On October 21, 2017, Eric Rank will present the sermonette, titled, “It Takes Practice,” and Dave Harris will present the sermon, titled, “The God of the Bible.”

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 have just had the privilege of keeping the Feast of Tabernacles where the truth of God has been clearly and resolutely expounded.   We have not been hounded by the general public because of what we believe because it probably doesn’t particularly concern them as they have their own holidays to enjoy and because they don’t really know about God’s wonderful festival which is held behind closed doors.

So far, so good.  But does this allow us to make known all of our beliefs and not suffer persecution?   The answer should be obvious.

I was much taken by the honesty of a Conservative MP (an elected Member of the UK Parliament) who, in early September 2017, was asked his views on a couple of controversial subjects.   He has been touted as a future leader of his party and most people would have been evasive on these subjects if they had any ambition to be promoted to a more senior political position.  But not this gentleman!

He was being interviewed on a television programme and he said that his devout Catholic faith meant he could not support gay marriage. That’s a show stopper to start with.  But there was more.

A newspaper report said that he “faced a furious backlash today after saying he ‘morally’ opposes abortion for women who have been raped.  There was further fury as he said that he is ‘morally’ opposed to abortion even when women have been victims of rape or incest.  He said that “life is sacrosanct and begins at the point of conception and I think it is wrong.”

The newspaper report continued: “Pressed specifically on whether a woman who was raped should have a right to an abortion, he made clear that they would have a ‘right under UK law’ and the ‘law is not going to change’.  But he added: ‘My personal opinion is that life begins at the point of conception and abortion is morally indefensible.’”

Here was a man in the public eye, and a man of principle.

You can imagine what the outrage was from those who think that any behaviour is acceptable but he presented his views in a reasoned and professional way.   Women’s rights campaigners branded his views “extreme” and “out of touch”. A Labour MP said they were “shocking” and “belonged in the 18th Century”.   One young female journalist said that “he and his right-wing followers should accept that, as in almost every other facet of his life, he represents an obscure minority.”   Little did any of these opponents realise, and probably wouldn’t even have cared had they known, that in these observations he was following clear biblical instruction and that they were, in essence, setting their face against God.

It was all very, very predictable.   Several days later, as one newspaper wrote: The explosion of fury was predictably volcanic, and the waves of the aftershock are still rumbling today.   However, he refuses to be ruffled.  “It’s a free country and everyone’s entitled to express an opinion. Why should I get flustered?” he asked equably.

It was said that “Downing Street also made clear that the Prime Minister did not share his opinions.”   And so we see that the Prime Minister, a Sunday church going Christian, endorses the liberal view even though the Bible is very explicit on these issues.   The fact of the matter is that no one would be able to retain high office if they didn’t conform to the requirement of supporting such outrageous behaviour.

I have not seen or heard of any of the other MP’s (there are 650 in the House of Commons) who have had the guts to say the same thing although there were many who opposed abortion and same sex marriage.   Have they changed their mind or are they just keeping quiet to keep their jobs?

Why raise this now?   Well, for two very pertinent reasons.

First of all, we have seen that this person was, and is, a man of principle.   We, too, have to be men and women of principle and the time may not be that far away when we are put into a similar scenario.   How will we fare?   Will we duck and dive about the way of God that we currently espouse or will we be straightforward and confirm our biblically held views, irrespective of the consequences, which could be more hot air from other politicians and journalists?   It is something to think about.

Secondly, as I said at the beginning of the editorial, we have just enjoyed God’s festivals, the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day. We were presented with clear teaching about the way of God and what the future holds in store for us and for mankind.  In the not too distant future, when Jesus Christ returns to earth to save man from blowing himself off the face of the planet, the government of God will rule with love, equity and a concern for every individual.

There will be no more nonsense about gender issues, no more killing of any kind (of which abortion is just one of the methods used), no more arguing about governmental positions, and the certainty of completely fair treatment for everyone for an initial 1,000 years, and for eternity after that.

How different will be the Way of the true God for eternity than the way of man at this time, which can be ridiculous in the extreme.

God has all the answers, man has very few.  The replacement with true values, for eternity, is well worth waiting for, and it shouldn’t be too long now!

Profound changes are shaping up in Europe! We report on the convincing election of hardliner Sebastian Kurz in Austria, as other European nations note the emergence of a far-right political presence;

We present an article about French President Macron’s call for new kinds of heroes to lead Europe; and cite the Vatican plans for a high-level Forum to insert its support for the “European Project.”

We report on China’s congress featuring the now powerful place China has taken on the world stage; we conclude with reports of a powerful hurricane hitting Ireland and news about the historic fires in California.

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

Austria Elects Hardliner Sebastian Kurz

The Washington Post reported on October 16:

“Austria became the latest European country to take a sharp turn right on Sunday, with the conservative People’s Party riding a hard-line position on immigration to victory in national elections and likely to form a government with a nationalist party that has long advocated for an even tougher stance.

“The result puts the 31-year-old foreign minister and People’s Party leader, Sebastian Kurz, in line to become Austria’s next chancellor after a campaign in which he emphasized the need to strengthen border controls, reduce caps on refugees and slash benefits for newcomers.

“Much of Kurz’s rhetoric echoed positions long held by the Freedom Party, which for decades has anchored the far right of politics in this nation of 8.7 million…

“Freedom Party backers were in a jubilant mood Sunday night, eating schnitzel, dancing to Austrian folk music and waving flags at the party’s election-night celebration. Heinz-Christian Strache, the party leader, said the results proved that ‘our message has reached the mainstream…’

“The elevation of Kurz to chancellor would put another young and charismatic leader at the helm of a European government, after the election of 39-year-old Emmanuel Macron in France.

“Kurz, though ideologically to the right of Macron, modeled much of his campaign after the Frenchman’s. The Austrian politician styled his run for the nation’s highest office as a movement, not a conventional election, and personalized his party, informally renaming it ‘the Sebastian Kurz List.’

“Kritzinger said Kurz’s opponents were flummoxed by how to counteract the charismatic People’s Party leader, who took the reins in the party this year and promptly remade it as his own.

“’From a rhetoric perspective, he’s an absolute talent,’ Kritzinger said. ‘The other parties didn’t know how to deal with him.’”

The Times of Israel commented on October 16:

“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday called to congratulate Sebastian Kurz on his victory in Austria’s elections, according to a statement from his office that made no mention of the success of the far-right Freedom Party.

“On Sunday, the 31-year-old Kurz’s  People’s Party (OeVP) swept to victory with a projected 31.7 percent of the vote, ahead of the Social Democrats (SPOe) at 26.9% and the anti-migrant Freedom Party (FPOe) at 26%, leading to the expectation that Kurz would turn to the far right party as a coalition partner…

“Kurz, for his part, told the prime minister of his interest in boosting Austria’s ties with Israel, the PMO said.

“The statement did not make any mention of the Freedom Party’s expected role as the junior partner in Kurz-led coalition. In 1999, Israel recalled its ambassador after the party, then under Jörg Haider, joined the government.

“The success of the FPOe, which was founded by former Nazis in the 1950s, has created a dilemma for Israel, whose government refuses to meet with members of the party. If senior party member Norbert Hofer were to become foreign minister, as is common for runners-up in Austrian coalition governments, Jerusalem would have to choose between ending its longstanding policy of not interacting with ultra-nationalist parties and boycotting a top diplomat of a friendly country.

Politico wrote on October 18:

“Regardless of whether it joins the next Austrian government, the far-right Freedom Party was the victor in the country’s election last Sunday. Like Geert Wilders in the Netherlands, the anti-immigration party has built the theater in which the mainstream parties are now performing.

“Sebastian Kurz — the 31-year-old leader of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) — is set to lead a right-leaning coalition that includes the far-right Freedom Party. The last time Austria’s populists won more than a quarter of the vote and played kingmaker, in 1999, the other EU members isolated Vienna through bilateral sanctions. But what shocked EU leaders then is barely causing a stir now.

“In part, this is simply because the inclusion of the far right is not as shocking as it was 20 years ago. Since then, governments across Europe — from Hungary to Italy — have turned rightward and a host of mainstream political leaders have adopted anti-immigrant rhetoric in an effort to keep the political fringes at bay.

“Exclusion is no longer an option. The EU is too busy trying to figure out how to respond to the most blatant challenges to its rule of law and other key values — from self-proclaimed “illiberal” governments in Budapest and Warsaw.

“When it comes to Austria, the other European countries will be watching whether campaign slogans turn into action, particularly when it comes to migration policy.”

Kurz’s rise to power reflects the growing revolt across Europe over a seeming lack in answering the concern for Europe’s traditional values. Europe is turning to younger, charismatic leaders, and that opens the door for the emergence of a very powerful personality who is destined to emerge to lead a totally new kind of European nationalism!

Macron Calls for New Political Heroes

The Independent reported on October 15:

“Emmanuel Macron has said modern democracies need new political heroes and called for an end to the ‘European civil war’.

“The French President said he wanted to ‘renew the European dream and reawaken ambitions for it’ during an interview with German newspaper Der Spiegel.

“His comments come days after the fifth round of Brexit talks closed with the EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, claiming the EU and UK were in a ‘deadlock’ over Britain’s financial contribution.

“Giving his thoughts on modern democracy, Macron said: ‘I am a strong believer that modern political life must rediscover a sense for symbolism.

“‘We need to develop a kind of political heroism. I don’t mean that I want to play the hero. But we need to be amenable once again to creating grand narratives.’

“He went on to call on leaders to work together to achieve ‘sovereignty, unity and democracy’ in Europe.

“‘Let’s put an end to this European civil war, the existence of which we don’t want to admit, and stop constantly looking at whether we are better than our neighbouring country at this or the other thing.’”

Vatican Prepares Forum to Support European Union

Vatican Radio reported on October 14:

“‘Rethinking Europe’ is the title of a high-level Forum of Dialogue which aims to discuss the main challenges of the European Union and the ways the Church can support the European project in a moment in which Europe itself seems to be at a crossroads.

“Organized by COMECE (the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community), in collaboration with the Holy See, the event will take place in the Vatican from 27 to 29 October.

“Presenting the Forum earlier this year, COMECE President Cardinal Reinhard Marx said: ‘Rethinking Europe will be the start of a process of dialogue between the Churches representatives (both bishops and seculars) and the politicians who have political responsibility and take decisions.’

“Participants will include hundreds of high-level Church and EU political representatives, together with other grassroots actors who will meet in a series of workshops and debates ‘in order to facilitate a frank and open discussion between stakeholders of different geographic, cultural, religious and linguistic backgrounds, putting in practice the motto of the EU: Unity in Diversity’.

“The date for the Forum has been chosen to fall on the 60th anniversary of the signature of the Treaty of Rome.

“Pope Francis, who has repeatedly reminded the EU of its role and responsibility towards the world and n citizens and encouraged EU representatives of their commitment to safeguard peace and the dignity of all women and men, will address the participants on Saturday, 28 October.

“Presenting the project for the Forum, COMECE stressed that ‘The main message of the Church is to put the human person back at the heart of the European public policy and the Dialogue of Rome will be a milestone of this process’.”

China Tightens Communism

The Washington Post wrote on October 18:

“For 3½ hours, China’s President Xi Jinping commanded the stage and the nation’s television screens as he set out a far-reaching agenda for the Communist Party, outlining a vision of total control, not only of the nation’s economy and the Internet but also of culture, religion and morals.

“The Communist Party already has a hand in just about every aspect of life here. But Xi’s speech Wednesday — opening a five-yearly congress of the party’s top leadership — cast the net even wider.

“His was a vision of a reinvigorated Communist Party, backed by a strong economy and a powerful, modern military taking an even more central role in the affairs of the nation and a more confident role on the world stage.

“‘Achieving national rejuvenation will be no walk in the park,’” Xi told more than 2,200 members of the party’s elite, speaking beneath gigantic red drapes and a huge hammer and sickle in the mammoth Great Hall of the People, a monument to Communist authoritarianism, on Beijing’s Tiananmen Square…

“The theme of the congress: that the party should remain true to its original aspiration, hold high the banner of socialism and secure a decisive victory in the battle to build a moderately prosperous society.”

Powerful Hurricane Pummels Ireland

CNBC reported on October 16:

“The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are experiencing some of the most extreme weather the island has seen in decades as the aftermath of Hurricane Ophelia strikes.

“Schools and hospitals are closed, many public transport and aviation services have ceased operations and the army has been sent to shore-up flood defenses in what has been called an “unprecedented storm” by Ireland’s meteorological office.

“Two people were killed in separate incidents when trees fell on their cars — a woman in her fifties in the southeast and a man on the east coast. Another man in his thirties died while trying to clear a fallen tree in an incident involving a chainsaw.

“Over 360,000 homes and businesses were without electricity with another 100,000 outages expected by nightfall, Ireland’s Electricity Supply Board said, describing it as an unprecedented event that would [a]ffect every part of the country for days.”

California Wildfires Prove Historic!

AP reported on October 17:

“The fires that swept through parts of seven counties were the deadliest and most destructive series of blazes in California history. At least 42 people died and 6,000 homes were lost.

“The flames were especially devastating in Sonoma and Napa counties on the northern edge of the Bay Area — a region that has seen housing prices skyrocket in recent years amid a technology industry boom. In San Francisco, an average one-bedroom apartment rents for more than $3,000 a month, and the median home price is about $1.5 million.

“Cities such as Santa Rosa, about 50 miles north of San Francisco, have offered more affordable housing for people willing to endure a longer commute. But that may not be the case anymore…

“An estimated 100,000 people were evacuated at the height of the fires, and about 22,000 remain under evacuation.”

As this report shows, the repercussions will last far past the time when these fires are quenched. Like so many disasters which have occurred in recent weeks, the challenge to survive and rebuild is simply overwhelming.

Without comparing other Scriptures, some assume that Jesus will immediately judge all people at His return. But that is NOT what the Bible reveals!

These verses referenced in Matthew 25:31-46 encompass a PERIOD OF TIME in which Jesus will reign on the earth in the Kingdom of God. It is important to understand that judgment has been given to Him by the Father, as Jesus stated, “‘For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son…’” (John 5:22). Paul also taught this:

“‘Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead’” (Acts 17:30-31; compare Acts 10:42).

In saying that God “‘has appointed a day,’” what did Paul mean? Was this to be just a twenty-four-hour period—only ONE day? In speaking about those who rejected the preaching of the gospel by His twelve apostles, Jesus stated:

“‘Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!’” (Matthew 10:15).

In this example with Sodom, is Jesus’ statement to be understood as implying that there is only ONE judgment period for ALL mankind —or is He referring to a very specific future time in which people will give account for themselves and be examined  based on their response to being taught the Truth of God? (Compare Matthew 11:20-24). The answer is that in the example regarding Sodom, He is referring to a time period which is described in the Bible as the Great White Throne Judgment… but it does not refer to the same judgment period for ALL human beings.

Very clearly, the Bible reveals that there will be multiple resurrections, as well as multiple judgment periods, and that judgment is taking place NOW for those whom God calls in this age:

“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now ‘If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?’” (1 Peter 4:17-18).

Those whom God has called and who are judged to be righteous in this life will be in the FIRST RESURRECTION:

“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming” (1 Corinthians 15:22-23; compare 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Further proof that judgment regarding the receipt of eternal life will have been taking place already by Jesus prior to His return for those who are called now (remember, all judgment has been committed to Jesus—John 5:22) is found in the Book of Revelation. In chapters 2 and 3, it is to those people in the Church of God who “overcome,” that both eternal life and rewards of reigning with Him are offered. Also, in Hebrews 11, other righteous men and women are mentioned who await the first resurrection:

“And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us” (Hebrews 11:39-40).

