Update 1116

On June 22, 2024, Dave Harris will present the sermonette, titled, “Who Made It?” and Eric Rank will present the sermon, titled, “Hope and Faith Versus Fear and Doubt.”

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 might think of things being on the near horizon—that is, that something will almost certainly happen or be done quite soon. The word horizon is defined by most dictionaries as the place in the distance where the earth and sky seem to meet.

Metaphorically, new horizons may refer to fresh starts, greater understanding or different goals. Being drawn into the truth of God and having our minds opened to understand the Bible has given us vision from God’s perspective and certainly, vastly new horizons!

How are we handling the horizon of future events? Jesus revealed signs which would take place leading to His return and the end of this age, and He specifically said, “‘See I have told you beforehand’” (Matthew 24:25).

Jesus went on to say that we should “watch” and “be ready” as the prophetic horizon of end time events becomes the near horizon of our lives!

This world is on the edge of a precipice—the brink of a dangerous and disastrous situation, and it will fall! This is the time of the end of the age! Have we become comfortable and complacent with the way things are? Do we truly understand the gravity of our time. We are admonished:

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12).

Jesus forewarned:

“‘But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:34-36).

Our horizon must always be the Kingdom of God—both near and far. That was what Jesus Christ sought in His life, and He now sits at the right hand of the Father, so “…that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

by Norbert Link

We begin with alarming plans in the USA to automatically register young men (and perhaps women) for the draft and the fear that America and NATO are preparing for global war, perhaps even to be fought with nuclear weapons. In this context, please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “America Prepares for the Draft and Global War.”

We speak on the transfer of NATO headquarters to Germany and report on further developments pertaining to the Russia-Ukraine war and a new war pact between Russia and North Korea, and we speak on events regarding Israel and Gibraltar. We also address ISIS threats against the UEFA soccer tournament (“the European Cup”) in Germany.

We discuss Joe Biden’s condition which seems to make him “unfit for office” and the desperate attempts of the White House and the media to downplay or flatly deny Biden’s embarrassing problems; and we address an appalling letter by the left-wing Connecticut Bar Association warning lawyers about criticizing proceedings against Trump; and conclude with the expected decision by the weaponized Justice Department not to prosecute indicted AG Garland.

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

Defense Bill Automatically Registering Young Men for the Draft

Fox News wrote on June 14:

“The House of Representatives passed a measure on Friday automatically registering men aged 18 to 26 for selective service… While it hasn’t been invoked in over half a century, it’s mandatory for all male U.S. citizens to register for the selective service, also known as the military draft, when they turn 18. Failure to register is classified as a felony and comes with a host of legal challenges.

“Supporters of the amendment argue that it would cut down on bureaucratic red tape and help U.S. citizens avoid unnecessary legal issues, as well as cutting down on the taxpayer dollars going toward prosecuting those cases… The NDAA passed the House in a 217 to 199 vote, but it’s unlikely to be taken up by the Senate.” 

The Democrats in the Senate are not against the bill regarding mandatory and automatic registration, but in the words of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer:

“Unsurprisingly, the legislation coming out of the House today is loaded with anti-LGBTQ, anti-choice, anti-environment, and other divisive amendments guaranteed not to pass the Senate… As we move forward with this year’s NDAA process, both sides will have to work together to pass bipartisan legislation that honors and respects all who serve in defense of our nation.”

These are frightening developments. As we have suggested for years, the draft will return, but it might even include many more people than previously anticipated.

America Prepares for Global War and the Draft

The Ron Paul Institute published on June 14 the following article by Dennis John Kucinich. Kucinich was a U.S. Representative from Ohio from 1997 to 2013. He was also a candidate for the Democratic nomination for president of the United States in 2004 and 2008. He is seeking re-election to the House of Representatives in November.

“Our government is planning a big draft, conscripting millions of young Americans for an even bigger war! I call to your attention a Democratic amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was slipped into the almost trillion-dollar Pentagon war spending bill, by voice vote, in the House Armed Services committee. The Democratic Amendment to H.R. 8070, the National Defense Authorization (NDAA) reads:  ‘Section 531. Selective Service System:  Automatic Registration.  SEC. 3. (a)(1) “Except as otherwise provided in this title, every male citizen of the United States, and every other male person residing in the United States, between the ages of eighteen and twenty-six, shall be automatically registered under this Act by the Director of the Selective Service System.’

“… We know that America is fomenting wars around the world. We know that the military industrial complex controls our government. We know that we are on the precipice of a global war, provoking aggression rather than resolution with Russia, China and in the Middle East. The only winners in these wars are the war profiteers. They’re now going to take our children to fight in unnecessary, destabilizing, dangerous, debt-creating wars. Just today President Biden committed the U.S. to an additional decade of support for Ukraine’s war with Russia.

