Update 920

On April 18, 2020, Norbert Link will present “Comments on News and Prophecy (April 18, 2020), and Kalon Mitchell will present the sermon, titled, “Dangerous Prayers.”

It’s pretty hard to hear the news these days. Circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 escalate day after day. The so-called experts interviewed in news reports fail to articulate answers about how to really solve problems. In fact, they aren’t even able to fully explain the problems in the first place! With such a lack of reliable information available, it is hard to believe that anyone has a plan to improve things any time soon.

With unemployment rates increasing and basic freedoms being stripped from people worldwide, there will be casualties of COVID-19 beyond those who have become infected. Depression, suicide, domestic violence, and substance abuse are among the destructive agents that will undoubtedly result from measures put into place by the world’s governments. The bad news of the pandemic will turn worse. Unfortunately, there is a grim outlook for the immediate future in the world we live.

With bad news lurking behind each corner, it is important for our wellbeing to have a source of joy in our lives that we can trust in. But where can we find it? How is it possible to find joy in the trial that spreads around the world? Clearly, the answers to these questions are different for each of us individually. But as hard as they might be to answer, it is critically important that we take the time to make sure that we do have an answer. If we do not make the effort to find true, meaningful, virtuous joy in our lives, our hearts will grow hard. God will not be able to work in our lives if we refuse to find delight in His plan for us. God provides reason for joy in the darkest of times, but if we fail to acknowledge it, we will only fall into deeper darkness.

As His imminent death drew near, Jesus Christ knew that His disciples were going to face difficult times. But He gave them encouragement. First, He explained that His love was reason for joy. “‘As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full’” (John 15:9-11). The joy that Jesus Christ offers to us comes from the knowledge that God loves us, plain and simple. When all else fails, we have this fact to give us hope.

The source of joy that we have in knowing God loves us keeps us grounded, but this does not mean that we will be invincible to the effects of sorrow. Quite the contrary. Jesus Christ also knew that His disciples would suffer and experience sorrow. When preparing them for His death, Jesus said to them, “‘Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you’” (John 16:20-22). Again, the reassurance and source of joy come from having a greater perspective – seeing the big picture. Even though we will experience sorrow, it is temporary, and there is a greater future that we are to be a part of.

Certainly, it is comforting to know that we have a wonderful future to look forward to if we stay close to God. But we have to wait for the gratification in receiving that joy. Is there something else we can do to find joy in the present experience of life? Fortunately, the answer is, “Yes!” The method also involves changing our perspective in how we view our circumstances.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon expresses his grief in the endeavor to find enduring satisfaction in the products of his work. He saw that his accomplishments would only be temporary, and felt despair in that ultimate result (compare Ecclesiastes 2:9-23). However, he also reconciles his sorrow by finding reason for joy, even knowing the eventual fate of his work. By finding inherent satisfaction in the process of working hard and the daily experience of life, there is cause for joy. “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 3:11-12). Even in the hard times, we can always continue to put forth our best efforts, whether the results succeed or not. We can find a moment to see the beauty of God’s creation. We can find happiness in sharing a smile with one another. In so many simple ways, life offers ample opportunity to find joy in the moments of our experience.

Truly, it is a gift of God to find joy. By understanding His plan that involves each and every one of us, we have hope for a much better future. By seeing the goodness and beauty that resides in our daily activities, we have solace in the present. By keeping our perspective fixated on remembering our blessings, we will find joy in the places where it seemed to be hiding before.

by Norbert Link

We are presenting you with many articles about most recent developments since our last Update about governmental measures regarding the coronavirus and warnings from many sources questioning the constitutionality and effectiveness of such measurers, while driving the USA and the UK into an economic abyss without any realistic hope for recovery. Fights between President Trump and the medical “experts,” as well as State Governors, appear inevitable, and at the same time, questions are being asked about what is really behind the desperate efforts to find and create a vaccine. In this context, please view our recent StandingWatch program, titled, “Coronavirus Lockdown Measures and a Vested Financial Interest in Vaccines.” 

We are also quoting many articles about the situation in Germany, due to measures employed there regarding the coronavirus, and warn that soon more dramatic developments are to be expected there, based on biblical prophecy.

In other news, we are reporting on increased volcanic and earthquake activity; tornados in the USA; plagues caused by huge hornets and locusts; and we conclude with an article on America’s failed attempt to create peace in Afghanistan.

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

Trump vs. State Governors

The Associated Press wrote on April 13:

“President Donald Trump claimed the ‘total’ authority Monday to decide how and when to reopen the economy after weeks of tough social distancing guidelines aimed at fighting the new coronavirus. But governors from both parties were quick to push back, noting they have the primary constitutional responsibility for ensuring public safety in their states and would decide when it’s safe to begin a return to normal operations… ‘When somebody is president of the United States, the authority is total,’ Trump said at Monday’s White House coronavirus briefing. ‘The governors know that.’

“But he would not offer specifics about the source of that claim, which governors asserted was a vast power grab… The president’s guidelines have little force. Governors and local leaders have issued orders that carry fines or other penalties, and in some jurisdictions extend into the early summer. ‘We’re going to write up papers on this,’ Trump said, brushing aside questions about his claim of absolute authority to order states to reopen, adding, ‘The governors need us one way or the other.’

“Vice President Mike Pence backed up Trump’s claim, also without offering specific grounding, saying that at times of emergency, the powers of president are ‘unquestionably plenary.’…

“Trump’s claim that he could force governors to reopen their states represents a dramatic shift in tone… Trump can use his daily White House briefings and Twitter account to try to shape public opinion and pressure governors to bend to his will…”

Apart from the devastating effects on the American economy, Trump also realizes that public resistance against the authoritarian measures is growing. However, he subsequently reversed to a large extent his public position on the President’s authority. This does not have to mean that he changed his mind on the issue. 

Also, on April 16, new federal guidelines were announced which seem to change little regarding the present status quo, even though they were summarized by the President as “opening up” the country. The same can be said about new guidelines and regulations which were announced in Europe this week.  

Resistance to House Arrest Orders

The Ron Paul Institute published an article on April 7 with the following headline:

“Resistance Building to Coronavirus ‘House Arrest’ Orders… It’s About Time!”

The article continued:

“Across the country, from political leaders, to small business owners, to parents who just want to take their children to the park, resistance is growing to the authoritarians who have effectively suspended the Constitution and placed most of the country under house arrest. Lawsuits are also challenging unlawful ‘stay at home’ orders. What if all the hysteria-driven orders have actually made the virus outbreak even worse?…”

Huge Demonstration against Stay-At-Home Order in Michigan

 The New York Post wrote on April 15:

“Thousands of protesters on foot and in vehicles converged Wednesday on Michigan’s capital to rally against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home orders in the state. ‘Operation Gridlock’… created a huge bumper-to-bumper traffic jam around the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing…

“Meshawn Maddock, an organizer for the group, said the demonstrators include Republicans, Democrats and independents. ‘Quarantine is when you restrict movement of sick people. Tyranny is when you restrict the movement of healthy people,’ Maddock told Fox News. ‘Every person has learned a harsh lesson about social distancing. We don’t need a nanny state to tell people how to be careful.’”

