Update 1046

On November 26, 2022, Norbert Link will present, “Comments on News and Prophecy (November 26, 2022),” and the sermon, titled, “God the Father Is the Highest.”

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 all have talents.  How we use the talents we have is the next step.  For God’s people, there are specific talents God has given us so we can use them in a way that will bring us to the most important goal that has been set aside for us. We individually are responsible for ourselves, for we individually will give account for everything that we have done and based on how we have lived our lives, we will then receive our reward. Jesus Christ speaks about the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30, starting off by saying in verse 14, “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.”

In the next verse, talents were given to each according to their own abilities.  Everyone is different and goes through different trials, some more than others. The example of Job comes to mind who lost everything and yet his self-righteousness was tested, just like that which happened to Lucifer, before he became Satan the Devil.  The only difference here was that Job finally recognized his problem and asked for forgiveness, unlike Satan.  Self-righteousness and pride got the better of Lucifer.

Another example of someone who most likely went through so much more than we have endured was the Apostle Paul, and he proved himself worthy through the talents that he had been given, putting them to beneficial use as we can correlate this with the profitable servants in the following two verses in Matthew 25:16-17.   However, in verse 18, the one who received a talent and hid it in the ground did not put it to good use.

After a while, in verse 19, “the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them” based on what they did individually, which refers to the Day of Judgement where all will give account for what they have said and done (compare Matthew 12:36).

In the following verses (20-23), those who received certain talents and used them wisely had overcome according to their abilities.   The lord states, however, “you have been faithful over a few things,” but not everything, for they were not perfect, but they didn’t give up and they stuck with the Truth and put their talents to use, based on their abilities.  God will not test us beyond our control.  And yet the lord still made them ruler “over many things.”

This was not the same fate of the one who tried to justify his reasoning by hiding his talent in the ground (verses 24-25).  The lord described this person as wicked in verse 26 because this servant didn’t stand up and therefore gave in, compromised, and was not bold enough to stand for the Truth which would eventually lead him to unrighteousness and sin. This servant knew all these things; he knew God’s Way of Life with its trials, and he knew that God would punish disobedience, as he himself described in verse 24, KNOWING what was right and wrong.

In verse 27, God was specific in His instructions, in His Law, how we are to obey, what we are to do, because it has been given to those who have been called to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God, but to all those who haven’t been called, it has not been given (compare Matthew 13:11).  This servant KNEW this, or else why would he have been afraid?

His talent will be taken from him as explained in verse 28 and given to another servant.  Continuing in verse 29, “for to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.”  Remember our crown of life, for we are to hold fast to what we have so it won’t be taken away and given to someone else (compare Revelation 3:11).  People come and go, as we have all witnessed throughout the years. When someone leaves God’s Church, that someone will be replaced by someone else whom God calls.

Everything that we see around us is physical and only temporary anyway.  The chance for Eternal Life will also be taken away if we are negligent in using our God-given talents in an irresponsible way.  The Parable of the Talents is a valuable lesson for us all and we can be forever thankful for the gift of knowledge that God has given us, but we still need to do our part so we can be counted worthy to enter His Kingdom and not end up like the unprofitable servant.

by Norbert Link

We begin this section with the “scandal of the ages,” referring to the evidence that coronavirus measures and restrictions were not only useless, but damaged and ruined the lives of millions of people; continue with Dr. Fauci’s “farewell debacle” which led to another attack by the White House on the free press; and show how America has been suppressing the truth in regard to Saudi Arabia.

We continue with strong accusations by Boris Johnson against France, Germany and Italy pertaining to Ukraine; and give further news about the “Ukrainian disaster.” We also address the ongoing provocative actions of North Korea and Israel’s intent to legalize towns in Judea and Samaria.

We speak on the incredible reelection of Mitch McConnel as the Republican Senate Speaker; Kevin McCarthy’s announcement that his party will block certain Democrats from serving on committees;  and Attorney General Merrick Garland’s controversial appointment of John L. Smith as special counsel to investigate Donald Trump, while House Republicans intend to investigate Joe and Hunter Biden.

We speak on the mass murder in Colorado Springs (for an in-depth analysis of the possible causes and solutions, please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Why Mass Murder in Colorado’s Gay Nightclub?”).

We address the prohibition in Belgium to suggest or conduct conversion therapies; the ongoing sex scandal in the Catholic Church; failing trade negotiations between the USA and Europe, and FIFA, the corrupt soccer association responsible for the world cup being held in Qatar.

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

The “Scandal of the Ages”

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on November 18:

“The lords of lockdown barely escaped their worst possible fate, namely that the topic would become the national and international source of scandal that it should be. And let’s add the vaccine mandates here too: even if such had been morally justified, which they were not, there is absolutely no practical reason for them at all. To have imposed both of these within the course of one year – with zero evidence that they achieved anything for public health and vast amounts of unfolding evidence that they ruined life quality for countless millions – qualifies as a scandal for the ages. It was in the US but also in nearly every country in the world but a few.

