On November 17, 2018, Frank Bruno will present the sermonette, titled, “Finding our Way Through Faith,” and Robb Harris will present the sermon, titled, “Paul’s Final Instructions.”

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 read in 1 Corinthians 13:13 where the apostle Paul stated that there are three important things in life, faith, hope and love. Of course, as he said, the greatest of these is love.

Of the three, hope is mentioned in God’s Word significantly less often than either faith or love. So how important is hope?

Hope is not wishful thinking, like hoping a rich relative will die and leave us a fortune. That is more correctly termed inappropriate desire rather than godly hope. But real hope is mentioned in Hebrews 11:1 in this way: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” And this hope is extremely important to us.

In the book of Job, while he was suffering great affliction, Job felt he was without hope. He believed that God was destroying him for no reason. Yet even in his time of great despair, he realised that after his death, God would call him and he would answer, that God would desire the work of His hands (Job 14:14-15). This shows that even while he felt hopeless in his physical life, he knew there was hope for him in the resurrection.

In the book of Psalms, there are many mentions of hope by David and other writers—hope in God, in His mercy and judgements, in His Word and salvation. Their lives were based around that hope.

In the 37th chapter of Ezekiel, God states that the bones, representing the whole house of Israel, figuratively say, “Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off.” And yet, God shows there was hope for them as He will open their graves and they will live, and He will also put His Spirit in them. He would also bring them into the land of Israel (Verses 11-14). Their hope was not lost even though that was their belief.

There are many other prophecies where God gives hope to the houses of Israel and Judah, to bring them back from their captivity to their former homeland. One specifically to the house of Judah during their time in captivity in Babylon is in Jeremiah 29:11-14. God thought to give the house of Judah a future and a hope and to bring them back to their own land.

The apostle Paul is an outstanding New Testament example of hope. At the beginning of his calling, God explained what his commission would be, but He also showed him, “how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake” (Acts 9:15-16). At the very beginning of his calling, Paul (he was then known as Saul) was made aware his life was not going to be easy.

Here are some instances of the trials and the reason Paul endured them. When he was standing before the council after declaring that he was going to preach to the Gentiles, his defence was, “concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!” (Acts 23:6). Again, in Acts 24:15, Paul’s hope was in the resurrection of the dead.

In many of his epistles, he taught the resurrection of Christians to glory, the glory of God (Romans 5:2). He also taught that, “we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:7). See also Titus 1:2.

Paul gives a long discussion of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15. Some were saying there is no resurrection. If this was true, then all who have died in Christ have perished. They have no hope. He goes on to say, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable” (Verse 19). Also he says, “If the dead do not rise, ‘Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!’” (Verse 32).

He points out earlier in this chapter, if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not risen. But since there had been hundreds of witnesses to Christ’s life after His resurrection, including Paul himself, then he knew the resurrection was indeed a fact.

This hope was what enabled Paul to be willing to go through all the sufferings he experienced. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 gives a listing of some of the things he suffered, finally leading up to his death as a faithful witness.

In what many believe to be his final epistle (his second letter to Timothy), he sums up his life in God’s service.  He mentions many who had left the church (2 Timothy 1:15), and that, in the future, others would be turned aside to fables (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

Because he knew he was soon to be put to death, he stated, “The time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

This was his belief, that his faith in God and Christ gave him his personal hope of eternal life. And this hope enabled him to carry out his part in the Work of God, no matter what trials and sufferings he experienced. He saw the wonderful reward that was awaiting him and others who also believed.

There are a number of other prophecies in God’s Word of many being offended and falling away from God’s Truth, especially at the end times. Because of this, we should follow the apostle Paul’s example of having unwavering hope that will enable us to continue to do our part in God’s Work, finish our race and achieve salvation and eternal life.

Hope is extremely important for us, for without it we could easily give up. But with it we can indeed endure to the end and receive our glorious resurrection.

by Norbert Link

We begin with the memorial celebration of world leaders in Paris, France, regarding the end of World War One on November 11, 1918; address America’s isolationism and the strong and very appropriate condemnation of nationalism by French President Macron; and continue with the ongoing demand of European leaders for a real European Army to “protect and defend” against American influence. In this context, please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Coming—A European Empire with a Real Army.” 

We speak on Germany’s 80^th anniversary of the Kristallnacht and the resurfacing anti-semitism especially in Eastern Germany; address Germany’s future after Angela Merkel’s demise; and report on the possibility of the election of conservative German politician Manfred Weber as the next president of the European Commission.

We continue with the Brexit debacle; proposed American sanctions against Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline; and the investigation of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder which is pointing at the “highest levels” of the Saudi government; speak on Israel’s political turmoil in light of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas; and discuss remarkable developments pertaining to the desire of building the biblically-prophesied third temple in Jerusalem.

We address the unprecedented devastating wildfires in California; speak on real and imagined legal trouble for President Trump; and the false teaching of the concept of purgatory and indulgences; and we conclude with reporting on the next economic crisis which may lead to major global military confrontations and the claim of a financial expert that cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin will boom during the next global financial crisis due to the unsustainable debt level of world economies, especially of the USA.

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

World Leaders Mark 100 Years Since End of World War One

Deutsche Welle wrote on November 11:

“Some 70 world leaders gathered at the famous Arc de Triomphe in the French capital to mark 100 years since the end of World War One. Commemorations in Paris had been scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. local time (1000 UTC), the time that the Armistice signed by the Allies and the Germans on November 11, 1918, went into force… The large number of countries represented in Paris reflects the widespread nature of a conflict in which an estimated 37 million people, including 10 million soldiers, lost their lives. The city of Paris itself was a key objective in the war, with the Allies fighting successfully against German efforts to capture it in 1914…

“Trump and Putin greeted each other and shook hands at the ceremony, Russian television showed. The gesture comes as relations between their two countries remain strained, among other things because of alleged Russian interference in recent US elections. The US president pointedly did not extend his hand to Trudeau. Earlier this year, Trump described the Canadian premier as ‘dishonest and weak’ amid a dispute over what he alleges are Canada’s ‘unfair’ trade practices…”

The Daily Mail reported on November 11:

“The President put on a very friendly display with Putin despite both men showing up minutes after the bells had finished tolling to signal the moment guns fell silent at 11am 100 years ago. Other world leaders who arrived to the ceremony on buses also missed the crucial moment and were walking in rain-soaked line towards the Arc de Triomphe as the bells finished tolling…”

This could be symbolic. World leaders arrived late to celebrate the end of World War I—the war which was supposed to end all wars. It did not, of course, and neither will today’s world leaders prevent the outbreak of another world war. They are just too late in their endeavor to do so… even if they were wholeheartedly committed, albeit misguided, to creating peace.

America Alone

The Associated Press wrote on November 12:

“For President Donald Trump in Paris, America First meant largely America alone. At a weekend commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, the president who proudly declares himself a ‘nationalist’ stood apart…

“On Sunday, he listened as he was lectured on the dangers of nationalist isolation, and then he headed home just as the inaugural Paris Peace Summit was getting underway… His France trip made clear that, nearly two years after taking office, Trump has dramatically upended decades of American foreign policy posture, shaking allies… Trump, who has made clear that he has limited patience for broad, multilateral agreements, sat mostly stone-faced as he listened to Macron…

“Trump was terse during some of his private conversations with world leaders… One of the people described the president as ‘grumpy.’… Trump, who ran on an ‘America First’ platform, has jarred European allies with his actions…”

American Isolationism

Foreign Policy wrote on November 9:

“President Donald Trump’s ‘America First’ platform echoes the isolationism that followed the war 100 years ago. That didn’t end well… Trump has sought to detach the United States from the world… In less than two years in office, Trump has withdrawn from several multilateral pacts, including the nuclear deal with Iran and the Paris climate agreement; announced his withdrawal from the most significant nuclear arms control accord in four decades, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty; begun a multifront trade war with China and U.S. allies; and declared his hostility to NATO, the G-7, the European Community, and the World Trade Organization…

“It is unclear how much of the international system Trump can tear down in the next two years—or the coming six if he wins another term in 2020. It’s taken a long time to build this system up… Trump could probably do a lot to destroy it.”

Macron Denounces Nationalism

Newsmax and The Associated Press wrote on November 11:

“French President Emmanuel Macron warned against the dangers of nationalism in a speech aimed directly at the rising tide of populism in the United States and Europe. With President Donald Trump and other world leaders looking on during an Armistice Day centennial observance in Paris on Sunday, Macron said the ‘ancient demons’ that caused World War I and millions of deaths are growing stronger.

“The French leader said: ‘Patriotism is the exact opposite of nationalism. Nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism. In saying “Our interests first, whatever happens to the others,” you erase the most precious thing a nation can have, that which makes it live, that which causes it to be great and that which is most important: Its moral values.’

“Trump has proudly declared himself a nationalist. Macron has set himself up as Europe’s foil to nationalist movements that rail against global approaches, like ones that have taken hold in Hungary and Poland among other countries.”

Breitbart wrote on November 11:

“‘Patriotism is the exact opposite of nationalism: Nationalism is treason,’ Macron said, according to a Euronews translator… ‘If we think our interests may only come first and we don’t care for others, it is a treason of our values, a betrayal of all moral values,’ he said… He lamented that the spirit of revenge and humiliation after World War I sparked renewed nationalism that led to World War II….

“In an interview with CNN, Macron continued his condemnation of nationalism… ‘I would say I’m a patriot,’ he said, but added:… ‘I’m not a nationalist, which is very different for me from being a patriot.’”

Deutsche Welle added on November 11:

“Although Sunday’s ceremonies celebrate an act that brought a short-lived peace to the world, they are taking place at a time of growing nationalism and international tensions. US President Donald Trump, one of the leaders attending the event, is seen by many as undermining the Western alliance and world bodies such as the UN with his self-declared nationalism…”

As we can see from the articles in Newsmax and Breitbart, the reporting differs widely, showing how one has to be careful with “translations.” According to Newsmax and most other news outlets, Macron never used the word ”treason.” On the other hand, nationalism is wrong, and the Church of God has consistently preached against nationalism for many decades. A true Christian can be a patriot, loving his country, but he must never be a nationalist. Nationalism is defined as “identification with one’s own nation and support for its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations” (Oxford Dictionary). Also, as “exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). This way of get (the opposite to the way of love or give) can be seen in slogans such as, “Deutschland ueber alles,” or “America above all.”

Macron: Europe To Develop Autonomous Military Capacities

Politico wrote on November 11:

“Europe must increase military spending, but the money should go to European, not American companies, French President Emmanuel Macron said in an interview… Macron clarified his point to say that he very much wants to see European allies not only spend more but to develop their own autonomous military capabilities and to buy European-made materials. France just happens also to have one of Europe’s biggest defense manufacturing industries…

“Macron also talked in the interview about the need to strength[en] the euro’s position as a global reference currency…”

Trump vs. Macron and the Fight for a European Army

Bloomberg wrote on November 9:

“President Donald Trump began a weekend visit to Paris with an attack on his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, for proposing Europe create its own continental military force. Trump sent a tweet calling Macron’s proposal ‘very insulting’ as the U.S. president’s plane landed Friday evening for celebrations with world leaders commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

“Macron this week said in a radio interview that a ‘strong and sovereign Europe’ was needed to defend the continent’s interests against China, Russia and ‘even the U.S.’ ‘We can’t defend Europe if we don’t have a real European army,’ he said. ‘We must have a Europe that can defend itself more, without just relying on the U.S.’…

“Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have both publicly questioned whether Europe can depend on the U.S. to come to its aid in the event of war.

“Macron also criticized Trump’s plan to withdraw from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty… Trump and Macron also have extensive differences over trade and U.S. sanctions on Iran.”

Sorry, But There Was no Misinterpretation!

Deutsche Welle reported on November 10:

“US President Donald Trump and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron held talks on Saturday after a public spat over the French leader’s suggestion that Europe should rely less on the US for its security. The US and France attempted to smooth over differences over a European defense mechanism, with Trump assuring Macron that Washington would ‘help’ Europe with its defense. Trump, however, reiterated that EU member states must pay their fair share toward NATO expenses…

“Macron’s office said Saturday that the French president’s comments about a European army had been misinterpreted. ‘He never said we need a European army against the United States,’ a statement released by Macron’s office said…”

It was suggested by the EU that Macron had been referring to computer hackers who could attack Europe from anywhere, including from inside the United States. This is ridiculous. Hackers were not part of the discussion. Clearly, Macron proposed a real European army to defend against Washington, and he did state what most European leaders feel.

EU Commission Agrees with Macron’s Initial Proposal for an EU Army

The Sun wrote on November 10:

“The presidents of the United States and France met today for talks at the Elysee Palace where Macron, 40, called Trump ‘my friend’ despite the pair openly disagreeing over the creation of an EU army… In an extraordinary attack on the US president, Macron lumped Washington together with Moscow and Beijing as Europe’s biggest foes. The arch euro federalist insisted only a fully fledged EU defence force can protect the continent against the trio’s aggression…

“[Macron’s comments] were welcomed by the EU Commission, which said it has already put the wheels in motion for the eventual creation of a euro army…

“But the remarks were savaged by former British Army commanders, who said the revelations showed why the UK must pull out of the EU’s defence plans. Major General Julian Thompson, who led British forces in the Falklands, told The Sun: ‘The EU Commission now openly admits it has created the preamble to an EU army…’ Colonel Richard Kemp, a commander of UK troops in Afghanistan, added: ‘This is precisely what eurosceptics have been warning about…’”

German SPD Leader Demands European Army

Bild Online wrote on November 11:

“Andrea Nahles (48), leader of Germany’s coalition party, the SPD, demands a ‘European Army.’ Her rationale: There are 28 armies, 27 air forces and 23 marines. ‘No wonder that we spend incredibly much for the military,’ she said… [Europeans] ‘should work closer together and form a counterbalance to President Trump.’”

When even the left-liberal SPD demands a European Army (albeit for different reasons), we should understand that its arrival time is near.

Angela Merkel Joins In

Deutsche Welle wrote on November 13:

“The German chancellor has addressed MEPs in Strasbourg… ‘We need to take our fate into our own hands,’ Merkel told the assembly. To that end, she said she would also propose the establishment of a European Security Council with a rotating presidency that would help to streamline European defense and security policy… In a clear show of support for [Macron’s] plans to create a European defense force, Merkel said the EU should work on a vision for a European army ‘that would complement NATO,’ and not undermine it. A European army, she said, would ‘show the world that there will never again be war between European countries.’”

She actually said, “We should work on the vision to also create one day a real European army (“eine echte europaeische Armee)” (compare Die Welt Online and Der Spiegel Online, dated November 13.)  She also said, according to the Local, dated November 13: “… only a stronger Europe is going to defend Europe.” And, according to Express, dated November 13: “… it would be a lot easier to cooperate with us if we have more than 160 different weapons systems and the US has only 50 or 60.”

President Trump tweeted before on November 13, pointing out that France was liberated by the USA at the end of World War II: “Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the U.S., China and Russia. But it was Germany in World Wars One & Two – How did that work out for France? They were starting to learn German in Paris before the U.S. came along. Pay for NATO or not!”

Haaretz interpreted this tweet as follows, on November 13: “While the text of the tweet is cryptic, Trump appeared to be warning that Germany may invade France again without NATO and U.S. protection.”

The Guardian added on November 13:

“Guy Verhofstadtt, the chief representative for the European parliament on Brexit shot back at Trump. ‘What Trump doesn’t seem to realize is that without French money, the USA would not even exist as France financed the American revolution. They even gave you the Statue of Liberty to celebrate this!’ Verhofstadt tweeted…

“On Tuesday morning, the president’s tweetstorm continued. He said Macron was suffering low approval ratings while France suffers from high unemployment, then added: ‘By the way, there is no country more Nationalist than France…’ He finished the sequence by taunting… ‘MAKE FRANCE GREAT AGAIN!’”

The Independent wrote on November 14:

“The European Commission has said it is ‘delighted’ that the leaders of France and Germany have backed the creation of a ‘real’ EU army. A spokesperson for the commission’s president Jean-Claude Juncker said he was ‘pleased’ that the argument for the force seemed to be ‘going in our direction’…

“‘Let me clarify that the first one who spoke about the EU army four years ago was someone called Jean-Claude Juncker,’ they said…

“In 2016, then defence secretary Sir Michael Fallon said the UK would use its veto to stop the creation of any EU army. However, the UK is leaving the EU, and will therefore no longer have any say in its governance.”

Bild Online reported on November 14 that its new poll revealed that 79 percent of its readers support a real European Army.

“We need a European Empire”

Handelsblatt Global wrote on November 13:

“… genuine unity – political, financial and military – is still lacking inside the European Union, according to France’s Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire… The European Union should become ‘a peaceful empire’ in order to stand up to China and the US, Le Maire argued. And although thanks to their wartime history, some Germans may find his talk of empire unattractive, Le Maire explains that, ‘I am using this phrase because, in tomorrow’s world, it’s going to be all about power … technological power, economic, financial, monetary, cultural power – all will be decisive. Europe cannot be shy any longer about using its power.’… ‘Everybody knows it takes guts to stand in the way of Donald Trump’s administration,’ Le Maire said. ‘The people of Europe… want to see action.’

“Without Germany’s support in all these issues, Le Maire will find it difficult to turn Europe into an ‘empire.’ Franco-German agreement has been the engine of European integration…”

The ancient Roman Empire is rising one more time in the form of a European Empire, as clearly prophesied in Scripture.

Germany Remembers the Kristallnacht

Deutsche Welle wrote on November 9:

“Germany is marking the 80th anniversary of attacks on Jews that foreshadowed the Holocaust. November 9 has been a fateful date for Germany… Merkel warned that racism in Germany did not end in 1945. ‘If we look at the situation today… we see a worrying anti-Semitism, which threatens Jewish life in our country.’… Merkel tied… this to the rise of populism in times of uncertainty created by political instability.”

The EUObserver wrote on November 9:

“Germans are becoming more hostile towards immigrants, people of the Muslim and Jewish faiths, and other minorities like the Roma, according to a new study…. Some 44 percent of Germans… now want a ban on Muslim immigration, compared to 36.5 percent in 2014… Anti-semitism is also on the rise in eastern Germany… [where up] to one-third… agree at least in part with anti-semitic statements…”

We should realize that anti-semitic movements are not limited to antagonism against the Jews. Martin Luther famously once wrote a book “about the Jews and all those who keep the Sabbath.”

Germany’s Future

Der Spiegel wrote on November 8:

“Merkel’s announcement that she would withdraw her candidacy for CDU leadership ahead of the party’s December party convention released a dynamic that immediately changed the entire architecture of the country’s political framework. The leadership battle in the CDU had long been simmering. Now, it has burst out into the open. For almost two decades, internal party democracy had been frozen, Merkel’s grip on leadership tight and unyielding. Now, though, there are several candidates who have thrown their hats into the ring to determine the future course of the CDU — and nobody in the party’s leadership can control what will happen next. More than that, few in the party believe that Merkel will remain chancellor for long following the CDU convention in December — no matter who emerges victorious in the race to succeed her…

“Once upon a time, a trio of men thought that it was up to them to lead the CDU out of the era of Helmut Kohl. It seemed guaranteed that Friedrich Merz, Roland Koch or Christian Wulff would take over leadership of the party and, later, of Germany. The future was clear before it had even arrived. But then came the fall of the Berlin Wall, and Angela Merkel, who cleverly took advantage of a major party donation scandal to take control of the CDU…

“Merkel… now realizes that she no longer has any influence over the direction her party will take or over how much of her legacy will remain. She also senses that her tenure as chancellor could come to a much quicker end than she would like. Back in 2004, when then-Chancellor Gerhard Schröder gave up leadership of the Social Democrats… under a similar situation to the one Merkel now faces, she blasted the move as ‘a complete loss of authority’ and ‘the beginning of the end.’ She knows that the same could now apply to her…

“Merz is the great hope for all those who would like to see the Merkel era come to an end as soon as possible. Furthermore, many see him as the one who can bring back those disgruntled CDU voters who have jumped ship in recent years for the right-wing populist Alternative for Germany. And that hope might even be justified. When Merz speaks of a ‘national identity’ and ‘traditional values,’ it doesn’t sound forced. Furthermore, his pro-European stance protects him against accusations of being a parochial nationalist…

“The only one who looks to be in a position to stop his comeback is Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer… her entire political career is at stake. Should she fail, she has said she would also give up the general secretary position… Kramp-Karrenbauer’s greatest weakness is likely her proximity to Merkel… the openly gay [Jens] Spahn recently opted to marry his partner…

“When the votes are cast on Dec. 7 in Hamburg, there will be a run-off if none of the three candidates emerge with more than 50 percent of the votes in the first ballot. It seems likely that such a run-off would pit Merz against Kramp-Karrenbauer. For Spahn, Merz’s candidacy is a significant nuisance. He even admitted to confidantes that Merz’s comeback came as a surprise. Currently, he is seen as the candidate with the weakest chances…

“The result of the election won’t just carry significant consequences for Angela Merkel. The fate of the current governing coalition could also hang in the balance and snap elections are one possible outcome…

“If Merz or Spahn were to win, Merkel’s tenure would likely soon be over. It is hard to imagine a constellation of Spahn being both CDU chair and a member of Merkel’s cabinet. The two lack even the minimum amount of mutual trust that would be necessary for such a situation to work. The end would likely come even more quickly if Merz were to emerge victorious. He loathes both Merkel and her confidantes with a fervor that is rare even in politics… Should Merz win in early December, confidantes say, she wouldn’t stick around for long.

“[What] then? Swapping out a chancellor is no small thing. There is little chance that the Social Democrats, as junior coalition partner, would support Merz. He himself assumes that the SPD would move further to the left and begin looking for an excuse to end the coalition with the conservatives.

“An encounter with Merz these days… makes it clear that he has lofty goals. He didn’t reenter politics to play third fiddle to the chancellor and parliamentary floor leader… Merz doesn’t just want to become CDU party head. He wants power.”

Manfred Weber the Next President of the European Commission?

