“Should Christians Fight in War?,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
 
While some Christian authors claim that a Christian must not participate in the wars of this world, many feel the opposite. But who is right? Why are there no records of Christian soldiers prior to A.D. 170, and how did the concept of a righteous war develop? Were the early Paulicians and Waldenses correct when they rejected warfare, or when they later became warrior people? Was the Worldwide Church of God under Herbert Armstrong correct in refusing the participation in war, or is the current renamed group correct in endorsing warfare? Our free booklet, “Should You Fight in War?” gives you the answers.

The press proof for “Hidden Secrets In The Bible” has been approved, and printing has now begun. We anticipate completion within 2 to 3 weeks. This booklet is also now posted on our website, www.eternalgod.org.

A new StandingWatch Talking Points program ( “The Fall and Rise of Britain and America”) has been recorded by Pastor Rene Messier in which he reviews highlights of our booklet. In addition, Pastor Brian Gale has presented a new StandingWatch Talking Points program (“The Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord”) dealing with biblical warnings covered in our booklet. Aided by the video production skills of Johanna Link, these presentations introduce many of our booklets specifically to audiences in Canada and the United Kingdom.

“Tu Gutes Denen, Die Dich Hassen,” is the title of this week’s German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. The title in English: “Do Good to Those who Hate You.”

A new member letter has been written by Rene Messier. In this letter, Mr. Messier examines the stark condition of society in the nations of the modern House of Israel–showing the urgency for finishing the Work God has given to His Church.

“Rebellion in the Christian Church?,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

The results of a worldwide survey for Catholics reflect a devastating disagreement between teaching and practice. This can also be observed in most other churches in mainstream Christianity. But who is right, and who is wrong? Is it right or wrong to divorce, to use contraceptives, to have sexual relationships outside of marriage, or to endorse abortion, self-sex marriages and homosexual practices? While Pope Francis is viewed as a reformer, retired Pope Benedict is “the fixed star of the traditionalists” in the Catholic Church, “setting the standard” for them today. What does this all mean, also in light of the prophesied “false prophet” to manifest himself within traditional Christianity in the next few years?

Church of the Eternal God Facebook Page (link to https://www.facebook.com/ChurchoftheEternalGod)

We encourage you to take a look at and “like” our Facebook page – not only is it a great place to see our latest articles, audio recordings and videos, but you can also help us extend our reach by sharing and liking our content (From: September Danforth Prentice).

“Wie den Krieg abschaffen?'” is the title of a new German sermon asking and answering the question as to how we could get rid of war. Title in English: “How to Abolish War?” This is the second in a new series of German sermons in which Norbert Link addresses choices which lead to war or to peace.

The files for our booklet, “Hidden Secrets in the Bible” are ready to be sent to the printer.

“Old Testament Laws—Still Valid Today?,” is the title of a new booklet, written by Norbert Link, which has entered the second stage of review. Here is the opening paragraph of the Foreward:

“Do the Old Testament laws apply to us today? How can we determine if they do, and to what extent? The answers to these questions require careful consideration of the Scriptures in order to fully appreciate why God gave these laws in the first place and what, if anything, they mean for us today.”

“ALL WRONG—Evolution, Creationism and Intelligent Design!,” is the title of a new compelling StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
 
On February 4, 2014, a debate took place between two proponents of the (atheistic) Evolution concept and of Creationism. The subsequent responses were telling—TV Evangelist Pat Robertson rejected “Young Earth Creationism” and stated that he believes in God-guided Evolution—a position which is also embraced by the Catholic Church. Others felt that “Old Earth Creationism” and “Intelligent Design” (ID) should have been discussed as alternatives. This program shows that all of these concepts are wrong, and explains what the Bible REALLY SAYS about the origins of the earth and of man.

“Krieg oder Frieden?,” is the title of the first installment of a new series of German sermons in which Norbert Link addresses choices which lead to war or to peace.