“Might that have huge political implications? One would suppose so. And yet today it appears that truth and justice are further off than ever. The most passionate of the anti-lockdown governors – those who never locked down or opened earlier than the rest of the country – won on their record. Most of the rest joined the entire political establishment in pretending that all of this is a non-issue. Tragically, this tactic seems to have worked better than it should have….

“The US government, through the Transportation Safety Administration, has signed yet another order extending the ban on unvaccinated international visitors until January 8, 2023. This means that no person who has managed to refuse the shot is allowed to come to the US for any reason. This is 30% of the world’s population, banned even to enter the US on their own dime. Something like this would have been inconceivably illiberal three years ago, and been a source of enormous controversy and outrage. Today, the extension hardly made the news.

“The Biden administration has once again extended the Covid emergency declaration another 90 days, which continues to grant government vast powers without Congressional approval. Under a state of emergency, the Constitutional structure of the US is effectively suspended and the country remains on a wartime footing. This announcement was not controversial, and, like the above, it barely made the news.

“Many colleges and universities, and also other schools and public agencies, continue to enforce the vaccine mandate even without any solid science… given that most people have long ago been exposed and acquired natural immunity, and, moreover, it is very well established that the shots do not protect anyone from infection nor stop transmission. They just keep doing this anyway.

“Masking is not in disrepute because we never really obtained anything like an honest admission of their failure to control the spread. Even today, there is a percentage of people out there permanently traumatized. On travels, I’m seeing perhaps 10-20% but in some Northeastern cities, regular wearing of masks is also very common. Once they became a symbol of political compliance and virtue, that sealed the deal and the culture was changed. Now we face the threat of mask mandates whenever government deems it necessary because the Transportation Safety Authority has been given the go-ahead by the courts…”

And as the midterm elections have shown, a vast portion of American voters behave like indifferent and willfully ignorant sleepwalkers.

Fauci’s Farwell Debacle

The Daily Mail wrote on November 22:

“Dr. Anthony Fauci made his final appearance in the White House briefing room on Tuesday, triggering chaotic scenes as reporters bombarded him with questions about the origins of COVID-19…  He used the occasion to hammer home a public health message, urging viewers to get the latest booster… And he suggested it was a good idea to get tested before sitting down with relatives for Thanksgiving...

“But when the briefing was turned over to questions, he faced a barrage of queries about some of the hot button… issues raised by the pandemic.

“What he had done to investigate the origins of the pandemic? Did he think gain-of-function experiments – making viruses more dangerous to test the impact of variations – were safe? And was it appropriate to fund EcoHealth Alliance, which used its money for coronavirus research in China, putting it at the heart of conspiracy theories about the emergence of COVID-19….”

So White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stepped in to shut down the questions which she was obviously unwilling to have answered, reflecting the policy of the White House to simply ignore or block questions which could become uncomfortable for the Biden Administration. (Biden refused to discuss the matter with Chinese President Xi during their last meeting). But this renewed attempt to attack the free press backfired, as the next article points out.

The White House’s Attack on Free Press  

Fox News wrote on November 23:

“White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre faced renewed backlash from reporters and Twitter users alike after yelling at the press pool during Tuesday’s conference. After outgoing White House chief medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci spoke about the administration’s vaccine efforts, Daily Caller White House correspondent Diana Glebova attempted to ask a question regarding investigations into the origin of the coronavirus. Instead of answering, Jean-Pierre rebuked Glebova for being ‘disrespectful.’… Other reporters defended Glebova’s questions which led to Jean-Pierre continuing to yell that she was ‘done’ answering their questions…

“Social media users quickly condemned Jean-Pierre’s behavior as ‘unprofessional’ and an attack on the press. Political commentator Dave Rubin remarked, ‘What a condescending, smug, absolute embarrassment KJP is…’ The Spectator contributing editor Stephen Miller joked, ‘An incredible display of threatening anti-journalism. This is dangerous. This is a vile threat to the very foundations of which our free press democracy is based upon. A free press that is allowed to question our government is a sacred virtue for which our Republic must safe guard.’…

“‘[Questions] about Covid origins are legitimate and every reporter [should] be asking them. This reaction from the [White House] is really weird,’ Hudson Institute senior fellow Rebecca Heinrichs wrote. Barstool Sports blogger Jack McGuire tweeted, ‘Why [does] she think she’s a 3rd grade teacher?’ ‘She’s utterly losing control of the press corps because the WH consistently spends an inordinate amount of time taking questions from the same 12 corporate reporters, day in and day out. It’s shameful…’

“Glebova herself commented on the exchange from her Twitter account. ‘I attempted to ask Fauci several times on what he personally did to demand answers into the origins of COVID-19. I always come with honest answers that Americans want to know. That’s why the White House refuses to call on me, and then calls ME ‘disrespectful,’ Glebova tweeted….”

Further willful suppression of the Truth is pointed out in the next article.