Handelsblatt Global wrote on November 9:

“A leading member of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservative alliance, Manfred Weber, was chosen to head the center-right ticket in the European Parliament’s elections next May. This puts him in line to succeed Jean-Claude Juncker as president of the European Commission – maybe… Weber, who is the floor leader of the European People’s Party (EPP) in the European Parliament, easily won the backing of his colleagues to head the ticket for the grouping, the largest in the legislative body. He won 79.4 percent of the vote at a special EPP congress in Helsinki. Juncker headed the ticket in 2014 and was duly appointed commission president after the party bagged the most votes.

“… Amid the political fragmentation in Europe, new far-right, far-left and hard-to-define forces are coming into play. Italy’s eurosceptic Five Star Movement, for instance, which many consider left-leaning, belongs to the same group as the UK Independence Party of Nigel Farage, who no one would consider leftist. The other radical party in Italy’s ruling coalition, the League, belongs to the far-right grouping along with French National Front leader Marine Le Pen. Greece’s ruling Syriza party is in the marginal far-left grouping.

“Weber.. has no experience in government… Weber has never even had a cabinet post… Weber is virtually unknown outside of Bavaria and Brussels. Besides his native German, he speaks only English. Neither language will help him as he campaigns in the 27 remaining EU countries taking part in the May vote. Even Martin Schulz, the longtime president of the European Parliament, had a higher profile when he became the Spitzenkandidat for the Socialist grouping in the 2014 elections. No national leader has endorsed Weber – not even Merkel, who was in Helsinki on Thursday to give him a hug on stage when he accepted the nomination to be Spitzenkandidat.”

Theresa May and the Brexit Debacle

The Huffington Post wrote on November 15:

“The British prime minister was clinging to power by the thinnest of threads on Thursday after a wave of resignations from her Cabinet and the beginnings of a political coup to oust her as leader.

“Theresa May presented her draft deal for the U.K.’s exit from the European Union on Wednesday evening in a mammoth five-hour meeting with her top ministers. In a speech after the meeting, May gave a warning to those who might oppose her…

“But by Thursday morning, just over 12 hours later, her Brexit minister, Dominic Raab, and her work and pensions minister, Esther McVey, both quit, saying they could not support May’s deal because it still requires the U.K. to follow some European Union rules. Politicians pushing for a so-called ‘hard Brexit’… don’t want any deal to tie the U.K. too closely to Brussels, arguing the U.K. should not be following any rules it no longer has a role in shaping…

“She now faces a serious threat by eurosceptic politicians, who are threatening to attempt to remove her as head of the Conservative Party by sending 48 letters of ‘no confidence’ to the chair of the party’s organizing committee, which would trigger a leadership contest.

“… her deal came under a sustained attack in the Commons. Only a handful of Conservative parliament members (those in May’s party) spoke in favor of the agreement…

“The developments threaten to derail the prime minister’s Brexit strategy ahead of a crucial EU summit, which European Council President Donald Tusk confirmed would take place on Nov. 25, ‘if nothing extraordinary happens.’

“What happens next depends on whether May can survive as prime minister. Assuming she does, she still faces a huge uphill battle to get her Brexit deal through a vote in the Commons scheduled for December.

“She could withdraw the current deal and ask the EU for an extension of negotiations, but that would likely be fatal for the already embattled prime minister. If she is ousted, Britain’s already fraught political atmosphere will be further complicated by a Tory leadership battle…

“More disruptive still would be a Commons-wide vote of no confidence, which could trigger a general election…”

US Sanctions Against Nord Stream 2 Pipeline?

Oil Price wrote on November 12:

“Late last week, U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry said that Washington could still impose sanctions related to the building of the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which would bring Russian gas directly to Germany under the Baltic Sea. Perry made his comments in Warsaw as the Trump administration tries to convince EU members to sign LNG deals with U.S. producers to offset over reliance on Russian pipeline gas…

“When asked at a news conference whether Washington could impose sanctions on companies working on the project, Perry replied: ‘I saw no signals where we would ever get to the point where we can support Nord Stream 2’…

“In a televised meeting with reporters and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg before a NATO summit in Brussels earlier this year, Trump said it was “very inappropriate” that the U.S. was paying for European defense against Russia while Germany, the biggest European economy, was supporting gas deals with Moscow. However, since then, Germany has indicated that it wanted to buy more LNG from the U.S., with plans to build three LNG receiving terminals. Germany also remains firm in its support for the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. The $11 billion gas pipeline will stretch some 759 miles (1,222 km), running on the bed of the Baltic Sea from Russian gas fields to Germany, bypassing existing land routes over Ukraine, Poland and Belarus…

“Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said in September that the pipeline would go forward even if sanctions were put in place. ‘We hope that there will be no sanctions. If U.S. restrictions are imposed, the project will be implemented anyway, the pipe laying has already started,’ Novak told reporters, adding that the plan envisions the project to be completed by the end of 2019.”

Whatever Happened to the “Investigation” of Khashoggi’s Murder?

The Guardian and Reuters wrote on November 10:

“Ankara has given recordings on the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi to Saudi Arabia, the US, Germany, France and Britain, Turkey’s president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said. Khashoggi, a critic of de facto Saudi ruler Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed in Saudi Arabia’s Istanbul consulate last month in a hit which Erdogan says was ordered at the ‘highest levels’ of the Saudi government…

“They include the killing itself and conversations pre-dating the operation which Turkey subsequently uncovered… These had led Ankara to conclude from an early stage that the killing was premeditated, despite Saudi Arabia’s initial denials of any knowledge or involvement. Saudi Arabia’s prosecutor Saud al-Mojeb has since said Khashoggi’s killing was planned in advance, although another Saudi official said Prince Mohammed had no knowledge of the specific operation.”

Are the “investigating” powers willing to ignore and sweep the evidence of Saudi Prince Mohammed’s involvement under the carpet?

The Guardian added on November 15:

“Saudi Arabia says it will pursue the death penalty for five suspects charged with ordering and carrying out the killing of… Khashoggi  in the latest effort to distance the country’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, from the grisly murder…”

Sanhedrin Urges Candidates for Jerusalem Mayor to Prepare for Third Temple

Breaking Israel News wrote on November 8:

“Jerusalem will have a new mayor next week and more than any other election this year will decide the religious nature of Israel’s capital. The nascent Sanhedrin has addressed a letter to the two candidates emphasizing the role of the Third Temple in municipal current policy. The Jerusalem mayoral election held last week ran five candidates, but the results were so close that an additional runoff vote next week is needed to choose between the top two. Moshe Lion with 33 percent of the vote and Ofer Berkovitch with 29 percent will run off against each other – with neither achieving the 40 percent of the electorate required to win office…

“‘With God’s merciful approval, one of you will be chosen as head of the city, may it be built and made ready for its ultimate purpose,’ the Sanhedrin wrote. ‘We call on the candidates as well as the voters to make choices based on truth and on the main aspect of Jerusalem, which is the building of the Temple.’

“The Sanhedrin wrote a similar letter to U.S. President Donald Trump after he won the election, calling on him to take a role in building the Third Temple just as Persian King Cyrus helped the Jews build the Second Temple after the Babylonian exile in the sixth century BCE.

“‘Avoiding this essential issue endangers the existence of the city and its identity as the capital of Israel, thereby endangering Israel itself,’ the Sanhedrin wrote to the mayoral candidates. ‘Every Jew and all of humanity are commanded to ascend to the Temple Mount.’ ‘We expect you, as candidates, to relate to this role the city has as home of the Temple. This subject is not simply a matter of religious belief but must also be expressed in political, fiscal, and educational terms.’

“The Sanhedrin emphasized the importance of Jerusalem in the world. In the letter, they noted that the capital of Israel is frequently the focus of domestic politics and, in the case of Trump, has become an essential part of his platform. In the letter, the Sanhedrin praised Trump for moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. ‘Jerusalem in its entirety is sanctified as Holy and is the spiritual center of the world, the throne of God. We urge you to make public your plans relating to this aspect of the city. There are several ways this can be accomplished, such as festivals of holiness to replace those of impurity.’

“The Sanhedrin has already begun working toward this end, holding full-dress reenactments of the Temple service before the Biblical feasts. Another glorious example of this was the World Creation Concert held the week before Rosh Hashana, which several representatives from South American countries attended.

“The Sanhedrin emphasized that the city will change when the Temple is built, requiring massive improvements to its infrastructure. ‘Jerusalem must prepare to host the millions of pilgrims who will attend the feasts when the Third Temple is built,’ the letter said. ‘We also call on the government to prepare a center for an international body to replace the United Nations and the Hague, one that will be rooted in the Bible.’”

Express added on November 9:

“Talk of a third temple being built emerged this week in response to a letter penned by the powerful Jewish assembly of rabbis known as the Sanhedrin. Jerusalem is heading into a mayoral election next week and the Sanhedrin urged both running candidates, Ofer Berkovich and Moshe Lion, to rebuild the temple.

“The first two Holy Temples of Jerusalem were constructed on the city’s Temple Mount centuries ago but were razed to the ground by the Babylonians and the Romans respectively. The Holy Temple plays a crucial role in Jewish tradition and is a central player in prophecies and tales concerning the apocalypse.”

How important or influential is the nascent Sanhedrin?

According to Wikipedia, “The 2004 attempt to re-establish the Sanhedrin was an attempt to set up a revived national rabbinical court of Jewish law in Israel… The attempt has been met with the most acceptance and the least opposition among Gedolim and Rosh Yeshivas of all previous attempts in history since the disbandment of the original Sanhedrin in the 4th century. The organization heading this attempt refers to itself as the nascent Sanhedrin or developing Sanhedrin, and regards itself as a provisional body awaiting integration into the Israeli government as both a supreme court and an upper house of the Knesset, while the Israeli secular press regards it as an illegitimate fundamentalist organization of rabbis. The organization, which is composed of over 70 rabbis (similar to the composition of the original Sanhedrin), claims to enjoy recognition and support from the entire religious Jewish community in Israel, and has stirred debate in both religious and secularist circles.”

Breaking Israel News reported on August 29, 2016, that a “significant step was recently taken towards reinstating the Temple service when the nascent Sanhedrin selected Rabbi Baruch Kahane as the next Kohen Gadol (high priest).”

The movement for the building of the Third Temple is growing, and the Bible prophesies that a Third Temple will be built before Christ’s return. For further information, please view our StandingWatch program, titled, “Netanyahu’s Announcement of a Third Temple?”

The Algemeiner and Reuters wrote on November 14:

“A religious Jewish candidate won election as mayor of Jerusalem on Wednesday in a run-off against a secular contender for a post that shapes Israel’s rule over the holy city at the heart of its conflict with the Palestinians. Moshe Lion, a skullcap-wearing bureaucrat favored by two key members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rightist cabinet, defeated Ofer Berkovitch, the 35-year-old deputy mayor, after neither took enough votes in a five-man contest two weeks ago to win outright.”

Earlier this year, Lion was asked about his stance on the future of the Temple Mount, but he refused to comment.

Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman Resigns

Deutsche Welle wrote on November 14:

“Israel’s hard-line defense minister Avigdor Lieberman announced his resignation on Wednesday and called for snap elections after a row over a ceasefire with Gaza’s rulers Hamas to end a two-day flare up in violence. ‘What happened yesterday — the truce combined with the process with Hamas — is capitulating to terror. It has no other meaning,’ Lieberman told journalists. ‘What we’re doing now as a state is buying short-term quiet, with the price being severe long-term damage to national security.’

“A security cabinet meeting on Tuesday ended with a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office saying that ministers had unanimously agreed to the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire. Lieberman’s office then made a statement saying that his ‘alleged support for stopping the attacks in Gaza is fake news.’ Four other ministers, including Education Minister Naftali Bennett of the far-right Jewish Home Party, also announced they had opposed the ceasefire…

“Lieberman also said his Yisrael Beiteinu will leave the ruling coalition, an action that could prompt Netanyahu to call early elections. The departure of Yisrael Beiteinu’s five seats in parliament leaves Netanyahu with a majority of just one seat in the 120-seat Knesset… However, an official from his Likud party dismissed there would be early elections. Netanyahu, who is also foreign minister, will take over the defense portfolio, but he may come under pressure from other coalition partners for that prized ministry… Netanyahu has come under criticism from members of his right-wing government for his decision to allow Qatar to provide money to the Hamas-run Gaza Strip to pay for salaries and fuel to ease an electricity crisis.”

Unprecedented California Wildfires

Headlines like “Malibu Apocalypse” or “Armageddon” made the news.

The New York Times wrote on November 10:

“Even in a state hardened to the ravages of wildfires, the infernos that raged at both ends of California on Friday were overpowering. At least nine people were killed, including several who died in their cars in a retirement community called Paradise. Malibu mansions burned. And in the neighborhood in Thousand Oaks where a gunman had killed 12 people in a crowded bar earlier in the week, survivors now fled the flames.

“The fire-prone state was battling three major fires, one in the northern Sierra and two west of Los Angeles. In the northern town of Paradise, the ruins of houses and businesses smoldered throughout the day, while in Southern California, tens of thousands of residents fled their homes and jammed onto highways…

“Officials estimated that the blaze in the north, called the Camp Fire, had destroyed a staggering 6,700 structures — most of them residential. Such vast devastation would make it the most destructive fire in modern state history…

“Wildfires like these have long been a threat in California, but over the last several years they have had devastating impacts never before seen in the state. Firefighters constantly repeat that the state has reached a ‘new normal’ of nearly year-round fires…

“In Southern California, the authorities ordered the complete evacuation of Malibu, the affluent community that is home to many Hollywood celebrities, as the fire raced through the hills and canyons above the Pacific Ocean. No part of the fire was under control, according to the Ventura County Fire Department. Western Ranch, a movie set that was built by Paramount Pictures and where the HBO series ‘Westworld’ was filmed [as well as ‘Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman’ and ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’], burned down…

“Residents in more than 75,000 homes in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties were told to evacuate.”

ABC News added on November 10:

“President Donald Trump woke up in Paris on Saturday in the mood to make threats toward California as it deals with deadly wildfires in Northern California and hundreds of smoldering homes in Southern California. In an angry tweet, the president threatened to pull federal funding for the state if nothing is done to ‘remedy’ the situation.”

The Week added on November 11:

“President Trump has continued to argue on Twitter the fires are the result of improper forest management by California, drawing the ire of the California Professional Firefighters union.”

The Week wrote on November 14:

“At least 48 people have been killed by the Camp Fire in Northern California’s Butte County, making it the deadliest fire in state history. The Camp Fire has burned 130,000 acres, destroyed more than 8,800 homes and businesses, and is just 35 percent contained, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said on Tuesday. Most of the deaths were in the ravaged town of Paradise, where residents and officials continue to search for bodies. In Southern California, the Woolsey Fire has burned 96,314 acres in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, killing two people and destroying 435 structures. It is 40 percent contained.”

The Week wrote on November 15:

“More than 300 people have been reported missing in the aftermath of the Camp Fire in Northern California’s Butte County as of Thursday. At least 56 people have been killed, making it the deadliest fire in state history…”

Doctored Tape not Doctored?

The Independent wrote, sarcastically, on November 9:

“Trump denies [the] doctored Acosta video shared by White House was doctored, then threatens to ban more journalists… Donald Trump has denied a video of his altercation with CNN reporter Jim Acosta that was shared by the White House was ‘doctored’, despite evidence it had been manipulated… Mr Trump insisted the video had not been edited. ‘Nobody manipulated it, give me a break,’ he said. ‘See that’s just dishonest reporting…’”

How much is that war between Trump and the media going to escalate? It won’t end any time soon, if ever. Note the next article.

CNN Sues White House over Acosta Ban

The Daily Mail reported on November 13:

“CNN filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against the Trump administration… The networks’ suit, filed by a team that includes former George W. Bush solicitor general Ted Olson, demands the immediate return of Acosta’s credentials… ‘The wrongful revocation of these credentials violates CNN and Acosta’s First Amendment rights of freedom of the press, and their Fifth Amendment rights to due process,’ according to a CNN statement…

“The suit names as defendants Trump, chief of staff John Kelly, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders, deputy chief of staff for communications and former Fox News executive Bill Shine, the director of the U.S. Secret Service and the uniformed officer who took away the credentials… The suit was filed by Ted Boutrous, and Olson, of the firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.

“Olivier Knox, president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, said in a statement that the group ‘strongly supports CNN’s goal of seeing their correspondent regain a US Secret Service security credential that the White House should not have taken away in the first place.’”

Axios wrote on November 14:

“Fox News is supporting CNN’s lawsuit against the Trump administration over the White House’s revocation of Jim Acosta’s press pass and plans to file an amicus brief in the case, according to a statement from the network’s president Jay Wallace…

“Twelve other news organizations also announced they would be joining Fox in filing an amicus brief in support of CNN [including AP, Bloomberg, NBC News, New York Times, POLITICO, USA Today Network and the Washington Post].”

CNN added on November 14:

“Judge Timothy J. Kelly, a Trump appointee, has been assigned to the case. He will hold a hearing about the request for a temporary restraining order Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. But this legal battle could stretch on for a while. In the event there is no settlement, CNN is requesting a jury trial.”

CNN Business wrote on November 15:

“Judge Timothy J. Kelly heard nearly two hours of oral arguments about CNN’s request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction on Wednesday… he rescheduled the next hearing for Friday at 10 a.m.…”

The law firm of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is one of the most prestigious law firms in the nation. According to legal experts, CNN has a very strong or “robust” legal case against the defendants, especially in light of President Trump’s public comments undermining the defense, that he may consider banning other reporters as well (who have not engaged in any alleged “physical conduct” against female interns).

More Legal Trouble for Donald Trump?

The Daily Beast wrote on November 11:

“Friday’s in-depth Wall Street Journal report suggests the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of New York and the FBI appear to possess evidence of Donald Trump’s involvement in a criminal scheme that helped get him elected president…

“Trump played a central role in hush-money payments made to Karen McDougal and Stephanie Clifford during the 2016 presidential campaign, the Journal reports, adding more detail to the case of Michael Cohen, Trump’s former fixer-lawyer who pled guilty to federal campaign finance violations in the Southern District in August.

“Recall that when Cohen pleaded guilty in federal court, he stated under oath that he had made the payments ‘in coordination and at the direction of a candidate for federal office’—many assumed that that candidate was Trump, of course. We now know from the Journal that the person who directed Cohen in this criminal scheme was, indeed, Donald Trump. The charging document to which Cohen pled guilty states that he ‘coordinated with one or more members of the campaign, including through meetings and phone calls, about the fact, nature, and timing of the payments.’ The Journal reports that ‘[t]he unnamed campaign member or members referred to Mr. Trump, according to people familiar with the document.’

“In addition, we now know that the evidence of Trump’s involvement in this criminal scheme is not limited to Cohen… the reporters note they obtained information from ‘interviews with three dozen people who have direct knowledge of the events or who have been briefed on them, as well as court papers, corporate records and other documents.’

“… the story opens with a detailed recounting of a crucial and previously unreported August 2015 meeting between Trump and National Enquirer publisher David Pecker… during which Trump asked Pecker how he could help the campaign. Pecker reportedly offered to use his tabloid newspaper to purchase and squash the stories of women alleging affairs with Trump (which he did months later with McDougal). This conversation, on its own, establishes Trump’s direct involvement with and direction of the hush money payment… and goes to the heart of the question of Trump’s intent, namely, did he know and intend that these hush money payments would benefit his campaign for president?

“So, can President Trump be charged… with a crime of violating the federal campaign finance laws? Probably not…”

The report by the Wall Street Journal cannot be easily dismissed as left-liberal propaganda, as the Wall Street Journal is a conservative and basically pro-Trump news outlet. However, as we have repeatedly said before, President Trump will not be indicted, and he is going to be re-elected, as he is fulfilling biblical prophecy… for better or worse.

The False Teaching of Purgatory and Indulgences

Christian News wrote on November 5:

“As has been the custom for the past 50 years, Roman Catholics worldwide who pray at a cemetery between Nov. 1-8—and follow other requirements—are being offered a plenary indulgence to free their loved one from Purgatory and send their soul to Heaven…

“Nov. 1 marked All Saints Day in the Roman Catholic Church, followed by All Souls Day, which began an octave in which adherents of the religion are offered—under certain requirements—a plenary, or complete, indulgence for a deceased loved one or friend. On all other days of the year, the indulgence is only partial. While indulgences were especially common during the days of Reformer Martin Luther (1483-1546), who strongly rebuked the practice, the November offering is a more recent declaration, issued by the Vatican under the leadership of Paul VI on June 29, 1968.

“The doctrine was stated to have been solidified during the Councils of Florence (1439) and Trent (1545-1563), and Catholics further point to the apocryphal book of 2 Maccabees 12, which states, ‘It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins.’… the Catholic Catechism outlines that Roman Catholic leadership ‘by virtue of the power of binding and loosing granted her by Christ Jesus’ offers indulgences as a means of intervention ‘in favor of individual Christians and opens for them the treasury of the merits of Christ and the saints to obtain from the Father of mercies the remission of the temporal punishments due for their sins.’

“Each November since 1968, the Vatican has offered the living the stated opportunity to obtain plenary indulgences for the dead, so that they might be completely freed from Purgatory and go to Heaven. One plenary indulgence per day can be obtained during the eight-day period, and to obtain the indulgence, one must visit the cemetery to pray for the departed, receive communion, go to confession, and pray for the pope, with the minimum being the recitation of the Our Father and the Hail Mary. Other rituals may also be employed.”

The whole concept of Purgatory and the praying for the dead idea, as taught by the Catholic Church and uninspired apocryphal books, such as 2 Maccabees, is totally against Holy Scripture. The power to bind and to loose, which Christ gave to the ministry of His true Church, does of course not relate to teachings contrary to the Bible.

Will the Next Economic Crisis Lead to World War III?