“Draconian” Coronavirus Lockdown Measures and Our Civil Rights

The Washington Examiner wrote on April 9:

“Attorney General William Barr said the United States would be wise to make sure measures taken to stem the spread of the coronavirus do not unnecessarily infringe on the civil rights of U.S. citizens… ‘I think we have to be very careful to make sure … that the draconian measures that are being adopted are fully justified, and there are not alternative ways of protecting people,’ he added… ‘I’m very concerned about the slippery slope in terms of continuing encroachments on personal liberty,’ Barr said…”

To Regain Religious Freedom?

The Guardian wrote on April 5:

“In executive orders issued in quick succession this week, [Florida’s governor] DeSantis designated religious services as ‘essential activities’…

“Greg Abbott, the governor of Texas… this week signed his own executive order designating religious services as ‘essential’ and leaving houses of worship to make their own decisions…

“The homepage for executive orders signed by the Michigan governor, Gretchen Whitmer, includes the words: ‘A place of religious worship is not subject to penalty.’…

“New Mexico banned gatherings of more than five people anywhere, with ‘churches, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship’ among the exceptions. West Virginia’s order, meanwhile, adds specific wording to assure citizens that travel to and from a place of worship would also not be considered a violation…”

Other states, mainly run by liberal Democratic left-wing governors such as in California, did not exempt churches.

Now Witch-Hunt against Churches

The Guardian wrote on April 3:

“A California megachurch has found itself at the center of a coronavirus outbreak after public health officials connected it to 71 cases… The church is reported to be the largest Slavic congregation in the US, with 3,500 members and a total attendance at some services of up to 10,000…

“Places of worship across the county have in recent weeks found themselves in the spotlight after resisting or being slow to enforce social distancing norms. Hugs, handshakes, or passing a common donation basket can easily pass the virus from one person to the next…

“‘While we know that the church as a whole has ceased to meet and the leadership is hosting online services, we have been told by multiple sources that there are groups that continue to meet in homes, despite the public health order to not gather with anyone outside of household members…’ the health department said.”

Christian Churches Become Scapegoat

Prophecy News Watch wrote on April 4:

“A national tragedy occurs, and Christians get scapegoated. The ancient pagans of Rome, as their society fell apart, blamed Christians… Watch for the focus on churches to continue to get increased scrutiny in the press.

“New York City… Mayor Bill de Blasio has already warned pastors to shut down their houses of worship – or else.  The mayor said the police department, fire department and building inspectors ‘will force congregations to disperse if they are found holding worship services… Any congregation that refuses to comply with the mayor’s order, could face fines or have their buildings permanently closed.

“… As emotions begin to run high, don’t be surprised [about] spread [of] the mindset that if you need someone to blame other than the politicians, those Bible believing Christians are next in line…

“The New York times ran a disturbing piece last week with the title: ‘The Road to Coronavirus Hell Was Paved by Evangelicals’…”

Obviously, Satan is behind those attacks on religious freedom.

Gross Abuse of Power

 The Huffington Post wrote on April 15:

“Pastors from three California churches are suing Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and several local officials for restricting religious gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic ― arguing that their congregations can worship in person and practice social distancing at the same time. In a federal lawsuit filed in the Central District of California on Monday, the evangelical Christian plaintiffs insist it’s unconstitutional for the state to allow some businesses to stay open ― such as grocery stores, restaurants, and laundromats ― while houses of worship are forced to close, even if they agree to abide by the government’s guidelines for social distancing.

“‘If a Californian is able to go to Costco or the local marijuana shop or liquor store and buy goods in a responsible, socially distanced manner, then he or she must be allowed to practice their faith using the same precautions,’ Harmeet Dhillon, former vice chairwoman of the California Republican Party and a lawyer representing the plaintiffs, told The Associated Press…

“The lawsuit claims Newsom’s stay-at-home order from, March 19 and similar measures by Riverside and San Bernardino local officials, are a ‘gross abuse’ of power that takes advantage of the pandemic to expand government authority ‘by unprecedented lengths.’ Newsom’s order deems as essential ‘faith-based services that are provided through streaming or other technology,’ but in-person services are not listed. 

“James Dean Moffatt, senior pastor of Church Unlimited in Indio, California,… believes it is important for Christians to ‘come together, remember, and celebrate all that Jesus has done for this world,’ the lawsuit states. The pastor also believes the Bible commands him to baptize people and pray for the sick by laying his hands on them ― two acts that can’t be done online…” 

Unqualified Pastors?

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on April 14:

“Here is a recent tweet of [a pastor]: ‘As Americans, our Man-given freedom of speech seems to have overridden our God-commanded fear of authority. We need to repent of this, as complaining against & defying God-given authority is sin (unless they tell us to do something sinful). To be clear, not uncomfortable. Sinful.’

“Freedom of speech is God-given, not man-given. The First Amendment doesn’t say that Congress grants to Americans the freedom of speech. Rather, it prohibits Congress from abridging the freedom of speech… The First Amendment restricts government from prohibiting the free exercise of religion. One of the foundations of the Christian religion is worshiping God… in churches. Is not the government prohibiting the free exercise of religion when it tells churches they have to close or limit their gatherings to ten or fewer people?…

“The First Amendment also protects from government interference the right of the people peaceably to assemble. Does this not include the right of Christians to assemble in their churches?… Christians are commanded to not forsake the assembling of themselves together (Hebrews 10:25)… The coronavirus panic and insanity that has gripped the United States is all based on government distortions and lies. Just a little reading beyond the mainstream media makes this perfectly clear… It is pastors like the one who made the ridiculous tweet that Christians should socially distance themselves from. He will be among the first to support the next government lie or government war—in the name of ‘safety’ or ‘national security’ of course.”

Not Deserving Liberty?

Breitbart wrote on April 14:

“Benjamin Franklin once said, ‘Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.’ Today, we are seeing the very thing Franklin warned against in real-time…

“The problem today isn’t just the virus. The problem is overreaching governments that have abused power in a moment of opportunism across several local jurisdictions in this country.

“This week we have witnessed several first-hand accounts of religious discrimination, and the selective targeting of worship gatherings and religious assemblies, ostensibly for reasons of public health and safety.  

“In Greenville, Mississippi, Mayor Errick Simmons, a Democrat, along with the city council, banned churches from hosting drive-thru services. Police in Greenville also issued $500 fines to congregants of Temple Baptist Church, who were sitting in their parked cars during a Wednesday night service. This was while they were clearly abiding by CDC guidelines for safe, social distancing.

“In Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, instructed state police to take down license plate numbers of attendees at drive-thru services and have the state health department issue a mandatory 14-day quarantine.  That order affected members of Maryville Baptist Church. 

“Similarly, in Louisville, Mayor Greg Fischer, a Democrat, called on churches to forgo Easter drive-thru services to slow the spread of the virus. For anyone paying attention, there is no mistaking the overt pattern of enforcement against religious groups by Democratic officials…

“Thankfully, Pastor Chuck Salvo of On Fire Christian Church filed a lawsuit and temporary injunction against the Louisville mayor in U.S. District Court.  Judge Justin Walker, a Trump appointee, granted the injunction and further rebuked Mayor Fischer for criminalizing religious liberty…

“Churchgoers are not being protected — they are being penalized… when civil authorities go beyond safety guidelines and overreach, Christians should be ready for a fight by whatever legal means necessary… Upholding and defending religious liberty is the most patriotic and neighborly thing we can do.”

