We begin with reporting on biblically-relevant developments in Japan and Germany and continue with the ongoing controversy involving the definition and application of anti-Semitism, using as examples the recent controversial decision of the Wiesenthal Center and the discussion regarding circumcision.

Focusing on Israel and Egypt, we report on shifting standards and the rise of a new superstar in the state of Israel, and the outspoken condemnation of Israel’s policy through Egypt’s President Morsi, calling for force against “the Zionists”.

We are reporting on the debt crisis in Europe, which–according to most European politicians–has left the worst behind, while at the same time, mounting problems for the USA seem to be ever-increasing. As example, we present articles on the outbreak of a deadly flu, the terrible consequences of America’s recent drought, and the high unemployment rates and the incredibly weak job market.

We conclude with a lengthy section on the use of marijuana, while clarifying and elaborating in detail on the Church’s position in this regard.

We are beginning with the embarrassing, confusing and contradictory reporting of the media on the fiscal cliff—first, there was a deal, then there was none, then there might have been one after all… and on and on it went. Finally, a “deal” was agreed to by the Senate and the House, but the problems are far from over. We are presenting just a few excerpts of the convoluted mess and the still looming nightmare, showing America’s inability to govern itself. In any event, it became obvious that regardless of the deal, the Obamacare regulations—highly praised by the left and liberals—are going to prove disastrous for those who need health-care assistance the most.

We are focusing on governmental laws and regulations in the USA which are—in the opinion of some—dangerous and unworthy of America, and continue with a warning that the leadership role of America will be taken away from it, as it was previously taken away from Great Britain.

In other news, we are reporting on Germany’s correct view on the survival of the euro, even though some feel that there is still trouble ahead for the Eurozone; and we conclude with CNN moderator Piers Morgan’s flawed understanding of the Bible and the rise of interreligious marriages among Muslims, Jews and Christians.

We are continuing reporting on America’s dealing with and reaction to the mass murder of children and adults at a school in Connecticut. We are emphasizing in particular controversial and disputed claims and actions by the NRA and supporters for unrestricted gun purchase and possession, while pointing out that “it’s not about just guns.” We are also focusing on the costly vacation of the presidential family in Hawaii, while modern Rome (the USA) is burning, with a toothless and unproductive government and Congress. If going over the fiscal cliff is not avoided by the end of the year, it would be, with the words of Sen. Joe Lieberman, “the most consequential act of congressional irresponsibility in a long time, maybe ever in American history, because of the impact it’ll have on almost every American.”

Turning to Egypt, the rising influence of the radical and violent Muslim Brotherhood and its incredible support from American government and American intellectuals is truly depressing and mind-boggling. At the same time, Israel’s attempts to please Christians at Christmas time will not prevent the pursuit of European and Catholic goals in the Middle East.

We conclude with two articles pertaining to Germany. Note should be taken of Germany’s clear warning that they will not allow Britain to “blackmail” them; and the German Family Minister is correctly finding herself in the hot seat for her publicly uttered blasphemous statements that God could be referred to as “it,” rather than “He.”

The terrible mass murder of innocent young students and teachers at a Connecticut schoolhouse has America in tears—but sadly, this incident will soon be forgotten, and necessary lessons will not have been learned. Rather, thousands of Americans will be killed next year because of America’s morbid fascination with guns and its fostering of a culture of violence. As General Douglas MacArthur once rightly said: “It must be of the spirit if we are to save the flesh.” This necessary change of man’s evil and wicked heart will come for all of mankind, but only AFTER Jesus Christ has returned to this earth to establish the Kingdom of God. Our new StandingWatch program addresses this missing key to a correct understanding of the issue of gun control and violence. 

We are also warning of a cyber attack of a Russian gangster on American banks and customers early next year; and point out that even with or without the fiscal cliff, America is heading for another recession. While Germany is coping with an attempted terror attack on Bonn’s central station, which, if successful, would have meant  the loss of hundreds of lives, Germany—as well as the USA–are preparing for war in the Middle East, but especially Germany may be unprepared for what might be awaiting the troops there.

In other news, Israel’s foreign minister and deputy prime minister Avigdor Lieberman resigned in the wake of charges of breach of trust for allegedly receiving classified information on an investigation against him, and a majority of Egyptians voted for the Islamist constitution of the President Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood.

We conclude with an article showing how twisted human reasoning can be used to support and endorse unbiblical Christmas celebrations.

We begin with the ongoing troublesome situation in Egypt and the naïve and shortsighted politics of the USA which has been supporting the radical Muslim Brotherhood, while still providing Egypt’s powerful army with weapons. The shocking report of the Muslim Brotherhood’s current torture methods is a terrible indictment against America’s claim of supporting the suppressed. At the same time, the California Supreme Court will be hearing a legal case challenging Barak Obama’s eligibility as President, while leading American politicians are accused of playing “Russian Roulette.” We also relate a shocking report regarding “invisible soldiers.”

Turning to Germany, we are citing from the German press which is now becoming openly critical of Egypt’s return to dictatorship, while stating that neither the government nor the opposition are correct or competent. We are also reporting on the upcoming political battle and fight for the German chancellorship and introducing you to Angela Merkel’s challenger, Peer Steinbrück. Further, the German Parliament legalized circumcision of young boys, but the new law does not annul the negative viewpoint of most Germans on the issue.