USA Willing Again to Suppress the Truth About Saudi Arabia

The Associated Press reported on November 18:

“The Biden administration says Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s high office should shield him from a lawsuit over his role in the killing of a U.S.-based journalist, making a turnaround from Joe Biden’s passionate campaign trail denunciations of the prince over the brutal slaying.

“The administration spoke out in support of a claim of legal immunity from Prince Mohammed — Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, who also recently took the title of prime minister — against a suit brought by the fiancée of slain Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi and by the rights group Khashoggi founded, Democracy for the Arab World Now. ‘Jamal died again today,’ Khashoggi’s fiancée, Hatice Cengiz, tweeted after the U.S. filing late Thursday in her lawsuit.

“The U.S. government’s finding of immunity for the Prince Mohammed, sometimes known as MBS, is non-binding, and a judge will ultimately decide whether to grant immunity. But it angered rights activists and risked blowback from Democratic lawmakers. The U.S move came as Saudi Arabia has stepped up imprisonment and other retaliation against peaceful critics at home and abroad and has cut oil production, a move seen as undercutting efforts by the U.S. and its allies to punish Russia for its war against Ukraine…

“Saudi officials killed Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. They are believed to have dismembered him, although his remains have never been found. The U.S. intelligence community concluded Saudi Arabia’s crown prince had approved the killing of the widely known and respected journalist, who had written critically of Prince Mohammed’s harsh ways of silencing of those he considered rivals or critics…

“Biden as a Democratic presidential candidate vowed to make a ‘pariah’ out of Saudi rulers over the 2018 killing of Khashoggi… The U.S. military long has safeguarded Saudi Arabia from external enemies, in exchange for Saudi Arabia keeping global oil markets afloat.”

Despicable political actions, broken promises and lies galore! This will only end with the righteous government on Christ here on earth.

Boris Johnson Accuses Germany, France and Italy over Ukraine Debacle

Novinite wrote on November 23:

“France was ‘in denial’ about the prospect of a Russian invasion of Ukraine [‘until the last moment’], former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told CNN. He also accused the German government of initially preferring a quick Ukrainian military defeat to a protracted conflict… ‘This thing was a huge shock … we could see the Russian battalion tactical groups coming together, but different countries had very different points of view,’ Johnson said.

“The German view at one stage was that if this happened, which would be a disaster, then it would be better if the whole thing were over quickly and Ukraine collapsed,’ Johnson said. He said that behind the German position were ‘all kinds of reasonable economic justifications’. ‘I couldn’t support that, I thought it was a catastrophic way to look at things…’

“Johnson also criticized Italy’s initial response to the threat of invasion. At the time, the government led by Mario Draghi ‘at one stage simply said that they would not be able to support the position that we are taking’ given their ‘enormous’ dependence on Russian hydrocarbons,’ Johnson said….”

The Ukrainian Disaster

The Washington Post wrote on November 23:

“After just six weeks of intense bombing of energy infrastructure, Russia has battered Ukraine to the brink of a humanitarian disaster this winter as millions of people potentially face life-threatening conditions without electricity, heat or running water. As the scope of damage to Ukraine’s energy systems has come into focus in recent days, Ukrainian and Western officials have begun sounding the alarm but are also realizing they have limited recourse. Ukraine’s Soviet-era power system cannot be fixed quickly or easily. In some of the worst-hit cities, there is little officials can do other than to urge residents to flee — raising the risk of economic collapse in Ukraine and a spillover refugee crisis in neighboring European countries… Already, snow has fallen across much of Ukraine and temperatures are dipping below freezing in many parts of the country…

“On Wednesday, Russia pounded Ukraine with another barrage of missiles, striking energy infrastructure and residential areas across the country… and setting off blackouts in much of the country… Ukraine’s Energy Ministry, in a statement, said the bombing left the ‘great majority of consumers without power.’… Even before Wednesday’s attacks, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that about half of the country’s energy infrastructure was ‘out of order’ following the bombardment…”

The war is far from over, and the “defeat” of Russia is highly exaggerated.

North Korea Launches Missile Which Could Strike the USA

ABC News wrote on November 18:

“North Korea has fired one of the most powerful intercontinental ballistic missiles it has ever launched with the latest having the potential… to strike the mainland of the United States. North Korea, which has launched at least 88 ballistic and other missiles this year, fired an ICBM that could travel 9,300 miles or longer, putting the U.S. mainland within its range…

“Both the militaries of the United States and South Korea militaries are analyzing the data, but North Korea’s latest launch — and its second this month — involved a missile that covered a distance of 620 miles…”

North Korea remains to be a powerful dangerous adversary of the USA.

Israel to Legalize Towns in Judea and Samaria

Israel 365 wrote on November 18:

“As part of their coalition negotiations, Likud head Benjamin Netanyahu and Otzma Yehudit head Itamar Ben Gvir agreed on Wednesday to initiate several legal initiatives that would legalize dozens of Jewish towns in Judea and Samaria. The towns included in the agreement are those classified as ‘young settlements’ and were established without government authorization…

“Nearby Arab towns threatened violence targeting Jews who attempted to reestablish the communities. ‘We don’t care what was agreed, the people of our town will resist the settlers’ presence,’ Dr. Hutifa Badir from Beita, a village near Shechem and Evyatar, told the BBC. ‘We arm ourselves with the blood of martyrs and the wounded. We’re committed to our land, and we will not give up on it whatever the cost.’”