Project Syndicate wrote on November 8:

“The next economic crisis is closer than you think. But what you should really worry about is what comes after: in the current social, political, and technological landscape, a prolonged economic crisis, combined with rising income inequality, could well escalate into a major global military conflict…

“In the United States, housing prices are now 8% higher than they were at the peak of the property bubble in 2006… The price-to-earnings (CAPE) ratio, which measures whether stock-market prices are within a reasonable range, is now higher than it was both in 2008 and at the start of the Great Depression in 1929. As monetary tightening reveals the vulnerabilities in the real economy, the collapse of asset-price bubbles will trigger another economic crisis – one that could be even more severe than the last…

“This is all the more worrying in view of the numerous other factors stoking social unrest and diplomatic tension, including technological disruption, a record-breaking migration crisis, anxiety over globalization, political polarization, and rising nationalism. All are symptoms of failed policies that could turn out to be trigger points for a future crisis. Voters have good reason to be frustrated, but the emotionally appealing populists to whom they are increasingly giving their support are offering ill-advised solutions that will only make matters worse…

“Against this background, we must take seriously the possibility that the next economic crisis could lead to a large-scale military confrontation…”

Bitcoin May Boom Due to US Climbing Debt

Express wrote on November 11:

“There could be a major spike in the price of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies because of the rapidly growing level of US debt, a leading industry expert has claimed. ShapeShift CEO Erik Voorhees has said cryptocurrencies will boom during the next global financial crisis. The finance expert at the global trading firm believes the high level of US debt will cripple the economy unless more money is printed. He argues this will lead to an increase in cryptocurrency investment. He said: ‘When the next global financial crisis occurs, the world will realise organisations with $20trillion in debt can’t possibly ever pay it back. They must print it instead, and thus fiat is doomed…

“US lawmakers keep increasing the country’s debt ceiling, allowing for the federal government to take on more and more debt. His theory is the debt level of world economies is unsustainable and will put states under pressure the next time there is a financial crash. As a result, he believes quantitive easing will have to come into force, the process whereby governments print money, to help pay off the money they owe. The more money in circulation the less it is worth, meaning ordinary families could be set to see their savings decrease in value. Mr Voorhees believes this in turn could lead to more people investing in cryptocurrencies…

“However, digital currencies are also a financial risk for investors due to their history of extreme volatility. In 2017, Bitcoin’s value rocketed to more than double its value, reaching a high $19,783 in December. However, it then plunged in 2018 to a low of less than $6,000 in June. Since then the online money has stabilised and has seen no major rises or falls in its value. At the time of writing Bitcoin is worth $6,367.36.”

Express added on November 16:

“BITCOIN (BTC) experienced a sudden drop in value on Wednesday after a prolonged period of record stability, which many experts said would produce a sharp move in either an upwards or downwards direction.”

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer

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

In the first installment of this two-part series, we saw that God may make His Will absolutely clear to us to the effect that He will not intervene in the way we hope or wish, and if that is the case, prayers to God to change His Will would be superfluous and futile.

We might not always be able to understand God’s decision not to intervene or fulfill our specific request in a particular matter, because we might not always see what God’s Will or plan might be. We must recognize, however, that His thoughts are much higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). Psalm 92:5-6 says:

“O LORD, how great are Your works! Your thoughts are very deep. A senseless man does not know, Nor does a fool understand this.”

God declares the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). Man cannot do anything against His plan.

Proverbs 19:21 says:

“There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the LORD’s counsel–that will stand.”

Proverbs 16:9 adds:

“A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.”

Proverbs 21:30 explains:

“There is no wisdom or understanding Or counsel against the LORD.”

In Acts 5:38-39, “a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people” (verse 34), reiterates the same message and includes a warning as well:

“‘And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it–lest you even be found to fight against God.’”

We always need to remember that all things work together for good for those who love God (Romans 8:28).

This might be difficult to comprehend at a given moment in time; but rather than focusing on short-term goals and “quick fixes,” God’s goals are long-term.

Jeremiah 29:11 quotes God’s words in this way:

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

A good example for this truth can be found in Joseph’s life. His brothers had sold him into slavery, but God was behind it so that Joseph could save the lives of many people. We read in Genesis 45:4-8:

“And Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Please come near to me.’ So they came near. Then he said: ‘I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.’”

Again, here are Joseph’s additional words to his brothers, as recorded in Genesis 50:19-21:

“Joseph said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.’…”

We might also think of Esther who was brought to the palace of the king and became his wife so that she could later save the Jews.

Let us review examples which encourage us to keep asking God even though His answer might not have been forthcoming so far, and even though it might appear as if His answer is “No!” But we are to pray day and night with perseverance for God’s intervention until His answer has become abundantly clear.

One might ask: How do I know that God has decided with finality that He will not answer my prayer in the way that I want—that His answer is abundantly clear? The simple response is: Once that final stage has been reached, you will know. If you don’t know, then God’s answer has not become abundantly clear.

Note the example of the widow and the unrighteous judge in Luke 18:1-8:

“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: ‘There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, “Get justice for me from my adversary.” And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, “Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.”’ Then the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?’”

This would also include the faith that God will hear us when we pray to Him day and night. As Christ mentioned, sometimes it may take a while before God intervenes on our behalf.

In this context, we must realize that God can change man’s hearts, plans and actions. The parable with the unrighteous judge and the widow shows that due to the widow’s perseverance, the judge changed his mind and acted on her behalf. The spiritual lesson is that due to her unwavering and consistent prayer, God responded by influencing the judge to help the widow.

Psalm 33:15 says that God “fashions” or “forms” (Revised Standard Version) or “moulds” (New Jerusalem Bible) or “shapes” (Berean Study Bible) the hearts of men. Strong’s explains that it means, “To mould into a, form, as a, potter, to determine.” Elliott’s Commentary for English Readers agrees, stating: “The Hebrew word rendered ‘fashion’ is that used of a potter moulding clay.”

The Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Bible Commentary states: “‘fashioneth’—or, ‘forms,’ and hence knows and controls.” Matthew Poole’s Commentary states: “Having said that God sees and observes all men, he now adds that he rules and governs them; yea, even their hearts, which are most masterless and unmanageable, and yet he frameth and disposeth and inclineth them, this way or that, according to the counsel of his will.”

Of course, as the Matthew Henry Commentary adds, “Some hearts are too stubborn to yield themselves up to his fashioning, and refuse to take the impress which he desires to impart.” When this happens, God will destroy such a person, as a potter destroys the pot which he attempted to make, but which did not turn out right, and so he will use the clay to make another pot.

Still, nobody can prevail against God’s Will, and when our ways please God, He can even make our enemies to be at peace with us (Proverbs 16:7). In the above-quoted parable, God influenced the judge to help the widow—to be at peace with her.

There are additional examples about perseverance and ongoing faith and trust in God for His intervention, even though it may sometimes appear as if God had decided that He would not intervene.

In John 5:2-9, a man was sick for a long time, and he apparently had lost hope that he could be healed, because the human “odds” were against such a possibility:

“Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, ‘Do you want to be made well?’ The sick man answered Him, ‘Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk.’ And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath.”

Another example can be found in John 9:1-7:

“Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’ When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. And He said to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing.”

A third example, and many more could be quoted, is recorded in Luke 13:10-17:

“Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, ‘Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.’ And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath; and he said to the crowd, ‘There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day.’ The Lord then answered him and said, ‘Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound–think of it–for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?’ And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him.”

In this context, we should also understand that our prayers may change God’s original intent, and He might change His contemplated actions, as long as such a change would not contradict His overall plan.

Exodus 32:7-14 gives us such an example where God changed His mind, due to the powerful intercession of Moses:

“And the LORD said to Moses, ‘Go, get down! For your people whom you brought out of the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves. They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them. They have made themselves a molded calf, and worshiped it and sacrificed to it, and said, “This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!’”’ And the LORD said to Moses, ‘I have seen this people, and indeed it is a stiff-necked people! Now therefore, let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them. And I will make of you a great nation.’ Then Moses pleaded with the LORD his God, and said: ‘LORD, why does Your wrath burn hot against Your people whom You have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians speak, and say, “He brought them out to harm them, to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth”? Turn from Your fierce wrath, and relent from this harm to Your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants, to whom You swore by Your own self, and said to them, “I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven; and all this land that I have spoken of I give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.”’ So the LORD relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people.”

Also note God’s words to Jeremiah in Jeremiah 18:7-8:

“‘The instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, to pull down, and to destroy it, if that nation against whom I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I thought to bring upon it.’”

The people of Nineveh responded to Jonah’s warning by turning from their evil deeds, and God did not destroy them.

We should keep praying for God’s intervention, even in seemingly hopeless situations, until God’s refusal to act in compliance with our wishes becomes abundantly clear. As long as there is hope for His intervention and even for a change of His mind or original purpose, we must not give up entreating God.

Note this in Joel 2:11-14:

“… For the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; Who can endure it? ‘Now, therefore,’ says the Lord, ‘Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.’ So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.  Who knows if He will turn and relent, And leave a blessing behind Him…’”

Yes, who knows? Until we know for sure that His answer is “No!,” we ought to continue to entreat God for His intervention.

He can make the “impossible” possible. As long as He has not made His Will abundantly clear to us so that we must cease praying for a certain matter, we ought to continue to implore and entreat God while waiting for Him. In the end, we may stand in awe when He suddenly intervenes for us.

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

compiled by Dave Harris

“Coming—A European Empire with a Real Army,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks of the rise of the “ancient demons” of “nationalism” causing World War I and advocates the creation of a “real European army” to “defend against” the USA. The EU Commission, German Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) and the leader of her coalition party, the SPD, want a real European army to form a “counterbalance” to President Trump. Others want to turn Europe into a powerful empire under German-French leadership to “stand in the way of Donald Trump’s administration.” Bible prophecy is being fulfilled for sure.

A new Member Letter (November 2018) will be posted. Pastor Rene Messier writes with a profound sense of urgency that Christians must not turn away from God but draw ever closer to Him.

“Der Abfall von der Wahrheit… einst, heute und sehr bald!” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “The Falling Away From the Truth–Then, Now and Very Soon.”

“Waiting for the Kingdom of God,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:

What does it mean to wait for the Kingdom of God, and how should we apply that as Christians—both now and regarding the future?

“The Truth Is What Matters,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is a summary:

The trouble with being human is that we are naturally affected by a barrage of information that so easily distracts us from making good, godly judgment in life. What can we do to filter out the noise, and tune into the signal of the Truth of God?

On November 10, 2018, Dave Harris will present the sermonette, titled, “Waiting for the Kingdom of God,” and Eric Rank will present the sermon, titled, “The Truth is What Matters.”

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.

Driving into my neighborhood recently, I noticed the glow of strung-up lights on several houses.  I thought these were early for Christmas but the colors and décor were instead designed to celebrate Halloween.  Decorations like these are a growing trend that undoubtedly will result in the same fervor as Christmas receives today.

Spending on this holiday is increasing with a disturbing pace.  In a recent article on CNN they state the following numbers: “More than 175 million Americans will celebrate Halloween this year, with seven out of ten consumers planning to hand out candy. Total spending in 2018 will reach $9 billion, with the average consumer planning to spend $86.79 on decorations, candy, costumes and more” (cnn.com, October 18, 2018).

What is truly alarming, and revealing of the direction our country is heading, are the number of professing Christians embracing this festival.  One local church in my neighborhood has annual trick or treat gatherings in our common area.  And their church is by no means alone.  That same CNN article gives a brief history of this festival stating, “Halloween comes from an ancient pagan festival celebrated by Celtic people over 2,000 years ago called Samhain.”

Carnally based traditions have been the bane of God’s people since we were created.  A few Christian-professing friends reminisced recently about their childhood Halloween experiences and how much joy their children find in it today.  And yet they ignore the very words of Christ concerning man-made traditions.  “He answered and said to them, ‘Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?’” (Matthew 15:3).  Man is being cheated out of an everlasting future in lieu of shiny bobbles that Satan so cleverly hands out. Paul faced this same attitude during his ministry: “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8).

The true devastation being heaped up on mankind is with the adulteration of children.  The Devil knows exactly how to draw man away from God.  Satan starts young and builds a lasting foundation.  Is it coincidence that the major Satanic holidays like Easter, Christmas and Halloween are directed towards children?  God told His servants, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).  Failure to follow this simple advice, especially with our young, is what necessitates the impending judgement on this world.

Having a child-like attitude is required by Christ.  “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). The snares of the Devil are plentiful and enticing.  But they grow dim and meaningless to a child-like heart humbled by God’s Spirit.

by Norbert Link

We begin with the results of the US midterm elections, which will lead to foreseeable hostile confrontations between House and Senate Republicans and Democrats and total legislative gridlock [please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Frightening Results and Consequences of Midterm Elections”]; and address Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ forced resignation and Fox News moderator Sean Hannity’s inappropriate conduct and President Trump’s war with CNN’s Jim Acosta. We continue with developments in Europe, including consequences from Angela Merkel’s announcement that she will not run again as Chairman of her party and as Chancellor; a serious warning from French President Macron for Europe and his demand for a “real” European army; the formation and coalition of ten European militaries; the ongoing hopeless battle surrounding Brexit negotiations; and the dismissal of controversial German ex-spy chief Hans-Georg Maassen.

We speak on American sanctions against Iran which will also affect many other countries, and explain that especially Europe is extremely unhappy about US conduct while grudgingly admitting that at this point, they don’t have enough power to oppose the Trump Administration; and we report on the deeply divided USA—a nation in turmoil which is still (or again) plagued by the “ghost of the civil war” which some feel could break out again with full force. We also address once more the ongoing misconceptions and misrepresentations pertaining to America’s constitutionally guaranteed birthright citizenship.

We point out the nonsense of daylight saving time and explain its astonishingly evil history; speak on Jewish mysticism and superstitions; and report on ongoing fears of California’s “Big One” due to a series of large earthquakes resulting from a movement along the San Andreas Fault system.

We conclude with frightening experiments and developments involving genetically engineered viruses which some feel have the potential of wiping out all life on planet earth; and Artificial Intelligence (AI) which, it is claimed, may replace the worship of God.

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

US Midterm Elections Result—Gridlock for Sure!

The Algemeiner wrote on November 7:

“Trump and his fellow Republicans expanded their control of the US Senate in Tuesday’s midterm elections, following a divisive campaign marked by fierce clashes over race and immigration. But they lost their majority in the House, a setback for Trump after a campaign that became a referendum on his leadership. With some races still undecided, Democrats were headed for a gain of more than 30 seats, beyond the 23 they needed to claim their first majority in the 435-member House in eight years.

“The Democrats had never looked likely to win control of the Senate… The party with the presidency often loses House seats in midterm elections. Former President Barack Obama’s Democrats suffered what he called a ‘shellacking’ in congressional elections in 2010.

“With divided leadership in Congress and a president who has taken an expansive view of executive power, Washington could be in store for even deeper political polarization and legislative gridlock…”

Business Insider wrote on November 7:

“‘Welcome to gridlock,’ Paul Donovan, chief economist at UBS Wealth Management said on Wednesday morning. ‘Trump may now fall back on policy areas that do not require Congress, like trade…. Donovan’s view was issued by his colleagues in the chief investment office who note that an ‘increase in gridlock is likely, making it difficult to pass legislation.’”

There will be no meaningful cooperation between House and Senate Republicans and Democrats. Legislative gridlock appears inevitable. However, many of Donald Trump’s foreign powers are not restricted by Congress, and that is extremely worrisome to many.

Trump’s Ongoing Unrestricted Powers

Politico wrote on November 6:

“U.S. President Donald Trump will retain much of his power to shape America’s global policy… Like presidents before him, Trump has wide authority to act unilaterally on some of the issues that Europe and other countries care the most about — foreign policy, defense and trade. And Trump has displayed a broad interpretation of presidential authority and willingness to go around a gridlocked Congress…

“Trump can still quit treaties, negotiate bilateral agreements and make significant changes to U.S. priorities abroad if he so chooses. Congress can’t force the president and his aides to fill the vacant diplomatic posts that dot the globe, for example. And it can’t constrain Trump’s rhetoric about foreign countries, the United Nations or NATO…”

US Midterm Elections from a European Perspective

Deutsche Welle reported on November 7:

“… officials in Germany and other European Union countries said they do not believe the results will prompt a change in US President Donald Trump’s approach to foreign policy. ‘It would be a mistake to expect a course correction from Donald Trump now,’ German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas wrote on Twitter… Manfred Weber, a German politician who heads up the European Parliament’s center-right European People’s Party (EPP), said the results were a ‘mixed signal.’”

Even before the results of the midterm election had become known, Deutsche Welle wrote the following on November 5:

“Never before have the US midterm elections attracted so much interest abroad. Many in the EU hope that the vote will weaken US President Donald Trump. However, observers say, that could prove dangerous internationally… Currently, the Republicans hold the majority in both houses of the US Congress…

“Elmar Brok, the former chairman of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs and a member of German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats, told DW that it would be good for ‘checks and balances’ for the Democrats to win control of at least one chamber of the bicameral legislature — most likely the House of Representatives. Brok acknowledged, however, that such an outcome could have a downside: ‘President Trump would then concentrate entirely on foreign policy because he would no longer be able to push through any domestic reforms. That could make us even more nervous.’

“The president’s attitude toward the European Union is clear. In trade matters, he regards the EU as an ‘enemy’ of the US — not a rival or even competitor, but an enemy. For example, the president’s realignment of US trade policy has resulted in fiery clashes with the leaders of almost all industrialized countries worldwide. And, after Trump imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum, he began threatening the European Union with punitive duties on cars as a measure to protect US automakers.

“… German observers of US politics fear that Trump could… [order] a military strike on Iran or North Korea… Whatever happens [on Tuesday], little would likely change for the better, Brok said. Trump is so unpredictable in his dealings with NATO allies that all conceivable scenarios in the wake of the US midterm elections are possible, Brok added.

“Braml, of the German Council on Foreign Relations, had a similar take. ‘The US, the “checks and balances,” will not do for us,’ he said. ‘We must think for ourselves: We must learn to think more confidently as Europeans.’ That has been the recurring theme in Germany and the European Union ever since Trump won the presidency in 2016, Braml said. Now, he added, the EU must come up with a coherent and credible strategy for global politics — regardless of who sits in the White House or the US Congress.”

Democrats Will Shoot at Trump

Mother Jones wrote on November 6:

“Here comes the flood. With the Democrats having won control of the House of Representatives, President Donald Trump and his crew in the White House and assorted federal agencies can expect to be hit by a wave of investigations and subpoena requests from Capitol Hill…

“The House Intelligence Committee… will certainly revive aspects of the Trump-Russia probe that House Republicans smothered. The House Foreign Affairs Committee surely will consider examining the Trump-Saudi relationship in light of the grisly murder of Jamal Khashoggi. You can bet the Homeland Security Committee will investigate the Trump administration’s family-separation policy, and the Armed Services Committee will examine whether there was any reason for Trump to send 15,000 troops to the border to deal with a migrant caravan…

“Since Trump entered office… congressional Democrats have been demanding the chance to investigate him… Republicans, though, constantly blocked them and protected Trump… Now the House Democrats have a golden opportunity—and, perhaps unfortunately for the nation, an embarrassment of riches to choose from.”

Trump Will Fire Back

The Washington Post wrote on November 7:

“President Trump threatened Wednesday to retaliate with a ‘warlike posture’ should the new Democratic House majority use its subpoena power to launch investigations into his administration, warning that any probes would jeopardize prospects for bipartisan deals…

“The president, who had demonized Democrats in apocalyptic terms and attacked Pelosi on the campaign trail, said he looked forward to working with her on ‘a beautiful bipartisan-type situation.’… But Trump said that he would react aggressively to any attempt to look into possible corruption in his administration or investigate his personal finances or conduct in office, as Democratic leaders have said they are planning to do…”

Trump Fires Sessions

CNBC wrote on November 7:

“Embattled Attorney General Jeff Sessions resigned at the ‘request’ of President Donald Trump on Wednesday after more than a year of public criticism from the president. Sessions’ chief of staff, Matthew Whitaker, will serve as acting attorney general, Trump announced. Whitaker also will assume oversight of the ongoing investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, and possible collusion by Trump’s campaign in that meddling… Whitaker, who has publicly criticized the Mueller investigation, by law can serve as acting AG for a maximum of 210 days. He will have the power to fire Mueller ‘for cause’…

“Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein up till now has had oversight over the Mueller probe, as a result of Sessions’ move to recuse himself from the investigation in 2017… Sessions’ resignation was expected to happen sometime after Tuesday’s midterm elections, particularly given the drumbeat of the president’s repeated criticism of the attorney general… But the abruptness of the move, less than 24 hours after the close of the polls Tuesday, stunned Trump’s closest allies both inside and outside of the White House.”

Hannity’s Inappropriate Conduct

Newsmax and The Associated Press reported on November 6:

“Sean Hannity spoke from the stage of President Donald Trump’s last midterm election rally on Monday, after Fox News Channel and its most popular personality had insisted all day that he wouldn’t. Hannity appeared on the podium in a Missouri arena after being called to the stage by Trump. Another Fox News host, Jeanine Pirro, also appeared onstage with the president…

“Hannity has been rebuked by Fox in the past. In 2016, he was part of a Trump political video, which Fox said it had not known about in advance and told Hannity not to do so again. When Fox found out in 2010 that the Tea Party had advertised that Hannity would be appearing at one of his fundraising rallies, Fox said it had not approved the arrangement and ordered him back to New York… Despite Fox’s disavowal, the Trump campaign continued to list Hannity as a guest throughout Monday at the link where people could seek tickets to the event.”

The Week wrote on November 6:

“Fox News on Tuesday issued a statement saying it ‘does not condone’ the participation of show hosts Sean Hannity and Jeanine Pirro in President Trump’s Monday night campaign rally in Missouri. ‘This was an unfortunate distraction and has been addressed,’ the statement said, not detailing what consequences the pundits were handed. Before the rally, the network and Hannity alike insisted he was there in a journalistic capacity, but at the event he went up on stage with Trump and, pointing to the journalists present, told the crowd: ‘By the way, all those people in the back are fake news.’ Hannity said in a tweet midday Tuesday his appearance on stage was ‘NOT planned.’”

