On November 16, 2024, Eric Rank will present the sermonette, titled, “A Mind to Work,” and Dave Harris will present the sermon, titled, “Why Are There Preachers?”

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.

We are now a few weeks past the Feast of Tabernacles. We have settled back into our routines, and we are once again dealing with the things that make up our individual lives. 

Usually, after a Feast, I personally feel a very strong desire to once again be a Christian. The fire is burning within me and the excitement for what we believe is strongly in my mind and it is revived with me. Then, as the weeks start to blend together, the daily life becomes mundane. It is a challenge to maintain the amount of zeal and excitement that was felt at the Feast of Tabernacles. 

I don’t think that I am alone in feeling this way!

How do we maintain the feelings that we had at the Feast? 

We are told many times that while it is a proclivity for people to feel this way – to get sad, frustrated, angry or mad – we must realize that we don’t have to feel this way. In fact, we are told we are to be just the opposite. 

We are reminded that we are to be zealous, on fire, stirring up the Spirit of God within us and enduring (Romans 12:11; Hebrews 10:36; 1 Corinthians 14:12; 2 Timothy 1:6-7). This doesn’t leave a lot of room for becoming lazy or disinterested.

I have been thinking deeply about how to sustain that same level of enthusiasm that I felt at the Feast. One of the things that has been coming to mind over and over is a deep need to spend time in Bible study. We often emphasize that it is important to study, but I truly wonder how much time we each spend reading and studying the Bible on a regular basis. 

We find in Hebrews 4:12 (in the New International Version) a very decisive reason as to WHY we should be studying: “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” 

We can understand our thoughts, our emotions, our zeal, our fire and passion for the Truth when we are studying the Word of God. Without this studying, our religion may become empty. 

Turning to 2 Timothy 2:15 and quoting from the Authorized Version, we find another example: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Again, this shows us that in studying the Word of God — ingraining it into our thoughts — it will become a part of who we are. It will sustain and help us to maintain the type of attitudes and mindsets that we need in dealing with the situations that come up in our lives.

When we fail to or refuse to spend time studying the Word of God — because we are too lazy, or too busy, or too tired, or not feeling like it – we may, to an extent, deny the power of God and show our human pride.

The antithesis of this is found in the letter of James.

Again, using the Authorized Version, James 1:21 states: “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”

Let us notice that it is with meekness – that attribute that we need to make it into the Kingdom of God (Matthew 5:5) – that we need to be spending time studying. WHY? To enable us to use the Word in our lives. In Romans, chapter 11, the Apostle Paul shows how and why we are grafted into the Family of God. But he also reminds us, as Christ also did (John 15:2) that just because we are grafted into the God Family doesn’t mean that we cannot lose out on bearing fruits. We should understand that reading the Bible and studying it is an integral part of our Christianity; it is not merely a nice idea or a “maybe I’ll get to that later.” NO! It is a need. It is one of the lifelines to God. 

When we study, we are showing God that we care about His words. And as we read previously – these words are “ALIVE and ACTIVE”.  In Isaiah 55:11, in the New International Version, we read that God continues to lead us through His omnipotent Word: “… so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

That is the God we worship. That is the God with whom we are to have a relationship! This is the remembrance we need to bring forth into our lives so that we not only make time to study, but that we come to desire that study time — to desire to be in the presence of God and to really understand His power and what it can accomplish in our lives. 

We each have an opportunity and a responsibility in our calling. The way in which we live our study life will have a direct impact on our individual lives, the lives of our families, and the lives of our fellow Christians as we each seek to understand how to grow. To accomplish this, we must be studying and then applying the Word of God diligently. 

If you may not know what to study, our Q&As in our weekly Updates would be of great help.

Ephesians 3:14-21 nicely wraps this all together and summarizes it for us in this way: “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

by Norbert Link

We begin with scandalous antisemitic events in The Netherlands and across Europe. Please view in this regard our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Why Riots Against Jews in Amsterdam?”

We continue with Iran’s plan to assassinate Trump, as well as other developments pertaining to the newly elected President.

Please view in this regard our recent StandingWatch program, titled, “Trump Won… Now What’s Next?” 

We address the situation in Germany and we publish articles asking the question whether voting is irrelevant and meaningless, and whether anything of substance will change in America.

We speak on abominable plans, during the Corona paranoia, to create worldwide quarantine or concentration camps; point out that the UK and the EU are not ready for war; and address the ridiculous situation in Germany in regard to their utterly incompetent government.

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

86 Years After Reichskristallnacht

Israel 365 News wrote on November 8:

“Ten Israelis were hospitalized and three are missing after violence broke out after a soccer match between AFC Ajax and  Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday. Israel fans reported being attacked by Arabic-speaking gangs after the game. Some reported being ambushed outside the stadium and at their hotels by violent mobs. Israelis reported being harassed and hunted by the rioters for hours with little effective intervention by local police. Footage on social media showed attackers chasing Israelis, beating them and at times kicking them while on the ground. Eye witnesses said the attacks included car-ramming, stabbing and beatings in several locations around the city including attempts to break into hotels where Israeli fans were staying.

“Local Muslims and Arabs reportedly carried out the attacks. Many of the attackers were masked and some carried Palestinian flags. An estimated 140,000 Muslims reside in the capital where they form around 17 percent of the population. Half of these Muslims are predominantly Arabic and Berber-speaking communities from the Maghreb region, Egypt and the Middle East. Turks make up 25 percent of the Muslim population in Amsterdam…

“The Israeli government said it held Dutch authorities responsible for the safety of its citizens. The Israeli government sent two IDF cargo planes to conduct a rescue mission in coordination with the Dutch government….

“Dutch leader Geert Wilders, whose party is a member of the Netherlands’ government, strongly denounced the attacks, also describing them as a ‘pogrom.’

“Deborah Lipstadt, the US envoy to counter antisemitism, issued a statement denouncing the attacks… ‘In terrible historical irony, this is happening two days before the grim anniversary of Reichspogromnacht in 1938, when Nazi-sanctioned and led pogroms against Jews erupted across the German Reich.’… The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) has called the vicious attacks against Israeli football fans in the streets of Amsterdam last night a new Kristallnacht…”

Wilders was quoted as saying: “Looks like a Jew hunt in the streets of Amsterdam. Arrest and deport the multicultural scum that attacked Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters in our streets. Ashamed that this can happen in The Netherlands. Totally unacceptable. We have become the Gaza of Europe. Muslims with Palestinian flags hunting down Jews. I will NOT accept that. NEVER. The authorities will be held accountable for their failure to protect the Israeli citizens. Never again.”

The city of Amsterdam is home to the Anne Frank House, where Anne Frank and her family hid before being rooted out and murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust.

Jews Provoked Muslims?

NBC News wrote on November 12:

“Early Thursday, [a video] showed a crowd cheering as a man standing on a building’s awning ripped down a Palestinian flag… Video shared on social media… showed Maccabi fans chanting anti-Arab slogans in front of the square’s National Monument…. Within an hour of the match’s ending, security was falling apart.”

That is when the riots against the Jews began.

Riot Planned Well in Advance

The Jerusalem Post wrote on November 10:

“Violent attacks against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans following a soccer match in Amsterdam… were likely to have been a result of a pre-planned attack against Jews organized in a Telegram group, Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported on Friday. An alleged ‘Jew hunt’ was announced well in advance… prompting rioters to travel from far outside Amsterdam to attack [soccer] fans and Jewish people, De Telegraaf reported. Already on Wednesday nights, Amsterdam’s city center had been the site of similar incidents, the Dutch paper noted… Several taxi drivers were also reported to be involved in the attack on Israelis, as they arrived in central Amsterdam to target groups of Israelis, De Telegraaf stated.”

Anti-Israel Propaganda

The Telegraph added on November 8:

“I think the violence in Amsterdam is grim confirmation that a continent on which it becomes fashionable to view the Jewish nation as the most evil nation is a continent on which it will become acceptable to attack Jews… It has crossed the line, time and again, from criticism of Israel into frothing bigotry against Israelis. From peacenik opposition to Israel’s war on Hamas to an ugly, wild-eyed view of Israel as a uniquely barbarous nation, more wicked and deceitful than all the others. Serious commentators have described Israel as a nation in the grip of ‘genocidal mania’.

“Posters of the Israelis kidnapped on 7 October have been clawed down in virtually every city, because apparently even the innocent citizens of Israel are suspect, ‘problematic’, undeserving of our sympathy. Israeli culture and wares are feverishly boycotted by the pseudo-virtuous of our chattering classes. They meticulously forcefield their entire lives from the output of this most unholy nation like medieval mystics praying to keep the devil at bay. The impression given by this army of ‘pro-Palestine’ influencers is that Israel is a fallen nation. And its people are under the spell of ‘savagery.’ And everything it produces is morally compromised, if not morally poisonous, and thus you must boycott, avoid, destroy.

“That some in Europe have taken this polite-society bigotry one step further and physically attacked the citizens of this supposedly diseased nation is shocking, but not surprising. Israel-hate is a la mode in intellectual circles across Europe. That mob in Amsterdam was its armed wing.”

Are we going to see a repeat of the terrible atrocities against Jews and other minorities perpetrated by the Nazis in WW2?  Only that this is now not only a German phenomenon, but a European-wide development?

Radical Anti-Semitism in Amsterdam

Focus wrote on November 8:

“Last night, the Dutch capital Amsterdam became the scene of a frightening attack that should wake up not only Jews but all of Europe…

“The perpetrators filmed their acts of violence and proudly shared the videos on social media – a propaganda tactic also used by terrorist groups such as Hamas to spread fear and reinforce their message of hatred against Jews. This targeted intimidation through violence shows how extremist ideologies are taking root in Europe’s societies and spreading their message across borders. It is an infiltration of our communities that not only threatens Jewish life, but undermines the foundations of our European society… The tolerance of intolerance that has increasingly taken hold in parts of Europe is now coming at a price. Islamist networks and extremist ideologies have managed to establish themselves in our cities and they use every opportunity to spread their anti-democratic and anti-Semitic messages…”

“Europe’s New Shame: Jews Are Only Safe in Hungary”

Report 24 wrote on November 9:

“The fact that Viktor Orbán’s Hungary … has become a safe haven for Jewish athletes and fans is a slap in the face for all those self-proclaimed moralizers who have preached for years with a raised finger in the direction of Budapest. The irony couldn’t be more biting…

“The Dutch capitulation is particularly telling… In Brussels, where people usually never miss an opportunity to teach other countries lessons on human rights, there is suddenly a stunned silence.

“Jews in Europe have to hide again… 70 percent of Belgian Jews are hiding their identity. The situation is similar in many other European countries. Imagine if these statistics affected a different minority – the media outcry would be deafening. But here? Shrugging shoulders, at best…

“The events in Amsterdam mark a new low point. A city that prides itself on its liberal tradition becomes the scene of a hunt for Jews. The perpetrators? Mostly those who have benefited from a decades-long policy of limitless tolerance. The victims? Of all people, they are members of the minority that Europe took up the cause of protecting after the Holocaust.

“Anyone who still talks about ‘individual cases’… is complicit… These are the same circles that shout ‘Never again!’ at every opportunity, and that have made the mass import of anti-Semitism possible through their policy of open borders. They are partly to blame for the current situation, even if they would never admit it.”

Anti-Semitism has never died out in Europe, and it will only become more atrocious in the years ahead.

Second Riot in Amsterdam

The Times of Israel wrote on November 11:

“Police in Amsterdam have arrested several suspects after dozens of rioters clashed with officers and set a tram car on fire. Footage from the scene caught at least one of the participants shouting, ‘Cancer Jews,’ indicating that the violence was an extension of attacks perpetrated by Muslim and Arab rioters against Israeli soccer fans over the weekend… Footage on local TV station AT5 showed many people on the square throwing fireworks, poles and wooden pallets.

“Police urged people to stay away from the square and said riot squads would remain present to restore peace. Police… noted the tense atmosphere since five people were treated in the hospital and dozens detained Thursday following a Maccabi Tel Aviv-Ajax match. Youths on scooters and on foot went in search of Israeli fans, punching and kicking them and then fleeing to evade police, according to Amsterdam’s mayor.”

Fear Is Spreading in Europe

ntv wrote on November 13:

“A week after the attacks on Israeli fans in Amsterdam, security circles are talking before the France-Israel game about the most sensitive match of the year. The authorities are on increased alert. Israel’s National Security Council is issuing a travel warning… Around [6,000] police officers are supposed to ensure the smooth running of the game in Paris on Thursday (8:45 p.m.)…”

As was to be expected, anti-Jewish atrocities were committed in France as well.

Iran Planned to Assassinate Trump

The New York Post wrote on November 8:

“The Iranian government instructed one of its agents to stalk and assassinate former President Donald Trump this past September, according to a bombshell indictment unsealed by Manhattan federal prosecutors Friday. According to the indictment, which charges Iranian Farhad Shakeri and two New Yorkers with murder for hire and conspiracy, an unnamed official in Iran’s notorious Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) instructed Shakeri to ‘focus on surveilling, and, ultimately, assassinating, former President of the United States, Donald J. Trump’ in the final weeks of the 2024 campaign.

“Prosecutors say that when Shakeri noted that the plot would ‘cost a ‘huge’ amount of money,’ the IRGC official said that ‘we have already spent a lot of money … [s]o the money’s not an issue.’ In a phone conversation with an undercover FBI agent, Shakeri said he was instructed by the IRGC on Oct. 7 this year to have a plan in place to kill Trump ‘within seven days.’ Shakeri also inadvertently told the FBI that he had been instructed by Iran to plot a mass shooting targeting Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka — which prompted the US and Israeli governments to issue a travel warning for the island nation on Oct. 23… Shakeri is believed to be in Iran and out of the reach of American justice.”

The two New Yorkers have been retained. Iran has denied the report.

Despicable Conduct by FEMA

The Daily Mail wrote on November 8:

“An official with the Federal Emergency Management Agency ordered relief workers helping those devastated by Hurricane Milton in Florida to bypass homes with Trump signs… employees… skipped over at least 20 houses with signage indicating their support for the President elect due to the guidance passed down by Washington…

“Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has since said he has ordered an investigation into the messages made…  ‘At my direction, the Division of Emergency Management is launching an investigation into the federal government’s targeted discrimination of Floridians who support Donald Trump…’

“In October footage resurfaced from a virtual meeting in March of 2023 in which FEMA Emergency Management Specialist Tyler Atkins said the agency was prioritizing LGBTQ people because they are ‘already disadvantaged’… In the past two years, FEMA has reportedly handed out over $1 billion of taxpayer dollars to fund the housing of illegal immigrants. This figure sparked outrage in the wake of Hurricane Helene, with residents in flood-hit North Carolina claiming the response from FEMA has left them disappointed and relying on volunteers. While victims say they have been left scrambling for survival, some critics resurfaced Atkins’ March 2023 remarks as they slammed FEMA’s priorities…”

All of this is SO wrong and SO corrupt! In the meantime, the official was fired.

Boris for Trump

On November 8, Boris Johnson wrote in the Daily Mail:

“… This overwhelming result is, first, a victory for the democratic system. This is no fascist, or dictator in the making. This is a 78-year-old man who had the sheer guts and resilience to get out there, day in, day out, and plug for the votes of the people until he was sometimes exhausted. His Left-wing establishment opponents threw everything at him, including umpteen mainly spurious legal cases, in a shameful and counter-productive attempt to keep him off the ballot. He survived two assassination attempts, one of them very serious.

“He competed for every vote in the country, in what was believed – right up until the votes started to come in from Pennsylvania – to be a total toss-up of an election. He won those 72million votes by prodigious energy and effort, and he won them fair and square. And what has happened since?… the US stock market is surging – of course it is. Investors can see that by deregulation, by cutting waste and taxes, Trump is offering economic hope… Trump has the energy and the decisiveness to find solutions. Take climate change… we can listen to Elon Musk, who is now a key part of the Trump administration, and whose electric vehicles have done more to cut transport emissions that a million speeches by Greta Thunberg.

“… Things have got more dangerous since Trump was last in the White House. We have destabilising wars in Europe and the Middle East, in which far too many are losing their lives. The response of the West has been feeble. Israel faces an existential threat both from Hamas and from Hezbollah, and yet the UK Government – bizarrely – has torn up our historic alliance and support, and placed an arms embargo on Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East. The Biden administration has been a bit better, but hardly full-throated in its support for Israel.

“Remember that Trump secured the Abraham Accords, which offered the immense prize of reconciliation between Israel and its Arab neighbours…

“Things were more stable, and more peaceful, under Trump – because he was willing to be strong… I say, don’t listen to what he says, or the parodies of what he says. Look at what he does. That is why I am confident that, ultimately, he cannot and will not betray the long-suffering and blameless people of Ukraine. The truth is that for the last two years we in the West have been pursuing a policy that is both inadequate and cruel. We have been doing enough to stop Ukraine from losing the war, and from being overwhelmed by Putin. But… we refuse to do what it takes to help the Ukrainians actually win and bring this thing to a close…”

The description of the policy of the West pertaining to Ukraine has been shared by many other observers as well.

Netanyahu for Trump

Israel Today wrote on November 6:

“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday morning congratulated Donald Trump after Fox News declared the Republican the victor in the 2024 US presidential election. ‘Dear Donald and Melania Trump, Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback!’ the premier tweeted.

“‘Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory! In true friendship, yours, Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu,’ he continued. The post was accompanied by a recent picture of Netanyahu and his wife with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate and resort in Palm Beach, Florida.”

Since then, Trump and Netanyahu have communicated several times, especially in regard to Iran. We have suggested in the past that a possible triumvirate of Trump, Netanyahu and Johnson might work together in the light of biblical prophecy.

At the EPC Summit: The EU vs. Trump

The Independent wrote on November 8:

“Sir Keir Starmer and fellow European leaders have urged Donald Trump to stand up to the ‘bully’ Vladimir Putin as they digest the potential consequences of the historic Republican election victory in the US. Volodymyr Zelensky made a desperate appeal at the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Budapest for leaders to continue their support for Ukraine in its war with Russia amid fears that Mr Trump will try to force a deal involving concessions.

“It came as … Starmer faces increasing pressure to prioritise a new post-Brexit defence pact with the EU, with concerns growing that Mr Trump may also dilute support for Nato and focus US military objectives elsewhere…

“Emmanuel Macron, who has long pushed Europe to build up cooperation on defence, said… ‘We need to be able to defend ourselves… We cannot delegate our security to the Americans forever… The question is whether we are ready to stand up for the interests of Europeans.’”

Hungary Today wrote on November 8:

“At Thursday’s European Political Community (EPC) Summit in Budapest, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said at a press conference following the meeting that there was agreement on the need for peace in Europe as soon as possible, as well as on the necessity to react to the outcome of the U.S. presidential elections… ‘The war that Russia has launched against Ukraine is now in its third year, the Middle East is in flames and threatens to escalate, North Africa is in destabilizing conflict, illegal migration is a persistent challenge and is approaching its previous peak, and the global economy is experiencing a degree of blockage and fragmentation not seen since the Cold War,’ he stressed…

“The Prime Minister said his personal assessment of the situation was that they all felt there was no time to waste. In his assessment, ‘history has clearly accelerated’…  and the world will change ‘faster than we think.’… The Hungarian Prime Minister added that ‘we cannot expect’ the Americans ‘to be the only ones to protect us.’..

“On the issue of peace, he said, he was not qualified to take a position on an issue on which there was not complete agreement, adding that there were differences of opinion on the continuation of the war or a rapid ceasefire and peace negotiations. He said that the essence of war was victory or defeat, but that Europeans had gone into the war without clarifying what victory was. ‘If there is no definition of victory, how do you know how long you have to fight?’ he asked. ‘We never clarified: should we take back Crimea? Is Sevastopol a NATO flag? Moscow? What is victory?’ he asked, adding that since the aim was not defined, the war was difficult to stop.”