This could indeed result in further bloodshed and continuing alienation between the USA and Israel.

Incredible—Mitch McConnell Reelected as Republican Senate Speaker!

Breitbart wrote on November 18:

“Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) should have resigned after his party failed to win the Senate last week… McConnell offered no reason to maintain his grip on his caucus, no agenda other than working together with Democrats… Democrats want radical changes to the American way of life, and the only thing stopping them is that they are still at least one vote short of the margin needed to eliminate the filibuster in the Senate.

“McConnell was also strangely passive during the 2022 campaign. He offered no vision to inspire Republican voters, nor did he warn voters about Biden’s judicial appointees. He cast scorn on candidates backed by Donald Trump and spent millions to help Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) against GOP nominee Kelly Tshibaka in Alaska, despite the certainty that the state would be represented by a Republican, and the need for cash in other races.

“He took pride in his margin of victory, winning an internal caucus election 37 to 10, with one abstention. But to the Republican base, the fact that McConnell will keep his post despite a disappointing election is a reminder that the party establishment views its voters with contempt. In a caucus rich with young, interesting, diverse leaders, McConnell’s continued dominance makes no sense…

“McConnell will be remembered by history for his role in saving the Supreme Court from falling under left-wing control, which would have resulted in the erasure of our Constitution by judicial fiat. Beyond that, he has little to offer. Those who worry that Trump alienates moderate voters should also consider that McConnell and the establishment he represents alienate the core Republican constituency. It is long past time for him to go.”

It is mindboggling and beyond comprehension that McConnell would have been reelected as the Republican Senate Speaker, given his terrible track record. At least Pelosi is stepping down as Speaker of House Democrats, but whether her successor will be so much better will have to be seen. Little, if anything should be expected from the Republicans or Democrats in the House and the Senate—except perhaps some “compromise” in areas which will erode and do away with America’s liberties and freedoms even more.

McCarthy to Block Certain Democrats from Committees

Fox News reported on November 21:

“McCarthy, the Republican designee for the next House speaker, told Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo on Sunday that when his party takes control of the House in January, it will make good on a long-held promise to bar Omar, Schiff and Swalwell from committees. The GOP leader said that Swalwell’s prior association with a Chinese spy, Schiff’s promotion of Russia collusion theories and Omar’s criticism of Israel were disqualifying.

“‘One thing I said from the very beginning, Eric Swalwell cannot get a security clearance in the public sector,’ said McCarthy. ‘Why would we ever give him a security clearance and the secrets to America? So, I will not allow him to be on’ the House Intelligence Committee. ‘You have Adam Schiff, who lied to the American public time and again – we will not allow him to be on the [Intelligence] Committee either,’ McCarthy added. ‘Look at Congresswoman Omar, her antisemitic comments that have gone forward. We’re not going to allow her to be on Foreign Affairs.’”

It would be more than overdue.

Special Counsel Named to “Investigate” Trump

The Associated Press reported on November 18:

“Attorney General Merrick Garland [a Democrat who was appointed by Biden] named a special counsel on Friday to oversee the Justice Department’s investigation into the presence of classified documents at former President Donald Trump’s Florida estate as well as key aspects of a separate probe involving the Jan. 6 insurrection and efforts to undo the 2020 election. The move, which is being announced just three days after Trump announced his 2024 candidacy, is a recognition of the unmistakable political implications of two investigations that involve not only a former president but also a current White House hopeful.

“… the special counsel will still report to Garland, who has ultimate say of whether to bring charges.”

Breitbart wrote on November 18:

“Garland named John L. Smith as special counsel Friday afternoon in a televised press statement…  Smith is the Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division at U.S. Department of Justice — one of the most highly politicized, left-wing departments within the agency.”

Fox News wrote on November 18:

“Senator Ted Cruz called the timing of the special counsel’s appointment problematic given that Trump had just announced his third run for the White House… ‘This is Trump derangement syndrome but this time with a gun and badge…’

“Andy Biggs… similarly said that the DOJ appeared to be more ‘politicized and weaponized’ than at any point in American history. Some, like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene... even said that Republicans should use their newly won control of the U.S. House of Representatives to cut off funding for the investigation next Congress… [A demand later echoed by Fox News moderator Laura Ingraham on her TV program.]