“There is no other conceivable reason to require more than 16 million American males to be automatically registered for the draft, other than to prepare for a large-scale war. The Selective Service System is the vehicle by which individuals are inducted into the armed forces.  This NDAA Automatic Registration amendment facilitates an efficient, large-scale draft. The new law will automatically register all males between the ages of 18 and 26.  Selective Service will notify in writing every young American male that they have been registered and will prescribe regulations which can require the registrant to provide ‘date of birth, address, social security account number, phone number and email address….’

“There are members of Congress who advocate that young women also be included in any draft, which could bring to 32 million the number of Americans of draft-eligible age. The U.S. currently has over 1,300,000 men and women, career soldiers, as well as volunteers, serving in the all-volunteer armed forces. According to the new automatic draft law, undocumented immigrants, between the ages of 18 and 26, numbering at least 1.5 million, could also be conscripted, if it were to apply to women as well as men… The last time a draft was instituted in the United States was during the Vietnam War, when 1.9 million Americans were conscripted…

“As Ukraine turns to conscription, there is push back coming from those who are subject to service but who understand they could well be facing a death sentence. In Israel, the growing ultra-orthodox worshippers have been exempt from military service since the founding of Israel, but the government is being pressed to expand its military ranks creating a political squeeze on the Netanyahu ruling coalition.  Conscription is under discussion in Germany and Italy, while at least nine other European Union countries already use the practice to replenish their armed forces.

“Resistance does occur during a draft.  During the Vietnam war, an estimated 60% of all draft-eligible young men found a means to avoid getting conscripted (including a future President by the name of Bill Clinton).  Some, fearful for their lives, fled to Canada or Sweden. The Vietnam War ripped apart the country.  The protests over the war, fueled by compulsory service and rising casualty numbers of US troops, led President Lyndon Johnson to decide, on March 31, 1968,  not to run for reelection.  The draft was ended in 1973 and was reinstated by President Carter on January 23, 1980….”

The connection between reinstating the draft and preparing for a global war should not be overlooked.

NATO Prepares for Global War

The Ron Paul Institute published on June 18 an article by Caitlin Johnstone, an independent journalist from Melbourne, Australia:

“NATO powers are rapidly escalating toward hot war with Russia at the same time the US is expanding its draft policies to make it easier to force more Americans go and fight in a giant war… ‘Allies are offering forces to NATO’s command at a scale not seen in decades,’ [NATO Secretary General Jens] Stoltenberg said on Friday. ‘Today we have 500,000 troops at high readiness across all domains, significantly more than the goal [of 300,000 troops] that was set at the 2022 Madrid Summit.’…

“The US and several other nations also recently gave a green light for Ukraine to use their weapons to strike targets inside Russia. The Netherlands and Denmark plan to supply Kiev with F-16s in the coming months, and say the advanced aircraft could be used to bomb Russia… This comes shortly after we learned that NATO is developing multiple ‘land corridors’ to rush troops to the frontline of a future hot war with Russia in eastern Europe.

“It also comes as we learn from Stoltenberg that NATO is considering increasing the number of nuclear weapons it has on standby, meaning ready to use in a nuclear war…

“This [is happening] at the same time US lawmakers are working to expand draft registration to women and to automate registration for men… The draft is one of those things that gets more disgusting the more you think about it… ‘Go fight and kill and die for your country.’… This is evil, this is ugly, and it needs to stop.”

We couldn’t agree with it more. And it WILL stop when Christ returns to rule the world in righteousness, and when people will not learn war anymore.

NATO Headquarters in Germany

Die Welt wrote on June 14:

“The headquarters for the planned NATO operation to coordinate arms deliveries and training activities for the Ukrainian armed forces will be located in [Wiesbaden in] Germany… The base of the US armed forces in Europe, which have so far carried out the coordination tasks, is also there…

“The NATO project is also considered a precaution in the event of Donald Trump’s possible return to the US presidency from January 2025. Statements by the Republican in the past had raised doubts as to whether the USA would continue to treat Ukraine under his leadership as before by supporting Ukraine’s defensive war against Russia. The alliance fears that a political change in Washington could also affect the coordination of weapons deliveries and training activities for the Ukrainian armed forces.

“Hungary will not take part in the new NATO project. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government fears that the project could push the alliance into direct confrontation with Russia… In order to ensure that Hungary does not prevent the necessary consensus for the project, the country was assured that it does not have to contribute financially and by providing personnel.

“Ideally, [the project] should officially start in July, when Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and the other 31 heads of state and government of the NATO states meet in Washington for a summit.”

Germany’s leading role even in military matters, in spite of Germany’s currently ineffective government, is truly remarkable.

Relying on Nukes

The Associated Press wrote on June 17:

“The world’s nine nuclear-armed states continue to modernize their nuclear weapons as the countries deepened their reliance on such deterrence in 2023, a Swedish think tank said Monday.