Trump Could Withdraw US From NATO Without Congress

Newsmax wrote on November 8:

“President-elect Donald Trump could pull the United States out of NATO without the authority of Congress despite legislation passed to prevent him from doing so, Politico reports. Sens. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Marco Rubio, R-Fla., sponsored a bill that would require congressional approval for the president to withdraw the U.S. from NATO, a measure that was included in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. However, legal experts told Politico that Trump could use presidential authority over foreign policy to ignore that requirement.

“Curtis Bradley, the University of Chicago Law School’s Allen M. Singer distinguished service professor, told Politico that if Trump were to declare the U.S. no longer a part of NATO, it’s unclear if Congress has the legal standing to file a lawsuit. ‘For the issue to be litigated, there would need to be someone with standing to sue,’ Bradley said. ‘The only party I can think of who might have standing would be Congress itself, but it is not clear that the Republicans in Congress (who will at least control the Senate) would support such a suit.’

“The Brookings Institution’s Scott Anderson, senior editor of Lawfare, told the news outlet that the law on the issue is ‘not airtight,’ adding, ‘This is not open and shut…’”

Trump Speaks with Zelensky

Axios wrote on November 8:

“Donald Trump’s phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday included two surprises: Elon Musk was also on the line, and Zelensky was somewhat reassured by what he heard from the president-elect…

“After Zelensky congratulated Trump, the president-elect said he will support Ukraine, but didn’t go into details… Musk also weighed in during the call to say he will continue supporting Ukraine through his Starlink satellites… Starlink has been crucial to Ukraine’s war effort…

“Much went unsaid, and much remains unknown…  Trump told Zelensky he would not abandon Ukraine, but wants to give diplomacy a chance…

“Musk also joined Trump’s call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan…”

Bild Online added on November 8:

“The Wall Street Journal reports that one of the ideas in the Trump environment is that Ukraine should promise not to join NATO for at least 20 years. In return, the USA would continue to supply the country with weapons. The plan also includes a demilitarized zone along the front… It is still unclear who would be stationed there for surveillance – but US troops would not be available for this. A member of the Trump team stated that it would have to be European troops.

‘It is still completely unclear what plans Trump will ultimately pursue. On Thursday, the US President-elect also appeared open to a conversation with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin (72), who made similar comments…”

Trump Has Won ALL Swing States

Deutsche Welle wrote on November 10:

“Trump won Arizona on Saturday, according to the Associated Press, completing a clean sweep of all seven swing states.  The Republican, who had secured the 270 Electoral College votes needed to win the White House by early on Wednesday, now has what is expected to be a final total of 312 votes to Vice President Kamala Harris’ 226.

“In addition to Arizona, Trump also won the swing states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Nevada. Republicans have also regained control of the US Senate and look close to clinching control of the US House of Representatives.”

Trump Picks Miller!

Daily Mail wrote on November 11:

“[Trump is] tapping mass deportations architect Stephen Miller for a top White House post… The known ‘border hawk’ and longtime Trump aide [has been] touted as Trump’s chief immigration policy architect… Miller will serve as Trump’s deputy chief of staff for policy, a huge position that will shape the administration’s future.”

Deutsche Welle added on November 11:

“Miller… has been key to many of Trump’s previous policy decisions, including a 2018 move that separated thousands of immigrant families as a deterrence program.”

NPR added on November 11:

“Miller is likely to be one of the most controversial picks in a new Trump administration. But because the deputy job is not a cabinet position, he will not need to seek confirmation by the Senate.”

The appointment of far-right and anti-immigration Stephen Miller,  is bad news. Miller is known as radical. He has been advocating for the deportation of DACA and against chain migration, even though he is Jewish and, as his uncle put it,  he is “well aware of his heritage, [but] has become the architect of immigration policies that repudiate the very foundation of our family’s life in this country.” He also wants to do away with the birthright to be an American citizen when born in this country., and he wants to make it harder for legal immigrants to become American citizens. As mentioned above, he advocated the separation of children from their parents who entered the USA illegally. He is clearly way over the top of any decent and reasonable immigration policy.

In other news, Trump is going to nominated Marco Rubio as Secretary of State; highly controversial Matt Gaetz as Attorney General (replacing Merrick Garland)—“a move that stunned some lawmakers in his own party and repulsed others” (The New York Post, dated November 13), and Mike Huckabee to be U.S. Ambassador to Israel. He also nominated former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe as his CIA director, and Fox News host, Pete Hegseth, as Secretary of Defense. All these nominations must be approved by the Senate. A simple majority of senators present at the time of the vote is necessary to approve the nominee. Trump also appointed Elon Musk (the richest person on earth) and Vivek Ramaswamy to head the newly created Department of Government Efficiency with the goal of dismantling government bureaucracy and “cutting wasteful expenditures.” 

Kennedy to Become Health Secretary

 Axios wrote on November 14:

“President-elect Trump has asked  Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serve as secretary of health and human services, Trump confirmed on Thursday…  Trump’s pick would put one of the nation’s foremost vaccine skeptics in charge of America’s health care agencies… 

“Trump posted on Truth Social that HHS under Kennedy would ‘play a big role in helping ensure that everybody will be protected from harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives that have contributed to the overwhelming Health Crisis in this Country.’ The position requires Senate confirmation.”

Trump Speaks to Putin

The Guardian wrote on November 10:

“Donald Trump spoke on the phone with Vladimir Putin on Thursday and discussed the war in Ukraine, the Washington Post reported on Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter. The US president-elect advised the Russian president not to escalate the war in Ukraine and reminded him of ‘Washington’s sizeable military presence in Europe”’ the Post reported.

“It added that Trump expressed interest in follow-up conversations on ‘the resolution of Ukraine’s war soon’…. On Friday, the Kremlin said Putin was ready to discuss Ukraine with Trump but that it did not mean that he was willing to alter Moscow’s demands.”

Trump and the Third Temple

Israel 365 News wrote on November 11:

“Rabbi Yosef Berger revealed some amazing aspects of Donald Trump’s victory in the recent US Presidential election, most notably his potential role in building the Third Temple… ‘Trump’s election is a necessary element of the geula (redemption) and a sign that the moshiach (messiah) is imminent,’ Rabbi Berger said… ‘it indicates that he will play a role in preparing the way for the arrival of the Messiah…’

“This connection was so evident in Trump’s connection with Jerusalem that in 2018, the Sanhedrin minted a coin with a profile of Trump superimposed on the image of Persian King Cyrus, who facilitated the building of the Second Temple in Jerusalem that ended the Babylonian Exile in 538 BCE…

“The Persian king is the only non-Jewish leader to be referred to in the Bible as Moshiach, literally ‘His anointed one’… ‘Like Cyrus, God put Donald Trump in power in order to build the Temple and pave the way for moshiach,’ Rabbi Berger said. ‘Like Moses, Trump began as part of the common people, was revealed in his first success entering the White House, but was then hidden… Like Moses, now that Trump has been revealed for the second time, he will fulfill his ultimate function,’ Rabbi Berger said…”

The Miracle of the Third Temple

Middle East Eye wrote on November 14:

“Donald Trump’s choice as the next United States defence secretary [Pete Hegseth] has called for the building of a third Jewish temple on the site of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem… Speaking at an event in Jerusalem in 2018 he said there was ‘no reason why the miracle of re-establishing the temple on the Temple Mount isn’t possible’, using the Israeli name for the raised plateau in occupied East Jerusalem where Al-Aqsa Mosque stands. ‘I don’t how it would happen, you don’t know how it would happen, but I know that it could happen…’

“Far-right Jewish activists want to build a third Jewish temple on the site where Al-Aqsa Mosques structures and courtyards stand today. Some, including Christian Evangelicals, believe this will herald the arrival of the messiah and possibly even the end of the world.”

JNS added on November 14:

“In newly-surfaced remarks from a 2018 conference, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of defense Pete Hegseth said there was ‘no reason’ a third temple could not be established on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem… He rejected the ‘two-state solution’ to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, saying, ‘If you walk the ground today, you understand that there is no such thing as the outcome of a two-state solution. There is one state.’”

The USA Could Withdraw NATO Support

Life Site wrote on November 11:

“JD Vance, the Republican Vice President-Elect, has made a bold suggestion that the United States might reconsider its support for NATO if the European Union attempts to regulate U.S. social media platforms…. Vance highlighted the stark contrast between European and American values, particularly on the issue of free speech…

“The Vice President-Elect argues that America’s participation in NATO should be contingent on the alliance’s respect for free speech, a core American value. ‘So what America should be saying is, if NATO wants us to continue supporting them and NATO wants us to continue to be a good participant in this military alliance, why don’t you respect American values and respect free speech?’ Vance questioned. He criticized the notion of supporting a military alliance that does not uphold free speech as ‘insane,’ insisting that American support comes with prerequisites, such as respecting free speech, particularly among European allies.”

Republicans Take the House

Breitbart wrote on November 11:

“Republicans are projected to take control of the House of Representatives, giving the party a trifecta as Republicans also took control of the Senate and the presidency.

“Decision Desk HQ projected that the Republicans had won enough seats for them to take control of the House. Republicans were projected to have secured a 218-209 majority.”

What IF Voting Is Useless?

Judge Andrew P. Napolitano wrote the following on November 7 in the Ron Paul Institute:

“What if no matter how you voted, the elites always got their way?…

“What if democracy as it has come to exist in America today is dangerous to personal freedom?… What if American democracy allows the government to do anything it wants, as long as more people vote for government than vote to reject it?…

“…What if governments were originally established to protect people’s freedoms but always turn into political and imperialist enterprises that seek to expand their power, increase their territory and heighten their control of the population? What if the idea that we need a government to take care of us is a fiction perpetrated to increase the size of government?…

“What if Congress always votes to expand the size of government, increase the government’s debt, keep the government’s secrets and dispatch the military to kill innocents abroad, no matter which party controls it? What if Congress keeps secrets from the people who elected it?…

“What if the deep state — the law enforcement/surveillance/military/arms and drug manufacturers/banking and regulatory structures — remains in place no matter who is in the White House or which political party controls Congress?

“What if the problem with democracy is that the majority thinks it can right any wrong, write any law, tax any event, regulate any behavior, intrude upon any process and acquire any asset it wants? What if the greatest tyrant in history lives among us? What if that tyrant always gets its way, no matter what the laws are or what the Constitution says? What if that tyrant is the majority of voters? What if the majority in a democracy recognizes no limits on its power?

“What if the government misinforms voters so they will justify anything the government wants to do?…

“What if the system is crafted so government power can only grow — and never shrink? What if Congress remains the same no matter who wins elections? What if we have only one political party — the Big Government Party — and it has a Democratic wing and a Republican wing? What if both wings want war and taxes and welfare and debt and perpetual government growth, but offer only slightly different menus on how to achieve them? What if the Big Government Party enacted laws to make it impossible for meaningful political competition to thrive?…”

Yes, what if…?

Will Something Change in America?

John Whitehead wrote the following in the Rutherford Institute wrote on November 4:

“After months of handwringing and mud-slinging and fear-mongering, the votes have finally been cast and the outcome has been decided: the Deep State has won. Despite the billions spent to create the illusion of choice culminating in the reassurance ritual of voting for Donald Trump or Kamala Harris, when it comes to most of the big issues that keep us in bondage to authoritarian overlords, not much will change. Despite all of the work that has been done to persuade us to buy into the fantasy that things will change if we just elect the ‘right’ political savior, the day after a new president is sworn in, it will be business as usual for the unelected bureaucracy that actually runs the government.

“War will continue. Drone killings will continue. Surveillance will continue. Censorship of anyone who criticizes the government will continue. The government’s efforts to label dissidents as extremists and terrorists will continue. Police shootings will continue. SWAT team raids will continue. Highway robbery meted out by government officials will continue. Corrupt government will continue. Profit-driven prisons will continue. And the militarization of the police will continue. These problems have persisted—and in many cases flourished—under both Republican and Democratic administrations in recent years. The outcome of this year’s election changes none of that…

“The undermining of the Constitution will continue unabated. America’s so-called war on terror, which it has relentlessly pursued since 9/11, has chipped away at our freedoms, unraveled our Constitution and transformed our nation into a battlefield, thanks in large part to such subversive legislation as the USA Patriot Act and National Defense Authorization Act. These laws—which completely circumvent the rule of law and the constitutional rights of American citizens, re-orienting our legal landscape in such a way as to ensure that martial law, rather than the rule of law, our U.S. Constitution, becomes the map by which we navigate life in the United States—will continue to be enforced.

“The government’s war on the American people will continue unabated.  ‘We the people’ are no longer shielded by the rule of law. While the First Amendment—which gives us a voice—is being muzzled, the Fourth Amendment—which protects us from being bullied, badgered, beaten, broken and spied on by government agents—is being disemboweled. Consequently, you no longer have to be poor, black or guilty to be treated like a criminal in America. All that is required is that you belong to the suspect class—that is, the citizenry—of the American police state. As a de facto member of this so-called criminal class, every U.S. citizen is now guilty until proven innocent. The oppression and injustice—be it in the form of shootings, surveillance, fines, asset forfeiture, prison terms, roadside searches, and so on—will come to all of us…

“The government’s manipulation of national crises in order to expand its powers will continue unabated…

“Endless wars that enrich the military industrial complex will continue unabated. America’s expanding military empire is bleeding the country dry at a rate of more than $93 million an hour (that adds up to $920 billion annually). Incredibly, although the U.S. constitutes only 5% of the world’s population, America [is] spending more on the military than the next 9 biggest spending nations combined.

“Government corruption will continue unabated.  The government is not our friend. Nor does it work for ‘we the people.’ Americans instinctively understand this. When asked to name the greatest problem facing the nation, Americans of all political stripes ranked the government as the number one concern. In fact, almost three-quarters of Americans surveyed believe the government is corrupt…

“Government tyranny under the reign of an Imperial President will continue unabated. The Constitution invests the President with very specific, limited powers. In recent years, however, American presidents have anointed themselves with the power to wage war, unilaterally kill Americans, torture prisoners, strip citizens of their rights, arrest and detain citizens indefinitely, carry out warrantless spying on Americans, and erect their own secretive, shadow government…”

Instinctively, many Americans would agree with this assessment, and actually, so does Donald Trump who says that he recognizes at least some of those dangers. But will he be willing or able to change anything substantially? Being part of the system, it is to be questioned.

Planned “Quarantine” Camps Nation- and Worldwide

Jeffrey Tucker wrote in The Brownstone Institute on November 7:

“No matter how bad you think Covid policies were, they were intended to be worse.  Consider the vaccine passports alone. Six cities were locked down to include only the vaccinated in public indoor places. They were New York City, Boston, Chicago, New Orleans, Washington, D.C., and Seattle. The plan was to enforce this with a vaccine passport. It broke. Once the news leaked that the shot didn’t stop infection or transmission, the planners lost public support and the scheme collapsed. It was undoubtedly planned to be permanent and nationwide if not worldwide…

“Features of the CDC’s edicts did incredible damage… It decreed the ridiculous ‘six feet of distance’ and mask mandates…

“Even with all that, worse was planned. On July 26, 2020… the CDC issued a plan for establishing nationwide quarantine camps. People were to be isolated, given only food and some cleaning supplies. They would be banned from participating in any religious services. The plan included contingencies for preventing suicide. There were no provisions made for any legal appeals or even the right to legal counsel… The document was only removed on about March 26, 2023… It was called ‘Interim Operational Considerations for Implementing the Shielding Approach to Prevent COVID-19 Infections in Humanitarian Settings.’… this is what used to be concentration camps…

“In four years of research, and encountering truly shocking documents and evidence of what happened in the Covid years, this one certainly ranks up at the top of the list of totalitarian schemes for pathogenic control prior to vaccination. It is quite simply mind-blowing that such a scheme could ever be contemplated.”

What is going to happen when the next “pandemic” hits? The evil and godless minds who wrote the above-mentioned document are still around.

EU and UK Not Ready for War

More Radio wrote on November 10:

“Britain’s annual Remembrance Sunday has a special dimension in 2024 because it was the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings this year… D-Day, when British and American troops fought on to the beaches to liberate Europe, is the defining moment of the UK’s patriotic pride to this day…

“Mr Trump, the US president-elect, has said he feels no obligation to defend European countries who do not spend as much as he thinks they should…

“The recent BRICS summit in Russia and the deployment of North Korean troops to fight with Vladimir Putin’s forces in Ukraine both show their willingness to internationalise local conflicts…

“The US currently has 100,000 troops based in Europe, increased by 20,000 since Mr Putin’s attack in 2022. The next Trump administration will certainly want to reduce that number…

“Mr Trump has said he plans to end the Ukraine conflict in 24 hours. In essence, Mr Putin would keep some of his territorial claims in Donbas and NATO would not extend its security guarantee to what remains of an independent Ukraine. Mr Trump has already said that NATO’s longstanding and vague offer of eventual membership was ‘a mistake’. Anxious not to alienate the US further and hard-pressed financially, some leading European nations including Germany appear ready to go along with such a sell-out.

“A number of security experts, including former acting deputy prime minister Sir David Lidington, say this deal would be ‘Donald Trump’s Munich.’ This is a reference to the ‘peace in our time’ deal agreed by prime minister Neville Chamberlain with Adolf Hitler, which failed to halt further aggression by Nazi Germany before the Second World War… the UK and Europe are not ready for war, and [they are] relying on an increasingly unreliable US…”

Europe knows this [the UK may not], and they will do whatever it takes to “get ready” for war.

“How Ridiculous Does This State Want to Become?”

Bild Online wrote on November 10:

“It was only on Wednesday that the traffic light [the German “Ampel” Coalition] declared political bankruptcy because it was unable to solve the country’s problems. But in the following 48 hours, Olaf Scholz, Robert Habeck and Christian Lindner announced their claim to continue to govern Germany in the future… Scholz, Habeck and Lindner represent the most unpopular federal government of all time. The final result of their coalition is devastating:

“Germany is declining economically; unemployment is rising; there is a housing shortage again in Germany; illegal migration is only now becoming an issue; internal and external security are in poor condition; Putin is currently winning the war against Ukraine…

“The Germans are calling for new elections as quickly as possible so that Germany gets a NEW government!…”

But what kind of government, formed by the “established” parties in Germany, could it currently be? Competent politicians are presently in short supply.

New German Elections in February?

Deutsche Welle wrote on November 13:

“German President Steinmeier… ‘welcomes the fact that the parliamentary groups have agreed on a roadmap towards a vote of confidence’ on December 16″ and ‘considers February 23, 2025, to be a realistic date for new elections,’ his office said in a statement.

“He had also ‘made it clear that in the event that the Bundestag withdraws its confidence in the Chancellor, he will quickly decide on a dissolution.’ According to the Basic Law, the German president has the power to dissolve the Bundestag and call for new elections.”

Origin of the Cries of Fools

Focus wrote on November 8:

“It’s that time again: Many people are celebrating Carnival again, and in some places you can hear the shouts of ‘Alaaf’, in others ‘Helau’…

“We don’t know exactly where the exclamation ‘Helau’ comes from. It is sometimes assumed that there is a connection to the church’s ‘Hallelujah’. An origin in the word ‘bright up’ [“hell auf”] for example in the expression ‘be thrilled’ [“hellauf begeistert”], is also possible. This could also mean ‘bright’, and the fools definitely seem bright. Some also assume that the ‘Helau’ means ‘hell open’. The original aim of the carnival was to drive away winter and evil spirits. People used to believe that evil spirits could threaten crops. With the exclamation they wanted to banish them back to hell.

“However, the meaning and origin of the word ‘Alaaf’ can be traced back better. ‘Alaaf’ most likely comes from the Cologne ‘all af’, which means ‘above everything’ or ‘everything else away’. The fool’s cry ‘Kölle alaaf’ means nothing other than ‘Köln über alles’. The writing was found on drinking mugs from the 16th century: ‘Alaaf fur ein goden druinck’, which means something like: ‘There’s nothing like a good drink’. This saying was not a fool’s cry back then, but these toasts were most likely widespread in the Cologne area at the time…”

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.