All of those “who are Christ’s at His coming,” will have been judged to receive eternal life. They will receive the promise, and that will take place BEFORE subsequent resurrections occur:

“And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years” (Revelation 20:4-6).

(As an aside, we also read in this passage that it is our incredible potential to rule and judge under Christ. And as will be mentioned below, even those in the First Resurrection will still appear before the judgment seat of Christ to be given their reward of rulership in the Kingdom of God.)

Notice how there will be a period of judgment following the thousand years:

“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:11-15).

All people will be judged by Jesus Christ! Those not in the First Resurrection will be brought back to life. There will be a period of time in which the Way of God is taught, and the people will have a chance to choose life in God’s eternal Kingdom—it is the choice which has always been ultimately set before mankind (compare Deuteronomy 30:19-20). And, as God’s Word reveals, everyone will face Jesus Christ:

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10; also, Romans 14:10). And this will include those in the First Resurrection as well. They, too, will appear before the judgment seat of Christ to be given their specific reward of rulership in the Kingdom of God (compare Luke 19:11-27).

Not only will everyone appear before Christ, but everyone will submit to His authority:

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).

Along with those in the First Resurrection, everyone who does come to repentance in the Second Resurrection will make up those who are figuratively called the “‘sheep’” in Matthew 25, verses 32 and 33. (Note that the term “Second Resurrection” does not occur in the Bible, but is revealed in Revelation 20 as following the First Resurrection when Christ will judge all of the rest of humanity.) It has been man’s potential from the foundation of the world (Matthew 25:34) to inherit eternal life, but man must decide and choose to accept God’s offer.

However, a final or third group is revealed—people who refused in this life and who will refuse in the future to accept God’s Way of Life. They will come back to life in a Third Resurrection to be destroyed in the lake of fire. They will, by that time, have been judged for eternal condemnation, as they REJECTED OBEDIENCE to God. They are those who are identified as the “‘goats’” in Matthew 25, verses 32 and 33, and who are positioned at Christ’s “‘left hand.’” Their fate is described in verse 31 of Matthew 25:

“‘Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’”

These are those who will experience the “second death” (Revelation 20:14). As Revelation 20, verse 13, shows, this will be a period of judgment—but this is to formally condemn those who have committed  sin and have fully known God’s Truth but have chosen to utterly reject God, His Son—Jesus Christ—and the opportunity for eternal life:

“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame” (Hebrews 6:4-6).

And:

“For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries” (Hebrews 10:26-27).

Jesus Christ will complete the judgment of mankind, and as we have seen, the Bible reveals that judgment involves a period of time and does not occur just at His return to the earth:

“But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:23-26).

Focusing specifically on Christ’s judgment in Matthew 25:31-46, we also note that His judgment will occur throughout the Millennium as well, in addition to the Great White Throne Judgment period of the Second Resurrection. Those who live in the Millennium will also be judged on a continuous basis—like we are being judged today and like those in the Second Resurrection who will be judged during a 100 year time period (compare Isaiah 65:20). That is, the nations mentioned in Matthew 25 will not only be judged at the very beginning of the Millennium, but throughout the 1,000 years and thereafter. The process of time and the continuation of Christ’s judgment are clearly described in verse 46, stating that the righteous will go away into everlasting life. This cannot refer to those in the First Resurrection as they will have already received everlasting life when they appear before the judgment seat of Christ. (The continuation of Christ’s judgment over all of mankind is also clearly described in Isaiah 9:6-7).

The argument is made that the entire judgment period in Matthew 25 must refer to those who have lived and died before the Millennium and can’t refer to those in the Millennium and the Second Resurrection, as in the Millennium and the Great White Throne Judgment, there will not be any prisons nor any of the other conditions mentioned in Matthew 25. This argument overlooks that Christ’s statements also address people who lived before His return (including those who will survive the Great Tribulation and live into the Millennium and those who will be brought back to life in the Second Resurrection). Their judgment will include actions committed in this life… especially when they refuse to repent (Matthew 25:46). Christ’s statements must also be viewed in the context of those who choose a way of give and those who choose to live a way of get.

The Work of God given to Jesus Christ includes judging the world, but it is not for condemnation! Rather it is the work of salvation:

“‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved’” (John 3:16-17).

NOTE: For further information about God’s great masterplan for salvation, please study our booklets and articles on God’s Holy Days, Punishment for Our Sins, and the Gospel of the Kingdom of God —available at www.eternalgod.org

Lead Writers: Dave Harris and Norbert Link

compiled by Dave Harris

We are pleased to announce the baptism of four people in Templin, Germany, during the Feast observance. Welcome to the Church of God!

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the death of Joan Voss on October 13, 2017. Joan attended services in Woodburn, Oregon. Her example of optimism and true faithfulness to God remains with all who knew her. She will be greatly missed!

Sermonettes and sermons from the recent Holy Days will be posted on our websites very soon.

On September 23, 2017, Norbert Link will present the sermonette, titled, “Just the Beginning,” and Michael Link will present the sermon, titled, “Brace Yourselves.”

PLEASE NOTE:

We will not publish an Update next week or the following two weeks as we observe Atonement, the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day. Our next Update will appear the week of October 20, 2017. Also, we will broadcast live services during this time—please go to www.eternalgod.org for further information.

It is common to see looting when natural disasters or social calamities occur.  Based upon the number of incidents of this type of crime, many have formed a sense of justification for stealing—especially when the rule of law is absent.

One commentator, describing this attitude of looting during catastrophes, states, “Then one day disaster strikes – law and order break down. The structures of society around them collapse and no one cares what the other person is doing. In instances like this, personal morals and fear of the law disappear. Pent up emotions can rise to the top. An abnormal sense of entitlement and ‘group think’ takes over and people no longer feel guilty of taking what doesn’t belong to them” (“Why people loot after a disaster”, www.safetybasement.com).

In God’s eyes, theft of another’s property is absolutely unacceptable–so much so that it was one of the Ten Commandments given to Moses: “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15).  God didn’t mince His Words, the commandment was plain to read and understand.

While God allowed for restitution by those caught stealing He also gave dire warning to those who would do so as a means to satiate their desires, whether “justified” or not. “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and slaughters it or sells it, he shall restore five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep. If the thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt for his bloodshed” (Exodus 22:1-2).

Some Korean shopkeepers staved off looting of their property during the 1992 Rodney King riots by arming themselves and guarding their stores.  While some storeowners protected their property, an estimated 2300 Korean-owned stores in Los Angeles were burned or looted during the protests.

We are warned not to put our faith in treasures that are perishing: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal…” (Matthew 6:19).  Christ instead instructs us to put our faith in things that are eternal, “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:20).

Paul also reflected on the importance of the treasure we each possess, “…to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:2-3).  Everything that matters is built upon those two beings.  They have given more than can ever be repaid so that we might share in their glory.

We must take on the same attitude of those shopkeepers in defending what really matters. Of course, we do not take up physical arms, but we must be engaged in a spiritual battle with wicked spirit beings in high places. We guard our spiritual existence from a beast that never stops attacking our spiritual fortifications.  We need to cherish and protect what is truly lasting because our eternal life depends on it.

by Norbert Link

We begin this special edition with extensive quotes from President Trump’s speech to the United Nations in which he put the world on notice as to what America under his leadership is willing and prepared to do if the UN was unable or unwilling to deal with certain countries. He especially singled out North Korea, Iran and Venezuela. In this regard, please view our new StandingWatch program, “Will the UN Prevent World War III?”

At the same time, Iran announced the development of the “father of all bombs,” and concerns are raised that we are getting closer to worldwide nuclear annihilation.

We report on another attempt by the Republicans to repeal and replace Obamacare, which is not given any chance of success, as many of the proposed provisions are highly unpopular and as they would have terrible consequences for a large portion of the American people. We also speak on developments, apparently vindicating President Trump’s claim that the Obama administration did in fact wiretap the Trump campaign.

We report on another devastating hurricane—Maria—just following on the heels of Hurricane Irma; and a big earthquake in Mexico which struck on the anniversary of a devastating 1985 temblor in Mexico, prompting a CNN reporter to ask the question, “Hurricanes and earthquakes… what is going on?”

In the remainder of this edition, we focus on the important parliamentary elections in Germany, which will take place on Sunday, September 24.

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

President Trump’s First Speech to the United Nations

On September 19, President Trump delivered his highly anticipated speech to the UN. We are bringing you the following pertinent excerpts:

“Our military will soon be the strongest it has ever been… we meet at a time of both of immense promise and great peril. It is entirely up to us whether we lift the world to new heights, or let it fall into a valley of disrepair…

“This institution [the UN] was founded in the aftermath of two world wars to help shape this better future… It was… exactly 70 years ago, that the United States developed the Marshall Plan to help restore Europe…

“This week… [we] are celebrating the 230th anniversary of our beloved Constitution — the oldest constitution still in use in the world today… In America, the people govern, the people rule, and the people are sovereign…

“As President of the United States, I will always put America first, just like you, as the leaders of your countries will always, and should always, put your countries first. (Applause.)… As long as I hold this office, I will defend America’s interests above all else…

“No one has shown more contempt for other nations and for the wellbeing of their own people than the depraved regime in North Korea. It is responsible for the starvation deaths of millions of North Koreans, and for the imprisonment, torture, killing, and oppression of countless more.

“… now North Korea’s reckless pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles threatens the entire world with unthinkable loss of human life. It is an outrage that some nations would not only trade with such a regime, but would arm, supply, and financially support a country that imperils the world with nuclear conflict. No nation on earth has an interest in seeing this band of criminals arm itself with nuclear weapons and missiles. The United States has great strength and patience, but if it is forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea. Rocket Man is on a suicide mission for himself and for his regime…

“We face this decision not only in North Korea. It is far past time for the nations of the world to confront another reckless regime [Iran] — one that speaks openly of mass murder, vowing death to America, destruction to Israel, and ruin for many leaders and nations in this room…

“The Iran Deal was one of the worst and most one-sided transactions the United States has ever entered into. Frankly, that deal is an embarrassment to the United States, and I don’t think you’ve heard the last of it — believe me…

“The United States is one out of 193 countries in the United Nations, and yet we pay 22 percent of the entire budget and more…

“We have also imposed tough, calibrated sanctions on the socialist Maduro regime in Venezuela, which has brought a once thriving nation to the brink of total collapse… The United States has taken important steps to hold the regime accountable. We are prepared to take further action if the government of Venezuela persists on its path to impose authoritarian rule on the Venezuelan people…

“The problem in Venezuela is not that socialism has been poorly implemented, but that socialism has been faithfully implemented. (Applause.) From the Soviet Union to Cuba to Venezuela, wherever true socialism or communism has been adopted, it has delivered anguish and devastation and failure. Those who preach the tenets of these discredited ideologies only contribute to the continued suffering of the people who live under these cruel systems…

“History is asking us whether we are up to the task…”

The sad answer from the pages of the Bible is, sadly, “No, we are not up to the task.” From its inception, the UN has been a failed body of bickering disgruntled and competitive countries; far too often driven by antagonism towards the USA; unable to come to any meaningful consensus; and most certainly unable to bring peace to the world. President Trump has put the world on notice as to what America is willing to do if the UN fails. However, God has declared beforehand how the future will look like… and it is a grim future.

The Father of All Bombs

Israel National News wrote on September 18:

“A senior official in Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed over the weekend that Iran is in possession of what he described as the ‘father of all bombs’. According to the official… Iran has produced a domestically-made 10-ton bomb with a high destructive power… The commander pointed to the ordnance as Iran’s ‘father of all bombs’ as compared with… MOAB…, also known as the ‘mother of all bombs,’ which the U.S. Air Force dropped on Islamic State (ISIS) targets in Afghanistan in April…

“It is difficult to determine whether Hajizadeh’s claims are true, but Iran often boasts of its military accomplishments. Earlier this year, the Islamic Republic claimed to have unveiled a domestically manufactured tank which ‘has the capability to fire missiles and precisely guide them.'”

Iran and North Korea belong to the most dangerous countries in the world, and they are apparently collaborating in their pursuit to advance their nuclear weaponry.

Closer than Ever to Nuclear Annihilation?

Sputnik wrote on September 17:

“Dr. Helen Caldicott, a well-known leader of the anti-nuclear movement in Australia and the United States during the Cold War, described the thinking behind the idea of a ‘limited nuclear war’ as ‘insane’… the activist warned that if the US goes ahead with the creation of new tactical nukes, other nuclear powers will be sure to go along…

“Caldicott described the policy of nuclear deterrence as ‘a policy of nuclear madness.’ ‘The fact that we have not yet experienced nuclear extinction is a matter of sheer luck. But considering the present political situation with volatile political leaders threatening each other with nuclear weapons, I think that we are closer to nuclear annihilation than we have ever been,’ Caldicott concluded.”

Sadly, the Bible prophesies a coming worldwide nuclear war, but it will be set in motion by powers, which will be a surprise to the world.

America’s Doomsday Planes

The Sun wrote on September 20:

“The four specially-designed secretive aircraft are called the E-4Bs. They are designed to allow US leaders and wartime hawks to issue orders and wage nuclear war from the sky… Known officially as National Airborne Operation Centres… they also feature a vast array of defence mechanisms, including the ability to withstand electromagnetic pulses… In operation since the 1970s, these airborne command posts were long considered the best chance for a Cold War president to survive a nuclear attack…

“Unlike the ceremonial and comfort-focused Air Force One, the E-4B airborne command posts are flying war-rooms—staffed by dozens of military analysts, strategists and communication aides who would guide the President through the first days of a nuclear war. The planes also include special gear like a five-mile-long trailing wire antenna that would ensure that the president could remain in contact with the nuclear submarine fleet even after ground-based communications had been destroyed.

“Through the final decades of the Cold War, an E-4B Nightwatch plane always stood on alert at Andrews Air Force Base, ready to whisk the president skyward with just 15 minutes’ warning. Even today, one of those four Doomsday planes, known to their crews as ‘Air Force One When It Counts,’ regularly travels with or near the President at all times. When the President is in the United States, an E-4B always remains on alert at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, its engines turning 24 hours a day, ready to launch and rendezvous with the President in the event of an emergency evacuation.”

The fact that these precautions exist should make all of us aware that the threat of nuclear war is real.

The Graham-Cassidy Proposals to Repeal and Replace Obamacare Will Fail, Of Course

The Week wrote on September 19:

“The best thing that can be said for the latest — and last — bill sponsored by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) is that it is of a piece with its forerunners. It would give the states (less) money to administer ObamaCare’s popular and successful federal expansion of Medicaid… It would cut subsidies for people buying health insurance in the individual market…

“It would also reduce, if not totally eliminate, protection for such pre-existing ‘conditions’… It would toss the individual mandate and presumably allow insurance companies to heap fees on those whose coverage has lapsed. It would be cruel, capricious, and unstable… There is simply no chance that it will pass the Senate, much less make it to President Trump’s desk and become law.”

Let us hope that analysis of the future proves to be correct, because this bill would indeed have terrible and inhumane consequences for many people.

Report Alleges that Obama Administration Wiretapped Trump’s Campaign

Breitbart wrote on September 18:

“U.S. investigators wiretapped President Trump’s campaign chairman Paul Manafort, according to a report by CNN that vindicates the president’s earlier claims, which were mocked as a conspiracy theory.