America’s Fascination with “Essential” Guns…

Deutsche Welle wrote on April 3:

“According to a memorandum issued by the federal Department of Homeland Security, the import, manufacture and sale of weapons are part of the US’s essential infrastructure… Weapons and ammunition are also in high demand… In February, the FBI ran more than 2.8 million background checks…”

Selling guns is essential. Selling recreational marijuana is essential. In some areas, the Easter bunny, abortions and assisted suicide are essential (see article below). But conducting church services is not…?

ABORTION “Essential” and Must Go On

Breaking Israel News wrote on April 7:

“The WHO released a policy statement on Saturday stating that they will continue to prioritize abortion, diverting medical assets towards what they labelled ‘reproductive health.’ ‘Women’s choices and rights to sexual and reproductive health care should be respected, irrespective of whether or not she has a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection,’ WHO said in the statement…

“Rabbi Yosef Berger, the rabbi of King David’s Tomb on Mount Zion, noted that… ‘This love of abortions is a replay of Pharaoh throwing babies into the [River] Nile… the situation today is twice as bad as it was in Egypt. Pharaoh only killed the male babies.’

“Rabbi Hillel Weiss, the spokesman for the nascent Sanhedrin, reacted strongly to the pro-abortion by the WHO… ‘These values they call human rights have only one possible outcome: the destruction of humanity.’”

America Will Never Be the Same Again

WND published the following commentary by Pat Buchanan on April 2:

“What a difference a month can make… What March 2020 produced and what it appears to portend is a sea change in U.S. history… If March shocked this nation… what is coming may be even more sobering.  Are millions of unemployed workers without the cash to pay for or to find medicine and groceries likely to stay indoors for weeks or months?

“All those criminals being given early release from virus-infested jails and prisons without the means to provide for themselves and their families, how will they react to weeks of mandatory sheltering in place? … Will the system gradually break down just as the second wave of the virus in the fall appears?”

National Quarantine Is National Suicide

Newsweek wrote on April 3:

“On his Fox News program Friday, host Tucker Carlson said infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci had been wrong about the current coronavirus pandemic in the U.S. ‘repeatedly’ and that his call for all states to issue stay-at-home orders would amount to ‘national suicide.’… ‘More than 10 million Americans have already lost their jobs,’ Carlson said. ‘Imagine another year of this. That would be national suicide, and yet, that is what Anthony Fauci is suggesting, at least.’

“Carlson suggested Fauci was not looking at the economic ramifications of the coronavirus response because Fauci has ‘bulletproof job security.’ High U.S. unemployment rates, according to Carlson, are ‘a far bigger disaster than the virus itself by any measure.’ ‘Our response to coronavirus could turn this into a far poorer nation,’ Carlson said. ‘Poor countries are unhealthy countries, always and everywhere. In poor countries, people die of treatable diseases. In poor countries, people are far more vulnerable to obscure viruses, like the one we are fighting now. You want to keep Americans from dying before their time? Then don’t impoverish them.’”

See the interesting article below about Dr. Fauci’s economic interest.

It Was SO Predictable—“Anthony Fauci Sets Stage for Mandatory — Lucrative! – Vaccine”

On April 8, The Washington Times published the following “analysis/opinion” by Cheryl K. Chumley:

“Anthony Fauci, America’s most-listened-to medical professional on the coronavirus… has just warned what cooler-head coronavirus watchers have suspected all along: that this country may never, no never, go back to normal. Never, that is, Fauci suggested, until a vaccine is developed. And by logical extension, that’s to say — never, until a vaccine is developed that must then be included on the required list of shots for all children to attend school…

“What great news for Bill Gates who just announced his foundation is going to spend billions of dollars to help build factories for seven possible coronavirus vaccine makers. ‘Spend’ is probably the wrong word here. Invest is more like it…

“… deaths due to the coronavirus are wildly open to interpretation, wildly speculative, wildly unscientific… What do doctors consider a coronavirus death? In the United Kingdom, health officials give daily counts of deaths of those who tested positive for the coronavirus, but who might have actually died from other medical conditions. In the United States, doctor discretion reigns…

“‘The World Health Organization, UNICEF, the National institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have announced a collaboration to increase coordination across the international vaccine community and create a Global Vaccine Action Plan,’ the Gates Foundation reported in a press release. ‘The collaboration follows the January 2010 call by Bill and Melinda Gates for the next ten years to be the Decade of Vaccines.’

“The ‘Decade of Vaccines?’ It’s a structured campaign. It includes a Leadership Council, a Steering Committee, an International Advisory Committee — and [more]. But here’s an interesting link. The Leadership Council ‘is comprised of … Dr. Anthony S. Fauci,’ the Gates Foundation reported. Fauci, the same guy who just set the stage for the dire need for a protective coronavirus vaccine, has a vested interest in seeing this vaccine… come to widely administered fruition…

“… for certain… insider folk, vaccines are… great economic and political investments. Especially when they come as saving grace solutions to wildly spread fears — especially when they come as required, mandated protections for global populations.”

Sebastian Kurz (33)—Austria’s very young and somewhat radical Chancellor—has announced that “unless we will have a vaccine or other successful medicines, there won’t be any freedom to travel, as we know it” (Bild Online, April 7, 2020). In spite of or maybe because of his extreme measures, Austrians love and approve of him… and so do most Germans who have, sadly, always been receptive to extreme conduct in a time of crisis. When the prophesied “beast” arrives—a political, economic and military leader of German or Austrian descent—most Germans and Austrians will greet, support and even worship him. In fact, the whole world will… at first.

Bill Gates’ Terrible History with Vaccines

Robert Kennedy Jr. is an American environmental attorney, author, and opponent of vaccination. Kennedy is a son of Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of former president John F. Kennedy. He wrote the following in “Children’s Health Defense” on April 9:

“Vaccines, for Bill Gates, are a strategic philanthropy that feed his many vaccine-related businesses… and give him dictatorial control of global health policy. Gates’ obsession with vaccines seems to be fueled by a conviction to save the world with technology… Gates took control of India’s National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) which mandated… polio vaccines… to children before the age of five. Indian doctors blame the Gates campaign for a devastating… epidemic that paralyzed 490,000 children beyond expected rates between 2000 and 2017. In 2017, the Indian government dialed back Gates’ vaccine regimen and asked Gates and his vaccine policies to leave India…

“In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) reluctantly admitted that the global explosion in polio is predominantly vaccine strain. The most frightening epidemics in Congo, Afghanistan and the Philippines are all linked to vaccines. In fact, by 2018, 70% of global polio cases were vaccine strain.

“In 2014, the Gates Foundation funded tests of experimental HPV vaccines, developed by Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) and Merck, on  23,000 young girls in remote Indian provinces. Approximately 1,200 suffered severe side effects, including autoimmune and fertility disorders. Seven died. Indian government investigations charged that Gates-funded researchers committed… pressuring vulnerable village girls into the trial, bullying parents, forging consent forms, and refusing medical care to the injured girls. The case is now in the country’s Supreme Court.

“In 2010, the Gates Foundation funded a phase 3 trial of GSK’s experimental malaria vaccine, killing 151 African infants and causing serious adverse effects including paralysis, seizure, and febrile convulsions to 1,048 of the 5,949 children.

“During Gates’ 2002 MenAfriVac campaign in Sub-Saharan Africa, Gates’ operatives forcibly vaccinated thousands of African children against meningitis. Approximately  50 of the 500 children vaccinated developed paralysis… Nelson Mandela’s former Senior Economist, Professor Patrick Bond, describes Gates’ philanthropic practices as ‘ruthless and immoral.’