We take it for granted that you know that Satan and his demons exist. It is not the purpose of this Q&A to address that fact; we have written and spoken many times about this.

As this year’s Halloween is behind us—a feast dedicated to the forces of evil—we are moving towards the holiday of Christmas by the end of 2024 and New Year’s Day and the holiday of Easter in 2025. All these days have one thing in common: They are all connected with evil spirits. It was believed that during these days the “underworld” or “Otherworld” gave up their “dead” who walked around among the living as “ghosts” or “spirits.” Since dead people do not live in an “underworld,” those spirits were demons. They had to be appeased with gifts or frightened with noise.

But how did those “spirits” appear? Did they show up as men or women? The answer is clearly no, nor do they appear that way to men today.

Let us take the White House as an example. It has been reported and known for a long time that the White House is “haunted.” In fact, the evidence for this truth is overwhelming.  But the “ghosts” in the White House did and do not appear as human beings. Note how the reports describe their presence.

“Roll Call” wrote on June 6, 2012, that [Nancy] “Pelosi… recounted an unusual anecdote about how the ghosts of past women leaders spoke to her at her first White House meeting as Speaker… in 2006… ‘I realized that on that chair with me was Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Alice Hall, Lucretia Mott, you name it, they were all there… And I could hear them say “at last we have a seat at the table,”’ Pelosi said.”

The “Wikipedia Encyclopedia” writes: “There have been several stories about ghosts of former Presidents revisiting the White House. However, the most common and popular is that of Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln’s Ghost, or to others as The White House Ghost, is said to have haunted the White House since his death.”

The website of haunted-places.com states: “The White House has a reputation for being one of the most haunted homes in America. President Harry Truman said the place was haunted ‘sure as shooting.’ Kennedy’s Press Secretary James Haggerty admitted to sensing the presence of Lincoln’s ghost in the White House, and Clinton’s Press Secretary Mike McCurry admitted he was a believer… Hillary Rodham Clinton said: ‘There is something about the house at night that you just feel like you are summoning up the spirits of all the people who have lived there and worked there and walked through the halls there.’…

“There have been many séances in the White House, but the majority occurred during the administration of Abraham Lincoln. While living in the White House, he and his wife held several séances in the Green Room in an attempt to contact the spirit of their son, Willie, who died there… In his book The Choice, Bob Woodward of Watergate fame describes how in 1995, a séance was held by psychic Jean Houston in the White House solarium, during which Hillary sank into a trance and channeled the spirits of Eleanor Roosevelt and Mahatma Gandhi…

“Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands was a guest of the White House when she heard a knock on her bedroom door in the middle of the night. When she answered it, Lincoln stood before her with his famous top hat and all. The Queen fainted, and when she came [to], he was gone. Britain’s Winston Churchill refused to sleep there after sighting President Abraham Lincoln’s ghost lurking about… in the Lincoln Bedroom… He couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw Abraham Lincoln standing by the fireplace in the room, leaning on the mantle. The two men looked each other in the face… as Lincoln’s apparition slowly faded away.

“Theodore Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, Margaret Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, Jacqueline Kennedy, Ladybird Johnson [wife of Lyndon Johnson], Susan Ford [Gerald Ford’s daughter], and Maureen Reagan [Ronald Reagan’s daughter] have all admitted sensing the presence of the Civil War president in the White House… Maureen and her husband, Dennis Revell, both saw Lincoln’s transparent form next to the bedroom’s fireplace.”

On July 9, 2009, “Weekly World News” reported this:

“Just as Bill Clinton did before him, President Barack Obama is now getting help in the White House – from Abraham Lincoln’s ghost! A government insider has revealed that Honest Abe’s apparition has been seen in the Oval Office on several occasions, quietly conferring with the President on vital world issues!… In a 1993 issue, Weekly World News stunned the world with its exclusive story that the Great Emancipator was helping President Clinton guide America’s ship of state through troubled waters…”

History.com adds:

“The most famous address in America–1600 Pennsylvania Avenue–is also perhaps the country’s most famous haunted house. Presidents, first ladies, White House staff members and guests have reported feeling ghostly presences, hearing unexplained noises and even running into actual apparitions–even on the way out of the bathtub, in one particularly famous case [that of Winston Churchill].”

The Daily Mail wrote on November 5, 2009:

“The daughter of former President George W. Bush… Jenna Bush Hager told chat show host Jay Leno she had been terrified by spooky events near the fireplace in her bedroom [in the White House]… [She] said: ‘I heard a ghost. I was asleep, there was a fireplace in my room and all of a sudden I heard 1920’s music coming out. I could feel it, I freaked out and ran into my sister’s room. She was like “Please go back to sleep this is ridiculous.”

“The next week we were both asleep in my room, the phone had rang and woke us up. We were talking and going back to bed when all of a sudden we heard this opera, coming out of the fireplace. We couldn’t believe it, we both jumped in bed and were asking the people that worked there the next morning “Are we crazy?” We tried to rationalise it, but they said they heard it there all the time.’…”

In the “Haunted White House,” the following is stated:

“There were no reports of Lincoln’s ghost during the Bush administration and both the President and Mrs. Bush denied seeing Lincoln or any other ghost in the White House. However, during the Clinton years, there [was] at least [one sighting] of Lincoln’s apparition. One encounter was admitted by President Clinton’s brother, Roger, who stated that he had sensed Lincoln’s presence in the White House…

“President Harry Truman had no idea why Lincoln’s ghost was still present in the White House. In her biography about the president, Margaret Truman stated that her father certainly had no ambitions to haunt the White House himself. ‘No man in his right mind would want to come here of his own accord,’ he said.”

The Huffington Post wrote on December 31, 2013, at first quoting President Reagan:

“The President laughed and said, ‘I might as well tell you the rest. A member of our family [he meant his daughter Maureen] and her husband always stay in the Lincoln Bedroom when they visit the White House. Some time ago the husband woke up and saw a transparent figure standing at the bedroom window looking out. Then it turned and disappeared. His wife teased him mercilessly about it for a month. Then, when they were here recently, she woke up one morning and saw the same figure standing at the window looking out. She could see the trees right through it. Again it turned and disappeared.’…”

Elections Daily, Hauntings at the White House, wrote on October 29, 2024:

“The living residents have also had interest in the supernatural. Mary Lincoln famously held séances in order to contact her late son Willie, something Jane Pierce did just over a decade earlier. Edith Wilson and Florence Harding consulted with a medium, who apparently successfully predicted President Harding’s early death. Nancy Reagan famously used an astrologer to protect her husband.”

On November 4, 2024, Express USA wrote:

“US election could put Donald Trump back in ‘haunted’ White House with ‘dead presidents’. With the US election taking place, the world will be watching to see if Donald Trump will be voted back into the haunted White House.”

Many times, we read about the “APPARITION” of Lincoln or other dead people. Many times, people “felt” the presence of these “ghosts” or “heard” them, and when they “saw” them in a “transparent form” or as a “transparent figure” and you could “see the trees right through it.” They then suddenly or slowly disappeared. “Apparition” is defined as “a ghostlike image of a person”; a “ghostly appearing figure”; or the presence of a shadow.”  It has also been described as something “that you imagine you can see”; and as “something that appears, but may not be otherwise real.” It can also refer to a “delusion,” an “hallucination” or a “phantasm.”

The meaning of the word “phantasm” is also very interesting, which can also be described as “deceptive appearance”; “mirage”; “shadow”; “fantasy”; “a figment of the imagination”; or “an illusion”; as well as “something that only appears to exist. It’s not real but an illusion or brief hallucination.”

We will see later the biblical application of these words (“apparition” and “phantasm”).

We also read that some were foolish enough to hold seances or attempted in other ways to get in contact with those “ghosts.” But this is not always the case. In some instances, according to the reports, there were no prior attempts to encounter any of these “ghosts.”

The attempts to communicate with ghosts or the dead seem to be as old as mankind. Ancient Israel was specifically warned not to try to engage in such practices. We read in Leviticus 19:31 (Authorized Version): “Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them…” So it is possible, although prohibited by God, to seek after “familiar spirits.” But are those “familiar spirits” the departed spirits or souls of dead people, as some claim?… Leviticus 20:6 and 27 tell us, “And the person who turns after mediums and familiar spirits, to prostitute himself with them, I will set My face against that person…A man or a woman who is a medium, or who has familiar spirits, shall surely be put to death.”

Though many people don’t believe in the existence of Satan and demons, they are quick to dabble in the occult, being ignorant of the danger therein. Demons are called “familiar spirits” because they want to familiarize themselves with man Haunted houses, poltergeists, séances, communication with the dead, and contact with “aliens” are all clearly of demonic origin. Once we have made “contact” with demons, it is difficult to get rid of them (compare Luke 11:24–26).

Acts 16:16–19 gives us a clue who or what those familiar spirits are: “Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, ‘These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.’ And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.’ And he came out that very hour.”

This spirit of divination was a familiar spirit—a demon. It was not a departed soul. We also learn that the demon told the truth—Paul and his companions were in fact servants of God, preaching the way of salvation. Likewise, demons proclaimed that Christ was the Son of God. But they spoke to annoy God’s people and to detract from the message, and to confuse the masses. Demons don’t always lie, but they always want to thwart God’s plans and purposes.

We read in 1 Samuel 28 that Saul consulted a woman who was a medium. The Authorized Version describes her as a woman “with a familiar spirit” (verse 7). In the Hebrew, it says literally that she was “the possessor of a spirit,” in other words, of a demon. In other words, Saul consulted a witch possessed with a demon. This witch was asked by Saul to bring up Samuel. We read in Verse 12, “When the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice.” The following passage tells us that Saul saw nothing. He asked the woman in verse 13, “What did you see?” Notice her answer (same verse): “I saw a spirit ascending out of the earth.” When she described the form of that spirit as one of an old man, we are told that “Saul perceived that it [was] Samuel.” (Verse 14). The word “was” is not in the original. So one could add “pretended to be,” “appeared to be,” “claimed to be,” etc.

Some claim the witch actually brought back Samuel—or his spirit—from the grave. The Ryrie Study Bible comments, “On this occasion God miraculously permitted the actual spirit of Samuel to speak and announce Saul’s imminent death.” But is this true?

Notice that Saul did not see the “spirit” or “ghost” or “soul” of Samuel at all. Samuel had died and had been dead for a while (cp. 1 Samuel 25:1). God did not answer Saul in dreams or by the prophets (1 Samuel 28:6)—and Samuel was a prophet (Acts 13:20; 1 Samuel 3:20). When the “old man” appeared and answered Saul, that could not have been Samuel or his spirit or departed soul—otherwise, Samuel would have answered Saul in the capacity of a prophet of God. We also read in 1 Chronicles 10:13–14, that this seance was not of God—rather, Saul was killed by God because of conducting it. Saul died “for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it; And inquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him.”

We read that “Samuel” answered Saul and told him that Saul would die the next day. The real Samuel, dead and in the grave, could not have known that. The dead “know nothing.” (Ecclesiastes 9:5). But Satan and demons do sometimes know God’s plan and purpose (cp. 1 Kings 22:19–23; the “lying spirit” was a demon; notice also Revelation 12:12; James 2:19). So it is clear that the demon, the familiar spirit, pretended to be Samuel, and spoke as Samuel to the witch.

We see, then, that, apparently, the very demon that possessed the witch, appeared to her—not to Saul!—in the form of Samuel, convincing the witch, and through the witch, Saul, that he was in fact Samuel. The true Samuel, however, as a prophet and servant of God, would have never spoken to Saul through a witch, especially after God had refused to talk to Saul. And God would not have supernaturally brought Samuel—or his soul or his spirit—back to life, to allow him to speak to Saul through a witch—after God had refused to speak to Saul directly.

The Bible does not tell us what exactly the woman, in her trance, actually saw. But based on all the other reports, she might have seen an apparition—a shadowy figure—which she described to Saul. Saul, based on the description, concluded that it was Samuel. And then, it appears that the demon spoke through the woman, but maybe, Saul heard the actual voice of that demon.  Notice Isaiah 29:4 (Authorized Version):  “…thy voice shall be, as of one that hath a familiar spirit, out of the ground.” This is a reference to the voice of a demon, a familiar spirit that has possessed the medium. It may appear as if the medium speaks, but it is, in fact, the demon within the medium that does the speaking. That is why Paul, in Acts 16:16–19, spoke to the familiar spirit or demon of the possessed slave girl—and not to the slave girl herself.

Another description of an apparition can be found in the Book of Job.

We read in Job 4:12–16 about Eliphaz’s encounter with a spirit: “Now a word was secretly brought to me, And my ear received a whisper of it. In disquieting thoughts from the visions of the night, When deep sleep falls on men, Fear came upon me, and trembling, Which made all my bones shake. Then a spirit passed before my face; The hair on my body stood up. It stood still, But I could not discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes; There was silence; then I heard a voice…”

Eliphaz saw some kind of a form before his eyes but he could not discern the appearance of the spirit. This indicates that it was a demon, who cannot appear as a person (see discussion below), as the Bible does not show that God’s angels appear to man in such a way. It was something like an apparition—a phantasm. The Living Bible translates: “I felt the spirit’s presence, but couldn’t see it standing there.” This reminds us of the description of the “ghosts” in the White House.

At the same time, we need to emphasize that Eliphaz was not asleep. He was quite awake and had “disquieting thoughts.” The encounter with the demon happened at night, when deep sleep falls on (other) men. The demon’s message, communicated to Eliphaz, was partially true (see verse 17), but it was taken out of context, and Eliphaz passed it on to Job, perhaps not even realizing himself that this was meant to destroy Job’s faith. But the demon knew exactly what he was doing.

The concept that the souls or spirits of dead people can be contacted is demonic. Isaiah 8:19 tells us, “And when they say to you, ‘Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,’ should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living?” The Authorized Version states for “who are mediums”: ”…that have familiar spirits.”  To consult mediums (those possessed with demons or familiar spirits) and God is incompatible. Also, Isaiah is not saying here that the spirits of the dead can be consulted. He is asking, “Should anyone try to seek the dead?”

Notice Deuteronomy 18:10–11 (Authorized Version): “There shall not be found among you any one that… useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.” A “necromancer” is somebody who “consults with the dead, or with a spirit to answer questions.” Note, how the New American Bible brings this phrase, “…one who consults ghosts and spirits or seeks oracles from the dead.” This phrase does not say that communication with the dead is possible—it tells us, though, not to try it, as this will bring us in contact with demons.

We should not allow ourselves to be fooled by strange events, stemming from the occult, which may be “entertaining,” “interesting” or “appealing to our senses.” The safest course of action is NEVER to want to get involved with spirits or ghosts (in reality, with demons) in any way. This would include, staying away from alleged haunted houses, participating in séances, consulting mediums, listening to demonic messages or showing interest in and curiosity for demonic activities, becoming hypnotized or engaged in obscure far eastern meditation practices. Even the viewing of certain scary movies with ghosts and demons could lead to undesired results. The same is true for participation in wrong and ungodly religious practices. Paul warns us not to come in contact with demons in any way (1 Corinthians 10:14-22). Those who worship idols and pagan gods are really worshiping and sacrificing to demons (Compare Deuteronomy 32:16-17). Whenever we give ourselves “over” to another influence, we have become victims of the powers of darkness.

It appears from Scripture that demons cannot materialize themselves the way that Christ or angels can. Demons cannot appear as men. They can, however, create an illusion, or an apparition that might look very real to people. Examples of those illusions would include, as we have discussed, the appearance of “ghosts,” or of a “lady,” claiming to be “Mother Mary.”

We find the following interesting record in Mark 6:47–50: “Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land. Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night [from 3 to 6 a.m.] He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost [Authorized Version: a spirit], and cried out; for they all saw Him and were troubled [or terrified]. And immediately He talked with them and said to them, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’”

The disciples thought they saw a ghost or a spirit, that is, a demon. The Greek word for “ghost” is “phantasma,” which has the meaning of “phantasm” or “apparition.” (Compare above our discussion of the meaning of these words.)

In Luke 24:36–42, we find another passage that sheds some light on the inability of demons to materialize themselves. We read: “Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, ‘Peace to you.’ But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He said to them, ‘Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.’ When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, ‘Have you any food here?’ So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. And He took it and ate in their presence.”

Christ manifested Himself to the disciples as a being with flesh and bones. He even ate food in their presence to convince the disciples that it was He, not an evil spirit or a demon. The Greek word for “spirit” is “pneuma” and can refer to demons (compare Matthew 8:16; 10:1; 12:43, 45; Luke 4:33, 36; 6:18; 7:21, etc.). We understand, of course, that Christ is not a being with flesh and bones. Rather, at His resurrection, His physical body was changed into a body composed of spirit. He became a life-giving Spirit (1 Corinthians 15:44–45). He was able to manifest Himself, however, as a person with flesh and bones. Angels can manifest themselves as human beings as well. Demons cannot. Christ used this opportunity to show His disciples that He was not an evil spirit or a demon, because demons cannot manifest themselves as human beings with flesh and bones.

It is also important to take note of the following observation: If you are not an ordained minister, don’t try to exorcize a demon (compare again Acts 19:13-16). Don’t speak to him. Pray to the Father in the name of Christ to free you from his influence, but don’t engage in conversation with him. Ephesians 4:27 tells us: “Don’t give place to the devil.”

This would include, not showing interest in their activities. It was reported that at one time, a student at a Christian college observed that his toothbrush which he had laid down on the sink began to levitate until it rested again on the sink. The student foolishly said: “Again.” And so it happened again. He had responded to demonic activity.

The admonition and command is clear. Don’t get involved with the demonic world, with spirits or ghosts, and when you are in any way confronted with spooky experiences, shadowy figures, strange feelings or even “voice” messages, we are told in James 4:7 to RESIST Satan and his demons (by praying to God the Father to free you from their influence), and they will flee from you.

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

compiled by Dave Harris

“Why Riots Against Jews in Amsterdam?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

86 years after the “Reichskristallnacht” (the “Night of Broken Glass”), when Nazis led pogroms against Jews across the German Reich, terrible atrocities against Jewish soccer fans occurred in Amsterdam, the capital of The Netherlands. These violent antisemitic attacks were apparently planned well in advance and they were carried out by a mob of local Muslims and Arabs. How could something like this happen? Who is to be blamed? Have Amsterdam and the rest of Europe become unsafe again for the Jewish people?

“Warum die Gewalt gegen Juden in Amsterdam?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This program covers the topic described above.

“Wie können Ihnen Dämonen erscheinen?” is the title of this coming Sabbath’s sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “How Can Demons Appear to You?”

We have created a new WhatsApp channel that you can subscribe to receive information and publications from our church. Click on the link to follow us on WhatsApp.

“Eine zerstreute Welt,” last Sabbath’s first split sermon presented by Robert Indlekofer, is now posted. Title in English: “A Scattered World”.

“Ist Neugierde Sünde?” last Sabbath’s second split sermon presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Title in English: “Is Curiosity a Sin?”

“Turn the Cheek,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Frank Bruno, is now posted. Here is the summary:

Nearly everywhere we turn these days we see people claiming to be offended by colleagues, school mates, family, friends and even the brethren. Despite the ease of taking offense, true Christians understand the need to rely on God for the strength to turn the other cheek and avoid escalation. In this Sermonette we will consider various scriptures and examples of what true Christians must do in order to obey God and not the world.

“God is Angry,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is the summary:

If there are so many people in the world who are doing good things to help their communities demonstrating love for one another, could God really be angry enough to unleash His wrath upon the Earth as a punishment? What is it that makes God angry, and what can we do to appeal to His mercy as the Day of the Lord approaches?