‘We have not seen nuclear weapons playing such a prominent role in international relations since the Cold War,’ said Wilfred Wan, director of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s weapons of mass destruction program… Earlier this month, Russia and its ally Belarus launched a second stage of drills intended to train their troops in tactical nuclear weapons…

“In a separate report, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, ICAN, said the nine nuclear-armed states spent a combined total of $91.4 billion on their arsenals in 2023 – equivalent to $2,898 per second… The group said that figures show a $10.7 billion increase in global spending on nuclear weapons in 2023 compared to 2022, with the United States accounting for 80% of that increase. The U.S. share of total spending, $51.5 billion, is more than all the other nuclear-armed countries put together… The next biggest spender was China at $11.8 billion, she said, with Russia spending the third largest amount at $8.3 billion…

“SIPRI estimated that some 2,100 of the deployed warheads were kept in a state of high operational alert on ballistic missiles, and nearly all belong to Russia or the U.S. However, it said that China is also believed to have some warheads on high operational alert for the first time… Russia and the United States have together almost 90% of all nuclear weapons, SIPRI said.”

To produce and rely on nuclear weapons which are capable of annihilating all life on earth many times over is simply the epitome of utter insanity.

News on Russia and Ukraine

The Daily Mail wrote on June 17:

“Vladimir Putin has announced he will call a ceasefire and immediately enter peace talks if Ukraine is willing to pull back its troops from four regions occupied by Russian forces and give up plans to make a NATO membership bid. 

‘We will (call a ceasefire) immediately,’ Putin said in a speech at the Russian Foreign Ministry this morning, adding his proposal is aimed at a ‘final resolution’ of the conflict and that the Kremlin is ‘ready to start negotiations without delay’… President Volodymyr Zelensky has routinely refused to consider a deal that would see Ukrainian land surrendered to Moscow… But Putin’s troops currently control a significant amount of Donetsk and Luhansk, and in September 2022 Moscow unilaterally declared it had annexed those two regions well as parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Putin’s forces are also making gains across the border in the north-eastern region of Kharkiv…  

“Broader demands for peace that the Russian leader listed included Ukraine’s non-nuclear status, restrictions on its military force and protecting the interests of the Russian-speaking population in the country… Russia does not fully control either of the four regions it illegally annexed in 2022, but Putin said Kyiv must withdraw from them entirely if it wants peace…

“Zelensky and US President Joe Biden also sent what they described as a message of unified opposition to the Russian President, inking a key security agreement that will see Washington provide ten years of military and financial support for Kyiv… The Ukraine-US security pact… does not offer Ukraine any new money but includes a commitment by the White House to work with Congress on a source of sustainable funding for the future… But either side can terminate the agreement in writing with six months’ notice, which means a future US president – including Donald Trump if elected in November – could cancel the arrangement. Trump has been sceptical of providing additional military aid to Ukraine, at one point criticising the ‘endless flow of American treasure’ to Kyiv. More recently, though, he has expressed openness to lending money instead…”

Russia and Ukraine will unite… somehow.

Russia and North Korea Sign War Pact

The Associated Press wrote on June 19:

“Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Wednesday signed a new partnership that includes a vow of mutual aid if either country faces ‘aggression,’ in a pact that came as both face escalating standoffs with the West… The two met as Putin visited North Korea for the first time in 24 years…. Kim said the two countries had a ‘fiery friendship,’ and that the deal was the ‘strongest ever treaty’ between them, putting the relationship at the level of an alliance. He vowed full support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.

“Putin said that it was a ‘breakthrough document’ reflecting shared desire to move relations to a higher level. North Korea and the former Soviet Union signed a treaty in 1961, which experts say necessitated Moscow’s military intervention if the North came under an attack. The deal was discarded after the collapse of the USSR, replaced by a pact in 2000 that offered weaker security assurances. It wasn’t immediately clear if the new deal provides a similar level of protection as the 1961 treaty…

“Along with China, Russia has provided political cover for Kim’s efforts to advance his nuclear arsenal, repeatedly blocking U.S.-led efforts to impose fresh U.N. sanctions on the North over its weapons tests… China is North Korea’s biggest ally and economic lifeline, accounting for most of the country’s trade. .. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest point in years,”

Express added on June 19:

“North Korea is reportedly providing Moscow with crucial munitions for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In return, Russia is offering economic assistance and technology transfers, which could significantly bolster Kim’s nuclear weapons and missile programs.”

Die Welt wrote on June 19:

“According to Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, the nuclear powers Russia and North Korea have agreed to provide mutual assistance in the event of an attack by a third country. The treaty on all-encompassing strategic cooperation signed by Putin and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang also includes mutual assistance in the event of external aggression against Russia or North Korea. The agreement is intended to take the cooperation between the two states to a new level.”

The Bible prophesies a future alliance of nations in the Far East, called the “kings of the east.” They would include countries such as China, Russia, North Korea and others—all being hostile to the West.

Netanyahu Dissolves War Cabinet

The Associated Press wrote on June 17:

“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dissolved the influential War Cabinet tasked with steering the war in Gaza, Israeli officials said Monday, a move that comes days after a key member of the body bolted the government over frustrations surrounding the Israeli leader’s handling of the war.

