Update 911

On February 8, 2020, Kalon Mitchell will present the sermonette, titled, “What Do You Love?” and Norbert Link will present the sermon, titled, “What Does the Bible Reveal about the Third Temple Prior to Christ’s Return? (Part 2).”

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.

I recently had the opportunity to have a conversation with a friend about the amazing design of God’s commanded Holy Days. He knows that I don’t observe holidays like Christmas and Easter because of their pagan origins, and even acknowledges the historical facts. I talked about how shallow the meaning of man’s holidays is in comparison to the fascinating layers of meaning in the commanded Holy Days of God. I described the establishment of God’s Holy Days to memorialize past physical events and to also focus on future events, thereby training the physical nation of Israel as God brought them out of Egypt into the Promised Land. I explained how the Holy Days also have a spiritual meaning that applies to the progress of our own conversion today. I explained how they also represent phases of the ultimate Plan of God for mankind to join Him as members of His Family in the Kingdom of God. When considering the richness and depth of meaning in God’s commanded Holy Days, the meaning of manmade holidays absolutely pales in comparison. After very briefly going through an overview of God’s Holy Days and sharing how they provide me with true spiritual meaning in my life, my friend said that it gave him chills to think about it. The Plan of God is truly awesome, in the literal sense of the word.

To my friend at that moment, the Plan of God seemed awesome as well. And I wondered what would happen for him. Would he have more questions? Would he question his participation in mainstream Christian holidays? I wondered how it would change his life as well. Would this insight that I shared make a difference in his life? I don’t have answers to those questions. But I have hope, knowing that I was able to share the Truth, and at the right time, it will help him.

As easy as it is to apply the question of “why aren’t you doing something with this information?” to a friend, it is more important to turn that question inward and ask ourselves the same question (compare Matthew 7:3-5). As we know, with knowledge and understanding we also become more responsible for bearing fruit with the spiritual gifts we are given (compare Luke 12:48). When God provides us with insight and understanding, is there something more we can do with that understanding? With the Holy Spirit that God entrusts us with, what kinds of questions should we ask to further our development? Does God look at us and wonder why we aren’t seeking to make more changes in our lives? Perhaps the most succinct and poignant question to ask ourselves is simply, what prevents us from progressing? We know that the life of a Christian involves continuous self-examination, correction, improvement, and growth. Is this activity of growth something that we are actively engaged in? If not, it really needs to be.

Fortunately, God knows that we aren’t perfect yet. He knows that we need support. He knows that we cannot succeed on our own. This is why He provides us with His Holy Spirit as a down-payment on an investment in our salvation. But we have a part to play in that investment as well. Our work involves applying the knowledge and spiritual understanding to grow in our obedience to His commandments. Our part involves offering God His rightful glory in the words we speak and in the way we live. It is a tremendous honor to have God’s Spirit in this day and age. How do we choose to use it?

Every day provides us with an opportunity to put the Holy Spirit into use. What are we doing with those opportunities? Do we take the chance to demonstrate our commitment to God, or do we simply let opportunities pass us by? Just as we faced choices during our initial conversion to follow the Way of God over the way of the world, we continue to face choices when we are years into our conversion. We have the rare gift of having access to God’s understanding through His Holy Spirit that dwells within us right now, and it is our responsibility to use it. “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all” (1 Timothy 4:14-15). Even though Paul directs his words to Timothy and refers to the additional portion of the Holy Spirit which he received with his ordination as a minister, the principle of not neglecting the gift of the Spirit in us and progressing applies to all of us. As we continue on in our Christian conversion, there is no end to our God-given ability to make progress. All we have to do is keep searching for ways to move forward, while overcoming the obstacles on our paths.

by Norbert Link

We begin with reporting on the UK and Brexit. It has been a long journey from joining to leaving, with a foreordained result.

Britain joined the EEC (an economic unity and the predecessor of the political and military EU) in 1973, the same year as Denmark and Ireland. The original members were Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany. In 1992 the European Union (EU) was officially formed, with Britain’s membership becoming effective in November 1993.

There are now 27 members of the EU. Prior to the UK, no member state had left the EU, though Greenland (an autonomous province of Denmark) withdrew in 1985. Ultimately, 10 nations or groups of nations will emerge out of the EU, which will rule Europe and give their power and authority to the “beast”—an economic, political and military leader of German or Austrian descent, also referred to in the Bible as the King of the North and King Jareb of Assyria.

This European power bloc will be hostile towards Britain, and verbal fights and threats have already begun on the first day of the “transition period.” For more information, please view our new StandingWatch program, titled “Watch powerful Germany!”

We continue with a political scandal in East Germany which has all of Germany up in arms; repeated calls for Germany’s increased military involvement; and the ongoing spread of the coronavirus, while warning against panic-stricken overreactions which, if unchecked, could even destroy the world economy.  We also speak on the unsuccessful search for a vaccine against AIDS.

We address throughout this issue Wednesday’s acquittal of Donald Trump in the impeachment circus which was a hoax and which has hurt the Democrats beyond repair. They wasted time and America’s tax payer’s money, knowing from the outset that they could never be successful, as Trump’s conduct simply did not give rise to an impeachable offense. Trump won “overwhelmingly,” as Politico wrote. A majority of Senators acquitted Trump on both counts (to convict, the Senate would have had to have a 2/3 majority).

Trump’s re-election is assured. At the same time, the impeachment fiasco and the events during Trump’s “State of the Union” Address on Tuesday (with, for example, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi publicly tearing up her copy of the speech) proved again how incurably divided the United States of America is.

We also speak on Trump’s unsuccessful “deal of the century” peace plan for the Middle East, which nevertheless has been compared with King Cyrus’s preparations for allowing the Jews to build the Second Temple; point out the deteriorating relationship between the EU and Israel; reflect on the battle between Pope Francis and the German Catholic Church; address demonic carnival activities; and conclude with the frightening “biblical” plague of devastating devouring locusts in large parts of the world and a sickening annual trophy hunt sponsored by Donald Trump Jr.

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

Britain’s Look Towards a Glorious Future?

The Sun wrote on January 31:

“ON THE stroke of 11pm our nation’s course changes for ever — and for the better. We will finally be out of the EU. Forty-seven years and 30 days after we joined. Three decades since the rot set in with the drive towards a United States of Europe… It is hard to exaggerate the magnitude of this moment… at 11pm Brexit becomes irreversible. We will be the first country to leave the EU. And… we will never rejoin, never again surrender our independence.