“President Trump had tweeted on March 4: ‘Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my “wires tapped” in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!’…

“But a report Monday evening said U.S. investigators obtained a surveillance warrant on Manafort from a secret court and had monitored him before and after the election, including a ‘period when Manafort was known to talk to President Donald Trump.’… ‘The surveillance was discontinued at some point last year for lack of evidence,’ a source told CNN.

“However, the FBI then restarted the surveillance after obtaining a new FISA warrant that extended early into this year. The report notably does not say when the new warrant was obtained. Manafort joined the Trump campaign as its chairman in May 2016. The new warrant was ‘part of the FBI’s efforts to investigate ties between Trump campaign associates and suspected Russian operatives,’ according to the report.

“The report notes, ‘such warrants require the approval of top Justice Department and FBI officials’ — but doesn’t specify which top Justice Department and FBI officials had approved it.”

This report, if true, would indeed vindicate Donald Trump’s earlier claim of wiretapping, but it still would not be good news for him and his campaign, because surveillance warrants are not handed out easily.

Hurricane Maria Makes Landfall

The Huffington Post wrote on September 18:

“Hurricane Maria ‘rapidly’ intensified and slammed into the Caribbean island of Dominica as a powerful category 5 hurricane late Monday evening… with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph… Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said the winds were ‘merciless’…

NBC News added on September 18:

“Hurricane Maria was strengthening fast into a monster storm Monday as it barreled toward Puerto Rico and other Irma-battered Caribbean islands… Puerto Rico has not been hit by a Category 4 or 5 hurricane since 1928…

“Maria, however, could be ‘catastrophic’ for Puerto Rico, which was largely spared by Hurricane Irma… It passed 50 miles north of the island and caused only wave damage, but even that was enough to knock out power to about 1 million people.”

NBC wrote on September 19:

“Authorities warned Puerto Ricans to evacuate or die on Tuesday as Hurricane Maria, the most powerful storm to threaten the region in almost 90 years, barreled toward the U.S. territory.”

Bloomberg wrote on September 19:

“Puerto Rico is facing an active hurricane season with little financial ability to navigate a natural catastrophe. It filed for bankruptcy in May after years of economic decline and borrowing to fill budget gaps. A series of defaults have effectively left it unable to raise money in the capital markets… Puerto Rico’s emergency fund stood at about $32 million before Irma passed through…

“Puerto Rico debt maturing in 2035 changed hands Tuesday at an average price of 56.7 cents on the dollar, the lowest level since Sept. 1…”

Maria’s Devastation in Puerto Rico

Deutsche Welle reported on September 21:

“Puerto Rico officials were weighing the damage inflicted by Hurricane Maria on Thursday, after the devastating storm destroyed buildings and knocked out power across the densely populated island…

“In the capital, San Juan, historic forts and buildings dating back to the Spanish colonial era were destroyed, leaving nothing but debris…

“Communication channels have been almost impossible to maintain, with roads destroyed and telephone towers knocked out across the island.

“US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the hurricane  had ‘obliterated’ Puerto Rico and declared the island a disaster zone in a move that frees up federal relief funding.”

Powerful Earthquake Strikes Mexico

The Los Angeles Times wrote on September 19:

“A powerful 7.1 earthquake shook central Mexico on Tuesday, collapsing homes and bridges across hundreds of miles, killing at least [300] people and sending thousands more fleeing into the streets screaming…

“The epicenter was about 80 miles southeast of Mexico City in the state of Puebla. It struck on the anniversary of a 1985 temblor [with a magnitude of 8.0], which killed thousands of people and devastated large parts of Mexico City — a tragedy that President Enrique Peña Nieto had commemorated earlier in the day…”

Is it mere coincidence that the 7.1 earthquake struck exactly on the day of the anniversary of the 1985 temblor?

German Election on September 24–AfD in Third Place?

Deutsche Welle wrote on September 17:

“One week before the German election, the latest voter poll has put the far-right AfD barely ahead of the other ‘small parties.’… [The poll] showed support for the AfD at 11 percent, with the Left party just behind at 10 percent, followed by the business-friendly Free Democrats (FDP) at 9 percent and the Green party at 8 percent. Should the AfD’s double-digit polling numbers hold, the populist party would enter Germany’s national parliament for the first time after the September 24 election. Another poll carried out by the Infratest dimap research institute last Thursday showed the AfD polling at 12 percent…

“Support for Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and their Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), was at 36 percent. The SPD, under party leader and chancellor candidate Martin Schulz, was polling at 22 percent in the poll. When asked by pollsters about the success of the AfD, 58 percent said they believed Merkel’s policies were partially responsible for the rise of the nationalist party while 34 percent disagreed…

“The FDP and the Greens said on Sunday that the battle for third place was hardly over. FDP leader Christian Lindner… said the Greens didn’t have a chance of taking third place and that his party would need to step up as the main opposition voice should Merkel’s CDU form another grand coalition with the SPD. Lindner emphasized that the opposition shouldn’t be led by the AfD, a party he described as having ‘nationalist-authoritarian’ ideals…”

Germany’s Nightmare

Express wrote on September 18:

“Polls show Mrs Merkel is well on course to finish top of the polls but will have to negotiate a coalition with at least one other party. Her Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party had been in a grand coalition with the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SDP) but they are not keen on recreating the arrangement. That could leave Mrs Merkel scratching around for support in the hope of forming a ‘Jamaica coalition’ with the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the Greens.

“But there has been hostility between the two potential coalition partners in recent days with the Greens accusing their pro-business rivals of being an ‘anti-party’ that stands against all they hold dear… A further obstacle could be caused by the FDP’s demands to get the finance ministry in exchange for joining a coalition. Current Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble, of the CDU, has held the post since 2009 and is the most high-profile member of Mrs Merkel’s cabinet.”

The Fate of Refugees in Germany

The Washington Post wrote on September 18:

“While Merkel has defended her decision to allow the refugees to come, she has also said Germany will not be accepting large numbers of new arrivals again any time soon. She and her chief rival… Martin Schulz agree that the pace of deportations needs to be accelerated among those whose asylum claims have been denied.

“The party in third place, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), says that even those with legitimate asylum claims should be sent back, in part because the predominantly Muslim newcomers do not fit into German culture… The party frequently uses incendiary rhetoric to attack immigrants and their descendants; the party’s deputy leader, Alexander Gauland, recently suggested that Aydan Ozoguz, the integration minister and one of the few nationally known politicians with an immigrant background, should be ‘disposed of’ in Turkey.”

The results will be really interesting, and no matter who wins, the coalition “discussions” will no doubt be quite challenging, while the role of the AfD should not be underestimated.

Political Structural Change in the Making in Europe

The EUObserver wrote on September 20:

“In many Western countries, party structures are dissolving… There is not much left of the once-defining role of classical parties…

“In France, the traditional party system has decayed. The Socialists, after being the governing party in Paris until spring, have practically ceased to exist…

“The US‘ once-lofty Republicans – the self-proclaimed ‘Grand Old Party’ – have now disintegrated into separate wings… And the party organisation is so weak that it could be captured by a non-politician like Donald Trump.

“Until recently in the UK, the Labour Party, which had been positioned in the pragmatic centre, has moved vehemently to the left. It was infiltrated by an influx of often young new members, who celebrate the party’s leader, Jeremy Corbyn – formerly a marginal figure in the political life of the island – as a pop star.

“In Italy, the populist Five Star Movement of former comedian Beppe Grillo has been unsettling the political system for some years. On the right, the former regional party ‘Lega Nord’ is expanding with new national-populist content…

“Still, there’s a prominent exception: Germany. Or so it would seem… At the top are well-tempered characters like Angela Merkel, the chancellor, and Martin Schulz, the Social Democratic contender. And, above all, both of them promise that as little as possible is going [to] change. But this is just the visible surface. In Germany, like elsewhere in Europe, the political system is being transformed. Anger and frustration are on the rise – sentiments which parties like the far-right AfD are only able capture to a small extent… Even the supposedly stable Germany is not immune to sudden changes… political structural change will not spare Germany. Simply wishing for it to vanish will not make it go away.”

We can expect future dramatic sudden changes in Germany. A charismatic powerful political leader will arise and surprise most people.

Interview with Germany’s Foreign Minister

On September 19, Bild Online conducted an interview with Germany’s foreign minister, Sigmar Gabriel. We are publishing the following comments by Herr Gabriel:

“‘North Korea’s dictator, Kim Jong-un, is not crazy at all. He is following a carefully developed strategy. He thinks that his regime will be safe if he has a nuclear bomb. Nobody will dare to threaten him… If North Korea achieves its aims, other states will follow its example and obtain nuclear weapons. Our children would then live in a very dangerous world…

“‘To this day, the CDU and Chancellor Merkel want to deliver a German arms factory to Saudi Arabia, where a quarter of a million German assault rifles could be produced. The same applies to tanks and other heavy weapons… Angela Merkel and the CDU/CSU hope to revive this arms deal after the federal election, together with the FDP…”

Such an arms deal with German weapons would indeed be appalling, as are all of these kinds of arms deals by every nation.

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.

To answer this question, we need to distinguish between recreational and medical marijuana. Much controversy exists in the USA and around the world, especially when it comes to legalizing marijuana either for recreational or medical purposes.

The Bible does not specifically mention marijuana but it gives us some principles that we can apply for guidance on this subject. We will show why recreational marijuana is not to be consumed by Christians under any circumstances, but why a different perspective might have to be considered in certain circumstances regarding the use of medical marijuana.

We will begin our discussion with a general overview over marijuana’s history.

History.com states:

“Marijuana, also known as cannabis or pot [also known as hemp], has a long history of human use. Most ancient cultures didn’t grow the plant to get high, but as herbal medicine [as well as for clothing, paper, sails and rope, and its seeds were used as food]… likely starting in Asia around 500 BC.

“The history of cannabis cultivation in America dates back to the early colonists, who grew hemp for textiles and rope. Political and racial factors in the 20th century led to the criminalization of marijuana in the United States, though its legal status is changing in many places.  The cannabis or hemp plant originally evolved in Central Asia before people introduced the plant into Africa, Europe, and eventually the Americas.

“In the early 1600s, the Virginia, Massachusetts, and Connecticut colonies required farmers to grow hemp. These early hemp plants had very low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical responsible for marijuana’s mind-altering effects…”

Focusing on the history of medical use, the Huffington Post wrote on May 25, 2011:

“History tells us that the medicinal properties of cannabis have been recognized for centuries. The medical use of marijuana is documented in Egyptian papyri dating back to 1,550 BCE. It was used in ancient India to treat insomnia, headaches and labor pains. And the ancient Greeks used cannabis for tapeworms, nosebleeds and ear infections.”

History.com continues to say:

“In the 1830s, Sir William Brooke O’Shaughnessy, an Irish doctor studying in India, found that cannabis extracts could help lessen stomach pain and vomiting in people suffering from cholera.

“By the late 1800s, cannabis extracts were sold in pharmacies and doctors’ offices throughout Europe and the United States to treat stomach problems and other ailments.

“… the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved two drugs with THC that are prescribed in pill form (Marinol and Syndros) to treat nausea caused by cancer chemotherapy and loss of appetite in AIDs patients.”

Addressing the history of recreational use, History.com states:

“Hashish (a purified form of cannabis smoked with a pipe) was widely used throughout the Middle East and parts of Asia after about 800 AD. Its rise in popularity corresponded with the spread of Islam in the region. The Quran forbid the use of alcohol and some other intoxicating substances, but did not specifically prohibit cannabis.

“In the United States, marijuana wasn’t widely used for recreational purposes until the early 1900s. Mexicans that immigrated to the United States during the tumultuous years of the Mexican Revolution introduced the recreational practice of smoking marijuana to American culture.

“Massive unemployment and social unrest during the Great Depression [resulted in] 29 states [outlawing] cannabis by 1931. The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was the first federal U.S. law to criminalize marijuana nationwide. The Act imposed an excise tax on the sale, possession or transfer of all hemp products, effectively criminalizing all but industrial uses of the plant…”

With this background, we are now going to address the hot topic of marijuana’s legalization.

History.com states:

“As part of the ‘War on Drugs,’ the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, signed into law by President Richard Nixon, repealed the Marijuana Tax Act and listed marijuana as a Schedule I drug—along with heroin, LSD and ecstasy—with no medical uses and a high potential for abuse…

“California, in the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, became the first state to legalize marijuana for medicinal use by people with severe or chronic illnesses. Twenty-nine states now allow the use of cannabis for limited medical purposes… Cannabis is still illegal under U.S. federal law…”

What makes marijuana such a controversial topic in the USA is the rather disturbing fact that the federal government still classifies it as a Class I controlled substance, which is illegal to possess, but over half the states in the U.S. have approved the prescribing of marijuana for medical purposes.  Many other countries around the world prescribe medical marijuana to some patients.

We need to point out that presently, this unique American conflict between federal law and state law has been addressed by President Obama in a directive and has not been revoked by President Trump, to the effect that the Department of Justice is not to prosecute people possessing and consuming marijuana in states where such practice is legal. The New York Times wrote on October 19, 2009:

“People who use marijuana for medical purposes and those who distribute it to them should not face federal prosecution, provided they act according to state law, the Justice Department said Monday in a directive with far-reaching political and legal implications.”

In addition, USA Today reported on August 29, 2013 about another directive, clarifying the previous one:

“… federal authorities still will prosecute individuals or entities involved in: The distribution of marijuana to minors; Directing revenue from marijuana sales to gangs and cartels; Diverting marijuana from states where it is legal to other states where there are no laws allowing for marijuana use; Using legal sales as cover for trafficking operations; Using violence and or firearms in marijuana cultivation and distribution; Driving under the influence of marijuana; Growing marijuana on public lands; Possessing marijuana or using on federal property.”

To obtain a better understanding of the different schedules and classes in federal law, we are quoting from verywell.com:

“Schedule I: [According to the federal law:] These are drugs that are the most easily abused but have no known, researched, medical application. They include heroin, LSD, marijuana, and ecstasy… these drugs may not be prescribed for any reason…

“Schedule II: [According to the federal law:]… Their use can lead to dependence, both physical and psychological. They include morphine, opium and opioids, methadone, oxycodone, and fentanyl.

“Schedule III: [According to federal law:] Drugs which may lead to high psychological dependence, but lower levels of actual physical dependence. Included in Schedule III are many of the combination pain relief drugs such as those which combine hydrocodone or codeine (Vicodin, Tylenol with Codeine).

“Schedule IV: [According to federal law:] [These] drugs have a low potential for abuse… and may include Xanax, Valium, and Restoril.

“Schedule V: [According to federal law:] These drugs may contain limited amounts of narcotics, and are considered to present a very low risk of abuse. Many cough medicines and antidiarrheals are listed in Schedule V such as Robitussin and Phenergan with Codeine.”

In reviewing these categories of classes, we must point out that many of these drugs listed above in Schedules II to V carry dangerous side effects which most certainly affect the body and mind and have led to many deaths due to overdosing and mixing medications, yet these prescription and “Over-the-Counter” [OTC] drugs are considered “legal” by the government and covered by (profit-making) insurance companies.

A 2014 mercola.com article, titled “The Benefits of Medical Cannabis,” explains:

“Many fail to realize that prescription drugs actually have FAR greater potential to turn you into ‘a junkie’ [than medical marijuana]. Legal drug addiction is also taking lives in record numbers. In the UK, one million people are addicted to over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription painkillers and tranquilizers…

“Pharmaceuticals in general are among the leading causes of death in the US, and some medicines have killed tens of thousands of individuals. The painkiller Vioxx is one classic example, which killed over 60,000 before being pulled off the market.

