending its request to the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

“The mandate, which was first announced by President Biden last September, ordered more than 3.5 million federal employees to be vaccinated or face termination — with some medical or religious exemptions. Unlike the vaccine requirement for private businesses, federal employees were not given the option to test weekly for COVID-19 instead of receiving the vaccine.”

In the meantime and in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling, mentioned above, Starbucks announced that they are no longer requiring their employees to be vaccinated.

Biden Withdraws Vaccine Mandates for Large Employers

 CNN reported on January 25:

“The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Tuesday it will be withdrawing the vaccination and testing emergency temporary standard for businesses with 100 or more employees.”

Another defeat for Biden… deservedly so. 

USA with New Restrictions

Global News wrote on January 21:

“Starting Jan. 22, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will require all Canadian and non-U.S. individuals to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the country.

“This means anyone wanting to enter the U.S. at land borders or ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders must provide proof of vaccination whether they are travelling for essential or non-essential reasons, DHS said in a release… These requirements do not apply to U.S. citizens [or] lawful permanent residents…”

More than a Quarter of Canadians Support Jail for Unvaccinated

LifeSiteNews wrote on January 21:

“A recent poll says that more than a quarter of Canadians support sending people who refuse COVID jabs to jail…  The poll also reported that 33% of Canadians believe the unvaccinated should not be allowed to renew their driver’s licenses, and two-thirds of Canadians are in favor of mandatory vaccines for everyone over the age of five.”

Global News wrote on January 25:

“… a majority of Canadians are in favour of imposing more restrictions on those who have not gotten the shots yet, according to new polling…. 67 per cent want the government to impose further measures on the unvaccinated population, with nearly half (49 per cent) of the respondents blaming the unvaccinated for prolonging the pandemic… 52 per cent said they were in favour of putting a tax on the unvaccinated…”

The article claimed that “Canadians have become increasingly polarized when it comes to COVID-19 vaccinations, lockdowns and the pandemic in general.”

This shows where nasty and ridiculous propaganda leads. But Canada, once a free country, is becoming more and more dictatorial and authoritarian. Note the next article.

Outrageous Persecution of Christians in Canada

Fox News wrote on January 16:

“Thousands of clergy in North America devoted their sermons on Sunday to affirming biblical sexual morality in response to a new Canadian law some warn could effectively criminalize such teachings… The controversial legislation, which went into effect Jan. 8 after being fast-tracked through the Canadian Parliament in December without extensive debate, describes as a ‘myth’ the belief that heterosexuality and cisgender identity are preferable. Counseling that does not align with such a worldview now carries a potential five-year jail sentence.

“Critics claim the language of the bill is overly broad and could even encompass private conversations. Several pastors, including some who have recently been imprisoned in Canada for keeping their churches open in defiance of government health orders, explained to Fox News that they believe the scope of the new law could open the door to religious persecution.

“Leading the protest against the bill in the United States is Pastor John MacArthur, whose Grace Community Church in Los Angeles won an $800,000 settlement in September after tussling with state and county authorities for continuing to congregate in defiance of the government…

“MacArthur’s involvement in the initiative was in part because of an email he received from Pastor James Coates, who was the first Canadian clergyman to be imprisoned in the name of public health. When he refused to shutter his church in Edmonton last year, Coates spent more than a month in a maximum-security prison. Federal law enforcement later raided his church at dawn, locked it and barricaded it behind three layers of fencing.

“Pastor Tim Stephens, who was imprisoned twice last year for keeping his Calgary church open, also told Fox News that he believes persecution is going to increase in Canada and other Western countries. Stephens’ second arrest, which happened after a police helicopter found his church gathering outside, prompted Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., to send a letter to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom… urging it to consider adding Canada to its watch list…

“Pastor Artur Pawlowski, a Polish Canadian pastor from Calgary who has faced repeated dramatic arrests after refusing to limit church attendance, described Bill C-4 as “straight from Soviet Russia.” … ‘I lived in a country that implemented laws like that,’ said Pawlowski, who met with U.S. lawmakers and warned large audiences last summer that Western governments increasingly resemble the communist regime in Poland he fled as a young man…

“Pastor Andrew Brunson, a missionary whose unjust imprisonment in 2016 plunged Turkey into a diplomatic feud with the United States, has been warning since his dramatic, high-stakes release in 2018 that he believes religious persecution is swiftly approaching in Western countries. Brunson, who now serves as special adviser for religious freedom at Family Research Council, told Fox News that he sees the issues around the Canadian law as part of ‘a dark wave of hostility’ that he believes is going to crash onto the church…

“Pastor Michael Thiessen, who is president of Liberty Coalition Canada, which began the initiative, told Fox News that he believes the government response to COVID-19 has helped prepare the way for such hostility… “A regime and agenda based on lies has to be coercive in order to maintain its power. It can’t rely on persuasion, truth, or beauty. So I anticipate further exile and punishment for non-conformists and those who will still stand and preach truth and reality in our time,’ he added.”

We hasten to add that the same developments can be seen in continental Europe, and especially in Germany, a so-called Christian nation, where government officials and their obedient agents, including their judges, behave anything but Christian.  

YouTube Removes Sermon about Sexuality as “Hate Speech”

 CBN News wrote on January 19:

 “Pastor John MacArthur of Grace Community Church in Los Angeles, CA, preached a sermon Sunday about biblical sexuality... MacArthur said, ‘There is no such thing as transgender. You are either XX or XY, that’s it. God made man male and female. That is determined genetically, that is physiology, that is science, that is reality. On the one hand, the reality of that lie and deception is so damaging, so destructive, so isolating, so corrupting that it needs to be confronted, but on the other hand, that confrontation can’t exaggerate what already exists, which is a sense of feeling isolated in relationships,’ he said.

 “YouTube removed MacArthur’s sermon from its platform and told conservative commentator Todd Starnes  that MacArthur’s video presentation was ‘hate speech.’…

 “Jenna Ellis, special counsel for the Thomas More Society, who represented MacArthur when Los Angeles County tried to shut down Grace Church for defying pandemic-induced health orders, spoke out against YouTube’s censorship of MacArthur’s sermon.  ‘The big tech oligarchy in the United States is implementing the equivalent of Canada’s insane law by censoring truth and the right of pastors to teach the Bible,’ Ellis [said].  ‘If Americans don’t stop big tech, this new Regime will circumvent the Constitution to foreclose our fundamental rights to speak and exercise religion and the impact will be devastating.’

 “Critics worry the law will perpetuate religious persecution and could even govern private conversations. ‘Americans should be preparing for a time when pastors and religious leaders will face persecution for teaching the Word of God,’ Starnes warned.”

Bible Racist?

The Daily Mail wrote on January 22:

“One of Britain’s leading mental health clinics could face legal action after telling a student therapist to watch lectures saying that white people are unconsciously racist, that Christianity is a racist religion, and that the Bible can be blamed for racism because it contrasts ‘darkness’ and ‘light’.

“Amy Gallagher, a mental health nurse from south London, has spent more than £20,000 training to become a psychotherapist on a course run by the prestigious Portman Clinic in North London, part of The Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust But now the 33-year-old is preparing a legal case, saying she believes the Trust is guilty of religious and racial discrimination against her as a white Christian… Ms Gallagher says it is particularly concerning that radical identity politics are now ‘leaking into the health service’.”

Fox News Hypocritical?

The Huffington Post wrote on January 22:

“Tucker Carlson was pummeled on social media Friday night after he compared vaccine requirements to protect Americans from COVID-19 to the barbaric experiments Nazis inflicted on Jews during World War II. Critics pointed out that Fox News has a vaccine requirement so Carlson is likely not worried about contracting COVID himself, even while he encourages his viewers not to get them.

“They also pointed out that, late last year, Fox ‘ghosted’ contributor Lara Logan after she compared White House health adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci to infamous Nazi doctor Josef Mengele…”

Silly and Rude Conduct of American Airlines

The Washington Times wrote on January 21:

“An American Airlines plane headed to London was more than hour into its flight when its pilot decided to turn around and head back to the departure point, Miami, because a female passenger declined to wear a face mask… the airline then canceled the flight, screwing over 129 passengers who were told to exit, stage right, the plane in Miami, alongside the woman. And now American Airlines is patting itself on the back for a job well done…

“American, no doubt, is hiding behind the January 2021 announcement from the Federal Aviation Administration of a ‘zero tolerance’ policy for unruly passenger behavior — defined by this coronavirus crazed government we now have in place in the United States as anyone who dares disobey the government dictates. And plenty in America, too many in America, are probably on the side of the airline, saying American was just doing its job to keep passengers safe; American was just abiding the mandates put in place by the Joe Biden presidency; American was just simply trying to keep the peace and make sure all passengers were treated equally, fairly, equitably, safely, securely…

“Enough of the pretend care and concern on the part of businesses toward customers — care and concern that manifests in outright tyrannical crackdowns on freedoms and choice of customers… Let’s remember: these rules aren’t so much rules as fabricated dictates by overreaching bureaucrats… America has yet to see a federally passed law about face masking. We’re all still living under executive orders that were created out of fear and that continue on because of fear, bad science and the political exploitation of bad science.

“Besides, with American Airlines, there’s this consideration: the multibillion-dollar bailout it received, courtesy taxpayers. ‘American Airlines said it would receive $5.8 billion as part of the [bailout deal], with more than $4 billion in the form of grants and the remaining $1.7 billion as a low-interest loan,’ The New York Times wrote in March, 2021. ‘The airline also plans to apply for a nearly $4.8 billion loan from [the government]… That — so American could turn around and cancel hundreds of flights due to staffing issues, while taking big tax bucks. That — so American’s CEO, Doug Parker, could turn around and rake in $10 million plus in compensation while taking big tax bucks.

“And now that — so American can climb high and mighty and throw a hissy fit to boot a passenger for refusing to wear a face mask… Instead of booting this woman for refusing to comply with an unconstitutional demand from public servants, i.e., the political class, American Airlines ought to have extended her a red carpet for keeping the company in business. Biting the hand that feeds never ends well.”

This is an article which is rare in today’s mass media. The Washington Times is of course one of America’s most prestigious and established publications.

Routine Corona Vaccinations for Newborn Babies…

Israel Today wrote on January 23:

“Some of Israel’s top doctors are recommending that once the pandemic ends, the COVID-19 vaccine should be added to the regular vaccine regimen offered to children between birth and the age of five. Prof. Nadav Davidovitch, head of Israel’s doctors union and an advisor to the government on the coronavirus crisis, said this is the logical way forward…”

Israel 365 wrote on January 365:

“The Health Ministry plans on adding the Covid vaccine to the initial round of vaccines given to newborn babies in the hospital… In the meantime, Pfizer is undergoing clinical trials on infants to reduce the age of the vaccine from five years to six months.  Chief Medical Advisor to the President Dr. Anthony Fauci said that the FDA could approve Prizer’s covid vaccine for children under the age of five by next month.”

Amazing what doctors come up with. Sadly, Israel has been one of the most radical proponents of dictatorial measures.

The Protection through Natural Immunity

The Associated Press wrote on January 22:

“A new study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that people who were both vaccinated and had survived a prior bout of COVID-19 were best protected from infection

“The study, that examined infections in New York and California last year, found that unvaccinated people with a past infection were a close second. By fall, when the more contagious delta variant had taken over but boosters weren’t yet widespread, that group had a lower case rate than vaccinated people who had no past infection.”

Frightening Numbers of Sickness in Military as Consequence of COVID Vaccinations?