“Instead we will be firing the… birth of a new Britain, setting our own laws, controlling our borders and trading independently with the entire world…”

This is one view. Here is the other view.

Little Britain Drifts into Insignificance

Deutsche Welle wrote on January 31:

“The divorce proceedings with the EU have been tortuous, but they’re likely to pale in comparison with what lies ahead for the UK…

“It doesn’t take rocket science to figure out why leading carmakers are shutting plants and moving to mainland Europe, or why key financial operators are moving to Paris and Amsterdam [and] when EU nationals who have been working in science and education pack their bags and leave…

“Brexit will leave Britain broken, a disunited kingdom. Geographically it has always been removed from continental Europe. That distance will become increasingly palpable politically, economically and socially.”

In any event, for most observers, the future is far from certain.

Future Far From Certain?

The Associated Press wrote on January 31:

“The two sides have agreed to strike an ‘ambitious, broad, deep and flexible partnership,’ including a free trade deal, by Dec. 31…

“Britain says it wants a ‘Canada-style’ free trade agreement with the EU covering both goods and services. But it is adamant it won’t agree to follow the EU’s rule book… The bloc insists there can be no trade deal unless Britain agrees to a ‘level playing field’ and does not undercut EU regulations…

“The EU is willing to extend Britain’s transition period for up to two years if a trade agreement hasn’t been reached, but Conservative British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he won’t agree to that… The EU-Canada deal that the British government cites as a model took seven years to negotiate.

“If there is no deal by the end of 2020, and the U.K. refuses to extend the negotiating period, Britain faces… severe economic disruptions, the pound would plunge and Britain could tip into recession…”

An Epic Opportunity or a Grave Mistake?

Newsmax wrote on February 1:

“The United Kingdom finally cast off from the European Union on Friday for an uncertain Brexit future… in its biggest geopolitical shift since losing its global empire…

“U.S. President Donald Trump has long supported Brexit. His Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Britons wanted to escape the ‘tyranny of Brussels.’…

“Cast either as an epic opportunity or a grave mistake, Brexit… also diminishes the EU… the bloc lost 15% of its economy, its biggest military spender and the world’s international financial capital, London…

“For proponents, Brexit is ‘independence day’ — an escape from what they cast as a German-dominated project… Opponents say Brexit is a folly…

“Johnson has promised to strike a broad free trade agreement with the EU, the world’s biggest trading bloc, though Merkel and Macron have warned that leaving will be harder than staying…

“Brexit… has tested the very fabric of what now looks a disunited kingdom: England and Wales voted to leave but Scotland and Northern Ireland wanted to stay. The strains could hasten another referendum on Scottish independence and even a push for a united Ireland.”

BBC News wrote on February 2:

“Britain will ‘not be aligning with EU rules’ in any post-Brexit trade deal, the foreign secretary has said. Dominic Raab argued agreeing to stick strongly with EU regulations would ‘defeat the point of Brexit’. But Irish PM Leo Varadkar said the UK needed to commit to a level playing field to get a free trade deal.”

Further disagreements between Britain and Ireland emerge.

The Guardian wrote on February 3:

“The pound fell on Monday after Boris Johnson warned that Britain would not accept alignment with the EU rules in any Brexit trade deal, while Brussels threatened to put tariffs on UK goods unless he complies…

“The currency dropped by more than 1.3% to trade at $1.30 against the dollar and by about 0.9% to just below €1.18 versus the euro… The EU is the largest source of UK food imports and largest destination for UK food exports in the world…”

Britain’s Productivity Decline the Worst in 250 Years

Bloomberg wrote on February 3:

“The U.K.’s worst productivity slump in a quarter of a millennium may be caused by a ‘perfect storm’ of three factors… Productivity was almost 20% below its pre-2008 path in 2018 — the worst slowdown since 1760-1800, as the Industrial Revolution took hold.

“The present-day malaise may have been caused by the end of the information and communications technology boom, the financial crisis, and Brexit.”

Brexit was foreordained. Britain never fit into the EU. Some other EU members don’t either. It is also interesting that Britain had been described as the “sick man of Europe.” Maybe the entire UK will split apart, while in time soon, a core Europe, consisting of ten nations or groups of nations, will arise.

The Battle Begins—Over Gibraltar

The Guardian wrote on February 1:

“The EU will back Spain over its territorial claims to Gibraltar in the next phase of Brexit negotiations by giving Madrid the power to exclude the British overseas territory from any trade deal struck with Brussels…

“Boris Johnson will be presented with the choice of reaching agreement with the Spaniards about Gibraltar’s future or exposing its citizens to economic peril by pushing it outside any EU-UK trade deal…

“The development highlights the pitfalls Downing Street faces as it moves into negotiations on the future relationship with Brussels. The UK is now a ‘third country’ to the EU…

“British sovereignty over Gibraltar was formalised by the treaty of Utrecht in 1713 but Spain has always bristled at the idea of UK ownership. As an EU member state, the UK had been able to resist Spanish claims over the territory but Madrid will now have the full support of the other 26 countries in the bloc.”

As we have stated for a long time, the UK will ultimately lose Gibraltar as one important sea gate.

Huge Political Scandal in East Germany

Deutsche Welle wrote on February 5:

“A huge political upset in Germany’s eastern state of Thuringia on Wednesday sparked a widespread outcry across the country as the ruling coalition saw its candidate for state premier lose by a single vote to the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP), who had barely cleared the 5% support hurdle to join the regional parliament. What was even more cause for concern, however, was the role of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in the victory of FDP candidate Thomas Kemmerich.

“Thuringia held its state election all the way back in October, with the ruling Left party winning the highest share of the votes at 31%. At the same time, however, the AfD more than doubled its own support to come in second at 23.4% of the vote.