“In 2010, Gates committed $10 billion to the WHO saying, ‘We must make this the decade of vaccines.’ A month later, Gates said… that new vaccines ‘could reduce population’. In 2014, Kenya’s Catholic Doctors Association accused the WHO of chemically sterilizing millions of unwilling Kenyan women with a ‘tetanus vaccine campaign’. Independent labs found a sterility formula in every vaccine tested. After denying the charges, WHO finally admitted it had been developing the sterility vaccines for over a decade.  Similar accusations came from Tanzania, Nicaragua, Mexico and the Philippines.

“A 2017 study… showed that WHO’s popular DTP vaccine is killing more African children than the diseases it prevents. DTP-vaccinated girls suffered 10x the death rate of children who had not yet received the vaccine. WHO has refused to recall the lethal vaccine which it forces upon tens of millions of African children annually…

“In addition to using his philanthropy to control WHO, UNICEF, GAVI, and PATH, Gates funds a private pharmaceutical company that manufactures vaccines, and additionally is donating $50 million to 12 pharmaceutical companies to speed up development of a coronavirus vaccine. In his recent media appearances Gates appears confident that the Covid-19 crisis will now give him the opportunity to force his dictatorial vaccine programs on American children.”

Deutsche Welle wrote on April 12:

“Microsoft founder Bill Gates has called on industrialized countries to invest billions in the development and distribution of a coronavirus vaccine. In an opinion piece for Germany’s Welt am Sonntag newspaper, the US billionaire said the race was on to find a vaccine to help curb the pandemic, predicting that researchers are aiming for ‘at least one of them to be ready for use in 18 months.’”

Gates also said that the flu vaccine “isn’t that effective” in older people so vaccines for COVID-19 will have to be different… The eight months hypostasis matches the “warnings” as expressed in the next article:

USA to Be Prepared for 18 Months of Shutdown?

Morning Watch wrote on April 12:

“Neel Kashkari, the head of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis,… while acknowledging the downside of what a prolonged shutdown could mean for the economy, said the U.S., ‘barring some health-care miracle,’ is looking at an 18-month strategy of rolling shutdowns…”

It seems the mighty and rich are “strategizing” with each other…

Beware of Coronavirus Vaccine

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on April 14:

“Ron Paul… warns that people ‘should be leery about’ coronavirus vaccines that may come out. Further, says Paul, a doctor and former United States House of Representatives member… [stressed] the potential danger of a vaccine as well as the overstated threat from coronavirus… Paul describes the results of the push for people to take the swine flu vaccine [in 1976] as follows:

“‘They rushed the vaccine through. The vaccine was not properly made. It had nothing to do with the virus that was out there, so it saved nobody’s life from it. It caused a lot of harm. More people ended up dying from the inoculation than died from the flu that year… that’s about what happens when governments get involved and you do things for political reasons…’

“Paul notes that many of the people whose deaths have been blamed on coronavirus are elderly people, including people living in nursing homes, who have multiple other diseases. Further, explains Paul, doctors have ‘been instructed by [the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] and other politicians that, when the doctors sign the death certificate, if [patients] have four different things but they happen to have a positive test for the virus that is to be put down as the major cause of death.’ ‘The numbers mean nothing,’ concludes Paul regarding the daily tabulation of coronavirus deaths… With ‘probably millions of people’ having contracted coronavirus, Paul concludes that the percentage of people who have contracted coronavirus and have died as a result ‘is probably very, very small.’”

Mandatory Coronavirus Vaccine?

Lew Rockwell wrote on April 15:

“If and when the COVID vaccine arrives…, certificates would be used to signify immunity for all those who take the shot. It would function as a license [to] circulate and travel and enter schools…

“[This] is a set-up for the vaccine, and for mandatory vaccines [with a] special exemption from liability recently issued by the US Dept. of Health and Human Services. Basically, anyone associated with pharmaceutical strategies undertaken ‘against the coronavirus’ cannot be sued, regardless of ‘adverse effects’ of medicines or vaccines…”

Trump Suspends US Funding for WHO and Is Globally Condemned

Times of Israel wrote on April 15:

“The European Union’s top foreign policy representative on Wednesday denounced President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend US funding for the World Health Organization… Trump’s latest decision reflects his belief that the WHO has been biased towards China, colluding to prevent the US’ main economic rival from having to be open about the unfolding health crisis… The US is the biggest funder of the WHO, providing it $400 million last year…

“Germany slammed the US decision as Foreign Minister Heiko Maas [said:] ‘One of the best investments is to strengthen the UN, above all the under-financed WHO… in the development and distribution of tests and vaccines.’…

“Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates… said Trump’s decision is ‘as dangerous as it sounds.’”

Gates stands much to lose financially if a vaccine were not to be developed.

Open Up Soon

The Associated Press wrote on April 8:

“Conservative voices… are pushing for an economic and social restart, urging Trump to overrule health officials. ‘At some point, the president is going to have to look at Drs. Fauci and Birx and say, we’re opening on May 1,’ Fox commentator Laura Ingraham tweeted. ‘Give me your best guidance on protocols, but we cannot deny our people their basic freedoms any longer.’”

The Daily Mail wrote on April 10:

“Ron Paul called on President Donald Trump’s administration Thursday to fire Dr. Anthony Fauci… after he lowered the nation’s death estimates for the coronavirus. The former Texas Republican representative accused Fauci of providing ‘bad information’ when he said Thursday that he expects about 60,000 people will die from the outbreak, down from 100,000 to 200,000, but only if social distancing continues and effectively slows the spread of the disease.

“Paul, speaking on his program, ‘Ron Paul Liberty Report,’ unleashed his criticism on Fauci, saying he was using the virus as an excuse to get ‘total control’ of the American people…Paul, 84, who has run three presidential campaigns since 1988, is also a physician…”

Paul also stated that people might die in a car accident, and doctors will say that they died of the coronavirus.

Economic Disaster and Riots

The Sun wrote on April 4:

“… the world is falling to pieces… Experts say that coronavirus will bankrupt far more people than it kills. Already we are seeing footage from Italy of desperate families with no food and no money trying to kick their way through a supermarket’s windows… When farmers can’t pick food because they don’t have the workforce and nobody could afford it even if they did, we are going to have riots.

“Governments have already promised trillions in aid. But it’s trillions they do not have. They will have to borrow the money, and to pay it back, they are going to have to tax the few of us left in work… As each day passes, the situation is getting worse until eventually, someone is going to have to admit that Donald Trump had a point when he said that ‘the cure cannot be worse than the problem’… You can cure an ingrowing toenail by removing the leg. But it’s not sensible…”

Surge in Domestic Violence

npr wrote on April 6:

“United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres [cited] a sharp rise in domestic violence amid global coronavirus lockdowns.

“… Domestic violence rates have surged in France and South Africa… Lebanon and Malaysia have seen the number of calls to help lines double… In China, the number of calls has tripled… In Australia… Google reports a 75% increase in online searches for help with domestic violence. Meanwhile, in Turkey… the killing of women has risen sharply since a stay-at-home order was issued on March 11.”

There has also been a huge surge in suicide cases. Also, the following was found on the Internet: “Weird dreams. If fear and dread have invaded your dreams, you’re not alone. Plenty of people are having vivid dreams with images such as tidal waves, lethal injections and masses of thin white worms.”