“The diabetes drug Avandia is another, and most recently, a study estimated that in a five-year span, some 800,000 people in Europe were killed from inappropriate use of beta-blockers in non-cardiac surgery patients…”

Whatever medicines one may take, God expects of us to be responsible, having done diligent research beforehand. Suffering and dying Church members were given morphine, which was prescribed by their doctors, to ease their pain, and the Church never felt that this would have been inappropriate or ungodly. Also, if one is in a hospital recovering from surgery or going through a lot of pain, one needs some relief, and morphine and dilaudid are the two most commonly used drugs.

In light of this, we will address now the medical benefits of marijuana.

In an article titled, “Medical Marijuana: The Pros and Cons of Legal Cannabis” by the Huffington Post, it was stated:

“The medicinal use of marijuana is well known to be of benefit in the treatment of nausea and other side effects from chemotherapy. It also helps improve the diminished appetite that patients undergoing cancer treatment can experience. It lowers intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients, decreases spasticity and other neurologic symptoms in multiple sclerosis…

“Its value in medical practice in allopathic, herbal and homeopathic forms is an open-and-shut case. Any resistance to its medical use from the mainstream medical community is likely to be a function of political expediency because to reject it on scientific grounds is just plain silly. When we consider that physicians legally prescribe powerful and addictive drugs like morphine, codeine, oxycodone (OxyContin) and hydromorphone (Dilaudid), to name just a few, it is hard to see the justification for outlawing medical cannabis.”

According to verywell.com:

“Marijuana is effective at relieving nausea and vomiting, especially caused by chemotherapy used to treat cancer.  It can relieve the spasticity of the muscles that is sometimes associated with multiple sclerosis and paralysis, help treat appetite loss associated with HIV/AIDS and certain types of cancers, relieve certain types of pain…”

The 2014 mercola.com article, titled “The Benefits of Medical Cannabis,” explains:

“A good candidate for medical cannabis are those suffering from various types of cancers, mood disorders, pain disorders, Degenerative neurological disorders such as dystonia, Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, PTSD, Seizure Disorders and also… nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, improving appetites for cancer and AIDs patients, reduction of pressure in the eyes, depression, cramps, panic attacks, itching, chronic pain, glaucoma (relief of eye pressure), HIV, rheumatoid arthritis, sleep apnea and Tourette’s syndrome.

“Research has found that, compared to other pain drugs, cannabis takes less of a toll on the liver, kidneys and possibly other organs.”

The Washington Post stated the following in an article in December of 2016, titled, “A powerful new form of medical marijuana, without the high”:

“What makes CBD [cannabidiol, an ingredient of marijuana] especially appealing is that it doesn’t get the user high… Its safety and lack of psychoactivity undermines any argument that it should be illegal… Studies have shown that CBD may have benefits in both heart disease and diabetes. One key area of CBD research is epilepsy… Patients receiving CBD in addition to their usual medicines had 39 percent fewer convulsive seizures than patients who remained on their normal drug regimen…

“German researchers showed in 2012 that giving CBD to schizophrenic patients reduced psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and disordered thinking. CBD seems to have anti-cancer properties, too. At the California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute in San Francisco, researchers Sean McAllister and Pierre Desprez have found that CBD can block cancer cells from metastasizing…”

In February of 2017, the website of endoca.com published this article, “CBD medical marijuana without the high”:

“The cannabinoid that is most famous, or perhaps infamous, is THC or… tetrahydrocannabinol, known for the high or euphoric effect it has… But THC is only one of the many cannabinoids. Not all of them share its psychoactive properties.

“THC is used to treat pain, loss of appetite, or wasting in cancer and HIV patients, nausea and many other conditions. Generally, breeders find that cannabis plants, or hybrids of the plant, contain inverse amounts of these two compounds. In other words, strains high in CBD will be low in THC, and strains high in THC will be low in CBD. What’s more, CBD naturally counteracts the psychoactive effects of THC…”

However, patients must be aware and responsible enough to know what they are taking for whatever condition they are suffering from. They ought to be under medical supervision, and medical marijuana, if at all, should be prescribed by a licensed doctor and experienced physician who specializes in medical marijuana. It should never be obtained by other means, as the next quote explains:

Consumerhealthdigest.com states in an article, entitled, “Pros and Cons Of Using Medical Marijuana”:

“Some street dealers have been known to lace their product with powerful drugs in order to enhance the high, or its inherent potency may be higher. According to Rehab Center Rankings, there is a discrepancy between the motivations of licensed medical practitioners and drug dealers which affect the buyer’s intended outcome.”

The discussion in this article regarding the potential use of medical marijuana does not apply to recreational marijuana. Just like with anything that we do, we need to be careful and also make sure that we don’t affect our godly character. Insofar as recreational marijuana is concerned, the Church of the Eternal God and its affiliates teach against it because there is no basis for it and its use can lead to emotional and psychological problems.

Consumerhealthdigest.com continues to state:

“… marijuana has a clear tendency to diminish motivation, blunt ambition and generally stunt normal emotional growth. While it can stimulate the mind it seems to interfere with emotional maturation in some individuals. It can also cause confusion and disorganized thought patterns…

“Marijuana is well known to be able to induce anxiety disorders, including panic attacks. More rarely, when used by the wrong individuals, it may serve as a trigger for psychotic states, including schizophrenia.  The problem with recreational use is that it usually happens in uncontrolled situations with no serious purposeful agenda other than to get ‘high.’”

When we apply biblical principles to the use of recreational marijuana, we need to keep these Scriptures in mind:

We are to glorify God in body and spirit and we shouldn’t intentionally do things that hurt our bodies, as recreational marijuana might do (1 Corinthians 6:12-20).

We need to be sober minded, and recreational marijuana may affect our minds (1 Peter 5:8-9).

We need to discipline our bodies and keep them under control (1 Corinthians 9:27).

However, when addressing medical marijuana and its undeniable benefits, a different picture might emerge. Ultimately, as is the case with ANY medication, it is an individual decision. The Church does not take any position on the particular use of any medication, and neither endorses nor rejects it, but biblical principles should be kept in mind.

Obviously, no medication should be used which is clearly detrimental to our health, or which hurts our bodies and our minds. In the case of medical marijuana, the complicating factor emerges in the USA that it is legal in some states, while still illegal, rightly or wrongly, under federal law, and that Christians are to be subject to the law of the land, while obeying God rather than man (who wants all of us to be healthy and of a sound mind). This requires an individual decision, considering the fact that under President Obama’s directive to the DOJ, medical marijuana users are not to be prosecuted by the feds, if certain conditions are met.

Generally, we read in Genesis 1:29 that God created herbs, which are good for food and, in some cases, for medicine, and our free booklet, “Sickness and Healing… What the Bible Tells Us,” gives further examples of healing medicines in the chapter, “What about Medicines?”, beginning on page 13.

We know that God created everything but we also need to be wise in discerning the use of something made by God. Some uses of various products do not involve ingestion. God created poisonous mushrooms but we know that they are deadly as food. The same is true for the prohibited consumption of the meat of unclean animals. God created various natural plants that can be used as food, material and also as medicine. It is the individual’s decision as to what to use.

Lead Writers: Michael Link and Norbert Link

compiled by Dave Harris

“Will the UN Prevent World War III?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

On September 19, 2017, President Trump addressed the UN and placed it on notice as to what the USA is prepared to do if the UN does not succeed. From its inception, the UN has been a failed body of competitive hostile nations. Listen to the report of an accredited journalist who attended the UN’s first conference in April of 1945 in San Francisco, and judge for yourself whether matters have greatly improved since then. The truth is, no human body will prevent World War III, but ultimately man will experience enduring peace. This program shows you why and how.

“Das Posaunenfest 2017–Missverständnisse über die Auferstehung und das Heil,” is the title of the German sermon given on the Feast of Trumpets and presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “The Feast of Trumpets 2017–Misunderstandings regarding the Resurrection and Salvation.”

“Was für Himmlische Zeichen?,” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Norbert Link.

Title in English: “What Heavenly Signs?”

The new German promo video ad for Angels, demons and the Spirit World has been posted on the Internet.

Our German sermon about the future of America and Europe (“Was demnächst in Europa und Amerika geschieht!”) has received so far over 100,500 view.

“The Time Has Come To…” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is a summary:

We live in an age of uncertainty. From one day to the next we do not know what is going to happen. But as Christians we can be fairly certain of the things that we need to accomplish on a regular basis. The time for us to accomplish things is upon us. We need to be “about our Father’s business” now more than ever. What are we busy trying to accomplish? And how can we know that we are succeeding?

Here are the dates for the remaining 2017 Fall Holy Days:

Day of Atonement—September 30
Feast of Tabernacles—October 5-11
Last Great Day—October 12

On September 16, 2017, Norbert Link will present the sermonette, titled, “Just the Beginning,” and Kalon Mitchell will present the sermon, titled, “The Time Has Come To…”

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.

PLEASE NOTE:

On Thursday, September 21, 2017, the Feast of Trumpets, we will broadcast two live services. For the morning (10:00 am Pacific Time), Eric Rank will present the sermonette, titled, “Will Jesus Christ Return?” and Dave Harris will present the sermon, titled, “And There Will Be Signs.” In the afternoon  (2:30 pm Pacific Time), Kalon Mitchell will present the Offertory, and Norbert Link will present the sermon, titled, “Misunderstandings Regarding the Resurrection and Salvation.”

Should it come as a surprise when we go through trials, especially prior to the Feast of Tabernacles?  Sometimes we may experience “heavier” trials, perhaps having the feeling of being alone, that there is nobody out there who can help or comfort us.  It’s quite normal to have that feeling at times but we need to understand that EVERYONE goes through trials and EVERYONE suffers in their own way.  We go through trials for the purpose of our individual course towards perfection.

These particular tests affect each and every one of us.  Not all trials are the same for each of us.   Our responses and reactions, our strength and our faith are always being tested.  Do we pray to God when we are facing difficulties, asking Him to give us strength through His Holy Spirit?  Or is it in the back of our minds, not valued as important enough?  Is prayer just something we do when we have the time for it, when it’s convenient, sometimes even forgetting to pray altogether?  Do NOT neglect the power of prayer for anything, because, as Paul says in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

But we are human and we still think like humans, process thoughts by using our carnal minds, and at times give in to sin.   We can quickly change that way of thinking because we have something the people of this world don’t have who have not been called by God. We have the power of the Holy Spirit that we received during our baptism! God’s Holy Spirit helps us distinguish between right and wrong, which is why it is important to pray to God to grant us more of His Spirit when we are going through difficulties, and why it is so important to replenish it daily.

We shouldn’t be afraid when we go through trials, but it’s never a bad thing to ask ourselves why we may be going through certain trials.  Isaiah 41:10 tells us, “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”  And 2 Timothy 1:7 continues on saying, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

David understood this, and he also faced many difficult trials. He pleaded with God with fasting and prayer and knew that he had to change.  He was not too proud to admit that he sinned when he recognized it and bitterly repented. He was still punished, but God accepted his repentance and he was forgiven.  After all, he was a man after God’s own heart.  His heart was in the right place.  He loved God’s law and he received strength from God.  He didn’t have anything to fear since his absolute faith was in God (compare Psalms 27:1; 118:6).

Our trials may be different from other’s trials, but we all go through trials for we are ALL being tested.  And that is why we pray for and comfort one another, because we are never alone.  It’s a unified effort!

Just as our beliefs and what we preach is unified, we then are to speak the same thing, agree that there are no divisions, be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10).  We need to be of one mind (1 Peter 3:8).  Romans 12:16 adds that we need to be of the same mind toward one another and not be wise in our own opinion.  If we think that we can make it on our own, saying that we don’t need the church or the ministry, don’t need to keep God’s law and just do what we believe is correct in our own eyes, we will fail.  Where do we put our trust?  Proverbs 3:5-6 gives us the answer.  Yes, God will direct our paths, but God also provides help because we are not alone.  Who can understand the Bible without direction, explanation and guidance? God provides help for the purpose of teaching (compare Ephesians 4:11-13; Acts 20:28).  We are to be helped by the ministry because we have a work to do.  But we need to be of one mind.  How can two walk together unless they are agreed? (Amos 3:3).

To be truly unified we also must have humility (Philippians 2:1-8), we must have peace (Ephesians 4:3) and we must have love, which is the bond of perfection (Colossians 3:14).  Are we doing enough?

We ALL go through various trials.  Through unity of like mind, we receive strength and comfort from God and our brethren (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). We must allow God to help us when we go through difficult times. We must not take Him for granted nor His Church nor all the things that He has given us. Rather, we need to really think about what His purpose is for us.  Why are we here? What are we commissioned to do?  We ALL have a part—individually and as a whole.

by Norbert Link

We begin this issue with the commemoration of one of the greatest man-made disasters in American history—the terrorist attack of September 11—and continue with so-called “natural” disasters of earthquakes in Mexico and hurricanes striking the Caribbean and the US mainland, while addressing the question as to whether these hurricanes were indeed caused by man-made global warming or climate change or whether they may have some meaning regarding prophesied end-time events.

We report on North Korea’s nuclear tests and on some strong convictions regarding abortion and less convicted opinions regarding evolution; and speak on the domination within the EU parliament; a call for a stronger Europe; and Sweden’s preparations for war.

We conclude with Russia’s ongoing persecution of minority Christians [in this regard, please view our StandingWatch program from May 17, 2017, “Russia’s Persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses”,] and address an alleged find of Peter’s bones in Rome.

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

Remembering 9-11

Fox News reported in September 11:

“President Trump commemorated the Sept. 11 attacks for the first time as commander-in-chief on Monday… sharing words of strength on the 16th anniversary of that tragic day… The president, a New Yorker, was joined by first lady Melania Trump to observe a moment of silence first at the White House in remembrance of the nearly 3,000 American lives lost in the attacks — when hijackers led by Usama Bin Laden crashed airplanes into New York City’s World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field near Shanksville, Pa.

“The moment of silence at 8:45 a.m. commemorates the moment the first plane, American Flight 11, struck the north tower of the World Trade Center. The second plane, United Flight 175, struck the south Twin Tower at 9:03 a.m. 16 years ago…

“Trump went on to honor the ‘nearly 5 million’ men and women who have joined the ranks in the last 16 years to defend the United States of America. Since 9/11, nearly 7,000 service members have died. The president’s remarks come after the administration announced a renewed Afghanistan policy late last month. A senior U.S. official confirmed to Fox News that the president signed off on sending an additional 4,000 troops to Afghanistan…

“Meanwhile, Vice President Pence led the ceremony in Shanksville, where Flight 93 crashed into an open field at 10:03 a.m. 16 years ago. Many believe the passengers on that flight prevented a larger attack by fighting back…”

Incredibly, while totally denying overwhelming proof to the contrary, many still believe in conspiracy theories, claiming that the terrorist attack was an “inside” job.

Supreme Court Sides With Trump

The Week wrote on September 13:

“The Supreme Court on Tuesday blocked a federal appeals court ruling issued last week that would have let refugees with support from resettlement agencies enter the U.S., despite President Trump’s travel ban. About 24,000 people could be affected by the 5-4 ruling, which was issued without comment.”