“Republican Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, seen as a potential 2024 contender, said the special counsel appointment is ‘not good news’ for the country. The House Judiciary Committee Republicans tweeted from their account Friday, casting doubt on Smith’s ability to remain impartial in his conduct of the investigation. ‘Jack Smith and his buddies have been politicizing Washington for AGES. And he’s who AG Garland picked to be the special counsel to “investigate” President Trump? Come on,’ the tweet states…

“[Trump said] he ‘won’t partake in it’ and calling it ‘the worst politicization of justice in our country,’ while urging the Republican Party to take action… ‘They found nothing, and now they take some guy who hates Trump. This is a disgrace…’

“Trump, like many congressional Republicans, slammed the Justice Department for bias and politicization, pointing to the federal investigation into President Biden’s son, Hunter Biden [Garland has so far refused to appoint a special counsel in the Hunter Biden case.] ‘Hunter Biden is a criminal many times over and nothing happens to him,’ Trump said. ‘Joe Biden is a criminal many times over — and nothing happens to them.’…

“A Trump spokesperson said Friday that ‘this is a totally expected political stunt by a feckless, politicized, weaponized Biden Department of Justice.’’

Newsmax wrote on November 18:

“Legal experts rallied to Donald Trump’s defense Friday in criticizing Attorney General Merrick Garland’s appointment of former federal attorney Jack Smith as special counsel to head the Department of Justice’s investigations of the former president… ‘

“‘Jack Smith is well-known and liked in leftist circles because of his role in the IRS scandal, working with Lois Lerner to illicitly target conservative groups,’ tweeted Mike Howell, head of The Heritage Foundation’s Oversight Project and former attorney for the House Oversight Committee…

“Mike Davis, president of the Article III Project, which advocates for constitutionalist judges, and a former clerk for Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, tweeted, ‘By appointing a special counsel to investigate his boss’s political enemy, Attorney General Merrick Garland continues to politicize and weaponize the Biden Justice Department — all while Garland ignores smoking-gun evidence of Biden’s foreign corruption.’

“Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, tweeted: ‘There is no good-faith basis for the any of the DOJ “investigations” of Trump, let alone a special counsel.’ And Will Chamberlain, a lawyer and member of the Article III project, called the move ‘insane and stupid.’…

“Former Vice President Mike Pence called the Justice Department’s appointment of a special counsel to investigate former President Trump ‘very troubling’… Pence pointed to ‘years of politicization at the Justice Department,’ referencing the Trump-Russia investigation. ‘There have been disclosed FBI agents falsifying documents, the FBI using a Clinton campaign-funded opposition research document to support two and a half years of the Russia hoax.’..

“Pence said he was ‘deeply troubled’ when ‘senior leadership at the Justice Department made the decision to execute a search warrant against the personal residence of the former president of the United States,’ referring to the FBI’s unprecedented raid of Mar-a-Lago in August. ‘It had never been done in history,’ he said, adding that the raid ‘sent a divisive message across the country,’ and warned that it ‘sent a wrong message about America around the world.’”

Garland authorized the highly controversial and possibly illegal raid on Trump’s property Mar-o-Lago in Florida. Republicans have said that they might investigate Garland and his Justice Department for their conduct in this regard, saying that Garland “weaponized” the Justice Department in approving the search warrant. This search warrant was obtained from a biased judge who had previously recused himself from a matter involving Trump, due to his recognized bias and conflict of interest. And so, with the appointment of a “special counsel,” who is NOT independent from the Justice Department, another additional farce and “political” witch hunt against Trump will continue.

Laura Ingraham also interviewed on her show on November 18 Mike Davis, Article III Project President, former Chief Counsel for Nominations to Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley,  former clerk for US Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, and former civil litigator for about 15 years, stating that Trump, as former President, had the absolute right under the President Record Act to take personal copies of the presidential record, and that therefore the entire investigation in this regard revolves around a “non-crime.” The other aspect of the “investigation,” Trump’s claim that the 2020 election was rigged and stolen, and his “invitation” to demonstrate “peacefully and patriotically,” obviously does not constitute a crime either.

Outraged Republicans have a point, when they complain about Garland’s highly problematic actions, but what will they do? When will the American people finally have enough of this political theater? Or will they ever? Or do they even care?

Trump: Biden Corrupt, Elections Rigged

Newsmax wrote on November 20:

“Former President Donald Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to share his opinion on midterm elections and President Joe Biden. ‘Our Country has never seen a Weaponized “Justice” Department, and FBI, like they are witnessing right now,’ Trump wrote…

“They are doing everything they can, much of it unlawful, to protect an incompetent and corrupt President, and his drug addicted criminal son. The system is Tainted and Rigged, just like our Elections are Tainted and Rigged, and just like our Border is for sale to the highest bidder, OPEN, and a disgrace to humanity. In the meantime, our Country is failing at a level never seen before!!!’…

“Trump has seemingly rejected returning to Twitter… Trump said he… was a fan of Musk, but appeared to reject any return to the platform. ‘I don’t see it, because I don’t see any reason for it,’ he said.”

The mass media is even repeating continuously the big lie that no evidence exists that Joe Biden had any knowledge of or was in any way involved with his son’s business dealings. Professor Jonathan Turley wrote on November 21:

“Some of us have written for two years that Biden’s denial of knowledge is patently false…  reporters are invested in the illusion… [They] have to insist that there was nothing to see or they have to admit to being part of the original deception. The media cannot see… without the public seeing something about the media in its past efforts to conceal it. The media is now so heavily invested in the trick that they are sticking with the illusion…”

To Investigate Joe Biden?