Also, Mr. Link has written a new German member letter. It addresses the need to make reservations at the Feast 2014 Hotel in Germany and includes the German translation of our recent Q&A on not adding to or deleting from God’s Word.

The Hilton Garden Inn at Pismo Beach, California, is this year’s location for the Feast of Tabernacles and Last Great Day observance in the US.  We reserved 15 rooms with more available, as needed. Please contact us as soon as possible and tell us that you want to stay in the hotel. We are composing an assignment list. Once this intial sign-up is complete, we will add detailed information about the hotel on the CEG website.

“Old Testament Laws—Still Valid Today?,” is the title of a new booklet which has entered the first review cycle.

“The Prophetic Rise of the Eurozone,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

In President Obama’s State of the Union Address 2014, little was said about foreign policy and nothing was mentioned regarding Europe and the Eurozone. However, the Bible shows us the tremendous importance of developments in Europe, which will negatively affect the USA in unprecedented ways. While President Obama’s disappointing speech “without vision and new ideas” (Die Welt) made a fleeting and passing comment on the NSA spying activities, Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel rebuked him strongly the next day in her major speech to Parliament, stating that Europe and the USA are “far apart on the ethical question of freedom versus security in state surveillance” (The Local). The prophesied rift between continental Europe and the USA will continue to widen.

“Lichter in der Finsternis,” is the title of this week’s German sermon. This is the  German version of Norbert Link’s sermon from last Sabbath on “Lights in the Darkness.”

The final text for our new booklet, “Hidden Secrets in the Bible,” has been forwarded to graphic artist Shelly Bruno. We anticipate printing and distribution to occur within the next few weeks.

“The Pagan Origin of Valentine’s Day,” is the title of a StandingWatch Program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

Some claim that Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14 to commemorate the anniversary of the violent deaths of Christian martyrs. The true origin goes back to the Roman fertility feast of Lupercalia, the “Wolf Festival,” in honor of pagan gods such as Lupercus or Pan, the god of shepherds, and ultimately the worship of biblical idols such as the sun god Baal.

“Wahrer Ursprung des Valentinstages,” is the new AufPostenStehen Program. It covers the same subject material as the English version mentioned above.

“Josia–ein Gerechter Jüdischer König,” is the title of this week’s German sermon, and it is based on the English sermon, “Josiah-A Righteous King of Judah,” also given by Norbert Link (January 11, 2014). Here is a summary of the English sermon:

Following David and Solomon, most kings of Israel and Judah were evil in the sight of God. Not one king from the house of Israel lived up to God’s standards, and only very few kings from the house of Judah did. One shining example was righteous King Josiah, and it is worthwhile to study his life for encouragement and inspiration. Josiah abandoned pagan worship and restored the true worship of God. He was willing to obey God, but his life ended prematurely due to a wrong decision.

The contract for The Hilton Garden Inn at Pismo Beach is signed for this year’s Feast of Tabernacles and Last Great Day observance in the US.  We reserved 15 rooms with more available, as needed. Please contact us before the end of January and tell us that you want to stay in the hotel. We will compose an assignment list. The prices and amenities are very close to those of two years ago.

Norbert and Johanna Link will travel to Germany on April 7th of this year. Plans are being made for counseling brethren as well as conducting services for Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread along with finalizing organizational arrangements for the Church in Germany. Michael Link will also travel to Germany for Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread and assist with Church functions and organizational arrangements. Several baptisms are anticipated, and Norbert Link will officiate at a church wedding on May 1. The Links will also investigate a new Feast site for 2015. Norbert and Johanna Link will return to the US on May 5, 2014. Additonally, plans for the 2014 Feast of Tabernacles are that we will again keep the Feast (from October 8 until October 16, departure date October 17) at the same hotel in the Black Forest (Hotel Birkenhof, Freudenstadt) as we did in 2013. Please contact us before the end of January and tell us that you want to stay in the hotel. We will compose an assignment list. The prices and amenities are very close to those of a year ago.