“The move was widely expected following the departure of Benny Gantz, a centrist former military chief, earlier this month. Gantz’s absence from the government makes Netanyahu more dependent on his ultranationalist allies to govern and the dissolution of the War Cabinet underlines that shift as the eight-month-long war in Gaza drags on…

“Netanyahu has played a balancing act throughout the war between pressures from Israel’s top ally, the U.S., and the growing global opposition to the war and from his government partners, chief among them Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Both have threatened to topple the government should Israel move ahead on a cease-fire deal…

“Gantz’s departure, while not posing a direct threat to Netanyahu’s rule, rocked Israeli politics at a sensitive time. The popular former military chief was seen as a statesman who boosted Israel’s credibility with its international partners at a time when Israel finds itself at its most isolated. Gantz is now an opposition party leader in parliament… and without the support of Gantz’s party, Netanyahu is expected to be more beholden to the far-right allies”

The Guardian added on June 17:

“Netanyahu’s moves suggest an increasing confidence as the prime minister’s poll numbers have improved since the departure of Gantz, which has caused the latter’s polling to decline markedly…”

And so, the war will go on, and Israel’s enemies will increase.

Outright War with Hezbollah and Lebanon?

The Guardian wrote on June 19:

“The Israeli foreign minister, Israel Katz, has said a decision on an all-out war with Hezbollah was coming soon, as Israel’s generals announced late on Tuesday that they had signed off planning for an offensive into Lebanon…

“After threats by the Hezbollah chief, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, to damage Haifa’s ports that are operated by Chinese and Indian companies, Katz said in a post on X: ‘We are getting very close to the moment of deciding on changing the rules of the game against Hezbollah and Lebanon.’ ‘In an all-out war, Hezbollah will be destroyed and Lebanon will be severely beaten,’ he added.

“Israel’s military later said ‘operational plans for an offensive in Lebanon were approved and validated, and decisions were taken on the continuation of increasing the readiness of troops in the field’… Last week Hezbollah launched hundreds of drones and rockets, including more than 200 on a single day, and the Israeli military struck Hezbollah targets in return.”

Further Tensions Between Israel and the USA

The New York Post wrote on June 19:

“The White House canceled a high-level meeting with Israel that was scheduled for Thursday after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video claiming the US was withholding military aid… In his video, speaking in English, Netanyahu declared that it was ‘inconceivable that in the past few months, the administration has been withholding weapons and ammunition to Israel.’…

“Meanwhile, the White House publicly expressed confusion over Netanyahu’s comments, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre saying only one weapons shipment had been paused since the start of the war. ‘We genuinely do not know what he is talking about,’ she noted…

“This was the second time a meeting on the Iran strategic dialogue was canceled last minute. In March Netanyahu canceled a meeting after the US declined to veto a UN Security resolution that included a reference to a ceasefire in Gaza. Despite strained relations between Biden and Netanyahu, the Israeli leader is expected to address a joint meeting of Congress on July 24, setting the stage for what is expected to be a contentious speech at a crucial moment for the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.”

Given the many lies told by the White House and the Biden Administration, one is inclined to believe Netanyahu’s accusation rather than Jean-Pierre’s denial.

UK Ordered to Withdraw Military Base From Gibraltar

Express wrote on June 17:

“Spain has demanded the UK close its military base in Gibraltar, as political tensions between the two countries threaten to explode. Gibraltar enjoys a strategic location at the western entrance to the Mediterranean, where the straits between Europe and Africa are only 14 km wide. As such, the Oversees territory is routinely used by Royal Navy ships, RAF aircraft and other units that temporarily deploy to conduct training. The MoD also employs 952 personnel in Gibraltar, of which 528 are locally employed civilians. The remainder are military and UK-based civil servants. The presence of the base as well as Gibraltar’s status as a British colony have become sources of growing frustration and anger in Spain.

“Spain’s UN ambassador, Héctor Gómez Hernández, alleged that the UK was contravening an existing Resolution (3163) passed by the Assembly in December 1973. He called for the immediate demilitarization of Gibraltar at a session of the UN in New York. … In a written answer to a parliamentary question last year, the Minister of State for the Armed Forces, James Heappey, said 79 ships visited Gibraltar in 2022, as did 117 military aircraft. Additionally 2,000 to 3,000 personnel mostly from the British army were sent to the Rock for training exercises. These visits total approximately 12,000 to 14,000 personnel per year, based on 2022 data…”

We have suggested for many years that Gibraltar will ultimately fall into the hands of the Spanish.

UEFA Euro Championship Under Threat from ISIS?

The Sun wrote on June 14:

“The UEFA Euro 2024 championship presents a ‘wide spectrum of potential risks and issues’ amid a ‘very high level of risk’ from ISIS, [Security expert Will Geddes] has warned…  Working with analysts who have experience in military, intelligence and law enforcement, his team have seen ISIS make ‘very specific references to Germany.’…

“Over the course of the championship, Germany will play host to a whopping 2.7 million fans in 10 different stadiums – alongside 12 million more in fan zones. Will explained that the mammoth security op will range from snipers spread around the stadium to ‘super spotters’ hidden in amongst the public… ‘You have some 22,000 federal police that will be assigned particularly to the games… including hostile behaviour detection personnel…’ Further ‘foreign and neighbouring countries police forces’ brought in from across the globe will have had input from their own intelligence services and anti-terror units…”

Under Trump, ISIS was as good as gone. Now, ISIS is back.