The Blaze wrote on January 26:

“Data, transparency, and surveillance. That is what has been missing from the greatest experiment on humans of all time throughout this pandemic. Now, military medical whistleblowers have come forward with what they claim is perhaps the most accurate and revealing data set on vaccine safety one could possibly find… [presenting] data that, if verified, would signal extremely disturbing safety concerns about the vaccine… On Monday… Ohio attorney Thomas Renz, who has been representing clients suing the vaccine mandates, presented DOD medical billing data from the Defense Medical Epidemiology Database (DMED) that paints a shockingly disturbing picture of the health of our service members in 2021…

“Drs. Samuel Sigoloff, Peter Chambers, and Theresa Long — three military doctors — revealed that there has been a 300% increase in DMED codes registered for miscarriages in the military in 2021 over the five-year average… the numbers tended to be remarkably similar in all those preceding years, including in 2020, which was the first year of the pandemic but before the vaccines were distributed. But then in 2021, the numbers skyrocketed, and the 2021 data doesn’t even include the months of November and December. For example, some public health officials speculate that COVID itself places women at higher risk for miscarriages. But the number of miscarriage codes recorded in 2020 was actually slightly below the five-year average (1,477)…

“Aside from the spike in miscarriage diagnoses… there was an almost 300% increase in cancer diagnoses (from a five-year average of 38,700 per year to 114,645 in the first 11 months of 2021). There was also a 1,000% increase in diagnosis codes for neurological issues, which increased from a baseline average of 82,000 to 863,000! Some other numbers…: myocardial infarction –269% increase; Bell’s palsy – 291% increase; congenital malformations (for children of military personnel) – 156% increase; female infertility – 471% increase; pulmonary embolisms – 467% increase.

“… one of the sworn declarations from one of the military doctors… states as follows, ‘It is my professional opinion that the major increases incidences of the above discussed instances of miscarriages, cancers, and disease were due to COVID-19 “vaccinations.”’…

“If these numbers are verified in the upcoming court cases, then absent some massive military insurance fraud or bizarre glitch in the system, it potentially paints a shocking picture of vaccine safety concerns…. Sen. Ron Johnson said at the Monday hearing that he put DOD on notice that it better not delete any of the data. ‘The Department of Defense, the Biden administration is on notice they must preserve these records and this must be investigated,’ said Johnson…

“Even if somehow these earth-shattering increases have nothing to do with the vaccines, isn’t it important that our government investigate what appears to be a catastrophic decline in the health of our active-duty fighting force?… The bottom line according to Renz is that the onus of proof is on the government, not on the military personnel and citizens being forced to take the shots. If the manufacturers are exempt from liability for government coercion to use their product, and the only pharmacological safety data we have is completely ignored, then where is the recourse of the people to redress safety concerns? In the opinion of the Ohio attorney, if the shots are safe and effective, then the Pentagon should have no problem explaining the source of these gargantuan increases in instances of numerous illnesses…”

One would think so. It is especially revealing that many in the military have refused to be vaccinated.

Austria Repeats History… Mandatory Vaccination for all Adults

Breitbart wrote on January 21:

“In a vote of 137 to just 33, the Austrian parliament has overwhelmingly voted to make vaccination against the Wuhan coronavirus mandatory for all residents over the age of 18… those who refuse to take the vaccine could face a fine of up to €3,600 (£2,994/$4,072), newspaper Kronen Zeitung reports.  Those who are not able to be vaccinated for medical reasons will be exempted from the mandatory vaccination along with pregnant women. Those who have recovered from the coronavirus will also be exempt for a period of six months after they recover.

“From mid-March Austrian police will also be checking vaccination status during routine checks and traffic stops and giving out fines to those who cannot prove they are fully vaccinated against the Wuhan coronavirus. Some officers have expressed concern regarding the enforcement of the vaccine mandate, stating that controls could damage their reputation in the eyes of the general public. ‘It is incomprehensible to me why the police are used here, in such an excess of controlling activity. I’m even talking about the fact that the police are used here for political purposes quite inappropriately!’ Werner Herbert, head of the police union AUF said.

“While the vast majority of the members of the Austrian parliament voted for the measure, the populist Freedom Party, led by firebrand Herbert Kickl, voted against the measure. ‘Today is a day of shame for the Austrian Parliament and for our democracy,’ Kickl stated on Facebook and added, ‘The FPÖ deputies have voted unanimously against this unjust law, which is the totalitarian low point… We will do everything possible to bring down compulsory vaccination with a majority of citizens.’

“Kickl has been a sceptic of the government’s policies to combat the coronavirus, including both the lockdown measures and the mandatory vaccine policy. ‘For us, it’s about voluntariness. Everyone has to decide for themselves whether they want to be vaccinated or not. No Austrian should be forced to vaccinate,’ Kickl said earlier this week.”

Deutsche Welle reported on January 21:

“The move makes Austria the first EU country to pass a vaccine mandate, despite tens of thousands of angry citizens continuing to protest such measures in Austria and across Europe… Herbert Kickl… railed against the law Thursday during the parliamentary debate, claiming it ‘paves the way to totalitarianism in Austria.’ Kickl vowed that he would continue to personally refuse vaccination.

“Cancellor Karl Nehammer however, told reporters ‘Vaccination is an opportunity for our society to achieve lasting and continuous freedom, because the virus cannot restrict us any further.’

“Austria now joins Ecuador, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Indonesia and Micronesia as among the only countries in the world to have passed vaccine mandates.”

What a company! SHAME on Austria! Kickl gave an EXCELLENT speech during the parliamentary debate, showing the many lies of Austrian politicians and the march towards totalitarianism in Austria, but his warnings fell mostly on deaf ears.—as they did before when Austria was about to embrace Hitler. It is amazing and deeply disturbing that the Austrian chancellor describes totalitarian measures, which deprive the people of their freedom, as the way to achieve lasting and continuous freedom.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Others vs. Corona Vaccination Mandates

JTA wrote on January 24:

“Robert F. Kennedy Jr. invoked Anne Frank while comparing COVID-19 vaccine mandates to the Holocaust, saying ‘none of us can hide’ today like the Jewish diarist could during World War II. ‘Even in Hitler’s Germany, you could cross the Alps into Switzerland, you could hide in the attic like Anne Frank did,’ Kennedy said at a rally against vaccine mandates on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Sunday. ‘Today the mechanisms are being put in place that will make it so none of us can run, none of us can hide.’

“Kennedy, the son of former Sen. Robert ‘Bobby’ Kennedy, went on to list what he perceived as threats from ‘low-orbit satellites’ and 5G internet networks, and named Bill Gates among those posing a threat to privacy…”

WND added on January 24:

“Despite frigid temperatures, thousands of Americans showed up Sunday on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to voice strong opposition to COVID-vaccine mandates. Kennedy hammered the companies that manufacture the experimental vaccines being mandated in many locations worldwide, with no legal liability. ‘You think they found Jesus suddenly … and they’re suddenly concerned with public health?’ he said. ‘These are the companies that gave us the opioid crisis. These are not good citizens, these are criminal enterprises.’

“He warned of what he called ‘turnkey totalitarianism,’ as dark powers look ‘to control every aspect of behavior.’…

“Kennedy was joined by doctors who have been censored by Big Tech as they warn of the dangers of the COVID shots. Among them was Dr. Robert Malone, one of the developers of the technology being used in today’s vaccines. ‘These vaccines do not prevent omicron infection,’ Malone declared….

“Kyle Warner, who was a professional mountain biker until he was severely injured by a COVID vaccine, also spoke at the event… Warner challenged President Joe Biden and health officials to hold a meeting with the victims of adverse reactions to the coronavirus vaccines. ‘Look them in their eyes, acknowledge their suffering, admit this is real, not just rare,’ Warner said. ‘Make the companies responsible for the damage they are causing. … to even consider requiring a vaccine that no one will stand behind is a total disgrace to the very idea of America.’…

“Rizza Islam, an author and minister for the Nation of Islam, said the devil is behind the current madness, saying ‘Satan [is] the one who has obviously declared war on all humanity.’”

Kennedy Apologizes … why?

“On Tuesday, [Kennedy] tweeted, ‘I apologize for my reference to Anne Frank, especially to families that suffered the Holocaust horrors. My intention was to use examples of past barbarism to show the perils from new technologies of control. To the extent my remarks caused hurt, I am truly and deeply sorry.’”

One gets sick and tired of people making appropriate comparisons only to apologize later because they might have hurt someone, as some Jewish organizations claimed. Apparently his wife, actress Cheryl Hines, who does not see eye to eye with Kennedy on the entire vaccination hysteria, objected as well. “Hines previously drew scrutiny after it was reported that she threw a holiday party at the couple’s California home and requested in the invitation that guests be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or test negative before arriving” (New York Post, January 24).

What Kennedy was expressing was clearly correct, noting the context.

Eric Clapton’s Fight against Corona Virus Mandates

The New York Post wrote on January 24:

“The 76-year-old musician … discuss[ed] how his life has changed since reluctantly taking AstraZeneca’s therapy in 2021… He claimed that he’d been duped into getting the COVID-19 jab by subliminal messaging in pharmaceutical advertising — and urged others not to fall for it…. Credited to Belgian psychologist Mattias Desmet, the theory essentially points to a sort of mind control that has taken over society, allowing for unscrupulous leaders to easily manipulate populations into, for example, accepting vaccines or wearing face masks… Clapton recalled ‘seeing little things on YouTube which were like subliminal advertising’…

“He said [van] Morrison, 76, complained that he wasn’t ‘allowed’ to freely object to vaccine requirements… Clapton also admitted that he’d given up on recent news media, which he described as ‘one-way traffic about following orders and obedience’… Despite making headlines, others in the music community have alienated him, Clapton said.”

It was recently reported in the press that Clapton played at a venue with vax mandate, even though he had said that he would not. It was later clarified that this news was bogus. We do not doubt the existence of subliminal messages in advertisement. But the real originator of the present hysteria is none other than Satan the Devil.

“This Justification Is a Scandal”

Bild Online wrote on January 21:

“The Australian federal court took four days to justify the expulsion of tennis star Novak Djokovic (34). Now the judges have said that the unvaccinated Serb’s presence could have fueled anti-vaccination sentiment in the country. They thus adopted the reasoning of the Immigration Minister, who described Djokovic as a potential threat to the security and order of Australia due to his vaccination skepticism… Djokovic had to leave the country because the government and judiciary are afraid of his opinion. And that’s despite the fact that he didn’t even come to Australia to spread his views – just to play tennis.

“The justification is reminiscent of politically motivated judgments that are actually unworthy of a democratic constitutional state like Australia. One of the defining characteristics of a free society is that everyone is free to express their opinion – without being disadvantaged or even punished for it. The fact that this cornerstone of democracy in Australia has now cracked is a sad side effect of the ‘NoCovid’ strategy there. after the government tried for two years to keep the number of infections low through tough lockdowns…

“It would have been easy for the judges to find plausible reasons for expelling the Serb, for example formal errors in his entry application or simply the principle of ‘equal rights for all.'”

But their main concern is not the violation of a technicality, but the suppression of opinions which do not fit into the political paradigm of the government. The same development can be seen in Germany… note the next article.

German Constitutional Minister against the Basic Law

Bild Online wrote on January 20:

“‘All Germans have the right to assemble peacefully and without weapons [and] without [prior] registration or permission,” says Article 8 of the Basic Law [“Grundgesetz”]. But Constitutional Minister Nancy Faeser (51, SPD) of all people seems to be questioning this right. Literally, Faeser wrote Wednesday evening on the social network Twitter: ‘I repeat my appeal: You can express your opinion without gathering in many places at the same time.’… Faeser calls on demonstrators to stop taking their protest to the streets.

“But who does the minister mean exactly?…

“‘The minister’s statement should be seen in the context of the corona protests and against the background of the dramatically high number of corona infections,’ a spokeswoman for the Federal Ministry of the Interior told BILD.

“At the same time, the Federal Minister of the Interior [Constitutional Minister] is a fervent advocate of public protest, of outdoor demonstrations and – also quite rightly! – public expressions of opinion. ‘I’m totally amazed at how many people took to the streets yesterday for climate protection…’ That was [in September of 2019,] before Corona. But even during the pandemic, she advocated demonstrations in public spaces and was even there several times. ‘Today I was in the Dannenröder forest as a parliamentary observer. Protest is legitimate…’, she tweeted in November of 2020. In February of 2021, she took part in a vigil for the victims of the right-wing terrorist attack in Hanau, laid a wreath at the site of the attack and commemorated the dead.”