Especially prior to the midterm elections, both arch-liberal and anti-Trump CNN and MSNBC as well as arch-conservative and pro-Trump Fox News engaged in an unparalleled partisan advertisement approach for either the Democrats or the Republicans which had nothing to do with informative, fair and objective reporting.

Trump’s Unprecedented War with the Media

CNN Business reported on November 7:

“In a stunning break with protocol, the White House said Wednesday night that it’s suspending the press pass of CNN’s Jim Acosta ‘until further notice.’ The move came just hours after Acosta, CNN’s chief White House correspondent, drew the ire of President Donald Trump and his allies by asking multiple questions at a post-midterms news conference. Trump insulted Acosta and called him a ‘terrible’ person.

“CNN said in a statement that Acosta has the network’s full support. The revocation of his pass ‘was done in retaliation for his challenging questions at today’s press conference,’ the statement said. ‘In an explanation, Press Secretary Sarah Sanders lied. She provided fraudulent accusations and cited an incident that never happened. This unprecedented decision is a threat to our democracy and the country deserves better. Jim Acosta has our full support.’

“The removal of his pass is a sharp escalation of tensions between the Trump administration and CNN. It immediately stirred concerns within the White House press corps. Peter Baker, the chief White House correspondent for The New York Times, said on Twitter: ‘This is something I’ve never seen since I started covering the White House in 1996. Other presidents did not fear tough questioning.’ …

“Acosta has been one of the most aggressive reporters on the Trump beat, winning him huge numbers of fans but also huge numbers of critics… ‘President Trump believes in a free press and expects and welcomes tough questions of him and his Administration,’ [Sanders] said. ‘We will, however, never tolerate a reporter placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern. This conduct is absolutely unacceptable.’…

“CNN said in a statement: ‘This President’s ongoing attacks on the press have gone too far. They are not only dangerous, they are disturbingly un-American…”

Bild Online commented about the “insane Trump show”: “The President completely lost it at the press conference after the US election.” Die Welt Online added that it was Trump who provoked the fight and that the statement by the White House was untrue because the video clearly showed that Acosta did not touch the person, but only held on to the mic, and even apologized to her for not returning the mic to her. Stern Online and Spiegel Online agreed and described the incident in extremely unflattering terms for Trump.

Deutsche Welle described Trump’s attack on journalists in this way:

“He angrily attacked a White House correspondent of Haitian descent, telling her that her question about whether white nationalists might be emboldened by him labeling himself a nationalist was ‘a racist question’ and ‘insulting.’ Things were no better for foreign correspondents, with the president consistently complaining he couldn’t understand them. He had especially harsh treatment for a Japanese reporter; Trump, after asking the reporter where he was from, said ‘Say hello to Shinzo … I’m sure he’s happy about his tariffs on his cars.’…”

The upshot of the matter is that due to incidents like these, Trump’s reputation in other countries, especially Germany, went from extremely bad to unbelievably worse. 

CNN Business wrote on November 8:

“White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders seized on a misleading video… it appeared to have come from Paul Joseph Watson, an editor-at-large for InfoWars… it did not accurately portray what happened — it appears to show Acosta’s arm moving in a downward motion towards the intern’s faster than it actually did…

‘On Twitter, Watson strongly denied having edited the video in a deliberately deceptive fashion… Watson did provide a clue as to how the video may have inadvertently come to show a misleading version of the incident… He said that the basis for the video he posted was not raw footage or even a clip taken directly from a network. Instead, Watson said, he had downloaded a GIF, edited it, and exported the final product as a video. A GIF is a media file that compresses video by removing a significant number of frames from it. It allows individuals to show moving images without uploading large files…

“In a Thursday afternoon statement, Whitney Shefte, president of the White House News Photographers Association, said, ‘As visual journalists, we know that manipulating images is manipulating truth. It’s deceptive, dangerous and unethical. Knowingly sharing manipulated images is equally problematic, particularly when the person sharing them is a representative of our country’s highest office with vast influence over public opinion.’”

This is all very troublesome indeed. As has been confirmed by most news outlets, the unaltered video clearly shows that Acosta did NOT “place his hands” on the female intern. Trump’s war with the media will not end any time soon, and truth or fake news is on the line.

Merkel’s Past Influence on Germany and Europe

The Week wrote on October 31:

“It is almost impossible to convey the significance of Angela Merkel’s announcement that she will not run again for the chancellorship of Germany… No other figure in German politics born since the conclusion of the Second World War has enjoyed anything like Merkel’s influence, and it could be argued that her ultimate significance as architect of the post-9/11 European order will be greater than that of any modern politician in her country save Konrad Adenhauer, a man born at the zenith of the Hohenzollerns.

“For more than a decade Merkel has controlled the destiny of Europe. The continent in the period from the beginning of the Iraq war until now has been made in her personal image. The European Union began as many things, but in practice it has meant what Peter Hitchens has called ‘the continuation of Germany by other means,’ which is to say, the modern German desire, born long ago in the forge of Prussian ambition, to dominate Europe. It was the dream of the Kaiser, of Bismarck, of Frederick the Great, of the Hohenstaufen emperors…

“Merkel’s departure signals the end not only of the immediate post-Cold War era in German politics but the final twilight of… Christian values that she and her party embodied, however imperfectly, in a world that has moved past them… Looking at Europe now, it is hard not to be reminded of those immortal words of Wilhelm II contemplating the ruin of Germany from his exile, who saw ‘a nation of poets and musicians, of artists and soldiers’ becoming ‘a nation of hysterics and hermits, engulfed in a mob and led by a thousand liars or fanatics.’”

Reuters reported on November 7:

“More than three out of five Germans want Chancellor Merkel to step down in January and hand over the reins of government to whoever is elected chairman of the CDU at the party convention next month, according to a survey by Insa for the Bild tabloid newspaper.”

French President Macron Warns Europe

Euractiv wrote on November 1:

“French President Emmanuel Macron has warned Europe of a return to the 1930s because of the spread of a nationalist ‘leprosy’ across the continent… ‘I am struck by similarities between the times we live in and those of between the two world wars,’ he [said,] urging people to be aware of the threats… ‘In a Europe divided by fears, the return of nationalism, the consequences of economic crisis, one sees almost systematically everything that marked Europe between the end of World War I and the 1929 (economic) crisis,’ [he was] quoted… as saying…

“‘Europe faces a risk — that of being broken up by nationalist leprosy and of being pushed around by foreign powers. And thereby losing its sovereignty,’ he said. ‘That is to say having its security depend on US choices, having China play an ever greater role when it comes to essential infrastructures, and Russia sometimes tempted to try its hand at manipulation, and have financial interests and markets sometimes play greater roles than that of states.’”

Macron Calls for “Real” European Army

The Guardian wrote on November 6:

“Emmanuel Macron has used the first world war armistice centenary commemorations to call for a ‘real’ European army, warning that rising nationalism and populism threaten the fragile peace on the continent. ‘We have to protect ourselves with respect to China, Russia and even the United States of America,’ Macron said as he visited the sites of the western front battlefields in northern France on Tuesday… ‘When I see President Trump announcing that he’s quitting a major disarmament treaty which was formed after the 1980s Euromissile crisis that hit Europe, who is the main victim? Europe and its security,’ he said in a radio interview to mark 100 years since the end of hostilities…”

Express wrote on November 6:

“Nigel Farage accused the European Union of ‘lying to us for 50 years’ after French President Emmanuel Macron called for a ‘real European army’ to reduce Europe’s dependence on the United States for defence. Nigel Farage warned a European army would be ‘very dangerous’ and ‘deeply insulting’ to the United States.”

European Defense Coalition

Reuters reported on November 7:

“A coalition of European militaries ready to react to crises near the continent’s borders was launched on Wednesday with Finland becoming the 10th country to join, amid calls by French President Emmanuel Macron for a ‘real European army’. The French-led initiative would not conflict with the almost 70-year-old, U.S.-dominated NATO alliance, proponents say, but reflects in part concerns about a more isolationist United States under President Donald Trump.

“The European Intervention Initiative took official shape in Paris after months of negotiations with Germany, who France wants at the center of the force… Germany, Belgium, Britain, Denmark, Estonia, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal have all given their green light for the French-led move. It will see members collaborate on planning, on the analysis of new military and humanitarian crises, and on eventual military responses to those crises.

“‘In an environment where threats and upheavals of a geopolitical or climatic nature are multiplying, the initiative must send the message that Europe is ready, that Europe is capable,’ a French defense ministry official said. The imminent departure from the EU of Britain, long opposed to EU military collaboration outside NATO, has revived talk of defense cooperation – as have concerns that Trump might prove less willing than his predecessors to come to Europe’s defense in the face of a newly assertive Russia.”

The ten countries referred to in the article are: France, Germany, Belgium, Britain, Denmark, Netherlands, Estonia, Spain, Portugal and Finland. We know from the Bible that Britain will not stay in this coalition, while Italy will join soon.

Brexit—“Abandon All Hope!”

Deutsche Welle wrote on November 6:

“The Sunday Times really got our hopes up over the weekend. A Brexit deal was imminent, the paper wrote. The European Union had given in to Prime Minister Theresa May’s demands and was letting her stay in a sort of customs union in order to solve the vexed Irish border question…

“What seemed reasonable has, however, now become impossible. At a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, May was forced to declare she would not close a Brexit deal ‘at any cost.’ Clearly the cost is too high for her Brexiteers, who want at best a time limited customs union, or to be able to leave it at any time… No new cabinet meeting has been scheduled. Ministers will come together again only after what the PM calls ‘the best deal for Britain’ has been reached. The continued stalemate scuppers May’s plan to get a deal done this week. That’s needed to call an EU summit for the end of November and push the whole thing through Parliament before Christmas…”

German Ex-Spy Chief Maassen Fired

Deutsche Welle wrote on November 5:

“German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said on Monday that he was temporarily relieving former domestic spy chief Hans-Georg Maassen of his duties after Maassen made ‘unacceptable remarks’ in a farewell speech to representatives of international intelligence agencies. Seehofer, who has previously supported Maassen, said that a ‘cooperation based on mutual trust’ was no longer possible in view of the remarks.

“Maassen’s critical view of the government’s policy on refugees… has highlighted and contributed to rifts within Germany’s coalition over the past few months. In his address, Maassen spoke about ‘radical left-wing elements’ in the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the junior partner in the ruling coalition, who had, he said, seized gladly upon his controversial remarks about protests in the eastern city of Chemnitz in August to provoke divisions in the government. He also criticized Germany’s current policies on refugees and security as ‘naive and leftist.’

“… Maassen, 55, came under fire… when he questioned well-documented reports of far-right violence against foreigners during the Chemnitz protests. There have also been media reports that he passed sensitive information about Islamic extremism to the anti-immigration and anti-Islam Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The outcry prompted the government to fire Maassen as the head of the BfV.  An initial compromise between Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU) and the SPD would have seen Maassen essentially promoted to deputy interior minister. But that deal met with such opposition both from politicians and the public that he was instead to be made a consultant reporting directly to Seehofer…

“The AfD responded to the news by offering Maassen the chance to join its ranks. ‘He would fit well into a democratic, constitutional party like the AfD,’ chair Jörg Meuthen told newspapers of the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, and also described Maassen as ‘a conscientious, excellent and thorough public official.’”

US Broad Sanctions Against Iran (and Many Other Nations)

Deutsche Welle wrote on November 4:

“All business with Iranian oil companies will be prohibited, as are insurances of any kind, including policies on oil shipments… all financial transactions with Iran’s central bank and a number of other banks will be banned…

“Oil sales account for some 80 percent of all state income in Iran and since 60 percent of Iran’s budget expenditures are distributed to state-run businesses and institutions the country is extremely dependent upon the revenue they produce…

“Washington’s one-sided… implementation of unilateral sanctions have deepened the trans-atlantic divide. Now, Europe is standing side by side with Beijing and Moscow and against Washington in one of the central international questions of our day.”

Deutsche Welle wrote on November 5:

“As US sanctions against Iran came back into effect on Monday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo revealed that several countries secured oil import exemptions, including: India, China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, Greece, and Italy… The US decided to reimpose the sanctions after US President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal earlier this year.

“Pompeo told reporters that the eight countries secured temporary waivers to continue importing oil from Iran. The exemptions were granted with the understanding that the countries will seek to reduce their imports to zero. Waivers were also issued to allow European firms to continue conversion work on two of Iran’s nuclear facilities…

“Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters that he expects European nations to honor the sanctions, but that certain transactions — particularly humanitarian ones — will continue to be allowed.”

Handelsblatt Global wrote on November 5:

“German and European resistance to US sanctions on Iran appears to be failing, in an apparent victory for Donald Trump’s foreign policy… Germany’s economics ministry admitted the almost total ineffectiveness of European countermeasures to date… The new sanctions threaten any company or individual, American or not, who buys Iranian oil, invests in its energy sector, or uses Iranian banks or shipping lines. They specifically pressure financial payments systems, like the Belgian-based SWIFT network, to cut Iran from international transactions.

“When Trump announced a first round of sanctions in May, the German government and the European Union promised they would shield German and European companies from the effect of the measures… Germany and the EU have tried to circumvent the embargoes, but Berlin conceded its measures have done little to protect continued trade with Iran…

“This situation offers little immediate hope for German companies looking to trade with Iran. As a result, many large international companies, including Daimler, Siemens, Bayer, Henkel and Wintershall, left Iran earlier this year. They are fearful of legal action against their American businesses… German and European banks are spooked by American threats, and nearly all remaining German banks cut ties with Tehran. Some German companies are already unable to access funds paid by their Iranian clients…

“Still, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas phoned with his Iranian counterpart last week and assured him that the European Union continued to ‘make intensive efforts’ to keep economic channels open.”

Europeans recognize their current inability to stand up to the USA. This will prompt and force them to unite powerfully in the not-too-distant future to be able to decide “their own destiny.”

Iranians “Respond”

The Algemeiner and Reuters wrote on November 4:

“Iranians chanting ‘Death to America’ rallied on Sunday to mark both the anniversary of the seizure of the US Embassy during the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the imminent reimposition of US sanctions on Iran’s key oil sector. Thousands of students in the government-organized rally in the capital Tehran, broadcast live by state television, burned the Stars and Stripes, an effigy of Uncle Sam and pictures of President Donald Trump outside the leafy downtown compound that once housed the US mission.

“Hardline students stormed the embassy on Nov. 4, 1979 soon after the fall of the US-backed Shah, and 52 Americans were held hostage there for 444 days. The two countries have been enemies, on opposite sides of Middle East conflict, ever since.”

Frightening Prospects for the American-Mexican Border

The Sun wrote on November 2:

“Trump-supporting Texans are taking up arms and heading to the Mexican border in a bid to head off the migrant caravan bound for the US. Up to 200 volunteers from the Texas Minutemen are heading to the Rio Grande River to join US Army troops dispatched by the president. They say they are guarding their country against drug cartels and criminals who they think are amidst the migrants marching north. But others say their involvement has raised fears of vigilantism in border towns, with the US border patrol warning residents to beware of ‘possible armed civilians’…

“The Minutemen regard themselves as part of a grand tradition of Americans defending freedom… Donald [Trump] revealed this week he may send up to 15,000 soldiers, as many as are serving in Afghanistan… The militia members said they plan to bring guns and equipment such as bulletproof vests and lend a hand to the Border Patrol to protect against people unlawfully entering the country.

“Their presence has led to conflict in some cases. A militia member killed two people in 2009 during an invasion of what she thought was a drug house near the border in Arivaca, Arizona. Residents in that same city have been posting signs in recent weeks warning that militia members are not welcome… Marianna Trevino Wright, a South Texas resident who is director of the nonprofit National Butterfly Centre, said she is more fearful of the militias than the caravan. ‘We go about our business here every day in a peaceful manner,’ Wright said. ‘The idea that we could be invaded not by illegal immigrants but by militia groups … is regrettable, and it will end badly.’”

These developments are deeply unsettling indeed.

A Nation in Turmoil

The New York Times wrote on November 4:

“The tumultuous 2018 midterm campaign [has been] shaped by conflicts over race and identity and punctuated by tragedy…

“There was an unmistakable dissonance between the relative health of the economy and the dark mood of a country… after a wave of attempted mail bombings and a massacre at a Pittsburgh synagogue that left 11 dead. ‘The nation is in political turmoil,’ said Representative Carlos Curbelo, a Florida Republican… ‘The economy is roaring but the mood is so sour. It’s a very sad time in this country.’…”

The Ghost of Civil War

The Daily Mail wrote on November 4:

“Spotsylvania [in Virginia is] among the most hallowed of all Civil War battlegrounds. In 1864, it was the scene of the most brutal fighting of the most brutal campaign of the conflict. When it ended, 30,000 men lay dead or wounded and the Confederacy had suffered the losses which would ultimately force its surrender… America’s Civil War ghosts are stirring again…

“The Civil War of 2018 is creating many scars… For many observers, the backdrop to these [midterm] elections has been the letter bombs posted to Democratic politicians and the Squirrel Hill synagogue shooting last weekend which left 11 Jewish people dead. But here in Virginia another bloody legacy overshadows this campaign [with] violent clashes between anti-fascists and neo-Nazis that resulted in the death of activist Heather Heyer…

“Like their forefathers 150 years ago, the warriors of both sides in the new US Civil War believe in the absolute justness of their cause.”

The Civil War Did Not End

The Guardian wrote on November 4:

“In the 158th year of the American civil war, also known as 2018, the Confederacy continues its recent resurgence…

“If you are white, you could consider that the civil war ended in 1865. But the blowback against Reconstruction, the rise of Jim Crow, the myriad forms of segregation and deprivation of rights and freedoms and violence against black people, kept the population subjugated and punished into the present in ways that might as well be called war. It’s worth remembering that the Ku Klux Klan also hated Jews and, back then, Catholics; that the ideal of whiteness was anti-immigrant, anti-diversity, anti-inclusion…

“Another way to talk about the United States as a country at war is to note that the number of weapons in circulation is incompatible with peace. We have 5% of the world’s population and 35%-50% of the guns in civilian hands, more guns per capita than anywhere else – and more gun deaths, too. Is it any surprise that mass shootings… are practically daily events? Many synagogues, Jewish community centers, black churches and public schools now engage in drills that are preparations for the gunman who might arrive…”

Ongoing and increasingly violent confrontations in today’s deeply divided USA are more than just mere fiction.

Ongoing Misconceptions about Birthright Citizenship

Recently Ann Coulter, a prominent anti-immigration author, wrote the following:

“Whether the children born to legal immigrants are citizens is controversial enough. But at least there’s a Supreme Court decision claiming that they are — U.S. v. Wong Kim Ark. That’s ‘birthright citizenship.’ It’s something else entirely to claim that an illegal alien, subject to deportation, can drop a baby and suddenly claim to be the parent of a ‘citizen.’  This crackpot notion was concocted by liberal zealot Justice William Brennan and slipped into a footnote as dicta in a 1982 case. ‘Dicta’ means it was not the ruling of the court, just a random aside, with zero legal significance… No Supreme Court has ever held that children born to illegal aliens are citizens…”

This conclusion is false. The Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.”

 In United States v. Wong Kim Ark, 169 U.S. 649 (1898)], the Supreme Court said by a 6-2 vote, that the 14th Amendment applied to virtually everyone born in the U.S., except for children of enemies of the U.S. or of foreign diplomats, or children born on Native American reservations, which were considered sovereign entities.

The meaning of that clause “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” is plain, decreeing that all children born in the United States are citizens of the United States [and thereby subject to its jurisdiction], with the exception of those listed above.

In Plyler v. Doe [Plyler v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202 (1982)], the court said in a footnote that “no plausible distinction with respect to 14th Amendment ‘jurisdiction’ can be drawn between resident aliens whose entry into the United States was lawful, and resident aliens whose entry was unlawful.” Even though dicta, all nine justices agreed that the Equal Protection Clause protects legal and illegal aliens alike. And all nine reached that conclusion precisely because illegal aliens are “subject to the jurisdiction” of the U.S., no less than legal aliens and U.S. citizens. It would be preposterous to say that illegal aliens are not subject to US jurisdiction. If so, the US could not hold them accountable for any crimes they commit in this country. Coulter’s comment that it is controversial enough whether children born to legal immigrants are citizens is deeply unsettling and disturbing. It reflects a mindset which is absolutely contrary to long-standing American values. Please view our recent StandingWatch program, “The TRUE FACTS about America’s Birthright Citizenship”.

The Nonsense of Daylight Saving Time… Who Came Up with this Crazy Idea?

Deutsche Welle wrote on October 27:

“In the early hours of Sunday, almost all of Europe will change the clocks… once again the public will debate whether all this makes sense or not, this time more fiercely and controversially than ever, because time could be up for changing the clocks…

“The Brussels-based authority wants to put an end to the journey through time that has been going on for 38 years. It urges that the practice be scrapped in 2019 already. Each EU member state is to decide whether it would permanently remain on summer time, or the standard winter time. However, none of this is official yet, as the European Parliament and the EU member states still have to give their approval…

“So Sunday’s changing of the clocks could be the last of its kind. Which is a good thing. For the permanent tampering with the clocks has led to nothing! The alleged advantages of saving energy? Never materialized, according to scientific studies…

“A look back at history can help us make the right decision. The idea of daylight saving time was first implemented by the last German emperor, Wilhelm II. When millions of soldiers were slaughtered in the bloody trench warfare of the First World War and German armament factories faced fuel shortages, he had the clocks switched to summer time on April 30, 1916. The aim was to save energy, in order to be able to continue the war. Germany’s opponents, Great Britain and France, followed suit during the same year. But summer time – already unpopular with contemporaries – was abolished again in 1919.

“In 1940, summer time was reintroduced by the Nazis under Adolf Hitler – for the same reason as in 1916. His dictatorial brethren, Italy’s Benito Mussolini and Spain’s Francisco Franco, followed suit with their country’s clocks, and the Nazis forced much of Europe to change as well. 1949 saw the end of that experiment. In 1980, at the time of the second oil crisis, the summertime changing of the clocks was revived in both parts of then-divided Germany. Since 1996, daylight saving time has applied in all EU member states.