“… the AfD decided not to support the independent candidate it had previously supported, and throw all of its weight behind Kemmerich… The outrage on social media over the AfD’s role as kingmakers was swift and resounding. Ordinary Germans, public figures, and politicians all expressed their consternation, saying the FDP and CDU had gotten into bed with ‘fascists.’…

ABC News wrote on February 5:

“[In order] to contain the damage… the national leadership of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s center-right Christian Democratic Union… suggested that new elections be held in Thuringia. Its general secretary, Paul Ziemiak, said Wednesday’s decision ‘divides our whole country’ and was made all the worse by the fact that CDU lawmakers made it possible for a governor to be elected ‘with the votes of Nazis as well.’…”

Deutsche Welle added the following opinion:

“This notable day should be one that shakes Germans to the core… [It] has shown just how much of their history Germans have forgotten… It also reminds us that no one in Germany should kid themselves into thinking history cannot repeat itself.”

Mannheimer Morgen spoke of a “fiasco for the democracy.”

Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung wrote: “Germany is in a deep, extremely dangerous crisis. Our society is divided. It becomes radicalized.”

Bild described Kemmerich’s conduct as “pitiful” and said that he brings shame on his own party by accepting his appointment under such conditions.

Bowing to pressure, Kemmerich subsequently resigned. It is interesting that Angela Merkel and others wanted to reverse a democratic vote and a democratic coalition. Even if you don’t like the result of a vote and even if you think that it is a heinous political crime to vote in such a way, in democracy, the vote is supposed to be the will of the people.  

 We saw the same developments in the UK with the Brexit referendum.  Those who espoused democracy were the first to cry aloud when the vote did not go their way and they wanted another vote to achieve the result which THEY wanted.

Of course, the entire circus of the impeachment procedure against Trump was initiated by Democrats who did not like and wanted to overturn the result of the last Presidential election.

The more the mass media is speaking against the AfD, the more the party will rise in popularity.

Germany’s Schäuble Calls for Expansion of Military Operations

Deutsche Welle wrote on January 31:

“Bundestag President Wolfgang Schäuble said on Friday that Germany needed to take more responsibility in military affairs with its allies. ‘We can’t hide. If Europe is to play a stronger role, then we must play our part,’ Schäuble said. ‘We cannot leave everything to… the Americans.’

“The veteran lawmaker and long-time minister in Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Cabinets said he supported German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer’s plans to streamline the Bundeswehr and boost defense spending to reach NATO’s target of 2% of GDP…

“Germany has come under growing pressure from within the NATO military alliance as well as fellow EU member states to take a more active role in defense matters.”

As Germany is being pushed, it will become more and more involved in military endeavors, and a EU Army under German leadership is prophesied.

Europe Destined to Obtain Great Power Status

Project Syndicate published on January 30 an article by Joschka Fischer who was German Foreign Minister and Vice Chancellor from 1998-2005:

“Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union on Christmas Day in 1991, the US became the world’s only superpower – and quickly overextended itself. The unipolar moment ended with the senseless US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 – a country from which the US has been trying to extricate itself for more than a decade.

“But the global order cannot exist in a vacuum, because other powers will always step in to fill the void… The election of US President Donald Trump marked the beginning of America’s active renunciation of the global order that it helped build…  America’s retreat is forcing Europe to become a power in its own right… Europeans [are left] with no choice but to pursue great-power status…”

And Europe will, as the Bible clearly prophesies.

Going Way Overboard–US Restricts or Bars Entry of Travelers from China

The Associated Press reported on January 31:

“The United States on Friday declared a public health emergency and took drastic steps to significantly restrict entry into the country because of a new virus that hit China and has spread to other nations.

“President Donald Trump has signed an order that will temporarily bar foreign nationals, other than immediate family of U.S. citizens and permanent residents, who have traveled in China within the last 14 days. The new restrictions…  take effect at 5 p.m. EST on Sunday…

“Americans returning from China will be allowed into the country, but will face screening at select ports of entry and required to undertake 14 days of self-screening to ensure they don’t pose a health risk. Those returning from Hubei province, the center of the outbreak, will be subject to up to 14 days of mandatory quarantine…

“At the same time, federal health authorities were recognizing that the test they’re using to detect the virus isn’t always dependable. [They]  said when it was used on some of the people currently in isolation, they’d test positive one day and negative another… putting a large number of people under quarantine ‘is virtually unprecedented in modern American history.’…

“Meanwhile, U.S. health officials issued a two-week quarantine order for the 195 Americans evacuated earlier this week from the Chinese city of Wuhan, provincial capital of Hubei province. It was the first time a federal quarantine has been ordered since the 1960s, when one was enacted over concern about the potential spread of smallpox…

“The Dow Jones Industrial Average skidded more than 600 points Friday as the outbreak continued to widen, stoking fears that the travel restrictions and other uncertainties caused by the health emergency in the world’s second-largest economy could dent global growth…

These developments are deeply distressing, as they show how even democratic countries resort to autocratic and dictatorial methods “in the pursuit and defense of public safety and national security.” German President Steinmeier was right when he recently spoke of the poison of nationalism. God’s Church has always understood that nationalism (our country against everybody else)—as distinguished from the right kind of patriotism (the love for our country)—is ungodly and unbiblical.

Dangers for Global Economy

The Associated Press wrote on February 2:

“Travel restrictions and business closures aimed at stopping the spread of a new virus… could end up causing ripple effects that harm the global economy… ‘When you stop planes and ships, trains and motor vehicles from moving, it starts to shut down the economy — and that can have a cascading effect throughout society,’ Dr. Eric Toner, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, said Saturday, after multiple airlines announced that they would suspend or cut back on flights to and from China…

“It’s not just airlines that have cut back on business in China. Apple Inc. announced Saturday that it was temporarily clos[ing] all of its offices and its 42 stores in mainland China. Google, Amazon and Microsoft previously announced plans to temporarily shutter offices, and Starbucks and McDonald’s have closed some chains… ‘Travel restrictions can cause more harm than good by hindering info-sharing, medical supply chains and harming economies,’ World Health Organization Secretary-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

“Toner said governments are ultimately ‘trying to do something that has very little benefit but [causes] very real harm.’ ‘It’s been shown over and over again that putting up barriers to travel doesn’t stop contagious infectious diseases,’ he said, pointing to past outbreaks of Ebola, Zika and even influenza.”

This shows how quickly, in part caused by a panic-stricken overreaction, our entire world system can become eroded and how our economic system can crash. Either one is too slow in acting or one is going far overboard. Sadly, the human mind has a hard time striking a proper balance.