The Washington Free Beacon wrote on November 17:

“House Republicans on Thursday laid out plans to investigate Joe and Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings, calling the probe ‘a top priority’ for the GOP in the new Congress.

“Rep. James Comer (R., Ky.), who will chair the House Oversight Committee next year, said Republicans will explore ‘all avenues’ of the Biden family’s business activity in China and Ukraine. Comer alleged that President Biden has ‘lied’ by claiming he never discussed business with his son. ‘This is an investigation of Joe Biden, the president of the United States, and why he lied to the American people about his participation in his family’s international business schemes,’ said Comer, who claimed the committee has uncovered evidence that Hunter Biden committed wire fraud and violated foreign agent laws…”

Mass Murder in Colorado

The Associated Press wrote on November 21:

“A year and a half before he was arrested in the Colorado Springs gay nightclub shooting that left five people dead, Anderson Lee Aldrich allegedly threatened his mother with a homemade bomb, forcing neighbors in surrounding homes to evacuate while the bomb squad and crisis negotiators talked him into surrendering. Yet despite that scare, there’s no public record that prosecutors moved forward with felony kidnapping and menacing charges against Aldrich, or that police or relatives tried to trigger Colorado’s ‘red flag’ law that would have allowed authorities to seize the weapons and ammo the man’s mother says he had with him.

“Gun control advocates say Aldrich’s June 2021 threat is an example of a red flag law ignored, with potentially deadly consequences. While it’s not clear the law could have prevented Saturday night’s attack — such gun seizures can be in effect for as little as 14 days and be extended by a judge in six-month increments — they say it could have at least slowed Aldrich and raised his profile with law enforcement…

“But the law that allows guns to be removed from people deemed dangerous to themselves or others has seldom been used in the state, particularly in El Paso County, home to Colorado Springs, where the 22-year-old Aldrich allegedly went into Club Q with a long gun at just before midnight and opened fire before he was subdued by patrons. An Associated Press analysis found Colorado has one of the lowest rates of red flag usage despite widespread gun ownership and several high-profile mass shootings… El Paso County appears especially hostile to the law…”

The following articles give further information about the alleged shooter.

The Washington Post wrote on November 21:

“Years before he allegedly walked into a Colorado LGBTQ bar with an assault-style rifle, the man now known as Anderson Lee Aldrich had a different name, and a tumultuous past. Until age 15, he was known as Nicholas Brink, living in San Antonio, public records show. His parents separated when he was a toddler, and when he was 12, his mother, Laura Voepel, was arrested for suspected arson, according to court documents. She was later found guilty of a lesser offense in connection with the same incident.

“At age 15, he became the target of a particularly vicious bout of online bullying in which insulting accusations were posted to a website, along with his name, photos and online aliases… At some point, a YouTube account was created under his name, featuring a crude, profanity-laden animation under the title, ‘Asian homosexual gets molested.’…

“Whether the events of Aldrich’s childhood had any bearing on Saturday’s horrific violence is unknown…

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints confirmed in a statement to The Post that the alleged shooter was on the membership rolls of the church but had not been active in the Colorado Springs locations to the best of their knowledge. The church, which until 2019 described people in same-sex marriages as ‘apostates,’ condemned the shooting in a statement: ‘The senseless act of violence in Colorado Springs is of great sadness and concern to us. We are greatly troubled by any violence in our communities and condemn most especially violent acts that are the result of intolerance against any of God’s children.’…”

cbc news reported on November 22:

“The suspect in the shooting at Club Q, a Colorado Springs LGBTQ nightclub, is now identifying as non-binary, according to court filings filed Tuesday. ‘Anderson Aldrich is non-binary. They use they/them pronouns, and for the purposes of all formal filings, will be addressed as Mx. Aldrich,’ a footnote in a court filing reads… The shooting occurred Saturday night into early Sunday morning, on the start of Transgender Remembrance Day, which honors transgender people who have been murdered.”

For an in-depth analysis, please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Why Mass Murder in Colorado’s Gay Nightclub?” 

No More Conversion Therapies in Belgium

The Brussels Times wrote on November 17:

“Belgium is banning conversion practices – a… practice of trying to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity to align with heterosexual and cisgender norms – for members of the LGBTQ community, announced State Secretary… Schlitz… From now on, carrying out conversion practices will be punishable by imprisonment of one month to two years and/or a fine of €100 to €300.

“The court will also take into account whether the offence was committed by a person in a recognised position of trust, authority or influence over the victim and whether the offence was committed against a minor or a person in a vulnerable situation.

“Suggesting or inciting conversion practices, directly or indirectly, will also be penalised. The court will be able to prohibit people convicted of conversion practices from carrying out a professional or social activity related to the commission of these offences for a maximum period of five years.”

Reading between the lines, many will be afraid to even suggest the biblical Truth that the practice of homosexuality is wrong.