The Trillion Dollar Coins

Fortune wrote on March 25:

“How does America pay for a $2 trillion coronavirus relief bill? With two shiny coins… The minting of such mammoth mammon isn’t just a thought experiment—it’s an actual draft bill being floated in Congress…

“Under the plan, the Treasury would mint the two $1 trillion coins, then deposit them at the Federal Reserve. Forced by law to recognize the coins as legal tender, the Fed would add $2 trillion to the Treasury’s account…”

Forbes wrote already 7 years ago, on January 19, 2013:

“No doubt, you’ve heard about the latest irresponsible fiscal/monetary proposal to be floated by members of Congress… It entails having the Treasury avoid the federal debt limit by handing the Federal Reserve a single $1 trillion platinum coin.  The Fed would then credit the Treasury’s bank account with $1 trillion, which the Fed could spend on… anything it wants.

“Is there anything special about platinum? Well, yes. The coin doesn’t have to contain $1 trillion worth of platinum.  It can be microscopic for all the Fed cares as long as they can use a electron microscope to read the $1 trillion In God We Trust inscription.   But it has to be made out of platinum.  No other metal or substance… will do.  The reason is that the Treasury has the right, by an obscure law, to mint platinum coins, but only platinum coins…”

The Death of Cash… Banks Would Love It

Money Morning wrote on April 3:

“There is much talk about how Covid-19 will change the world. There is less about how it is simply accelerating trends that were already underway… One to keep a particular eye on is a theme we have been watching for some time – the death of cash… ‘card only’ signs are appearing everywhere…

“Back in 2015, Andy Haldane, chief economist at the Bank of England, made a speech in which he explained [that it would] be much easier if we weren’t allowed [cash]; that way, the Bank could have significantly more control over how and when we spent our money.”

FDIC Scared of a Bank Run?

Cyrptopotato wrote on April 5:

“The FDIC is the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. It was created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression to insure any money deposited at U.S. depository institutions. As a result, all U.S. checking accounts are insured (up to $150,000) by Uncle Sam. The official Twitter account for the FDIC tweeted this message Tuesday: ‘Forget the mattress! Keeping large sums of cash at home is risky. The best place to protect your money is in an FDIC-insured bank where it’s safe and sound.’

“So if the authorities are actually this concerned that Americans will literally start hoarding cash under the mattress like in the Great Depression, then is it okay for the rest of us to go ahead and panic? Because hearing the FDIC Chair say this makes me want to drive straight to my bank to withdraw. And pull out everything that isn’t auto-paying next month’s bills…

“I am worried about the world right now, but I wasn’t afraid of money not being in the bank until the insurer of bank deposits had to go on air and assure us our money’s fine. Now I’m afraid…

“The U.S. banking system prints ‘In God We Trust’ on the money, but the way the financial system acts they don’t seem to be very God-fearing. All this unsinkable ship talk of the Titanic didn’t work out so well… don’t be so certain [the U.S. financial system is] collapse proof. Especially not the way they’re riding it lately…”

Wearing Masks… Yes, No or Indifferent?

The Associated Press wrote on April 3:

“President Donald Trump announced new federal guidelines Friday recommending that Americans wear face coverings when in public to help fight the spread of the new coronavirus. The president immediately said he had no intention of following the advice himself, saying, ‘I’m choosing not to do it.’… stressing the recommendations did not amount to requirements…

“Surgeon General Jerome Adams wrote on Twitter at the end of February that people should ‘STOP BUYING MASKS’ and said they were not effective in protecting the general public. On Monday, he noted that the World Health Organization does not recommend masks for healthy members of the population. Three days later, he tweeted that though there remains ‘scant’ evidence that wearing a mask… can protect the wearer, ‘emerging data suggests facial coverings may prevent asymptomatic disease transmission to others.’”

Politics Home wrote on April 3:

“Deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van Tam… said: ‘I was on the phone this morning to a colleague in Hong Kong whose done the evidence review for the World Health Organisation on face masks. We are of the same mind that there is no evidence that the general wearing of face masks by the public who are well affects the spread of the disease in our society… In terms of the hard evidence, we do not recommend face masks for general wearing for the public.’”

Again, our medical experts seem to know next to nothing.

It’s Getting Crazier and Crazier

npr wrote on April 4:

“Dr. Deborah Birx said]… ‘The next two weeks are extraordinarily important… ‘This is the moment to not be going to the grocery store, not going to the pharmacy…’”

Subsequently, on April 6, Birx somewhat modified her prior statement, adding however that her grandchild became sick with a high fever and that she, even though a doctor, would not visit him and treat him, due to the restrictions. President Trump seemed surprised and puzzled by her public statement [Trump, in his seventies, has a minor son.] Dr. Birx’s position is very difficult to understand by a parent or a grandparent.

Big Brother in the USA and Elsewhere

CNN wrote on April 4:

“[Trump] wants to use Americans’ smartphone location data to help track and combat the spread of coronavirus. Now, a pair of US data companies are making a public pitch to show just how that kind of technology might work.

“X-Mode and Tectonix focused on a high-profile case: tracking location data from the phones of people who visited the beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in March — among them spring breakers who made national news two weeks ago when they ignored warnings to practice social distancing… The results of tracking data… showed where people went after they visited the beach…

“Across the globe governments are weighing the need to contain the virus against citizens’ privacy… Israel last month deployed spy technology to track coronavirus patients and the people they may have come in contact with. And authorities in Moscow are using the city’s vast system of 170,000 surveillance camera with facial recognition technology to catch and fine people violating quarantine and self-isolation rules.

“Facebook and Google confirmed… that they were exploring ways to use… location data [as] part of a series of interactions between the White House and the tech industry…”

Deutsche Welle wrote on April 7:

“Germany is developing a smartphone app that warns people if they’re close to someone who’s tested positive for COVID-19. Similar apps are widespread in Asia, prompting Germans to rethink their data privacy laws.”

The Associated Press wrote on April 10:

“Apple and Google launched a major joint effort to leverage smartphone technology to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. New software the companies plan to add to phones would make it easier to use Bluetooth wireless technology to track down people who may have been infected by coronavirus carriers. The idea is to help national governments roll out apps for so-called ‘contact tracing’ that will run on iPhones and Android phones alike.”

Of course, once this technology is in place, it can be used for other governmental purposes as well.

Restrictions on Free Expressions

Deutsche Welle wrote on April 7:

“The messaging app WhatsApp has moved to limit the increasing spread of misinformation through its platform… Governments around the world have urged social media companies to attempt to curb the spread of misinformation through tighter regulations…

“Misinformation that has been spread on WhatsApp often relates to miracle cures and so-called ‘treatments’ to cure patients of COVID-19 and to conspiracy theories regarding government or private involvement in the outbreak…

“The new limits are in place indefinitely.”

Coming… Hyperinflation in the UK?