“In short: a clueless emperor and a dictator with delusions of grandeur, responsible for two world wars, tampered with the clocks to facilitate their military operations. For this reason alone I say: the changing of the clocks can cease to be. Goodbye, winter time – and thanks for nothing!”

The USA followed Germany’s lead, starting with daylight saving time in 1918. It was observed for seven months in 1918 and 1919. After the War ended, the law proved so unpopular that it was repealed in 1919. During World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt, following Hitler’s lead, instituted year-round daylight saving time, called ‘War Time,’ from February 9, 1942 to September 30, 1945. From 1945 to 1966, there was no federal law regarding daylight saving time, until Richard Nixon resurrected it again in 1974 (compare webexibits.org). Arizona and Hawaii refused to adopt daylight saving time… good for them.

“A Snake, the Temple, and the Messiah”

Breaking Israel News wrote on November 1:

“A snake wriggling out from between the stones of the Western Wall in search of a meal brought with it a message straight from Jewish mystical teachings; connecting the archetypal enemy of man with the High Priest in the Temple, and also, perhaps, serving as a harbinger of the Messiah… A Hebrew language blogger quoted by Ynet News noted the serpent made its Jerusalem appearance during a hotly contested mayoral election, connecting it to the destruction of the Second Temple…

“Pointing to the pigeon that fled the snake in the video, Sod1820, a Hebrew language kabbalah site, cited Midrash [where] Israel is compared to a pigeon or dove… The site also claimed the appearance of a snake coming out of the stones of the Temple Mount could be seen as an auspicious sign… The Zohar (the basis of Jewish mysticism) explained that the evil inclination, personified by the snake in Eden, will make a resurgence in the days before Messiah… According to Jewish tradition, the curse of Eve, represented by menstrual blood and labor pains, will be canceled out in the Messianic era. Before the Messiah, God will kill the archetypal snake, removing the curse of Eve… The Zohar states that the tikkun (fixing) of the snake would be accomplished in the Third Temple by way of the breastplate…

“It does indeed seem like the Temple Mount is trying to speak to the Jewish people. About four months ago, a large piece of one of the stones weighing several hundred pounds suddenly fell, barely missing one of the women who came to pray at dawn. Another sign appeared on Hoshana Rabba, the last day of Sukkot, when a large cloud of mist began billowing up from the ground inside the Temple Mount Compound, surrounding the Dome of the rock for several minutes.”

All this superstitious nonsense has one thing in common… the Jewish belief in the building of a Third Temple on the Temple Mount prior to the coming of the Messiah. For more information, please view our StandingWatch program, “Netanyahu’s Announcement of a Third Temple?”

Large Earthquakes in California Renew Fears of the Big One

Zero Hedge wrote on November 3:

“A series of large earthquakes has rattled California over the last 24 hours, and scientists are telling us that the shaking was the result of ‘movement along the San Andreas Fault system.’ In recent months there has been an alarming amount of seismic activity all along ‘the Ring of Fire’, and there have been times when the number of global earthquakes has been way above normal… experts are telling us that we are overdue for the ‘Big One’ to hit California…

“A 2008 report by USGS described the Hayward Fault, which runs to the east of San Francisco, as a ‘tectonic time bomb’ which could threaten the city’s seven million residents. And when ‘the Big One’ does strike, it could potentially be far worse than most people have ever imagined… a recent study that concluded that a major earthquake could potentially ‘plunge large parts of California into the sea almost instantly’…

“The fact [is] that our planet is entering a time of unprecedented seismic activity… Down in southern California, a ‘moving sinkhole’ is now traveling up to 60 feet a day, and it is ‘destroying everything in its path’…

“Of course this is not just a west coast phenomenon.  We have been witnessing unusual seismic activity all over the world, and it has become very clear that our planet is becoming increasingly unstable. Natural disasters are going to continue to grow worse and worse, and that is going to have extremely serious implications for all of us.”

This is sadly, very true, and it is prophesied to occur in the Bible. Please view our recent StandingWatch program, “Is California’s Big Earthquake About to Strike?”

The Next Generation of Deadly Weapons… Genetically Engineered Viruses

Zero Hedge wrote on November 2:

“Genetically engineered viruses could very well become the next generation of warfare. Deadly viruses modified in labs could be released eliminating entire communities of people as they infect making them a valuable asset to militaries worldwide.

“As dystopian as that sounds, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is already working on a project called Insect Allies which will use insects to infect crops with genetically modified viruses that edit the crops’ genetic profile to make them more resilient against disease, as well as natural and manufactured threats to the food supply.

Joe Joseph of The Daily Sheeple said a quick Google search would give you enough information to let you know how horrific this kind of technology can be. ‘…and you’ll find it fascinating just at how unbelievable a weapon this could be, how unintentionally mistakes can be made that can cause irreversible damage…irreparable damage…to the human race. And I mean, FAST!’ Joseph said. ‘A gene drive…if let’s just say there’s a mistake, you could feasibly wipe out the human race in a very very short period of time. It’s an unbelievable tool at the disposal of madmen.’

“DARPA attempted to squash rising fears about their Insect Allies project and issue reassurances after German and French scientists voiced questions and concerns about the program’s efficacy earlier this month.  Those scientists also suggested that it could be ‘widely perceived as an effort to develop biological agents for hostile purposes and their means of delivery, which—if true—would constitute a breach of the Biological Weapons Convention.’

“If the know-how and means exist to transmit genetic viruses that supposedly create beneficial crop mutations, the opposite will also be possible.  DARPA will be able to use insects to deliver gene editing viruses that destroy crops, ruin harvests and adversely affect the wider ecosystem… This means that those who fear this program are not far off at all for doing so.

“Another project receiving DARPA funding involves releasing genetically modified mosquitoes in the Florida Keys area to transmit a sterilizing genetic virus to their malaria-carrying counterparts. Apart from the unknown effects upon the wider ecosystem, the knowledge gleaned from such research could one day make it possible… to accidentally or deliberately use insect vectors to unleash a variety of biological agents and genetic viruses upon an unsuspecting population.”

It is entirely possible that the use of these kinds of weapons will contribute to the fulfillment of Christ’s warning for these end times that nobody would survive unless Christ were to intervene.

AI to Replace Worship of God?

The Daily Star wrote on November 4:

“It is already predicted that AI will soon be present in all areas of the workplace, with industry experts saying it will eventually do millions of jobs currently done by people. It is thought that every field – from publishing to factory work – will eventually be dominated by intelligent robots as men and women become increasingly obsolete.

“But now experts believe more than jobs are at risk in the Artificial Intelligence revolution. Novelist Dan Brown previously warned people may no longer worship God or pray to Jesus – instead putting all their faith in an AI messiah. Speaking about the advent of this technology, the Da Vinci Code writer said: ‘Humanity no longer needs God but may with the help of artificial intelligence develop a new form of collective consciousness that fulfils the role of religion. Are we naive today to believe that the gods of the present will survive and be here in a hundred years?’

“According to Daily Galaxy, MIT physicist and cosmologist Max Tegmark also said that once this new superintelligence is vastly greater than that of a human, the fate of mankind will depend on it…”

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.

This might be a strange question to ask, but the answer to this question has tremendous practical applications. Is there ever a time when we should cease asking God for His intervention in a particular matter? If so, how do we know that the time has come to stop asking?

In this installment, we will look at several examples where God made it very clear that no further requests or pleas should be made in a particular matter. In the next installment, we will discuss situations where prayers should continue to be made.

Due to Saul’s disobedience and rebellion, God rejected him and asked Samuel to anoint David instead as king. We read in 1 Samuel 15:35; 16:1: “And Samuel went no more to see Saul until the day of his death. Nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul, and the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel. Now the LORD said to Samuel, ‘How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel. Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.”

Samuel had already told Saul previously: “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today, and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you. And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor relent. For He is not a man, that He should relent” (1 Samuel 15:28-29).

Still, Samuel kept praying to God for Saul, hoping that God would change His mind. So God had to remind him that he himself had clearly pronounced God’s Will in the matter which was final (God would not relent), and that further prayers for Saul would be useless.

Another example can be found in the episode when David’s firstborn son died. David had sinned greatly by committing adultery and murder, and God sent Nathan, the prophet, who clearly proclaimed to David: “… because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die” (2 Samuel 12:14). Understandably, David was hoping that this outcome could be changed, and when the child became ill, David pleaded with God for the child, and he fasted and prayed. Still, the child died seven days later. When David realized this, he ended his fast and ate. He had accepted God’s judgment, and there was no longer any reason and purpose to pray and fast for the child’s life. David expressed it this way in 2 Samuel 12:22-23: “While the child was alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who can tell whether the LORD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again?’”

A third example can be seen in Moses’ life. Due to the ongoing murmuring and complaining of the unthankful people, Moses lost his cool and spoke and acted too rashly and in anger. Although he was supposed to talk to the rock once to give water to the thirsty people, he struck the rock (symbolic for Christ) two times and took glory to himself, rather than to God. We read in Numbers 20:10-12:

“And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, ‘Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?’ Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank. Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.’”

We find an additional commentary on this episode in Psalm 106:32-33: “They angered Him also at the waters of strife, So that it went ill with Moses on account of them; Because they rebelled against His Spirit, So that he spoke rashly with his lips.”

Even though God had pronounced that Moses and Aaron would not enter the Promised Land, Moses asked God repeatedly to change His mind. But God’s judgment stood firm.

We read in Deuteronomy 3:23-26:

“Then I pleaded with the LORD at that time, saying: ‘O Lord GOD, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your mighty hand, for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do anything like Your works and Your mighty deeds? I pray, let me cross over and see the good land beyond the Jordan, those pleasant mountains, and Lebanon.’  But the LORD was angry with me on your account, and would not listen to me. So the LORD said to me: ‘Enough of that! Speak no more to Me of this matter.’”

And so, Aaron died on the way, and even though Moses was allowed to see the Promised Land, he was not allowed to enter it. We read in Deuteronomy 32:48-52:

“Then the LORD spoke to Moses that very same day, saying: ‘Go up this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, across from Jericho; view the land of Canaan, which I give to the children of Israel as a possession; and die on the mountain which you ascend, and be gathered to your people, just as Aaron your brother died on Mount Hor and was gathered to his people; because you trespassed against Me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah Kadesh, in the Wilderness of Zin, because you did not hallow Me in the midst of the children of Israel. Yet you shall see the land before you, though you shall not go there, into the land which I am giving to the children of Israel.’”

A fourth example can be drawn from Paul’s experience.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 says:

“And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

God made it abundantly clear to Paul that He would not heal him at that time, and that therefore further prayers for healing would be without any effect.

Also, God told Jeremiah the prophet that he should not pray for the people as they had gone too far in rejecting God so that His judgment against them would not be altered:

Jeremiah 7:16-20 states:

“‘Therefore do not pray for this people, nor lift up a cry or prayer for them, nor make intercession to Me; for I will not hear you. Do you not see what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? The children gather wood, the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead dough, to make cakes for the queen of heaven; and they pour out drink offerings to other gods, that they may provoke Me to anger. Do they provoke Me to anger?’ says the LORD. ‘Do they not provoke themselves, to the shame of their own faces?’ Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Behold, My anger and My fury will be poured out on this place–on man and on beast, on the trees of the field and on the fruit of the ground. And it will burn and not be quenched.’”

Jeremiah 11:11-14 adds:

“Therefore thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, I will surely bring calamity on them which they will not be able to escape; and though they cry out to Me, I will not listen to them. Then the cities of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem will go and cry out to the gods to whom they offer incense, but they will not save them at all in the time of their trouble. For according to the number of your cities were your gods, O Judah; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem you have set up altars to that shameful thing, altars to burn incense to Baal. So do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer for them; for I will not hear them in the time that they cry out to Me because of their trouble.’”

Jeremiah 14:10-14 reiterates:

“Thus says the LORD to this people: ‘Thus they have loved to wander; They have not restrained their feet. Therefore the LORD does not accept them; He will remember their iniquity now, And punish their sins.’ Then the LORD said to me, ‘Do not pray for this people, for their good. When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and grain offering, I will not accept them. But I will consume them by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence.’ Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, the prophets say to them, “You shall not see the sword, nor shall you have famine, but I will give you assured peace in this place.”’ And the LORD said to me, ‘The prophets prophesy lies in My name. I have not sent them, commanded them, nor spoken to them; they prophesy to you a false vision, divination, a worthless thing, and the deceit of their heart.’”

Finally, let us note Christ’s own example. Matthew 26:37-46 tells us about Christ’s prayer to the Father shortly before His arrest and His brutal torture and murder:

“And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, ‘My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.’ He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.’ Then He came to the disciples and found them asleep, and said to Peter, ‘What? Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’ Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.’ And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then He came to His disciples and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.’”

Christ knew now with absolute certainty that the Father’s Will stood firm, and that there was no other way.

Luke 22:40-46 adds:

“When He came to the place, He said to them, ‘Pray that you may not enter into temptation.’ And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, ‘Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.’ Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. Then He said to them, ‘Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.’”

Temptation could include here the unwillingness to accept God’s decision and to try to do something to prevent it from happening, as Peter attempted to do when he took his sword to “defend” Christ.

(To be Continued)

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

compiled by Dave Harris

“Frightening Results and Consequences of Midterm Elections” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link.

Here is a summary:

With the Democrats controlling the House and the Republicans the Senate, legislative gridlock is the inevitable consequence. This division is mirrored by the mood in the country. Europeans are very concerned as to what President Trump will do, expecting him to focus mainly on foreign politics for which he does not need congressional approval. And so, Europe is reacting militarily. All of this is in fulfillment of biblical prophecy, as this program will show.

“Bedrohliche Konsequenzen der amerikanischen Zwischenwahlen” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This covers the same topic as the English version described above.

Our monthly Tech Team meeting was conducted on November 4, 2018, via SKYPE. Hosted by Eric Rank, a review of upcoming tasks; status of our broadcast quality; and adjustments to our homepage were discussed.

“Wann (und wann nicht) sollten wir um Gottes Eingreifen beten?” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “When (and When Not) Should We Pray for God’s Intervention?”

“Our Compulsion for Outrage,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Robb Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:

The Church is susceptible to outrage just as the world is. A key to fight this attitude has been given to us through God’s spirit and the understanding of who our adversary is. Without God’s Spirit guiding us we are blind and easily drawn away from our goal of redemption.

“Finding the Place of Safety,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Will God protect you in the times of trouble which the Bible describes as the end of this age? Will you be counted worthy? What should you be doing in preparation?

On November 3, 2018, Robb Harris will present the sermonette, titled, “Our Compulsion for Outrage,” and Dave Harris will present the sermon, titled, “Finding the Place of Safety.”

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.

One evening, on television some time ago, I saw a brief discussion about the scent detecting cells in dogs and cats. As a dog lover it has always amused me to see the amount of sniffing a dog does when it is taken for a walk.

Dogs can possess up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses (depending on their size and breed), compared to about six million in us. And the part of a dog’s brain that is devoted to analyzing smells is, proportionally speaking, 40 times greater than ours.

On the website dummies, it states under the heading “Your dog’s unique nose” the following: “Your dog’s nose has a pattern of ridges and dimples that, in combination with the outline of its nostril openings, make up a nose print believed to be as individual and unique as a human being’s fingerprints. Companies even register nose prints as a way of identifying and helping to locate lost or stolen dogs, a system that is now being used by kennel clubs around the world.”

To think that the small nose of even a small dog can have well over 100 million scent-detecting receptors is a fact that is hard to take in. Whenever I see such amazing facts, I reflect on how stupid and ridiculous the theory of evolution is.

On the website livescience, we read: “Life on Earth first bloomed around 3.7 billion years ago, when chemical compounds in a ‘primordial soup’ somehow sparked into life, scientists suspect. But what turned sterile molecules into living, changing organisms? That’s the ultimate mystery. By studying the evolution of not just life, but life’s building blocks as well, researchers hope to come closer to the answer.”

Did you catch the words “somehow” and “scientists suspect” and “researchers hope to come closer to the answer”? Hardly a definitive response! In respect to the dog’s nose, how do they expect intelligent and rational human beings to believe that a primordial soup (without any direction or intelligence) managed to educate or transform itself from organisms over some 3.7 million years into having the ability to produce a dog with hundreds of thousands of scent detecting receptors in its nose? If you believe that, you are capable of believing that the moon is made of green cheese with a pig flying over it!

You really do have to be kidding! And yet, there are multiple millions of adherents to this nonsense and, by comparison, very few who understand and believe the biblical truth. If anyone had any doubt about the wiles, cunning and ability of Satan the devil, then this should help them to re-evaluate their position.

Over the years, the Church of God has produced many booklets and articles about the nonsensical theory of evilution (that’s how it should really be spelled if it is to reflect precisely what it is) to countless millions of people. Please remember that, not that long ago, we had a magazine that, at its zenith, had a monthly print run of over 8 million copies. How many millions, or even hundreds of millions will have read articles about this nonsensical concept? We have a booklet “The Theory of Evolution – A Fairy Tale for Adults?,” which is an excellent exposition on this subject.

A dog’s nose is yet another example (and there are so many others) of the existence of a superior Being who created all things – and not through any primordial soup or any evolutionary theoretical stupidity.

Remember the dog’s nose!

by Norbert Link

We begin with Sunday’s election results in the German state of Hesse, constituting bad news for Germany’s coalition parties (CDU and SPD), and we address Angela Merkel’s announcement that she will not run again as her party’s (CDU) leader in December, and even though she does not want to resign as Chancellor, this might be the inevitable consequence long before the scheduled federal elections in 2021. We also focus on potential successors to Angela Merkel.

We continue with an article about warning signs for Europe’s future; contemplated highly contentious actions to end America’s long-standing birthright citizenship (in this regard, please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “The TRUE FACTS about America’s Birthright Citizenship”); and Donald Trump’s war with the “fake news media.” We also warn of a potential worldwide economic collapse with devastating consequences especially for the USA; and introduce Brazil’s new leader who has been described admirably as “a figure like Trump.”

Finally, we address “freedom” in Saudi Arabia and the new-found partnership between India and Japan.

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

Merkel Goes… Who Will Come?

Handelsblatt Global wrote on October 29:

“Eleven months ago, I called ‘the beginning of the end of Angela Merkel as chancellor.’ Today, following another poor showing in a regional election [in Hesse], Merkel has apparently moved one step further, by offering not to run again as boss of her party, the Christian Democratic Union. That does not necessarily mean she will already step down as chancellor; she could even serve out her full term. But it does mean that she has now officially launched the transition. Henceforth, she will govern as a lame duck, as all Germany and Europe will look for her eventual successor as leader of the CDU and, probably, chancellor.

“Merkel’s decision is remarkable because she has repeatedly opined that she considered it a mistake to separate the offices of party leader and chancellor (as her own predecessor, Gerhard Schröder, did in his final year as chancellor.) That in turn suggests that she feels she has lost control over her overarching objective, which is to manage an orderly succession.

“If the Social Democrats, who also suffered another drubbing in yesterday’s Hessian election, walk out of the governing coalition with the CDU and CSU, perhaps next year, then Merkel will be out as chancellor at that moment… the field [for Merkel’s successor] is suddenly wide open… This is a historic week in Germany.”

We already stated after the devastating results for Merkel in Bavaria that her days are numbered, and we announced ahead of time that the results for her in Hesse would also be grim. Please view our StandingWatch program from October 16, 2018, titled, “New German Leadership Coming—Merkel’s Days Are Numbered!” which shows you what will happen next.

The Guardian wrote on October 29:

“Christian Lindner, the leader of the liberal FDP party, was the first to demand Merkel’s resignation as chancellor on the back of the news, calling for her ruling conservative bloc to ‘be prepared for a real new beginning in Germany’… Preliminary final results from Sunday’s election [in Hesse, home to Germany’s financial center, Frankfurt], seen as decisive for the future of Germany’s increasingly wobbly coalition, showed the CDU slumping to 27%, the party’s worst showing in the state since 1966 and a drop of 11 percentage points since Hesse last went to the polls in 2013.

“Merkel’s coalition partner in Berlin, the Social Democrats (SPD), tanked to 19.8% [the SPD’s worst result since 1946] in a dead heat with the resurgent Green party for second place… The Hesse result will be seen as further evidence of the shrinking of the mainstream political landscape across Germany and Europe…”

The anti-immigrant, far-right party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), garnered 13.1 percent. That is three times its tally from 2013, the year it was created. It has now secured seats in all 16 German state parliaments.

The Washington Post wrote on October 29:

“Merkel is willing to remain in charge of her government until the next general elections in 2021, but the CDU may push her to resign earlier. Whoever replaces Merkel as party chairman or chairwoman has a good shot at becoming the next German chancellor. So, who are the likely contenders?…

“Jens Spahn [is a] 38-year-old politician [who] represents the party’s right-wing faction and has sought to position himself as a possible Merkel successor for some time. Spahn announced Monday that he was ready to succeed Merkel as party leader… A Spahn appointment would likely result in a right-wing turn of the CDU. But it would also be seen as an affront against Merkel and a possible end of her term as chancellor…”

Spahn, an openly gay member of the Roman Catholic Church, would be an interesting choice. Deutsche Welle wrote about him on October 29:

“The 38-year-old is the youngest and most overtly determined Merkel usurper. He entered the Bundestag in 2002 and became Germany’s health minister in 2018. Spahn, who is openly gay, is popular in the CDU’s conservative wing. He opposes limited dual citizenship for young foreigners, criticized attempts to loosen laws on advertising abortions and called for banning the Burqa in public.”

It was also reported in Euractiv on October 30 that “the towering Spahn (191 cm, size 49 feet)… wants a tougher course on refugee policy and has also networked internationally on this matter, for instance with Austria’s young Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.” It was added that if Spahn “ends up in the post, it seems almost certain that [he] will use [his] new power to undermine Merkel’s authority” (Politico, October 30).

Another interesting candidate is Friedrich Merz.

