Norbert Link

Lukewarm?

by Norbert Link

Have we lost our first love? Have our works increased, or are they not perfect before God? Do we persevere and labor, or have we become weary? Are we zealous for God and His Way, willing to overcome and to repent of what may be wrong in our lives? Or have we become lukewarm?

The Bible uses the term “lukewarm” only once, in Revelation 3:16, where Christ addresses the Church of the Laodiceans. The Greek word, “chliaros,” describes someone who is somewhat warm, but not hot. It refers to “the self-sufficient and complacent security of a traditional faith” (Fritz Rienecker, Lexikon zur Bibel).  The Nelson Study Bible agrees, adding that Christ “rejects the halfhearted efforts of self-satisfied Christians.”

God requires zeal, dedication, commitment, vigor and perseverance until the end. We are to love Him with all our heart, mind and soul. Our life must be in total service to Christ who bought us with His precious blood so that we do not belong to ourselves.

In our booklet, “Is That in the Bible? The Mysteries of the Book of Revelation“, we quote Lehmann Strauss as follows: “… the Lord is saying to those at Laodicea that if, instead of being lukewarm, they were so cold as to feel the bitterness and severity of that coldness, they would flee to the true warmth of refuge. If we are really cold, and admit to the fact, our confession will lead to the removal of our sin… The Greek word for ‘hot’ … means ‘boiling hot’… the members in the church at Laodicea were not boiling hot; they were not ardent Christians. They had no enthusiasm, no emotion, no zeal, no urgency. It is possible to have a large measure of doctrinal correctness without the fire of spiritual fervor and affection…”

We also point out in our booklet that “all in God’s Church must remain, or must become zealous, and they must repent… in order to be accounted worthy of escaping the terrible times ahead, and to stand before the Son of God when He returns (Luke 21:36).”

The Bible predicts an end-time falling away of true Christians from the Truth. We read that many will fall away (Matthew 24:10, Revised Standard Version). They will engage in works of unrighteousness so that the love of God within them will grow cold (Matthew 24:12). We must all be on guard, eradicating any temptation of wanting to give up and depart from God’s Way of Life while seeking pleasure in the affairs of this world. This can easily happen when we become “lukewarm”—when we become “too familiar” with what we are supposed to be doing, because familiarity may breed contempt.

In Malachi 1:13, God describes Laodiceans as saying about our dedication to God: “Oh, what a weariness!” (Compare also Isaiah 43:22). Rather than zealously pursuing what is right and good, they become guilty of offering “what is blemished” (Malachi 1:14); they depart from the Way and stumble at the Law (2:8); they engage in prohibited marriage relationships and divorce for unbiblical reasons (2:11, 14-16); and they rob God by neglecting or refusing to pay God’s tithes and give Him offerings (3:8). This attitude leads to a most serious condition of some of God’s people who say: “It is useless to serve God; What profit is it that we have kept His ordinance, And that we walked as mourners Before the LORD of hosts? So now we call the proud blessed…” (3:14-15).

We must not allow this kind of attitude to enter our lives. Have we been lacking in prayer, Bible study or Church attendance? Have we considered these commanded activities as weariness and as not being that important, instead of being deeply convinced of their necessity for our spiritual survival and growth? Have we become self-righteous and do we feel content with our spiritual condition instead of being willing to humble ourselves and to increase in the knowledge of Christ? Have we stumbled at the Law and engaged in conduct which God condemns? Are we slowly casting away our confidence and drawing back and drifting away (Hebrews 10:35-38)? If so, then the time to reflect and change is now! Christ tells us: “Be zealous and repent.” He is standing at the door. Let us open the door and let Him come in to take full control of our lives.

Current Events

by Norbert Link

We begin with reports on the ongoing and so far failing Brexit negotiations; speak on continued desires to create a powerful autocratic European army; and focus on President Macron of France (the “Jupiter of the Roman gods”), and Angela Merkel as well as her challenger, former President of the EU Parliament Martin Schulz (the German “Donald Trump”).  

We point out Turkey’s threats towards Germany and ISIS’s determination to bring chaos and destruction to Europe.

We continue with reporting on new American-drafted UN economic sanctions against North Korea (which have been considered to be meaningless) and the close collaboration between North Korea and Iran; as well as the escalating situation between the USA and North Korea; the fear of a nuclear confrontation in the region; and perverted alleged “biblical” reasoning justifying nuclear war. Please view our new StandingWatch program, “Nuclear War Between North Korea and the USA?”