Greece Introduces the Six-Day Week

Die Welt wrote on June 18:

“In view of an acute shortage of skilled workers, the Greek government is planning a far-reaching labor market reform from July 1. Employees should be given the option of a six-day week in the future. If the sixth working day falls on a Saturday, they receive a wage supplement of 40 percent, and on Sundays and public holidays, they even receive an additional salary of 115 percent… Civil servants are expressly excluded from the six-day week. In principle, however, this option is available in both the public and private sectors, particularly in areas such as banking, utilities and agriculture.

“Greece already has one of the highest average working hours in Europe at 2,036 hours per year, compared to 1,386 hours in Germany… Unions therefore reject the new regulation and are already complaining about ‘exploitative conditions’ due to the shortage of skilled workers…

“In addition, it remains unclear whether the introduction of the six-day week will actually lead to an increase in total working hours, as the EU Commission continues to stipulate a maximum weekly working time of 48 hours. Therefore, according to the new regulations, a maximum of eight additional hours should be possible…”

Attempts will increase in Europe and elsewhere to force or entice laborers to work on Saturday, the biblically-commanded Sabbath.

Biden’s Recent Embarrassing Moments

The Daily Mail wrote on June 16:

“President Joe Biden appeared to freeze on stage after giving remarks at a star-studded fundraiser in Los Angeles on Saturday night before his old boss [Obama] took him by the arm and pulled the president away. The incident captured on video is the latest in a series of episodes that have plagued 81-year-old Biden…

“It comes just after other videos appeared to show Biden freezing or having other cringe moments in recent days and his penchant for public gaffes has faced increasing scrutiny as he seeks another term in office despite his advanced years.

At a recent Juneteenth celebration at the White House, video of Biden staring off as other attendees danced around him to the music went viral. The president then went on to slur some words during his speech at the event which sparked some concerns online.

“Last week while attending the G7 in Italy, video showed Biden wandering away from other world leaders while viewing a skydiving demonstration and giving a thumbs up in the other direction. The video then shows Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni tap Biden on the shoulder and direct him back to the group where he throws on a pair of aviators.”

Biden’s incapability to run this country should be obvious to everyone. Note the next article as well.

Joe Biden Unfit for Office

The New York Post published the following article by Piers Morgan on June 17:

“I watched the viral clip of Barack Obama taken a frozen Joe Biden by the arm and leading him off stage at their star-studded $30 million LA fundraiser, and posted on X what I suspect everyone who watched it was thinking: ‘So embarrassing. The Democrats can’t let this go on, surely?’ Within a few hours, a staggering 7.5 million people had viewed my post and many thousands of those had liked, reposted or commented on it.

“As I thought, the vast majority shared my honestly held opinion that President Biden is no longer fit for the highest office in America. I don’t mean that he’s too incompetent for the job, although many would say he is. No, I mean that he’s too physically and mentally unfit to function at the extremely high level required to be leader of not just the United States, but also the free world.

“When the last Democrat to occupy the White House has to literally grab the current one because he notices he’s had yet another ‘senior moment’ and appears to be paralyzed like a statue on stage, it has to be the wake-up call everyone in the party must urgently heed before it’s too late, doesn’t it? We’re only five months away from the 2024 general election, but what is now painfully obvious is that Joe Biden’s already cooked as a candidate. There is not a snowball’s chance in hell that he can possibly get through another four-year term of presidency — and everyone knows it.

“This is a once very eloquent, fast-talking, firebrand senator… who can now barely speak without talking gibberish, nor walk quicker than a snail on Mogadon, and who keeps falling over or forgetting what he’s supposed to be doing or saying…

“Biden is supposed to be America’s commander-in-chief but, at what is a very dangerous time for the world, I wouldn’t trust him now to order a restaurant meal let alone a military strike. So why is he still running? Why has nobody told him to stand aside for the good of the party and country, as incumbent Democrat presidents Lyndon Johnson did in 1968 and Harry Truman did in 1953? If they have, then why hasn’t he listened to them?

“We’re told he still believes he’s the only person who can beat Donald Trump because he beat him last time. But as I suspect the world will see when they have their first live TV debate on June 27, the controversial and now criminally convicted Republican candidate will eat Biden alive on stage and there will be no Obama there to rescue him. Just as bafflingly, why do so many high-profile Democrats persist in trying to convince us that Biden’s still got all his marbles intact?…”

Very well put. What are the Democrats up to, to have an incompetent leader run again for four more years? Politicians like Germany’s Olaf Scholz and California’s Gavin Newsom want to assure us that Biden is fit for the job. What utter ridiculous nonsense! Whom do they want to deceive? Of course, the White House and the mass media are again in denial… at least, so they pretend to be.