Catholic Clergy’s Sexual Abuse

The Associated Press wrote on November 18:

“Italy’s Catholic bishops provided their first accounting of clergy sexual abuse and revealed Thursday that more than 600 cases from Italy were on file at the Vatican since 2000…

“The Vatican in 2001 required dioceses around the world to send all their credible reports of abuse to the dicastery for processing. The Vatican had felt compelled to act after decades in which bishops and religious superiors moved predator priests around from diocese to diocese rather than punishing them or reporting them to police… reports in Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Portugal and France identified systematic problems that allowed thousands of children to be abused by Catholic priests.

“In France, a panel of independent experts estimated that 330,000 children were sexually abused over 70 years by some 3,000 priests and church personnel, and that the crimes were covered up ‘systematically’ by the church hierarchy…”

Trade Negotiations Between USA and Europe Likely to Fail

Euractiv wrote on November 17:

“As part of an agreement on the future trade policy agenda reached last Friday (11 November), Germany’s centre-left ‘traffic light’ coalition agreed to attempt to restart trade negotiations for a free-trade area encompassing the EU and the US.

“The last attempt at such an agreement, the negotiations for a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), failed after Donald Trump took office as US president in 2017. Yet the German push to revitalise the talks is likely to fail, with even business representatives being sceptical about the success chances… This view was echoed by the European Commission, saying that negotiations for a new, TTIP-style trade agreement were ‘not on the agenda’.”

Corrupt FIFA

Axios wrote on November 21:

“The 2022 World Cup has been marred by controversy from the very start, and the stench of FIFA’s corruption and Qatar’s human rights abuses still lingers as the event gets underway.

“100 years ago, Qatar was a sparsely populated British protectorate. Then, after discovering oil (1939) and one of Earth’s largest natural gas reserves (1960), it transformed into an incredibly wealthy nation. By the turn of the century, Qatar was a major player in global politics. But a desire for more prestige and clout led the country, much like its Gulf neighbors, to a potent source: soccer.

“Qataris acquired French club Paris Saint-Germain and launched beIN Sports, big moves that shook up Europe. But the crown jewel was the World Cup. Qatar was named host in 2010, a stunning development that triggered bribery accusations [There is little doubt that bribery took place, and even famous soccer stars like Franz Beckenbauer were allegedly involved.] 18 members of FIFA’s 24-person executive committee have since been implicated in or investigated for illicit activity, and the global governing body’s reputation has been irrevocably damaged…

“85% of Qatar’s population of 3 million are foreign workers, and rights groups have been documenting abusers and harsh conditions.   Last year, The Guardian revealed that about 6,500 workers from South Asia had died since Qatar was awarded the World Cup.

“There are concerns about LGBTQ fans descending on Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal… Other controversies include beer bans on stadiums [and] press freedom… Seven European teams announced this morning that their captains will no longer wear rainbow OneLove armbands after FIFA said players would be sanctioned… [FIFA also prohibited displaying the word “love” on players’ shirts.] 54% of Americans say that FIFA shouldn’t have awarded the World Cup to Qatar…”

Sadly, the world’s most popular sport—soccer—has become a political arena run by corrupt FIFA officials and their supporters. Such as politics in general.

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.

Amazingly, there are those who consider themselves to be “Christians” who do not believe that the Old Testament is a necessary part of their belief system.

Just to give some brief examples to show that such attitudes exist, let us take note of the following:

“In the USA, North Point Community Church (of Alpharetta, Georgia, USA), Senior Pastor Andy Stanley has stated that Christians need to ‘unhitch’ the Old Testament from their faith. In the final part of a recent sermon series, Stanley explained that while he believes that the Old Testament is ‘divinely inspired,’ it should not be ‘the go-to source regarding any behavior in the church.’  To justify this, Stanley preached last month about Acts 15, which described how the early church decided that Gentile converts did not need to strictly observe Jewish law to become Christians” (christianpost.com).

The above Pastor also said that “(First Century) Church leaders unhitched the church from the worldview, value system, and regulations of the Jewish scriptures (the Old Testament). Peter, James, Paul elected to unhitch the Christian faith from their Jewish scriptures, and my friends, we must as well.”

Of course, we know that that was not the outcome of the Acts 15 conference, and in our Q&A we say: “For instance, we read in Acts 15:5, ‘But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them [Gentiles who became Christians], and to command them to keep the law of Moses.” The context of the discussion shows us that they were not arguing about the Ten Commandments — including the Sabbath — but whether circumcision and other rituals contained in the Law of Moses were mandatory for Gentile Christians.”

One lady wrote of her experience: “Just the other day I was straightening up the Bible section when I overheard a customer tell one of my coworkers that reading the Old Testament was like moving backward in faith.  He said that since we have the New Testament and Jesus, there is no need to bother reading the Old Testament.”