Money Week wrote on April 10:

“During inflation, prices are going up… But in hyperinflation, the speed of the increase in prices is so extreme that measuring it is almost irrelevant… one estimate [suggests] that inflation in Weimar Germany peaked in 1923 at 29,500%… a month… Zimbabwe in 2008 was even worse… hyperinflation really describes a situation where the currency is essentially meaningless. It’s the collapse of an economy and its currency, rather than simply a tough period… to quote the title of Adam Fergusson’s history of the Weimar collapse, hyperinflation is quite literally ‘When Money Dies’…

“[For hyperinflation] there needs to be a [supply shock or a] sharp reduction in the productive capacity of the economy… In Weimar Germany, the supply shock was World War I…  Secondly, a country needs to have a lot of obligations that need to be paid in a foreign currency… This makes it impossible for a country to simply print money to get rid of its obligations… Again, if you look at historical hyperinflations, all of them involve countries or regimes with large overseas obligations. In Weimar Germany, it was reparations, denominated in gold…

“Thirdly, you need a vicious circle to drive prices up and sustain them at the extraordinary levels seen in a hyperinflation. This ‘transmission mechanism’ comes in the form of rising wages. Prices soar, workers can’t pay for goods, so they demand and get pay rises, which drives up prices further…”

In Weimar, the prices got so high and the value of the currency so low that one could not even buy a loaf of bread for 1 Million Reichsmarks.  The ghost of Weimar might very well be lurking… for the UK and perhaps even for other countries.

Germany Attacks the USA… again…

The Guardian wrote on April 10:

“In the latest sign of tensions with the US, Germany’s foreign minister Heiko Maas criticised the Trump administration’s handling of the outbreak as too slow… Maas took aim at the two extremes of national coronavirus responses, contrasting China’s ‘very authoritarian measures’ with America’s decision to play down the threat ‘for a very long time’.

“‘These are two extremes, neither of which can be a model for Europe,’ Maas said… Maas said he hoped the US would rethink its international relationships in light of the crisis… Although Trump enjoyed a small bump in support at the beginning of America’s outbreak, it fell far short of the increase enjoyed by George W Bush after 9/11, and recent polls have seen his ratings fall back to pre-coronavirus levels.”

Maas is not the one who should be talking about two extremes, given Germany’s slow “response” and the subsequent authoritarian measures which Europe, including Germany, Austria, Italy and Spain, have been imposing on their citizens. The fact that even the coronavirus debacle is being used by Maas for European verbal attacks on the USA is quite remarkable… and sickening.

Prohibiting Church Services Not Unconstitutional in Germany

Deutsche Welle wrote on April 7:

“Berlin’s administrative court on Tuesday rejected an emergency application from an offshoot of one Catholic congregation that wanted a service limited to 50 persons. Berlin’s coronavirus control decree did not violate religious freedoms, judges ruled. Earlier, administrative courts in Hesse and Saxony had declared pandemic bans on gatherings as lawful, and in Hesse’s case, rejected a lone Catholic’s application.

“On Tuesday, constitutional jurist Horst Dreier told Düsseldorf’s Rheinische Post newspaper that banning church services was ‘very problematic.’… Protestant and retired TV presenter Peter Hahne accused Protestant leaders of rushing last month to obey secular authorities. ‘Beverage stores are open, the church is not. Whom do you want to explain that to?’ said Hahne, telling the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung newspaper that not being allowed to physically attend services struck at the ‘core’ of church practice…”

The highest court subsequently confirmed this decision. Sadly, the history of the big two Churches in Germany has been such that they have far too often worked hand in hand with the state and thereby compromised their respective positions. The Catholic and the Protestant churches’ collaboration with Hitler and Mussolini are prime examples. If they would have taken a stance now, maybe the courts would have decided differently.

Most ridiculous and inconsistent regulations have been enacted in Germany and elsewhere which even the mainstream German press acknowledges. But sadly, over 50% of Germans are in agreement with the restrictions or even think that they should be stronger, and they are opposed to revoking them at this time. Further, police have been patrolling Germany from the air with helicopters and drones, as well as on the streets and in parks. Many zealous Germans have been reporting “violators ” to the authorities. All of this reminds one of Germany’s dark days during the Hitler era and during the Communist rule in Eastern Germany. The following development even more:

Die Welt reported on April 10 about statements by Saxony’s Social Minister Petra Koepping (SPD) to the effect that someone can be institutionalized in a psychiatric clinic, under police surveillance, if he or she violates private quarantine. An attorney of the Green party in Leipzig, Juergen Kasek, also supports such a measure, as long as it is “proportionate.”

In addition, note the outrageous comments by the GERMAN Head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen saying that the European “bloc’s elderly may have to be kept isolated until the end of the year to protect them from coronavirus. ‘I know it’s difficult and that isolation is a burden, but it is a question of life or death, we have to remain disciplined and patient. Children and young people will enjoy more freedom of movement earlier than elderly people and those with pre-existing medical conditions,’ she said” (Deutsche Welle, April 12). She has warned EU nationals against booking their summer vacation just yet. “I advise people to delay such plans. No one can make reliable predictions for July and August at the moment,” she told German newspaper Bild am Sonntag.

Why isn’t there an OUTCRY in Europe and all around the world against such authoritarian and dictatorial stupid concepts to imprison the helpless innocent elderly—all under the DISGUISE of wanting to “protect” them? Simply because we are moving towards the Satanic climax and the end of this rotten evil world, as prophesied in the Bible. Satan is holding this entire world captive, having bombarded it and its politicians and leaders with his ideas, having made it and them “drunk,” and his wrath is great, knowing that he has but a short time left.

And note the next articles which are a perfect example of the kind of panic-driven propaganda in Germany which is sadly so prevalent today.

German Propaganda

Deutsche Welle reported on April 8:

“‘Right-wing extremists are trying to capitalize on the crisis,’ Stephan Kramer, president of Thuringia’s office for the protection of the constitution, told German news outlet RND. ‘They criticize the government and the EU for apparent failures [and] are asserting that the coronavirus serves as a means to set up a police state.’

“Kramer also warned that some right-wing extremists were… offering assistance and carrying out community work… Bavaria’s interior minister, Joachim Herrmann, also warned that members of the right wing-extremist party Der Dritte Weg (the Third Way) have been particularly active. Members have been offering assistance in everyday life or going shopping for people during the crisis, in order to win new supporters. They were using the crisis to present themselves as a social organization ‘that takes care of them or the problems of the “little” people,’ said Herrmann…”

Pretty soon, everyone who is questioning the extreme measures imposed by the German government may be labeled as a “right-wing” extremist.

“Germany to Lead EU ‘Coronavirus Presidency”

Deutsche Welle reported on April 13:

“Berlin has vowed a robust response to the health emergency when the country takes over the EU’s rotating presidency in July. Foreign Minister Heiko Maas also called for the strengthening of the WHO and vaccines… Germany has promised strong leadership to help EU countries to overcome the coronavirus pandemic…

“When Germany takes over the presidency [on July 1], Maas said one of the first tasks would be to ‘gradually lift the restrictions on travel and the internal market in an incremental and coordinated manner.’… Maas said if EU leaders learn from the coronavirus crisis, the bloc will come out ‘stronger’ and ‘more unified’ than ever before…

“He added that strengthening the United Nations and the ‘underfunded’ World Health Organization (WHO), especially in the development and distribution of tests and vaccines, is ‘one of the best investments in the fight against the pandemic.’”

Note our articles on vaccines above.

No Major Events in Germany for a Long Time

Deutsche Welle wrote on April 16:

“Germany’s latest lockdown measures now include a ban on major public events until August 31. Although Oktoberfest is due to start after the current cut-off, Bavaria’s state premier said the festival will probably not take place this year. ‘I am very very skeptical. And based on the current situation, I can hardly imagine that such a large event would even be possible at that time,’ Markus Söder [said]…

“Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival… This year’s festivities are scheduled to start on September 19 and run until October 4.”

September 19 is also the Feast of Trumpets. September 28 is the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day are from October 3 until October 10.