On November 9, 2024, Frank Bruno will present the sermonette, titled, “Turn the Cheek,” and Eric Rank will present the sermon, titled, “God is Angry.”

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.

By the time you read this, the presidential election in the United States will be complete. Regardless of who the winner is, I expect people within the country and around the world will respond with heightened emotion and strong rhetoric, revealing a mixture of joy and outrage. The elected president of the United States will undoubtedly set the direction for the future of the country, but it does not matter who wins.

The ultimate future of the United States will not change. Sadly, the nation rejects God and at this time shows no indication of changing. The Bible is clear that this rejection will bring about a level of discipline that must take place. Our nation is on a doomed path leading the country to destruction. The only difference between the two candidates will be the means of destruction and who gets the blame for presiding over the demise.

However, the placement of blame that the world will place on the president will be incomplete. The true blame rests with those who reject God and refuse to obey Him. As God led Israel out of Egypt, He gave them a dire warning about the consequences of disobedience. In Deuteronomy 28:15 He warns, “‘But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you…’” Moses then shares the many, many curses that the people can expect to experience, many of which we can apply in our present age. 

As Biblical prophecy unfolds, we will see further deterioration of our nation, to the point when there will be an attack, which results in captivity (compare Deuteronomy 28:47-52). To many, this is unfathomable to consider. How could the world’s most powerful nation drop to its knees and lose its once favorable influence in the world? Certainly, the leaders will have taken the country down this path, but the citizens have also pushed them in that direction so that they cannot avoid it. The Bible clearly explains why. Quite simply, the people have turned from God, and therefore He removes His blessings of prosperity, peace, and protection. What people are voting for in this election is not a president, but rather the one who will satisfy their desires, in which God is not welcome.

As Christians, our job is to reject this unrighteousness that prevails and do what we can to please God. We choose Jesus Christ as our leader, who will guide us in the path of righteousness. We can find solace in looking to Him: “He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3). Even though this nation, along with the rest of the world, has turned away from God and chooses leaders that do not understand true righteousness, we do not have to follow in that direction. We can and must choose a different path. The path that we follow does not lead to destruction, but to everlasting life.

by Norbert Link

Trump has won. Compare our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Trump Won.. Now What’s Next?” 

We address further events pertaining to the presidential election in the USA; European and German fears; America’s numerous wars; developments in the Middle East, especially regarding Israel and Iran; and the annual BRICS summit.

We continue with reports about Germany’s troubles; a weird story involving Tucker Carlson; and a new movie depicting power struggles within the Catholic Church.

We conclude with several articles about the dangers of COVID vaccinations; and the stupidity of the Evolution theory.

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

US Presidential Election Most Important for Israel

Israel Today wrote on October 11:

“Former President Donald Trump… declared that the upcoming U.S. presidential election will be ‘the most important day in the history of Israel.’…

“[He declared] Vice President Kamala Harris, as an existential threat to Israel… Trump blamed the Biden administration for the atrocities that occurred a year ago… [and] as  ‘one of the darkest hours in all of human history,’ adding, ‘Anti-Jewish hatred has returned even here in America’ and is ‘within the ranks of the Democrat Party in particular.’… ‘I will not allow the Jewish state to be threatened with destruction. I will not allow another Holocaust of the Jewish people,’ Trump declared.”

Israel and the Jewish people are indeed under threat all over the world, including in the USA.

The Enemy From Within

Fox News wrote on October 13:

“‘We have two enemies: We have the outside enemy, and then we have the enemy from within. And the enemy from within, in my opinion, is more dangerous than China, Russia and all these countries,’ Trump said…

“But the thing that’s tougher to handle are these lunatics that we have inside, like Adam Schiff… ‘When you look at the danger he put our country in potentially with Russia — with a phony, made-up deal that he made up with Hillary and some bad people…”

Trump subsequently stated that under Harris, the draft would be reinstated, without saying what his plans are regarding the draft.

Using the Military

The Associated Press wrote on October 13:

“Donald Trump… has pledged to recall thousands of American troops from overseas and station them at the U.S. border with Mexico. He has explored using troops for domestic policy priorities such as deportations and confronting civil unrest. He has talked of weeding out military officers who are ideologically opposed to him. Trump’s vision amounts to a potentially dramatic shift in the role of the military in U.S. society, carrying grave implications for both the country’s place in the world and the restraints that have traditionally been placed on domestic use of the military.

“He… is promising forceful action against immigrants who do not have permanent legal status…  The former president and his advisers are developing plans to shift the military’s priorities and resources, even at a time when wars are raging in Europe and the Middle East… Trump also has said he will use the National Guard and possibly the military as part of the operation to deport millions of immigrants who do not have permanent legal status… the plans would be a striking escalation of the military’s involvement in domestic policy.

“Trump’s potential actions would likely require him to invoke wartime or emergency powers, such as carrying out mass deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 law, or quelling unrest under the Insurrection Act, an 1807 law that allows a president to deploy the military domestically and against U.S. citizens…”

The Independent wrote on October 12:

“The Alien Enemies Act of 1798 — part of the centuries-old Alien and Sedition Acts drafted during an undeclared war between the US and France — has only been invoked three times within the last 226 years. During the first and second World Wars, the US turned to the law to detain and restrict German, Austro-Hungarian and Italian immigrants, and infamously used the law for the shameful internment of Japanese Americans, now widely seen as a stain on America’s 20th century history.

“The law states that the president may order the arrests and removal of noncitzens during times of ‘declared war’ or during an ‘invasion’ or ‘predatory incursion’ by ‘any foreign nation or government.’ Only Congress can declare war, per the Constitution. But Trump and his allies [want to expand] the definition… to mean border crossings, and for drug cartels or criminal gangs to be considered a ‘foreign nation or government.’”

Media Misquotes Trump: Did Trump Cross the Line?

Express wrote on November 1:

“Trump has been slammed for saying Liz Cheney ‘should be shot at by nine guns’ in a sickening fantasy execution… Speaking to former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Trump said the daughter of former Republican VP Dick Cheney should have ‘guns trained on her face’ due to her support for Kamala Harris…

“‘Let’s put her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her,’ said Trump. ‘Let’s see how she feels about it. You know, when the guns are trained on her face.’ The audience were audibly very quiet, unaware of how to react, while Carlson stayed silent. Disgusted viewers slammed Trump for his comments…”

However, the article above, and many other mainstream “reports,” omitted pertinent facts and quoted Trump out of context. The Associated Press published these clarifying comments by Trump, in context, on November 1:

“Former President Donald Trump criticized former Rep. Liz Cheney late Thursday, calling the Republican former Wyoming congresswoman a ‘war hawk’ and suggesting she might not be as willing to send troops to fight if she had guns pointed at her…. ‘The reason she couldn’t stand me is that she always wanted to go to war with people. If it were up to her we’d be in 50 different countries… She’s a radical war hawk. Let’s put her with the rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her. OK, let’s see how she feels about it. You know, when the guns are trained on her face… You know they’re all war hawks when they’re sitting in Washington in a nice building saying… well let’s send 10,000 troops right into the mouth of the enemy,’ Trump said.”

“After Harris’ campaign and other Trump critics on social media pounced on the quote, Trump’s campaign responded that he ‘was talking about how Liz Cheney wants to send America’s sons and daughters to fight in wars despite never being in a war herself.’”

What Trump was saying, when read in context, should be obvious, but the sensational media was quick in misquoting Trump in order to show their support of Harris and Cheney. It is also interesting that the Bible says that ultimately the USA will not fight in war against their enemies attacking them on US soil.

Ignorant and Delusional Europeans

Deutsche Welle wrote on October 30, 2024:

“If Europeans were to elect the next US president on November 5, the result would be crystal clear.  In Western Europe, 69% would vote for the Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, in Eastern Europe 46% would… Trump would only receive the support of 16% of voters in Western Europe and 36% in Eastern Europe…  Harris has the highest ratings in Denmark (85%) and Finland (82%) while Donald Trump has the most fans in Europe in Serbia (59%) and Hungary (49%)…

“The vast majority of EU heads of government back Harris. ‘I know her well, she would certainly be a good president,’ German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a television interview. Harris wants to ‘stick to what is important to us,’ Scholz added, referring to trans-Atlantic cooperation. What would Europe’s reaction to a Harris victory be?… A collective sigh of relief, absolutely…

“EU diplomats from the 27 member states and the EU Commission in Brussels have been in confidential working groups for weeks already, discussing how to deal with the US election outcomes, whatever they may be. The main aim is to make economic and security policy as ‘Trump-proof’ as possible… For example, should Trump impose punitive tariffs on goods from Europe after taking office, the aim is to be able to retaliate immediately. ‘We are not prepared to give up our interests without a fight. We have significantly expanded our toolbox’” Bernd Lange, a German politician and chair of the Committee on International Trade in the European Parliament, told DW. ‘I am sure that after the election we will use this toolbox to combat things that are already wrong, such as illegal tariffs on steel or subsidies from the Inflation Adjustment Act.’ Lange said he expects US trade policy to become more challenging for the EU, no matter who wins these elections…

“German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has a similar prediction for foreign and security policy. At a press conference during a visit to London at the end of October, Pistorius said: ‘One way or another, in future, the US is very likely to do less in Europe. And for us that means we must do more.’”

On October 30, MSN quoted Trump as saying: “I’ll tell you what, the European Union sounds so nice, so lovely, right? All the nice European little countries that get together… They don’t take our cars. They don’t take our farm products. They sell millions and millions of cars in the United States. No, no, no, they are going to have to pay a big price,’ Trump stated during a rally in Pennsylvania.”

Germany’s Fears

Deutsche Welle added the following on October 31:

“There is no doubt that the German government favors Harris… In early October, two-thirds of German voters… said they would like to see Kamala Harris become president, while only 12% were in favor of Donald Trump. (In another poll, 78% were for Harris, and only 8% for Trump)…

“Trump… wants to bring about a quick end to the [Russia-Ukraine] war, which would presumably mean that Ukraine would be forced to give up large parts of the territories occupied by Russia… Trump… has repeatedly questioned the very purpose of NATO itself... Trump has announced that if he wins the election, he will impose a 60% tariff on US imports from China and a 20% tariff on imports from the rest of the world. This would make German products significantly more expensive in the US. The automotive and pharmaceutical industries would be hit particularly hard…

“If Trump wins the election,… the US will likely turn away from climate action and withdraw from international climate agreements. This would make it even more difficult for the German government, which is particularly committed to climate protection, to push through internationally binding rules to limit CO2 emissions. During this year’s election campaign, Trump has specifically attacked Germany’s energy policy, claiming that after a failed phase-out of fossil fuels, Germany had begun building one coal-fired power plant every week — which has absolutely no basis in truth.”

J.D. Vance has recently explained that the USA will not leave NATO under Trump. But we will see.

The German Expectation

On October 13, the conservative Bild newspaper published the following commentary by Franz Josef Wagner about Trump, which reflected the general attitude of a broad section of the uninformed German population:

“There are three weeks until November 5. In three weeks we will know who is President of the United States. There is no time to barricade yourself. ‘Run for your life’ was the motto of Hurricane Milton, which ultimately ran out of steam.

“Is Hurricane Trump running out of steam? I’m afraid not. He is the greatest liar of all time and the greatest political entertainer of all time. He reminds me of Joker, that evil clown who made you stop laughing in your throat. He accuses immigrant Haitians of eating Americans’ cats and dogs. ‘Your kittens,’ says Trump. He tells of babies who are aborted and killed after birth. He tells all this with his clown face. It has been proven that he lies five times in every other sentence. 22,000 lies were counted.

“Why does Trump still have half of America behind him? He is the narrator of evil and he is the savior from evil. The survey results are close. There are only three weeks left. You get frightened. Are we prepared? Where are our sandbags when Hurricane Trump comes?

This propagandistic portrayal, which one might expect from radical left-wing media outlets, is frightening.

Trump: Germans Don’t Love Me!

DPA wrote on November 3:

“Former U.S. president Donald Trump spoke about his difficult relationship with Germany during an election campaign appearance on Sunday. ‘They didn’t love me, and I have heritage there,’ said the Republican presidential candidate during a stop in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Trump’s paternal ancestors hail from Kallstadt in the south-western German state of Rhineland-Palatinate. He noted that the Germans had loved his predecessor in the White House, president Democrat Barack Obama. ‘You know why? Because they ate our lunch,’ said the Republican presidential candidate for the election on Tuesday, referring to his notion that Germany has allegedly been successful at the expense of the United States.

“Trump then spoke about then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel: ‘They didn’t love me because I said you gotta pay. You gotta pay. I said to Angela. Angela, you haven’t paid.’ Trump was presumably referring to Germany’s defence spending in view of its NATO obligations.

“Mimicking a German accent, the Republican said that ‘Angela’ had told him that ‘[Germany] will start [paying] by 2035.’ ‘They think we are stupid people,’ he added.”

European Reactions

Breitbart wrote on November 6:

“Donald Trump may have turned the U.S. red, but in Europe the airwaves and front pages turned blue as the very tribally left-wing legacy media vented their disappointment at the American people not voting as wanted. German broadsheet newspaper Die Zeit said it for many in the European media on Wednesday morning with their reaction to the re-election of President-elect Trump, stating in their headline simply: ‘F…’The colourful article comparing election night coverage to staring into a nuclear bomb’s mushroom cloud lamented ‘America doesn’t care at all’ about European feelings… the article’s author rhetorically asked whether this was to be the end of America…

“Top-selling Spanish left-wing newspaper El Pais called the election a victory of a ‘convicted felon’ and [the] editorial by the paper’s editor-in-chief claimed a ‘victory of disinformation’… France’s Liberation stated: ‘It would be tempting to decree that 50% of Americans are morons, but that would be flippant… all these people adhere to the priorities defined by Trump (violent economic protectionism, geopolitical isolationism, mass expulsions of migrants)’. Of Trump himself they claimed: ‘…convicted felon, misogynist, racist, egocentric, liar and probably disturbed. Either the voters did not take these accusations seriously, or they were perfectly aware of them but they do not care.’…”

Future of Criminal and Civil Cases Against Trump

Breitbart wrote on November 6:

“Corrupt Special Counsel Jack Smith, the Keystone Cop who has serially failed to throw Donald Trump in prison or undermine his reelection chances, will not wait for incoming President-elect Trump to fire him (as Trump has understandably promised to do). Instead, since a special counsel cannot prosecute a sitting president, Smith will leave the Department of Justice before Trump is sworn in as the 47th president. The (phony) cases against Trump will also be dropped.

“Trump has faced four criminal cases — two at the federal level, and two at the state level. One federal case, the ‘documents’ case, was dismissed in federal court in Florida in July after Judge Aileen Cannon agreed with the defense that Smith’s appointment as Special Counsel was constitutionally invalid. (Smith is currently appealing her ruling.) The other case, the ‘January 6^th’ case, is still pending in the District of Columbia, where Smith had to refile it after Supreme Court rulings on presidential immunity and the relevant law. As of Wednesday, the Department of Justice is dropping both cases…

“At the state level, there are two cases — one in New York, and one in Georgia. In New York, Trump is set to be sentenced on November 26th on 34 felony counts of business fraud. It is unclear what his sentence will be, or whether it would be suspended; his conviction is almost certain to be overturned on appeal. As president, he would probably have the power to pardon himself for federal crimes; it is an open constitutional question as to whether he could pardon himself for state crimes. In Georgia, Trump’s prosecution has been delayed until next year, thanks in part to ethical questions over the conduct of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (who won reelection on Tuesday). There are motions by the defense to dismiss the entire case.

“Trump also faces civil cases. Two of the more prominent case are both in New York: one is his civil fraud case, and the other is his sexual misconduct case. The fraud case is currently on appeal in New York, and the state’s appellate judges have shown skepticism thus far about the massive fine that New York Attorney General managed to slap on Trump for allegedly inflating his wealth in loan applications. The latter case, involving suddenly-remembered allegations by writer E. Jean Carroll, is also being appealed; Trump was found civilly (not criminally) liable for ‘sexual abuse’ (though not for rape) and also for defamation…

“Trump’s stunning and historic victory Tuesday night was, at least in part, a rebuke of this obscene and fascist lawfare persecution…”

NBC News added on November 6:

“Justice Department officials have been evaluating how to wind down the two federal criminal cases against President-elect Donald Trump before he takes office to comply with long-standing department policy that a sitting president can’t be prosecuted,”

Muhammad Ali and the American Propaganda

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on October 8:

“After Muhammad Ali… announced that he would not comply with the U.S. government’s draft notice, which almost certainly would have meant that he would have been sent to Vietnam to kill Vietcong, Ali stated, ‘I ain’t got no quarrel with them Vietcong.’… Not surprisingly, they went after him with a vengeance, trying not only to destroy his reputation and career but also to have him jailed for the next several years of his life. But Ali had a good point. The Vietcong had never attacked him, the United States, or the American people. Why should he go thousands of miles away to kill them?

“The answer is: Because the Pentagon, the CIA, and the NSA had designated the Vietcong to be official enemies of the United States. Therefore, since they are the ones with the power to do that, American citizens were expected to make the Vietcong their own enemy…

“Conscription is not voluntary. Conscription is force. They were seizing Americans and forcing them to travel thousands of miles away to kill or be killed. How in the world can conscription be reconciled with freedom? It can’t be. Conscription is one of the gravest violations of freedom one could ever find… But few Americans understood the contradiction. They considered being forced to fight, die, and kill for freedom to be normal. U.S. officials and many American citizens, especially right-wingers, condemned Ali, as well as blacks who came to his defense, for their lack of ‘patriotism.’ Again, it was a reflection of the power of government indoctrination and propaganda.”

The comments regarding conscription are well-taken. Conscription is a form of modern slavery. The article continues to try to draw a connection between the government-sponsored American war propaganda and the assassinations of John F Kennedy and Martin Luther King.

America Dragged Into Numerous Wars

Ron Paul wrote in his weekly column on October 21:

“When you take on the role of the world’s policeman, don’t be surprised when countries who cannot fight their own wars call ‘911.’ That is exactly what is happening to the United States on two fronts and it is bankrupting our country, depleting the military that should serve our own national interest, and threatening to drag the US into World War III.

“Last week… Vladimir Zelensky publicly presented his ‘Victory Plan.’ It was delusional: immediate NATO Membership for Ukraine, NATO strikes against incoming Russian missiles, and permission to use Western long-range missiles for strikes deep into Russia including Moscow and St. Petersburg… Ukraine is on the verge of losing its war with Russia and is desperate to draw the United States military into the fight… they are calling on us to step in and fight the country with the most nuclear weapons on earth — Russia – in a battle that could not be more unrelated to our actual interests…

“Likewise with Israel. Tel Aviv has, in response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, launched a war to annihilate Palestinians from Gaza, invade and occupy southern Lebanon, degrade the military of Iraq and Syria, and take on Iran. But the Israeli military has nowhere near the capacity to fight so many wars on so many fronts, so it has increasingly demanded US involvement in the conflicts.

“Already the US has provided some $23 billion in additional military aid to Israel and has employed US military assets in the region to shoot down missiles and provide increased weapons and intelligence… US and Israeli leaders understand that they will be considered legitimate targets for any additional Iranian missile attack, but as soon as American troops start getting killed in Israel there will be a massive push for further US involvement. Imagine the mainstream media war propaganda if such a terrible thing happens…”

The Ron Paul Institute published on October 24 the following article by Judge Napolitano:

“Under the Constitution, only Congress can declare war on a nation or group. The last time it did so was to initiate American involvement in World War II. But Congress has given away limited authority to presidents and permitted them to fight undeclared wars, such as the War Powers Resolution of 1973 and President George W. Bush’s disastrous and criminal invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.”