How China Suppressed Knowledge of the Coronavirus

MSNBC wrote on February 2:

“Chinese officials were beginning to grasp the threat of a new contagious disease in Wuhan [in early December] but did little to inform the public…

“Medical professionals who tried to sound an alarm were seized by police. Key state media omitted mention of the outbreak for weeks… as the crisis worsened…”

The New York Times added on February 2:

“A doctor tried to warn his medical school classmates… In the middle of the night, officials from the health authority in the central city of Wuhan summoned [him]… Three days later, the police compelled him to sign a statement that his warning constituted ‘illegal behavior.’

“… At critical moments, officials chose to put secrecy and order ahead of openly confronting the growing crisis to avoid public alarm and political embarrassment.

“A reconstruction of the crucial seven weeks between the appearance of the first symptoms in early December and the government’s decision to lock down the city… points to decisions that delayed a concerted public health offensive.

“In those weeks, the authorities silenced doctors and others for raising red flags. They played down the dangers to the public, leaving the city’s 11 million residents unaware they should protect themselves…”

It was subsequently reported by Newsmax, dated February 4, that the “Chinese doctor who was targeted by the police after warning about the coronavirus in the first days of the outbreak before it had been made public has been quarantined in his hospital with a SARS-like illness.” He has since died.

This reveals typical behavior of human governments. First, many countries suppress, and when exposed, they move into the opposite direction.

No Vaccine against AIDS

CNN wrote on February 3:

“A clinical trial for an HIV vaccine has been discontinued since the vaccine was not found to prevent infections of human immunodeficiency virus, the virus that causes AIDS…

“The vaccine trial… began in 2016 and enrolled 5,407 HIV-negative volunteers at 14 sites across South Africa… Those volunteers were sexually active men and women ages 18 to 35 who were randomly assigned to receive either the vaccine or placebo injections.

“An analysis of the study showed no significant difference in subsequent HIV infections among the volunteers in the vaccine group versus placebo group… 129 HIV infections occurred among the vaccine recipients and 123 HIV infections occurred among the placebo recipients.”

This entire trial strikes us to be just sick.

Trump’s Peace Deal is Akin to Decree of King Cyrus Paving Path for Third Temple

Breaking Israel News reported on January 29:

“While people on both the Arab and the Israeli side are still considering the possible implications of President Trump’s ‘Deal of the Century’ revealed on Tuesday, one insightful Israeli declared it to be ‘the declaration of Cyrus [for the Jews to build the Second Temple] in our time.’… [Dr. Rafael Minnes worked for the internal security service and is a professor of physics.]

“‘The first thing that is similar between Trump’s Deal of the Century and King Cyrus’ proclamation is that both of them are non-Jewish political figures who are coming in the name of the God of Israel in order to advance the divine plan incumbent upon the Jewish nation,’ Dr. Minnes [wrote]…”

“This isn’t the first time Trump has been compared to King Cyrus. This expectation regarding Trump was first expressed by the Sanhedrin after his election…

“Rabbi Yosef Berger, the rabbi of King David’s Tomb on Mount Zion explains: ‘Like Cyrus… [Trump] will pave the way for building the Third Temple…”

Trump will stay in office and be re-elected. He will play an important role regarding the building of the Third Temple. On February 3, Germany’s mass tabloid Bild Online published an article with the headline:

“That is why Trump will become President again,” adding, “None of his challengers has a chance.”

The Week reported on February 4 that “President Trump’s job approval rating reached an all-time high… Forty-nine percent of Americans said they approve of the job Trump is doing as president… Trump’s approval rating rose six points among Republicans to 94 percent, as well as five points among independents to 42 percent… a majority of Americans — 52 percent — said they support acquitting Trump…”

The Hill wrote on February 4 that “Trump’s acquittal… was largely preordained. A GOP-majority Senate was never likely to convict a Republican president… Everyone understood that acquittal was inevitable…”

Why then did the Democrats start the impeachment circus, knowing that they would thereby commit political suicide? The answer is clear—they had to do this so that Trump will be reelected.

Regarding the Third Temple, much misinformation is being disseminated, including the false idea that the First and Second Temples did not stand on the Temple Mount. Some claim that famous Israeli Archaeologist Eli Shukron has claimed that “the Temple stood not atop Mount Moriah, but rather along the southern slopes in the City of David,” as reported by Israel Today on December 13, 2019. However, the paper explained that this claim was a hoax, quoting Shukron as follows:

“‘There is no evidence that the Temple was in the City of David,’ Shukron told us adamantly. ‘The Temple known as Solomon’s Temple was absolutely on the Temple Mount… on top of Mount Moriah. I have no doubt about that,’ he told me.”

Palestinians Cut Ties with USA and Israel

Reuters wrote on February 1:

“The Palestinian Authority has cut all ties with the United States and Israel, including those relating to security, after rejecting a Middle East peace plan presented by US President Donald Trump, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Saturday. Abbas was in Cairo to address the Arab League, which backed the Palestinians in their opposition to Trump’s plan…

“Israel and the Palestinian Authority’s security forces have long cooperated in policing areas of the occupied West Bank that are under Palestinian control. The PA also has intelligence cooperation agreements with the CIA, which continued even after the Palestinians began boycotting the Trump administration’s peace efforts in 2017.

“Abbas also said he had refused to discuss the plan with Trump by phone, or to receive even a copy of it to study it… Abbas said he did not want Trump to be able to say that he, Abbas, had been consulted… The Arab League foreign ministers meeting in Cairo said [it] would not cooperate with the United States in implementing it…

“Foreign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, and others said there could be no peace without recognizing Palestinian rights and a comprehensive solution…”

It is interesting how the front between most Arabs and the USA and Israel is hardening… So is the relationship between the EU and the USA, as well as Israel, as the next articles show.

EU vs. USA and Israel

Deutsche Welle wrote on February 4:

“The European Union slammed US President Donald Trump’s Middle East peace plan on Tuesday, arguing that it ‘departs from’ international agreements on the Israel-Palestine conflict… The response, however, triggered an angry response from Israel, which backs the plan…”

The Jerusalem Post added on February 4:

“The European Union on Tuesday warned Israel against annexing West Bank settlements. ‘We are especially concerned by statements on the prospect of annexation of the Jordan Valley and other parts of the West Bank,’ EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement issued by his office.