Hurricane Irma Hits Florida

Fox News wrote on September 11:

“Irma weakened to a Category 1 storm as the massive hurricane zeroed in on the Tampa Bay region early Monday after hammering much of Florida with roof-ripping winds, gushing floodwaters and widespread power outages. The hurricane’s maximum sustained winds weakened to 85 mph…

“More than [6] million homes and businesses — and counting — have lost power in Florida as Hurricane Irma moves up the peninsula…

“Irma set all sorts of records for brute strength before crashing into Florida, flattening islands in the Caribbean and swamping the Florida Keys. It finally hit the mainland as a big wide beast, but not quite as monstrous as once feared. The once-Category 5 storm lost some of its power on the northern Cuba coast.”

The Week added on September 11:

“‘It’s the worst storm I’ve ever seen,’ National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration tropical weather program meteorologist Bill South told CNN.”

Thankfully, the hurricane lost some strength before hitting the US mainland. Otherwise, the devastation would have been much worse. We DO believe that the prayers of many asking God for intervention were heard.

The Week wrote on September 13:

“Days after Hurricane Irma made landfall in Florida, the state is starting to assess the damage and begin recovery efforts. On Tuesday, 2.3 million customers regained power, though millions remain without it. In the Keys, where 25 percent of homes were destroyed in devastating 130 mph winds and a 10-foot storm surge, residents are being allowed to return. An estimated 94,000 people remain in Florida shelters.”

Big Earthquake Rattles Mexico

Reuters wrote on September 7:

“At least 32 people [but the death toll is expected to be at least 80] were killed after a massive 8.1 magnitude earthquake, one of the biggest recorded in Mexico [and the biggest within a century] struck off the country’s southern coast late on Thursday… The quake was apparently stronger than a devastating 1985 temblor that flattened swathes of Mexico City…”

The quake struck as Mexicans were preparing for hurricane Katia.

Global Warming Responsible?

The Huffington Post wrote on September 8:

“There’s a bit of an apocalyptic vibe in the air… it has been alarming to watch hurricanes Harvey and Irma strike land in rapid succession. Now José, a Category 4 storm and Katia, a Category 3 storm, are not far behind.

“Harvey created unprecedented flooding in Texas, and Irma is the most powerful tropical cyclone ever to take shape in the Atlantic Ocean. The French island of St. Martin has been 95 percent destroyed…

“Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo declared on Thursday that Irma is a ‘concrete manifestation’ of global warming… But the connection between climate change and hurricanes is complicated, with several separate questions to consider. Is climate change causing more hurricanes?…

“To see what science has to say, HuffPost France interviewed Robert Vautard, a climatologist with France’s National Center for Scientific Research who specializes in the relationship between extreme events and climate change: … ‘it’s hard for the models to predict how rising temperatures will specifically affect storms… there are a lot of uncertainties… predictions can’t be relied upon at this point…’

“In short, even if scientists aren’t sure about the number and potency of future tropical storms, they are fairly certain these storms will cause more damage…

“Harvey caused historic flooding in Texas. Is this proof that global warming is already making hurricanes worse?… [Vautard:] ‘It’s too early to say…’”

Others, like Pope Francis, bowing to the god of “science,” are convinced that man-made global warming is the answer, and in voicing that unproven opinion, they deny any supernatural involvement. Note the next article.

Apocalyptic Thoughts Amid Nature’s Chaos

The New York Times wrote on September 8:

“Vicious hurricanes all in a row… Wildfires bursting out all over the West… off the coast of Mexico, a monster of an earthquake.

“You could be forgiven for thinking apocalyptic thoughts, like the science fiction writer John Scalzi who… declared that this… ‘feels like the End Times are getting in a few dress rehearsals right about now’… And just last month darkness descended on the land as the moon erased the sun…

“If you thought that, you would be wrong, of course… Spates of hurricanes, even major ones, are common in late summer and early fall, the height of hurricane season. Especially destructive hurricanes are not unknown either, and climate change may be making more of them…

“Wildfires have been happening out West for millenniums, though humans have made things worse. Climate change plays a role here, too…

“And earthquakes — they happen all the time, and the numbers of quakes, from weak to powerful, is unwavering when averaged over time. There is roughly one ‘great’ quake, of magnitude 8 or higher, per year. Mexico was the unlucky winner this time…

“In deeply religious communities, the recent sequence of catastrophic events and threats — terror and nuclear weapon tests, as well as natural disasters — can be understood more easily through prophecy than logic.

“Richard Hecht, a professor of religious studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, said that many believers could indeed see this chaotic summer as a sign of the end of times. ‘End of times fantasies have been a central part of American religiosity since the beginning, so it shouldn’t be any surprise’ if many people sense its approach, Dr. Hecht said. ‘It’s one thing to believe the ministers’ or preachers’ calculations of the end of days. But now you have objective truths: Charlottesville, the solar eclipse, Hurricane Harvey, the earthquake in Mexico, Hurricane Irma. ‘These are events no one can dispute,’ he continued…”

The eclipse had nothing to do with any end-time “signs.” However, it would be foolish to just ignore the increasing natural disasters as just “bad luck.” Please view our StandingWatch programs, “Why Unprecedented Wildfires” and “False Endtime Predictions for 2017” .

North Korea’s Nuclear Test Much More Powerful than Originally Reported

The Huffington Post reported on September 13:

“New analysis of North Korea’s Sept. 3 nuclear test ― the regime’s sixth-ever and most powerful to date ― suggests it could have been twice as strong as previously thought.

“Initial estimates had put the blast’s yield at about 120 kilotons, but updated seismic data reveals it was likely around 250 kilotons ― approximately 17 times as powerful as the bomb used to decimate the Japanese city of Hiroshima during World War II…

“The United Nations Security Council approved fresh sanctions against Pyongyang in a unanimous vote on Monday, slashing the cap on crude and refined oil exports to the country by 30 percent. The sanctions also ban textile imports from North Korea ― a vital industry in the Hermit Kingdom. North Korea responded to the ‘vicious’ sanctions by vowing to inflict ‘the greatest pain’ the U.S. has ever suffered…”

The Daily Mail wrote on September 14:

“North Korea launches ANOTHER missile over Japan in the Pacific as regime taunts the world – and this time Seoul swiftly retaliates with its own test.”

Deutsche Welle added on September 14:

“This latest provocation came a day after the North threatened to destroy Japan.”

No Gay Marriage and Abortion Even in Case of Rape

The Daily Mail wrote on September 6:

“Jacob-Rees Mogg said his devout Catholic faith meant he could not support gay marriage. A potential candidate to replace Theresa May as Tory leader faced a furious backlash today after saying he ‘morally’ opposes abortion for women who have been raped… ‘I’m completely opposed to abortion. Life begins at the point of conception,’ he said…

“The teaching of the Roman Catholic Church on abortion has been consistent for nearly 2,000 years. It has always maintained that abortion is a grave sin comparable to murder… The Church regards rape as an evil crime inflicted on an innocent victim. However, in Catholic eyes, to follow rape with an abortion is to perpetrate a second crime against another innocent victim: the unborn child… Those who undergo or procure abortion suffer excommunication – a ban from attending church and receiving sacraments…”

Abortion is a sin, no matter what the circumstances. Please view some of our older StandingWatch programs on this topic, including, “When Is Abortion Allowed? and “Abortion… Right or Wrong?” and “Why Abortion Is Murder in God’s Eyes.” 

Brits and Canadians Uncertain about Evolution

Religion News Service wrote on September 7:

“According to a new survey published this week, the majority of Britons, including adherents of the major faiths, now accept evolutionary theory. Even so, 19 percent of religious people in Briton (and 29 percent in Canada) found it somewhat difficult, difficult or very difficult to accept evolutionary science.

“… significant numbers of British people without religious beliefs and even atheists do not find that evolution provides a satisfactory explanation for the development of human consciousness and the origins of what can be called spiritual aspects of human nature… Those surveyed included Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs.”

Even though the majority of Brits and Canadians believe in the ungodly concept of evolution, there are at least some who question what must be called the most ridiculous explanation for the existence of human life.

Who Dominates the EU Parliament?

The EUObserver wrote on September 11:

“MEPs from Germany and Italy continue to exercise the most influence in the European Parliament, while the British begin to slip in a ranking compiled by an NGO… The more obvious heavy-hitters still dominate with the EU parliament’s president, Antonio Tajani, ranking in first place. Italian socialist group leader Gianni Pittella and German centre-right group leader Manfred Weber share the second spot, followed by the liberal group leader, Belgian MEP Guy Verhofstadt…

“Despite having lost Martin Schulz, the former EU parliament president, the Germans still dominate – with large delegations in both the EPP and S&D groups. Their numbers mean they are able to jockey for key positions and take the lead, or so-called rapporteur positions, on policies floated by the European Commission. German MEPs chair five committees in the parliament.

“The Italians are also able to squeeze more influence than their French counterparts. Italians have the largest delegation in the S&D, but also manage to exert pressure in fringe groups…

“While the British may have dropped influence, given their eventual exit from the European Union, there are exceptions. Among them is Claude Moraes, a socialist MEP from the UK, who chairs the parliament’s civil liberties committee. Moraes ranks sixth in the list…”

It should come as no surprise that the Germans, the Italians and also (to some extent) the French are dominating the European Parliament.

A Stronger European Super-State

The EUObserver wrote on September 13:

“European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker… has argued for a more united and effective EU that is based on freedom, equality and the rule of law, and signalled that he wants all EU countries to become full eurozone and Schengen area members by 2019 – except those with opt-outs. He described a post-Brexit EU with all member states part of the banking union… He also wants to see the EU take on a stronger role internationally…

“One of his other key ideas is to merge the presidencies of the European Commission and the European Council into a single position, in order to have one clear leader of the EU. ‘Europe would be easier to understand if one captain was steering the ship,’ he argued.”

Juncker’s vision is partly right and partly wrong. While there WILL BE a European leader steering the ship, it will still be a Europe of two speeds…

The British mass tabloid, The Sun, wrote on September 14:

“ARROGANT Euro chief Jean Claude Juncker told Britain we’ll regret Brexit – before detailing his extraordinary vision of a Brussels-controlled EU super-state… [He] left critical MEPs open mouthed as he spelled out plans for an unprecedented power grab to ‘unite’ Europe…

“He signalled Brussels should… create a European ‘FBI’ and an EU Army by 2025… And while saying the door to Turkey joining the EU was closed ‘for the foreseeable future’ he said there would ‘always be an outstretched hand’ to the Turkish people…

“[He] said: ‘Europe was not made to stand still. It must never do.’… Name-checking France’s Jacques Delors – the godfather of the European project – he added: ‘Jacques Delors taught me that Europe only moves forward when it is bold.

“The single market, Schengen and the single currency were all written off as pipe dreams before they happened. And yet these three ambitious projects are now a reality.”

“He added: ‘The wind is back in Europe’s sails. We now have a window of opportunity but it will not stay open forever. ‘Now is the time to build a more united, stronger and more democratic Europe for 2025.’

“Former Cabinet Minister Iain Duncan Smith told the Sun: ‘This tells you why the vote last year makes sense… ‘It’s the future of the EU – the march of the super-state.’…

“Nigel Farage said:  ‘… It’s truly the most worrying speech I’ve heard in all my years. More Europe in every single direction, and all of it to be done without the consent of the people.’”

The following is the perspective of the World Socialist Website (wsws), dated September 14:

“[Juncker’s] address sent a clear message: amid the collapse of the EU’s relations to long-standing allies, above all Washington and London, it must prepare for global trade war and pursue a military policy independent of the United States…

“Juncker [called] for the accelerated formation of what would be an EU army… Juncker’s claim that NATO, including Washington and London, want the formation of an EU defense union is nothing more than an attempt to downplay the rapid rise of [a] US-EU conflict… military tensions are rising rapidly between Washington and the EU, and particularly the Berlin-Paris axis…

“After Britain’s exit from the EU… Germany and France have rapidly revived plans for an aggressive EU military policy independent of the United States…

“Remarkably, Juncker’s speech did not mention Russia…”

The viewpoint of the Socialists must be seen in light of their anti-Western propaganda and their attempts to white-wash an aggressive and war-mongering Russia. Nevertheless, some of the comments quoted above are quite interesting.

Sweden Prepares for War

Euronews reported on September 4:

“When Sweden’s centre-left government announced last month that it would boost military spending by 8.1 billion krona (851 million Euro) over the next three years – in addition to the 500 million krona already added last Spring – the country’s defence minister Peter Hultqvist said the move would send an ‘important signal’… Another sign of that intention was the reintroduction… of a partial draft…

“Why, then, is Sweden flexing its military muscles now and what, if any, are the new threats that the Scandinavian nation faces? There are three main explanations behind the boost in military spending… First, the deteriorating European security order, second a new pattern of military training emerging in Russia, and third the fact that the Swedish Armed Forces do not have sufficient funds to meet their own goals…

“Sweden could be pulled into a military conflict should one erupt in its neighbouring region… While Sweden is not a Nato member, the country actively cooperates with the US-led military alliance in peace and security operations. This month also marks the first stage of Sweden’s largest joint military drill with Nato in 20 years… “If a major crisis happens, Sweden will find itself in a tricky situation. The super powers will decide then.’”

All of this shows the need—in the European mind—for a powerful European army.

Russian Persecution of Christians Continuing…

Christian Headlines wrote on September 8:

“Concerns among Russian Christians that the government’s antiterrorism legislation, adopted last year, would take away their religious freedom have been proven true.

“The Yarovaya Laws, named for the lawmaker who sponsored them, ban proselytizing, preaching, and praying outside recognized religious institutions. Forum 18 counted 186 cases filed since enforcement began, with roughly half the charges against various Christian denominations and individuals or Christian-affiliated organizations. Officials later dismissed only about 20 percent of the cases. Punishments ranged from fines and confiscation of materials to orders for deportation.

“Since July 2016, authorities have prosecuted Christian churches and individuals for announcing an upcoming service, conducting home prayer meetings, distributing religious calendars, failure to fully display a church name, and organizing a concert.

“In one of the first cases against a Christian, officials in Noyabrsk charged Baptist Union Pastor Aleksei Teleus for allowing children to play on the playground outside his church, where they might overhear sermons and prayers or gain access to religious literature. Officials called it an ‘unsanctioned children’s camp’ and fined the pastor 5,000 roubles (about $85).

“Independent Baptist missionary Don Ossewaarde became the first American prosecuted under the law for holding a worship service in his home. Courts up to and including Russia’s Constitutional Court, the country’s highest, ruled against his multiple appeals.

“Authorities also targeted members of other religions, including Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hare Krishnas, and Jehovah’s Witnesses. In the most extreme example of persecution under the law, Russian officials labeled Jehovah’s Witnesses “extremists,” liquidated their property, and banned them entirely.”

We have continually warned that the persecution of religious minorities in Russia will continue, while the West stands idly by, doing absolutely nothing.

“Bones of Peter Found?” – Yeah, Right!

The Telegraph wrote on September 11:

“Bones attributed to St. Peter have been found by chance in a church in Rome during routine restoration work, 2,000 years after the apostle’s death. The relics of the saint, who is regarded as the first Pope, were found in clay pots in the 1,000-year-old Church of Santa Maria in Cappella in the district of Trastevere, a medieval warren of cobbled lanes on the banks of the Tiber River…

“[A worker] came across two Roman-era pots with inscriptions on their lids indicating that inside were not only bone fragments from St Peter but also three early popes – Cornelius, Callixtus and Felix – as well as four early Christian martyrs…

“It is not yet known how or why the relics came to be interred in the Church of Santa Maria in Cappella, which was consecrated in 1090. One theory is that they were transferred there from the Vatican by Pope Urban II at a time of schism within the Catholic Church.