Note the next articles.

“Fact-checking” Biden’s Video

Breitbart, calling The Associated Press “Associated Pravda,” wrote on June 18:

“The Associated Press (AP) on Monday fact-checked a video of former President Barack Obama walking President Joe Biden off stage by citing one anonymous source who attended the event. The fact check comes after Biden’s aides became more quarrelsome with the media about coverage of Biden’s age, gaffes, and videos exposing moments of strange confusion… White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre argued Monday during a press conference that videos the Republican National Committee’s (RNC) research team clipped of Biden’s public glitches are ‘cheap fakes’ and published in ‘bad faith…

“The article [of the AP] admitted every detail seen on the viral clip, then printed a positive spin on Biden’s pause from a White House aide… Videos of Biden malfunctioning in public are real, the Trump campaign… said. ‘The truth hurts,’ Trump Campaign Communications Director Steven Cheung told Breitbart News. ‘When the Biden campaign is confronted with that cold, hard reality, they offer ridiculous claims that anyone who clearly sees Biden acting like a brain-dead dope is part of some media-wide conspiracy,’ he said. ‘That’s what happens when you have junior staffers and interns running Biden’s campaign strategy for a candidate who can barely walk and talk at the same time,’ Cheung added…

“Biden, whom Special Counsel Robert Hur described as ‘an elderly man with a poor memory,’ suffers from atrial fibrillation, peripheral neuropathy in his feet, and hyperlipidemia, according to his annual physical by physician Kevin O’Connor.

The health challenges might explain why he struggles to remain upright…”

Staring at a Ghost?

Breitbart wrote on June 18:

“On Monday’s episode of Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, Jon Stewart played the viral clip of Biden randomly wandering off on his own at the G7 summit, only for Italy’s Giorgia Meloni to gently guide him back to the press fold. Stewart said it was like Biden was ‘staring at what can only be considered ghosts or out-of-frame paratroopers.’ ‘And then, when he’s pulled back into frame, somehow giving the impression someone has quantum-leaped into his body,’ Stewart said, referring to Biden’s subsequent blank stare…

“Democrats and their media allies are scrambling to downplay mounting evidence of Biden’s cognitive decline as his poll numbers continue to languish at record lows less than six months ahead of the election.”

The Connecticut Bar Association Warns Lawyers About Criticizing Proceedings Against Trump!

On June 15, 2024, Law Professor John Turley wrote the following article which was published by Fox News:

“This week, I have received emails from Connecticut bar members over a message posted by President Maggie Castinado, President-Elect James T. (Tim) Shearin, and Vice President Emily A. Gianquinto warning them about criticizing the prosecutions of former President Donald Trump. The message from the bar leadership is chilling for those lawyers who view cases like the one in Manhattan as a raw political prosecution. While the letter does not outright state that such criticism will be considered unethical conduct, it states that the criticism has ‘no place in the public discourse’ and calls on members to speak publicly in support of the integrity of these legal proceedings…

“According to the Connecticut Bar, it is now considered reckless and unprofessional to make analogies to show trials or to question the integrity of the legal system or the judges in such cases. For example, criticizing Judge Juan Merchan for refusing to recuse from the case is considered beyond the pale. Many lawyers believe that his political contributions to Biden and his daughter’s major role as a Democratic fundraiser and activist should have prompted Merchan to remove himself (and any appearance of a conflict). I have been more critical of his rulings, which I believe were both biased and wrong.

“Yet, the Bar is warning lawyers that such comments can cross the line. The letter assures members that they are free to criticize but warn that attacking the ethics of a judge or the motivations behind these cases is dangerous and could spark violence…

“Like many, I believe that the Manhattan case was a flagrant example of such weaponization of the legal system and should be denounced by all lawyers… For those lawyers who view such prosecutions as political, they are speaking out in defense of what they believe is the essence of blind justice in America. What is ‘reckless’ to the Connecticut Bar is righteous to others…

“The letter goes further and suggests that lawyers should speak publicly in support of trials like the one in Manhattan, a view that ignores the deep misgivings over the motivations and means used in New York to target an unpopular figure in this city. You have the top Bar officials calling on lawyers to take a public position that is opposed by many lawyers and citizens in defending the integrity of these prosecutions…”

This is an appalling and outrageous position by a bar association which has become the spokesperson for the Biden Administration, the weaponized Justice Department and corrupt judges. Let us be clear. Cases against Trump WERE and are show trials and the integrity of the legal system HAS BEEN compromised. Note the next article in this context as well.

Garland Won’t Be Prosecuted!

Newsmax wrote on June 14:

“Attorney General Merrick Garland will not be prosecuted for contempt of Congress because his refusal to turn over audio of President Joe Biden’s interview in his classified documents case ‘did not constitute a crime,’ the Justice Department said Friday. In a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Justice Department official cited the department’s longstanding policy not to prosecute for contempt of Congress officials who don’t comply with subpoenas because of a president’s claim of executive privilege.