The West Rejects Zelensky’s’ Victory Plan

Rezon Media reported on November 1:

“The New York Times… reported that the classified part of Volodymyr Zelensky’s plan contained a proposal to supply Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles. According to the newspaper, American officials consider this an ‘absolutely impossible request’. Zelensky failed to convince Washington to make a decision to strike deep into Russian territory with Western weapons, the publication notes… Zelensky indicated this condition in his ‘victory plan’…

“Even after receiving training in the West, Ukrainian servicemen find it difficult to adapt to NATO’s combat tactics. This was stated by an instructor from the British army to The Daily Telegraph… Since 2022, in the United Kingdom, as part of Operation Interflex, over 45 thousand recruits of the Ukrainian Armed Forces have completed training courses.”

Assassination Attempt on Netanyahu

Newsmax wrote on October 22:

“The drone attack launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon on Oct. 19 targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s private residence in Caesarea scored a direct hit on the home… ‘Iran tried to eliminate the prime minister of Israel. It will not escape responsibility,’ a senior Israeli government official told Ynet.

“According to reports, the assault included three drones, one of which scored a direct hit on a bedroom window at the Caesarea residence. Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, were not home at the time.”

Not unlike Trump who has survived numerous assassination attempts, Netanyahu likewise escaped unharmed. It appears they still have to play a role in the fulfillment of biblical prophecy.

Israel Strikes Iran

The Jerusalem Post wrote on October 27:

“The Israel Air Force struck a dozen targets in Iran that were used to produce solid fuel for long-range ballistic missiles as part of its retaliatory military action against the Islamic Republic, severely harming Tehran’s ability to replenish its inventory, it was reported on Saturday night. The targets struck were sophisticated equipment that Iran could not produce on its own and had to be purchased from China, Walla reported. The targets were a critical component of Iran’s ballistic missile program, Walla cited three anonymous Israeli sources as saying.

“An American researcher said an Israeli airstrike on Saturday hit a building that was part of Iran’s defunct nuclear weapons development program, and he and another researcher said facilities used to mix solid fuel for missiles also were struck… Israel also hit Khojir, according to Eveleth, a sprawling missile production site near Tehran…

“Overall, more than 100 Israeli aircraft participated in the attack on Iranian targets, stating that their mission was to hit the most advanced anti-aircraft systems of the Islamic Republic and develop air superiority there for any possible upcoming IAF operations – in such a way that Israeli fighter jets would be able to fly even at a relatively low altitude in the skies of Tehran itself in the future…”

Even though it was reported that Israel, following American pressure, did not attack Iran’s oil fields and nuclear reactors, the article seems to raise some doubts in that regard.

Did Israel Not Go Far Enough?

On October 31, The New York Post published the following article by John Bolton, who was national security adviser to President Donald Trump, 2018-19, and US ambassador to the United Nations, 2005-06.

“Israel lost a perfect opportunity to cripple Iran’s nuclear-weapons program during its strike against Iran this week. The targets actually selected, air defense and missile-production facilities, were entirely legitimate. Undoubtedly, both Iran’s defensive and offensive capabilities suffered significant damage. But it was not enough.

“Under enormous Biden administration pressure, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government did not strike Iran’s gravest threat: the existential danger of nuclear holocaust against Israel. And the mullahs’ nuclear aspirations — including the threat of Tehran transferring nuclear devices to international terrorist groups — also pose grave dangers to the United States, Gulf Arab countries and many others. Yet that threat remains in place… This mistake should weigh heavily on the consciences of President Biden and his advisers.

“Donald Trump’s stance is murky. To those who think Trump will support Israel as he did in his first term, I say simply: think again.  Trump’s dislike of Netanyahu is palpable, and… the importance of US electoral politics to Trump will be much less than before. Trump came within an eyelash of meeting with Javad Zarif, Iran’s former foreign minister, in 2019. He could easily do so in a second term, always in search of a deal, any deal he believes makes him look good…

“In any event, the decision is ultimately Israel’s. Having failed to act against Iran’s nuclear-weapons activities before Nov. 5, it must decide whether to act thereafter…”

We should also not forget that according to prophecy, Israel will receive a wound—some kind of a military defeat—prior to the Great Tribulation.

Iran Prepares Counter Attack

The New York Post wrote on October 31:

“Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has instructed his forces to prepare a direct attack against Israel after deeming the Jewish nation’s retaliatory strike last week too big to ignore, according to a new report. While Khamenei attempted to downplay to the public the extent of Israel’s attack on Tehran’s military facilities, privately, he greenlit plans for a counterattack in a meeting with his Supreme National Security Council… The ayatollah allegedly made his decision on Monday after reviewing the damage report from his military officials, which detailed the strikes across Tehran’s missile production plants and defense systems.

“Khamenei told his generals that the attack, which also killed four Iranian soldiers, could not go unanswered, saying a lack of response would mean admitting defeat to Israel… ‘Iran’s response to the Zionist aggression is definite,’ said Gen. Ali Fadavi, the Iran Revolutionary Guards Corps deputy commander, according to Iranian media. ‘We have never left an aggression unanswered in 40 years. We are capable of destroying all that the Zionists possess with one operation,’ he added.

“Israel carried out a four-hour operation last Friday consisting of 100 jets, spy planes and refueling aircraft to conduct its largest ever strike on Iran, bombing military facilities tied to the Islamic Republic’s own ballistic missile barrages against the Jewish state.

“The tit-for-tat cycle has raised fears that an all-out war is inevitable in the Middle East between Israel and Iran and its terror proxies…”

The Jerusalem Post added on October 31: “Israeli intelligence suggests Iran is preparing to attack Israel from Iraqi territory in the coming days…”

Iran Threatens With Nuclear Weapons

The New York Post wrote on November 2:

“Iran claimed it could build a nuclear weapon as its supreme leader on Saturday threatened the US and Israel with a ‘tooth-breaking response’ to Israel’s strike on Iranian military targets… ‘If an existential threat arises, Iran will modify its nuclear doctrine, we have the capability to build weapons and have no issue in this regard,’ Kharrazi [a top adviser to supreme leader Khamenei] told Lebanese media…”

Fox News added on November 2:

“Benjamin Netanyahu signaled on Thursday that Iran’s nuclear program could be Jerusalem’s next target amid Tehran’s promises of violence… Reports this week suggested that Iran could be waiting until after the U.S. presidential election next week, though other reports have said Tehran’s retaliatory strike could come at any time.”

Annual BRICS Summit

Deutsche Welle wrote on October 25:

“Russian leader Putin welcomed representatives of more than 36 countries to Kazan this week [at the] annual BRICS summit…  UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres flew to Russia where he met Putin for the first time in more than two years…

“One major focus of the summit was… increased economic cooperation between BRICS members, including alternatives to Western-dominated financial systems…”

BRICS seems to be used as an instrument to bring together some prophesied important Far Eastern alliances.

Fundamental Shift for German Military

The Sun wrote on October 22:

“GERMAN military aircraft will use British bases in a historic deal — 80 years after the Blitz. The PS Poseidon spy planes, ­operated by the Deutsche Marine and possibly armed with British torpedoes, will fly out of RAF Lossiemouth under the Trinity House Agreement

“… the accord [has been called] ‘a fundamental shift in the UK’s relations with Germany.’ It will lead to German tank-maker Rheinmetall opening a factory in Britain.”

The Rise of Björn Höcke (AfD)

Deutsche Welle wrote on October 26:

“Björn Höcke… the state chairman of the AfD branch in Germany’s eastern state of Thuringia, has… flirted with presenting himself as the supposed savior of the country… Höcke is alluding to a far-right propaganda video that depicts him as the 12th-century Holy Roman Emperor Barbarossa. According to an old legend, Barbarossa, who is known for making peace across the Germanic kingdoms and beyond, is not dead but only sleeping and will wake up again to unite his loyal followers…

“At the beginning of September, the AfD in Thuringia became the first far-right party since World war II to win the most votes in a German state election. Höcke was widely celebrated by his supporters in the wake of the victory…”

Germany Deserves Better Than This Government!

Bild Online published the following comment from Bild boss Robert Schneider on October 29th:

“The German economy is wounded, Volkswagen is already bleeding! While tens of thousands of VW employees are threatened with layoffs, wage cuts and factory closures are pending at Germany’s largest car manufacturer, the traffic light government is today committing a level of madness to our economy that is astonishing.

“First, Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner gathers top representatives of the German economy for a crisis talk. A few hours later, Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks to representatives of major industry and unions about ways out of the recession. By the way, Economics Minister Robert Habeck is not at both economic summits! How are the shocked VW employees supposed to understand this ego trip by the traffic light men?

“The fact that the red-green-yellow coalition can no longer even agree on a joint conversation with business and trade unions is an admission of capitulation and another proof of the failure of the traffic light…

“Germany as a business location suffers from high taxes, levies, bureaucratic burdens, a shortage of skilled workers and energy prices… But the traffic light lacks the courage and strength to govern, and not only in economic and financial policy:

“The migration crisis is not even remotely resolved and the consequences are affecting the entire country. The housing market is broken, many Germans are worried that they will no longer be able to pay their rent or even find an apartment. Internal security (crime) and external security (Bundeswehr) are in a worrying state… In the Middle East war, Germany is verbally and officially on Israel’s side… but at the same time the government blocked the supply of spare parts for the Israeli army for months. And in the Ukraine war, it is not known whether it is currently more important for the Chancellor not to irritate Putin too much or to help Ukraine achieve lasting military successes.

“I think: Germany deserves better than this government!”

It is clear that the German government is perhaps the worst since the end of the Second World War. But the big question is whether Germany deserves a better government. We think: Germany deserves exactly this government.

German Government History

Deutsche Welle reported on November 6:

“Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz has dismissed finance minister Christian Lindner on Wednesday, after a breakdown in talks among the coalition government that was composed of Scholz’s social democrats (SPD), the Greens and Lindner’s liberal party FDP.”

Bild Online wrote that the government coalition is history. Die Welt announced that there will be no new elections at this time, but that Scholz will ask in January for a vote of confidence.

Reuters wrote on November 7:

 “German opposition parties and business groups on Thursday urged Chancellor Olaf Scholz to trigger a new election quickly to minimise political uncertainty after his rocky three-way coalition collapsed. The coalition fell apart on Wednesday when years of tensions culminated in a row over how to plug a multi-billion-euro hole in the budget and revive Europe’s largest economy, headed for its second year of contraction. The break-up creates a leadership vacuum at the heart of the European Union just as it seeks a united response to Tuesday’s election of Donald Trump as U.S. president on issues ranging from possible new U.S. trade tariffs to Russia’s war in Ukraine and the future of the U.S.-led NATO alliance…

“The last straw was [Finance Minister Lindner’s] opposition to Scholz’s plan to ease debt limits in order to increase support for Ukraine in the 2025 budget by 3 billion euros ($3.25 billion). Lindner’s dismissal led to the FDP quitting the coalition, leaving Scholz’s SPD and the Greens running a minority government…

“The crisis comes at a critical juncture for Germany, with a flatlining economy, ageing infrastructure and an unprepared military. It is likely to deal another blow to consumption and investment in coming months even as Trump’s return threatens to dampen exports…”

Tucker Carlson Attacked by Demon?

Mediaite wrote on October 31:

“Tucker Carlson said that he was ‘physically mauled’ by a demon a year and a half ago that left him bleeding and with still-visible scars on his body from ‘claw marks’… ‘I got attacked while I was asleep with my wife and four dogs and mauled, physically mauled… by a demon… Or by something unseen that left claw marks on my sides… I was totally confused, I woke up, and I couldn’t breathe, and I thought I was going to suffocate. And I walked around outside and then I walked in and my wife and dogs had not woken up. And they’re very light sleepers. And then I had these terrible pains on my rib cage and on my shoulder, and I was just in my boxer shorts and I went and flipped on the light in the bathroom, and I had four claw marks on either side underneath my arms and on my left shoulder. And they’re bleeding… And I sleep on my side, so I wasn’t clawing myself. I don’t have long nails and they didn’t fit my hands anyway…

“Carlson went on to say that he consulted his assistant, an evangelical Christian, because he had ‘never heard of anything like that happening before,’ and that she told him, ‘That happens, people are attacked in their bed by demons…’”

Demons are real. But to be clear, demons do NOT have the power to attack or influence us while we are asleep. Note our Q&A in this regard. https://www.eternalgod.org/can-satan-influence-us-whilst-we-are-asleep/

“Conclave”… Too Close to Francis’ Home?

The Associated Press wrote on October 27:

“With Pope Francis a few weeks away from his 88th birthday, the plotting for his successor is well underway at the Vatican. How timely, then, that just across town in Rome, ‘Conclave,’ a thriller filled with back-stabbing, manipulative cardinals, quick to toss morality out of the window as they promote their candidate, is a top draw at the Rome Film Festival. This might be a little too close to home — literally and figuratively — for Pope Francis…

“The conclave is the centuries-old tradition in which, on the death of a pope, cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican to participate in rounds of voting until they elect a new pontiff. Conclave comes from the Latin ‘cum clave,’ meaning ‘with a key,’ to indicate the Cardinals are locked in until they have chosen the new leader for the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.

“Francis is not immortal. Discussions on who could be his successor have already begun, but it remains to be seen if the next real conclave will be as thrilling as the film…”

And it will also be interesting to see who will emerge as the next pope… an equally left-liberal pope with extremist anti-Catholic views, or, as a reaction, a conservative candidate who will be more fully in line with Catholic traditionalism.

Dangers of Corona Vaccination

Report 24 wrote on October 28:

“Pfizer/BioNTech has quietly updated the product information on the Corona vaccine and added the following regarding heart damage: ‘There is an increased risk of myocarditis and pericarditis after vaccination with Comirnaty. These diseases can develop within a few days after vaccination and mainly occur within 14 days. They were seen more frequently after the second vaccination and more frequently in younger men. Available data shows that most cases recover. In some cases, intensive care was required and fatal cases were observed.’

“‘The mechanism of action of this new mRNA technology can lead to the destruction of many cells in all organs by the immune system. This damage is particularly dramatic in organs that have little or no ability to regenerate, such as the brain and heart. That’s why we always warned against the corona vaccination… Now that large parts of the population have already been vaccinated and the many complications are obvious, these risks, which have been expected since the beginning and have been known for a long time, are secretly included in the specialist information,’ explains Dr. Christian Fiala. In this way, the manufacturer is trying to avoid liability, at least for future vaccinations. Because the patient himself is liable for all risks listed in the specialist information…

“The fact that the change took place in 2023 makes the matter even more explosive. Because the denial of side effects and the trivialization of inflammation of the heart have continued since then – as has the promotion of the vaccination…”

Children Endangered Through Covid Vaccines?

On October 30, Dr. Paul Alexander wrote the following:

“[A] UK study confirmed the global stable data that no healthy child in US or elsewhere, none, got severely ill or died from this thing called ‘COVID’; in fact severe outcomes ONLY after MALONE et al. mRNA… Bottom line, NO COVID mRNA vaccine was needed in any child, NONE! And is NOT needed! Parents be warned! The mRNA gene-based vaccine should have never been rolled out to children, as much as it should not have been given to pregnant women who were excluded from the registrational legacy trials by Pfizer, Moderna etc…

“Furthermore, the study found that Covid shots offered the children very little protection from the virus, with many becoming infected after just 14 to 15 weeks of receiving an injection.’ ‘The researchers were investigating the safety and effectiveness of Pfizer’s vaccine in fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, and unvaccinated children and teenagers. However, they discovered that cases of myocarditis and pericarditis only emerged in the vaccinated group.’..

“Myocarditis and pericarditis are both forms of inflammation in the heart. Pericarditis is a condition where the sac around the heart becomes inflamed, while myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. Both disorders restrict the heart’s ability to pump blood around the body and can cause clots, strokes, heart attacks, cardiac arrest, and ultimately sudden death.”

Kennedy to Reorganize Department of Health?

Breitbart wrote on October 31:

“Former President Donald Trump has asked Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead a reorganization of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in a new administration…

“Kennedy told Breitbart News: ‘President Trump has asked me… to root out … the corruption, and the conflicts of interest; and to restore the traditions of gold-standard, empirically-based, evidence-based science and medicine, and to end the chronic disease epidemic. And he’s told me that he wants to see measurable results in the decline of chronic disease within two years. And I’ve promised him that we can to that.”

That would not be a bad idea, also in light of the next article. Kennedy has been very outspoken about the danger of Covid vaccinations.

The Propaganda and Threats of the WHO

LifeSiteNews wrote on October 31:

“The public health establishment needs to be even more ‘aggressive’ against vaccine critics than it already is, the leader of the embattled World Health Organization (WHO) declared in recent remarks… WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus decried that ‘more than 14 million children in 2022 did not receive a single dose of vaccine,’ and while work with international organizations like UNICEF hopes to reduce that number, a ‘serious challenge’ remains. ‘I think we need to strategize to really push back, because vaccines work, vaccines effect adults, and we have science, evidence on our side,’ Tedros said. ‘I think it’s time to be more aggressive in pushing back on anti-vaxxers. They used COVID as an opportunity and all the havoc they are creating.’
“… Tedros gives little consideration to … the significant risks to the COVID shots… [including] higher risks of myocarditis following the first, second and third doses of mRNA-based COVID shots, as well as signs of increased risk of… pericarditis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis… and other potential safety signals… [and] statistically significant increases… in cancer deaths after third doses of mRNA-based COVID-19 jabs…”

The Evolution Theory—Such a Dumb Monkey Tale!

BBC News reported on November 1:

“Two Australian mathematicians have called into question an old adage, that if given an infinite amount of time, a monkey pressing keys on a typewriter would eventually write the complete works of William Shakespeare… However, a new peer-reviewed study led by Sydney-based researchers Stephen Woodcock and Jay Falletta has found that the time it would take for a typing monkey to replicate Shakespeare’s plays, sonnets and poems would be longer than the lifespan of our universe…

“As well as looking at the abilities of a single monkey, the study also did a series of calculations based on the current global population of chimpanzees, which is roughly 200,000. The results indicated that even if every chimp in the world was enlisted and able to type at a pace of one key per second until the end of the universe, they wouldn’t even come close to typing out the Bard’s works. There would be a 5% chance that a single chimp would successfully type the word ‘bananas’ in its own lifetime. And the probability of one chimp constructing a random sentence – such as ‘I chimp, therefore I am’ – comes in at one in 10 million billion billion, the research indicates…”

What is also being overlooked in all of this is the fact that an unbreachable spiritual gap exists between men and monkeys. Monkeys can never even remotely achieve what man does. This, of course, completely debunks the ridiculous evolution idea. Please read our free booklet, “The Theory of Evolution—A Fairy Tale for Adults?” 

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.

As members of the Church of God, we trust God because He is the great Creator and the source of all power.   He is the greatest being in the universe and knows all that is going on in our lives and what we need.   Human beings are fallible and make mistakes.   God does not.

Is it compatible to say that a man can trust both in God and man?  Let us start with Psalm 118:8 where we read: “It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man.”

The explanations given by a number of Bible Commentaries on this verse are helpful.   Let us look at a few of these:

Barnes Notes on the Bible states:

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man – This is stated apparently as the result of his own experience. He had found people weak and faithless; he had not so found God. Compare Psalm 40:4; Psalm 62:8-9.  Literally, ‘Good is it to trust in Yahweh more than to confide in man.’ This is the Hebrew form of comparison, and is equivalent to what is stated in our version, ‘It is better’ etc. It is better,

“(1) because man is weak – but God is almighty;

“(2) because man is selfish – but God is benevolent;

“(3) because man is often faithless and deceitful – God [is] never;

“(4) because there are emergencies, as death, in which man cannot aid us, however faithful, kind, and friendly he may be – but there are no circumstances in this life, and none in death, where God cannot assist us; and

“(5) because the ability of man to help us pertains at best only to this present life – the power of God will be commensurate with eternity.”

The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary observes:

“Even the most powerful men are less to be trusted than God.”

Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible states:

“It is better to trust in the Lord…. This, with what follows in Psalm 118:9, is the conclusion from the above premises and experience; it is good to trust in the Lord; such enjoy peace, are in safety, shall not want any good thing, nor ever be ashamed and confounded: the Targum [explanation of “Targum” below] is:

“‘it is better to trust in the Word of the Lord;’ than to put confidence in man; it is not good to put confidence in man at all [but note the previous comments above and subsequent comments below]; it is trusting to a broken staff, to a mere shadow, which can yield no support or relief: it is best to trust in the Lord; he is able to help, as well as willing; he is faithful to his word, and unchangeable in his promises; whereas man, though he may have a will to help, oftentimes has it not in his power; and when it is in his power, and has promised it, he disappoints, being changeable or unfaithful. Wherefore trust not in man, but in the Lord; yea, cursed is the man that trusts in man; see Jeremiah 17:5.”

Regarding the Targum, Wikipedia states that “The Targum is a term for various Aramaic versions of the Hebrew Bible or parts of it, dating from the post-exilic period. They were used for oral translation and exposition in synagogues, and later became written texts with commentary and interpretation.”

King David knew from personal bitter experience what it was like to be let down by another human being when he wrote in Psalm 41:9: “Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, Has lifted up his heel against me.”  In short, the Lord is a “refuge” who is totally dependable and reliable because He is perfect, whereas human beings called by God today must be striving to improve in everything they do and are not yet perfect; thus, they will make mistakes.   The instruction doesn’t say to never trust other human beings, but rather, trusting God is better – and by a very large margin!

Matthew Poole’s Commentary states the following about Psalm 41:9: “‘Mine own familiar friend’; he means either Ahithophel, or some other perfidious counsellor or courtier, who was a type of Judas, to whom therefore it is applied, John 13:18, as David was a type of Christ in being thus betrayed.  So these words were literally fulfilled in David, and yet the Holy [Spirit] which dictated them, looked further in them, even to Christ and Judas, in whom they received a further and fuller accomplishment.”   Even King David had those who let him down with their wrong type of behaviour and didn’t behave like a trusted friend.

King David’s son and successor, Solomon, wrote in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

One commentator wrote: “It is precisely because we know that God will never fail us that we can trust others. Our ultimate security is in Him, so we are free to trust others and experience the joy it brings. Trusting others is almost inseparable from loving others.”

Let us review Micah 7:5: “Do not trust in a friend; Do not put your confidence in a companion; Guard the doors of your mouth From her who lies in your bosom.” 

We read in Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible the following explanation (our emphasis underlined):

“‘Trust ye not in a friend’…. This is not said to lessen the value of friendship; or to discourage the cultivation of it with agreeable persons; or to dissuade from a confidence in a real friend; or in the least to weaken it, and damp the pleasure of true friendship, which is one of the great blessings of life; but to set forth the sad degeneracy of the then present age, that men, who pretended to be friends, were so universally false and faithless, that there was no dependence to be had on them.”

For many today, the same principle can easily apply.

Jeremiah 17:5 reads: “Thus says the LORD: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the LORD.” 

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers states: “’

“‘Cursed be the man’… The words are vehement and abrupt, but they burst from the prophet’s lips as proclaiming the root evil that had eaten into the life of his people. Their trust in an arm of flesh had led them to Egyptian and Assyrian alliances, and these to departing from the Lord.”  

This passage looks at the emphasis on man’s ability and influence rather than the strength we can have through trusting God.  The emphasis was wrong and it also clearly shows the principle of “whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

There is much to learn from God’s Word about the way that we must conduct ourselves as those who have been called to “the Way” by the Father.   We ourselves are less than perfect, and we will make many mistakes and errors of judgment throughout our lives, however well-intentioned we may be.   We will let others down at times, maybe unknowingly in some circumstances, but as we have not yet achieved perfection, mistakes will be made and trust may figure amongst those problems that will arise in our lives.

It is something well worth remembering that trust goes two ways.   We cannot expect that others will be perfect in this way because we ourselves are not perfect.

When we were called into the true Church of God, we learnt so many things that were previously a mystery to us.   Did we discount all of this information initially because when we didn’t yet fully understand all that we were learning or did we trust God that what He said was totally trustworthy?   For all those now reading and understanding these words, the answer is that we did trust God; otherwise, we wouldn’t still be an active member in His Church.   Of course, it should be much easier to trust God because we see His mighty creation and know that He is supreme over all, but some may still have “reasons” why that might not apply to them. 

Hebrews 11 is known as the “faith” chapter, and in verse 1 we read: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”   This is where our trust in God is shown, and we read about the benefits of such belief in Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”

We know that we can trust God because He is perfect but man is not, but that doesn’t mean that we should not trust others as far as we are able and as far as they deserve such trust:

Christianity.com makes these excellent observations:

“If you are like me, there are a great many people you have come to trust in your life. Over the years, they have proven themselves trustworthy. People you can count on in a time of need. A great many others you have learned to never trust. They have let you down time and again — and again and again.

“The list of those who are trustworthy every time is quite likely far shorter than those who have proven unreliable and undependable.

“And it is not a restricted list: parents, siblings, friends, co-workers, bosses, teammates. Those people all make those who do prove trustworthy that much more of a treasure.

“A trusted friend is more precious than pure gold. Rarer too, perhaps. When we find that person, we tend to cling tightly.

“Trusting in people is not a bad thing — in fact, such a friend is to be appreciated and is truly valuable in a time of need.

“When that trusted friend also happens to be your spouse, it is a timeless treasure to be cherished.  Such healthy, trusting relationships can and will bear much fruit in our lives.

“Friends who trust can talk to each other; lean on each other; bear one another’s burdens — and be counted on to keep each other’s secrets.

“But… if we are honest, we also know that friends — human beings — can, and will, let us down. Whether intentionally or unintentionally.   We are all broken beings and all subject to mistakes. We know, too, the damage it can cause — both to the relationship, as well as our lives and the lives of others.”

In our Christian Way of Life, we are given the tools to do what we know is right, but it might not be that easy to ascertain and to act correctly when decisions have to be made. 

For example, we read in Proverbs 26:4-5:

“Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.”  

We don’t just sit back expecting that God Himself will sort these things out for us, but He will certainly give us the wisdom to make such right decisions.   Likewise, He will also give us the guidance, if we request this from Him, in whether to trust other fallible human beings or not.

We must remember that when immorality defiled the Church in the early days of apostolic Christianity, the apostle Paul wrote, as recorded in 1 Corinthians 5:9-10:

“I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.”   Even in the early Church, there were some considerable problems.

There is a saying that no man is an island, and this was originally written by John Donne and is about the connection between all of humankind and the need for each other.

litcharts.com observes:

“Donne essentially argues that people need each other and are better together than they are in isolation, because every individual is one piece of the greater whole that is humanity itself. The paragraph isn’t actually a poem but a famous excerpt from Donne’s Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions. Written in 1623 when Donne was in the grips of a serious illness, the Devotions examine what it means to be a human being and the relationship between humanity and God.   An island is a piece of land surrounded on all sides by water; it’s entirely cut off from the mainland. In saying that nobody is an island, then, Donne is saying that nobody exists entirely cut off on all sides from the metaphorical mainland of humanity. In other words, nobody is completely isolated and alone.”

On the website biblestudytools.com, we read:

“Trusting people is not a bad idea, in fact, trusting people, certain people is wise and essential. The Bible makes clear from the Book of Genesis that God does not desire for any of us to be alone. God made Eve for Adam, and for each of us God desires companionship in some form.

“When we put trust in people, we can reap the fruits of a healthy relationship. A trusting couple experiences peace and calm in their relationship as a result. When questionable things occur, communication is had and all issues get resolved. Friends who trust will talk, share secrets, and bear one another’s burdens. Children who trust adults are more likely to share and seek support.

“However, people, unlike God, can damage trust, whether accidentally or intentionally. If we are accustomed to running to people every time we need help, and not God, we will find ourselves disappointed. Sometimes people don’t want to hear our problems, sometimes they are unavailable. There are times we put our trust in people only to receive bad advice, be lied to, or for someone to divulge our secrets. Not everyone engages in this, but trusting people can potentially have this result. That’s the risk we take when building a relationship.

“That is not the case with God. He is a trustworthy refuge, a permanent one, a person to run to and a place to reside. Humans cannot offer that for us and that is why we need to keep our focus on God. He is for us what people never can be, and for that, He will always remain trustworthy.”

There are many verses that talk about human relationships and the need for inter-acting with others.  When we trust others, it can lead to healthy relationships and partnerships which is the state of having shared interests or efforts.  But, most critical of all is our relationship with God which is of paramount importance and He is the One whom we can always trust.

God NEVER lets us down and unlike human beings, He doesn’t gossip. He always keeps His word, is totally reliable and is there for us at all times.   On the other hand, human beings live in a world which is under the sway of Satan the devil (compare 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2) which can prove troublesome for true Christians unless we are anchored to the great God.  

Trust, primarily and essentially in God, is vital to our spiritual well-being and trust within our human relationships is necessary for setting the very best example we can, particularly, but not exclusively, within the true Church of God.   We should strive always to be trustworthy and not let others down, and take note of the apostle Paul’s admonition as we read in Ephesians 4:1-2: “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to have a walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love.”

We must always trust God in all things as He knows what is best for all of us, and we can ask Him to give us insight and wisdom about whom we can trust and, in the final analysis, trust God with the outcomes.   And we ourselves must work on being trustworthy to others at all times.

Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)

compiled by Dave Harris

“Trump Won… Now What’s Next?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

We were told it would be a close race. But Trump won decisively, and many are stunned and shocked. His victory has been termed “a comeback for the ages” and “history’s greatest comeback.” Four years ago, many felt that Trump would win in 2020. A letter from us explained the situation and pointed at the next election in 2024, also suggesting that Trump might have a prophetic role to fulfill, especially in relationship to Israel and Europe. What we said then is more relevant now than ever before. Do you know what is coming next? Are you prepared for an astonishing and bumpy ride?

“Trump hat gewonnen.. was jetzt?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This covers the same topics as described above.

“Who is Jesus Christ?—His Many Descriptions in the Bible,” our newest booklet, written by Brian Gale and Norbert Link, has been sent to the printer, and it is posted.

A Tech Team Meeting was conducted on November 3, 2024. Hosted by Eric Rank, a review of Feast activities and reports for ongoing booklet ads were discussed.

“Ist Neugierde Sünde?” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Is Curiosity Sin?”

Recent sermons given in both the United States and Germany during the Fall festival season are posted on our websites.

“Wurdig,” last Sabbath’s first split-sermon, presented in Germany by Mike Richter, is now posted. Title in English: “Worthy.”

“Das Ende der Welt, wie wir sie kennen, ist nur der Anfang,” last Sabbath’s second split-sermon, presented in Germany by Daniel Blasinger, is now posted. Title in English: “The End Of The World As We Know It Is Just The Beginning.”

“Our Atmosphere,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Michael Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:

We can survive physically through God’s perfect creation of the earth within the atmosphere mankind lives in. The atmosphere at this year’s Feast of Tabernacles was everything that this current world is not. It was positive with joy, peace, and spiritual food to prepare us for what the future holds. The atmosphere of this world is deteriorating more and more and we must remain vigilant spiritually as we fight against the god of this world. How can we succeed?

“Why Are You Called Today?” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:

If you can understand biblical Truth today, then God has called you and given you the opportunity to attain eternal salvation. Did God make a mistake? Don’t you know what to do with your calling… what God requires of you? If God has a plan for you, what is that plan? Are you expecting too much from God… or too little?

On October 5, 2024, Paul Niehoff will present the sermonette, titled, “A Peculiar Treasure,” and Brian Gale will present the sermon titled, “The Power and Might of God.”

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.

FEAST OF TRUMPETS:

On October 3, 2024, Kalon Mitchell presented the Offertory, titled, “Snakes,” and Norbert Link presented the sermon, titled, “God’s Warning to the Nations (Feast of Trumpets 2024).”

DAY OF ATONEMENT:

On October 12 is the Day of Atonement. The offertory will be given by Eric Rank, and the sermon will be given by Dave Harris.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to observance of the Fall Holy Days, we will not publish the Update again until November 7, 2024.

Paul conveys these familiar words in Philippians 4:13, stating, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 

Paul knew that ANYTHING was possible when leaving matters in God’s hands, no matter what difficulties he encountered. He also respected the fact that God was in complete control over his life, even though he prayed continuously for God to intervene when it came to his physical ailments. God answered by not healing him at times. That, however, didn’t discourage him as he admitted that through this physical weakness, he was strong (2 Corinthians 12:7-10), knowing that it was God who strengthened him in his weakness.

Having a sound mind with the help of God’s Holy Spirit is what sets us apart from the rest of the world.“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Paul also tells us in Ephesians 6:10 that we need to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” 

David also understood this, and he faced many difficult trials as well. He pleaded with God with fasting and prayer and knew that he had to change. He was not too proud to admit that he sinned when he recognized it, and he bitterly repented. He was still punished at times, but God accepted his repentance, and he was forgiven. After all, he was a man after God’s own heart. His heart was in the right place. He loved God’s Law and he received strength from God as he indicated in Psalms 27:1: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?” 

He couldn’t rely on just his physical strength and abilities for that is only temporary, but that which is spiritual, is everlasting. It is vital that we in the Church of God are of one mind—to be unified with God and with one another.

To be truly unified, we are to “speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among [us], but that [we] be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10.) We NEED to be of ONE mind (1 Peter 3:8). Romans 12:16 adds that we need to be of the same mind with one another and that we are not to be wise in our own opinion. If we think that we can make it on our own, saying that we don’t need the Church or the ministry, that we don’t need to keep God’s Law and just do what we believe is correct in our own eyes, WE WILL FAIL. Proverbs 3:5-6 reveals in whom we are to put our trust; and yes, God will direct our paths when we DO just that. 

But God also provides help because we are not alone. Who can understand the Bible without direction, explanation, and guidance? This is how God provides help for the purpose of teaching (compare Ephesians 4:11-13; Acts 20:28).  We need God’s ministry to be taught (Romans 10:14). But, we need to be of one mind.  How can two walk together unless they are agreed (Amos 3:3)?

To be truly unified, we must have humility (Philippians 2:1-8), we must have peace (Ephesians 4:3), and we must have love which is the bond of perfection (Colossians 3:14.)  Verses 12 and 13 elaborate on what we need to do to have that bond of perfection.

Through unity of like mind, we receive strength. God will strengthen us when we are unified with Him and with one another. We must allow God to help us when we go through difficult times and we must not take for granted what God has given us. Let’s really think about what His purpose is for us — why we are here, what we are commissioned to do. We must all do our part individually and as a whole. Together in unity, together in strength! 

by Norbert Link

We begin with an extraordinary admission that hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens who have been convicted of murder, rape and other capital crimes, are running loose in the USA.

We continue with the volatile situation in the Middle East, and Israel’s fight for survival. In this regard, please view our new program, titled, “Israel’s Countless Enemies—Comments on News and Prophecy, September 28, 2024.”

We address further developments pertaining to the war between Russia and Ukraine. Please view our StandingWatch program, titled “Nuclear War with Russia?”.

We speak on the sex scandals within the Catholic Church.  Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Scandals and Falsehoods in the Catholic Church.”

We conclude with focusing on elections in Austria and Germany.

13,099 Illegal Immigrants Convicted of Homicide Loose on the Streets

Fox News wrote on September 27:

“Tens of thousands of illegal immigrants with sex offenses and homicide convictions are loose on the streets, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data provided to lawmakers this week… The data, as of July 2024, is broken down by those in detention, and those who are not in detention — known as the non-detained docket.  The non-detained docket includes illegal immigrants who have final orders of removal or are going through removal proceedings but are not detained in ICE custody. There are currently more than 7 million people on that docket. The data says that, among those not in detention, there are 425,431 convicted criminals and 222,141 with pending criminal charges.

“Those include 62,231 convicted of assault, 14,301 convicted of burglary, 56,533 with drug convictions and 13,099 convicted of homicide. An additional 2,521 have kidnapping convictions and 15,811 have sexual assault convictions. 

“There are an additional 1,845 with pending homicide charges, 42,915 with assault charges, 3,266 with burglary charges and 4,250 with assault charges…”

Trump has been ridiculed and maligned for consistently stating that many illegal aliens entering the USA are murderers and rapists. After all, he was right. The actual numbers might be much higher than the ones listed above.

Convicted Illegal Immigrants in the USA

CBS News wrote on September 30:

“… a letter U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement [which was] recently shared with Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales… contained figures on immigrants with criminal records being tracked by ICE but not detained by the agency… many of the convicted criminals described in the letter have been in the U.S. for a long time, before the Biden administration took office, according to government data and officials. Some are still in federal or state custody serving criminal sentences and are likely to be arrested by ICE. And others cannot be deported because their home countries won’t take them back or they received legal relief from deportation in immigration court.

“… The number of non-detained docket cases has ballooned under the Biden administration, fueled by the release of millions of migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border in recent years. ICE is currently tracking roughly 7.7 million non-detained cases, up from 3.3 million in fiscal year 2020…

“ICE efforts to arrest immigrants accused or convicted of crimes are often frustrated by jurisdictions with so-called ‘sanctuary’ policies that limit local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Some communities, for example, do not honor requests from ICE to hold individuals longer so the agency can pick them up and take them into custody… ICE sometimes has to release immigrants who have been ordered deported by a judge, often because of a criminal conviction, simply because their home country won’t accept them. Additionally, some immigrants, even those convicted of serious crimes, can have their deportation deferred if immigration judges determine they would likely be tortured or persecuted in their home countries…”

The End of Democracy?

Media ITE wrote on September 29:

“Elon Musk claimed Sunday that electing former President Donald Trump in November is the ‘only way’ to save the country from the tyranny of Democrats and illegal migrants. He wrote on X:

“‘Very few Americans realize that, if Trump is NOT elected, this will be the last election. Far from being a threat to democracy, he is the only way to save it! Let me explain: if even 1 in 20 illegals become citizens per year, something that the Democrats are expediting as fast as humanly possible, that would be about 2 million new legal voters in 4 years. The voting margin in the swing states is often less than 20 thousand votes. That means if the “Democratic” Party succeeds, there will be no more swing states!! Moreover, the Biden/Harris administration has been flying “asylum seekers”, who are fast-tracked to citizenship, directly into swing states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin and Arizona. It is a surefire way to win every election.

“‘America then becomes a one-party state and Democracy is over. The only “elections” will be the Democratic Party primaries. This already happened in California many years ago, following the 1986 amnesty. The only thing holding California back from extreme socialism and suffocating government policies is that people can leave California and still remain in America. Once the whole country is controlled by one party, there will be no escape. Everywhere in America will be like the nightmare that is downtown San Francisco.’”

This is a frightening but not improbable scenario. California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill Sunday that will bar local authorities from requiring photo ID to vote.

“Ridiculous ‘Fact Check’ of a True Statement During CBS Vance-Walz VP Debate”

The Editorial Board of the New York Post wrote on October 1:

“Sen. JD Vance was accurately describing the migrant crisis fueled by Kamala Harris and Joe Biden when CBS moderator Margaret Brennan decided to insert herself with a ‘fact check.’ ‘Just to clarify for our viewers, Springfield, Ohio does have a large number of Haitian migrants who have legal status,’ she said smugly.

“Vance was rightly annoyed by the interruption and said, ‘The rules were that you guys weren’t going to fact-check, and since you’re fact-checking me, I think it’s important to say what’s actually going on.’ He then proceeded to truthfully, forcefully explain what ‘legal status’ means: ‘So there’s an application called the CBP One app, where you can go on as an illegal migrant, apply for asylum or apply for parole, and be granted legal status at the wave of a Kamala Harris open border wand.’ At which point CBS decided to CUT OFF HIS MIC.

