As we grow up, we like to think of ourselves as becoming smarter and brighter with each passing year.  As a race or a country we like to think the same thing, that we are better than those that preceded us 200 years ago.  Surely this must be the case; we have all the latest high tech to prove it!

But is this the true measure of whether we are actually wiser?  When we realize where people actually surf on the Internet and what they listen to on their iPods and what is watched on the high definition plasma TV, we might have to come to a completely different conclusion in many cases.

As we look at the world around us today, we see that we have legalized abortion, accepted homosexuality, glorified promiscuity, condoned murder and worshipped materials.  The list goes on, just fill in the blanks….

The reality is that most are currently taking part in a degenerative movement.  The reason for this is simple — we no longer retain God in our knowledge!  God is being removed from the institutions of learning and therefore, children and young adults are without the right foundation.  God has been all but squeezed out of the lawmaking and judicial process, so much so that a right way of life and true justice is becoming hard to find.  Because of this, God has allowed the carnal, reprobate mind within mankind to prevail (Romans 1:28).  It is a corrupt mind that resists God and any part of the Truth (2 Timothy 3:8).

As we move further and further from God, the condition of our collective minds will become worse and worse.  This is an immutable law.  It is imperative that we seek out and find God while He may be found and call upon Him while He is near (compare Isaiah 55:6).  Psalms 14:2 states,  “The LORD looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God.”  This understanding and knowledge comes from following God’s way (compare Psalms 111:10). 

Are we living by every Word of God; are we growing in the knowledge of God, OR are we opting to be a part of the devolutionary process?  The choice is up to us!

Earthquakes in Japan — and Their Dire Consequences

As the reports came in regarding the terrible earthquakes in Japan and the radio-active damage they caused, it became more and more obvious how it was originally attempted to suppress and hide the full truth. This abominable conduct shows the length to which man in his greed is willing to go. It also showed the incredible dangers we are all facing–in spite of “assurances” from some “scientists”–that such a disaster could not happen in Europe or the USA.

Faulty Reporting

Let us review HOW the devastating disaster in Japan was reported by the international media, based on the information that it had received from Japan:

Reuters stated on July 16:

“Nearly 8,000 people spent an anxious night in evacuation centers in northwestern Japan after a strong earthquake flattened hundreds of houses and killed at least seven people… water, gas and electricity supplies were cut by the 6.8 magnitude quake… which also caused a SMALL radiation leak and fire at the world’s biggest nuclear plant…

“Aftershocks from the mid-morning quake continued into the night. The country was rattled late in the evening by a deep tremor under the Sea of Japan estimated at magnitude 6.6 to 6.8 that swayed buildings in Tokyo, but there were NO immediate reports of FURTHER DAMAGE. Japan is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries…

“Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) said 1.5 LITERS of water containing radioactive materials had leaked from a unit at its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant — the world’s largest. The contaminated water had been released into the ocean and had had NO EFFECT on the environment, the company said in a statement, adding that the quake was stronger than its reactors had been designed to cope with.”

Late Partial Admissions

The Associated Press added on July 16:

“The leak was NOT ANNOUNCED UNTIL THE EVENING, MANY HOURS after the quake. That fed fresh concerns about the safety of Japan’s 55 nuclear reactors, which supply 30 percent of the quake-prone country’s electricity and have suffered a long string of accidents and cover- ups.

“About 315 GALLONS of water apparently spilled from a tank at one of the plant’s seven reactors and entered a pipe that flushed it into the sea.”

AFP reported on July 16 about a “SECOND nuclear scare following a deadly earthquake”:

The article continued that “About 100 SEALED BARRELS filled with contaminated clothes and gloves tipped over at the massive Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Monday’s 6.8-magnitude quake… The lids of several barrels opened up inside the plant.”

The article concluded:

“Japan, which has few natural energy resources of its own, relies on nuclear power for nearly 35 percent of its needs, the second highest figure among Group of Eight industrial nations after France. Government plans to build more nuclear plants have often met public opposition in Japan, which is particularly sensitive about nuclear leaks as it is the only country to have been attacked with atomic weapons.”

Much More Dangerous Than Initially Reported

The International Herald Tribune reported on July 17:

“The Japanese authorities on Tuesday SHUT DOWN a nuclear power plant after a radiation leak and OTHER DAMAGE from an earthquake in the nation’s northwest raised new concerns about the safety of Japan’s nuclear industry.

“Tokyo Electric Power, which operates the nuclear plant near the city of Kashiwazaki, said it had found MORE THAN 50 PROBLEMS  that had been caused by the earthquake Monday. MOST were minor…”

The Associated Press added on July 18:

“The company that operates an earthquake-ravaged nuclear plant said Wednesday that a radioactive leak was BIGGER than first reported but still below danger levels, escalating the showdown over a long list of problems at the facility. The company also said about 400 BARRELS containing low-level radioactive waste were knocked over as a result of Monday’s quake, REVISING an earlier figure of 100…

“Tokyo Electric Power Co. announced that a leak of radioactive water into the Sea of Japan was actually 50 PERCENT BIGGER THAN INITIALLY ANNOUNCED Monday night after the deadly 6.8-magnitude quake.”