For some, there is an antipathy towards the Old Testament.   Ted Grimsrud stated the following in a paper “Old Testament Bases for Christian Peace Theology”:

“Christian peace theology tends to be New Testament centered, especially drawing on the gospels. Most Christians would seem to assume that the Old Testament has little to offer for the work of overcoming war and violence. The comment of a friend of mine many years ago may be representative. We were in a Bible study group together and when someone suggested we study something from the Old Testament, my friend snorted and stated flatly, ‘I don’t want anything to do with that ……. book!’ And many Christians who have wanted something to do with the Old Testament, going back to Augustine, have mainly used it as a justification for the acceptability of warfare.”

We have covered the matter of war in our 78-page free booklet, “Should You Fight in War?”   

Anyone can buy a copy of just the New Testament but why would anyone want to do that – getting only a part of the story of God and His creation and plan for mankind?

In our booklet, “The Authority of the Bible,” we ask the question on page 4:

“Dismissing the Old Testament?

“Aside from those who flatly reject the Bible as myth, many people claiming to practice Christianity dismiss the Old Testament (as well as some books of the New Testament, such as the Book of Revelation)—all of which are part of the enduring Word of God (compare Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35; Psalm 119:89). In fact, many who embrace Jesus as their Savior have never even read the prophetic Scriptures about His first appearance, and they are, likewise, unaware of the dramatic prophecies concerning His return that are recorded throughout the Bible.”

We want to expand on the fact that anyone dismissing the Old Testament will be in serious spiritual trouble as they will only have part of the story and will not be able to understand the plan of God that is revealed in the Old Testament.

Ignoring the Old Testament is like seeing a film half way through and not really understanding fully what is going on.

It does seem that the absence of not having and using the Old Testament is dwarfed by those who see the clear need to have the full story.   However, the downside is that mainstream Christianity, while using all of the Scriptures, often come to erroneous conclusions as will be seen by their theology and practice.  Please see our Statement of Beliefs.

Let us review 7 reasons (and there are many more) why we should use, and take the Old Testament seriously.  There will inevitably be some overlapping under the different points below but will give conclusive evidence of the need for the use of the whole Bible.

1. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament combine to give revelation about God, His creation of the universe and of man. 

Where else would you find the ultimate knowledge about creation?   Interestingly, there are three verses in the New Testament that are instructive: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.  All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made (John 1:1-3).

However, we have to revert back to the book of Genesis for much more information.  We find written in Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” and the first 3 chapters of Genesis give a resume of the beginning of the 6,000-year-reign of man, information not given in the New Testament.

First, we learn something about “God”—that God consists of more than one Personages. We read in Genesis 1:26 that God said: “Let US make man in OUR image, according to OUR likeness.” From John 1:1-3, we know that there are two Personages—God the Father and the Son Jesus Christ, the Word.

We also learned that God—the God Family—created the heavens and the earth. It’s simple and straightforward unlike the disunity of proponents of the false religion named “evolution” who propose, argue and debate the theory of the beginning of creation through the concept of the “big bang” theory or some “primeval soup”. In our free booklet “The Theory of Evolution – A Fairy Tale for Adults?,”  we conclude on page 34 with the following comments:

“If we want to follow God, we must believe what God says, as we pointed out at the beginning of this booklet. And God tells us very clearly in His inspired Word, the Bible, that He created the heavens and the earth, as well as man. We did not evolve from animals, but man was created directly by God.

“How accurately the Apostle Paul described the wise and learned of his day who believed the concept of evolution, as we pointed out at the beginning of this booklet! He stated in Romans 1:20-23, ‘For since the creation of the world His [God’s] invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse… Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man and birds and four footed animals and creeping things.’

“God is saying the same to all of us today. We also are without excuse if we replace the truth of God and His creation with the ungodly idea of evolution, essentially degrading man as descending from a mollusk. What an insult to mankind, and what blasphemy toward man’s Creator!”

Then in Genesis 1:26-28 and 2:21-23 is the creation of man, both male and female.   This was not some evolutionary process where man evolved over billions of years down to our present time and is Old Testament information.

(To be continued)

Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)

compiled by Dave Harris

“Why Mass Murder in Colorado’s Gay Nightclub?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

Another terrible mass murder has been committed in Colorado Springs when a 22-year-old man went into a gay nightclub with a long gun and killed five people.  How could this happen? What could have been done to prevent this heinous crime? How can we make sure those mass murders won’t happen again? What do we know about the childhood of the murderer? And could our society’s approach towards violence have any role to play in this? What does GOD tell us what the only true solution is?

“Gottes Gnade—Verpflichtung zum Gehorsam,” is the title of last Sabbath’s German sermonette, presented by Daniel Blasinger. Title in English: “God’s Grace—Commitment to Obedience.”

“Quiet Quitting Christianity,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Quiet Quitting is a relatively new term in the marketplace that describes individuals who do just enough to get by. As Christians, do we fall into this category? If we do, how do we reverse and do better?

“Thoughtful Action,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Michael Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

How do we react when we are in a situation where we would feel offended by what the other person may do or say?  Do others feel offended by things that we may do or say, even if the things that we are doing are right in God’s eyes?  What did Jesus Christ do when He was on this earth and faced with these same kinds of situations?  Was He being offensive in any way and how did He take offense?