“The House voted Wednesday to hold Garland in contempt of Congress for refusing to turn over the audio recordings of Biden’s interview with a special counsel, which the White House has accused Republicans of wanting only so they can chop them up and use them for political purposes. On the last day to comply with the Republicans’ subpoena for the audio, the White House blocked the release by invoking executive privilege…

“Garland is the third attorney general to be held in contempt of Congress. He has defended the Justice Department, saying officials have gone to extraordinary lengths to provide information to the committees about special counsel Robert Hur’s classified documents investigation, including a transcript of Biden’s interview with him.”

A transcript, which might or might not be complete, is quite different from audio recordings. Regardless, Congress asked for audio tapes which Garland refused to provide. Others acting like Garland went to jail.

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer

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

This is a good question, and it is an important issue that needs attention as it can have eternal consequences when it is not rightly understood.   It can be misleading for those who believe the concept that “once saved, always saved” is biblical.

One commentator, promulgating this erroneous concept states that, “If salvation can be lost, this requires a reversal of regeneration. This means the born again must become unborn again. And if they subsequently repent, then they must become born again again. Can a man also be born again again again? Where does it end? Is regeneration really so transient?”

The simple basic flaw in this argument is that its supporters believe that they are born again now.   It is also often the case that such a belief goes hand in hand with going to heaven at death.

The true Church of God has consistently taught that we are begotten in this life and will be born again at the resurrection.

It is interesting to note that, many years ago, a well-known British entertainer said that when he became a Christian, he asked what this would entail.   He was told that he would not have to change anything in his life but to just believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Many have been fed that lie over the years, and it goes hand in hand with the “once saved always saved” approach.

We have consistently written about what becoming a true Christian really entails.   When someone “gives his heart to the Lord,” there is usually no reference to Acts 2:38 which states: “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’  Repentance, baptism by immersion and receipt of the Holy Spirit are the beginnings of conversion, plus living the rest of one’s life pleasing in the sight of God by keeping His Commandments.

Interestingly, Mr Michael Link wrote an editorial, “Once Saved, Always Saved” in 2014, and he made these very relevant comments about staying faithful to the end of our lives or Christ’s return:

“And in Revelation 2:10 Christ tells us to ‘be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.’

“What is given to us can also be taken away.  When we turn back, we will lose what had been offered to us. Only when we overcome until the end, will we be saved (Matthew 24:13; Revelation 2:26).  This is a lifelong process that God requires of us: to be faithful continuously, to pray continuously, to be vigilant and strong continuously, to give comfort and love to one another continuously, to put ALL trust and confidence in Him continuously, and to obey Him continuously.  When we continue to do all of that until the end, then we will be saved.” 

In addition, we published a two-part series a few years ago showing that the “Once Saved Always Saved” concept believed by many in mainstream Christianity is a false erroneous belief.  We will quote briefly as appropriate from these Q&A’s, and they can be retrieved and reviewed in full via the following links:

https://www.eternalgod.org/q-is-it-correct-to-say-once-saved-always-saved-or-can-true-christians-lose-their-salvation-part-1/   and 

https://www.eternalgod.org/q-is-it-correct-to-say-once-saved-always-saved-or-can-true-christians-lose-their-salvation-part-2/

We give this explanation: 

1.  We are saved now.   After we repent and are baptised, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).   At that point, we are saved from the penalty of death from our past sins.   However, it doesn’t mean that we are finally saved and that we could not lose the salvation which we did receive.

2.      We are being saved – it is a process of growing in grace and knowledge.

3.      To be finally saved, we must endure to the end.

For very good reason, we continue to stress the necessity to remain faithful to “The Way” to which we have been called to live to the end of our lives, or to the return of Jesus Christ to this earth.   Nothing less will do.  Matthew 24:13 is a very important verse that some may feel is not particularly relevant as they believe that once someone is “saved,” they are “always saved”.   Nevertheless, this is vital information that we ignore at our peril: “ But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”

However, there is a consideration which we will also address in part three of this series about when dementia strikes and many can lose their memory and don’t recognize any longer their calling.

In Revelation 3:11, is further evidence that we must not give up on our calling: “Behold, I come quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” This verse clearly shows that we can lose out and can lose our crown.

It has been said that pain is temporary but quitting lasts forever.   Never could this be more so than in the life of a true Christian.   Doesn’t that truly sum up what we have to avoid at all costs? 

Everyone reading this Q&A will, no doubt,  have had their fair share of trials in life; perhaps many are still struggling with difficulties, maybe some life-threatening problems, but we know that God will not test us more than we are able to bear as it states in 1 Corinthians 10:13 which reads in full: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

What does quitting mean, and why is it something that so many have done down through the ages?   Doesn’t that truly sum up what we have to avoid at all costs?   Quitting lasts forever, especially in the Christian life!  This has happened to those who have been baptised in the Church of God right down through the ages and we may all have seen this in more recent times.  But however low we may feel at any time, quitting this Way of Life is not the answer.