What Does It All Mean — For Man?

Such irresponsible conduct–first the insufficient design of the reactor; then the attempt to hide the nuclear spill; followed by the initial most questionable and dubious assurance that the leak “had no effect on the environment”; and the belated grudging admissions that the radioactive damage was much bigger than originally announced, causing the shut-down of the power plant– shows how man’s greed and foolishness WOULD ultimately LEAD to the destruction of our planet, if it was not for Christ’s intervention to prevent such man-made insanity (compare Matthew 24:21-22; Revelation 11:18).

The dangers stemming from nuclear power plants are by no means limited to areas like Japan. Even though some optimistic and perhaps business-oriented or financially supported U.S. “experts” were quick to point out in the press or on Television that such damage could not occur in the USA, let us not forget that the Japanese power plant in question was reportedly built WITH THE HELP OF OR BY THE USA. To say that comparable damage could not happen in the USA is extremely naive–to say the least. Critics point out that a strong earthquake close to San Francisco ( which is an extreme likelihood) WOULD cause leaks in a power plant situated in the area.

Please read our next article on nuclear power plant problems in Germany, and about the approach which is similar to what we experienced in Japan; which is, to HIDE from the public the DANGERS involved and the DAMAGE caused by defective nuclear power plants:

Nuclear Power Plant Problems in Germany

Der Spiegel Online reported on July 16 about recent problems with Germany’s nuclear power plants:

“The company at first said it was just a small fire. But the blaze at Vattenfall’s Krümmel reactor has since become a political wildfire. Now, Germany’s pro-nuclear energy politicians have gone into hiding…

“Whereas most of the some 130 reactor incidents reported annually in Germany are minor and go unnoticed, smoke pouring out of a transformer as happened in Krümmel tends to attract attention. It took the fire department hours to extinguish the blaze. Even worse, the plant operator’s claim that a fire in the transformer had no effect on the reactor itself proved to be A LIE… the frequency of problems occurring at Germany’s aging reactors is on the rise…”

 

Russia’s Lust For Power

Russia Provokes–and America Is Being Blamed

On July 15, the New York Times reported the following:

“President Vladimir V. Putin, angered by American plans to deploy a missile shield in Eastern Europe, formally notified NATO governments on Saturday that Russia will suspend its obligations under the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty, a key cold war-era arms limitation agreement.

“The decision ratcheted up tensions over the missile shield plan, but also reflected a trend of RISING ANTI-AMERICANISM and deep suspicion toward the West here as Russia’s March presidential elections approach… the decision is a strong indicator that the smiles and warm embraces between Presidents Bush and Putin just a few weekends ago at the so-called lobster summit in Maine did little to soften the Kremlin’s pique over proposals to build two American missile defense bases in former Soviet satellite states, Poland and the Czech Republic…

“The European Union called the treaty suspension ‘regrettable.’ Cristina Gallach, spokeswoman for the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, said in a telephone interview: ‘We appeal to everyone to start talking. This treaty is fundamental for the stability and security of Europe.’

“In Germany, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Russia’s decision ‘was a real cause of concern.’ Some members of Germany’s governing coalition have repeatedly CRITICIZED THE AMERICAN MISSILE SHIELD PLAN, saying it could lead to just such a move by Russia.”

Further Confrontations Between Europe and Russia

AFP reported on July 16:

“Britain said Monday it will expel four Russian diplomats over Moscow’s refusal to extradite a key suspect in the murder of ex agent Alexander Litvinenko… British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he made ‘no apologies’ for the decision, and that the government was ‘not prepared to allow a situation of lawlessness to develop in London as a result of a failure to act.’

“The expulsions… are the first in over a decade and come amid rising tensions between Moscow and the West fuelled by Litvinenko’s radioactive poisoning in London last year. In response, [a] Russian foreign ministry spokesman… warned the sanctions ‘cannot but lead to the MOST SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES in British-Russian relations as a whole’…”

And so, The Associated Press reported on July 19:

“Russia said Thursday it will expel four British diplomats and suspend counterterrorism cooperation with London, the latest move in a mounting confrontation over the radiation poisoning death of former KGB officer Alexander Litvinenko.”

Russia’s New Cold War

Der Spiegel Online wrote on July 18:

“Russia seems to be doing all it can these days to flex its foreign policy muscles. The ethnic Albanians of Kosovo have become the most recent victims of Moscow’s posturing against the West… Russia on Monday night rejected a new draft resolution on the Serbian province, despite its European-American authors having included a Moscow demand that negotiations continue for another four months…

“Center-left daily Süddeutsche Zeitung on Wednesday writes:

“‘… Putin is following a broader STRATEGY OF CONFRONTATION because he wants… Russia to regain its place in the world as a foreign policy heavyweight.’

“Financial daily Handelsblatt likewise takes a closer look at Russia’s motives:

“‘Whether Russia’s (obstruction) tactics come out of pure friendship with the Serbs is extremely doubtful, because the new draft resolution… calls for the current UN peacekeeping mission in Kosovo to come to an end. Security duties would then be taken over by the European Union and NATO. For Moscow, that would mean a further expansion of the West — an expansion that is to be hindered at all costs.’