But when it comes to protests against Corona, the left-wing political agenda is more than anxious and willing to violate the law.

The West Should Fight Dictatorships

Thomson/Reuters wrote  on January 21:

“Britain on Friday warned Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping that its allies would stand together to fight for democracy against dictatorships that it said were more emboldened than at any time since the Cold War. Speaking in Australia, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said Britain and its allies in the ‘free world’ must respond together to global threats, deepen ties with democracies in the Indo-Pacific…

“Truss argued that the ‘Kremlin has not learned the lessons of history’ and that ‘invasion will only lead to a terrible quagmire and loss of life, as we know from the Soviet-Afghan war and conflict in Chechnya.’

“More than 15,000 Soviet troops died in Afghanistan from 1979 to 1989, while hundreds of thousands of Afghans perished. The U.S.-led war in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021 led to more than 3,500 deaths among the international military coalition. Global aggressors ‘are emboldened in a way we haven’t seen since the Cold War,’ Truss said in the speech. ‘They seek to export dictatorship as a service around the world,’ she added. ‘That is why regimes like Belarus, North Korea and Myanmar find their closest allies in Moscow and Beijing.’”

There is a deep bitter irony here: While the West and the “free world” claim they will fight dictatorships in Russia and China, it is they, and especially Australia, which are becoming more and more totalitarian.

No Plea Deal with Netanyahu

Axios wrote on January 24:

“Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been hoping to reach a plea deal on the corruption charges against him before Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit left office at the end of January, but Mandelblit has reportedly notified Netayahu’s lawyers that won’t be possible… The deal Mandelblit and Netanyahu had been discussing would have kept him out of prison but seen him banned from politics for seven years. Netanyahu broke his silence on the plea talks after they collapsed and said he’d never accepted the seven-year ban.

“In a video statement, Netanyahu resumed his attacks on the police and prosecution and claimed the case against him was collapsing and should already have been dismissed. In a nod to the intra-party fight that had begun over his potential replacement if he took the deal, Netanyahu said he’d stay on as leader of the Likud party and of the opposition.

“The plea deal is not totally dead but will be frozen for now. The highest-profile case in recent Israeli political history will now pass to the next attorney general, who has yet to be named…”

Earthquakes in Israel

The Times of Israel wrote on January 24:

“Some one million homes in Israel are at risk of collapse in case of an earthquake, the Kan public broadcaster reported.

“The report comes after two minor earthquakes shook northern Israel earlier this week around 12 hours apart. The first quake measuring 3.7 on the Richter scale, struck late Saturday, while the other, at a magnitude of 3.5, was felt at around noon the following day…. At this point, Home Front Command officials and geological experts are not sure whether the earthquakes were an isolated incident or a prelude to a more powerful event…. a major earthquake is predicted to cause about 7,000 deaths and 145,000 injuries, with 170,000 people left homeless and 320,000 buildings damaged.”

It is interesting that the Bible prophesies an earthquake in Israel which will kill 7,000 people (Revelation 11:13).

The Scandal-Ridden Catholic Church

Chron wrote on January 21:

“Catholic Pope emeritus Benedict XVI committed ‘wrongdoing’ in the way he handled sexual abuse cases in his German archdiocese before he was pope, according to a church-commissioned investigation released Thursday. The German law firm that conducted the investigation said Benedict’s claims to have no direct knowledge of sexual abuse cases were not credible.

“The report amounts to a shocking and harsh condemnation of the retired pope – the first pope to resign his position before death in 600 years….

“Benedict is not the first pope among the nearly 270 in history whose scandals have caused Catholics and the Catholic Church headaches. The period between late 9th and 10th centuries saw some particularly bad popes… There was Pope Stephen VI, in power from May 896 to August 897. His predecessor was pope for only 15 days before dying, perhaps of gout or perhaps murdered by Stephen VI’s followers. Once installed, Stephen VI put his enemy – another of his predecessors – Pope Formosus, on trial, which was kind of weird considering Formosus had been dead for months. His corpse was dressed in papal vestments and propped up on a throne before being found guilty of perjury and other offenses, mutilated and tossed into a river. The people of Rome thought that was pretty gross, and they soon deposed and murdered Stephen VI.

“Then there was Pope Sergius III, pope from 904 to 911, who murdered his predecessors, bribed and threatened bishops and fathered an illegitimate child… This period also saw the papacy of John XII, who became pope at 18 in 955. He spent much of his time sleeping around and warring with rival factions… He died in 964 in the bed of a married woman, either of a stroke, being stabbed by the woman’s husband or thrown out the window by said husband, depending on which account you believe…

“Where other popes veered into lives of excess, Pope Paul IV, who led the church from 1555 to 1559, was controversial for his extreme austerity…  No one in Paul’s Rome had it worse than the Jews; he confined them to a ghetto, made them wear yellow hats whenever they left, and ordered dozens burned at the stake. He was so hated when he died that celebratory rioters tore down many of his statues; other statues were mocked with yellow hats.”

The Catholic Church claims that all popes are in direct succession of the Apostle Peter—a claim which is completely false.

Benedict Apologizes

Deutsche Welle wrote on January 24:

“Former Pope Benedict XVI has apologized for providing false information during a probe into sexual abuse in his old Munich archdiocese, his secretary said in a statement on Monday… The statement… said the false information was not given ‘with ill intent.’ Instead, it was blamed on an editing ‘oversight’ that occurred with Benedict’s written testimony to the inquiry.

“The former pope, 94, had told the inquiry that he had not been present at a 1980 meeting discussing a pedophile priest. He has now confirmed that he did attend the meeting but insisted that no decision had been made there about reassigning the priest to pastoral duties. ‘Rather, only the request to provide [the priest] with accommodation during his therapeutic treatment in Munich was granted,’ the statement said. Benedict was ‘very sorry’ for the mistake and said he hoped that it could be forgiven…”

Women Become more Influential in Catholic Church

Newsmax wrote on January 23:

“Pope Francis on Sunday for the first time conferred the lay Roman Catholic ministries of lector and catechist on women… he criticized those who need to have rigid regulations and ‘more rules’ in order to find God…

“Lectors read from scripture… and catechists teach the faith to children and adult converts…

“The change will be particularly important as a recognition for women in places such as the Amazon, where some are the de facto religious leaders of remote communities hit by a severe shortage of priests. The Vatican stressed that the roles are not a precursor to women one day being allowed to become priests… Francis has appointed a number of women to senior jobs in Vatican departments previously held by men.”

Transplant of Pig Kidneys into a Brain-Dead Human

NBC News wrote on January 20:

“In an operating room at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the surgical team was nervous but hopeful. It was Sept. 30, and they were attempting a medical first: implanting kidneys from a genetically altered pig into the abdomen of a human.  The lead surgeon, Dr. Jayme Locke, carefully sewed the first pig kidney into the patient, James Parsons, 57, a carpenter and father from Huntsville, Alabama.

“Days earlier, Parsons had been rendered brain-dead in an accident in a dirt bike race. A registered organ donor, he had long expressed a desire to his family to donate his organs after he died.”

Man playing God… where will it end…?

The Pro-Life Movement

Newsmax wrote on January 21:

“Actor Kirk Cameron told Newsmax on Friday that ‘more and more people’ in Hollywood are ‘coming to terms with the fact that equality begins in the womb.’… Cameron also mentioned how personal the issue of abortion is to his family, sharing how his wife, Chelsea Noble, and [their] first four children were adopted. ‘My wife is an adopted child. She was one doctor appointment away from not existing,’’ Cameron said.

“‘We adopted our first four children, and each of them were very close to not being here. And if my wife hadn’t been born, neither would our two natural-born children be here. And so my entire family of six kids and my wife I see not as mistakes, but as miracles, and I’m so glad and thankful for the pro-life community and their work, which resulted in me having this wonderful family.’’”

These are insightful comments showing the utter abomination of abortion.

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.

One of the great themes in the Bible is that of relationships – between God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, God and man, and between human beings themselves.  Pretty much everyone has relationships with other people unless they live on their own on a desert island, and so it should come as no surprise to anyone that it is a major theme running right through the Bible.   Unless we get these relationships right, we will have a miserable life, but much more importantly, the spiritual application is of paramount importance, as we get close to God, and stay close to Him, which will give us eternal life in the Kingdom of God.

This series of Q&As is but a brief overview on this subject, and we hope that it will prove helpful to all who read this information, and to those who decide to delve further into this matter.   There is so much more in the Bible than that which we will cover in this series.

Relationships – God the Father and Jesus Christ.

Right from the dawn of civilisation we read in the first book in the Bible that there was a relationship with God the Father and one other Personage, the “Logos” or “Spokesman.”  In Genesis 1:26, we read: “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’”

There are those who take issue with the phrase “Let Us make man in Our image” dismissing the argument that it is about more than just one Person. This concern is addressed in our booklet “God is a Family” on pages 3-4:

“Some claim that the statement, ‘Let Us make man in Our image,’ does not reveal a plurality of persons in the Godhead, but that it is like an expression of a king who speaks of himself in the plural form. They point out, for instance, that the queen of England might say something like, ‘We have decreed…’ She is referring to herself, but she says, ‘we.’ This way of speaking is called ‘pluralis maiestatis’ or ‘pluralis maiestaticus.’

“The problem with applying this concept to God’s statements in Genesis 1 and 3 is that God did not use this kind of speaking in His inspired word, the Bible—in fact, the early Hebrews knew nothing about this way of speaking.”

The booklet then goes on to cover many more aspects about the relationship between the Father and the Logos—the “Word” and the Son of God, who became Jesus Christ, with subtitles such as “Jesus Was – And is – God!”; “Jesus Came to Reveal the Father”; “Who and What Was Jesus Before His Human Birth” and much more, and is very well worth reading or re-reading.

Let us look at some very pertinent Scriptures that show how important and close this relationship is and always has been.

In Revelation 13:8, we read: “And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Other translations render this phrase slightly differently, thereby implying that the Book of Life existed from the foundation of the world and that the names of true believers were written in that book before the world was founded. Both concepts are correct. We explain this in detail in our free booklet, “Are You Predestined to Be Saved?”

In any event, it was established or preordained or predestined from the foundation of the world (in fact, even prior to this) that Jesus Christ would come to this earth to die for our sins.

We read further that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.  All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.  In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:1-3).   In verse 14, it reveals that the Word was Jesus Christ: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

And so we can conclude quite clearly from these verses that the Word, Jesus Christ, had no beginning and was with the Father from eternity.  Micah 5:2 confirms this, saying that Jesus Christ—the One to be Ruler in Israel—will come “Whose goings forth are from old, From everlasting (literally, the days of eternity).”  In the letter to the Hebrews, it is explained that Jesus Christ—called “Melchizedek”—was and is “without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life” (Hebrews 7:3).

And the two of them are a Family. They are both God beings, referred to as the Father and the Son.

Jesus came to this earth to preach the Kingdom of God and this was central to His ministry.  In Matthew 4:23, we read: “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.”   He further taught: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).   There are well over 100 references to the Kingdom in the four gospel accounts.   This same gospel has to be preached today.

In our free booklet “The Gospel of the Kingdom of God,” we read, on page 2: “The Bible repeats time and again that Jesus Christ preached the gospel of the Kingdom of God. In fact, Christ’s whole message had to do with the Kingdom of God—WHAT it is, WHY we need to understand it, and HOW we can have a part in it.

“The Jews at the time of Christ were so upset about the message of the Kingdom of God that they killed Christ. Their understanding of what the Kingdom of God is, and who would be in it, was quite different from what Jesus taught. That is why they were so intent on killing Him.”