Volcanos Erupt

Deutsche Welle wrote on April 11:

“Indonesia says the volcano continues to spill lava, hours after the initial eruption… Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau volcano spewed a column of ash 500 meters (1,640 feet) into the sky… Friday’s eruption came two years after a huge flare-up caused a tsunami along the coasts of Sumatra and Java, killing 430 people. Thousands were injured…

“Anak Krakatau, which means Child of Krakatau, is located between the islands of Java and Sumatra and was created after the legendary eruption of Krakatau volcano in August 1883. The eruption was so violent that the volcanic island that had existed until then sank into the sea. More than 35,000 people lost their lives.

“The sea between Sumatra and Java, like the rest of the island nation, sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the most geologically active zone on earth where volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are frequent.”

The Guardian wrote on April 10:

“Volcanic activity is escalating in a region of Iceland that has not erupted for 800 years, with scientists warning it could cause disruption for centuries to come. Since 21 January, the Reykjanes peninsula south-west of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, has experienced more than 8,000 earthquakes and about 10cm of land uplift due to magma intrusions underground…

“Situated close to the town of Grindavík and the popular Blue Lagoon tourist attraction, and only nine miles (15km) from Iceland’s international airport, the region last erupted about 800 years ago (though there have been more recent eruptions offshore). Geological evidence shows the area is fed by five volcanic systems, which seem to come to life in a coordinated way roughly every 1,000 years.

“The last period of volcanic activity on the peninsula began in the 10th century and continued until the 13^th… ‘The worst-case scenario is if lava flows towards the town of Grindavík,’ said… the Icelandic Meteorological Office. ‘There is also other important infrastructure in the vicinity including a geothermal power plant…’”

Waves of Earthquakes

Breaking Israel News wrote on April 13:

“The earth seems to be waking up as seismic activity is being reported around the globe. Last month, a 6.5 magnitude earthquake shook Idaho, generating a multitude of avalanches. The quake was the largest in the region since a 6.9 quake hit in 1983. There have been 238 earthquakes in Idaho in the last week… Five of those have been substantial in size rating 4.0 to 6.5…

“Two weeks before Idaho felt the earth move, Salt Lake City, Utah, approximately 340 miles away from the Idaho epicenter, was hit by a 5.7 magnitude earthquake. Since that earthquake, there have been 886 smaller earthquakes and aftershocks in the Salt Lake area.

“The belly of the country is clearly rumbling as the University of Utah Seismograph Station mapped a total of 980 tremors throughout Idaho, Utah and Wyoming since March 18… Though the epicenter in Idaho was over 200 miles distant from the Yellowstone caldera, Yellowstone experienced 111 earthquakes in March…

“Although the probability of an eruption at Yellowstone may (or may not) be small, the results of such an event would be catastrophic in the extreme. Yellowstone Park is seismically active with more than 10,000 thermal features of which more than 500 are geysers. The Yellowstone caldera is listed as the most dangerous supervolcano in existence and as such, is the most monitored volcano in the world…”

Tornadoes in the USA and the Coronavirus

The Guardian wrote on April 12:

“A tornado strike destroyed homes and left a trail of devastation across large parts of the US south on Sunday… The storm provided a dilemma for public safety officials trying to find a balance between wanting people to stay in lockdown for the coronavirus pandemic and wanting them to leave their homes for shelter…

“The American Meteorological Society [said:] ‘Do not let the virus prevent you from seeking shelter in a tornado… If a public tornado shelter is your best available refuge from severe weather, take steps to ensure you follow CDC [federal] guidelines for physical distancing and disease prevention.’ Community shelters, the meteorological society said, should be a last resort.”

Animals Take Over

Newsmax wrote on April 3:

“The coronavirus pandemic has cleared the streets in some of the world’s largest cities… [and] various wild animals are reclaiming the streets… In east London, a herd of 100 deer… settled in at a housing estate in Harold Hill. Deer also moved into the ancient Japanese capital of Nara, where around 100 deer were seen casually walking around the city… Spotted deer were also seen wandering along a road in the [Indian] city of Tirupati… during the nation’s lockdown of 1.3 billion people.

“In the north of Italy, wild boar have been seen roaming regions such as Bergamo… Paris, too, has drawn a pack of wild boar while the city is on lockdown.

“In the Chilean capital Santiago, Puma were seen on the streets of the city… Fox News reported hordes of starving monkeys were spotted in the streets of Thailand, fighting over food scraps, due to the pandemic.”

Deadly Asian Giant Hornets Invade Washington

WSU wrote on April 6:

“More than two inches long, the world’s largest hornet carries a painful, sometimes lethal sting and an appetite for honey bees. It is also the newest insect invader of Washington state. The Asian giant hornet, Vespa mandarinia, is unmistakable…

“WSU scientists are bracing for the giant hornet’s emergence this spring. Sighted for the first time in Washington last December, the hornet will start to become active in April… In the first-ever sightings in the U.S., WSDA verified two reports of the Asian giant hornet late last year near Blaine, Wash…  It is not known how or where the hornet first arrived in North America… At home in the forests and low mountains of eastern and southeast Asia, the hornet feeds on large insects, including native wasps and bees. In Japan, it devastates the European honey bee, which has no effective defense… Multiple stings can kill humans, even if they are not allergic…”

The Sun added on April 9:

“The insects, which can kill with a single sting, may have a devastating impact on the already dwindling honeybee population in the U.S…. Experts estimate the pests may cause America a staggering $29.3 million [a year] as they invade.”

Locusts More Destructive than the Coronavirus?

The Associated Press wrote on April 10:

“Weeks before the coronavirus spread through much of the world, parts of Africa were already threatened by another kind of plague, the biggest locust outbreak some countries had seen in 70 years. Now the second wave of the voracious insects, some 20 times the size of the first, is arriving. Billions… are winging in from breeding grounds in Somalia in search of fresh vegetation springing up with seasonal rains.

“Millions of already vulnerable people are at risk… Some people will even tell you that the locusts are more destructive than the coronavirus… The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization has called the locust outbreak… ‘an unprecedented threat’ to food security and livelihoods… Favorable breeding conditions through May mean there likely will be another new round of swarms in late June and July, coinciding with the start of the harvest season…”

Taliban Breaks Off Talks in Afghanistan

Deutsche Welle wrote on April 7:

“The Taliban broke off talks over a prisoner exchange with the Afghan government Tuesday. The exchange was a key step in the peace talks brokered by the US after it agreed a troop withdrawal pact with the militant group. The Taliban’s technical team would no longer participate in ‘fruitless meetings,’ spokesman Suhail Shaheen wrote on Twitter shortly after midnight on Tuesday. ‘Unfortunately, their release has been delayed under one pretext or another,’ he wrote…

“The US signed a peace deal with the Taliban in February, but the success of the pact is dependent on talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government… There are concerns that the talks breaking down could lead to a further escalation in violence.”

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 Q&A is not meant to be a comprehensive review of various political persuasions, but rather a look at whether true Christianity and politics are compatible. Even within various political parties, there can be quite a difference of views from various factions within the party, but this usually only increases the difference with apostolic Christianity. We want to make it plain that adherence to any political persuasion is but folly and not to be countenanced by those who are baptised Church of God members.