“Center-right daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung on Wednesday takes a broader look…

“‘Moscow’s strict refusal to extradite former KGB agent Andrei Lugovoi — who is the British authorities’ main suspect in the murder case — fits perfectly into Putin’s strategy of showing off to the West RUSSIA’S RETURN TO POWER. There is a straight line from the threat of using the ‘energy weapon’ against Ukraine and Georgia, to the Russian position in Iran and Kosovo, to the new tiff over the missile shield and Moscow’s freezing of the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty, to the obstruction strategy when it comes to the Litvinenko investigation.

“‘The entire picture reminds one of the events from a previous era that the West, under the chapter called “Cold War,” would love to leave to the historians. But there are more and more indications that Putin isn’t afraid of a relapse.'”

Explosion in New York–A Grim Reminder of September 11, 2001

The Associated Press reported on July 19:

“A massive geyser of steam and debris that erupted through a midtown Manhattan street left asbestos in the dust that settled, but city officials said Thursday that tests indicated the air was safe of the carcinogen. Tests were continuing, but the city’s Office of Emergency Management said in a statement that long-term health problems were ‘unlikely.’ “Streets around the crater left after the 83-year-old steam pipe ruptured near Grand Central Terminal were still closed Thursday morning, creating near-gridlock. Streams of New Yorkers walked down Park Avenue, some wearing masks to filter the air… The loud, rumbling eruption broke windows and rattled buildings as the broken pipe spewed steam, dirt and debris into the air…

“On Thursday, asbestos contamination was the main lingering health concern, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said. Some of the pipes that pump steam beneath the city to heat and cool thousands of buildings are wrapped in asbestos, which can cause fatal lung disease with prolonged exposure. Officials quickly ruled out terrorism after the blast, but for some witnesses, the explosion, dust and chaos were frighteningly reminiscent of the scene on Sept. 11, 2001…

“City engineers also warned that up to six feet surrounding the giant hole might be in danger of further collapse… Officials said the pipe might have exploded under pressure caused by an infiltration of cold rainwater, or might have been damaged by a water main break.”

Man-Made Disaster in Brazil

Der Spiegel Online wrote on July 18:

“At least 195 people have been killed in what is believed to be Brazil’s worst-ever plane crash. The crash, however, appears to be a product of a country with an air travel infrastructure that has been plagued by chaos in recent years and which has failed to keep pace with Brazil’s rapid growth…

“The Airbus A-320, which was operated by the Brazilian airline TAM, skidded off the runway after touching down. It collided with a number of cars and plowed through a gas station before crashing into a TAM maintenance building and going up in flames… The Sao Paulo crash will likely turn out to be the biggest in Brazilian history. It will also mark the tragic pinnacle of a series of accidents, mishaps and scandals that have made flying in South America’s biggest country a potentially DEADLY ADVENTURE…

“Last September, a Gol airlines Boeing 737 collided with a private jet over the Amazon, claiming 154 lives. The investigation into the crash is still ongoing, but a number of hair-raising details have already been leaked. But that doesn’t even begin to provide insight into the CHAOS of the Brazilian skies. Flight controllers are poorly trained, overworked and under-paid. Many barely speak English. The radar technology in the Amazon is also aging and often defective.

“The country’s air travel infrastructure has been unable to keep up with Brazil’s fast economic growth… The government of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has also shown itself to be INCOMPETENT in the face of the air traffic chaos… For years, experts have considered the Sao Paulo airport to be a safety problem.”

Germany’s Schizophrenic Approach

Der Spiegel Online wrote on July 18:

“Over the past few days Berlin and the surrounding region have been gearing up for the shooting of ‘Valkyrie,’ which stars [Tom] Cruise as the doomed hero. Old World War II-era planes with swastikas painted on the sides have already been practicing scenes in the skies above Brandenburg, the state surrounding Berlin, and workers have been hammering away, building a replica of the ‘Wolf’s Lair,’ Hitler’s Eastern Front military headquarters near the small village of Klein-Köris, 60 kilometers south of Berlin. Stauffenberg’s failed attempt to kill Hitler with a briefcase bomb on July 20, 1944 took place at the original Wolf’s Lair, now in present-day Poland.

“Although Cruise has been turned away from a number of key locations in the German capital, he has been given permission to shoot in a building adjoining Berlin’s iconic Tempelhof Airport. The Nazis used the ‘Columbia Haus’ from 1934 as a prison and torture center for political prisoners, including future East German Eric Honecker.

“There has been no end to the controversy over the film about one of Germany’s relatively few wartime heros because of Cruise’s membership of Scientology, which is viewed with deep skepticism in Germany. It is OFFICIALLY MONITORED BY GOVERNMENT INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES and has been under increased scrutiny since it opened a major new center in Berlin in January.