John 5:19 gives an insight into the close personal relationship that the Son had with His Father: “Then Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.’”  The Son and the Father were united in love and purpose.  In John 14:9, Jesus is quoted as saying: “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?”

In John 5:30, we read a statement which reveals the closeness of Father and Son: “I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.”

The website of dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com says: “Jesus is the true representation of the immortal God in every aspect of His character and will. He is a visible image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation Who is able to genuinely say, ‘My food is to do the will of My Father’ and ‘Thy will not mine be done’. Philip had yet to understand that Jesus was the Word of God, made flesh, Who was with God in the beginning. He is the exact representation of God, Who had come to earth to reveal the Father to Adam’s fallen race.” Of course, we understand that man did not “fall”—it is Satan who fell like lightning from heaven (compare Luke 10:18).

Jesus came to earth not to do His own thing, but to do His Father’s Will.   We read this in several verses: “Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work’” (John 4:34); and: “‘For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me’” (John 6:38).  We further read: “Then Jesus said to them, ‘When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him’” (John 8:28-29).

Jesus always spoke as directed by His Father:   “For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak” (John 12:49).   We also read in John 14:31: “But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here.”

Jesus is immortal and came to this earth and preached about the Kingdom of God.  His Father commanded Him what to say; He always sought to do His Father’s Will, and copied what the Father does. This reveals very precisely and surely that the Father and Jesus Christ have the closest relationship that it is ever possible to have, being in total agreement and unity about everything.

The relationship between the Father and the Son has been in existence from before there was any beginning—before there was anything created—and they agree on all things.  We just have to think about the total agreement that they both had to have when working out their master plan of salvation for mankind and when creating the universe with every tiny detail agreed to completely.  We know that the return of Jesus Christ will be necessary at the end of this age (compare Matthew 24:22) but no one knows either the day or the hour when that will happen (see verse 36) except the Father.  The Father “knows” or better “decides” when that time has come; it is in His total, complete and sole authority to determine the timing. When the Father makes that decision, as He determines when that time has arrived, there will be no disagreement between the Father and the Son and Jesus will return just in time to save mankind from cosmocide. There is no competitive spirit between them and they are as one.   These remarkable examples in the Word of God give ample testimony to their close and unchanging relationship which will continue on throughout eternity.

The Father entrusted and entrusts Jesus with great responsibility: “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16); and: “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds” (Hebrews 1:1-2).  In turn, Jesus fully trusted and trusts His Father; theirs was and is a fully reciprocal relationship.

As alluded to before, the relationship between the Father and the Son is one of love. In fact, all the aspects of their relationship, discussed herein, are based and founded on the fact that they love each other. We read in Matthew 3:17 the Father’s message about His Son to the people, which was communicated by an angel: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” This message was repeated to Peter, James and John on the mount of transfiguration (Matthew 17:5; compare 2 Peter 1:17). The Father loved and loves the Son (compare John 3:35; 5:20; 10:17; 15:9; 17:24, etc.)—He always has and He always will. At the same time, as already stated above, the Son loved and loves the Father (compare again John 14:31). That loving relationship will never end.

There is so much more information about our Saviour, Jesus Christ, but we have only referenced briefly that which is concerned with His relationship with His Father.

Our free booklets “Jesus Christ – A Great Mystery”;  “Do You Know the True Jesus of the Bible?”; “God is a Family;” and “Is God a Trinity?” are replete with so much more invaluable information.

(To be Continued)

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

compiled by Dave Harris

“Germany’s Troublesome Dependency on Russia,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary: 

Historically, Germany’s relationship with Russia has been an odd one, ranging from “friendship” to financial and even military collaboration, reliance, appeasement, hostility and war. Today, it is no different. Germany’s current appeasement strategy is based, in part, on economic dependency from Russia. Nothing can show this more clearly than Germany’s conduct in the present conflict with Ukraine.  But Germany’s politics will have devastating consequences. Historically, Germany’s relationship with Russia has been an odd one, ranging from “friendship” to financial and even military collaboration, reliance, appeasement, hostility and war. Today, it is no different. Germany’s current appeasement strategy is based, in part, on economic dependency from Russia. Nothing can show this more clearly than Germany’s conduct in the present conflict with Ukraine.  But Germany’s politics will have devastating consequences. 

“Deutschlands bedenkliche Abhängigkeit von Russland,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This video covers the same material as presented in English. 

“Gott oder der Mensch?, Teil 2” is the title for this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Michael Link. Title in English: “God or Man? Part 2”

We are very pleased to announce the baptism of Dominik Kaltenegger on last week’s Sabbath in Germany.  Ministers Thilo Hanstein and Christoph Sperzel conducted the baptism. Welcome to the Church of God Herr Kaltenegger!

“Die letzte Festung Satans,” the sermonette given last Sabbath in Germany by Robert Muhr, is now posted. Title in English, “Satan’s last stronghold.”

“All Not Lost,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Frank Bruno, is now posted. Here is a summary:

The very recent fires here in Boulder County ripped through the area at an astounding rate—described by emergency officials as the length and breadth of a football field every few seconds. In just hours nearly 1000 homes, pets, possessions, and many businesses were destroyed and impacted by flames and smoke. In this Sermonette we will consider God’s messages to those He calls, and how one can persevere despite great loss.

“Blood,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Blood is found everywhere in the Bible. What is the significance? What can we learn about blood that can help us understand our Salvation?

On January 22, 2022, Frank Bruno will present the sermonette, titled, “All Not Lost,” and Eric Rank will present the sermon, titled, “Blood.”

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 a talk with my son recently, I was mentioning to him how blessed we are. He wanted to get something, and I said no, and he wasn’t pleased about it. We talked about how continually wanting things leads to feelings of frustration, greed and maybe jealousy. As he walked away, I could tell he wasn’t exactly agreeing.

As I continued to think about this after our conversation, I realized that there are areas in my life where I act like this at times with God when I am asking Him for things and then getting frustrated when things don’t pan out like I think they should.

There is no point in living life like this!

A much better way is to remain in a continual state of thankfulness and mindfulness of what God does for us. How He blesses us and what He does to make this happen.

It is so easy to complain about what we don’t have, in what situations we are, and how they could be different. I have found though that complaining doesn’t change a situation nor does it make one feel any more willing to try harder or try to do something differently.

Why does God consider our complaining as something that should not be done?

Philippians 2:12-16 tells us: “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.”

Complaining leads to us not being able to be used by God! When we complain, we take away the opportunity God has to use us or the chance to help us to grow. When we complain, we take matters into our own hands and leave no room for Him.

It is very easy to complain in this day and age when there is a lack of justice in our lands while immorality reigns. When nothing seems to be fair, it is easy to become dissuaded and discouraged. Even though we are told to sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done (Ezekiel 9:4), we need to realize that God is always there for us at all times. Lamentations 3 does a wonderful job in showing just how this is true, and it would be helpful at this time to read it thoroughly.

The reality is that there will always be opportunities to complain if we allow them to exist in our minds! How we choose to go about this is completely up to us.  We will be judged on this though, and we will have to give an account. Even though it is hard, we should stop and think often about how God has blessed us and strive to let Him be glorified through how we live.

by Norbert Link

We begin with the dramatic situation pertaining to Russia, especially focusing on Ukraine, Belarus, Iran and Sweden, and the unwillingness of the USA and Europe to really come to Ukraine’s rescue. Recognizing Europe’s inability to play an effective role, more and more voices are being heard for the need of European power and a European army.

We report on Biden’s failing policies internationally and domestically and Trump’s return to the campaign trail.

We focus on the dictatorships of Australia, Austria, Germany and France; as well as an alarming willingness by large portions of society to create a dictatorship in the USA. We also report on further nonsense regarding COVID-19 measures. Please view in this regard our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Is America Going to Lose More of Its Freedom?”

We conclude with an interesting development in Jerusalem regarding the demolition of the Golden Dome and the numerous eruptions of an undersea volcano near Tonga. One of these mighty eruptions has been described as the biggest eruption recorded anywhere on the planet in more than 30 years.

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

Fears and Tensions with Russia on the Rise

The Associated Press wrote on January 15:

“U.S. intelligence officials have determined a Russian effort is underway to create a pretext for its troops to further invade Ukraine, and Moscow has already prepositioned operatives to conduct ‘a false-flag operation’ in eastern Ukraine… White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Friday the intelligence findings show Russia is also laying the groundwork through a social media disinformation campaign that frames Ukraine as an aggressor that has been preparing an imminent attack against Russian-backed forces in eastern Ukraine. Psaki charged that Russia has already dispatched operatives trained in urban warfare who could use explosives to carry out acts of sabotage against Russia’s own proxy forces — blaming the acts on Ukraine — if Russian President Vladimir Putin decides he wants to move forward with an invasion…

“White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan on Thursday said… this is similar to what the Kremlin did in the lead-up to Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula that had been under Ukraine’s jurisdiction since 1954…

“Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned on Friday that Moscow wouldn’t wait indefinitely for the Western response, saying he expects the U.S. and NATO to provide a written answer next week. Lavrov described Moscow’s demands for binding guarantees that NATO will not embrace Ukraine or any other former Soviet nations, or station its forces and weapons there, as essential for the progress of diplomatic efforts to defuse soaring tensions over Ukraine. He argued that NATO’s deployments and drills near Russia’s borders pose a security challenge that must be addressed immediately.”

Ukraine’s Fate Sealed

Thomson/Reuters wrote on January 14:

“A week of diplomacy by U.S. President Joe Biden failed to defuse tensions between Russia and Ukraine, but has maintained unity with European allies against Moscow as Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks to expose cracks… “Biden’s bid to rebuild U.S. leadership globally was also hindered by a chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in August that prompted the European Union to consider ways to become more independent of the U.S. military… Biden has faced lingering doubts about America’s reliability as a partner. Leaders from the Group of Seven advanced economies, NATO and the European Union are worried…

“Although Biden pledged to continue giving military aid to Ukraine and to boost support if Russia invades, Washington’s response has been almost entirely diplomatic, and the West is not in a position to defend Ukraine militarily. The main attempt to deter a Russian invasion is a U.S. threat of ‘unprecedented’ sanctions, including export controls and measures targeting Russia’s financial system.

“U.S. officials have spent weeks trying to ensure Europe would match Washington’s planned sanctions response, but no clear agreement has been reached on what specific sanctions will be leveled. While the European Union imposed sanctions on Russia when it annexed Ukraine’s Crimea in 2014, the bloc has shown divisions over how to deal with Moscow, which accounts for one-third of EU gas imports.

“The United States said Moscow’s behavior towards Ukraine will play a crucial role in the fate of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, meant to transport natural gas from Russia to Germany. But Germany on Thursday warned against drawing a link between the pipeline and the Russian tensions…”

Of course, Germany, being dependent on Russia, does not want to jeopardize its lucrative Nord Stream 2 pipeline deal. And while the USA will not intervene militarily, and Europe cannot do so at this point, Ukraine will fall into Russia’s hands… as it is prophesied.

No German Weapons for Ukraine

 Deutsche Welle wrote on January 19:

“Germany has declined to join allies such as the US and UK in shipping weapons to Ukraine… [Germany’s] foreign minister, the Greens’ Annalena Baerbock, has made… expressions of solidarity with Ukraine but rejected its latest request for weapons deliveries…. Baerbock said her government’s decision on weapons had a historical dimension — a reference to Germany’s invasion of the Soviet Union during the Second World War….

“Germany remains one of the world’s top arms producers and exporters, with sales increasing 21% from 2016 to 2020… Its largest customers were South Korea, Algeria, and Egypt….

“Ukrainian officials [were] most recently asking for warships and air defense systems. While Germany often cites its own belligerent history as grounds for sidestepping the military question, Ukraine is leaning into it. ‘This responsibility should apply to the Ukrainian people, who lost at least 8 million lives during the Nazi occupation of Ukraine,’ Ukraine’s ambassador to Germany, Andrij Melnyk, told the DPA news agency.”