The 2014 Church Conference will begin Friday, March 28th, and continue through Tuesday, April 1st, in San Diego, California. Brian and Jill Gale will stay following the Conference, and Mr. Gale will conduct Passover services in Ramona, California. Rene and Delia Messier will be in Oregon for Passover and the beginning of Unleavened Bread. Passover Services will be conducted by the ministry in Fort Collins, Colorado, as well.

“Will Pope Francis Reform the Catholic Church?,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

What can we expect from Pope Francis, the first Jesuit Pope in the history of the Catholic Church? Is he a liberal or a conservative? What are his beliefs? How was he elected, and why did Pope Benedict resign? Why is he condoning homosexual conduct? Why is he getting more and more involved in politics? What does Bible prophecy say about all of this?

“Wird Papst Franziskus die Katholische Kirche Reformieren?,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program in which Mr. Link covers much of the same material as summarized above.

A new Member Letter (with attachment) has been written to the German brethren and friends. It announces our Webex meeting this Sabbath (when Norbert Link will address the congregation live right after Sabbath services) and includes a write-up on the first, second and third tithe.

“Gottes Segnungen für Unsere Kinder,” is the title of this week’s German sermon, to be played this coming Sabbath. This is the second part of the German sermon series on the fate of our children. Title in English: “God’s Blessings for Our Children.“

The contract for The Hilton Garden Inn at Pismo Beach is signed for this year’s Feast of Tabernacles and Last Great Day observance in the US.  We reserved 15 rooms with more available, as needed. Please contact us and tell us that you want to stay in the hotel. We will compose an assignment list. Also, we will have more details available shortly. The prices and amenities are very close to those of two years ago.

“Demonic Possession on the Rise?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

The Telegraph reported on January 5, 2014, that according to the Catholic Church, demonic possession and exorcisms are on the rise. They say this is a result of more people dabbling in black magic, paganism, Satanic rites, Ouija boards, and even yoga. Is this true? What does the Bible say about the practice of casting out demons? Could it be that an apparent “exorcism” is nothing else but a demonic deception?

A new Member Letter for January, written by Brian Gale, has been mailed out and is now posted.

The monthly Tech Team meeting was conducted on Monday evening of this week. Reports on development of our redesigned website were presented along with further use of social networking.

“Das Schicksal unserer Kinder,” is the title of this week’s German sermon. Mr. Norbert Link addresses the fate of our children, focusing on the bad example and influence of parents. The next sermon will address the parent’s good example. The title in English: “The Fate of Our Children.”
 
Pastor Rene Messier (Canada) has presented a new StandingWatch Talking Point program, asking: Can evolution be true. If so how do you explain some of the issues it creates in regards to migrating birds and nesting birds and how does order come out of chaos?

Pastor Brian Gale (United Kingdom) has presented a new StandingWatch Talking Point program in which he highlights our booklet, “Middle Eastern and African Nations in Bible Prophecy.” Here is a summary:

The Bible speaks of many modern countries in prophetic terms, using, of course, ancient names for our peoples today. In order to understand biblical prophecies, one must understand the biblical identity of today’s nations and countries. 

We extend our condolences to Johanna Link and Anita Hanstein, as well as their families, concerning the death of Johanna’s and Anita’s mother on this past Sabbath (December 28, 2013). Frau Hermine Sperzel lived in Germany and had been suffering from an extended illness.

Our monthly Ministerial Meeting via SKYPE was conducted on Sunday, December 29, 2013.

US Feast of Tabernacles plans for 2014 are being finalized. As in previous years, we will be meeting again in Pismo Beach, California. Further announcements are forthcoming.

A new member letter for January has been written by Brian Gale and will be posted soon and sent out early next week.

Our new booklet, “Hidden Secrets in the Bible” has entered the second review cycle and is expected to be sent by mid-January to our Graphic Designer, Shelly Bruno, for finalization.