“The government has a somewhat SCHIZOPHRENIC APPROACH to the Cruise film. The actor has been refused permission to shoot at a Berlin police premises and at the Bendlerblock, a government building in central Berlin, where Stauffenberg hatched his plot and where he and several others were executed after it failed. But at the same time the government is also funding the shooting of Cruise’s film, with the German Federal Film Fund (DFFF) giving it €4.8 million ($6.5 million) in subsidies…

“… veteran German actor Armin Müller-Stahl, who has made a career as a character actor in Hollywood, has also thrown his support behind Cruise. The 76-year-old asked those in Germany who are judging the superstar to calm down, calling them ‘inhibited, small minded and uptight.’… Müller-Stahl said an actor should only be judged on whether he… plays a role credibly, ‘And that can only be done after the film is finished — and not before.'”

France vs. Germany?

Der Spiegel Online wrote on July 15:

“French President Nicolas Sarkozy is challenging German Chancellor Angela Merkel for LEADERSHIP IN EUROPE. But she’s hoping to slow down France’s new hyperactive leader to ensure German influence on the Continent — while avoiding an open confrontation between Paris and Berlin… Only eight weeks in office, he’s angling to strip Merkel of her title as EUROPE’S TOP LEADER… Both are aware that the European Union can’t function if Paris and Berlin are at odds with each other.

“But at the moment the relationship is deeply strained. The new administration in Paris is doing its utmost to PROVOKE BERLIN… Sarkozy is looking for a fight wherever he can… A showdown appears unavoidable… But Merkel has no interest in butting heads. She doesn’t want to duel with Sarkozy, who certainly has a better mastery of such political hand-to-hand combat… The new man in Paris cannot expect the German compliancy of the past. At the same time, Merkel will humor NO CHALLENGE TO HER LEADING ROLE IN EUROPE — especially not from Sarkozy…

“The government in Berlin has flagged several economic and foreign policy issues where huge conflicts with the French could develop… Nerves in Berlin are so frayed at the moment that even the surprise trip Sarkozy’s wife Cecilia made to Libya last week caused a commotion.

“But one leading German foreign policy expert has advised officials in Berlin to remain calm despite Sarkozy’s COUNTLESS PROVOCATIONS. Former foreign minister Joschka Fischer has pointed out that Sarkozy’s predecessor Jacques Chirac took office in 1995 in [a] far more explosive fashion — with a nuclear bomb test in the South Pacific.”

Ethiopia’s Further Push Against Western Values

AFP reported on July 16:

“Ethiopia’s high court on Monday sentenced 35 opposition leaders to life imprisonment for inciting rebellion, after the prosecution had asked for the death penalty… The London-based rights watchdog Amnesty International protested the sentences and called for the defendants’ release.

“‘On the basis of the information we have, most — if not all — of those sentenced today are prisoners of conscience imprisoned on account of their opinions, who have not used or advocated violence and should therefore be immediately and unconditionally released,’ Erwin van der Borght, Director of Amnesty’s Africa Programme, said in a statement.

“Prosecutors last week had requested the death penalty for 38 of the defendants… News that prosecutors had requested the death penalty earned the US-backed regime of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi a WARNING FROM WASHINGTON… The Paris-based media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) had also expressed great concern last week and described the prosecutors’ requested sentence as ‘outrageous.’

“‘By demanding the death penalty for members of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, the prosecutor has confirmed to the international community that Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s government is TRYING TO STIFLE ALL POLITICAL OPPOSITION,’ RSF said in a statement last week.”

No Evidence That Transcendental Meditation or Yoga Boost Health

Health Daily News reported on July 12:

“There’s no evidence that [Far Eastern] meditation eases health problems, according to an exhaustive review of the accumulated data by Canadian researchers.

“‘There is an enormous amount of interest in using [Far Eastern] meditation as a form of therapy to cope with a variety of modern-day health problems, especially hypertension, stress and chronic pain, but the majority of evidence that seems to support this notion is anecdotal, or it comes from poor quality studies,’ concluded researchers Maria Ospina and Kenneth Bond of the University of Alberta/Capital Health Evidence-based Practice Centre, in Edmonton.

“They analyzed 813 studies focused on the impact of meditation on various conditions, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and substance abuse. Released Monday, the report looked at studies on five types of meditation practices: mantra meditation [better known as Transcendental Meditation, or TM, and its related Indian practices]; mindfulness meditation; yoga, Tai Chi and Qi Gong.

“Some of the studies suggested that certain types of meditation could help reduce blood pressure and stress and that yoga and other practices increased verbal creativity and reduced heart rate, blood pressure and cholesterol in healthy people. However, the report authors said it isn’t possible to draw any firm conclusions about the effects of meditation on health, because the existing studies are characterized by poor methodologies and other problems.”

Whether or not these practices boost health is not really the issue. Especially “mantra meditations”–such as TM–are based on thinking silently of a mantra which is repeated continuously for many minutes or–in some cases–many hours. These mantras are derived from Indian “holy writs” and designate the names of Indian “gods”–many of which are admittedly believed to be a mixture of good and evil and therefore in some way demonic in nature. Let the reader beware!

Exodus 23:20-23 reads, in the Authorized Version:

“Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him. But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries. For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off.”