Germany’s Reliance on Russia

The Daily Mail wrote on January 19:

 “At the heart of the dispute is Nord Stream 2, Russia’s new gas pipeline running from Russia to Europe across the Baltic Sea: built, filled with gas but not yet approved for operation. If and when it is switched on, the pipeline will prove vital for German industry and heating the country’s homes…

“Poles and Lithuanians still remember how their ancient independence was signed away by Germans, Austrians and Russians as far back as the 18th century… we in Western Europe should not forget how Berlin and Moscow have benefited from colluding at our expense, too…

“Siemens and Mercedes along with a host of other big German companies also profit from exports to the Russian market. And this winter’s fuel crisis has exposed how dangerously dependent Germany already is on Russian gas. Europe is once again being rocked by soaring inflation — and now haunted by the prospect of a new German-Russian axis…”

Biden: Russia WILL Attack Ukraine

The Guardian wrote on January 19:

“Joe Biden has said he thinks Russia will attack Ukraine, warning that Moscow would face a ‘stiff price’, but he admitted Nato was divided on how to respond if there is only a “minor incursion”.

“The White House was forced to issue a hasty clarification to that last point, saying that any movement of Russian forces over the border would be treated as invasion. But Biden, in his most extensive remarks on the Ukraine crisis to date, given at an extended press conference on Wednesday, alarmed the government in Kyiv and strayed from the show of determined unity that Nato has sought to project.”

The New York Post, calling Biden’s news conference “an utter disaster,” added on January 19:

“President Biden blundered during his White House news conference Wednesday by saying that Russia’s military’ “will be able to prevail over time’ if it launches an invasion of Ukraine…”

Russia Won’t Tolerate NATO’s Invasion of Ukraine

Newsmax wrote on January 16:

“Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman [Dmitry Peskov] says Russia will no longer ‘tolerate’ NATO’s eastward expansion and ‘gradual invasion’ into Ukraine… ‘When Germany was reunited and when the then-Soviet Union and the Soviet Union leader Mr. [Mikhail] Gorbachev said OK to that, there was a promise by American side,’ Peskov continued. ‘Unfortunately, not fixed in a juridical, in a legally binding guaranteeing document, but it — there was a guarantee that NATO would never … expand its military infrastructure or political infrastructure eastwards.’

“‘Unfortunately, the opposite thing started to happen since then, and NATO’s military infrastructure started to get closer and closer to the borders of the Russian Federation,’ he said… ‘At first… they were just words, but with the time being, we have seen the gradual invasion of NATO into Ukrainian territory, with its infrastructure, with its instructors, with supplies of defensive and offensive weapons, teaching Ukrainian military, and so on and so forth. And that brought us to the red line. That brought us to the situation when we — when we couldn’t tolerate it anymore.’”

Russian Cyberattack on Ukraine

The Associated Press wrote on January 16:

“Ukraine said Sunday that Russia was behind a cyberattack that defaced its government websites and alleged that Russia is engaged in an increasing ‘hybrid war’ against its neighbor. The statement from the Ministry of Digital Development came a day after Microsoft said dozens of computer systems at an unspecified number of Ukrainian government agencies had been infected with destructive malware disguised as ransomware…

“In 2017, Russia targeted Ukraine with one of the most damaging cyberattacks on record with the NotPetya virus, causing more than $10 billion in damage globally. That virus, also disguised as ransomware, was a so-called ‘wiper’ that erased entire networks.”

Joint Military Exercises between Russia and Belarus

TRT World wrote on January 17:

“Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko has announced that his army will conduct military exercises next month with Russian forces and criticised what he said was NATO’s growing presence in Europe… He said the drills would be dubbed ‘Determination of the Union 2022,’ and should focus on a scenario in which his country’s military is forced to ‘resist forces coming from the West’…

“Lukashenko, who has grown closer to the Kremlin as the West shunned him, accused Ukraine of building up troops near Belarus in comments circulated by the Defence Ministry. He said Poland and the Baltics had more than 30,000 soldiers near Belarus’ borders.”

Russia’s New “War Games”

The Associated Press wrote on January 19:

“Russia is sending an unspecified number of troops from the country’s far east to Belarus for major war games, officials said Tuesday, a deployment that will further beef up Russian military presence near Ukraine amid Western fears of a planned invasion…

“Russia’s Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin said the joint drills with Belarus would involve practicing a joint response to external threats. Ukrainian officials have warned that Russia could launch an attack on Ukraine from several directions, including from its ally Belarus.”

According to MSN, dated January 15, the danger of war in Europe has never been higher for 30 years. The publication also states that Russia threatened with stationing troops in Latin America.

Military Cooperation between Russia and Iran?

VZGLYAD reported on January 18:

“On Friday, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that President Vladimir Putin, together with his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi, will conduct an ‘inventory’ of our entire agenda during a visit to Russia. As the VZGLYAD newspaper wrote earlier, almost the main purpose of Mr. Raisi’s visit to Moscow, according to some reports, is Russian weapons.

“During an October visit to Russia, the head of the Iranian General Staff, Mohammad Bagheri, is rumored to have indicated his readiness to conclude large-scale contracts, including the purchase of multi-purpose Su-35s. A separate issue is the prospect of Iran buying the Russian S-400 system. However, there was no consensus in the expert community as to whether Russia was ready to sell this system.

“Earlier, military expert Konstantin Sivkov, in an interview with the VZGLYAD newspaper, suggested that in the event of new provocations from Washington, Moscow would begin a close military cooperation with Tehran.”

The EU Army and Europe’s Lust for Power

Express wrote on January 17:

“The EU has been mulling the deployment of 5000 troops from across the bloc as a backup plan in emergency missions in the name of enhanced ‘strategic autonomy’. The idea, first floated by French President Emmanuel Macron, is taking shape around the EU Commission’s table and will reach Parliament in Strasbourg soon. New Dutch defence minister Kajsa Ollogren attempted to minimise the plan saying the troops are not to be called ‘EU army’ per se. But Nexit Denktank campaigners warned: ‘… Just because you don’t call it an EU army doesn’t mean it isn’t an EU army… 5,000 soldiers are just the beginning. They know they don’t have the people on their side, so they play games with language…

“Confirming the two leaders’ [Von der Leyen’s and Macron’s] defence ambitions, a senior French government official told Politico on Thursday: ‘I would like the EU in the coming years to become aware of its power, because power not only gives you prosperity but also the ability to defend your values. You can see how we sometimes hesitate to defend our values against China. Why do we hesitate? Because we are not powerful enough, because we want to have access to the Chinese market, because we depend on certain technologies. Power gives prosperity, power gives independence. And if we could all collectively realise that, that it’s better to be powerful than weak, that it’s better to be sovereign than vassal, it would be a great political idea for the EU.’”

And so, Europe will develop a POWERFUL army.

Germany’s Scholz Should Do Something…

Der Tagesspiegel wrote on January 17th:

“Union parliamentary group leader Johann Wadephul (CDU) accuses Chancellor Olf Scholz (SPD) of inactivity and leadership failure in the field of foreign policy. ‘We are in the most dangerous situation we have experienced since the end of the Cold War,’ Wadephul told the Tagesspiegel. ‘There is a danger of war in Europe, but Chancellor Olaf Scholz hardly makes an appearance in terms of foreign and security policy,’ criticized the CDU politician.

“[He also said that] in the current tense situation, the head of government’s reticence is dangerous… Also because Macron is tied to his election campaign, Germany currently has a special responsibility in Europe.”

Scholz is not the man, but when that man arises, then there will be war.

Sweden on the Alert

Bild Online wrote on January 15:

“Fear of war now also in Sweden! While the world is spellbound on the Russian-Ukrainian border, disaster could also be brewing elsewhere in Europe due to Vladimir Putin’s fantasies for great power.

“Sweden’s army has been moving soldiers and weapons to the Baltic Sea island of Gotland since Friday. According to BILD information, Stockholm actually sees the possibility, albeit small, of a Russian attack on the largest island in the Baltic Sea. Soldiers and Swedish infantry fighting vehicles arrived in the coastal town of Visby (23,000 inhabitants) on Friday morning and secured the town’s harbor. In the evening, a US Air Force C-17 military aircraft landed at the nearby regional airport and brought 100 additional Swedish soldiers to the island. According to BILD information, the flight took place as part of a long-standing military cooperation between Sweden and the USA.

“Background: On Wednesday, Russia moved three of its heavy landing ships from the Kola Peninsula in the North Sea to the Baltic Sea. They would be deployed should Putin plan an attack on the Swedish island in the Baltic Sea. Since then, the Swedish army has been on alert.”

Biden’s Foreign Policy Setbacks

Fox News wrote on January 17:

“The one area in which presidents have the most executive power is foreign policy…  But a year into his presidency, Biden is receiving low marks for his foreign policy record. A recent Quinnipiac poll showed Biden has a 35% approval rating on foreign policy a year into his presidency, with 54% disapproving.

“Among the first setbacks in March of last year was when the summit with the Chinese, led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan, to address trade, human rights, Hong Kong, cyber-attacks…  and rising military tensions in the South China Sea went off the rails [when the Chinese lectured America]… In the months to follow, China sent an unprecedented number of warplanes toward Taiwan to test the U.S. response, raising fears that an invasion of Taiwan appeared imminent…

“Biden’s handling of Afghanistan and his decision to pull all U.S. troops out of the country… has led to a humanitarian disaster. Afghanistan now stands on the verge of starvation and a collapsing economy, just four months after the chaotic U.S. military withdrawal… NATO allies who believed Biden would consult with them… were blindsided by the sudden unilateral U.S. withdrawal, leaving relations in the Gulf particularly frayed as those countries question whether the US is a reliable ally…

“Even the French, America’s first ally, erupted in anger when the Biden administration suddenly announced a nuclear submarine deal with Australia, undercutting a prior deal between the French and the Australian military — something President Biden had to apologize to the French President for.

“… in the past week, talks with the Russians ended without progress…

“Secretary of State Antony Blinken admitted recently that time was running out for a new Iran deal. North Korea tested multiple ballistic missiles, which the Pentagon fears may have included a hypersonic weapon [This happened again on Monday.] And Iran keeps backing Shia militias sending drone strikes and rockets targeting the U.S. military and its allies in Iraq and the Gulf. A year into the Biden administration, the foreign policy tests continue to mount.”

Biden has been failing in just about every foreign policy situation. And it will only get worse. Domestically, his record has not been any better.

Biden as Unpopular as Ever

Axios wrote on January 15:

“In the two months since signing the $1 trillion infrastructure bill into law, President Biden has by almost every measure bombed big time… Biden, who marks one year in office next Thursday, has never been less popular nationally, after personally lobbying his party and the public on Build Back Better and voting rights — and failing….

“It’s rare for a president to be at odds with Republicans, moderate Democrats and liberal Democrats — all at once. But that’s where Biden finds himself at the start of an election year that many Democrats believe will result in the loss of the House and maybe the Senate… Yesterday was the third time in 3½ months Biden made an in-person trip to the Hill — and the third time he walked away having failed to persuade his party to back his plans. Biden can’t be faulted for having a 50-50 Senate and an unmovable Democratic centrist in Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.). But he knew the daunting numbers game full well as he went into these fights.

“The Supreme Court yesterday blocked Biden’s vaccine-or-test mandate for large employers. The Afghanistan pullout played out about as poorly as it could have. Russia is messing with him: Biden’s warnings haven’t deterred Vladimir Putin from continuing to build toward a Ukraine invasion. Inflation is soaring: It’s the worst in 39 years. Empty grocery shelves get network-news coverage…”

It does not help that Biden blames everyone else but himself for the fiasco. His claim to the press on Wednesday that great progress has been achieved under his leadership is more than just a joke.