Handelsblatt Global wrote on October 30:

“The devastating loss of Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU) in Sunday’s state election in Hesse not only marked the endgame for the chancellor but also opened the door for a surprising political comeback by one of her biggest political opponents. Friedrich Merz… experienced his defining moment in politics in fall 2002 when Angela Merkel sidelined him as parliamentary floor leader of the CDU’s center-right alliance… it was the beginning of the end of his political career… [He] left the Bundestag for good in 2009.

“Merkel’s announcement to resign as CDU party leader, however, may bring the now 62-year old back to the center of power… On Tuesday, he officially announced his candidacy for the top job, saying the party needed ‘a new beginning.’ The news exploded in Berlin like a bomb…

“Merz has remained popular in the party and seems now to offer the CDU a chance to get back to its conservative roots after Merkel has steadily pushed it to the left… Merz, who has a law degree and worked as a judge in the 1980s, could be the man to bring back the voters lost on the right…

“Merz’s re-entry into politics does not bode well for Merkel’s continuing as chancellor. It is virtually impossible… to see how she could work well with Merz if party members should elect him chairman at the party convention in December. Those who know him believe Merz will be seeking the chancellorship…

“There is still a chance that Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Merkel’s choice for her successor, gets the nod as chair… But her star is very much tied to Ms. Merkel and it is fading along with hers. Other potential candidates for party chair are Health Minister Jens Spahn, a vocal critic of Ms. Merkel, and Armin Laschet, the prime minister of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany’s most populous state.”

Gruesome Rape of German Woman by Several Syrian Refugees

Deutsche Welle wrote on October 26:

“Eight men were arrested in the idyllic German city of Freiburg [in the Black Forest] on Friday in connection with the rape of an 18-year-old woman. Police said that seven of the suspects were Syrian men aged 19 to 29, and one native German aged 25.

“The victim reportedly met at least one of the men at a nightclub in Freiburg’s industrial area on the night of October 14. The man is suspected of having drugged the woman’s drink. All eight men are accused of having taken turns assaulting her near the club…

“The incident is the latest in a series of violent acts since 2016 to have rocked the southwestern city known for its beautiful scenery, university and eco-friendly living. The city has had to reckon with a beating by a group of teenagers that left a middle-aged man dead, the rape and murder of a medical student [by an Afghan asylum seeker], the killing of a 27-year-old female jogger by a truck driver in the suburb of Endingen, as well as the discovery of a pedophilia ring in the nearby town of Staufen [by at least three German men, one Swiss national and one Spanish citizen].”

These incidents may explain to an extent as to why Germany’s ruling parties suffered such great losses in Hesse, and why the AfD scored strongly.

Make or Break for Europe?

Former German Foreign Minister and Vice-Chancellor Joschka Fischer wrote the following in Project Syndicate on October 30:

“It is no exaggeration to say that 2019 will be the year that makes or breaks the European Union… New presidents of the European Commission, the European Council, and the European Central Bank will be appointed, and a new High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy will be chosen. If nationalist Euroskeptic parties become the largest group in the European Parliament, these appointments could represent an abrupt break from the past…

“Needless to say, the parliamentary elections [in 2019] will have far-reaching implications for Europe’s future in a rapidly changing world. The current president of the United States has such disdain for the EU that many now talk of ‘the end of the West.’ An increasingly revanchist Russia is waging wars along the European periphery and in Syria. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is taking his country down the path of authoritarianism. And China is demanding recognition as a global power. Worse still, US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to withdraw the US from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Russia raises the threat of a renewed arms race…

“Against this dismal backdrop, the question is what will become of Europe… I foresee next year’s elections auguring dramatic change in Europe. For better or worse, the question of Europe itself… must be decided. There will either be a rebirth of nationalism or a victory for EU-level democracy and unity. Sadly, pro-Europeans cannot hope for any help from abroad. In fact, the opposite is true: Europe must be vigilant in policing foreign interference in its affairs – including its elections…”

Ending America’s Birthright Citizenship?

The Associated Press wrote on October 30:

“President Donald Trump is making another hardline immigration play in the final days before the midterm elections, declaring that he wants to order an end to the constitutional right to citizenship for babies born in the United States to non-citizens…

“Trump has long called for an end to birthright citizenship, as have many conservatives. An executive order would spark an uphill legal battle for Trump about whether the president has the unilateral ability to declare that children born in the U.S. to those living here illegally aren’t citizens…

“[Trump said] that ‘we’re the only country in the world where a person comes in and has a baby, and the baby is essentially a citizen of the United States.’ A 2010 study from the Center for Immigration Studies, a group that supports immigration restrictions, showed that 30 countries [including Canada, Mexico and Brazil] offered birthright citizenship…

“Omar Jadwat, director of the Immigrants’ Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union in New York, said Tuesday that the Constitution is very clear. ‘If you are born in the United States, you’re a citizen,’ he said…  Suzanna Sherry, a professor of law at Vanderbilt Law School specializing in constitutional questions, said those advising Trump that he can change the Constitution via executive order are simply mistaken…

“The Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment states: ‘All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.’ The amendment was passed by Congress in 1866 during the period of Reconstruction after the Civil War. It was ratified in 1868 by three-fourths of the states. By extending citizenship to those born in the U.S., the amendment nullified an 1857 Supreme Court decision (Dred Scott v. Sandford), which ruled that those descended from slaves could not be citizens.

“In addition to the debate over Trump’s authority to declare that children born in the U.S. aren’t citizens, a separate question is whether Congress could pass a law to that effect, or whether only a constitutional amendment could accomplish Trump’s apparent aim of denying citizenship to U.S.-born children of those here illegally… Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, now a close ally of the president… tweeted his support for the change. ‘This policy is a magnet for illegal immigration, out of the mainstream of the developed world, and needs to come to an end,’ he said.”

Politico added on October 30:

“House Speaker Paul Ryan on Tuesday broke with President Donald Trump on whether an executive order could deny a constitutional guarantee of citizenship to babies born in the U.S. to noncitizen parents… Ryan said that the president ‘obviously cannot do that… You cannot end birthright citizenship with an executive order… As a conservative, I’m a believer in following the plain text of the Constitution, and I think in this case the 14th Amendment is pretty clear, and that would involve a very, very lengthy constitutional process…’

“[Vice President Mike] Pence… said that the Supreme Court has never ruled on whether the 14th Amendment ‘applies specifically to people who are in the country illegally.’… Amending the constitution or passing laws to limit birthright citizenship is popular among congressional Republicans, particularly those that are close to the president even though it would be incredibly difficult to do…”

NBC wrote on October 30:

“An NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll released in September 2017 found that 65 percent of Americans believe the U.S. should continue granting citizenship to all children born in the country. Only 30 percent said this should be changed so children of undocumented immigrants aren’t automatically granted citizenship…

“Many legal scholars believe the issue was settled by an 1898 decision of the U.S. Supreme Court [United States v. Wong Kim Ark, 169 U.S. 649 (1898)], involving a man born in the United States to Chinese parents who lived here legally. After a trip abroad, Wong Kim Ark was blocked from re-entering the country on the grounds that he was not a citizen. He fought back and won. By a 6-2 vote, the court said the 14th Amendment applied to virtually everyone born in the U.S., except for children of enemies of the U.S. or of foreign diplomats, or children born on Native American reservations, which were considered sovereign entities.

“Nearly 100 years later, in 1982, the Supreme Court used language that seemed to indicate the protection applied to children of illegal immigrants as well. In ruling in Plyler v. Doe [Plyler v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202 (1982)], Texas must provide a free public education to undocumented children, the court said in a footnote that ‘no plausible distinction with respect to 14th Amendment “jurisdiction” can be drawn between resident aliens whose entry into the United States was lawful, and resident aliens whose entry was unlawful.’”

The Week added on October 31:

“President Trump is insisting that it would be constitutional for him to end birthright citizenship by executive order. In a tweet Wednesday, the president claimed that ‘so-called birthright citizenship,’ which grants citizenship to people born in the U.S., is ‘not covered by the 14th Amendment.’ He pointed to the words ‘subject to the jurisdiction thereof,’ a phrase in the amendment that some have pointed to as justification for restricting birthright citizenship (other legal experts  fiercely disagree )… White House counsel reportedly warned Trump that he likely doesn’t have the authority to bypass Congress. Regardless of the legality of an executive order, Trump pledged that birthright citizenship will be ended ‘one way or the other.’”

Even though the purported rationale for ending birthright citizenship is directed at illegal aliens, one must not overlook the fact that if birthright citizenship was abolished, it would go far beyond them. For instance, Fox News wrote on October 31: “Critics of birthright citizenship say that the amendment was never intended to apply to children of two non-citizens — and particularly those who have come to the country illegally.”

Trump’s War with the “Fake News Media” in Light of Violence in America

The New York Post wrote on October 29:

“President Trump on Monday continued his assault on the ‘Fake News Media’ by continuing to accuse them of stoking rage. ‘There is great anger in our Country caused in part by inaccurate, and even fraudulent, reporting of the news. The Fake News Media, the true Enemy of the People, must stop the open & obvious hostility & report the news accurately & fairly,’ he wrote on his Twitter account.

“‘That will do much to put out the flame of Anger and Outrage and we will then be able to bring all sides together in Peace and Harmony. Fake News Must End!,’ the president posted, just two days after 11 people were gunned down by a man yelling ‘all Jews must die’ at a Pittsburgh synagogue. The tweets also come three days after Cesar Sayoc was arrested for sending 14 pipe bombs through the postal system to a number of prominent Democrats – including former President Barack Obama, his Vice President Joe Biden, and Trump’s 2016 presidential opponent Hillary Clinton – all outspoken critics of Trump’s.

“GOP Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma said Trump can’t be blamed for the actions of a ‘hate-filled individual’ at the synagogue, but urged the president to tamp down his rhetoric because it ‘doesn’t help the basic dialogue.’… Anthony Scaramucci, the former White House communications director, said Trump doesn’t need to go to ‘war with the media.’… Trump condemned the synagogue shooting as ‘anti-Semitic’ and ‘pure evil.’ ‘There must be no tolerance for anti-Semitism in America or for any form of religious or racial hatred or prejudice,’ Trump said during a rally Saturday in Illinois.”

Unfortunately, too much violence is happening in the USA, which is no surprise, because Satan, the pure evil god and ruler of this world, is a murderer and a destroyer, and his wrath is great because he knows that his time is short.

Casting a Spell on the Media?

The Daily Mail wrote on October 29:

“President Donald Trump borrowed a serpent staff from a child at the White House Halloween event on Sunday to wave in the direction of the media as he and first lady Melania Trump distributed chocolate bars and twizzlers to the children of military families before once again attacking the press on Twitter. ‘Do you know what I’m doing,’ he asked the two little girls, who were dressed in Egyptian style costumes as the first lady chuckled at his antics.

“He waved the staff up and down and all around, as if he were casting a spell… Harry Potter theme music played, a fog machine pumped spooky smoke, pumpkins abound on hay bales, and the columns of the White House were decorated as corn stalks for the event.”

Halloween is an evil celebration of the forces of darkness, and pretending to cast a spell, especially in front of children, is not a harmless joke.

Economic Chaos Ahead?

Newsmax wrote on October 26:

“Investment guru Peter Schiff warns that the U.S. economy is on the brink of a collapse that will trigger total financial chaos. ‘All the signs are already there. Look at what’s happening out there. The stock market is falling, look at homebuilders, the housing stocks, the financials, the retailers – all these are the same things that were happening in 2007 leading to that crisis,’ the CEO of Euro Pacific Capital [said]…

“The economist urged people be prepared for not only an economic crisis, but a political crisis as well… ‘The dollar is going to be the biggest casualty along with the American standard of living,’ he said…

“A recent study by JPMorgan Chase & Co. indicated the U.S. economy has a greater than 50-50 chance of tipping into a recession in the next two years…”

We know from Scripture that sometime in the future, the USA will be hit by a devastating economic crash leading to terrible consequences for the American people.

Brazil’s new Leader—a Figure like Donald Trump

The Algemeiner wrote on October 29, 2018:

“He has vowed to drain the swamp, slash regulations and get tough with China. Evangelicals and gun-rights advocates love him. He has denounced the media as ‘fake news.’ Political foes? Lock ’em up. Brazil’s new president-elect, Jair Bolsonaro, is an ardent admirer — and shrewd imitator — of his US counterpart Donald Trump. And that could usher in one of the warmest bilateral relationships in the Western Hemisphere.

“Trump called to congratulate Bolsonaro on Sunday night, shortly after the far-right congressman scored a resounding victory at the polls, winning 55 percent of the vote following a mud-slinging campaign with a leftist rival. Bolsonaro and Trump spoke of ‘a strong commitment to work side-by-side’ on issues affecting Brazil, the United States and beyond, the White House said… in Bolsonaro, Trump will find a doppelganger whose world view and pugnacious style are strikingly similar to his own. ‘Just like he wants to make America great, I want to make Brazil great,’ Bolsonaro, a former army captain, said in a televised interview in July…

“Bolsonaro… has said he will move Brazil’s embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, following the lead of the United States. And similar to Trump, Bolsonaro is rethinking his country’s membership in multinational organizations and treaties that he thinks might not be in Brazil’s best interest, including the Mercosur trade bloc, the BRICS group of large emerging economies and the Paris climate accord… Bolsonaro is also questioning Brazil’s relationship with China, which he views as a predatory economic partner. The Asian giant is Brazil’s biggest foreign buyer of soybeans, iron ore and other commodities. But Bolsonaro is alarmed at a spate of Chinese purchases of Brazilian energy and infrastructure companies. ‘The Chinese are not buying in Brazil. They are buying Brazil,’ Bolsonaro has warned repeatedly…

“Still, trade is likely to remain a sore point between the United States and Brazil, whose steep tariffs on imported goods make it one of the most closed economies in the world… Even if trade issues remain thorny, Bolsonaro’s gaze is directed north. He is an avid supporter of the National Rifle Association and vows that once he takes office on January 1, he will roll back Brazil’s strict gun laws and let citizens take up arms to defend themselves from criminals… Brazil is beset by appalling levels of street crime.

“In the past few years, a sprawling corruption investigation has revealed epic levels of corruption at the highest levels of government. One former president is in jail and another was impeached and tossed from office. The economy was hit by the worst downturn in decades and has yet to regain its luster; more than 13 million Brazilians are unemployed. Hungry for change, voters responded to Bolsonaro’s bold promises to crack heads and clean up the mess.

“Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon said he sees echoes of his old boss, who rode a similar wave of discontent. ‘It takes those types of crises, and Brazil is going through that type of crisis now,’ Bannon told Reuters recently. ‘I think that Bolsonaro, he’s a figure like Trump.’”

India-Japan Partnership

Deutsche Welle wrote on October 28:

“Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed a ‘special strategic and global partnership’ with Japan, the second-largest economy in Asia. Japan is aiming to expand free trade relations amid US’ protectionist policies…

“Shinzo Abe became the first Japanese leader to visit China since 2011 when he arrived in Beijing on October 26, 2018. Ties between the two countries have been fragile since diplomatic relations resumed in 1972. There are still plenty of issues to be resolved, but the relationship is at a ‘historic turning point’… India and Japan are set to hold their first joint military exercises next month.”

The Bible shows that in the end-time an economic and military power bloc will be forming in the Far East, which appears to include countries such as China, Russia, India and Japan.

“Freedom” in Saudi Arabia?

 The Mirror wrote on October 31:

“Seventeen women, all Filipina expats, were arrested after hosting a Halloween party in Saudi Arabia. It is not known what charges they face however the foreign ministry reiterated that Saudi laws prohibit unattached men and women from being seen together in public.

“Adnan Alonto, the Philippine ambassador in Riyadh… has since issued an advisory reminding the Filipino population in Saudi Arabia to ‘refrain from organising or attending events or gatherings that are unsanctioned or without permission.’ He said: ‘In addition, everyone is reminded to avoid mixed crowds, consuming liquor, and holding public practice of traditions that are associated with religions other than Islam, such as Halloween, Valentines and Christmas.’

“… The public worship of any religion other than Islam is banned in Saudi Arabia – despite the fact at least two million of the country’s expatriates are non-Muslims… The country also has strict laws restricting women from making a great deal of important decisions themselves. Women were only recently allowed to drive.

“Women in Saudi Arabia are unable to marry without permission of their guardian, and must seek permission from the ministry of interior to marry a foreigner. They are also prohibited from opening bank accounts, travelling alone, and in some cases even leaving the house alone.”

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer

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

In the 33rd chapter in the book of Job, beginning with verse 14, Elihu makes some stunning comments about God’s dealings with humans:

“For God may speak in one way, or in another, Yet man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls upon men, While slumbering on their beds, Then He opens the ears of men, And seals their instruction. In order to turn man from his deed, And conceal pride from man, He keeps back his soul from the Pit, And his life from perishing by the sword.

“Man is also chastened with pain on his bed, And with strong pain in many of his bones, So that his life abhors bread, And his soul succulent food. His flesh wastes away from sight, And his bones stick out which once were not seen. Yes, his soul draws near the Pit, And his life to the executioners.

“If there is a messenger for him, A mediator, one among a thousand, To show man His uprightness, Then He is gracious to him, and says, ‘Deliver him from going down to the Pit; I have found a ransom’; His flesh shall be young like a child’s, He shall return to the days of his youth. He shall pray to God, and He will delight in him, He shall see His face with joy, For He restores to man His righteousness.

“Then he looks at men and says, ‘I have sinned, and perverted what was right, And it did not profit me.’ He will redeem his soul from going down to the Pit, And his life shall see the light. Behold, God works all these things, Twice, in fact, three times with a man, To bring back his soul from the Pit, That he may be enlightened with the light of life.”

What is contained in these Scriptures is the fact that God may deal directly with a person two or three times to warn him or her of serious trials and even impending death due to his or her sinful way. What is also included is the fact that there is no promise that God will prevent grievous problems, illness or death from occurring after these two or three warnings have been given, if the person does not perceive or take to heart those warnings and does not repent and change his or her ways; but rather, if he or she continues to sin.

When God deals individually with a person, He gives him or her warnings when He sees that the person is in need of correction. These “wake-up” calls can come in many different ways, but if they are so serious that they deal with serious trials and even impending death, then it is high time to wake up, because God might not give those signs for more than three times, if at all.

Christ warned that those who refuse to repent and who don’t heed God’s warning may die a violent death. We read in Luke 13:1-5:

“There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.’”

Christ continued in verses 6-9 to give a time element, showing that God’s patience has limits. He will not wait forever for a person to repent and change; especially, if He has given him or her ample opportunities and wake-up calls:

“He also spoke this parable: ‘A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, “Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?” But he answered and said to him, “Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’’”

God warns in numerous ways before He is going to act. He warned mankind through Noah, a “preacher of righteousness” (2 Peter 2:5), before He sent the flood to destroy all those who did not listen and who refused to repent. The USA, the UK, Canada and other English-speaking nations have been placed on notice that unless there is genuine repentance, they will be invaded by a foreign power and defeated in a nuclear war, with most people dying and most cities being completely obliterated. As He warned the world through Noah; Nineveh through Jonah; and Sodom and Gomorrah through Lot (Genesis 19:9; 2 Peter 2:6-8), so He is warning our nations today. His warning has been contained in the Bible for a long time, but it is in our time that it is being powerfully proclaimed by His Church. We read, for example, in Ezekiel 33:2-5:

“Son of man, speak to the children of your people, and say to them: ‘When I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from their territory and make him their watchman, when he sees the sword coming upon the land, if he blows the trumpet and warns the people, then whoever hears the sound of the trumpet and does not take warning, if the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be on his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet, but did not take warning; his blood shall be upon himself. But he who takes warning will save his life.”

The people of Nineveh heeded the warning and were spared; the people of Sodom, as well as mankind at the time of Noah, refused to listen and perished.

God does not leave individual people without warning either; especially those with whom He has been directly dealing on an individual basis and who have been given knowledge of the Truth and understanding about His Church and His true servants.  We read in Psalm 52:3-5:

“You love evil more than good, Lying rather than speaking righteousness. Selah. You love all devouring words, You deceitful tongue. God shall likewise destroy you forever; He shall take you away, and pluck you out of your dwelling place, And uproot you from the land of the living. Selah.”

Or Psalm 55:19, 23:

“God will hear, and afflict them, Even He who abides from of old. Selah. Because they do not change, Therefore they do not fear God…  But You, O God shall bring them down to the pit of destruction; Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days…”

Psalm 73:18-19 adds the following about those who refuse to listen and change:

“Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment!”

At the same time, God has no pleasure in the death of unrighteous sinners, but He wants them to repent and change. That is WHY He gives them wake-up calls. Moses wrote in Psalm 90:12:

“So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.” A better translation is (compare Luther Bible 2017): “Teach us to consider that we must die…”

Psalm 107:4-14 speaks of those who were in trouble and turned to God for help, finally taking God’s warnings seriously:

“They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way; They found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, Their soul fainted in them. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He delivered them out of their distresses… Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death [they were near death], Bound in affliction and irons–Because they rebelled against the words of God, And despised the counsel of the Most High, Therefore He brought down their heart with labor; They fell down, and there was none to help. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, And broke their chains in pieces.”

He continues in verses 17-20:

“Fools, because of their transgression, And because of their iniquities, were afflicted. Their soul abhorred all manner of food, And they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions.”

The Psalmist concludes with these words, in verse 43: “Whoever is wise will observe these things, And they will understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.”

God gives this warning in Proverbs 5:12-14, quoting someone who refused, for a while, to listen to Him and His true ministers: “How I have hated instruction, And my heart despised correction! I have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, Nor inclined my ear to those who instructed me! I was on the verge of total ruin, In the midst of the assembly and congregation.”

Proverbs 29:1 adds: “He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” A better translation is (compare Luther Bible 2017): “He who is stiff-necked against all warning…”

Returning to Elihu’s above-quoted speech in the book of Job, the statement that God will warn and send wake-up calls two or three times should be taken quite seriously and also quite literally.

The numbers three and two have significance in the Bible and may also indicate finality. Christ was three days and three nights in the grave, as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster. Peter received the vision with the sheet of unclean animals three times, and three men came to him to lead him to Cornelius, an “unclean” Gentile in the minds of the Jews, whom he then baptized. Paul reasoned with the Jews for three Sabbaths in Thessalonica, before turning away from them, due to their hostility (Acts 17:1-5, 10).