Much has been speculated as to the identity of the “Angel.” We should note, first, that these words are spoken by “the LORD” (compare Exodus 20:22). The Hebrew word for “angel” is “mal-ak” and means “messenger.” It can have reference to a human messenger, an angelic being, or God Himself, depending on the context. In Malachi 3:1, “the LORD” is referred to as the “Messenger of the covenant.” The specific reference in that passage is to Jesus Christ–not God the Father. The designation “LORD” can refer to both God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son–again, it is a matter of context. In most cases, the Hebrew word for “LORD” refers to Jesus Christ–but not always.

In Hebrews 1:10, Paul cites an Old Testament Scripture, speaking of Jesus Christ, the Son, and calling Him “LORD.” On the other hand, Peter cites an Old Testament Scripture in Acts 2:34, speaking of God the Father and calling Him “LORD.”

Turning to the passage in Exodus 23, some claim that the “Angel” spoken of in that Scripture is the archangel Michael, the “great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people” (Daniel 12:1). Others claim that the “Angel” is identical with the “Angel of the LORD,” spoken of in many Biblical passages, for instance in Exodus 3:2, where the “Angel of the LORD” appeared to Moses in the midst of the burning bush. The “Angel of the LORD” is also referred to as the “Angel of God” in Exodus 14:19. In both cases, the reference is to Jesus Christ, the “Messenger” of the LORD, God the Father.

Let us consider who it was who accompanied the Israelites on their journey through the wilderness. We read in 1 Corinthians 10:4: “For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.” We see, then, that it was Christ, the “Messenger” of God the Father, who led the Israelites. The “Angel,” as mentioned in Exodus 23, who was sent before them, appears to be none other than Christ, “the Messenger.”

It is noteworthy that Jesus said that no one has ever seen the form of God the Father, nor heard His voice (John 1:18; 5:37). However, the ancients saw the form and heard the voice of the second member of the God Family–that of the Son, Jesus Christ (Exodus 24:9-11; Numbers 12:5-8). Still, if the passage in Exodus 23:20 refers to Christ as the “Angel” or better “Messenger,” then the words which were spoken by the LORD to Moses were obviously the words of the Father, who said that He would send His Messenger, Jesus Christ, before the Israelites. But since no human being has ever heard the voice of the Father, the Father did not directly speak to Moses; rather, Jesus Christ communicated those words. He only spoke what the Father told Him to speak (compare John 14:24). Therefore, Christ communicated the words of the Father to Moses, when He told him that the Father would send His Angel or Messenger before the Israelites.

We find a similar account in the book of Revelation. We read that the Revelation came from God the Father, but He gave it to Christ “to show His servants… things which must shortly take place” (Revelation 1:1). In that case, Christ did not speak directly to John, but sent an angel to communicate the message of God the Father, which had been delivered to Christ.

Let us also remember what happened when John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ. We read in Matthew 3:17: “And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'”

As we know from other Scriptures, this was not God the Father who spoke, but, in that case, an angel. However, it was what God wanted conveyed through His representative or messenger. This example shows that when God the Father is quoted, His words are spoken exactly as if He is personally being heard!

Consider as well the vision that Peter, James and John experienced with Jesus. In this account, a voice speaking in the first person is heard by these disciples: “…a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!'” (Matthew 17:5). Peter later on made reference to this experience speaking of “such a voice” and “this voice” (compare 2 Peter 1:17-18). Again, it was an angel who spoke in that instance–not the Father–but the angel communicated the exact words of God the Father.

This Biblical pattern helps us to understand the passage in Exodus 23, as in this case, God the Father’s words were conveyed by God the Son–that is “the LORD.”

Let us note how many commentaries feel that the reference to the “Angel,” in Exodus 23:20-23, is a reference to the LORD Himself.

The Scoffield Bible states in a footnote to Judges 2:1, where the phrase, “angel of the LORD,” is used:

“He is named the ‘angel of the LORD…’ (Gen. 16:7), ‘the angel of God’ (Gen. 21:17), ‘the angel of his [God’s] presence’ (Isa. 63:9), and… ‘the messenger [angel] of the covenant’ (Mal. 3:1)… He is clearly identified with the LORD Himself… In Gen. 31:11-13 the angel said to Jacob, ‘I am the God of Bethel.’ In Ex. 3:2-6 the same angel said to Moses,’ I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham.'”

However, even though many commentaries understand that the terminology “angel of the LORD,” can refer to God Himself, some don’t seem to understand that God did NOT manifest Himself in or through an angel. Jesus Christ, the second member of the God Family, dealt directly with Moses and the Israelites. Christ is not an “angel,” but the divine Messenger of, or Spokesman for God the Father.

The Ryrie Study Bible states:

“Most likely the Angel of the Lord [was] the Lord Himself, though He was represented by His leaders, Moses and, later, Joshua.”

These comments allow for an additional possible explanation; namely, that the “Angel” or better “angel” is a reference to a human leader. Taken it in this way, God would have been telling the Israelites (Note that He used the plural word, “thee,” not the singular word, “thou”): “Provoke him not and obey his voice, because I will tell him what to say, and I will lead you into the Promised Land.”