Trump Campaigning Again

The New York Post wrote on January 16:

“Former President Donald Trump held his first political rally of the new year in Arizona on Friday, continuing to insist that he had won the 2020 election without evidence… ‘Last year we had a rigged election and the proof is all over the place,’ he continued. ‘We have a lot of proof and they know it’s proof. They always talk about the Big Lie — they’re the Big Lie.’…

“Trump also mentioned the Jan. 6 Capitol Hill rioters, whom he said were being ‘persecuted’ for expressing their First Amendment rights when they disrupted congress’ certification of the electoral votes that would officially make Biden president.”

Why it is stated above that Trump provided no evidence in his speech is hard to understand, as Trump referred to thousands upon thousands of dubious and strictly illegal ballots during the election.

Newsmax added on January 17:

“He also excoriated the Biden administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. ‘It’s a criminal agenda what they’re doing; they’re mishandling it so badly,’ Trump said, adding a rebuke of Dr. Anthony Fauci. ‘Biden’s made him the big person; he’s like the king,’ Trump said…

“Notably, Trump said America’s kids have strong immune systems, suggesting pushing vaccines on kids is an overreach… ‘Leave our business alone. Leave all of us… alone. Tell Joe Biden the Americans’ health choices are none of his business. We can make our own choices…’”

This is a switch from his prior comments regarding vaccinations when he followed Bill O’Reilly’s foolish advice and “encouraged” his followers to get vaccinated, prompting an outcry from quite a few supporters. In an interview with Newsmax, Trump said that he would get rid of any vaccine mandates.

Insulting Comments by FBI

The New York Post wrote on January 17:

“Jewish leaders ripped the FBI on Monday and said the bureau ‘got it wrong’ when they said the terrorist who took hostages at a Texas synagogue didn’t make demands that were ‘specifically related to the Jewish community,’ reports said… Kenneth Marcus, founder and chairman of the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, said… the attack was ‘obviously a matter of anti-Semitism.’ ‘Failure of the FBI to understand this is something of a pattern with law enforcement in the United States and frankly in Europe,’ Marcus told Fox News Digital. ‘It seems that time after time, we see law enforcement officials fail to understand when an anti-Semitic incident occurs, even when it’s entirely obvious,’ he said…

“Anti-semitism has been on the rise in the US for several years and remains at a ‘historically high level’… Late Sunday, the FBI clarified its comments in a statement but again, did not say that the hostages were targeted for their faith…”

Strange indeed. It should have been clear from the outset that this was a horrible attack on the Jews and their faith.

Airlines Cancel Flights over 5G Concerns

The New York Post wrote on January 19:

“Multiple international airlines canceled US-bound flights scheduled for Wednesday as a planned rollout of 5G service prompts safety concerns. The cancellations occurred despite decisions by AT&T and Verizon to temporarily delay their 5G launch near airports. Federal aviation officials and top US airlines fear the 5G signals could interfere with instruments that measure altitude on some passenger plane models, such as the widely used Boeing 777.

“Dubai-based Emirates said it was changing flight plans ‘due to operational concerns associated with the planned deployment of 5G mobile network services in the US at certain airports.’… Japan-based All Nippon Airways made a similar announcement, noting the Federal Aviation Administration ‘has indicated that radio waves from the 5G wireless service may interfere with aircraft altimeters.’… Air India noted it would cancel flights bound for New York, Newark, Chicago and San Francisco ‘due to deployment of the 5G communications in USA.;

“Japan Airlines said it would stop using the Boeing 777 plane model on US-bound flights until the safety concerns are resolved. Germany-based Lufthansa said it canceled a flight bound for Miami and would switch from the Boeing 747-8 model to the 747-400 model on some flights… British Airways canceled some US flights slated to use the Boeing 777 and switched to different models on others.

“On Tuesday, an AT&T spokesperson said the firm would continue with its 5G rollout as scheduled, but ‘voluntarily agreed to temporarily defer turning on a limited number of towers around certain airport runways’ due to safety concerns. Verizon said it had ‘voluntarily decided to limit our 5G network around airports.’…

“Their decision to alter plans came after US airline and shipping firm CEOs warned top Biden administration officials that the launch could cause ‘catastrophic’ disruptions to air travel. The CEOs suggested flight cancellations could exceed 1,000 per day if potential signal interference was not addressed. Despite the decision to alter the 5G rollout, Delta Air Lines warned some flight schedule disruptions may still occur.”

Australia’s Persecution of the Unvaccinated Continues

The Guardian wrote on January 15:

“Tennis champion Novak Djokovic… has been described as a risk to ‘civil unrest’ and a ‘talisman of anti-vaccination sentiment’…  Australia’s immigration minister, Alex Hawke, personally cancelled the unvaccinated world No 1’s visa, arguing his presence in Australia could incite ‘civil unrest’ and encourage others to eschew vaccination against Covid-19…

“Hawke said he accepted Djokovic’s recent Covid-19 infection meant he was a ‘negligible risk to those around him’, but [he wrote:] ‘I consider that Mr Djokovic’s ongoing presence in Australia may lead to an increase in anti-vaccination sentiment generated in the Australian community, potentially leading to an increase in civil unrest of the kind previously experienced in Australia with rallies and protests which may themselves be a source of community transmission.”

Australia has become one of the worst dictatorships in so-called “Democratic” countries. If they can do it to Djokovic, then they can and will do it to EVERYONE who dares to object to their ridiculous vaccination policies.

Newsmax wrote on January 16:

“In a rollercoaster ride, the world’s top men’s player was first detained by immigration authorities on Jan. 6, ordered released by a court on Jan. 10 and then detained on Saturday again pending Sunday’s court hearing… The player’s visa saga has dominated headlines around the world and fueled a debate over the rights of people who opt to remain unvaccinated…”

News.com.au wrote on January 16:

“Novak Djokovic left Australia late on Sunday night after the 20-time grand slam champion’s legal team failed to overturn Immigration Minister Alex Hawke’s decision to cancel his visa… The case was heard by a full bench of the Federal Court of Australia on Sunday afternoon which ruled unanimously to deport the Serbian star…

“‘This is not an appeal against the decision of the executive government,’ [Chief Justice James] Allsop told the court. ‘It is an application to the court as a separate arm of government being the Commonwealth judicial branch to review a decision by a member of executive, the minister, for the lawfulness or legality of the decision on the three grounds put forward. These grounds focus on whether decision was, for different reasons, irrational or legally unreasonable. It is no part or function of the court to decide upon the merit or wisdom of the decision.’”

Lack of wisdom was most certainly obvious.

“Serious Situation” for Democracy

LifeSiteNews wrote on January 17:

“British politician Nigel Farage, who supported Djokovic from the start of his legal issues with Australian authorities, published a video on his YouTube channel in reaction to the tennis star’s deportation, and described the situation as ‘serious..’ ‘There are lessons from history about authoritarian governments that behave in this way,’ he said. ‘My battle wasn’t just for a Serbian tennis player; it was about the direction that the free world is taking. Today, it feels much less free than it ought to.’…

“Djokovic has previously voiced his opposition to the COVID-19 vaccination and mandates, including travel mandates. He revealed his inclination not to take the jab back in April as part of a Facebook Live video with fellow Serbian athletes, saying, ‘Personally I am opposed to vaccination, and I wouldn’t want to be forced by someone to take a vaccine in order to be able to travel.’”

Farage’s analysis of the situation is absolutely correct. It seems there is not much freedom left in the “free” world.

A Political Decision?

The Guardian wrote on January 16:

“Serbia’s president has said… Djokovic had been ‘harassed … but not humiliated’ and the prime minister called his treatment ‘scandalous’ as the world tennis No 1’s home country reacted furiously to his deportation from Australia…. The Serbian president, Aleksandar Vučić, called the court ruling ‘a farce’….

“If it was ‘up to principle, they should have said unvaccinated players cannot enter – but they did not say that,’ Vučić said. ‘They gave him an exemption… ‘He said he was sure Djokovic ‘would have been treated differently if he hadn’t come from Serbia …’

“… the sports minister, Vanja Udovičić, described it as ‘nonsense and shame, absurdity and hypocrisy’. The Serbian tennis association said the ‘farce was over’ and expressed its ‘huge disappointment’, describing the decision to deport Djokovic, who has won nine Australian Open titles, as political. ‘Political pressure has led to the revocation of his visa to satisfy public interest,’ it said. ‘It begs the question whether athletes will from now on be incarcerated like criminals and deported when it suits the political interests of powerful individuals.’

“Boško Obradović, the leader of the far-right opposition party Dveri (the Doors), said Belgrade should introduce countermeasures and ‘chase the Australian ambassador’ out of the country.”

Austria’s Dictatorship Continues…

Politico wrote on January 16:

“Austria will make coronavirus vaccination mandatory from February, the government confirmed Sunday… Chancellor Karl Nehammer sought to reassure Austrians that ‘this is not about the battle of vaccinated versus unvaccinated’ but rather to underscore that ‘vaccination is the best guarantee for us to live together in freedom.’ The mandate… will apply to Austrian residents aged 18 and older, with exemptions for pregnant women and people who cannot receive the vaccine on medical grounds. An earlier draft wanted to make vaccination compulsory from age 14.

“The law takes effect on February 1 but police checks won’t be carried out until March 15. Unvaccinated people then face a penalty of around €600 and up to €3,600…  The government plans to set another deadline after March and send out reminders to the unvaccinated, who may then face another round of fines.

“In total, those not complying with the mandate can be fined up to four times a year. A fine will be dropped if the recipient gets vaccinated within two weeks of receiving the penalty notice. Austria’s parliament has still to vote Thursday on the vaccination mandate, but the law is expected to pass.”

Shocking how Austria’s past is repeating itself, including the misrepresenting propaganda.

 … so does Germany’s Dictatorship

Deutsche Welle wrote on January 16:

“The German government on Sunday added Austria to its list of high-risk travel destinations, meaning all nine of Germany’s neighbors now have the designation. Anyone crossing the borders who has not been vaccinated or recently infected must go into quarantine for 10 days. The isolation period can be shortened if they provide a negative test. The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Poland and Denmark were already on the list..

“Germany’s army, the Bundeswehr, is investigating 50 to 60 soldiers who have refused to be vaccinated against COVID-19, despite a vaccine mandate for all 180,000 soldiers… The refusal to get the vaccine has been classified as insubordination since the end of November. Soldiers who still refuse may face disciplinary action.”

Bild Online wrote on January 17:

“This comes as a surprise to many: people who contract Corona are only considered recovered [“genesen” and therefore immune] for THREE months since Saturday…

“So far, anyone who has been infected with Covid-19 is considered to have recovered [and is therefore immune] for six months. Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach (58, SPD) had even promised that this status could possibly apply beyond these six months. Now the RKI – an authority that reports to Lauterbach’s Ministry of Health – has changed the conditions for all those who fell ill with Corona a few weeks or months ago.

“And actually it’s even less: The status only applies from 28 days after the infection, i.e. before that, you are not considered to have recovered. The 28 days are then included in the 90 days. Affected people have therefore effectively recovered for only 62 days. This regulation has been in effect since Saturday (January 15). Without much announcement, without this change being passed on to the citizens by politicians, millions of recovered citizens now have to find out what this means for them.”

What incredible German bureaucratic unscientific nonsense! But most Germans seem to like it.

A Couple of Particularity Bad German Traits

The Local wrote on January 14:

“The lights go on and the shopkeeper comes to the door, unlocks it, and barks at us to put our masks on. ‘Impfnachweis!’ he shouts at the first person in the queue before, having inspected their proof of vaccination with the demeanour of an Afghanistan-hardened army medic, reluctantly letting him in – and then slamming the door in the face of the second person in the queue and locking it shut again…

“That was life in Germany in late 2021. And life in Germany in early 2022 is about to get even worse – as of this weekend actually, when ‘2G-plus’ will become the latest nationwide requirement for doing all sorts of things…

“It would be unfair to single Germany out here: at some point in this pandemic… A couple of particularly German traits, however, are making our current situation unbearable… [It] feels like a return to the worst days of post-war German gastronomy, when café owners would impose all sorts of rules on their long-suffering customers, the most notorious of which was ‘Draußen nur Kännchen!’ – a petty refusal to serve single cups of coffee on outdoor tables which became an ironic catchphrase.