We point out the strained relationship between Jordan and Israel over the Temple Mount crisis and quote articles discussing Mr. Netanyahu’s political future in the light of several investigations against him, his family and close associates.

We conclude with the real possibility of a global stock market crash; speak on Glen Campbell’s death and his “demons” of alcoholism and drug addiction; and quote from an article about the unprecedented heat wave in large parts of Europe, called “Lucifer” and being compared with “hell on earth.”

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

Nuclear War Between North Korea and the USA?

Many feel that the most recent economic sanctions by the UN Security Council will not halt North Korea’s nuclear power program. But what can America do, short of a military strike, which would be a devastating move? Is it possible that North Korea could attack American territory, like Guam, and American cities? Does the Bible give us any hints?

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Christ’s Praise and Rebuke

by Norbert Link

In Revelation 2 and 3, Christ addresses seven local churches, seven Church eras, and every Christian throughout the ages. What are some of Christ’s statements of rebuke, praise and admonition which speak to us individually, and which all of us should take to heart?

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Obeying Trump to Launch Nuclear Strike?

Adm. Scott Swift, the U.S. Pacific Fleet commander, said he would launch a nuclear attack against  a foreign country, if ordered by President Trump, stating that every member of the US military has sworn an oath to obey the Commander in Chief. This is the same reasoning which was employed by German officers for obeying Adolf Hitler. What is wrong with this rationale in the eyes of God and the Bible? Can a true Christian be a nationalist, defending his country, “whether right or wrong,” and fighting in his country’s wars?

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What Does the Bible Say About Smoking?

by Norbert Link

Why do people smoke? Do they do it because they love God, their neighbor or themselves? Or do people smoke to satisfy their selfish passions and desires? Is smoking sin? Is a Christian free to smoke? Does the Bible condemn smoking in no uncertain terms? How can one overcome their addiction to tobacco, mind-altering drugs and pot?

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Current Events 

by Norbert Link

We are reporting on ongoing violence and turmoil in the Middle East and especially the Temple Mount, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Iran; continue with terrorist activities in the Philippines and threats from North Korea; US sanctions against Russia, Iran and North Korea; and the danger of biological and chemical weapons in the hands of terrorists.

We continue with focusing on the coming parliamentary elections in Germany and the fact that Angela Merkel’s re-election might not be as assured as many may think. We report on the US Senate’s vote to permit a debate on repealing and replacing Obamacare; and on President Trump’s announcement not to allow transgender people in the military.

We conclude with an insightful article on why Putin’s Russia is so frightened about the Jehovah’s Witnesses. 

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

Alcoholism in the Bible

by Norbert Link

What does the Bible say about alcoholism and alcohol addiction? Do we understand the physical and spiritual dangers which could prevent us from entering the Kingdom of God? Are there any particular admonitions and prohibitions for those in religious and political authority, ministers and church members? Are you addicted to alcohol? How much may be too much?

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Current Events

by Norbert Link

We begin with North Korean threats and its ugly conduct in collaboration with its secret “allies,” including Russia and China; report on an apparent terrorist attack on German tourists in Egypt and a terrorist attack on the Temple Mount, while pointing out hostile reactions from Arabs and an abominable session of the Jordanian Parliament.

We continue with Israel’s objections to the “cease-fire” agreement between Russia and the USA pertaining to Syria amidst fears of Iranian ambitions in the area; and we report on Russia’s persecution of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, its desire to play a hostile and threatening role in the Mediterranean, much to the chagrin of Europe; and the creation of “Little Russia” in Ukraine (Please view our new StandingWatch program, “Is Russia a Threat to the West?”).

We speak on setbacks of President Trump’s new Muslim travel ban and of the revised proposed GOP healthcare law, and its effect on the dollar; and we address President Trump’s planned visit to Great Britain. We also speak on genetically engineered hyper-muscular super-dogs and the potential consequences for humans.

We conclude with reports on the Catholic Church, citing a condemnatory Vatican-approved article against America’s religious fundamentalism, including certain ones in the White House, Evangelicals and American Catholics, and some puzzling comments by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

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

Is Russia a Threat to the West?

The answer to this question is an unequivocal “Yes.” We address some of the many frightening Russian activities, both internationally and domestically. Russia, under Vladimir Putin and the Russian Orthodox Church, is a military and religious dictatorship. In this program, we are especially focusing on Syria, the Mediterranean, Ukraine, North Korea and Russia’s ongoing persecution of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and show how the world is speeding towards nuclear World War III.

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