The tragic story is that the Israelites did not obey Moses, and as a consequence, they did not enter the Promised Land. A similar incident, when the word “angel” could refer to angelic beings or human leaders, can be found in passages such as Revelation 2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 14. Please also note that the meaning of the name of the prophet Malachi is, “My Messenger.”

However, Clarke, in his commentary, explains the meaning of Exodus 23:20 as follows:

“Some have thought that this [reference to the Angel was a reference to] Moses, others Joshua, because the word ‘malach’ signifies an angel or messenger; but… it is more likely that the great Angel of the Covenant, the Lord Jesus Christ, is meant, in whom dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. We have had already much reason to believe that this glorious personage often appeared in a human form to the patriarchs… Nor does it appear that the description given of the Angel in the text can belong to any other person.”

Gill’s Commentary agrees with the foregoing, stating:

“Not a created angel, but the uncreated one, the Angel of God’s presence, that was with the Israelites at Sinai, and in the wilderness; who saved, redeemed, bore, and carried them all the days of old, whom they rebelled against and tempted in the wilderness; as appears by all the characters after given of him, which by no means agree with a created angel… Philo the Jew… applies the word unto the divine Logos [the “Word,” Jesus Christ, compare John 1:1, 14], and says,”he (God) uses the divine Word as the guide of the way; for the oracle is, ‘behold, I send my Angel.'”

From all the evidence, it is very likely that the reference to the “Angel” in Exodus 23:20 refers to the uncreated God being Jesus Christ–the Logos; the Son of God; the Messenger of God the Father. (However, the explanation that the “angel” could refer to a literal angel like the archangel Michael or even to human leaders, such as Moses or Joshua, has some merit, because they also functioned in “messenger” roles.)

If the terminology of “angel” or messenger” in Exodus 23:20 applies to Christ, then Christ, when talking to Moses, communicated the words of the Father, telling Moses and the Israelites that the Father would send His Son, Jesus Christ, to lead them through the wilderness to the Promised Land. The ancient Israelites failed, but the Church of God–spiritual Israel–must do better and follow their leader–Jesus Christ–to the Promised Land of the Kingdom of God, without provoking Him to anger, but rather, by obeying Him fully and completely.

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

A new StandingWatch program (#129) was recorded and placed on Google Video. It is titled: “The Pope Angers the World.”

In the program, Norbert Link discusses the fact that protestants are up in arms over the Vatican’s statement that only the Roman Catholic Church is the true Church of Christ. The Church of England stated that the Pope’s claim that he is the successor of Peter, and that he speaks on behalf of God, is ludicrous and not supported by the Bible or history. Still, according to Scripture, Church unification is coming, but this will be bad news for the world. View this program on Google Video.

Our new booklet, “The Meaning of God’s Fall Holy Days,” has been printed and will be sent to our American and Canadian subscribers with the new member letter in early August– so as to give everyone an opportunity to use the booklet for meaningful preparations for the Fall Holy Day season. It will be posted on our Websites shortly.

By Shana Rank

A couple of weeks ago I was sitting outside with my son, Gideon. Often times while he and I sit outside I watch him explore and play—giving him space to learn on his own.  At 14 months old, Gideon is fascinated with balls; one of his favorites is a bright yellow bouncy ball—about the size of a basketball.

One afternoon he was trying to push his yellow ball up a slight incline of grass to the patio. Since he is not yet a pro at walking, he was on his hands and knees pushing with the one hand and using the other to move forward. Three times he tried to get that bouncy ball to stay on the patio, and three times it bounced off of something and rolled back down the hill.  After letting out a grunt of discouragement he looked up at me, hoping for some help.  I told him he could do it, and to try again. 

That day he gave up on the bouncy ball. A week or so later, he succeeded with no problem—pushing the ball with ease and control up onto the patio. Even little toddlers try hard and get discouraged, but he didn’t give up.

At first glance, Gideon’s progress might be missed or forgotten, but his small steps are a beautiful process of growing! Each of us can recall an experience that taught us courage and left us with the gift of wisdom. Gideon’s efforts reminded me that I must never underestimate the achievements of daily life—even when trying to control a bright yellow bouncy ball!

On July 14, 2007, Norbert Link will complete his sermon series on the sacrifices, covering in particular the symbolic meaning of the peace, sin and trespass offerings.

The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at 12:30 pm Pacific Time (which is 2:30 pm Central Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

Actually, there are two parts to the following question: Are we, as a Church, Laodiceans, and am I a Laodicean?

You might be familiar with the characterization of some foolish and ignorant people that if one does not belong to their particular organization, one is automatically brushed with the title of  Laodicean and disqualified from belonging to the Philadelphian remnant of God’s Church.  

At one time almost all of us belonged to one big organization–with a few exceptions of some who rebelled and started their own churches. I believe that we belonged at that time to the Philadelphia era of God’s church. I also believe–and so do many others– that since the death of Mr. Armstrong in 1986, we have entered the Laodicean era. The question is, what is it that makes a church or person a Laodicean? What does the Bible tell us about the Laodiceans, as described in Revelation 3:14-22?