“This was the most shameful moment in a long history of shameful moments by moderators biased against Republicans. They ‘fact-checked’ the truth, then stopped the politician from responding. It was made all the more partisan by the fact that when Gov. Tim Walz told the howler that ‘illegal border crossings are down compared to when Donald Trump left office,’ which is not even close to true, no one let out of a peep. Some ‘facts’ are too good to check…

“What Vance was explaining is absolutely, verifiably correct. There is no congressional authorization for the Biden-Harris administration to simply allow 1,000 people a day, 365,000 a year, to just walk across the border. Moreover, asylum law requires that seekers apply in the first safe country they enter. The White House is ignoring that rule. Venezuelans can walk through a half-dozen nations where they could apply for asylum, and they still let them apply here. They aren’t required to remain in Mexico while their applications are processed, as former President Donald Trump required…

“So yes, the Haitians of Springfield have ‘legal status.’ But that’s only because Kamala Harris and Joe Biden are ignoring the law.”

That was by far not the only problem with the moderators of the Vance-Walz debate. Tim Walz was not taken to task when he incorrectly claimed that he did not sign a bill allowing abortions after birth; no questions were asked about his falsified record as a soldier; and no really pertinent questions were even asked about Russia and Ukraine.

Worse yet, they brought up the January 6 incident, falsely claiming that all courts had ruled that there was no evidence of fraud. The truth is, most courts did not even address the substance of the case—they dismissed causes of actions on procedural grounds such as lack of standing—and the few courts which did address substance limited their judgments to strictly local occurrences in a particular state, but not the USA as a whole. The verdict on HOW much the election was rigged is still out. It has been rightly observed that the Vance-Walz debate was again three against one (as had been the case in the previous debate between Trump and Harris). Still, it has been overwhelmingly stated that Vance won the debate.

The Costs of the Port Strike

inc.com wrote on October 2:

“Analysts at J.P. Morgan calculated that the strike that shut down ports from Maine to Texas could cost the U.S. economy between $3.8 billion to $4.5 billion for each day they remain closed. Roughly 45,000 dock workers walked off the job at 36 ports when the clock struck midnight on Tuesday when their contract expired. Negotiations have reportedly stalled for months over wages… For each day the workers strike, estimates suggest that supply chains could face an additional five to seven days of congestion as goods are rerouted to open ports in other regions of the country, namely the West Coast. Assuming those ports stay open…

“Many are concerned that the snarled supply chains the nation experienced in 2021 could resurface, along with the price increases that such disruptions may bring. Goods such as bananas, cherries, chocolate, and alcohol could be in short supply if the strike becomes protracted… As of now, Biden has chosen not to step in. The president, who has been a vocal advocate for labor unions over the years, called on USMX to raise workers’ wages. It’s unclear when both parties will next return to the bargaining table.”

That is one way of destroying the US economy.

Fortunately, The New York Post wrote on October 3:

“The three-day longshorseman strike that sparked panic in the US over potential supply chain issues is set to end immediately as dock workers and port operators reached a tentative deal, representatives for each group said Thursday.

The strike — which snarled incoming shipments at dozens of ports stretching from Maine to Texas — will end at least until Jan. 15 after the Internation Longshoremen’s Association, the union representing 45,000 dockworkers, and the US Maritime Alliance, which represents shippers and port operators, reached a tentative deal on wage increases… Dockworkers will see an approximately 62% wage hike over six years under the new deal… The union had been asking for a 77% raise.”

But this is apparently only temporary, and much damage has already been done. In addition, Fortune wrote on September 29 that “Total damages and economic loss from Hurricane Helene could reach $110 billion.”

It is clear that God is not blessing the USA.

Abbas Attacks Israel

Israel Today wrote on September 27:

“In an address to the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday morning, Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas called the holiest Jewish site—the Temple Mount in Jerusalem—the ‘exclusive property of Muslims’ and referred to Israel as a ‘terrorist state’ that does not deserve membership in the United Nations…

“He also referred to Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir as a terrorist for calling for a Third Temple to be built on the mount.”

A Third Temple will be built on the Temple Mount, prior to Christ’s return, as the Bible clearly reveals. The evidence is indisputable. 

Netanyahu Attacks UN, Iran Before Strike on Beirut

The New York Post wrote on September 27:

“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the United Nations General Assembly as a ‘swamp of antisemitic bile’ during a fiery address Friday morning…  He also called the organization an ‘anti-Israel flat-earth society.’ The Likud party leader slammed the International Criminal Court’s allegations that Israel has deliberately targeted civilians in Gaza as the product of ‘profound moral confusion.’

“He called out the Iranian government for backing terror groups, including Hamas, and mentioned how Tehran directly attacked Israel for the first time in April this year. Netanyahu repeatedly emphasized Israel’s nearly year-long struggle in a war that now involves multiple fronts, as Hezbollah, the Houthis and militants in Syria and Iraq renewed their efforts against the Jewish state in response to the Gaza war…

“Shortly after Netanyahu’s speech, Israel rained down missiles on Hezbollah’s headquarters in Beirut, marking its most powerful attack on the group to date.  The explosions marked a serious escalation and came weeks after Israel confirmed that the focus of its war effort was shifting from Gaza to Lebanon. Netanyahu’s office circulated an image of the prime minister on the phone approving the strike on the Lebanese capital.”

Hezbollah Leader Killed

The U.S. Sun wrote on September 28:

“HEZBOLLAH leader Hassan Nasrallah has been killed in a massive missile blitz on Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced that Friday’s fighter jet blitz successfully eliminated the terror group’s Secretary-General…

“The death of Nasrallah, considered by many to be the single most powerful individual in Lebanon, is a pivotal moment for Israel – and has sparked fears of wider escalation. Ali Karki, the Commander of Hezbollah’s Southern Front, is also believed to have been killed alongside Nasrallah in the strikes on Friday. Israel also claims to have wiped out several other Hezbollah officials including Muhammad Ali Ismail, the commander of Hezbollah’s missile unit in southern Lebanon, in the blasts. His deputy and ‘other senior officials’ were also taken out.”

Intervention of Outside Powers?

The New York Post wrote on September 28:

“Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged the Muslim world to ‘stand by’ Lebanon and Hezbollah.

“The international community has expressed concern that these bombings in Lebanon would inevitably lead to an even wider war in the Middle East…

“ ‘Shockwaves radiating from the unprecedented death and destruction in Gaza now threaten to push the entire region into the abyss,’ UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutierez told the Security Council Friday.  ‘War in Lebanon could lead to further escalation involving outside powers.’”

Fox News wrote on September 28:

“… the immediate question is not whether Iran will respond, but how. Hezbollah is a creation of the Islamic Republic, built on decades of effort, and billions of dollars of support… The relationship between Iran’s supreme leader… Khamenei and Hezbollah’s secretary-general, Hassan Nasrallah, was almost familial – akin to that of father and son…

“Iran’s leadership cannot simply sit back while Hezbollah endures these levels of humiliation and harm. To do so would not only result in the weakening or loss of its most important proxy, but could signal the start of the unraveling of its entire regional strategy of eradicating the state of Israel, empowering Islamist groups, and expelling U.S. forces from the Middle East….”

Ultimately, Israel will receive a wound—prior to the Great Tribulation. This is apparently some kind of a defeat in war.

Reactions:

The Algemeiner and Reuters wrote on September 28:

“The following are reactions by regional politicians and others to the killing of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on Friday:

“IRAN’S FOREIGN MINISTRY: The ministry said in a statement that Nasrallah’s ‘path will continue and his goal will be realized in Jerusalem’s liberation’.

“YEMEN’S IRAN-ALIGNED HOUTHIS: The group said it mourned the killing of Nasrallah, adding: ‘The martyrdom … will increase the strength of sacrifice … determination and continuity.’

“MOHAMMED SHIA AL-SUDANI, IRAQ’S PRIME MINISTER: He said the killing of Nasrallah showed ‘the reckless desire to expand the conflict at the expense of all the peoples of the region and their security and stability.’

“HERZI HALEVI, ISRAEL’S CHIEF OF THE GENERAL STAFF: Nasrallah indiscriminately murdered Israeli civilians and aimed to end this war with the destruction of the State of Israel. We made sure that did not occur. We eliminated him, and we will continue to grow stronger. Hezbollah has murdered innocent people worldwide, hiding his weapons under the homes of families, women and children and turning them into human shields. As we have shown, we will not allow such a threat to our citizens. We are determined to continue destroying the Hezbollah terrorist organization and to keep fighting.’

“MOQTADA EL SADR, IRAQI SHI’ITE MUSLIM POLITICIAN: He said he mourned Nasrallah as ‘his companion in resistance’.

“GEBRAN BASSIL, LEADING LEBANESE CHRISTIAN POLITICIAN: He said he mourned the death of Nasrallah as a major loss and said it was a hard time for all Lebanese, adding: ‘In the face of the Israeli enemy, we have no choice but to be together as Lebanese.’

“MICHEL AOUN, FORMER LEBANESE PRESIDENT: In a statement mourning Nasrallah, he referred to ‘the dangers our country is witnessing as a result of the ongoing Israeli aggression which requires rising to the highest level of national solidarity that protects and fortifies our unity because that is the true salvation’.

“SAAD AL-HARIRI, FORMER LEBANESE PRIME MINISTER: The assassination of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has plunged Lebanon and the region into a new phase of violence. It is a cowardly act condemned in its entirety by us, who paid dearly for the lives of our loved ones when assassination became an alternative to politics. May God have mercy on Sayyed Hassan and my sincere condolences to his family and comrades. We often disagreed with the deceased and his party and met a few times, but Lebanon was everyone’s tent. In this extremely difficult phase, our unity and solidarity remain the foundation.’

“TURKISH PRESIDENT TAYYIP ERDOGAN: In a post on X after the killing of Nasrallah but which did not name him, Erdogan said he condemned recent attacks in Lebanon as part of what he called an Israeli policy of ‘genocide, occupation, and invasion’ and said the Muslim world should show a more ‘determined’ stance.”

The Times of Israel added on September 28:

“Russia also criticized Israel for killing Nasrallah, with a statement from the country’s foreign ministry saying it ‘decisively condemn[s] the latest political murder carried out by Israel’ and ‘once again insistently urge[s] Israel to immediately cease military action.’”

The Lebanese unite against Israel. And what Russian hypocrisy! Controversial German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (the Greens) stated that the elimination of Hassan Nasrallah was not necessary for Isarel’s security.

It is also shocking to see that large parts of the left-wing mass media in the USA and Europe portray mass murderer and terrorist Nasrallah as a somewhat sympathetic figure. For instance, the New York Times wrote falsely that Nasrallah was a “gifted orator” who “maintained that there should be one Palestine with equality for Muslims, Jews and Christians.” The truth is, he wanted Israel destroyed and obliterated.

USA Didn’t Succeed  

AFP wrote on September 28:

“EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell voiced regret Friday that no power, including the United States, can ‘stop;… Netanyahu,  saying he appears determined to crush militants in Gaza and Lebanon… Borrell said Netanyahu has made clear that the Israelis ‘don’t stop until Hezbollah is destroyed,’ much as in its nearly year-old campaign in Gaza against fellow Iranian-backed militant group Hamas. ‘If the interpretation of being destroyed is the same as with Hamas, then we are going to go for a long war,’ Borrell said…

“The outgoing EU foreign affairs chief [said;]  ‘We cannot rely just on the US. The US tried several times; they didn’t succeed…’”

The rift between Europe and the USA, even under Biden and now Harris, is widening.

Israeli Strikes Continue

Daily Mail wrote on September 28:

“Israel launched fresh strikes on Beirut again this afternoon after killing Hezbollah boss Hassan Nasrallah and a senior Iranian commander in an attack on Friday that has rocked the region and threatens drastic escalation. The Israeli military said late Saturday afternoon it had carried out an air strike in the Dahieh area of Beirut – the same district targeted in the strike on Hezbollah’s headquarters in the city yesterday. 

“Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi acknowledged that ‘challenging days await’ for Israel after confirming the death of Hezbollah’s secretary-general, with Iran and Hezbollah’s allies vowing revenge… Israel defended its operations in Lebanon today, amid growing pressure from its allies to de-escalate, claiming that it had thwarted a Hezbollah plot to carry out an attack similar to October 7.”

The Sun wrote on September 30:

“ISRAELI special forces have stormed Hezbollah tunnels inside Lebanon as Netanyahu warns there’s nowhere Israel cannot reach. Military bosses have massed tanks and 13,000 reservists at its northern border with Lebanon to pave the way for a bloody showdown with Hezbollah terror troops…. The IDF’s elite troops have carried out raids in southern Lebanon ahead of the possible invasion.”

Can Israel Succeed?

The Sun wrote on September 29:

“Analysts said terror group Hezbollah are ready for a ‘fight to the death’ against Israel should they invade – with Iran ready to pounce and send the region into chaos… Israel’s daily rocket barrages on Beirut are believed to be a clever ploy from the IDF to help begin their ground invasion into southern Lebanon… [Israel] has left the terror group in chaos after it eliminated dozens of their leaders – paving the way for an Israeli invasion. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi has already made it clear that the attacks on Lebanon have been tactically done to open up opportunities for the military to enter…

“But… despite the IDF outnumbering, outgunning and potentially outsmarting Hezbollah a complete offensive will be a tricky task to pull off. Despite being severely weakened by the rocket strikes Hezbollah are still a scary prospect after decades of training and Iranian funding…

“In the short term, Israel may be able to push Hezbollah and Iran back with their impressive battlefield skills and range of weapons. But many fear that their dominance won’t last long in the region – potentially triggering a war involving global powers…”

Ultimately, foreign powers WILL invade and conquer the state of Israel.

Israel Strikes Yemen

Express wrote on September 29:

“Israel has launched an all-out air assault on Yemen’s Houthis striking targets in a raid using dozens of aircraft. The IDF confirmed that the strike was the most powerful against the terror group since it joined the widening Middle East war following the October 7 attack in Israel last year. The targets of the strikes were oil reserves in Ras Issa and also the port of Hodeidah, according to Israeli army sources. Additionally, power plants were also struck in the devastating attacks carried out by  Israel’s air force…

“The strikes appear to be in retaliation for attacks on Israel carried out by the Houthis last week. Three missiles were fired at Tel Aviv and central areas of the country, following Israel’s bombardment of Lebanon…”

Israel is fighting on numerous fronts. In the long run, it will be extremely difficult to continue doing so.

Iran Attacks Israel

The Daily Mail wrote on October 1:

“The Israeli military has announced that missiles have been launched from Iran into Israel tonight – with the Islamic Republic ignoring warnings that any such attack would invite ‘severe consequences’. Air raid sirens sounded as dozens of missiles began raining down on Israel, with some dramatically exploding into flames as they appeared to strike areas of Tel Aviv, Israel’s capital. As the sustained attack continued into the night sky, other missiles exploded in the air as they were intercepted by Israel’s defence systems. 

“… Israel was expecting ballistic missiles to be launched by Iran this evening in yet another major escalation that leaves the Middle East on the brink of an all-out war. These can reach their targets in just 12 minutes…

“Israeli media are reporting that [about 200] missiles have been fired into Israel – after Iran vowed on Saturday that Israel’s assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah would be avenged…

“It comes as:  Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on towns and cities across Israel; IDF claimed to have conducted cross-border raids on southern Lebanon; Israeli airstrikes continue to devastate targets across Lebanon and Syria; Lebanon… appealed for $400 million in humanitarian aid…

“President Joe Biden said the United States was prepared to help Israel defend itself from Iranian missile attacks and to protect American military in the region…”

However, Biden also said that Israel should not attack Iran’s nuclear sites in retaliation. But many feel that Israel will have to do something. At the same time, Israel lost eight IDF soldiers in Southern Lebanon’s Ground Offensive who were killed by Hezbollah.

Zelenskyy and Trump Meet

The Associated Press wrote on September 27:

“Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met face-to-face with Donald Trump  Friday with public tensions rising between the two over Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion… Trump has for months criticized U.S. support for Ukraine and derided Zelenskyy as a ‘salesman’ for persuading Washington to provide weapons and funding to his military as it tries to fend off Moscow…

“In an interview with The New Yorker that was published earlier this week, Zelenskyy implied Trump does not understand and oversimplifies the conflict. The Ukrainian leader said Trump’s running mate JD Vance was ‘too radical’ and has essentially advocated for Ukraine to ‘make a sacrifice’ by ‘giving up its territories.’…”

Zelenskyy stated that both he and Trump agree that Putin “cannot win the war.”  It is unclear what is meant by that phrase. If the intention was to say that he must not win the war, that would be one thing; if it was meant to say that Putin will be unable to win the war, then that would be illusionary. Note the next article.

Ukraine Should Be Talking About Peace

The Ron Paul Institute added on September 28:

“Russia is gaining territory quickly because Ukraine is low on manpower. No amount of NATO technology or weaponry is going to help this fundamental weakness.  This is the reality in Ukraine; they are losing the war… Zelensky is dead-set on getting permission to use US and European long range missile systems against targets deep within Russia… So far the Biden Administration has refrained from supporting the long range option, but has offered another $8 billion in support.  Under a Trump presidency, the money train is likely to stop abruptly.

“Zelensky has offered no practical measures for negotiations, arguing that concessions are off the table.  Furthermore, he claims that peace is only possible once Ukraine has taken back all territory seized by Russia, including Crimea which was annexed in 2014.  He then demanded that Russia pay for Ukraine’s reconstruction and that Putin and a multitude of other Russian officials be handed over to be tried for war crimes.  This is never going to happen.

“The core of Ukraine’s victory plan relies on long range strikes using NATO guided missiles and acceptance into NATO.  Both factors at this stage would cause WWIII…

“Many officials within the US and Europe have given Zelensky delusions of grandeur about his chances, perhaps because they want the war to grind on forever.  These same officials have hinted consistently that they will not accept a Ukrainian loss.   Regardless of what side people think should win, the fact is that Russia is the inevitable victor according to all the evidence on hand…. The longer the war goes on the greater the chances of a powder keg moment and a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO.  Ukraine should not be talking about ‘victory’, that time has come and gone. They should be talking about peace.”

The Western press keeps repeating the mantra that Ukraine is winning the war. This is not supported by the facts. In any event, Russia and Ukraine will unite, no matter who “wins” the war.

Europe Prepared for a Suicide Venture?

Newsweek wrote on September 28:

“Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov… issued a new nuclear warning during the… (U.N.) General Assembly on Saturday…   NATO leaders have increasingly warned that direct conflict with Moscow is a realistic danger as it has more nuclear warheads than any other country…  Lavrov… warned Washington, D.C. as well as London to prepare for a ‘suicide venture’ pointing out the ‘pointlessness and danger of the very idea to fight to victory with a nuclear power like Russia.’

“‘A goal has been declared to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia – almost like London and Washington planned in May 1945 as they developed “Operation Unthinkable” on destruction of the Soviet Union even before the end of World War II. Back then, it was a closely held secret. The Anglo-Saxon strategists of today, however, make no secret of their intentions. So far, they expect to defeat Russia with the hands of the illegitimate neo-Nazi Kiev regime, but they already prepare Europe to leap into a suicide venture as well,’ Lavrov said.”

Again, none of these Russian warnings should be taken lightly.

Belgium Unhappy with Pope and Catholic Church

The Associated Press wrote on September 27:

“Belgium’s prime minister blasted Pope Francis for the Catholic Church’s horrific legacy of clerical sex abuse and cover-ups here, demanding ‘concrete steps’ to come clean with the past and put victims’ interests ahead those of the institution in a blistering welcome at the start of Francis’ visit on Friday.

“The speech by Prime Minister Alexander De Croo was one of the most pointed ever directed at the pope during a foreign trip, where the genteel dictates of diplomatic protocol usually keeps outrage out of the public remarks. But even King Philippe had strong words for Francis, demanding the church work ‘incessantly’ to atone for the crimes and help victims heal.