“While Urban was generally recognised as the legitimate pope, he faced a challenge from an anti-pope, Clement III, who had set up a rival power base in Rome, backed by the Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV.  The church in Trastevere was closely linked to Pope Urban and may have been seen by him as a secure place in which to hide the bones…

“[Peter’s] remains were interred in a tomb on the Vatican Hill, where the Emperor Constantine later built a church, which in the 16th century was replaced by the current imposing basilica. During excavations under St Peter’s Basilica that began after the Second World War, archaeologists discovered a funerary monument with a casket built in honour of Peter and an engraving in Greek that read ‘Petros eni’, or ‘Peter is here’…

“The remains were forensically examined in the 1960s, with experts concluding that they belonged to a man in his early sixties who lived in the first century AD. That was proof enough for Pope Paul VI, in 1968, to declare them the bones of St Peter…”

So, now there are remains of Peter on the Vatican Hill AND in the church of Santa Maria? Of course, the whole idea that Peter was killed and buried in Rome and that his remains are still there is absolutely false and a complete hoax. For more information, please read our free booklet, “The Ten European Revivals of the ancient Roman Empire.”

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.

A: We discussed in a previous Q&A that Satan cannot influence us when we sleep, and we explained in a recent sermon that there are several areas of conduct, which Satan is unable to perform. Apart from his inability to influence us when we sleep, we showed that he cannot materialize in bodily form; that he cannot heal or create; and that he cannot do anything against God’s Will. We also explained that he has no power over us and that he must flee from us when we resist him and submit to God.

The question arises whether Satan and his demons are capable of reading our minds, and whether they can know what we think. Most Christian commentaries and articles take the position that they are unable to do so. However, when focusing on Christianity, as far as we can tell, an obscure sect in the Middle Ages, the “decretists,” seemed to have been the first ones to teach that demons cannot read our minds. It does not appear that this question was seriously addressed within Christianity prior to that time.

We will review the Bible to show what we can learn from Scripture. But as we will see, the distinction is more academic than of practical consequence.

The main argument for the conclusion that Satan CANNOT read our minds is an argument from silence—that is, the Bible does not seem to say specifically that he can do so. That argument is collaborated with many biblical passages to the effect that GOD can read our minds and that He knows our thoughts, and that ONLY God can do so.

First, let us focus on Old Testament Scriptures regarding God’s ability to read our thoughts:

We read in Psalm 139:1-2: “O LORD, You have searched me and known me, You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off.” The NIV states: “…you perceive my thoughts from afar.” The Living Bible says, “you know my very thought.”

Psalm 139:4 continues: “For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.” Most translations render this verse in this way: “Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD” (NIV, compare RSV and Living Bible). [This translation reminds us of what Christ tells us in Matthew 6:8: “For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”]

We also read in Psalm 94:11: “The LORD knows the thoughts of man, That they are futile.”

1 Samuel 16:7 says that while a man may look at the outward appearance, the LORD looks at the heart. In 1 Kings 8:39 King Solomon says to God: “You alone know the hearts of all the sons of men.” Psalm 44:21 adds: “Would not God search this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart.” Isaiah 66:18 quotes God as saying, “I know their works and their thoughts.” And Job says this to God in Job 42:2: “I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee” (Authorized Version).

At the same time, we read in Proverbs 17:3 that the LORD “tests the hearts”; and this statement is repeated in 1 Chronicles 29:17. We also read in Jeremiah 17:10 that “the LORD searches the heart and tests the mind.” Proverbs 21:2 states that “the LORD weighs the heart.” In Proverbs 24:12, we read: “If you say, ‘Surely we did not know this,’ Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it?”

In Psalm 139:23, David asks God to search him and “know” his heart.

While God searches our hearts and considers our thoughts, this does not mean that He knows ahead of time what we will think or do in a given situation. Note the following comments by Moses about God, when he told ancient Israel: “And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not” (Deuteronomy 8:2).

He also said in Deuteronomy 13:1-3: “If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other gods’—which you have not known—‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the LORD your God is testing you to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul…”

God can look into our hearts (compare Deuteronomy 31:21: “I know the purposes which they are already forming”, RSV), but IF God knew beforehand at all times what all of our thoughts would be, then there would be no need for testing us to find out. God created us as beings with free moral agency, and He wants us to build holy righteous character, which requires free choice and the free will to obey God. Therefore, God has chosen NOT to know many times how we will react when we are tested.

God would not give Satan powers and insight, which He, God, does not even want to have—showing that Satan does not have the ability to know beforehand what we will do.

In reviewing New Testament passages regarding the Father’s and Jesus Christ’s ability to know our thoughts and read our minds, we find that Jesus, as a human being, knew the thoughts of people through the inspiration of the Father’s Holy Spirit in Him (Matthew 9:3-4; 12:25; Mark 2:6-8; Luke 5:21-22; 6:8; 9:47; 11:17).

We also find that Jesus, as a resurrected God being, has the ability to discern and know the thoughts of people (Luke 24:38; Hebrews 4:12-13; Revelation 2:23).

The Bible also makes it very clear that God the Father knows our thoughts (Luke 16:15; compare 1 Corinthians 3:20). In Acts 1:24, the disciples prayed to the Father to reveal to them who should take the place of Judas Iscariot: “You, O LORD, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen.” In Acts 15:8, Peter said that God “who knows the heart,” accepted Gentiles into the Church by giving them the Holy Spirit.

The New Testament confirms, what we have already seen in Old Testament passages, that God the Father and God the Son search our hearts and test us to find out how we really feel (Romans 8:27; 1 Thessalonians 2:4).

God will at the proper time make manifest and reveal the innermost thoughts and counsels or motives of our hearts (1 Corinthians 4:5; Luke 2:35). While our hearts might condemn us because of wrongly understood guilt complexes, God is greater than our hearts and knows all things (1 John 3:20). At the same time, we can deceive our hearts, but not God (James 1:26).

The realization that God knows our thoughts has great significance for our relationship with God. After all, we do not only sin when we commit a sinful act, but also, when we think a sinful thought. Christ said that we have already committed adultery in our heart when we lust after a woman (Matthew 5:28). The Tenth Commandment prohibits us to covet what our neighbor has, and evil thoughts and desires originate in our heart (Matthew 15:18-19). Peter told Simon to repent of his wickedness and pray to God “if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you” (Acts 8:22). It is therefore important to bring “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Comparing God’s abilities with Satan’s, we see remarkable differences. But it is important not to jump hastily to conclusions, which many commentaries have done. For instance, we might read about the argument that the fact that Satan tempted Christ proves that Satan could not read Christ’s thoughts—otherwise, Satan would have known that Christ would not give in to sin. The same argument has been made regarding Job’s temptation—that Satan did not know Job’s thoughts because he thought Job would curse God. These arguments would be as wrong as to say that the fact that God tests us proves that God cannot read our thoughts. These temptations and trials have nothing to do with the ability or inability to know the thoughts of men; rather, God’s and Satan’s tests and trials are for the purpose of finding out how man will act and react—while Satan tempts us, hoping that we will sin, God tests us, hoping that we will not sin.

On the other hand, Satan does not even need to be able to read our thoughts to have a pretty good idea and to make a well-educated guess as to what we may think and how we will act. If we are in the habit of sinning in a specific area, his particular temptations will, in all likelihood, lead to further sins in that area; he observes us, including our weaknesses, and knows what we like to do; what we like to talk about; what we like to read, watch or listen to. Our facial expression and body language give him a good sense as to what we think, and what our next action might be. Satan and his demons are watching us very closely; they observe our actions and they hear what we say.

In addition, as the prince of the power of the air, Satan can broadcast his negative and destructive thoughts to human beings (Ephesians 2:2). He moved David to sin (1 Chronicles 21:1); and he put it into the heart of Judas to betray Christ (John 13:2). He also filled the heart of Ananias to lie against God (Acts 5:3). Satan can blind our minds to the truth (2 Corinthians 4:4). He can even take away the Word of God out of our hearts which was sown in our hearts (Matthew 13:19; Luke 8:12).

While Satan can hear us when we yell, scream and voice our frustration, it appears he might not be able to read our thoughts (unless they are “revealed” through our body language, facial expression or other “outward” signs). It is therefore important to follow David’s advice in Psalm 4:4: “Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still” (also compare Psalm 77:6). At the same time, it is much more important to realize that even though Satan may not be able to read our minds, God can, and whether or not we express audibly our improper thoughts, Ecclesiastes 10:20 warns us: “Do not curse the king, even in your thought; Do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom; For a bird of the air may carry your voice, And a bird in flight may tell the matter.”

Still, in ways tremendously difficult, if not impossible to understand by the human mind, God has set in motion a way of direct communication between Him and His people to reveal matters to His Church, which He has withheld from angels and demons, until the Church reveals it to them (showing that they cannot read the minds and thoughts of God or of people).

We read in 1 Peter 1:10-12:

“Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, reaching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ [which] was in them was indicating when [it] testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.”

Ephesians 3:8-10 adds:

“To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places.”

There is one most compelling Scripture relating an incident when Satan and his demons were NOT able to read the thoughts of a man. This passage can be found in the second chapter of the book of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar had dreams, which troubled him, and he asked the magicians, the astrologers, the sorcerers and the Chaldeans to tell him one of his dreams and its meaning, testing them, because if he were to tell them his dream, they could have come up with any interpretation of their own devising. They were unable to tell the king his dream, even though they were clearly Satan’s instruments and perhaps demon-possessed.

The king was enraged and ordered the execution of all the wise men of Babylon. God revealed the dream and its meaning to Daniel, and so Daniel was brought before the king to tell him his dream and the interpretation thereof, stating, “The secret which the king has demanded, the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians and the soothsayers cannot declare to the king. But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days” (Daniel 2:27-28). Surely, IF Satan and his demons had been able to read Nebuchadnezzar’s thoughts, they would have been able, through their human sorcerers, to reveal the dream to the king, even though they would still not have been able to reveal the meaning of it.

While Satan and his demons may not be able to read our thoughts, they are very able to observe us and notice our words, actions and reactions.  More importantly, God can even read our minds. Nothing is hidden from Him, and it is critical that we are aware of THAT fact at all times.

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

compiled by Dave Harris

A new StandingWatch video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=my4nevowuD0 , promoting our free booklet, “Angels, Demons, and the Spirit World,” was produced by Michael Link on behalf of the Church of the Eternal God.

Our new booklet, “How to Find the True Church of God,” was received from our printer. It will be distributed to Feast attendees in the USA and sent out after the Feast to our subscribers. The German version of this booklet http://www.ewigengottes.de/2017/09/09/wie-kann-man-die-wahre-kirche-gottes-fInden is being printed and will be distributed to Feast attendees in Germany and sent out after the Feast to our subscribers.

 “La Sentinelle: Dieu est une Famille,” is the title of a new French video presented by Pastor Rene Messier. This is based on the booklet, “God is a Family,” which is posted at:  https://www.eternalgod.org/articles-francais/

“Is That in the Bible? Man’s Holidays or God’s Holy Days,” is the title of a new Global Trailer, presented by Pastor Brian Gale. This is based on our booklet by the same name, which is available at: http://www.globalchurchofgod.co.uk/

We received the following response regarding a recent Q&A, titled, “How is Faith Measured?”

“Your article on faith by Eric Rank and Norbert Link is truly the best article on faith that I have ever seen. This article has answered many, many questions that I was seeking on the subject of FAITH. This has helped me tremendously with my ‘hunger and thirst for righteousness.’ Next time that I have questions about scriptures, I know who to contact.”

“Du Sollst (Nicht) Begehren, Teil 2,” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “You Shall (Not) Covet/Desire, Part 2.”

“Das Posaunenfest 2017–Missverständnisse über die Auferstehung und das Heil,” is the title of the German sermon for Trumpets, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “The Feast of Trumpets 2017–Misunderstandings Regarding the Resurrection and Salvation.”

“Clean and Unclean,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Michael Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

What sets us apart from those who are of this world and have not been called yet?  How are we to live clean in an unclean world?

“What Satan CANNOT Do!” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Satan and his demons rule with great power on this earth, but Christians don’t have to be afraid of them, as long as they take the necessary precautions. In this sermon, we will show what the Devil and his demons are UNABLE to do, and this should give us great confidence.

Here are the dates for the 2017 Fall Holy Days:

Feast of Trumpets—September 21
Day of Atonement—September 30
Feast of Tabernacles—October 5-11
Last Great Day—October 12

On September 9, 2017, Michael Link will present the sermonette, titled, “Clean and Unclean,” and Norbert Link will present the sermon, titled, “What Satan CANNOT Do!”

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.

I was in the backyard and noticed that one of the squash plants in a planter looked somewhat bleak. Its leaves had drooped to the ground and were all withered. I thought the plant might have actually died, but I took the hose and gave it a good watering to see if that would help. When I looked at the plant on the next day, it had totally revived. The leaves were no longer drooping but were upright and looked good.

It is amazing what water will do to a plant. Water is a crucial element for human and plant survival. Humans consist of a little over 70% water. They can survive longer without food, when they have water, than without any food and water.

We have a garden which gets watered twice a day, but because of restrictions, the lawn only gets watered three times a week. We have a sprinkler in the garden which waters it but also some grass on each side. Since this grass is watered twice a day, it is much greener then the grass a little beyond it which only gets watered three times a week. We notice a big difference between well-watered grass and partly-watered grass. One is green and looks bright, while the other looks faded.

In the Millennium, a river of living water will flow from the temple in Jerusalem, which is mentioned in Ezekiel 47:1-9. These waters will be crystal clear and free of pollutants. They are not just healing waters but restorative waters in that they heal and also restore life, since all fish and many plants will have been destroyed just prior to Christ’s return.

Christ also mentions living waters in John 7:37-38: “On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, [which] those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”

In the incident at the well, in John 4:7-14, Christ said that those who drink the water that He gives them shall become fountains of living waters leading to eternal life. He is referring to God‘s Spirit flowing from true Christians, manifesting the fruit of the Spirit as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23. The closer we are to God, the more these living waters will flow from us.

by Norbert Link

In this issue, we report on the frightening developments pertaining to North Korea and the extremely limited options which the USA seems to have—short of military actions—while China could do something about North Korea’s ongoing provocations, but seems to be unwilling to do so, due to its economic interests. We also quote several articles, asking the pertinent question as to whether the USA should even have any trade with China in the first place.

We are addressing some of America’s domestic problems, including outrageous fraudulent activities of employees of the Wells Fargo Bank; President Trump’s controversial announcement to cancel DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, commonly referred to as the “Dream Act” or “Dreamers”), and devastating natural disasters of wildfires and hurricanes. In this regard, please view our new StandingWatch program, “WHY Unprecedented Hurricanes and Wildfires?”

We focus on the hostile Brexit negotiations with no friendly relationship in sight; and speak on the insane nonsense of retailers in the UK [and elsewhere] to create genderless labels for young children to avoid enforcing gender stereotypes.

We speak on the upcoming parliamentary elections in Germany; address the interesting phenomenon of the multitude of “non-voters” in Germany; and point out that Europe seems to be unprepared militarily to meet any Russian aggression.

We conclude with an article about the surprising degree of agreement between Catholics and Protestants, which would have “shocked Christians of past centuries.”

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

USA Responds to Most Recent North Korean Provocations

The Associated Press wrote on September 3:

“North Korea claimed ‘perfect success’ in an underground test of what it called a hydrogen bomb — potentially vastly more destructive than an atomic bomb… The precise strength of the underground nuclear explosion had yet to be determined. South Korea’s weather agency said the artificial earthquake caused by the explosion was five times to six times stronger than tremors generated by the North’s previous five tests.”