“‘In line with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the EU does not recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the territories occupied since 1967,’ Borrell said. ‘Steps towards annexation, if implemented, could not pass unchallenged,’ he added. He spoke after holding meetings in Iran and Jordan.

“Israel’s Foreign Ministry tweeted: ‘The fact that the High [Representative] of the EU, Josep Borrell, chose to use threatening language towards Israel, so shortly after he assumed office [and] only hours after his meetings in Iran, is regrettable [and], to say the least, odd. ‘Pursuing such policies [and] conduct is the best way to ensure that the EU’s role in any process will be minimized,’ the Foreign Ministry continued.”

A Worldwide Wind of Madness

The Associated Press wrote on February 4:

“U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Tuesday that ‘a wind of madness is sweeping the globe,’ pointing to escalating conflicts from Libya and Yemen to Syria and beyond. At a wide-ranging news conference, he said, ‘All situations are different but there is a feeling of growing instability and hair-trigger tensions, which makes everything far more unpredictable and uncontrollable, with a heightened risk of miscalculation.’

“The U.N. chief also expressed great frustration that legally binding U.N. Security Council resolutions ‘are being disrespected before the ink is even dry.’

“Guterres singled out Libya where he called the current offensives by the warring parties ‘a scandal’ — coming soon after world powers and other key countries adopted a road map to peace in Berlin on Jan. 19 that called for respect for a U.N. arms embargo, an end to foreign interference in the fighting by rival governments and steps toward a cease-fire. Libya has been in turmoil since 2011, when a civil war toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi who was later killed…

“On the decades-old conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, the secretary-general said the U.S. peace plan… doesn’t comply with U.N. General Assembly and Security Council resolutions and international law. The resolutions support a two-state solution based on 1967 borders and call all Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal.”

The whole world is opposed to Israel and the USA.

“Pope Francis and the Germans”

Catholic Herald wrote on February 3:

“The German bishops’ conference has been on a collision course with Rome… Pope Francis himself wrote a letter to the whole Church in Germany, warning against a false synodality, one rooted in making the Church conform to modern secular morals and thought… Undeterred, the German bishops began the first session of their synodal process in Frankfurt yesterday… the German agenda touches every major issue on the papal desk this year.

“The issue of clerical celibacy has been a contested topic in Rome… An end to mandatory celibacy is widely touted as one of the expected outputs of the German synodal process… Bishop Franz-Josef Bode, vice-chairman of the German bishops’ conference, said in a 2018 interview that if the ordination of married men is authorized for the Amazon, the Germans will insist on the same authorization…

“At the heart of the dispute over clerical celibacy, and the other changes being mooted in the German synodal process, is a mounting power struggle between Rome and the Church in Germany. While Pope Francis and his curia have been clear that the Vatican alone can treat issues of universal Church teaching and discipline, the Germans have been equally clear that they see a very different future for the Church.

“On Jan. 27, the secretary of the German bishops’ conference gave a pointed interview insisting that it is ‘unacceptable’ that Rome continue to have full discretion over universal teaching and discipline… Francis may find that all roads lead through Berlin in 2020.”

An interesting dilemma. And while the German bishops are more left-wing and liberal than Pope Francis, former Pope Benedict and his followers are more right-wing and conservative. So, Francis is confronted with two incompatible battles.

Ancient Carnival Procession in Spain

The Associated Press wrote on February 2:

“In one of the most ancient carnival celebrations in Europe, dozens of people don sheepskins, lace petticoats and conical caps, sling cowbells across their backs and parade through two Spanish towns…

“The annual procession stems from ceremonies held to ward off evil spirits and bless the harvests to come. The celebration, traditionally held at the end of January, is believed to date from before Roman times.”

This is a prime example to show the real pagan, dangerous and demonic origins of Carnival.

Locust Plague Widens

Deutsche Welle wrote on February 1:

“Pakistan‘s government declared a national emergency on Saturday in response to swarms of desert locusts in the eastern part of the country… facing the worst locust infestation in more than two decades… The desert locusts… arrived in Pakistan from Iran in June and have already ravaged cotton, wheat, maize and other crops.

“… Currently, locust swarms are affecting neighboring India and countries in East Africa.

“On Sunday, Somalia declared its locust infestation a national emergency. The locust invasion has swept over the Horn of Africa, devastating crops in one of the most vulnerable regions in the world…”

Vatican News added on January 31:

“The worst locust outbreak that parts of East Africa have seen in 70 years… now threatens to spread to South Sudan and Uganda and new rains in the weeks to come will fuel fresh vegetation and a new wave of breeding. The outbreak might not be under control until June when drier weather arrives… But by then the number of locusts, if left unchecked, could grow 500 times…

“An Ethiopian representative [said] that some farmers in Africa’s second most populous nation have lost 90% of their production. The locusts have been moving steadily toward Ethiopia’s Rift Valley, the country’s breadbasket…

“A single swarm can contain up to 150 million locusts per square kilometer of farmland, an area the size of almost 250 football fields… One especially large swarm in northeastern Kenya measured 60 kilometers long by 40 kilometers wide (37 miles long by 25 miles wide)… [Capable of eating their own weight each day, a swarm as large as between 40 and 80 million locusts could devour more than 190 million kilos of plants on a daily basis, according to Deutsche Welle].

“Even before this outbreak, nearly 20 million people faced high levels of food insecurity across the East African region long challenged by periodic droughts and floods.”

RT wrote on February 3:

“Residents in Saudi Arabia and Yemen have been faced with the bewildering sight of a truly gargantuan swarm of roughly 360 billion locusts, which can block out the sun at times… Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment has warned residents not to eat any of the locusts as they are likely contaminated with toxic pesticides… To make matters even worse, another, even larger swarm is expected in April, which could grow up to 500 times in size by June.”

One can’t help but wonder about the four horsemen of the apocalypse riding… false religion, war, famine and disease epidemics.

Donald Trump Jr’s Trophy Hunt

The Guardian wrote on February 4:

“A week-long ‘dream hunt’ with the US president’s son Donald Trump Jr is being auctioned at an annual trophy hunting convention in Reno, Nevada alongside expeditions to shoot elephants, bears and giraffes.