“Their tone underscored just how raw the abuse scandal still is in Belgium, where two decades of revelations of abuse and systematic cover-ups have devastated the hierarchy’s credibility and contributed to an overall decline in Catholicism and the influence of the once-powerful Catholic Church…

“The prime minister, king and pope also referred to a new church-related scandal rocking Belgium, over so-called ‘forced adoptions,’ which echoed earlier revelations about Ireland’s so-called mother and baby homes.  After World War II and through the 1980s, many single mothers were forced by the Belgian church into offering their newborns up for adoption. Often they barely saw their babies before nuns took them away, and the babies were then placed for adoption, with money changing hands. For those adopted, it is close to impossible now to find out who their birth mothers were, since the records have long ago disappeared.

“Francis said he was ‘saddened’ to learn of these practices, but said such criminality was ‘mixed in with what was unfortunately the prevailing view in all parts of society at this time… Many believed in conscience that they were doing something good for both the child and the mother,’ he said, referring to the social stigma of an unwed mother in a Catholic country… [it is estimated] it affected up to 30,000 babies…”

These scandals in the Catholic Church are as old as the Catholic Church, and they will continue. Only at times, the tip of the iceberg reaches the surface, but one can only imagine what is all going on in the abyss below.

The Catholic Church’s New Seven Capital Sins

FSSPX News wrote on September 30:

“Here is the [new] list of [capital] sins, as the Synod document describes them:

• Sin against peace
• Sin against creation, against indigenous populations, against migrants
• Sin of abuse
• Sin against women, family, youth
• Sin of using doctrine as stones to be hurled
• Sin against poverty
• Sin against synodality / lack of listening, communion, and participation of all

“Some of them are too general and can cover many situations: the sin against poverty can be a lack of assistance to the poor, or even wastefulness. The sin against the family can cover divorce, contraception, abortion, surrogacy… The latter is also a sin against surrogate women, a kind of slavery.

“It is curious that there is a sin against youth, but no sin against old age: euthanasia is already rife in many countries, and seeks to spread to every continent. As for the sin of abuse, it’s a vast spectrum: abuse through physical violence, sexual violence, abuse of power, abuse of corporate assets.

“… it should be noted that these sins reflect the preoccupations of a Pope who has a personal conception of certain current issues, and who often comes to forget the essentials because of this bias…

“As for the sin against migrants, it has taken on an increasingly sharp tone recently, to the point of asserting that turning away migrants is a grave sin. This would only be conceivable in cases of grave danger to the migrant’s life…

“But the one that appears most strikingly strange is the last one: ‘Sin against synodality’ or ‘lack of listening, communion, and participation of all.’… Should we see this as an accusation against bishops—and possibly priests—who defend episcopal power and refuse to see it diluted in the ‘common priesthood’ of the faithful? Should we see it as a ‘landmine’ prepared for participants in the synodal Assembly who wish to reject what is being cunningly prepared in this Synod? Should we anticipate a forthcoming sin ‘against democracy in the Church’, which would be nothing more than a negation of the hierarchical structure that Christ willed for the supernatural society He founded? But doesn’t this sin against synodality already savor of that? It certainly does. And that is undoubtedly why it’s on this list…”

Austria in the News

NBC News wrote on September 28, BEFORE the election on Sunday:

“Politics in a central European country of just 10 million people might not seem consequential. But that’s not the case in Austria, where there’s a good chance its election Sunday will be won by a far-right, pro-Russia party… A win for the Freedom Party, or FPÖ, would not just have historical connotations — Austria was the birthplace of Adolf Hitler — it could tilt the balance of power between Russia and the West...

“The FPÖ is led by Herbert Kickl, 55, a wiry, acerbic provocateur in designer glasses. He has been branded as ‘Volkskanzler’ or ‘People’s Chancellor,’ by his party, a term most associated with the Nazis who used it to describe Hitler. Indeed the FPÖ was founded in the 1950s by former members of Hiter’s paramilitary group the SS, although Kickl and his supporters reject the modern-day comparison…

“Kickl’s vision is to build  ‘Fortress Austria’ and ‘Fortress Europe,’ as he put it during a debate on Austrian public television Thursday night. That would involve a dramatic overhaul of Austria’s immigration system, registering all new arrivals and detaining them in specialist facilities. The party is also proposing to introduce ‘remigration’ of ‘unwanted strangers’ — deporting migrants to their country of origin.

“… the FPÖ’s influence could extend far beyond its own borders. It has for years been sympathetic toward Russia, not just calling for an end to Europe’s support for Ukraine but also advocating an end to the sanctions placed on Russia over its war. In 2016, party leader Heinz-Christian Strache signed a formal ‘cooperation pact’ with Putin’s United Russia party…“It has been a junior coalition partner before,  but crashed out in 2019 after Strache was secretly recorded offering to fix government contracts with a woman posing as the relative of a Russian oligarch…

“This time, an FPÖ-led Austria could form a Ukraine-skeptical bloc with like-minded neighbors, Slovakia and Hungary, the latter led by Trump ally Victor Orban… Its election would be the latest chapter in a rightward lurch across Europe, with voters rejecting mainstream centrists not just over immigration and the economy, but the environment and so-called ‘culture war’ issues, too… A coalition is almost certain —  not an easy task when the FPÖ is so vilified by opponents.”

In 1970, Jörg Haider became the leader of the FPÖ youth movement and headed it until 1974. Haider rose rapidly through the party ranks. In 1972, at the age of 22, he was already a well-established leader and was made party affairs manager of the Carinthian FPÖ in 1976. In early 2000, FPÖ leader Jörg Haider made a deal with the conservative Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) to form a coalition government.

Haider had been in line to become Austrian chancellor. But strong international pressure convinced both parties to give the chancellor post to the ÖVP. Haider stepped down as FPÖ chief in February 2000. Just 13 days after the elections in 2008,  Haider died in a mysterious car crash in southern Austria. His wife claimed that foul play was involved.

It has been reported that Kickl had been the speech writer for Haider, and also for his successor, Heinz-Christian Strache.

The FPÖ Wins!

Deutsche Welle wrote on September 29:

“Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) has scored a historic victory, winning the country’s parliamentary election for the first time. According to the preliminary official results, the FPÖ garnered 29.2% of votes, followed by Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s center-right conservative ÖVP with 26.48%… The FPÖ now has the most seats in the new Austrian parliament. Turnout stood at 74.9%, slightly down from the previous election in 2019…

“On Sunday evening, FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl said his party was ready to negotiate with other political forces… Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen also told political parties to hold talks to form a government... Chancellor Nehammer (ÖVP) conceded defeat by Sunday evening…

“Despite the far-right party’s historic victory, it does not have enough seats to form a government on its own and would require a coalition. The Social Democrats already ruled out such an agreement, but the ÖVP has not…

“The head of Germany’s far-right AfD party, Alice Weidel, congratulated FPÖ after the projections were published. The German party… shares large elements of its ideology with FPÖ…

“During the campaign, Nehammer sought to portray FPÖ’s Kickl as a toxic extremist and said he would not be working with him, but signaled the conservatives could cooperate with the FPÖ as a whole. On Sunday, the incumbent chancellor doubled down on his rejection of Kickl…

“The far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) has been in government several times but it has never topped a national vote before Sunday… Under [Kickl’s] abrasive leadership, the party… has seen its popularity rebound on voter anger and anxieties over COVID restrictions, migration, inflation and the Ukraine war…”

Newsmax added on September 29:

“Austrian voters handed a first-ever general election victory to the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) on Sunday… underlining rising support for hard-right parties in Europe fueled by concern over immigration levels…. The FPO victory [makes] Austria the latest EU country to register surging far-right support after gains in countries including the Netherlands, France and Germany.”

Politics Made in Germany

Deutsche Welle wrote on September 28:

“The parliament in the eastern German state of Thuringia elected Thadäus König of the conservative … CDU  as its new speaker on Saturday. The speaker presides over the parliament and has the power to call lawmakers to session at any moment… König was competing for the speakership against a nominee from the… AfD, Wiebke Muhsal. König was able to secure a majority of 54 out of 88 total seats, which included members of center and far-left parties.  It comes after the AfD placed first in the September 1 regional election in Thuringia, garnering almost 33% of the vote. The CDU, meanwhile, came in second in that election with almost 24% of the vote. 

“As a result of the September 1 vote, the AfD managed to win over a third of all seats in Thuringia’s parliament. The AfD thus had priority in putting forward a parliamentary speaker candidate, although the other parties vowed to block the far-right nominee for the post…

“The CDU… turned to Thuringia’s constitutional court. The court ruled against the AfD, paving the way for the CDU to put forward König as its speaker candidate… The CDU is currently trying to form a government in Thuringia, bypassing the AfD. In order to form a ruling coalition in the state, the CDU is negotiating with the center-left… SPD  and the left-wing populist, anti-immigration… BSW.” 

The constant attempts by the main parties to bypass the AfD, and the ongoing negative reporting in the mainstream media about the AfD, will backfire. 

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 part 3, we looked at the fact that paganism is the very opposite of belief in a supreme Creator God and is inextricably linked with occult practices.  We looked at a small selection of verses from the Bible to show its consistency in condemning such practices.

In the last part of this four-part series, we will look at a number of well-researched sources that show that paganism has been a part of mainstream Christianity for a very long time.  This practice is called syncretism—the mixture of godly and ungodly practices (is this meant to be repeated or is a word missing?). Syncretism was extant in Old Testament times.   Let us look at just one section of Scripture outlining this in Deuteronomy 12:29-32:

“When the LORD your God cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you displace them and dwell in their land, take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way; for every abomination to the LORD  which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods.Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.”

God gave the ancient Israelites clear instructions about not following what surrounding nations did, but they didn’t listen to and heed the warnings.  Elements of pagan worship were incorporated against the clear instructions from God not to do so – for their own benefit.

Moving on to the New Testament, we read in the Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1959, vol. 5, p. 642 the following about “Christmas”: “Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the church…. Christmas customs are an evolution from the times that long antedated the Christian period—a descent from seasonal, pagan, religious and national practices, hedged about with legend and tradition.”

In an article, “Catholicism Confronts New Age Syncretism” by Bernard D. Green, we read the following interesting information:

“They recently ran a story about the possibility that the Catholic feminist movement known as Women-Church was losing all connection with Catholic tradition. The report said that an upcoming Women-Church conference would have, in addition to rituals by witches, rituals led by ‘Buddhists, American Indians, Quakers and Jewish leaders–as well as by Catholic nuns.’

“This syncretistic mentality is widespread in the Church today. Witness the following description of the program of a respected Midwestern Catholic center for spirituality: ‘Readings are selected every day from the sacred texts of Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, and Islam, as well as Christianity. On occasion, ancient festivals of the Celts or Saxons are remembered, and members dance around a maypole or fire-pit in the fields or forest…. The Chapel is visually stimulating and instructive…. Icons of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Risen Christ are placed side by side with statues of Buddha, Lord Vishnu and Moses.’”

The above details are quite shocking but hardly unexpected in today’s religious supermarket.  We know that modern Christianity has much syncretism within its structure; for example, Christmas and Easter and other worldly and non-biblical saints days are all derived from paganism.

Will Durant and his wife wrote the following in Volume III, titled “Caesar and Christ” (1944, p. 595: “Christianity did not destroy paganism; it adopted it…. [T]he Greek mysteries passed down into the impressive mystery of the Mass. Other pagan cultures contributed to the syncretist result. From Egypt came the ideas of a divine trinity, the Last Judgment, and a personal immortality of reward and punishment; from Egypt the adoration of the Mother and Child…. From Phrygia came the worship of the Great Mother; from Syria the resurrection drama of Adonis…. The Mithraic ritual so closely resembled the eucharistic sacrifice of the mass that Christian fathers charged the Devil with inventing these similarities to mislead frail minds. [Nicaean] Christianity was the last great creation of the ancient pagan world.”

On another website, the question is asked “what do these two – Christianity and paganism” have in common?  The answer is given as follows: “The roots of Christianity are interlaced with ancient pagan traditions and elements, mainly because the Church gained power through conversion. In order to convert the people of Europe (and the world) from their pagan beliefs, the Church felt they had to turn them against their beliefs by fear or adopt the pagan beliefs into the Christian religion.”

We can see this in mainstream Christianity where the Roman Catholic Church has so much of this embedded in their “belief” system.  The true Church of God, down through the ages, has stayed with the Truth as outlined in the Word of God.  This approach which we read in the New Testament is very different from that which is practiced by the mainstream today where syncretism in the true Church of God has not been accepted, nor is it practiced.

When congregations of the true Church of God began, however, to engage in pagan practices, then they ceased very soon to be part of the true Church of God.

There are other books that have been written showing how apostolic Christianity survived but other forces were accepted into the apostate church from early on.  In the book “A History of the True Church,” the writers, Dugger and Dodd, make these comments on page 57 which discuss the period 100 AD to 200 AD.  They quote Hurlbutt in his “Story of the Christian Church” on page 41, as follows: “For 50 years after St Paul’s life, a curtain hangs over the church, through which we vainly strive to look; and when it at last rises, about 129 AD with the writings of the earliest church-fathers, we find a church in many aspects very different from that in the days of St Peter and St Paul.”

“The Two Babylons” by Alexander Hislop is an interesting and well researched book quoting from hundreds of sources with 621 illustrations, showing the connections between the Roman Catholic Church and ancient paganism, and in his conclusion the writer states: “I have now finished the task that I proposed to myself.   Even yet the evidence is not nearly exhausted; but on the evidence which has been adduced, I appeal to the reader if I have not proved every point which I engaged to demonstrate.   Is there one, who has candidly considered the proof which has been led, that now doubts that Rome is the Apocalyptic Babylon?   Is there one who will venture to deny that, from the foundation of the topmost stone, it is essentially a system of paganism?”

In August 2017, a columnist in the Guardian newspaper wrote the following: “‘Five centuries after the Reformation triggered a series of long and bloody religious wars across Europe; modern-day Protestants and Catholics believe they have more in common theologically than they do differences, and most would be willing to accept each other as neighbours and family members. Theological differences that split western Christianity in the 1500s have diminished to a degree that might have shocked Christians in past centuries,’ says a report by the Washington-based Pew Research Center.” 

This commonality can be seen in the keeping of Christmas, Easter celebrations, belief in a trinity, Sunday keeping (not the true Sabbath from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset), the keeping of saints days and the ignoring of God’s commanded annual Feast Days, pouring or sprinkling in infant baptisms and other areas.  Both Roman Catholics and Protestants have accepted syncretism in their churches which is roundly condemned by God, and paganism concepts have been part of their journey.

In the book “The Golden Bough” by Sir James Frazer, a thick tome of over 750 pages, he writes the following: “Thus it appears that the Christian Church chose to celebrate the birthday of its Founder on the 25^th December in order to transfer the devotion of the heathen from the Sun to him who was called the Sun of Righteousness.   If that was so, there can be no intrinsic improbability in the conjecture that motives of the same sort may have led the ecclesiastical authorities to assimilate the Easter festival of the death of their Lord to the festival of the death and resurrection of another Asiatic god which fell at the same season.  Now the Easter rites still observed in Greece, Sicily and southern Italy bear in some respects a striking resemblance to the rites of Adonis, and I have suggested that the Church may have consciously adapted the new festival to its heathen predecessor for the sake of winning souls for Christ” (page 359).

“Taken altogether, the coincidences of the Christian with the heathen festivals are too close and too numerous to be accidental.  They marked the compromise which the Church in the hour of its triumph was compelled to make with its vanquished yet still dangerous rivals” (ibid, page 361).

Please see our booklet “Don’t Keep Christmas” for a very thorough explanation on this subject.

In the book “Christianity and Paganism in the Fourth to Eighth Centuries,” historian Ramsay MacMullen writes, “The triumph of the church was one not of obliteration [of non-Christian beliefs] but of widening embrace and assimilation” (1997, p. 159).

In his book, “A Concise History of the Early Church,” author Norbert Brox wrote on page 14, after discussing the Roman Empire: “… emperor worship belongs with different degrees of emphasis to the official religion of the state, which mainly consisted in the divine cults of ancient religion.  Christianity was confronted with a paganism with religious vitality, not with morbid, played out religion.   Religion dominated private and public life.   People lived by the rhythm of religious festivals, and in a world full of divine and demonic powers.   Here the state looked after its sacral institutions, temples, priests and cults.   For as duty towards the gods, on whom the empire was dependent for its prosperity (salus publica) religion was primarily a state matter, on which the state could enforce.  This description of the pagan world has already indicated the problems which arose for Christianity and influenced its development.”

On page 15 of the same book is an admission that “Christianity had contacts with all these forms of alien religion: with the classic religion of antiquity, the cult of emperor and state, the mysteries or oriental religion.  This left deep traces of syncretism (= a fusion of different religious phenomena) in the theology, structures and self-understanding of the early church.”

One writer opined that “Syncretism continues to be a powerful tool to separate God from His people.”

The question was asked “What is Truth?” by Pontius Pilate, the fifth prefect of the Roman province of Judaea, during the illegal trial of Jesus, and he asked this question as recorded in John 18:37-38:

^“Pilate therefore said to Him, ‘Are You a king then?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.’ Pilate said to Him, ‘What is truth?’ And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, ‘I find no fault in Him at all.’”

In the previous chapter, in John 17:17, when Jesus was praying for His disciples, He said: “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”

We have only scratched the surface of how much mainstream Christianity has accepted pagan influences in its practices—practices that God clearly condemns in His Word.   The true Church of God has down through the ages stuck with their understanding of apostolic Christianity which is a far cry from what mainstream has practiced for a very long time.

And that is where we finish up.  The Word of God is our guide to life and syncretism must be dismissed.   Paganism must not be part of our Way of Life as we follow the Ways of God as clearly expressed in the Bible.

No other way is acceptable to God!

Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)

compiled by Dave Harris

“Scandals and Falsehoods in the Catholic Church,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

“You might wonder why you should listen to this program, if you are not a Catholic. You might think you are not affected by what is being discussed here. But you would be awfully mistaken. The scandals within the Catholic Church; the pope’s “justifications”; and a new catalog of alleged “capital” sins are mind-boggling, but far too many—Catholic or not—might agree with the falsehoods which are being presented by the pope and his Synod.”

 A new Member Letter (October 2024) has been posted and mailed to our subscribers. Evangelist Norbert Link writes warning against false doctrines which lead to deception. He also points out that if we obey God by keeping the Sabbath and annual Holy Days, “we will be God’s people, and He will be our God”!

”Gottes Warnung an die Nationen (Posaunenfest 2024)” is the title of the Feast of Trumpets German sermon, presented by Norbert Link.

“Warum sind wir in Gottes Kirche?” last Sabbath’s German sermonette presented by Dmitrij Niemann, is now posted. Title in English: “Why Are We in God’s Church?”

“Israel’s Countless Enemies–Comments on News and Prophecy, September 28,2024,” last Sabbath’s first message, presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

The UN wants Jerusalem’s Old City, Judea and Samaria to become “Judenrein”; Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas speaks of the danger of the Third Temple; the world is consumed by Anti-Semitism; the USA and Germany have failed to bring peace to the Middle East; Israel attacks Lebanon and kills the leaders of the Hezbollah terrorist organization, Hassan Nasrallah and Ibrahim Aqil, and other officials; and many speak of further escalation involving outside powers. Israel is facing numerous enemies—Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Turkey, the UN, Russia and China… the list seems to be endless. Not to forget Germany, France and most of Europe. Can Israel win such a war which is being fought on multiple fronts?

“The Cure for the Hardened Heart!” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is a summary:

We have to maintain a heart that is soft and usable by God. What happens when we have hardened hearts? Are there Spiritual consequences for having a hard heart?

FALL HOLY DAYS:

Feast of Trumpets–October 3, 2024

Day of Atonement—October 12, 2024

Feast of Tabernacles—October 17-23, 2024

Last Great Day—October 24, 2024

Note: These services will be broadcast live.