Christ’s major criticism–and not the objections by some “would-be-judges” who suffer from elevated self importance–is that the Laodicea Church is lukewarm, while its members feel that they are rich and wealthy and in need of nothing. They show a self-sufficient attitude–whether one applies this physically or spiritually. Christ described them as wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. It is evident that they perceive themselves quite differently than what they really are. Christ’s advice and counsel to them is to buy gold, to obtain white garments, and to anoint their eyes to see the reality of their current disposition. He also states that as many as He loves He chastens, indicating that some corrective action is required  for them to bring them around to ensure that they achieve a spiritual condition which is acceptable by Christ.

We as a church (the Church of the Eternal God in the USA; the Global Church of God in the UK; and the Church of God, a Christian Fellowship in Canada) have never claimed to be the only remnant of the Philadelphia Church, but we hope, of course, that we are part of the Philadelphia Church. We have taken the position that there are true Philadelphians in every Church of God group–or at least in most–as well as Laodiceans, and we certainly do not pass judgment on any one group or individual. 

What is the responsibility of the Church and of us, individually? The Church, as a body, is to preach and publish the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to the world as a witness (compare Matthew 24:14). Individually, we are to support that effort, and we are to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

If you are doing these things, then no one on this earth has any right to tell you that you are Laodicean and not a part of the Philadelphia remnant, only because you do not belong to the particular Church group of his choosing.  The churches of God are scattered right now. Jesus Christ is the living Head of His Church which is not one corporate entity, but one spiritual entity. God the Father and Jesus Christ determine who is a Philadelphian or a Laodicean–or who is not a Christian at all. At this time, we cannot perceive a movement by God  to bring us all together; therefore, there must be a reason for the scattering.  It is not the prerogative of some men  to pass judgment on God’s people or to sit in judgment of other members or groups–the self-righteous approach by some to determine–based on membership in “their” organizations–who is or is not a Philadelphian or a Laodicean, is contemptible in God’s eyes.

If you look at your particular situation and if you can stand before Christ at the judgment and say, “I grew in the Son’s grace and knowledge, even though I was not perfect, and I did my part to further the Gospel message to the world,” then you might very well hear the words of your Master: “Well done, you profitable servant.” On the other hand, those who self-righteously and blindly labeled you a Laodicean, because you did not belong to their group, might be called unprofitable servants and they might be thrown into outer darkness. Only God, who looks on the heart and circumstances in a Christian’s life, can make the right and just determination.

If you fulfill your Christian duties and responsibilities, then the answer to whether or not you are a Philadelphian or a Laodicean is self-evident.

“Won’t Anyone Stand Up For God?”

On July 7, The UK’s Daily Mail published an article with the above-stated headline. While much–if not most–of the article is highly objectionable and ludicrous, we are quoting the following excerpts for the benefit of the reader:

“Atheists are on the march. The idea of God is under fire. The practice of religion is being condemned as a major source of evil in the world. The latest assault comes in a book entitled God Is Not Great by polemical writer Christopher Hitchens. The work, subtitled The Case Against Religion, is already on the bestseller list of The New York Times. It arrives hot on the heels of The God Delusion, another bestseller from Professor Richard Dawkins. Both authors are militant atheists who want to destroy the faith of believers. Dawkins expressed the hope that ‘religious readers who open this book will be atheists when they put it down’. Hitchens states boldly: ‘Religion is man-made. Religion poisons everything.’…

“Why has no one joined in the battle against these warriors for atheism? Where are the Defenders of the Faith that they ridicule? Are our bishops and cardinals, our preachers, imams or rabbis too supine, too complacent or too scared to argue back? Have they no arguments?…”

The Controversial Catholic Latin Mass

USA Today wrote on July 7:

“Pope Benedict XVI on Saturday formally made the majestic, complex and controversial millennial-old Latin Mass more accessible to Catholics… many church leaders are opposed to restoring and expanding a Mass they say is inscrutable to the faithful, outdated, and includes an offensive Good Friday prayer for the conversion of the Jews, asking God to lift their ‘blindness.’… Criticism also came from Jewish leaders, unhappy with the restoration of a prayer for their conversion, said during Easter Week. The Anti-Defamation League called the move a ‘body blow to Catholic Jewish relations.'”

The article quoted the wording of the old 1962 missal, as follows:

“Let us pray also for the Jews that the Lord our God may take the veil from their hearts and that they also may acknowledge our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us pray: Almighty and everlasting God, you do not refuse your mercy even to the Jews; hear the prayers which we offer for the blindness of that people so that they may acknowledge the light of your truth, which is Christ, and be delivered from their darkness.”

The Catholic News Agency, Zenit, had hoped to calm the waves by publishing the following article as early as July 6:

“Benedict XVI’s apostolic letter concerning the Roman Missal promulgated by John XXIII in 1962, will not reinstate a prayer for the conversion of ‘perfidious Jews.’ The Vatican press office announced today the Pope’s letter issued ‘motu proprio,’ on his own initiative, is titled ‘Summorum Pontificum,’ and will be released Saturday at noon, accompanied by an explanatory letter.”

However, in its follow-up article of July 8, Zenit gave no further “explanation” or clarification in regard to the Jews. Rather, as quoted by Zenit, the pope’s letter dealt with concerns regarding the unity of the Catholic Church–and NOT with the concerns regarding the Jews. If it did, then Zenit omitted to quote that portion of the pope’s letter.