God pronounces severe punishments against several modern nations because of three transgressions committed by each of them, respectively (compare the book of Amos, chapters 1 and 2). As we saw earlier, the owner of the fig tree was searching for fruit for three years. God presented David with three kinds of punishment for his sin of numbering Israel. Finally, Paul asked God three times to heal him but God decided not to do so then (2 Corinthians 12:8).

In Solomon’s case, God punished Solomon after He had appeared to him two times to warn him not to forsake His Way and follow other gods (1 Kings 11:9-10). A sin or crime, especially a capital crime leading to the death penalty, needed to be dealt with when the testimony of two or three witnesses established the facts (Hebrew 10:28). The acceptance of an accusation against an elder requires two or three witnesses (1 Timothy 5:19); and by “the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established” (2 Corinthians 13:1).

In light of this, if someone who knows (of) God’s Truth has received two or three warnings from God through serious life-threatening situations or other grievous and frightening occurrences, and has still not repented or has even turned his or her back on God, then the life of such a person is in serious danger, and it is high time to return to God with prayer and fasting and ask for forgiveness.

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

compiled by Dave Harris

A new Member Letter (October 2018) has been written and mailed. Robb Harris presents a review of reports from the Feast of Tabernacles and Last Great Day in both the US and Germany and notes that this year’s observance was indeed a time of rejoicing by the brethren.

“The TRUE FACTS about America’s Birthright Citizenship,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

Much has been written and said about the idea of ending America’s birthright citizenship, and both the law and reality have been misrepresented and misconstrued by the media. What DOES the Constitution say, and HOW did the US Supreme Court understand the 14th Amendment, dealing with birthright citizenship? Could it be revoked via executive order or Congress? Is it even perceivable that it could end through federal legislation or a constitutional amendment? And even if that were possible, what might the consequences be? Issues like these continue to divide the nation, and the ensuing emotional upheaval results in more and more verbal and violent confrontations and actions. The Bible shows us what the terrible and frightening outcome will be.

“Warnt Gott den Sünder vor Unglück und Tod?” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Does God Warn the Sinner of Calamity and Death?”

“Ready at ALL Times,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Michael Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

How are we supposed to prepare at all times? How are we to live our days and how important is prayer? What should we pray for? Are we ready if Christ were to come back tomorrow? Are we worthy enough? Is God our first priority and can we trust Him to take care of ANY situation that we are faced with? Do we truly understand how important God is in our lives and if we shut Him out, what would the consequences be?

“Resist the Devil!” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Satan rules mankind, but most don’t know about it. And very few understand that Satan’s great wrath and his desire to destroy are directed foremost against God’s people–the true followers of Jesus Christ. We must be aware of the temptations, deceptions and wiles of the devil and of his human instruments, so that we can withstand, conquer and defeat them with God’s help.

On October 27, 2018, Michael Link will present the sermonette, titled, “Ready at ALL Times,” and Norbert Link will present the sermon, titled, “Resist the Devil!”

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.

Have we ever been late to an event by not getting there on time and were not able to get in due to their “door closing” policy at a specific time?  How did that make us feel? Especially when we thought we had prepared ourselves, giving ourselves enough time? Perhaps we were careless with our time, and something along the way became a distraction, causing us to get there “late” and were then prohibited to get inside.  It’s a frustrating feeling and thoughts of what we should have done differently may enter our minds, even though we were aware of the rules stating that we must plan and prepare accordingly and those who were not “on time” would be unable to enter.

Christ spoke about ten virgins, but only the five wise virgins were allowed to enter the wedding. The five foolish virgins were not prepared and ready. And when they finally arrived, the doors were closed.

Or, did we ever experience a situation when we were invited to a special occasion and refused to attend, even though we should have been there, or when we attended, only to find out that we were not prepared for the same? Christ delivered a similar message in Matthew 22 in a parable of the wedding feast where several who were invited to the wedding by the king were unwilling to come. And so the king sent out servants again to remind those who were invited: “‘See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.’ But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business (verse 4).”

These were guests who were “called” to the wedding. They had some knowledge of the Truth and God’s Way of Life and they had a choice to make, to be at the wedding. The king tried two times to invite them to the wedding and since they didn’t want to come, he stated in verse 8 that “those who were invited were not worthy.” The servants went out and invited others to come to the wedding and they responded.

But one person came for an improper purpose and with dishonest motives, even though he knew better. We read in verse 11, “But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’”

Here was someone who didn’t respond in the way that God expected but rather was untruthful and rebellious. God dealt with this person severely. There are many examples in the Bible of people who were rebellious to God’s Law, who knew His Law at first but then decided to take matters into their own hands, thereby forgetting about God (1 Samuel 15:23; Romans 13:2; Isaiah 1:19-20).

The Bible contains many warnings for TRUE Christians today.  If we have been called out of this world, responded and made the commitment to live God’s Way of Life FOREVER by CHOOSING to become baptized, then we must understand the absolute importance and responsibility that we have to live righteously or we will lose our crown to eternal life (Revelation 3:11).

The time will come when many will proclaim to Christ that they “knew” Him, “knew” about God’s Way of Life, yet they deceived themselves or they weren’t dedicated enough to LIVE that Way and DO what He commanded on a CONTINUOUS basis.  And Christ will respond, “I never knew you, depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” (Matthew 7:23). It is for LIFE and we say it over and over again: Be Prepared NOW before it’s too late!

by Norbert Link

We begin with the escalation of relationships between Saudi Arabia and many countries around the world, including Turkey; the fear of another nuclear arms race; explosive devices sent to Obama, Clinton and other liberal public figures; the consequences of America’s sanctions against Iran; and Germany’s warning to its citizens when visiting autocratic Turkey.

We continue with the somewhat silly controversy regarding white people wearing “blackface” in the context of what types of costumes to wear on Halloween (please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “But Isn’t Halloween just Harmless Fun…?”); the “caravan of refugees”; a new [or rather old] definition for transgender; the lack of confidence in America’s governmental institutions; and the major stock market losses in October.

We are addressing the current situation in Germany and Austria, as well as Australia; and speak on the violent disappearance of an Hawaiian island.

We conclude with articles about the Roman Catholic Church, pertaining to homosexuality.

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

Germany Stops Arms Exports to Saudi Arabia; US, UK and France Don’t!

Deutsche Welle wrote on October 22:

“Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Sunday that Germany would put arms exports to the kingdom on hold for the time being, given the unexplained circumstances of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s death… German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, of the Social Democrats — junior partner in Merkel’s coalition government — had already called for weapons exports to the kingdom to be halted. Germany is the fourth largest exporter of weapons to Saudi Arabia after the United States, Britain and France…

“Merkel said Germany would discuss further ‘reactions’ to the case with its international partners, though some German companies have already made gestures: on Monday, Siemens CEO Joe Kaeser cancelled an appearance at an investors’ conference in Riyadh that was to begin on Tuesday…

“Amid calls across the world for arms embargoes against Saudi Arabia, US President Donald Trump has said his country would be ‘punishing itself’ if it halted weapons sales to the country… The US president has repeatedly said he does not want to stop a proposed $110 billion arms sale to the Saudis because too many US jobs depend on it.”

The Washington Post wrote on October 21:

“President Donald Trump… repeatedly displayed a realpolitik way of viewing the Middle East, praising Saudi Arabia for buying arms from the United States, reiterating the importance of oil prices and trashing Iran, saying: ‘We’ve got nobody else over there’ to help protect Israel… If the United States stops selling arms to Saudi Arabia, Trump said China and Russia would benefit.”

The EUObserver added on October 22:

“Germany has announced a unilateral arms embargo on Saudi Arabia, but France, the UK, and the US have not followed suit, posing questions for Western unity in the Middle East.”

Canada’s Justin Trudeau says he is unlikely to cancel Saudi armored vehicles sale.

The EUObserver added that Spain and Sweden did not follow suit either, stating: “Saudi Arabia is Sweden’s most important export market in the Middle East.”

Deutsche Welle had reported on October 19:

“Saudi Arabia is Germany’s second-best weapons customer… after Algeria…

“Arms sales to Saudi Arabia are also contentious because they may contravene a clause in the coalition agreement signed by Germany’s governing parties stating that no weapons exports may be approved to any country ‘directly’ involved in the war in Yemen. However, the agreement does exempt countries that had made weapons deals with Germany before the current government took power.”

These entire sales of weapons for the sole purpose of killing people are appalling.

USA and Russia to Increase Production of Nuclear Weapons

Newsmax wrote on October 22:

“President Donald Trump said Monday the United States military will ramp up its arsenal of nuclear weapons to pressure both Russia and China to curb theirs… ‘Russia has not adhered to the agreement. This should have been done years ago. Until people come to their senses, we have more money than anybody else by far. We will build it up.’

“The deal was originally signed by former President Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev… It ordered the elimination of all short- and intermediate-range nuclear and conventional missiles by both countries.”

The Week added on October 21:

“NATO has confirmed Russian missile tests in the past decade likely violate the treaty.”

AFP wrote on October 24:

“President Vladimir Putin warned Wednesday of a new arms race if America pulls out of weapons treaties, and said Russia would respond ‘in kind’ to any new US missiles placed on European soil… Putin warned that abandoning the treaty… would… put Europe in danger… Putin said any European countries agreeing to host US missiles would be at risk of a Russian attack.”

NATO Launches Big War Games–Germany’s Dubious Role

Deutsche Welle wrote on October 25:

“NATO launched its biggest exercises since the end of the Cold War on Thursday in Norway. The Trident Juncture war games involve around 50,000 troops, 10,000 vehicles, 250 aircraft and 65 ships from all 29 alliance members, plus Sweden and Finland. The maneuvers will take place for two weeks in Norway and the air and sea spaces around the country.

“The goal of the exercises is to test and train NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force and follow-on forces. The rapid reaction force is designed to spearhead a defense against an attack on an alliance member within days… [It] was established by the alliance in 2014 as a deterrent in response to Russia’s annexation of the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine and Moscow’s support for separatists there…

“The German military is participating in the maneuvers with around 10,000 troops and 4,000 vehicles, as well as Tornado and Eurofighter jets and three ships. That makes it the second largest participant after the United States. At the beginning of 2019, Germany will take over command of the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force for a year.”

Explosive Devices Sent to Obama, Clinton and Other Public Figures

Deutsche Welle wrote on October 24:

“US authorities on Wednesday intercepted explosive devices sent to prominent politicians who are often targeted by President Donald Trump. Those targeted included former President Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton, ex-State Secretary Hillary Clinton, former Attorney General Eric Holder and ex-CIA Director John Brennan. The devices targeting Brennan were sent to the New York offices of CNN.

“All of the packages had a return address of the office of Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who led the Democratic National Committee, the party’s executive body. Police have also sent in bomb-defusing robots to deal with suspicious packages sent to Schultz.

“Trump immediately issued a statement condemning the ‘acts or threats of political violence,’ saying they ‘have no place in the United States.’ But opposition lawmakers said it wasn’t enough. Democratic leaders accused Trump of fueling politically-motivated violence, saying he ‘condoned physical violence and divided Americans with his words and actions.’…

“The FBI has warned that the situation may not be over… New York police commissioner James O’Neill described the package sent to Brennan in care of CNN appeared to be a ‘live explosive device.’ Some US media has described the explosives as potentially-lethal pipe bombs.”

Further explosive devices were sent, among others, to former Vice President Joe Biden and actor Robert De Niro. The political climate in the USA becomes more and more divisive. Some have even warned a while back that a new violent civil war could break out in large parts of the country.

Merkel “Defies” Trump, Disagrees with China

Deutsche Welle wrote on October 19:

“German Chancellor Angela Merkel has rebuked the ‘America First’ approach to free trade of US President Donald Trump. [She] defended free trade at a summit of European and Asian leaders in Brussels on Friday, rejecting the protectionist rhetoric and policy of… Trump…

“The German chancellor’s comments directly contradicted Trump’s zero-sum approach to trade and disregard for multilateralism… Fighting back against that doctrine, the EU and Singapore signed a free trade deal later on Friday on the sidelines of the summit…

“Disagreements nevertheless emerged between Europe and China appeared on Friday, with China refusing to admit wording in a final communique that would have called for the end of state subsidies… Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz told reporters when it comes to China’s trade practices, Europe expects trade rules to be upheld… The EU and the United States have criticized China for distorting international trade by subsidizing national companies and promoting oversupply in international steel and aluminum markets.

“European leaders also face challenges in [maintaining] good trading relations with Asian countries that have poor human rights records… Merkel acknowledged those difficulties in her speech on Friday, admitting that European leaders would ‘have to bring up questions of human rights and values in bilateral talks.’”

The relationship between Asian countries and the European power bloc will deteriorate.

Trump Pushes Japan into China’s Arms

Deutsche Welle wrote on October 24:

“Japan and China are economic, political and military rivals vying for influence in the Asia Pacific. But US President Trump’s contentious policies are forcing them to put their rivalry aside and cooperate. When Japan’s PM Shinzo Abe shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Friday, it will mark the first bilateral Sino-Japanese summit since 2011. The meeting comes shortly after the 40th anniversary of the 1978 Treaty of Peace and Friendship between the two nations. Abe’s three-day China trip is the culmination of a rapid rapprochement between the two sides that began in the spring with the resumption of their economic dialogue.

“China is Japan’s biggest trading partner and many Japanese companies have invested large sums in China… the Chinese leadership for years… showed little interest in revitalizing the relationship between the world’s second and third-largest economies. Beijing has heaped scorn on Abe’s attempts to strengthen and reform the Japanese military. China also distrusts Japan’s foreign policy… Abe’s efforts to draw a line under Japan’s horrific World War II legacy and pull a veil over the brutal war crimes have repeatedly drawn consternation from Beijing…

“But China’s ongoing trade dispute with the US, with both sides imposing tariffs on each other’s products, prompts the leadership in Beijing to reconsider their approach toward Tokyo. Fearing international isolation, President Xi has sought to join forces with the European Union, Russia and, also, Japan…  Trump’s approach to global trade has put tremendous pressure on not just China, but also Japan…

“Defense is likely to be another field of Sino-Japanese cooperation. The chief of the Japanese armed forces is expected to visit China for the first time since 2008. In addition, Japan is considering receiving high-ranking Chinese military officials. Both sides are also working on the details of setting up a hotline between their militaries…”

The Bible predicts close economic and military cooperation between Far Eastern countries, including Russia, China and Japan.

US Sanctions and Europe’s “Response”

Lobelog wrote on October 19:

“This week, the Trump administration announced a new set of sanctions against some of Iran’s major industrial companies and financial institutions… The designations signal the onset of a far broader economic war against Iran… and are intended to show that all business with Iran… carries with it the risk of sanctions…

“Europe has… signaled its intent to create a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to facilitate permissible trade between Europe and Iran. Europe has also invited other JCPOA participants—such as China and Russia—to use the SPV on an as-needed basis… Enforcing its sanctions against the will of the international community, the United States risks engendering alternative payment channels over which Washington has little leverage…

“But none of these items establishes a line in the sand that the Trump administration must not cross—or else… Right now, the Trump administration is winning the battle over Iran. It is creating just enough risk to foment an ongoing exodus of international companies from Iran and rendering the country a commercial pariah… [Europe] must make clear to the Trump administration that there will be severe consequences for any sanctions imposed on European companies.

“… Otherwise… Europe will stand humiliated on the world stage, and a new war in the Middle East will begin to rage.”

The bold language regarding what Europe must do towards the USA is quite interesting, and would not have been heard several years ago.

Germany Warns Its Citizens Visiting Turkey

The Algemeiner wrote on October 24:

“Germany has warned citizens visiting Turkey to be extra cautious about their social media feeds in response to a spate of cases of Germans arrested for online criticism of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government. The updated travel advice, published by the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, highlights how Berlin’s attempts to repair relations with Ankara have so far delivered little for dozens of German citizens imprisoned there since the failed coup in 2016…

“With Germany home to 3 million people of Turkish background, relations [between] the two countries have always been complicated, but they hit rock bottom in the wake of the post-coup round-up. A flurry of diplomatic activity, including a state visit by Erdogan to Germany, has so far yielded little in the way of reduced tensions, with Berlin deeply concerned at Ankara’s influence over Germany’s Turkish community.

“The ministry added that even private comments could be risky. ‘Non-public comments on social media can be forwarded to Turkish authorities via denunciations,’ it said. ‘A conviction for “insulting the president” or “spreading terrorist propaganda” can lead to many years’ imprisonment.’

“Social media have become the primary platform for political opposition in Turkey, where traditional media are saturated with positive coverage of Erdogan and his ministers. Turkish authorities have detained people who criticized a military operation in Syria on social media and those who posted comments about the economy ‘in a provocative way,’ as the lira tumbled against the dollar this year.

“Germany… has a large and growing community of exiled critics of Erdogan, many of whom Ankara wants to see extradited on terrorism charges. Some complain they are subject to surveillance by Turkey’s intelligence services.”

Erdogan’s dictatorship vs. Saudi Arabia’s dictatorship. Which one is worse? This may be difficult to say.

Halloween’s Costumes Controversy

The Huffington Post wrote on October 24:

“NBC host Megyn Kelly issued an on-air apology Wednesday after she defended white people who wear blackface while discussing Halloween costumes on her show a day earlier. ‘I want to begin with two words: I’m sorry,’ Kelly said at the start of ‘Megyn Kelly Today’ on Wednesday. ‘You may have heard yesterday that we had a discussion here about political correctness and Halloween costumes. And that conversation turned to whether it is ever OK for a person of one race to dress up as another.’

“She continued: ‘I defended the idea, saying as long as it was respectful and part of the Halloween costume, it seemed OK. Well, I was wrong and I am sorry.’ The former Fox News host drew heated backlash after questioning what is racist about white people darkening their skin while dressing up for Halloween or the reverse…

“Kelly apologized for her comments in an internal email to NBC staff, stating that she had rethought her views after ‘listening carefully’ to her friends and teammates. ‘I realize now that such behavior is indeed wrong, and I am sorry,’ Kelly wrote in the email. ‘The history of blackface in our culture is abhorrent; the wounds too deep.’”

One can take sensitives too far, for sure. Megyn Kelly might have even lost her job over this “discussion.” But the real issue is not as to what costumes to wear or not to wear on Halloween, due to real or imagined insensitivities and political correctness, but as to whether we should keep Halloween in the first place. And the answer is a resounding, “NO!” Please view our new StandingWatch program, entitled, “But Isn’t Halloween just Harmless Fun…?”

The Caravan of Refugees

On October 18, 2018, Patrick J. Buchanan wrote the following on Buchanan.org:

“Our mainstream media remain consumed with the grisly killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, and how President Donald Trump will deal with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Understandably so, for this is the most riveting murder story since O.J. Simpson and has strategic implications across the Middle East.

“Yet far more critical to the future of our civilization is the ongoing invasion of the West from the Third World… a caravan of 4,000 refugees without visas [on Monday, it had grown to 7,000 or 8,000 people] had crossed from Honduras into Guatemala and was heading toward Mexico… Unwanted mass migration is the issue of our time, as there is no foreseeable end to it before it alters America irremediably.

“As these migrants are almost all poor, not highly skilled, and do not speak English, most will join that segment of our population that pays no income taxes but qualifies for social welfare benefits like food stamps, medical care and free education in our public schools. They are thus a net drain upon the resources of a nation that is already, at full employment, running a deficit of $779 billion a year…

“If Donald Trump was elected on any one issue, it was immigration and his promises to secure the border, build the wall and halt the invasion…”

The Editorial Board of the Washington Post wrote on October 22:

“… the president seems more inclined to exacerbate the problem — by cutting off U.S. aid to Central America, thereby deepening insecurity and misery there. Those are the very factors that have driven the recent spike in migration, especially by parents and children… That’s a prescription for more migration, not less. Even in war-torn and impoverished places, people leave their homes and communities reluctantly, abandoning their property, familial roots and sense of belonging only under extreme economic or physical duress… The cuts would diminish economic opportunity and reduce the ability of ordinary people to feel safe in their neighborhoods from drug gangs and crime… rest assured: Many more Central Americans will seek a better life in the United States.

“An additional severe blow is the administration’s decision to cancel temporary work permits and legal status for about 250,000 Salvadorans and Hondurans living in the United States, forcing many of them to leave or be deported over the coming year, thereby stanching the flow of funds they send home to their families. A more rational policy would double down on U.S. aid programs, with a focus on crime-fighting and security, while allowing would-be migrants to apply and be screened for asylum in their home countries…”

Migration is truly a serious problem for the USA, and there is really no human solution in sight.

Narrow Definition of Gender by Trump Administration

The Seattle Times wrote on October 21:

“The Trump administration is considering narrowly defining gender as a biological, immutable condition determined by genitalia at birth… A series of decisions by the Obama administration loosened the legal concept of gender in federal programs… The policy prompted fights over bathrooms, dormitories, single-sex programs and other arenas… Conservatives, especially evangelical Christians, were incensed….

“‘Sex means a person’s status as male or female based on immutable biological traits identifiable by or before birth,’ the department proposed in the memo… ‘The sex listed on a person’s birth certificate, as originally issued, shall constitute definitive proof of a person’s sex unless rebutted by reliable genetic evidence.’

“The new definition would essentially eradicate federal recognition of the estimated 1.4 million Americans who have opted to recognize themselves — surgically or otherwise — as a gender other than the one they were born into… Judge Reed O’Connor of the U.S. District Court in Fort Worth, Texas, a George W. Bush appointee… has held that ‘Congress did not understand “sex” to include “gender identity.”’

God created humans as male and female… and there is no room for a designation in between. Please read our free booklet, “God’s Teachings on Sexual Relationships.”