Discouragement at times happened to some of the great men in the Old Testament, for example, Moses, Job, Elijah, David, Jonah and Jeremiah.  Such discouragement was temporary, something that we can all feel at times, but they all picked themselves up, dusted themselves off and got on with it, as we must do if we ever find ourselves in such a situation.

In Matthew 26:55-56 we read that “In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “’Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me. But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.’ Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.” Not just some of the disciples but ALL of them fled.   They must have been massively discouraged, but the Scriptures show that this was temporary and that they didn’t quit. Perhaps in their heart of hearts, they fully understood that quitting does indeed last forever.  It was not the disciples’ finest hour but they regrouped to do the Work that was laid out before them, and didn’t quit.

These examples were about temporary discouragement that we can all feel, but they realised that this was the way to go, and they spent the rest of their lives thoroughly involved with the Work that they were instructed to pursue.

We just cannot afford to quit, whatever our circumstances.   Let us review just some of the verses that show that if we do quit, we can lose our opportunity in the Kingdom of God.

In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, we read a passage of Scripture where Paul shows that he could miss out or be disqualified:

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.  And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”

The sub-heading of this passage in some Bibles is “striving for a crown,” showing that the apostle Paul was still striving until the end of his life and did not intend to quit before the finish line.   This shows that he knew the reward was an eternal gift that was worth all of the effort needed now.

This clearly shows that we are in a race, but it is not a sprint or a short race. It is more like a marathon where we spend the rest of our lives, from genuine repentance and baptism at the outset, to passing the winning post at the end of our lives in order to receive an imperishable crown. 

Putting this in comparison with our calling, athletes give themselves completely to their physical race as we should do with our spiritual race.  The analogies, that is a comparison of two otherwise unlike things based on resemblance of a particular aspect, can be helpful and serve as an aid in understanding and comprehension of any given situation.  It is certainly an excellent comparison that is reliable to all of us.

We have to live the Way of Life to which we have been called, renouncing the world and its ways and not being diverted in any way from our chosen path.   As athletes untiringly pursued their course, so must we.   We must not grow weary over the years; particularly, when we have the winning line in our sights.

We read further about this giant, Paul, in the New Testament in 2 Timothy 4:6-8 with the sub-heading this time in some Bibles being “Paul’s Valedictory” which means “bidding farewell”:

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

Paul said that he had finished the race. He had been faithful to the end. He had made it, showing that it was necessary to do these things throughout his life – even to the very end.

(To be continued)

Lead Writer: Brian Gale

compiled by Dave Harris

“Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen,” is the title of our newest booklet, and it has entered the first review stage.

“America Prepares for the Draft and Global War” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

Movements are in place in the USA automatically registering all men (and perhaps women) aged 18 to 26 for selective service—including American citizens and undocumented aliens. The connection between this development, reinstating the draft and preparing for global nuclear war should not be overlooked. What should a Christian’s position be in regard to military service and fighting in war? And how will you answer Jesus Christ when you stand in front of His judgment seat?

“Will There Be War Between Russia and Germany?” is the title of a recent StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

Many in Germany seem to believe that such a war will break out, while others are not convinced of it. In any event, Germany is preparing for war with Russia, and this program shows the incredible and shocking extent of such preparation with brand-new frightening developments involving Russia as well. What does the Bible have to say about all of this?

“Krieg zwischen Russland und Deutschland?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This program covers the same subject as described above.

“Wie Deutschland siegen und unterliegen wird!” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “How Germany Will Conquer and How It Will Be Conquered!”

“Niemand ist eine Insel,” last Sabbath’s first split sermon presented by Daniel Blasinger in Germany, is now posted. Title in English: “No One Is An Island.”

“Ein glückliches Leben mit Gott,” last Sabbath’s second split sermon presented by Robert Indlekofer in Germany, is now posted. Title in English:  “A Happy Life with God.”

“Herzlichen Glückwunsch,” the Pentecost Offertory presented in Germany by Manuel Müeller, is now posted. Title in English: “Congratulations.”

“Take Heed How You Build,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is the summary:

When building a structure, careful attention must be given as to how it is built. Christians are in the building-business as well, and careful attention must also be given to how we build upon Jesus Christ, our chief cornerstone.

“God’s Spirit of Love,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:

The Holy Spirit within us is a Spirit of love; specifically, it is God’s love in us, given to us through the Holy Spirit. But how does this divine love express itself in our daily lives? Is it separate from keeping the commandments? Can you lose this divine love? And how does God’s love relate to the proclamation of the gospel and the feeding of the flock?

“Earnest,” the Pentecost Offertory presented by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is the summary:

God gives us His Holy Spirit as a down payment for our complete redemption. In this way, He invests in our salvation. When we give our offerings to God on the commanded Holy Days, we demonstrate our willingness to give back to God as an expression of our gratitude for His gifts.

“What Does God Want?” the Pentecost sermon presented by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is the summary:

What does the Feast of Pentecost reveal in God’s great masterplan for the salvation of mankind? What do “firstfruits” represent and who, exactly, will be included in this category?