“The four-day event… advertised as a ‘hunters’ heaven’, will culminate on Saturday with an auction for a week-long Sitka black-tailed deer hunt in Alaska with Trump Jr, his son and a guide… Other prizes include the chance to shoot an elephant on a 14-day trip in Namibia, an all-inclusive hunt package to Zimbabwe to kill buffalo, giraffe and wildebeest, and a 10-day crocodile hunting expedition in South Africa…

“Thousands of hunters from around the world are expected to attend the convention which begins on Wednesday, where Trump Jr, an avid trophy hunter, is set to give a keynote address…

“The regulations around importing hunting trophies has been loosened under Donald Trump, though he has previously described the practice as a ‘horror show’ despite his sons’ affection for big-game hunting. In 2018 the administration moved to make it easier to import trophies from exotic big-game animals such as elephants and lions.”

Only two words can describe this “horror show”: ABSOLUTELY SICK!

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.

We have been writing and speaking at length about a future king of the South, and we have NEVER said that there will not be one, even though we made clear that there does not HAVE to be one. At the same time, we have pointed out that future confederations of Arab states with and against Europe will be formed, even though technically, those might not be referred to as “the king of the South.”

Let us once again review what we have been stating on the subject, while limiting and confining our comments in this Q&A to the relationship of Middle Eastern nations with continental Europe.

To begin with, we said this in our Q&A, “Who is the king of the South?” 

“Many believe, based on prophecies contained in the 11th chapter of the book of Daniel, that immediately before the return of Jesus Christ, a powerful Arab leader or ‘king of the South’ will still arise in the Middle East. Daniel 11:40-41 says: ‘At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack [or: push at] him [the king of the North]; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown…’

“Historically, and following the entire Biblical prophecy in the 11th chapter of the book of Daniel, we can determine that at the time described in verse 40, the king of the North constituted the ninth resurrection of the ancient Roman Empire… led by Mussolini and Hitler, and that the king of the South was at that time Ethiopia, formerly Abyssinia. And in fact, Mussolini came against Ethiopia like a whirlwind, using airplanes, and conquered it.

“But, what about today or the immediate future? Will there occur another conflict between the king of the North — the final LEADER of the 10th resurrection of the ancient Roman Empire… — and a king of the South, a final LEADER in the Middle East? Perhaps — but not necessarily so.

“Herbert W. Armstrong wrote the following in a personal of the Plain Truth, dated June 1967:

“‘The modern remnant of the “king of the south” of this prophecy is Ethiopia… And the Italians were the remnant and successors, of the people of the king of the north. This prophecy WAS FULFILLED February-March, 1896, when King Menelik II of Ethiopia “pushed at” the Italians, defeating Italy at Aduwa. Italians thirsted for revenge. Finally, their opportunity came, in 1935, under the military machine developed by Mussolini. Continue the prophecy, verse 40: “… and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind [in the air], with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships: and he shall enter into the countries and shall overflow and pass over.” Notice, a whirlwind comes IN THE AIR. So DID Mussolini’s air forces. He sent down many ships, much cavalry, and tanks [modern “chariots”]. And his forces, in planes, “passed OVER.”… Continue: VERSE 41: “He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown …”

“‘There is a TIME-LAPSE between verse 40 and verse 41. After Mussolini captured Ethiopia he added it to Libya, Eritrea, and Italian Somaliland. Mussolini had signed a concordat with the Vatican, and publicly announced the rebirth of the ROMAN EMPIRE, with King Victor Emmanuel Emperor, and himself the Duce or Premier. But Mussolini’s bubble of a Roman Empire was short-lived… But the final seventh head [of the “Holy” Roman Empire, or the tenth resurrection of the ancient Roman Empire] is soon to rise…  Verse 41 refers to THAT succession of the Roman power which became the “king of the north” in the prophecy of Daniel 11…’

“… the prophecy in Daniel 11:40 has ALREADY BEEN FULFILLED. And verse 40 is the LAST TIME where the king of the South is mentioned! Beginning with the second half of verse 40, we read exclusively about the king of the North and his activities, and, in verse 44, about rumors from the east and the west. This means, then, that there DOES NOT HAVE TO BE ANOTHER end-time king of the South. If there were to rise one, following the historical and Biblical records, as set forth in the 11th chapter of the book of Daniel, it would have to be — mainly — modern Ethiopia. But, as we said, ALL WHICH STILL NEEDS TO BE FULFILLED (and which the previous king of the North — under Mussolini — did NOT fulfill), is the invasion of the Glorious Land by the future and final king of the North (verse 41), including Jerusalem (verse 45), as well as the overthrow of ‘many countries’ (verse 41), including Egypt, and the ‘Libyans and Ethiopians’ following at his heels (verse 43).

“It is entirely possible that the prophecy in verse 40 is a type of future events to be repeated — but it DOES NOT HAVE TO BE this way. It is NOT necessary, based on Biblical prophecy, that there will still arise an end-time ‘king of the South,’ attacking or pushing at the end-time king of the North. Christ could return without such an event having to occur first.”

In a subsequent Q&A on the “king of the South,” we added the following:

“Hours of research have established that Mr. Armstrong has never written that the final fulfillment of the prophecies about the coming king of the South are certainly yet to come. In fact, Mr. Armstrong wrote an Editorial in 1967, which was published in the Plain Truth, pointing out that the prophecy of Daniel 11:40 WAS fulfilled. There is no further mention of a king of the South after Daniel 11:40. It is clear that Mr. Armstrong, since 1967, never taught that there would definitely be a future king of the South, ‘attacking’ or ‘pushing at’ the future king of the North or Europe.

“Further, Mr. Armstrong never taught that the king of the South would be a confederacy of Arab nations, in some way led by Egypt, as some teach today. In 1983 Mr. Armstrong wrote, ‘Ethiopia… is the only possible government that could be the king of the South…

“Mr. Armstrong expressly rejected the idea that Egypt would or could be the king of the South. He clearly taught that at the time of Daniel 11:42, Egypt is NOT the king of the South. Compare his booklet on ‘Middle East in Prophecy.’ He wrote that for the last 2,000 years since 31 B.C., the ‘king of the south… cannot be the king of Egypt.’…

“Prior to his death in 1986, Mr. Armstrong wrote one more time on the subject in the September 1983 issue of the Plain Truth, once again stating the historical fulfillment of Daniel 11:40. He at that time also wrote: ‘Ethiopia… is the only possible government that could be the king of the south.’”