First of all, let us quote from our Statement of Beliefs under the heading “Relationship with God”:

“We believe that a Christian’s duty to God is of a superior and higher nature than our duty arising from any human relationship (Acts 4:18-20; 5:27-29). We therefore, following Biblical commands and principles, do not participate in voting for national elections or jury duty, and we do not join the military…”

We have some previous Q&As on the question of voting, as follows:

“Why do you teach that a Christian should not vote in governmental elections?” (31^st January 2002).

“Is It Really That Important to Understand that We Must Not Vote in Governmental Elections?” (17^th April 2015).

“Would you please explain why and in what way governmental officials are ‘God’s ministers,’ as mentioned in Romans 13:4, 6? Does this mean that we could or even should vote for them in political elections?” (28^th December 2012 and 4^th January 2013).

“Is it a Sin to Vote in the Presidential Election?” (4^th November 2016). In that Q&A, we say this:

“In our free booklet, ‘Should You Fight in War?’, we address biblical passages which PROHIBIT a true Christian from voting in governmental and presidential elections and from getting involved in political campaigns in ANY way, pointing out that one cannot separate the issues of voting, jury duty service and FIGHTING IN WAR! We state the following:

“‘It is inconsistent to take the position that one cannot join the military because one is an ambassador of Jesus Christ and a citizen of another government – the Kingdom of God – while at the same time serving on a jury or voting in governmental elections. For instance, in the United States, the President is also the Commander-in-Chief, having both the right and the obligation under the Constitution, in certain circumstances, to declare war. How can one refuse to participate in war, while voting for a person who has the right and the obligation to declare war? In the past, people were disqualified as conscientious objectors because they did not refuse to serve on a jury or to vote in governmental elections. It was ruled that such an obvious inconsistency in position showed evidence for non-sincerity of the applicant.’

“We also explain in our booklet that it is SATAN who rules this world and EVERY country, WITHOUT exception. It is true, of course, that Satan can only do what God ALLOWS him to do, but generally speaking, God is NOT getting involved in the affairs of this world, and neither should we. God will ONLY intervene and see to it that certain individuals end up in governmental positions, if they are temporarily needed to fulfil aspects of God’s plan. But this would be GOD’s doing, NOT ours.”

We feel that it is worth reiterating the biblical view on voting so that there is no doubt whatsoever as to what God’s Word teaches.   We have been consistent over many years and it is important to lay this foundation before embarking on looking at true Christianity and politics and why they are simply not compatible. That is not to say that we are not to take an interest in what is going on but that we are not to get involved and entangled in political arguments favouring one party or another as none of them have the answers to ridding the world of poor and ineffective government, and they simply do not agree with or implement true Christian teachings as a basis for their existence.

We have also propounded this teaching in sermons and sermonettes over the years, including “My Candidate is Not Standing,” “Why Not Vote” and “The Christian in a Political World.”

There are, and have been, those who think that Christianity and politics are inseparable. In the 20^th century, Donald Soper was a UK high profile and prominent “Methodist minister, socialist and pacifist.” We can see straight away a contradiction in terms – a minister and a socialist, thus taking and advocating a particular political stance.

On the BBC News website, dated 17th February 2015, the following report was published: “In a letter urging congregations to vote on 7 May, the House of Bishops said that ‘it does not endorse a political party but encourages debate on issues such as nuclear defence and the economy.’” This is about the Church of England, of course – in politics. They said: “We want to encourage people… to engage more deeply with politics.” Politicians need to deliver a “fresh moral vision” ahead of the general election, the Church of England says. “We want to encourage people… to engage more deeply with politics”. The 52-page letter – an unprecedented intervention by the House of Bishops – says: “It is the duty of every Christian adult to vote, even though it may have to be a vote for something less than a vision that inspires us.”

Just look at ANY candidate – and we do mean ANY candidate standing in any constituency for any party at any election at any time.   Ask yourselves these questions:

Are they promoting the true Christian message? Are they totally opposed to abortion? Are they totally opposed to homosexuality? Do they denounce the evils in society? Do they even know what they are? Will they pursue the goal of eliminating blasphemy in our society? Will they uphold the sanctity of marriage? Will they promote biblically based laws and understanding? The list could go on and on…

Could any politician, of any persuasion, anywhere in the world put across a programme endorsing God’s Way—and for the electorate to vote for this and for him or her to have the ability to implement? Not a chance on either count—Satan would see to that!

One well-meaning but confused website remarked: “Where we have a voice and can elect our leaders, we should exercise that right by voting for those who best demonstrate Christian principles.”

A writer in the Christian Post wrote in 2015: “When the moral and righteous people of God do not take it upon themselves to vote or run for office, they are carelessly leaving the fate of future generations in the hands of the wicked and immoral – and that, dear brothers and sisters, is not loving your ‘neighbour as yourself.’”

Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong, the late human leader of the now defunct Worldwide Church of God,  wrote the following:

“Jesus’ disciples live in this present evil world as though they were foreigners, here merely as the guests of the nation where they reside, as AMBASSADORS for Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:20) and His coming Kingdom, not of any of this world’s government.   A foreign ambassador does not involve himself in making their state [where he lives] a better state, or voting, or entering their army or fighting for their cause… The true Christian is one who follows Christ, and Christ did not vote! Jesus did not try to reform Caesar… He preached the doctrine of a radically different world to come… This is Satan’s world and Jesus Christ did not come to reform Satan or improve Satan’s handiwork, but to save His followers from Satan and his system. Since God’s Kingdom is not literally set up as yet, the true Christian’s citizenship is now reserved in heaven.”

In John 17:16, Jesus was praying for His disciples and said: “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.”

One commentator wisely observed that “The political process is dirty and broken and far from Jesus. Paranoia and vitriol are hardly attractive accessories for the bride of Christ.”

We must remember that politics is a profession of leaks, briefings, lies, double-dealing, deceit, division, argument, name-calling, horse-trading, compromise, intrigue, hypocrisy, coups and much more, where politicians can be cowed into submission for the good of the party, often at the expense of personal conscience. It is a profession with pretty much the sum total of human nature operating in the quest for, or the maintenance of, power. Politics, often, rides roughshod over God’s laws and commandments, and politicians are often involved in the introduction of new laws that are not in accordance with the Will of God. This paragraph alone gives enough information to clearly show that true Christianity and politics are totally incompatible.

Some have come to the erroneous conclusion that we should vote (and, therefore, be involved in politics) by voting for the lesser of two evils. This was evident in the comments of many in the 2016 US Presidential election, but for the true Christian, 1 Thessalonians 5:22 is a piece of Scripture that must be followed: “Abstain from every form of evil.”

True Christians are a rare breed of God-fearing people on earth in these end times, and it is clear that true Christianity and politics are completely incompatible.

Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)

compiled by Dave Harris

A new booklet, “Obey God Rather Than Man,” has been written by Norbert Link, and it has been sent to Phyllis Bourque for initial editing.

Our booklet, The Ten Commandments, has been posted on our CEG website, as well as the new German booklet Und weil die Gesetzlosigkeit überhandnimmt… (And Lawlessness Will Abound…) on our German website.

“Haben Sie das Malzeichen des Tieres ?” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Do You Have the Mark of the Beast?”

PLEASE NOTE: Multiple sermonettes and sermons given during the Sabbath and Days of Unleavened Bread will be available on our English website for YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxoDri8qNpjFgIjf1uzQhHw and our German website for YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/aufpostenstehen

These presentations are also available at www.eternalgod.org and https://www.ewigengottes.de/