“Good News! Many Americans Don’t Believe in Evolution!'” is the title of a new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

According to the Huffington Post, dated December 30, 2013, thirty-three percent of Americans reject evolution. And among Americans who accept the concept of evolution, a quarter said that a Supreme Being guided the process. Still, when we believe God’s Holy Word, evolution in any form is to be rejected. In fact, scientists admit that there is no proof that evolution occurred. The truth is that animals did not evolve from one species to another, and man did not evolve from animals, nor is man an animal. Our free booklet, “The Theory of Evolution—a Fairy Tale for Adults?,” explains why this is. Another one of our free booklets, “The Authority of the Bible,”  gives you proof as to why God’s written Word is infallible.

“Gottes Wirken in der Tierwelt,” is the sermon which was played this past Sabbath to the German brethren.This was the second in a series of sermons on the biblical teaching about animals. The title in English is: “God’s Work in the Animal World.”

“Tiere in der Welt von Morgen,” is the title of a new German sermon. It is the final installment of the series on animals. Title in English: “Animals in the World Tomorrow.”

“The Fate of Our Children,” is the title of a sermon given last Sabbath by Norbert Link. It is now available for listening or viewing, and here is a summary:

How does the life style of parents affect their children? When Adam and Eve sinned, God cut off the world from access to Him and His Way of Life, until Christ returns, but God determined to call some in this day and age to have a special relationship with Him. This includes the children of called-out parents. Whether they may realize it or not, parents have a tremendous influence on their children and grandchildren—in good and bad ways.

“Childrearing in a Christian-Jewish Family,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

Recently, a Jewish lady wrote about the difficulty of raising her child together with a Christian father, especially around Christmas and Easter time. In this program, we are showing important principles for marriage and childrearing, explain 1 Corinthians 7:39, and clear up rampant misunderstandings. We point out that compromise is never a solution, and reveal that Christmas and Easter are not Christian. We offer our free booklets, “The Keys to Happy Marriages and Families” and “Don’t Keep Christmas.”

To go along with this week’s Question and Answer topic, you might want to view last week’s sermonette presentation by Nobert Link on the subject of phylacteries–titled, “Phylacteries Today?” Here is a summary:

In several Old Testament passages, the command is given to bind the law on one’s hand and between one’s eyes. At the time of Christ, Jews had taken these passages literally and had begun to wear boxes with portions of the law, called tephillin or phylacteries. Some Jews still do this today. But did God ever require this of His followers, and if not, what exactly is the intended meaning?

“Gottes Wirken in der Tierwelt,” is the sermon which will be played this coming Sabbath to the German brethren.This is the second in a series of sermons on the biblical teaching about animals. The title in English is: “God’s Work in the Animal World.”

“Will Yellowstone’s Super Volcano Wipe Out America?,” is the title of our new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

The New York Post wrote on December 12, 2013, that if Yellowstone’s Super Volcano erupts, it will wipe out America and have enormous impacts on the rest of the world. But is this possible? Our free booklet, “The Theory of Evolution,” explains that in the past, historic natural catastrophes, including volcanic eruptions, have destroyed large parts of the earth, and the Bible warns that similar events will happen in the near future.

“Tiere in der Bibel,” is the title of a new German language sermon to be played this coming Sabbath in services conducted in Germany. It begins a new series on the biblical teaching about animals. Title in English: “Animals in the Bible.”

A new “SW Talking Points” program with Rene Messier has been posted. It offers our free booklet, “Is That in the Bible? The Mysteries of the Book of Revelation.”

Our new Member letter, has been posted and sent out this week. In it, Dave Harris reminds us of the understanding and promises God has given to His faithful people in order for us to face the tumultuous events that are now signaling the end of this age.

A new Member Letter has been sent to the brethren in Germany. It includes a German translation of Mr. Link’s Editorial, “Is It God’s Will to Quit?,” which appeared in last week’s Update. Plans have also been made for Mr. Link to address the German brethren via Webex this coming Sabbath.