“Maybe our national love of excessive compliance – affectionately referred to as Kadavergehorsam (literally ‘corpse obedience’) – wouldn’t grate as much if it weren’t for the violent resurgence of another clichéd German characteristic: bone-headed rudeness. It’s such a shame, because even within the short space of my lifetime, Germany had made strides here.

“Where it had once been common for police officers to growl ‘Ausweis her!’ to see your ID, and for train guards to bark orders at passengers, by the late 2010s, Germany had reached a relaxed, friendly public tone – direct at times, blunt even like in the Netherlands (or the north of England), but warm-hearted nevertheless. Now, a shouty ‘Halt! Hände desinfizieren!’ (disinfect your hands) or a curt ‘Maske!’ with a long E are the new refrains of a country once again strikingly ill-at-ease with itself. Other Germans are upset about this too, but we all just can’t seem to help ourselves whenever we are the ones exercising authority….”

Sadly, we cannot argue with this report.

France’s Dictatorship Continues

LifeSiteNews wrote on January 17:

“France’s Parliament has passed a controversial bill turning the so-called French ‘health pass’ into a full-blown vaccine passport. Unvaccinated citizens will no longer be able to present a negative COVID test in lieu of proof of vaccination to access certain premises… the final version of the bill was passed with a majority of 215 votes in favor and 58 votes against.

“The bill has sparked massive controversy in France, with thousands of people taking to the streets of Paris and other French cities on Saturday to oppose it. Tension between police and demonstrators led to scuffles in some places. Some French politicians have expressed outrage at the bill which has, ever since its introduction, exacerbated the segregation that already exists between vaccinated and unvaccinated people in France…

“Once the bill is implemented… French citizens will have to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to enter leisure venues as well as restaurants, bars, and regional public transports…”

This absolute insanity is mind-boggling.

American Dictatorship Supported by many Democrats on the Horizon

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on January 17:

“A shocking recent Rasmussen poll result highlights just how divided the US is after two years of covid lockdowns, restrictions, and propaganda. Nearly 50 percent of Democrats polled support fines or imprisonment for anyone questioning efficacy of covid shots on social media [including television, radio, or in online or digital publications.]

“This comes after several of the top ‘experts’ have themselves radically scaled back early promises of shot virus protection.”

Newsmax added on January 17:

“59% of Democrats told Rasmussen they like the idea of the government requiring unvaccinated Americans to stay at home ‘at all times’ unless there is an emergency…. Forty-five percent of Democrats liked the idea of limiting the spread of the virus ‘by having federal or state governments require that citizens temporarily live in designated facilities or locations if they refuse to get a COVID-19 vaccine.’…

“When broken down by party, the unvaccinated were 58% Republican and 15% Democrat…

“Many who have been resistant to getting vaccinated have said they fear the vaccines have not been tested thoroughly and may present a higher health risk than COVID-19. They cite what they say is conflicted advice from government health agencies, which have even drawn fire in recent days from Democrats all the way up to the Biden administration.

“Others cite religious concerns, saying fetal tissue was used in research. While no such tissue is contained in the two approved mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna), they do benefit from research into fetal tissue from two elective abortions in 1973 and 1985.”

LifeSiteNews added on January 17:

“47% ‘favor a government tracking program for those who won’t get’ one of the vaccines. Nearly a third of Democrats, 29%, would even support ‘temporarily removing parents’ custody of their children if parents refuse to take the COVID-19 vaccine,’ according to the results. Further, poll respondents tend to understate positions they fear would be perceived negatively by interviewers, so the true number of Democrat voters willing to employ such coercive measures against their fellow Americans may be even higher.

“On Saturday, the Salt Lake Tribune editorial board gave voice to those impulses by declaring that, if Utah was a ‘truly civilized place, [Gov. Spencer Cox’s] next move would be to find a way to mandate the kind of mass vaccination campaign we should have launched a year ago, going as far as to deploy the National Guard to ensure that people without proof of vaccination would not be allowed, well, anywhere.’”

These radical concepts by Democrats and others are shocking, alarming and extremely dangerous.

Democracy will not Protect Us

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on January 15:

“If the era of COVID Mania has showcased one thing about democracy, it’s that the system we were brought up to… defend is no guarantor of our rights whatsoever. Far from securing our liberties, pure or representational democratic systems — as the foundation of over 100 governments — has instead been used in this era as a cudgel to impose totalitarianism on the masses.

“With so many of the world’s ‘democracies’ transforming into some of the worst examples of full-blown COVID tyranny, our present time reminds us of the inherent weaknesses of majority rule systems… We are now two years into this global authoritarian ‘great reset,’ and much of it has been imposed upon us with the eager consent of the governed. Surveys show that the COVID police states in Australia and New Zealand have long had the majority support of the people. Left wing enclaves in the United States, such as New York City and San Francisco, have imposed discriminatory movement pass systems, and they have been cheered on by the locals. Democracy in action.

“In reality, almost all of this authoritarian nonsense is being ordered and enforced by democratically elected representatives and bureaucrats who they’ve empowered… when put to the test in the era of COVID Mania, democracy has catastrophically failed to secure anything for us but a completely unchecked ruling class… Meanwhile, the people in charge continue to elevate themselves to greater positions of authority and power…”

Britain Ends All Covid Restrictions

Newsmax reported on January 19:

“Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the end of COVID-19 measures [including Covid passports, mask mandates and work restrictions] introduced to curb the rapid spread of the Omicron variant in Britain as he looks to live with the virus after a peak in cases.

“… while cases soared to record highs, hospitalisations and deaths have not risen by the same extent…”

Covid in spite of full Vaccination

Newsmax wrote on January 17:

“U.S. Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday and is experiencing very minor symptoms while isolating and working remotely, a spokesman said on Monday…

“Milley is vaccinated and has received his booster, the spokesman added.”

So much for the false claim that the fully vaccinated could not get Covid.

Fourth Dose not Good Enough

Deutsche Welle reported on January 17:

“An Israeli study found that a fourth shot of the COVID-19 vaccine was able to boost antibodies to higher levels than the third shot, but researchers found that it is still not enough to prevent omicron-variant infections researchers at Israel’s Sheba Medical Center said on Monday.”

Meaning, we would “need” a fifth booster shot, and then a sixth one, and so on…

Recovery Stronger Protection than Vaccination

On January 19, statnews.com wrote the following:

“New data released Wednesday showed that both vaccination and prior infection offered strong protection against infection and hospitalization from Covid-19 during the Delta wave — and that case and hospitalization rates were actually lower among people who had recovered from Covid-19 than among those who had been vaccinated.

“The data, released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and health agencies in California and New York, are sure to inflame arguments from those who insist they don’t need to be vaccinated if they can show they’ve recovered from Covid-19.”

Demolition of Golden Dome

Israel 365 wrote on January 14:

“The Jerusalem Municipality has issued a demolition order for the ‘Golden Dome’ building in the Beit Safafa neighborhood of Jerusalem. ‘This is a huge construction, on a very large scale, built without a permit, without planning, while placing a finished fact on the ground, while violently and blatantly disregarding the rule of law,’ the demolition order said.

“Construction of the building was completed several months ago…

“The Al-Rahman Mosque in Beit Safafa, [one] of four mosques in the neighborhood, was built in 1948 but was recently refurbished and dramatically enlarged. Unlike the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount, the dome of the Al Rahman Mosque is painted with a reflective gold [colored] paint.

“Maor Tzemach, chairman of Lech Yerushalayim, and Matan Peleg, chairman of the Im Tirtzu (If You Will It) movement, who exposed the construction of the illegal dome, said: ‘We congratulate the Jerusalem Municipality and Mayor Moshe Leon on issuing the demolition order. The last thing Jerusalem needs is more radical actions through illegal construction. The dome is intended to be another source of violence and rioting and therefore rapid action by the municipality is needed here…’”

Even though it’s not the Dome of the Rock, this example shows that even a demolition of the Dome of Rock on the Temple Mount would not be inconceivable.

Eruption of Undersea Volcano near Tonga

The Associated Press wrote on January 15:

“An undersea volcano erupted in spectacular fashion near the Pacific nation of Tonga on Saturday, sending large tsunami waves crashing across the shore and people rushing to higher ground. A tsunami advisory was in effect for Hawaii, Alaska and the U.S. Pacific coast… Satellite images showed a huge eruption, a plume of ash, steam and gas rising like a mushroom above the blue Pacific waters… The explosion of the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai volcano was the latest in a series of spectacular eruptions…

“The volcano is located about 64 kilometers (40 miles) north of the capital, Nuku’alofa. Back in late 2014 and early 2015, a series of eruptions in the area created a small new island and disrupted international air travel to the Pacific archipelago for several days. There is not a significant difference between volcanoes underwater and on land, and underwater volcanoes become bigger as they erupt… With underwater volcanoes, however, the water can add to the explosivity of the eruption as it hits the lava…”

Israel365 News wrote on January 17:

“An underwater volcano near the Pacific Island of Tonga erupted for the third time in just four days. The eruption could threaten surveillance flights to monitor the damage caused to Tonga after Saturday’s major eruption and subsequent tsunami…

“Saturday’s eruption was likely the biggest recorded anywhere on the planet in more than 30 years… Satellite images  caught the explosion in real-time, which sent a massive plume of ash, gas, and steam about 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) into the atmosphere as tsunami waves rippled throughout the Pacific.”

Die Welt pointed out that if the eruption would have occurred on land, the results would have been “apocalyptic.” According to the Bible, we can expect more dramatic volcanic eruptions all over the world.

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.

Have you ever wondered what God thinks about taxes; when man’s tax system was instituted and why; whether we ought to pay taxes today; and whether there will be taxes in the Millennium?

To be clear, we need to distinguish between tithe contributions—money which belongs to God—and taxes—money which belongs to Caesar. As we explain in our booklet on tithing, titled, “Tithing-Today?” the first time tithing is mentioned specifically is when Abraham gave the tithe from everything to Melchizedek (Jesus Christ manifesting Himself as a human being). We can see from the context that tithing was in force already prior to this event, and that Abraham followed a practice with which he was familiar. Later, we find that Jacob spoke about giving a tithe to God.

In the New Testament, it is clarified that tithing is still in force and effect today. In the book of Hebrews, we read that the tithe, which was temporarily given to Levi, reverted back to Christ who had received the tithe long before Levi was born. God challenges us in the book of Malachi to pay Him His tithe, and He says that we defraud Him, if we do not do this; and Malachi wrote for us today and addresses the time just prior to Christ’s return.

The Bible speaks of three tithes. Today, the first one is for the preaching of the gospel and being given to the Church, the second one is kept by the individual for the purpose of paying for his expenses to be able to keep the annual Holy Days; and the third one is given to the Church by those who can afford it every third and sixth year out of a cycle of seven years for the purpose of helping the Levites, the fatherless and the widows, referring today, for example, to those Church members who are in need of assistance.

Apart from the tithe, God also demands occasional offerings (especially on annual Holy Days), according to the free will and decision of the donor, and there were times when God asked the Israelites to contribute to the building of the Tabernacle in the wilderness. Also, Exodus 30:11-16 obligated the Israelites to pay “ransom money” in addition to the tithe.

The Bible indicates that there will be tithing in the Millennium, given the fact that it was established as a godly system long before the covenant with Levi.

One could think that the third tithe will not be enforced in the Millennium as there will not be any poor people in need of financial support. But the third tithe was also for the Levites, as they had no possession in the land. That will be the case again in the Millennium (compare Deuteronomy 14:28-29; Numbers 18:20-21; and Ezekiel 44:28-30).