He also wrote regarding Daniel 11:43: “Verse 43 says the Libyans and Ethiopians (observe that after its conquest by Mussolini, Ethiopia is not again referred to as the king of the south) shall be at his steps — and he will then control them.”

We elaborated on the entire question in our Q&A, “How can we know that Christ’s return is near? (Part 9)”

This Q&A was subsequently incorporated in our free booklet with the same title:

“The last European revival of the ancient Roman Empire and the powerful military leader (the beast) will cause the Great Tribulation. Just prior to that time, they will begin, at first, to temporarily collaborate, to an extent, with Arab nations (including Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Jordan) and Turkey in their common goal of destroying ‘Israel’ (Psalm 83:1-8). This collaboration might not endure until the return of Christ…”

To interject, the collaborating nations mentioned in Psalm 83 are Ishmaelites—the kingdom of Saudi Arabia—as well as other Arabic tribes, such as the Hagrites, who will enter into an anti-Israeli confederacy with nations such as Edom (Turkey); Moab (parts of Jordan and perhaps Iraq); Ammon (Jordan); Amalek (perhaps today violent groups like the PLO); Philistia (Palestinians); Lot (Jordan); and, most noteworthy, Assyria or modern-day Germany.

These are some of the nations which will “escape” the hands of the beast. Daniel 11:41 says: “… these shall escape from his hands: Edom (Turkey), Moab (Jordan and Iraq), and the prominent people of Ammon (Jordan).”

At the same time, we are also informed in Daniel 11:42 and 43 that “the land of Egypt shall not escape… also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels.”

How do we have to understand the phrase, “…shall follow at his heels”?

Barnes’ Notes on the Bible writes: “The proper sense of the Hebrew would be, that they accompanied him; that they marched with him or followed him; and the phrase would be applicable either to those who were allies, or who were led captive…”

Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible agrees, saying: “And the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps; at his command and pleasure; shall follow him, being taken captive, or go where he orders them; that is, in all things shall be obedient to him.”

Since Libya will be allied with Egypt at that time [discussed below] and since Egypt will be overthrown by Assyria, it appears that Libyans and Ethiopians will also be overthrown and become captives of the Assyrians. In any event, they will all be subject to modern Assyria, either because of volition or compulsion.

Continuing with the above-quoted Q&A:

“Many believe, based on prophecies contained in the 11th chapter of the book of Daniel, that immediately before the return of Jesus Christ, a powerful Arab leader— a religious ‘Mullah’ or Madhi, many times imagined to be the ‘king of the South’— will still arise in the Middle East… [They teach] the concept [that] a future religious figure, a Mahdi… will allegedly unite many Muslim nations and attempt to establish the Muslim religion in all the world. This is strictly a Muslim concept. The Bible nowhere says that a Muslim Mahdi will appear in the Middle East or elsewhere, in an attempt to unite Arab and Muslim nations (which would also require healing the long-time animosity between Shias and Sunnis) and to establish a power bloc, ruled by the Muslim religion…”

Some have objected to our conclusions by pointing out that Daniel 11:40 speaks specifically about the time of the end, and that therefore a future king of the South must still arise just prior to Christ’s return.

We answered this objection, as follows, in the above-cited Q&A:

“However, the book of Daniel includes several examples where the terms ‘the last days’ or the ‘time of the end’ are used, without necessarily referring to just a few years prior to Christ’s return.

“For instance, we read in Daniel 2:28 that a dream about a statue was to reveal to Nebuchadnezzar ‘what will be in the latter days.’ The dream described four successive world empires which would arise on the world scene, and the fourth empire (the Roman Empire) would survive (through ten successive revivals) until the return of Christ. Much of the dream related to events a long time prior to the last revival of the Roman Empire with ten kings at the time of Christ’s return—the ‘stone’ or Rock which would smite and destroy the ten toes of the statue (verse 44-45).

“Something similar can be found in Daniel 8:17, 19, which talks about ‘the time of the end’ and the ‘latter time of the indignation.’ The entire passage starts with the time of ancient Media and Persia, followed by Alexander the Great and, sometime later, Antiochus Epiphanes, and culminating in certain events which apparently end with the last King of the North at the time of Christ’s return. (We understand of course the dual application of this prophecy…)

“When reading Daniel 12:4, 9, we are told that the book of Daniel would be sealed ‘until the time of the end,’ but that then ‘knowledge’ in general and the right understanding of the book would increase. This has most certainly started to occur under the late Herbert W. Armstrong (the human leader of the now-defunct Worldwide Church of God) who died in 1986…”

At the same time, we emphasized a very important fact which must not be overlooked. Even though it nowhere says in the Bible that Egypt is the future king of the South or that Egypt will become the leader over other Arab nations in opposition to Europe, we do read that Ethiopia (whether or not fulfilling the function of a future king of the South) could be leading several Arab nations against Europe.

We stated in the above-mentioned Q&A:

“Of course, Ethiopia could be a leading nation in collaboration with other Arab nations. We read in Ezekiel 30:1-9, 18-19 that at the time of the ‘day of the LORD’ (a reference to the end time), the sword will come upon Egypt, as well as on additional countries like Ethiopia (Cush), Libya (Put), and Lydia (or Lud; compare Jeremiah 46:8-9, showing that Egypt, Ethiopia, Lydia and Libya will be allies at that time of the end). [Regarding “Lydia,” not much is known, but it has been contended that it designates an African nation in Western Asia Minor, descended from Egypt.]

“Verses 4-5 refer to Chub, which is nowhere else mentioned in Scripture; the passage could also read, ‘and ALL (Chub) the men of the lands who were allied…’ We also read specifically in verse 18 that at that time of the ‘day of the LORD’, Egyptians will go into captivity (through the king of the North, compare Daniel 11:42).

“Even though Ezekiel 30 does not refer to those nations as being the king of the South, they seem to describe a power bloc in opposition to the final European revival of the ancient Roman Empire, under Assyrian (German or Austrian) leadership. None of these countries referred to in Ezekiel 30 are mentioned in Psalm 83:1-8. It appears, then, that the countries mentioned in Psalm 83, which are allied WITH Assyria, are different from the countries, mentioned in Ezekiel 30, which are apparently allied AGAINST Assyria.