The Telegraph added on September 4:

“America has warned that North Korea is ‘begging for war’… Nikki Haley, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, on Monday afternoon told an emergency meeting of the Security Council that ‘enough is enough’…

“Military leaders in South Korea claim to have seen indications that the North is preparing an attack and believe it has successfully miniaturised a nuclear weapon to fit onto an intercontinental ballistic missile.”

According to The Associated Press, dated September 3, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Sunday that “the U.S. will answer any North Korean threat with a ‘massive military response.’”

However, most feel that such a military response would be devastating for all sides concerned.

Newsmax reported on September 7:

“President Donald Trump has given military orders for U.S. forces to shoot down and destroy any missile launched from North Korea and moving towards the continental United States, Hawaii and Guam.”

China and USA Destined to Fail?

The Guardian wrote on September 3:

“Experts say Beijing is wary of placing too much pressure on Pyongyang for fear of causing regime collapse and a calamitous regional crisis that might ultimately bring US troops even closer to Chinese soil…

“Shen Dingli, an international relations expert from Shanghai’s Fudan University, said Sunday’s test underlined the futility of both Washington and Beijing’s policies towards North Korea… ‘North Korea will get nuclear weapons just like China did in the 1960s … China is destined to fail.’”

But there is another important reason as to why China is unwilling to put too much pressure on North Korea, as the next two articles show.

China COULD Stop North Korea… But Won’t!

Piers Morgan wrote in The Daily Mail, dated September 4:

“Jong-un must be stopped in his nuclear tracks, that much is clear… North Korea needs to be attacked financially in a way so devastating it is rendered economically impotent, and the most lethal administer of such an attack is its biggest trading partner, China.

“A staggering 90% of all North Korea’s trade is done with China. China has thus become the great enabler of the world’s most despotic regime. It is Chinese money that pays for much of North Korea’s military and it is therefore Chinese money that de facto fuels North Korea’s nuclear weapons program…

“[China] should cut off his crude oil supply. No modern military can function without oil; it is the very lifeblood of any armed force. This dramatic move, which would need Russia’s assistance, would also cripple North Korea’s economy…

“Donald Trump yesterday ramped up the pressure on China by threatening to stop US trade with any country who continues doing business with North Korea. China’s foreign ministry issued a statement branding such a move ‘unfair’. It read: ‘We cannot accept a situation in which, on the one hand we work to resolve this issue peacefully, but on the other hand, China’s own interests are subject to sanctions and are damaged. This is neither objective, nor is it fair.’…

“What is neither objective nor fair is China’s on-going pathetically supine weakness in dealing with North Korea… The biggest threat to world peace right now is North Korea and the one country that can most effectively neutralise this threat is China.”

With or Without North Korea… No Trade with China!

Breitbart wrote on September 4:

“America cannot morally justify trade with China…

“Critics will contend that the scale of America’s business ties to China are so astronomical – $648.2 billion in 2016… – that ending trade with China is impossible without a devastating effect on both economies…

“China… is one of the most egregious human rights violators in the world… Strict population control laws force women who become pregnant after having two children to undergo forced state abortions. Dissidents have reported being used for medical experiments, cut open, and forced to sell their organs for the government’s profit.

“‘Torture, disappearances, imprisoning peaceful advocates, destroying religious communities, internet censorship – President Xi has plenty to answer for on these subjects,’ Sophie Richardson, China director at Human Rights Watch, asserted in April.

“Since then, the U.S. State Department has released reports finding that China severely limits freedom of worship for citizens who do not want to pray at state-controlled temples and churches, whether Buddhist, Christian, or Muslim…

“Christians… face arrest, torture, and beatings if they do not belong to the ‘Three-Self Patriotic Church,’ the state-approved Christian institution. Many are arrested and tortured for starting ‘house churches,’ underground assemblies to study the Bible without a government-approved clergyman adding communist interpretations to their readings. The government has begun… bulldozing churches they can no longer control. This week, video surfaced of Chinese police officers beating priests who attempted to prevent the demolition of a church building…”

In this evil world, money rules. Sadly, the same terrible violations occur in Russia as well… But greed and fraudulent money transactions can also be found in the USA. Note the next article.

Wells Fargo’s Problems Much Worse

CNN wrote on August 30:

“Wells Fargo’s problems are worse than the bank previously admitted… Wells Fargo… now says it has found a total of up to 3.5 million potentially fake bank and credit card accounts, up from its earlier tally of approximately 2.1 million… About 190,000 accounts were slapped with unnecessary fees for these accounts [and 528,000] customers were… enrolled in online bill pay without their authorization…

“Wells Fargo said it will now pay a total of $6.1 million to refund customers for unauthorized bank and credit card accounts… The bank also promised to pay $910,000 to refund customers for the… improper online bill pay enrollments… Additionally, Wells Fargo has agreed to a $142 million national class action settlement to cover fake accounts that were opened back to 2002…

“In late July, Wells Fargo admitted to forcing up to 570,000 borrowers into unneeded auto insurance. About 20,000 of those customers may have had their cars repossessed due to these unnecessary insurance costs…”

Dreamers under Attack

The Guardian wrote on September 5:

“Donald Trump thrust the fate of nearly 800,000 young, undocumented migrants into uncertainty on Tuesday by terminating the Obama-era program that protects the so-called Dreamers from deportation. In response, Barack Obama said the decision was ‘self-defeating’ and contrary to ‘basic decency’…

“The 2012 policy known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Daca) will be phased out by 5 March 2018, leaving Congress with six months to enact new protections for Dreamers through legislation. New applications will no longer be accepted, while those currently in the program will all lose their status by March 2020, with the first permits expiring in March 2018 – unless Congress passes legislation allowing the young immigrants to stay… Trump… said he had advised the Department of Homeland Security that Daca recipients were ‘not enforcement priorities [for deportation] unless they are criminals, are involved in criminal activity, or are members of a gang’…

“There are around 800,000 Daca recipients living in the US, who qualified by having been under the age of 31 as of 15 June 2012. Those applying were vetted for any criminal history or threat to national security and had to be students or have completed school or military service. Their status must be renewed every two years…

“In a conference call with reporters on Tuesday, senior DHS officials said they would allow anyone with a Daca permit expiring between now and 5 March to apply for a two-year renewal, so long as the application is submitted by 5 October. But other Dreamers whose permits do not expire within the next six months would be poised to lose their status as early as 5 March, exposing them to the threat of deportation. The administration also declared that new applications for Daca dated after 5 September will not be considered, shutting down access to the program for those who are not already beneficiaries.

“The specifics of what legislation Trump would be willing to sign to protect Dreamers remained unclear…  Trump’s decision was swiftly condemned by immigration advocates, business leaders and Democrats, while attorneys general from New York and Washington state said they would take legal action against the administration… ‘This is a sad day for our country,’ Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in a statement…

“House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi accused Trump of committing ‘a deeply shameful act of political cowardice and a despicable assault on innocent young people in communities across America… The president’s cruel and heartless decision to start deporting Dreamers in six months demands an immediate response from the Republican Congress,’ she said.

“Republican House speaker Paul Ryan, who in recent days expressed his hope that Trump would not terminate Daca, responded to Tuesday’s announcement by characterizing Obama’s policy as ‘well-intentioned’ but ‘a clear abuse of executive authority [and] an attempt to create law out of thin air… Congress writes laws, not the president, and ending this program fulfills a promise that President Trump made to restore the proper role of the executive and legislative branches,’ Ryan said in a statement…

“The highly partisan atmosphere in Congress will make the passage of any legislation to protect Dreamers an uphill battle…”

Bild Online wrote the following on September 6:

“The Catholic Bishops conference in New York condemned the decision, stating that it showed a lack of mercy. It emphasized that the immigrants are children of God and welcome in the Catholic Church… Several of Trump’s conservative evangelical advisors rejected the decision as well.”

The undocumented migrants under DACA are those who came with their parents to this country, being, on an average, six years old, who have lived in this country for about 19 years on an average. Paul Ryan had promised repeatedly in public, including in a town hall meeting, that under Trump, dreamers would not be deported. President Trump stated that he will “revisit” the issue if Congress cannot pass legislation within six months.

Republican Governor John Kasich (Ohio), whose parents were of Czech and Croatian descent, made a most impassionate plea on CBS on September 6, blasting the decision and encouraged reasonable Republicans and Democrats in Congress to pass legislation within six hours… not within six months, while encouraging political radicals on both sides to step aside.  He stated that President Trump should have taken on the threats of certain governors to sue him if he would not cancel DACA, elaborating that he should have fought them in court, rather than giving in to their demands.  He also invited all Dreamers to come to Ohio, as his state values their contributions.

According to Der Stern, dated September 6, economic and Internet giants such as Apple, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Netflix, Wells Fargo and General Motors condemned the decision, pointing at massive economic repercussions for the country. JTA added that many Jewish groups rejected the decision.

Trump Suffers Another Setback on His Travel Ban

Newsmax reported on September 7:

“President Donald Trump suffered another setback on his embattled travel ban, with an appeals panel leaving in… place a lower-court ruling that forces the administration to accept people with grandparents, cousins and other relatives in the U.S. Thursday’s decision… further frustrates the Trump administration as it heads toward an Oct. 10 showdown before the U.S. Supreme Court over the broader legality of the president’s executive order temporarily barring travelers from six mostly Muslim nations. The Ninth Circuit panel also said Trump was wrong in how he interpreted an earlier order by [the] high court to apply restrictions to thousands of refugees seeking entry into the U.S.”

Trump Angers and Upsets Republicans

The Week reported on September 7:

“President Trump surprised Democrats and infuriated Republicans on Wednesday when he agreed to a Democratic proposal to attach $7.9 billion in Hurricane Harvey aid to a three-month spending package and debt-limit increase. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) reluctantly agreed to the deal and turned it into legislation Wednesday night… The Senate is expected to approve the package as early as Friday, then it would go back to the House…”

Newsmax reported on September 7:

“President Donald Trump and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer have agreed to work toward a permanent repeal of the debt ceiling [removing] the requirement for Congress to repeatedly raise the debt ceiling, or the limit on federal borrowing…

“Such a measure would be very difficult for many Republicans in Congress to swallow… House Speaker Paul Ryan said on Thursday he opposes any effort to do away with the role of Congress in approving increases to the federal debt limit.”

The Opinion Page of The Washington Post published the following article on September 7:

“Trump’s betrayal of the Republican leaders should surprise no one…  First, Ryan tells reporters that a short-term, three-month extension on the debt ceiling, tied to relief funds for Hurricane Harvey… was ‘ridiculous and disgraceful.’ Then, in the Oval Office meeting, Trump stuns everyone by endorsing the Schumer-Pelosi plan — and agrees to work with the Democrats on repealing the debt ceiling altogether…

“Trump is many things, but he is not, nor has he ever been, a committed Republican. He seized control of the party in a hostile takeover. His campaign positions on trade, health care, entitlements and other issues bore no resemblance to GOP orthodoxy…  Ryan, McConnell and many of their Republican colleagues in Congress convinced themselves that Trump could be a useful instrument — that he would sign whatever legislation they sent him…”

Largest Wildfire in Los Angeles’ History

Reuters reported on September 2:

“A wildfire on the northern edge of Los Angeles rapidly grew on Saturday into what the mayor called the largest blaze in the city’s history…

“Wildfires in the U.S. West have burned more than 7.1 million acres (2.9 million hectares) since the beginning of the year, about 50 percent more than during the same time period in 2016…”

“Florida Declares State of Emergency as Caribbean Girds for Hurricane Irma”

 AFP wrote on September 5:

“Hurricane Irma surged to a dangerous ‘Category Four’ storm Monday as it churned toward the Leeward Islands, sparking alarm and alerts from the Caribbean to Florida, which declared an emergency…

“A Category Four storm [which was subsequently upgraded to a Category Five storm, see next article]… is capable of doing widespread major structural and infrastructure damage… Category four strength was the maximum attained by Hurricane Harvey, which recently devastated parts of Texas and Louisiana…”

USA Today wrote on September 6:

“Hurricane Irma, the most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane in recorded history, made its first landfall in the Caribbean early Wednesday as the Category 5 storm rolled toward a likely strike on the south Florida coast this weekend.

“The eye passed over Antigua and Barbuda around 2 a.m. ET. Residents said over local radio that phone lines went down as the eye passed. ‘May God protect us all,’ local authorities said… Gaston Browne, the prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, tweeted the islands may have been spared the worst.

“Michel Magras, senator on the small French-speaking island of St.Barts, sent a text describing the ‘monster that passes over us’… ‘It is apocalyptic, a lot of damage, a lot of roofs torn off,’ he texted…

“The National Hurricane Center said Irma was maintaining sustained winds near 185 mph as it lashed the Leeward Islands with exceptionally strong winds and heavy rain and was heading west-northwest on a path toward Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba. It could reach Florida as early as Friday.”

Considering the wicked lifestyle of many people, we should not be surprised when we hear about terrible “natural” disasters. At the same time, many innocent people suffer as well. We need to pray to God to restore His Government on earth as soon as possible, which will ban Satan [the “monster” or the dragon, also called the serpent of old] and his demons—the real rulers of this present evil age—and which will end all misery and pain.

Brexit Negotiations… From Bad to Worse

Forbes wrote on August 31:

“The negotiations between the U.K. and the EU are going from bad to worse… the EU’s principal negotiator, Michel Barnier, lambasted the U.K.’s attitude…  he went on to complain about U.K. breaches of trust.

 “The first breach concerned citizens’ rights. Recently, the U.K.’s Home Office sent letters to over 100 EU/EEA citizens living in the UK, telling them to leave the country. As the UK has not yet left the EU, these letters were illegal. The Home Office quickly corrected its mistake, apologizing to the people concerned and telling them to put the letters in the bin. But according to M. Barnier, this is not the first time an incident like this has happened. ‘This reinforces the need to ensure that citizens’ rights are directly enforceable in front of national jurisdictions under the control of the European Court of Justice,’ he said. ‘This is a point on which we disagree today.’

“Today, and probably every day. Ending the direct jurisdiction of the ECJ in the U.K. is one of the U.K. Government’s ‘red lines.’ Its position paper on EU migrants is uncompromising: … ‘After we leave the EU, we will create new rights in U.K. law for qualifying EU citizens resident here before our exit. Those rights will be enforceable in the U.K. legal system and will provide legal guarantees for these EU citizens… The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) will not have jurisdiction in the U.K.’

“But M. Barnier’s comments are damning. They amount to condemnation of the entire U.K. justice system. If the U.K. courts cannot be trusted to enforce the rights of EU migrants living in the U.K., they cannot be trusted to enforce any other laws pertaining to the EU either…

“Barnier then went on to discuss what he regards as a second breach of trust, namely the U.K.’s behavior over the Brexit financial settlement:

“In July, the U.K. recognized that it has obligations beyond the Brexit date. But this week, the U.K. explained that these obligations will be limited to their last payment to the EU budget before departure…”

“The UK seems to have dug itself into a deep hole. This is not looking good…”

The Telegraph added on September 3:

“The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has [said] Brexit will be used to ‘teach the British people and others what leaving the EU means’. In highly inflammatory comments made to a conference in Italy on Saturday, Mr Barnier said it was his job to ‘educate’ the UK about the price of leaving the EU ‘club’. ‘There are extremely serious consequences of leaving the single market, and they haven’t been explained to the British people. We intend to teach people … what leaving the single market means.’”