No Confidence in Washington and Governmental Institutions

CNBC wrote on October 23:

“Former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker, who has reached legend status in the world of central banking, isn’t optimistic about current conditions. When Volcker looks around now, he sees ‘a h… of a mess in every direction,’ including a lack of basic respect for government institutions, a current Fed that seems to be following a completely arbitrary benchmark and a ‘swamp’ in Washington run by plutocrats…

“‘There is no force on earth that can stand up effectively, year after year, against the thousands of individuals and hundreds of millions of dollars in the Washington swamp aimed at influencing the legislative and electoral process,’ he writes… He said the Fed is just one of the institutions in which people have lost confidence.”

The Fed Could Bankrupt America

Mike Burnick’s Wealth Watch (a division of Agora Financial, LLC) wrote the following on October 24:

“The Federal Reserve has set out on a dangerous course that could bankrupt the U.S. in a few years if they’re not very careful… Minutes from the Fed’s September meeting, released last week, made it crystal clear they intend to keep raising rates well into 2019… Also, the Fed confirmed its intent to unwind the central bank’s balance sheet by unloading $600 billion per year worth of Treasury bonds and mortgage backed securities. This adds more upward pressure on long-term interest rates in the U.S., which are already the highest of any developed nation…

“Total U.S. national debt is a staggering $21.6 trillion today and growing fast. That’s a debt burden of $177,499 per U.S. taxpayer. The Federal budget deficit is now $824 billion and also growing. This thanks to the fact government spending is up 132% since 2000, or more than $4 trillion today.

“The problem is as interest rates rise so do the debt service payments on all that debt. In fact, during the last fiscal year American taxpayers shelled out more than half-a-trillion dollars to service the national debt alone. If government debt continues to rise as it has the U.S. debt burden will reach $25 trillion in a few years. If interests rates also continue to rise too. [A]s The Fed has indicated, the 10-Year Treasury yield could easily reach 4%. That means $1 trillion in yearly debt service payments alone.

“That’s unsustainable debt burden! Financial stress like that would make the 2008 crisis look like a picnic in comparison.”

Stocks Plummeting

CNBC wrote on October 24:

“Stocks plummeted on Wednesday as a sharp drop in tech shares and worries about corporate earnings added fuel to this month’s steep pullback. The [Dow Jones] dropped 608.01 points… and erased all of its gains for 2018…

“Stocks have taken a beating this month… Worries about a slowing economy under pressure from rising interest rates grew after the Commerce Department said new home sales fell to a two-year low… Bank shares fell on fears of slowing growth for mortgage and other loans.”

The Week added on October 24:

“October has brought major losses; it has been the worst month for the S&P since May 2010. Technology, media, and communications stocks accounted for much of the selling on Wednesday.”

Bringing Back Sigmar Gabriel and Martin Schulz?

Focus wrote on October 19:

“SPD Member of Parliament, Florian Post, sees his party in a deep crisis and demands that former SPD leaders Sigmar Gabriel and Martin Schulz should be given again leading functions, stating that it was a mistake to send the most popular Social Democrats into the desert, and that they are needed now more than ever.”

No Conclusions from Defeat?

Handelsblatt Global wrote on October 23:

“Chancellor Angela Merkel warned against drawing any conclusions about her future from the state elections in Hesse later this month, where her Christian Democrats are likely to suffer losses. ‘You can’t turn every state election in a mini-federal election,’ she said.”

Whether Angela Merkel likes it or not, her upcoming defeat in Hesse will most certainly lead to drastic conclusions about her and the current government. Please view our recent StandingWatch program, “New German Leadership Coming—Merkel’s Days Are Numbered!” 

Sebastian Kurz and Austria’s Position of Power

Newsweek wrote on October 17:

“For the first time in 100 years, since the end of the Habsburg Empire—when Austria ruled much of Europe for close to 500 years—the country finds itself in a position of power. The economy is growing, and unemployment is down. In September, the neoliberal daily Die Presse praised Kurz’s appearance at the United Nations as a show of strength ‘from the new small superpower.’…

“Kurz sees a chance to fill the void on the world stage. And notably, Austria seems united behind him, regardless of age… Kurz’s supporters refer to him as a bridge builder. But he might just be the consummate poker player, adept at flipping back and forth between ultra-conservative and conservative opinions…  liberals… fear the worst, accusing Kurz of ‘expertly using a putsch to come to power’ and eroding parliamentary democracy…

“The rise in far-right extremism has effectively fueled Kurz’s political career. One of his immigration policies, for example—forcing migrants to hand over valuables and cellphones—has ­uncomfortable echoes of Nazism. Kurz has also joined Hungary’s Orbán in rejecting Germany’s proposal of distributing refugees across the EU. Refugee relocation, he has said, ‘isn’t working,’ and Europe must protect its ‘Christian culture.’…

“Just a few days before the summit in June, he staged provocative army exercises at the border of Slovenia to show he was ready for any migrant-related activity. It was a highly irregular move for a country ostensibly aligned with Germany, a champion of open borders and averse to military action…

“Vienna did not begin to question the Nazi leaders remaining in power until 1986, when it was discovered that former U.N. Secretary-General and Austrian President Kurt Waldheim had been an intelligence officer for Nazi Germany’s armed forces, the Wehrmacht. Instead of reckoning with being the birthplace of Adolf Hitler or welcoming the arrival of his troops in Vienna, Austria embraced the opinion of the Allied powers in the late 1940s… The Allied powers called Austria a victim, and the country obviously accepted that because no one wants to be one of the perpetrating countries…

“All signs suggest the Kurz administration is just getting started… Like many in Britain who oppose the looming Brexit, or Americans enraged by the populism of the Trump administration, the feeling among anti-populist Austrians is one of helpless consternation.”

Austria was most certainly not just a victim, and Kurz is someone we should watch.

No Freedom of Speech to Call Mohammed a “Paedophile”

The Daily Mail wrote on October 25:

“The European Court of Human Rights has ruled a woman convicted by an Austrian court of calling the Prophet Mohammed a paedophile did not have her freedom of speech rights infringed. The woman… was said to have held two seminars in which she discussed the marriage between the Prophet Mohammad and a six-year old girl, Aisha… the marriage was consumated when Aisha was just nine years old, leading Mrs S. to say to her class Mohammad ‘liked to do it with children’. She also reportedly said ‘… A 56-year-old and a six-year-old? … What do we call it, if it is not paedophilia?’…

“Mrs S. was later convicted in February 2011 by the Vienna Regional Criminal Court for disparaging religious doctrines and ordered her to pay a fine of 480 euros plus legal fees. After having her case thrown out by both the Vienna Court of Appeal and Austria’s Supreme Court, the European Court of Human rights backed the courts’ decision to convict Mrs S. on Thursday…

“In a statement on Thursday the ECHR said: ‘The Court found in particular that the domestic courts comprehensively assessed the wider context of the applicant’s statements and carefully balanced her right to freedom of expression with the right of others to have their religious feelings protected, and served the legitimate aim of preserving religious peace in Austria.’

‘It held that by considering the impugned statements as going beyond the permissible limits of an objective debate, and by classifying them as an abusive attack on the Prophet of Islam which could stir up prejudice and threaten religious peace, the domestic courts put forward relevant and sufficient reasons.’

“Mrs S. had complained to the European court that the domestic courts failed to address the substance of the impugned statements in the light of her right to freedom of expression.”

Mrs. S., who held the seminars on behalf of Austria’s coalition party FPÖ, can appeal this clearly political judgment within 3 months.

Australia’s Move of Embassy to Jerusalem in Doubt

JTA wrote on October 21:

“Australia’s potential move of its embassy to Jerusalem was left in doubt after the Liberal government lost its one-seat majority following a defeat in a special election for Parliament.

“Dave Sharma, the former ambassador to Israel, was beaten Saturday in the vote to fill a vacant House of Representatives seat near Sydney. Independent Party candidate Kerry Phelps, a convert to Judaism, won the Wentworth seat…

“Days before the election, Prime Minister Scott Morrison had announced that he was considering officially recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moving the Australian Embassy there. Morrison had credited Sharma with suggesting the embassy move, a major departure from Australia’s foreign policy on Israel.”

Hawaiian Island Erased by Powerful Hurricane

The Guardian wrote on October 24:

“A piece of the United States has been dramatically wiped off the map after an island in Hawaii [East Island, a remote spit of gravel and sand that sat atop a coral reef] was washed away by a powerful hurricane. Scientists have confirmed the disappearance of the 11-acre island…

“East Island was, at about half a mile long and 400ft wide, the second largest island in the French Frigate Shoals, an atoll in the far western reaches of the Hawaiian archipelago. Until 1952, it hosted a US Coast Guard radar station.

“Despite its size, the island played an important role for wildlife, including the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal, a species that numbers just 1,400 individuals, with many of the seals raising their young on East Island. Green sea turtles, which are also threatened, and seabirds such as albatrosses, which often had their young preyed upon by circling tiger sharks, also depended on the island….”

Homosexuality in Catholic Priesthood Responsible for Sex Abuse?

The Daily Mail wrote on October 19:

“The Vatican ambassador who accused Pope Francis of rehabilitating a disgraced ex-American cardinal is doubling down on his attack, claiming that the ‘scourge of homosexuality’ in the priesthood is responsible for sex abuse and that the Vatican is being hypocritical in refusing to acknowledge it.

“Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano… has accused Francis of effectively rehabilitating [ex-cardinal] McCarrick, 88, from restrictions imposed during Pope Benedict XVI’s papacy because of allegations he pressured seminarians to sleep with him. He has called for Francis to resign over the McCarrick scandal, which has sparked a crisis of confidence in the U.S. and Vatican hierarchy.

“Francis has responded to the McCarrick allegations by removing him as a cardinal, over an allegation he molested a minor, and by ordering a Vatican investigation into its archives to determine how McCarrick rose through the ranks despite allegations he also molested adults. Pre-empting the outcome, Cardinal Marc Ouellet, who heads the Vatican’s bishops’ office, penned a letter on October 4 saying he had gone through his archives and found no evidence of any formal canonical sanctions signed by any pope.

“In his new missive, Vigano accurately noted that Ouellet actually confirmed the core of his allegations: that McCarrick was placed under some form of restriction – not necessarily formal sanctions – because of alleged sexual misconduct. Refuting Ouellet’s claim that the Vatican only had heard rumors about McCarrick, Vigano listed all the letters that had reached the Vatican starting in 2000, when a priest from a New Jersey seminary first wrote relaying concerns from seminarians invited to McCarrick’s beach house and into his bed.

“Vigano said he was shocked that Ouellet omitted any reference in his letter to McCarrick’s victims, or to what he said was the ‘principal cause of so many sexual abuses: homosexuality.’ ‘It’s hypocrisy to refuse to admit that this scourge is due to a grave crisis in the spiritual life of clergy, and to not take measures to remedy it,’ he wrote.”

Pope Francis Wearing a Rainbow Cross?

Life Site News wrote on October 19:

“Pope Francis’ Vatican invited another public relations debacle Wednesday when photos came out in Vatican News of the Pope wearing what many thought to be a ‘Pride’ cross decorated in the colors of the rainbow. The rainbow cross promptly garnered reaction on social media as a nudge-and-a-wink endorsement of the LGBT movement…

“The photo of Francis wearing the rainbow cross was also provocative given its timing amid widespread apprehension that the Youth Synod is being used to advance the normalization of homosexuality within the Church.”

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer

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

In the weekly Update No. 146 on June 6th 2004, we printed an editorial, entitled “The Third Commandment”. Last week, we printed a Q&A, entitled “How do we need to apply the 3rd Commandment about not using the LORD’S name in vain?”. Also, on May 24, 2008, in a StandingWatch program, Evangelist Norbert Link presented a program titled, “Corrupt Communication–Why Not?” It is appropriate to emphasise this matter as it now seems that blasphemy is used by the youngest to the oldest in our nations, with virtually no consideration given at all to how serious a matter this is.

In Exodus 20:7 and Deuteronomy 5:11, we read “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.”

It is best to define what “taking the name of the LORD your God in vain” (or blasphemy as it can also be defined) really means. We could look at many definitions, but the bottom line is that we simply should not, and must not, use the name of God in any irreverent way because that would be disrespectful. When we look at God’s creative power and the awesome size, beauty and majesty of His creation, it really is something wonderful to behold, and to denigrate the name of the Creator of it all is simply unacceptable.

Wikipedia gives this definition: “Blasphemy is the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence to a deity, or sacred things, or toward something considered sacred or inviolable.”

It is interesting to read the following in Leviticus 24:16: “And whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall certainly stone him, the stranger as well as him who is born in the land. When he blasphemes the name of the LORD, he shall be put to death.” It was certainly something to be taken very seriously in those times, unlike today.

But why would God, the greatest Being in the universe, be so concerned about His Name? Isn’t He, as some have observed, able to look after Himself? For anyone to make such an observation shows that they have no understanding at all about what is involved.

Some may think that they can hurt God by taking His Name in vain or rejecting Him. God can certainly be very disappointed when this happens but we have to remember that He is the Creator of all things, He sustains life, He has provided salvation for us through Jesus Christ. God is a Family, consisting of God the Father and Jesus Christ , the Son of God, and they are both God… the only true God Beings. Therefore, God deserves our worship and we are hurting ourselves when we go contrary to His way. It is not about ego and the feeling of importance but God knows that we lose out when we don’t honour His precious Name. By so dishonouring Him, we are also showing disrespect and that doesn’t have any rewards attached to it, quite the reverse. Revelation 4:10-11 is instructive in this regard: “… the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: ‘You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.’” Honouring God’s Name as per the third Commandment is truly one way of showing our love for the One who will always be the greatest Being of all.

In a well-ordered, God-obeying family, the relationship that children have with their parents is the same relationship that a begotten son or daughter of God has with his or her heavenly Father. In the human family, there are rules, regulations and behaviour that children are expected to act upon and the same applies to God the Father who gives His begotten children commandments and standards that must be part of a true Christian’s way of life. We read in Colossians 3:8: “But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.”

We also have to make sure that by our actions, God’s Name is not disrespected outside the true Church of God, and Romans 2:21-24 is instructive in this regard: “You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal?  You who say, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law?  For ‘the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you, as it is written.’”

We are to set an example as expressed in Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” If we blasphemed God’s great name, we wouldn’t be setting the example that we are commanded to so do.

It is interesting to note that, whilst God’s Name is taken in vain by so many people around the world, other “deities” don’t seem to suffer in the same way and we know how Muslims revere “the prophet Mohammed” who was just a human being anyway. None of these names are used as an expression of surprise, frustration or anger as the name of the true God so often is.  Satan is doing everything he can to upset true Christians as he knows that he has but a short time left.

An interesting and, it seems, not a very well-known fact, is that the blasphemy law in some parts of the UK was abolished a few years ago. Wikipedia notes that in the UK “on 5th March 2008, an amendment was passed to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 which abolished the common law offences of blasphemy and blasphemous libel in England and Wales. The peers also voted for the laws to be abandoned during March. The Act received royal assent on 8 May 2008, and the relevant section came into force on 8 July 2008.”

On the Humanists UK website, they state the following: “Outdated and discriminatory blasphemy laws are still far too common all around the world. But the English and Welsh blasphemy laws were abolished in May 2008. The offences of blasphemy and blasphemous libel were common law offences which were contrary to the principle of free speech and probably contrary to human rights laws adopted by the UK, which protect freedom of expression. The law fundamentally protected certain, Christian, beliefs and made it illegal to question them or deny them.”

In 2016, a Pew Research Center analysis found out that, as of 2014, about a quarter of the world’s countries and territories (26%) had anti-blasphemy laws or policies.

In August 2018 the BBC website had this very unusual story about an Italian footballer (soccer player):

“Former Juventus midfielder Rolando Mandragora has been suspended for one Serie A game after he was caught on television cameras shouting “Porca Madonna, Vaffanculo, Dio Cane”, an insult to the Virgin Mary, while also referring to God as a dog. The outburst from the Italy international came after Sampdoria goalkeeper Emil Eudero saved his shot in a game which Mandragora’s side, Udinese, won 1-0.

“‘After acquiring and examining the relevant television images, the player, while cursing without referring to anybody around him, was nevertheless clearly seen by the television images to make blasphemous remarks, visibly identifiable from reading his lips without any margin for reasonable doubt,’ a disciplinary report from the Lega Serie A said. There is a strict ban on taking God’s name in vain in Italy, and since 2010, the country’s football association has disciplined players and coaches heard doing so.”

“Taking the name of the LORD your God in vain” is all a part of the erosion of biblical standards that there are organisations which exist in their bid to remove, if it were possible, all traces of the way of God from society. Of course, we understand that Satan, the arch-deceiver is behind all of this and his time is now very limited but, in the meantime, much damage can be done to decent standards that served communities well for a very long period of time. It involved the historical position that Christianity has had within the establishment – the monarchy, Parliament and the law.

It would appear that freedom of speech trumps just about everything else and that penalties for blasphemy, however that is defined, would be in contravention to the right of free speech. Along the same lines is the fact that quoting the Bible about the sin of homosexuality can be viewed as hate speech and therefore punishable in law which means that the legal provisions and requirements of man trump the Word of God.

In short, the third of God’s Ten Commandments is seen as an anachronism in today’s “more enlightened” society!!

In a newspaper article in 2018, details about social media speech were given showing that there are 60 new abbreviations that are dominating the way young people communicate with one another and the second most common one is “OMG,” and we all know that this is an abbreviation for “Oh my God.” It is now a marketing tool as the advertising industry, it seems, will do anything they can to promote products or services at any cost. The fact that God’s name is used irreverently doesn’t seem to matter one iota to those who use such language.

We should realise that the names of God the Father and Jesus Christ are so important. We know that in the model prayer in Matthew 6:9 Jesus told His disciples to pray: “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.” We also read in Philippians 2:10 “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” No one should use the great name of God in a harsh and irreverent way today, but so many do. The name of Jesus Christ is so important: “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12), and this is another reason why the 3rd Commandment must be taken very seriously.

In our weekly Update, Number 77, on 23rd January 2003, we had a Question and Answer, entitled “Is it Wrong to Use Slang such as ‘gosh’ or ‘gee’?,” and this clearly showed that such euphemisms were also clearly wrong. You may wish to review this Q&A.

King David was a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), and he had great respect for God’s name. In Psalm 145:1-2 we read: “I will extol You, my God, O King; And I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever.” We would do well to emulate this example.

One internet commentator made these observations:

“We are not to use God’s name as a curse word. We are not to use His name lightly. If we study who God is, we understand a bit more why this is such a grave sin. God is holy, sovereign, unchangeable, omnipotent, omniscient, faithful, patient, and merciful. This is just a short list of the adjectives that could be used to describe God, the One who made a way for us to be reconciled to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. If He is so awesome and so wonderful (and He is!), then we can understand why it is so important for us not to use His name when we are angry or surprised.”

Another writer summed it up well and succinctly when he wrote:

“The name of the Lord is holy, as He is holy. The name of the Lord is a representation of His glory, His majesty, and His supreme deity. We are to esteem and honour His name as we revere and glorify God Himself. To do any less is to take His name in vain.”

It was interesting to read what a teaching assistant with no religious views wrote about the use of the phrase “Oh my God”:

“I work as a teaching assistant with kids aged 8-10 and so many of them say this whenever they are frustrated, stroppy or feeling argumentative. I’m not religious but I certainly consider it an inappropriate phrase for children to use. I had a chat with a couple of the girls today after one of them said it. Neither of them had any concept that this was anything other than normal, as it’s a phrase used by all the family. I suggested that they might like to think of other things to say that won’t sound so offensive or rude.”

A prominent American preacher was interviewed on British television during 2018. He was asked how he felt after receiving an invitation to a particular function in the UK and he said, slowly, deliberately and with feeling “Oh my God” three times consecutively in order to express his surprise. If those in mainstream Christianity don’t find it necessary to keep the 3rd Commandment, what example does that send out to those who are members of those churches? This example was appalling and showed a complete lack of understanding how important it is to revere God’s Holy Name.

We should only use God’s name in a reverential way, showing Him the respect that He deserves, and anything less is not acceptable to Him.

Let us remember that Jesus never took His Father’s name in vain. So many people today use God’s Name in vain when they have trials, difficulties and pain and we must remember that even when Jesus was crucified, in His final hours on the stake, suffering with agonising pain and distress, He never resorted to such an approach. His approach to the third Commandment was perfect, and we are to follow Him in every way and that includes honouring, not disrespecting His Father’s Name.

God’s Name should not be blasphemed today and the third Commandment makes this quite clear. But what about the future? We read in Ezekiel 39:7: “So I will make My holy name known in the midst of My people Israel, and I will not let them profane My holy name anymore. Then the nations shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.” During the Millennium, taking God’s Name in vain will not be tolerated, nor will it be tolerated for eternity after that time.

Yes, we really should take the third Commandment very seriously today!

Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)

compiled by Dave Harris

We are in the process of reprinting several booklets: Are You Already Born Again?; Is That In the Bible? The Mysteries of the Book of Revelation; The Meaning of God’s Spring Holy Days; and The Book of Zechariah–Prophecies for Today!

Sermonettes and sermons from the 2018 Feast of Tabernacles in the US and Germany continue to be posted on our website—viewable at www.eternalgod.org.

“But Isn’t Halloween just Harmless Fun…?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

Not, if you consider its origin and the fact that today’s Halloween is THE most important RELIGIOUS feast for Satanists and witches. Do you really want your children to observe this festival together with worshippers of Satan? This program should open your eyes.

“Ist denn Halloween nicht nur ein harmloser Spaß?” is a new AufPostenStehen program which is in German and covers the same topic as described above and which is also presented by Norbert Link.

“Dem Teufel Widerstehen!” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Resist the Devil.”

“What God Has Done For Me!” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is a summary:

We are each called, specially and uniquely. We each are given amazing opportunities in this life. We are each forgiven of our sins, upon repentance and it is an incredible thing that we each should dwell upon. Where would we be without God’s mercy, His loving kindness, His great foresight and His master plan? Really the question ends up, what HASN’T God done for me?

“Can Biblical Fasting Really Help?” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

The Bible commands us to fast on occasion. But why? And how can we make sure that God accepts our fasting and that He does not reject it as useless? How can we distinguish between correct and wrong fasting? And what could be the result of proper fasting in our lives and the lives of others?