We should also note that Ezekiel 44:30 refers to the first tithe as well which will be given to the priests. The Pulpit Commentary states:

“A further portion of the priests’ emoluments is stated as the first of all the firstfruits of all things – or, of everything (Revised Version), as e.g. of corn, oil, must, and wool – and every oblation- or, heave offering – of all – or, of everything – with the first of the people’s dough; or, coarse meal; which again re-echoes the provisions of the Law, the first of the firstfruits being specified in Exodus 23:19; Exodus 34:26; Numbers 18:13; Deuteronomy 18:4; the oblation, in Numbers 15:19; Numbers 18:19 and the dough, or coarse meal, or groats, in Numbers 15:20, 21. Ezekiel’s supposed… silence as regards the firstlings of cattle… is imaginary. The first of all the firstfruits of everything cannot surely mean of everything except cattle….”

When addressing man’s tax system, the Bible does not say when the human tax system began, but it is clear that God did not institute it. In fact, God told the nation of Israel through the prophet Samuel that the human tax system was the consequence of sinful behavior by the people. They did not want to be ruled anymore by God, but demanded a human king. God made it very clear that the demand for a king was SINFUL. It constituted the rejection of God’s rule over them. This desire, to be ruled by man, rather than God, has always been a major problem in man’s conduct. Christ explained that His own people (the house of Judah, John 1:11) would kill Him because they did not want Him to rule over them (Luke 19:14).

Samuel explained that the king and the human system over which he (or any human leader) would rule would take the sons and daughters of the people, as well as the best of their fields, to use them for his (or the government’s) own purposes and personal gain; that he (or the government) would make many weapons and build a great army to fight against other nations; and that he (or the government) would institute a tax system, in addition to the godly enjoined duty to pay tithe and offerings to Him.

Christ and Paul would make it clear, later on, that we are to pay our taxes to Caesar (Luke 20:22-25; Matthew 17:24-27; Romans 13:6-7). This clarification had to be made in light of the evil origin of the tax system and the abuse and waste of the collected tax money by the government. Some say that since the tax money is terribly wasted and used many times for ungodly purposes, we should not pay it. But Christ made clear that we need to do it, thereby being submissive to the human powers, in order not to give unnecessary offense. We read that Mary and Joseph obeyed the governor’s command to travel to their home town to be taxed or registered there (Luke 2:1-5). We also read about an interesting episode in Matthew 17:24-27 where Christ made clear that He was not obligated to pay a tax to the temple belonging to His Father. But Jesus paid it anyway by using money found in a fish, to give no justification to others to accuse and reject Him. Of course, they would later lie about Him anyway, saying falsely that He had taught them not to pay taxes, compare Luke 23:1-2.

On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with taking advantage of tax relief. Got Questions wrote:

“We are free to take every legal tax deduction available. We do not have to pay the maximum amount of taxes possible. If the government allows you a tax break, you are free to take it. If there is a legal way you can shelter some of your money from being taxed, you are free to shelter it. Illegal and/or dishonest methods of evading taxes must be rejected.”

Even though we are told to pay our taxes, this does in no way justify or exonerate those who collect and use the taxes for ungodly purposes. In this regard, let us focus on what the Bible has to say about “publicans” or tax collectors who collected taxes for the government which would then use them for many unrighteous and godless purposes.

We read that the apostle Matthew who was also known as Levi was a tax collector. But when he was called by Jesus, he left all that he had, including his occupation, to follow Christ (Luke 5:27-28; cp. Matthew 19:27).

In Matthew 9:10-13, we find an interesting account regarding Christ’s treatment of tax collectors:

“Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, ‘Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ When Jesus heard that, He said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: “I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’”

The publicans, or collectors of taxes which the Jews paid the Romans, were infamous for their illegal exactions and malpractice. The publican was the pariah of Palestine, and no decent person would associate with him. The extortion practiced by this class made them hateful to the community, who in their current speech ranked them with “harlots.” There was a strong feeling among religious Jews against the lawfulness of paying taxes to a Gentile ruler. It is no wonder, therefore, that we find the native collectors (even of districts where the money raised went to Antipas’s treasury) classed with “harlots”, “sinners” and “heathen.”

But Christ came to call tax collectors and sinners to repentance. This included Matthew and Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector (Luke 19:1-10).

John the Baptist who conducted a baptism of repentance, warned the tax collectors not to engage in dishonest conduct, and he demanded repentance of them by refraining from collecting more than what was appointed to them (Luke 3:12-13).

Jesus did not whitewash the misconduct of tax collectors. He said that a brother who refuses to listen to the Church should be treated as a “heathen and a tax collector” (Matthew 18:17). At the same time, repentant and believing tax collectors and sinners or harlots will enter the Kingdom of God before or sooner than the unrepentant and unbelieving Pharisees (Matthew 21:31-32). In Luke 18:9-14, Christ compares the self-righteous Pharisee with the repentant tax collector and says that the tax collector was justified or forgiven, but not the unrepentant Pharisee. Christ did not reject tax collectors when they came to listen to Him (Mark 2:15; Luke  5:29; 15:1).

But He required change. Even if Mathew had been honest in his occupation, he did not continue as a tax collector for the Romans who used the taxes for many ungodly purposes, as it is true today for every country.

We are told to pay taxes but with that, our responsibility ceases. What is being done with the collected tax money is no longer our responsibility, but God will hold the government and those who work for it accountable for how the collected tax money is being spent. In fact, we will judge them, under Christ, when the time for their judgment has come.

It remains true, in any event, that the origin of the human tax system is evil, and that a country and a people are destroyed when heavy taxes are imposed (Proverbs 29:4, American Bible: “By justice a king gives stability to the land, but he who imposes heavy taxes ruins it.”).

The Pulpit Commentary writes about the passage in Proverbs 29:4:

“He that receiveth gifts overthroweth it… it may mean ‘the taker of bribes,’ the unrighteous ruler who sells justice… or it may signify ‘the imposer of taxes’…”

The Keil and Delitzsch Bible Commentary on the Old Testament comments on Proverbs 29:4 as follows:

“A king by righteousness bringeth the land to a good condition; But a man of taxes bringeth it down… A man on the throne, covetous of such gifts, brings the land to ruin by exacting contributions; on the contrary, a king helps the land to a good position, and an enduring prosperity, by the exercise of right, and that in appointing a well-proportioned and fit measure of taxation.”

Even though every nation has a man-made tax system today, it still must be stated that the higher the tax obligation is in a particular country, the less righteous that country [and the government] may be in God’s eyes. Rulers who demand the payment of oppressive taxes like to be called “benefactors,” but they exercise lordship over the people—being autocratic tyrants rather than servants of the people (Luke 22:26; cp. Matthew 20:25).

The Bible contains many examples when the kings or governments imposed high taxes on the people with disastrous consequences. For instance, we read in 1 Kings 12:1-19 about events that took place during the reign of Rehoboam, son of Solomon. To finance his massive building projects, Solomon had taxed the people heavily during his reign. Following his death, the ten northern tribes appealed for relief from the heavy tax burden, but Rehoboam listened to his young and inexperienced advisers and refused the request. Instead, he announced to them that he would even increase the tax burden. The Israelites rebelled against the king and when Rehoboam sent Adoram with the apparent goal to collect the taxes, he was stoned.

Amos 5:11 includes the following warning and condemnation from God:

“Therefore, because you tread down the poor And take grain taxes from him, Though you have built houses of hewn stone, Yet you shall not dwell in them; You have planted pleasant vineyards, But you shall not drink wine from them.” The Jamieson Fausset and Brown commentary states that this is a reference to “burdensome taxes levied in kind from the wheat of the needy.”

Another example of a king of Judah who did evil in the sight of God and who taxed the people heavily can be found in 2 Kings 23:31-37.

Taxing people heavily normally goes hand in hand with other evil conduct. Notice Micah 2:2; 3:1-3; 7:2-4. To do justly and love mercy (Micah 6:8) do not harmonize with the imposition of heavy taxes. And so, the people will “groan when a wicked man rules” (Proverbs 29:2); especially when no proper and sound counsel is being given to him (Proverbs 11:14) or accepted by him (Ecclesiastes 4:13), and when he is found out to be a liar (Proverbs 17:7) or a “child’ (Ecclesiastes 10:16), in that he is behaving in a childish or immature manner (cp. also Isaiah 3:4, 12) .

Because of sinful conduct, a nation has many princes or leaders (Proverbs 28:2), who are all in disagreement with each other; or, as this passage is being translated in the German Luther Bible, “because of the transgression of the land, its princes change often.” Taxing the people heavily to fill the coffers of the government and engage in wasteful and ungodly spending and even increase the government’s debt most certainly falls into the category of foolish and ungodly leadership which the Bible condemns.

How much different it will be in the Millennium! There is no indication that we will have any humanly devised taxes, and people will live in prosperity. Note Micah 4:4 which explains that “EVERYONE” shall sit under “HIS vine and under HIS fig tree.”

God has characterized our English-speaking “Israelite” nations and especially the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand as “ungodly nations” (Isaiah 10:6). The reasons are manifold, of course, but the heavy taxes imposed by the governments on their people is most certainly one important factor. Let us look, as an example, at the oppressive tax burden within the United States, with special emphasis on California, but the situation is not much different in the other “Israelite” countries as well.

We are informed that 70 cents of a dollar earned is paid out in tax to the IRS. In addition to the many kinds of federal taxes, there are numerous state and local taxes. The tax authorities collect individual income taxes, corporate income taxes, payroll taxes, and capital gains taxes; sales taxes (or use taxes), gross receipts taxes, value-added taxes, excise taxes; property taxes, tangible personal property taxes, estate and inheritance taxes. (Some US states may not have all of these taxes, but most of them do.)

You might have never heard about some of those taxes, and if you did, you might only be vaguely familiar with some of them. For example, excise taxes are “internal” taxes levied against specific goods made or used within the country. Historically, liquor and tobacco have been the targets of such taxes; in modern times excise taxes have been collected on the cost of long distance telephone calls. Use tax is the tax that you pay for importing goods into your home state. In situations where there is no sales tax, you pay use tax. Sales and use taxes are mutually exclusive. For example, California’s sales tax rates range from 7.35% to 10.25%. This base rate is the highest of any state.

In the U.S., short-term capital gains are taxed as ordinary income. That means you could pay up to 37% income tax, depending on your federal income tax bracket. Long-term capital gains are taxed at lower rates than ordinary income, and how much you owe depends on your annual taxable income. You’ll owe either 0%, 15% or 20% on gains from the sale of most assets or investments held for more than one year, depending on your annual taxable income. There is a flat 28% capital gains tax on gains related to art, antiques, jewelry, precious metals, stamp collections, coins, and other collectibles regardless of your income.

In addition, you pay state capital gains tax in California. California taxes all capital gains as regular income. It does not recognize the distinction between short-term and long-term capital gains. This means, your capital gains taxes could run up to 13.3%, depending on your overall income and the corresponding California tax bracket.

In some of the US states, you may also have to pay estate tax. California is part of the 38 states that don’t impose their own estate tax, nor is there inheritance tax in California. Then there are gift taxes. In 2021, you could give up to $15,000 to someone in a year, and in 2022, this increases to $16,000; otherwise, the IRS requires the filing of a federal gift tax return. Some US states impose additional state gift taxes, but California, for example, is not one of them. But California’s state government is getting its tax money in many other different ways. In fact, California is one of the highest taxed states regarding income tax.

This short overview should make it clear how totally different the ungodly man-made tax system is from God’s tithe and offering obligations. Today, due to man’s decision to be subject to Satan rather than to God, God’s people are called upon to pay both. Thankfully, man’s evil tax system will end soon and prosperity and wealth for everyone will flourish as a consequence, when Jesus Christ returns to this earth to crush to pieces all human governments and replace them with God’s righteous rule. This day cannot come fast enough.

Lead Writer:  Norbert Link

compiled by Dave Harris

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