The Brexit negotiations will indeed have devastating results for the UK.

Ditching “Boys” and “Girls” Labels to Avoid “Enforcing Gender Stereotypes”

The Daily Mail wrote on September 3:

“John Lewis has become the first major retailer to ditch ‘boys’ and ‘girls’ labels from its children’s clothing range. The chain has also removed ‘boys’ and ‘girls’ signs from its childrenswear departments to avoid ‘einforcing gender stereotypes’. Instead, new genderless labels say either ‘Boys & Girls’ or ‘Girls & Boys’, and are on all own-brand clothing from newborn to 14 years. Even floral dresses and skirts have unisex labels. The only exception is school uniforms, which will switch to unisex labels soon…

“Parents have praised John Lewis on social media for its move towards gender-neutral clothing… But the retailer faced accusations that it risked taking political correctness too far and was pandering to campaigners…

“Asda was pilloried for selling boys’ T-shirts with slogans such as ‘Future Scientist’, ‘Boys Will Be Boys’ and ‘Rock N Roll Star’ while putting logos such as ‘Ponies Rock’, ‘Pretty Rock’ and ‘Hey Cutie’ on its girls’ range. But critics pointed out that adult clothing sections differentiate between the sexes and questioned why childrenswear should not do the same.

“Tory MP Andrew Bridgen said: ‘I have no idea what would possess John Lewis to do this.’”

The use of the word “possess” is interesting. This is such blatant nonsense and ridiculous insanity, but it shows how stupid our Western societies have become.

Non-Voters in Germany

Deutsche Welle wrote on September 2:

“Like most democracies, Germany has a huge non-voting population. In 2009, more people didn’t vote at all than voted for Merkel’s conservatives… In Germany’s 1972 election, voter turnout was 91.1 percent. In the last two parliamentary elections in 2009 and 2013, only 70.8 and then 71.5 percent of citizens exercised their right to vote.

“… people were asked how they saw themselves, and one common trend among respondents was to reject the idea of being a ‘non-voter.’ Many claimed that they truly wanted to vote, but were taking an enforced break, waiting for a time when they could return to the urns…

“Peters [founder of the Non-Voters’ Party, stated:] ‘Merkel… has absolutely no concept of how to move forward. She lives this system, and she does very well in its confines. But it’s a case of a one-eyed king in the land of the blind.’”

To vote for a candidate in our corrupt political systems would indeed support the system, and even voting for a “lesser evil” means, giving our voice of support to something or someone evil. God’s people WILL vote or give their voice of approval to THE future true and righteous leader and KING when He sets up His Kingdom—Jesus Christ.

Merkel Wins TV Debate Against Schulz

Deutsche Welle wrote on September 3:

“Chancellor Angela Merkel made the more convincing case to lead Germany for the next four years… Forty-nine percent of viewers… viewed Merkel as more credible over the course of the debate, compared to just 29 percent who favored Social Democrat (SPD) candidate Schulz. More than half of those surveyed (55 percent) said the chancellor also outperformed her rival, compared to just 35 percent who thought Schulz came out on top.

“Merkel reportedly scored particularly high marks when it came to credibility, grasp of the issues and likability…

“Merkel [announced] that she will seek to end EU accession talks with Turkey… Merkel said ‘it is clear that Turkey should not become a member of the European Union.’ Merkel’s statement on Turkey came just minutes after Schulz said he would similarly move to halt Turkey’s EU membership talks were he elected chancellor. The chancellor said… that she didn’t ‘see (Turkey) ever joining and I had never believed that it would happen.’…

“Schulz said that US President Donald Trump’s ‘unpredictability’ made him the wrong person to deal with the rogue regime [of North Korea]. While she stressed that she disagreed with Trump on many issues, Merkel said the North Korean crisis was not something that could be solved with the US, adding that ‘one must say in the clearest terms that for us, there can only be a peaceful diplomatic solution.’…”

The Telegraph wrote on September 3:

“Angela Merkel was forced to defend her controversial decision to open Germany’s borders to more than 1m asylum-seekers on Sunday as she [came] under pressure in a televised election debate. Martin Schulz, the main challenger, accused the German chancellor of a ‘serious mistake’ with her ‘lone decision’ and said she should have worked with European allies to find a common approach.

“But a defiant Mrs Merkel insisted Germany had been faced with a ‘very dramatic situation’ and had no choice but to act… [While he] landed some telling blows against the long-serving chancellor, Mr Schulz failed to deliver the knock-out punch his campaign badly needed.”

Europe Unprepared for Russian Aggression

Politico wrote on September 3:

“The U.S. Army’s rapid reaction force in Europe is under-equipped, undermanned and inadequately organized to confront military aggression from Russia or its high-tech proxies…

“The analysis comes to light as Russia gears up for one of the largest military exercises in the post-Soviet era — a weeklong war game called Zapad that could involve as many as 100,000 troops and will be held later this month in Belarus…”

This is another reason why Europe will become more and more convinced in the “necessity” of creating its own army.

Catholic and Protestants Have Much in Common

On August 31, Christian Today wrote the following:

“Protestants and Catholics across the West now agree on so much… that Christians of past centuries would be shocked…

“In every European country surveyed, roughly nine-in-ten, or more, Protestants and Catholics say they are willing to accept members of the other tradition as neighbours, and large majorities of both groups say they would be willing to accept members of the other group into their families.

“For example, 98 per cent of German Protestants say they would accept Catholics as members of their family, and a similar share of German Catholics (97 per cent) say the same about Protestants.”

The Bible prophesies that the Protestant or Evangelical daughter churches will return to the fold of their “mother church”—the Roman Catholic 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.

The Bible has nothing to say specifically about smoking, as during biblical times it was unknown. Let us quote briefly (and selectively) from the website healthliteracy.worlded.org which has this to say about the history of tobacco:

“Tobacco has a long history in the Americas. The Mayan Indians of Mexico carved drawings in stone showing tobacco use. These drawings date back to somewhere between 600 to 900 A.D. Tobacco was grown by American Indians before the Europeans came from England, Spain, France, and Italy to North America.

“Tobacco was the first crop grown for money in North America.  In 1612 the settlers of the first American colony in Jamestown, Virginia grew tobacco as a cash crop. It was their main source of money. Other cash crops were corn, cotton, wheat, sugar, and soya beans.  By the 1800’s, many people had begun using small amounts of tobacco. Some chewed it. Others smoked it occasionally in a pipe, or they hand-rolled a cigarette or cigar. On the average, people smoked about 40 cigarettes a year. The first commercial cigarettes were made in 1865 by Washington Duke on his 300-acre farm in Raleigh, North Carolina. His hand-rolled cigarettes were sold to soldiers at the end of the Civil War.

“It was not until James Bonsack invented the cigarette-making machine in 1881 that cigarette smoking became widespread.”

It will be self-evident that this was not a problem that Christians may have faced until the 19th century but it has subsequently become a problem for quite a number of those who have been called to God’s Way of Life. Today, people may smoke cigarettes, pipes or cigars or they may chew tobacco because they have become addicted to it; or because they feel depressed or suffer from anxiety and look for stress relief or a way to calm down. Also, they may smoke because they think this might help them to lose weight, or because their friends and relatives smoke. Whilst the Bible has nothing to say about a habit that would arise about 200 years or so ago, basic biblical principles apply.

Let us look, first of all, at some Scriptural principles.

In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 we read the following: “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?  If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.”

True Christians are those who have repented of their sins, believe in Jesus Christ’s Sacrifice and the gospel of the Kingdom of God, have been baptised by full immersion for the remission of their sins and have received the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands of God’s true ministers (see Acts 2:38).   In such cases, the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit of God which we read about in Romans 12:1: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”   These principles are further reinforced in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 where we read: “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who (better “which”) is in you, whom (better “which”) you have from God, and you are not your own?   For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

It seems reasonable to assume that in a literal temple smoking would be prohibited and why should the body be any different when explained in the verses quoted above?   In all that we do, in all of our activities, our emphasis should be on honouring God, rather than ourselves.

As one commentator opined: “Does tobacco smoke coming out of your nostrils glorify God?   Does the smell of tobacco on your body offer a good testimony for Jesus Christ?”   The answer should be obvious.

However, this injunction is not to be limited to converted Christians. Someone who wants to become a Christian should take this principle to heart as well and not begin or continue with a habit which clearly violates God’s instructions of right living.

1 Corinthians 10:30-31 states the following: “But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks?   Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”   Can it be to the glory of God to inhale smoke with all of the health problems associated with it (to be covered later) and set a good example of Christian behaviour by breathing smoke over those close by?   In verse 32 we read: “Give no offence, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God”, and there is no doubt that many would be offended in the world, let alone Church members.

On the website of the American Heart Association in an article entitled “Why is it so hard to quit?”, the following comments are made: “It’s hard to tackle the physical addiction to nicotine. Cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance found naturally in tobacco.  It travels quickly to the brain when it is inhaled and can cause a feeling of temporary relaxation and/or stress relief. Nicotine can also elevate your mood and your heart rate. But this feeling is only temporary. After your body rids itself of the drug, you start to crave another cigarette.  Shortly after you finish smoking a cigarette, your body starts to show signs of withdrawal. You start to crave another cigarette to overcome these symptoms, starting a vicious cycle of dependency.”

Based on the above comments about addiction, Romans 6:16 ought to be taken very seriously: “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?”   It can be very difficult to give up smoking as many find out when attempting to do so and it can enslave those who have this habit.   It can lead to lust for more of the same and thus it is breaking the 10th Commandment.   In Romans 6:12 we read: “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.”

Over the years there have been a few Church of God members who have smoked, even after baptism.   They know that it is wrong but the addictive nature of smoking can cause them great difficulty in giving up the habit.  In Romans 14:23 we read: “But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.”   By knowing that something is wrong but doing nothing about it, or trying to give up the habit and not succeeding, is sin.

The following quote is from Wikipedia: “A smoking ban in England, making it illegal to smoke in all enclosed work places in England, came into force on 1 July 2007 as a consequence of the Health Act 2006. Similar bans had already been introduced by the rest of the United Kingdom before this — Scotland on 26 March 2006, Wales on 2 April 2007 and Northern Ireland on 30 April 2007.” This all came about because of the serious health risks associated with smoking.

The health risks of smoking are many.   Smoking is one of the biggest causes of death and illness in the UK.   From the nhs.uk website is the following information:

“Every year around 100,000 people in the UK die from smoking, with many more living with debilitating smoking-related illnesses.  Smoking increases your risk of developing more than 50 serious health conditions. Some may be fatal and others can cause irreversible long-term damage to your health.

“Smoking causes about 90% of lung cancers. It also causes cancer in many other parts of the body, including the mouth, lips, throat, voice box (larynx), the oesophagus (the tube between your mouth and stomach), the bladder, kidney, liver, stomach and pancreas.  Smoking damages your heart and your blood circulation, increasing your risk of developing conditions such as coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke, peripheral vascular disease (damaged blood vessels) and cerebrovascular disease (damaged arteries that supply blood to your brain).

“Smoking also damages your lungs, leading to conditions such as: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which incorporates bronchitis and emphysema and pneumonia.”

Reading all of those health risks, it is a wonder that anyone smokes at all, particularly a few Church members who have had this habit over the years.   But as this same website observes: “You can become ill if you smoke yourself or through other people’s smoke (passive smoking).   Second hand smoke comes from the tip of a lit cigarette and the smoke that the smoker breathes out. Breathing in second hand smoke – also known as passive smoking – increases your risk of getting the same health conditions as smokers. For example, breathing in second hand smoke increases a non-smoker’s risk of developing lung cancer by about a quarter.”

Those comments bring us on to further biblical principles that we should take seriously in all areas of our lives. This would certainly include those who smoke and here are the verses that talk about it:

In Mark 12:28-31 we read Jesus Christ’s reply to a question from a scribe:

“Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, ‘Which is the first commandment of all?’ Jesus answered him, ‘The first of all the commandments is: “Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one.  And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” This is the first commandment.  And the second, like it, is this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’”

We are told to love our neighbour and that is certainly not accomplished by smoking in the presence of others who may have personal health difficulties with cigarette smoke, whilst others may resent the smell of smoke on their own clothes even though they may be a non-smoker themselves.   Such action by a smoker is not looking to the best interests of others – just satisfying their own addiction to something that is a serious health hazard.   We read in other verses how we should have care and consideration for others as part of our Christian Way of Life.

These comments are directed to those self-centered individuals who smoke and who thereby violate God’s command of love towards themselves and their neighbours. When it comes to passive smoking, those who are potentially affected should try to do the best they can, within reason, to avoid becoming victims of second-hand smoking. We realize, of course, that this is not always entirely possible—for instance, when they are in a work environment where people may smoke or when they find themselves in other unavoidable situations, but they can always pray to God to give them wisdom and protection from physical harm.

In brief summary, there are enough principles to lead us to the conclusion that smoking is a sin and must not be a habit of any Church member and that it is also addictive and has numerous health risks both to the smoker and those who, in their company, become passive smokers.   We should be well aware of the effect that it can have on others both by example and by potential health risks even to non-smokers.   As a side issue, it is a waste of good money which could be spent more usefully elsewhere.

We are to follow the example of Jesus Christ and, based on the evidence of Scripture, He would not have smoked if cigarettes, cigars or pipes had been available in His day; nor would He have chewed tobacco.   That, together with all of the evidence in this Q&A, should be more than good enough to teach us that smoking is wrong and a sin. For further information, please view Norbert Link’s recent sermon, “What Does the Bible Say About Smoking?” 

Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)

compiled by Dave Harris

 A new Member Letter (September 2017) has been mailed to our subscribers and is now posted on our webpage. In this letter, Pastor Brian Gale points to the upcoming fall Holy Days with a heartfelt and sobering reminder of the many who are no longer observing any of God’s Holy Days.

“WHY Unprecedented Hurricanes and Wildfires?” is the new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

Hurricane Harvey—a Category 4 Storm! Hurricane Irma—a Category 5 Storm and the most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane in recorded history… Largest wildfire in LA history… Wildfires in the U.S. West have burned 50 percent more than during the same period in 2016! WHY? Can all of these “natural disasters” be explained by mere coincidence? Or are spiritual reasons involved?

A Tech Team meeting was conducted on Sunday morning, September 3^rd, via SKYPE. Hosted by Eric Rank, items discussed included further development of the French web pages, podcasts, backup plans for our websites and various equipment needs both locally and for the Feast.

The US Feast Brochure (2017) and the German Feast Brochure (2017) are now posted on our websites.

We have recently added graphic accents to draw attention to what we feel are very important aspects of news articles and our own Editorials and Question and Answer features. We note the following comment received this week:

“The underlined portions are very visually appealing.”

Our 2018 Church Conference will be held in Fort Collins, Colorado, with arrival on April 18^th and departure on April 24^th.

“Du Sollst (Nicht) Begehren, Teil 1,” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “You Shall (Not) Covet/Desire.”

“The Place,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:

God puts great importance in the very specific instructions He has given concerning our worship of Him—locations are designated and even our individual roles are defined.

“Giving Up is Not Quitting!” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Robb Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:

We must be willing to give up everything our carnal eyes see as precious in order to gain what truly is important.  But giving up our old ways isn’t a one-time action as we begin our spiritual career.  We must purge, on a daily basis, anything that draws us nearer to our carnal desires and away from God.

Here are the dates for the 2017 Fall Holy Days:

Feast of Trumpets—September 21
Day of Atonement—September 30
Feast of Tabernacles—October 5-11
Last Great Day—October 12