“As the ninth revival of the ancient Roman Empire, under Mussolini, was comprised of several nations and powers, including Hitler’s Germany, and as the final revival of the king of the North will consist of ten European nations or groups of nations, under Assyrian leadership, so if there is to be a future king of the South, he might very well constitute a coalition of Middle Eastern nations, under Ethiopian leadership.”

In regard to this ultimately hostile constellation of Arab nations (Ethiopia, Egypt, Libya etc.) against Europe, we also explained that there would previously exist a more friendly economic relationship with Europe, but nothing is mentioned of a military confederacy between these nations and Assyria. In other words, while we read in Psalm 83 about an anti-Israel military “confederacy” or contract between Assyria and certain identified Middle Eastern nations (including Edom, Ishmaelites, Moab, Ammon etc.), we read nothing about a “confederacy” or a contract between Assyria and nations such as “Egypt, Cush and Put,” while we read that they will end up forming a military alliance AGAINST Assyria.

We state this in our free booklet, “Middle Eastern and African Nations in Bible Prophecy”:

“Notice also that modern Babylon or mystical Tyre—referring to the end-time resurrection of the ancient Roman Empire in Europe—is described as an economic power in Ezekiel 27, with whom all nations have been dealing, up to a point, including Russia, Persia (modern Iran), Syria and Israel…

“Ezekiel 27:10 tells us that ‘Persia (modern Iran), Lydia and Libya Were in your army [the military apparatus of modern Babylon] as men of war; they hung shield and helmet in you; they gave splendor to you.’

“In Nahum 3:9, we read that mercenaries from Libya had at one time supported Nineveh: ‘Ethiopia and Egypt were her strength; And it was boundless; Put (Libya) and Lubim (perhaps a part of Libya) were your helpers. Yet she was carried away, she went into captivity.’… Ethiopia, as well as Egypt and Put (Libya), will be modern Nineveh’s helpers (that is, the modern Babylonian system under Assyrian or German leadership)…”

However, this at one time more or less “friendly” relationship will change, and a hostile relationship will develop between modern Germany and its allies on the one hand, and nations such as Ethiopia, Egypt and Libya on the other hand.

Continuing with our booklet:

“But we also read that this particular alliance will change—as alliances change often and quickly in wars… the modern king of Babylon or Assyria will attack and conquer Ethiopia, Egypt and Libya (Ezekiel 30:1-9; 29:10; compare also Isaiah 18:1-6)…

“Ezekiel 30 gives us a prophecy dealing with the day of the LORD (verse 3)—describing a time just preceding the return of Jesus Christ. We read in Ezekiel 30 that Egypt and her allies will fall at that time. As we may recall, verses 5 and 6 designate Egypt’s allies in that way: ‘Ethiopia, Libya, Lydia, all the mingled people, Chub, and the men of the lands who are allied, shall fall with them by the sword—those who uphold Egypt shall fall…’

“We can take from this passage that in the very end time, Libya will be allied with Egypt and Ethiopia, and that they will fall together. A similar alliance occurred in the past with equally devastating consequences… In ancient times, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon fought against and conquered Egypt and her allies, including Libya. Since this prophecy is dual and refers particularly to the day of the Lord, it is reasonable to conclude that a modern king of a modern Babylon will be fighting against Egypt and her allies. It is indeed the beast or the king of the North—the leader over a modern Babylonian system—who will fulfill that future role…”

We see then that a somewhat friendly relationship between Ethiopia, Egypt, Libya and Germany (when mercenaries serve in armies of European nations) will gradually deteriorate, while an alliance between Middle Eastern nations, including Ethiopia, Egypt and Libya against Germany and Europe will develop.

In conclusion, the Bible does not teach that a future king of the South, as mentioned in Daniel 11, must still appear, but we have always understood and taught that he might very well arise. If so, this would have to be Ethiopia which might lead other Middle Eastern nations in opposition to the king of the North.

In addition, the Bible shows that a confederacy of nations including Ethiopia, Egypt and Libya (even though this confederacy is technically not referred to as the king of the South) will arise which will be hostile towards the king of the North (even though at one time, those individual nations or mercenaries of those nations were not necessarily enemies of Europe).

While an anti-Israel confederacy between Assyria (the king of the North) and OTHER Middle Eastern nations will be formed, some of which will “escape” the hands of the king of the North (including Turkey, Iraq and the prominent people or chiefs of Jordan), countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia and Libya will not “escape.”

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

compiled by Dave Harris

We are sad to announce that after battling cancer, Rainer Ruoff died on February 2, 2020. Mr. Ruoff was a Church of God member who lived in Spain. His funeral will be on February 7^th in Spain. Elder Thilo Hanstein, accompanied by his wife Anita, travelled from Germany to conduct the service.  Mr. Ruoff is survived by his wife Isabella and daughter Anna, who are also church members, as well as another daughter and a son.

A Tech Team meeting was held over SKYPE last Sunday morning (February 2, 2020). Conducted by Eric Rank, special emphasis was given to improvements in our websites. Future use of cell phones as a backup for live broadcasting was also discussed.

“Watch powerful Germany!” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

Some may think that Germany is currently not that powerful. They would be wrong. This program shows the tremendous German influence in matters such as Brexit and the transition period; military operations and the coming EU Army; and Europe’s hostile stance towards the USA and Israel. It also addresses a brand-new political scandal in Germany and the German Catholic bishops’ fight with Pope Francis. Bible prophecy is marching on. 

“Das Coronavirus und prophezeite weltweite Seuchen,” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “The Coronavirus and Prophesied Worldwide Epidemics.”

“Satans Welt,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath in Germany by Christian Mrosek, is now posted. Title in English: “Satan’s World.”

“Brexit and Trump’s Acquittal: Comments on News and Prophecy (February 1, 2020),” the first message presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

These seemingly unrelated events have something really big in common. What is it, and why is it so important to understand their prophetic significance in the light of God’s Masterplan?

“What Does the Bible Reveal about the Third Temple prior to Christ’s Return?” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

The building of the Third Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem is about to begin. Some claim that there will be no physical Temple, and that biblical references to the Temple strictly refer to the Church of God. This sermon will show from the Bible why this opinion is incorrect. We will also show who will be involved in the building of the Third Temple, and what will happen when the Temple has been erected.

The 2020 Church Conference will be conducted in Escondido, California. Arrival will be Wednesday, March 25, 2020, and departure is scheduled for Monday, March 30, 2020.