While the EU is in the process of taking over Cyprus, frightening reports are being received from Italy, indicating that highly controversial Silvio Berlusconi is contemplating running for the office of Prime Minister, after Mario Monti announced that he will resign. What is even more disturbing is the possibility that the Italian people might actually vote for Berlusconi. Even though present polls suggest that only 20 % of Italians would vote for Berlusconi, it is also speculated that these figures might dramatically change until the new election.

We continue with talking about Europe’s deafening and hypocritical silence regarding Hamas’ declared goal to destroy the state of Israel, while condemning Israel for its settlement policy; report on the wish of the British people to leave the EU and on Britain’s “descent into godlessness”; speak about the discovery of a previously unrecognized asteroid which came dangerously close to earth; and conclude with several articles on Hanukkah and Christmas celebrations, which have become quite similar in recent times.

We begin with reporting on more and more attempts by especially dictatorial, autocratic and fanatical countries to control and censor the Internet. This course of conduct, if successful, would also hamper dramatically the effectiveness of God’s Church in proclaiming the true gospel of the Kingdom of God in all the world as a witness (Matthew 24:14); so we can easily see who is really behind these attempts.

We continue with relating the Obama family’s obsession with Christmas trees; and focus on the true nature of the radical Muslim Brotherhood movement and Egypt’s desperate struggle for freedom and liberty.

We speak of the consequences of the UN’s decision to recognize Palestine as a state and the ensuing troubled relationship between Israel and Germany, as well as Europe’s outrage over Israel’s announcement to continue with its settlement program.

We report on Europe’s and especially Germany’s big and extremely lucrative business of weapons’ sales all over the world—including sales to unpredictable governments—and speak of potential sabotage attacks on nuclear power plants in Iran and Southern California.

We relate the White House’s questionable objections to further economic sanctions against Iran, speak of the dangerous situation in Syria, and conclude with an article on the rise of demonic possession and “exorcisms” in the Catholic Church.

We report on the beginning of Egypt’s expected descent into dictatorship and rule by Islamists and continue with articles on Iran’s activities and the fragile and merely temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

We relate Iraq’s refusal to heed to American pleas and address the resignation of Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak, which increases the likelihood of an Israeli attack on Iran, according to some commentators.

We speak of the unfriendly relationship between Israel and the German people; report on the abominable practice of bestiality in Germany and the rest of Europe; speak of more Christmas lies, and discuss the history and present status of Germany’s current capital, Berlin.

While the prospects of Greek bankruptcy have been averted, the British people would love to exit the EU. We also report on terrible weather conditions on the island.

In other news, we address frightening scientific developments pertaining to autonomous weapons and address the health risks of smoking and second-hand smoke.

We reveal amazing parallels between Thanksgiving Day and the ancient Israelites; speak of America’s disastrous economic situation and report on blasphemous comments during a televised American award show. We contrast this with a moving declaration of repentance from Uganda’s President and show, on the other hand, the terrible conditions within our so-called Christian churches.

We conclude with an article about the Pope’s appointment of additional cardinals with the view to the election of a successor. We briefly discuss unbiblical and dangerous voting practices, including in the political realm, which have taken hold of many Church of God members, showing another tendency of the ongoing apostasy in the Body of Christ. Please re-read Norbert Link’s Editorial in the last Update, No. 565, titled, “Beware of Apostasy in God’s Church.”

Focusing first on the USA, the economic situation is bound to deteriorate, but the government is facing additional international problems as well. While Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner suggests that “Congress should stop placing legal limits on the amount of money the government can borrow and effectively lift the debt limit to infinity,” Franklin Graham states that the USA is facing numerous problems because we have turned our backs on God. This is clearly the case; the Obama administration seems to be stumbling from one problem to another, and it seems that the USA is about to give up one of the last sea gates still in their possession.

The UK is struggling with their own problems—not the least of which is their ongoing persecution of small religious organizations.

The state of Israel does not seem to fare much better, facing condemnation from just about every side and outright wars on several fronts. The surprise announcement that Germany wants to strengthen its strategic ties with the Arab League should cause everybody to pause and think. At the same time, even though Angela Merkel is still the most popular German politician in Germany, her government is not liked. At this point, no real challenger seems to be in place, but this can change quickly.

We conclude with articles about the financial curse of Christmas, and the real dangers of solar storms.

With this edition, we are focusing first on the devastating situation in the USA, beginning with the suspicious timing of CIA Director David Petraeus, and continuing with America’s insurmountable problems, as evidenced by the fiscal cliff and the entitlement cliff, leading more and more commentators to conclude that America’s downfall has begun and appears inevitable.

We are reporting on interesting developments in Europe, pertaining to new Euro bills and the desire of most in the UK to leave the EU; speak about the precarious situation for Israel; and conclude with a report on India’s “Christmas”—the Festival of Lights.

We begin reporting on the re-election of Barack Obama to the office of President, and the reactions in the USA and overseas, as well as the possible future of American relationships with other nations. We also focus on the terrible impression which the USA has given to the world, even prior to the results of the election, due to the dirty and extremely costly Presidential campaigns, which, it seems, have not brought about any change in and for a country which is as divided as ever.

We continue focusing on Israel and Turkey, as well as the entire Middle East; address interesting developments in Europe; and conclude reporting about another major earthquake—this time in Guatemala.