On the other hand, USA Today added the following in an article, dated July 9:

“Ever since the reforms of the Second Vatican Council swept in the modern Mass, celebrated in local languages with the priest facing the congregation, the long, complex Latin Mass has only been allowed when a bishop allowed the local priest to offer it. Benedict’s decision allows any priest asked by congregants to offer it to do so…

“Among the Vatican II reforms was a spirit of ecumenism and [a] reexamination of church teachings that removed language long seen by Jews as a basis for anti-Semitism. The Latin Mass includes a prayer on Good Fridays calling for the conversion of the Jews, lifting their ‘blindness’ to Jesus as savior. Jewish groups were swift to complain and the Vatican says it has established a commission to consider their concerns.”

As if the Old Mass Wasn’t Enough… Only Catholics True Christians?

Reuters reported on July 10:

“The Vatican on Tuesday said Christian denominations outside the Roman Catholic Church were not full churches of Jesus Christ. The Vatican said other churches are ‘wounded’ since they do not recognise the primacy of the Pope. A 16-page document, prepared by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which Pope Benedict used to head, described Christian Orthodox churches as true churches, but suffering from a ‘wound’ since they do not recognize the primacy of the Pope. But the document said the ‘wound is still more profound’ in the Protestant denominations — a view likely to further complicate relations with Protestants.

“‘Despite the fact that this teaching has created no little distress … it is nevertheless difficult to see how the title of “Church” could possibly be attributed to them,’ it said. The Vatican text, which restates the controversial document ‘Dominus Iesus’ issued by the then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in 2000, said the Church wanted to stress this point because some Catholic theologians continued to misunderstand it.

“Ratzinger was elected Pope in April 2005. The document is his second strong reaffirmation of Catholic tradition in four days, following a decree on Saturday restoring the old Latin Mass alongside the modern liturgy… The document said the Council’s opening to other faiths recognized there were ‘many elements of sanctification and truth’ in other Christian denominations, but stressed only Catholicism had all the elements to be Christ’s Church fully.”

MSNBC added on July 10:

“Pope Benedict XVI has reasserted the universal primacy of the Roman Catholic Church, approving a document released Tuesday that says Orthodox churches were defective and that other Christian denominations were not true churches.”

Bild Online wrote on July 10:

“A new fight between the Catholics and the Protestants in Germany is on the horizon. The reason is a paper of the Vatican which denies that the Protestants are a Church. The Protestant Church in Germany is upset. ‘This was not negligence; it was an intentional attack,’ a spokesman said.”

The U.K.’s Times on Line added on July 10:

“David Phillips, General Secretary of the Church Society [in the UK], said: ‘Nothing new is said, but it does clarify the way in which the Vatican has torn apart Christianity because of its lust for power. They remind us that in their view that to be a true church one has to accept the ludicrous idea that the Pope is in some special way the successor of the apostle Peter and the supreme earthly leader of the Church. These claims cannot be justified, biblically, or historically, yet they have been used not only to divide Christians but to persecute them and put them to death.

“’We are grateful that the Vatican has once again been honest in declaring their view that the Church of England is not a proper Church. Too much dialogue proceeds without such honesty. Therefore, we would wish to be equally open; unity will only be possible when the papacy renounces its errors and pretensions.'”

On July 11, Deutsche Welle reported about German reactions to the Vatican’s outrageous statements:

“The Vatican said Tuesday that Christian communities outside Roman Catholicism were not full churches. Protestant leaders were offended and said inter-denominational dialogue was now at risk. German commentators agreed.

“German commentators had a sharp eye on Pope Benedict XVI, himself a German, following the pontiff’s comments that other Christian churches outside Roman Catholicism were ‘defective.’… The Vatican document… prompted swift criticism from Protestants, Lutherans and other Christian denominations spawned by the 16th century reformation.

“‘It makes us question the seriousness with which the Roman Catholic Church takes its dialogues with the Reformed family and other families of the church,’ the World Alliance of Reformed Churches said…

“Mannheim’s Mannheimer Morgen noted that the pontiff was merely sticking to his principles in his comments… ‘By focusing on the leading role of the Roman Catholic Church, he is keeping in line with the logic of the Vatican. For those who believe in ecumenism, the pope’s words were brusque. On the other hand, they can be grateful to Benedict: it is now clear that Catholics and Protestants will not forge closer ties during his papacy. Both sides know where they stand. That is certainly better than an elusory hope that will never become reality,’ the paper wrote.”

On July 11, Focus Online quoted Germany’s leader of the Protestant Church, Bishop Wolfgang Huber, as follows: “The Protestant Church will not acknowledge the primacy of the pope.” According to the magazine, Huber responded to a statement by Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of  the Pope’s Council for Improvement of Unity of Christians, who said that he did not see a reason for Protestants to be upset with the Vatican’s document, as it did not state anything new.

Anti-Catholic Bias?… Why Would There Be???

AFP reported on July 9:

“The Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal in India were named Saturday as two of the seven ‘new’ wonders of the world at a celebrity-studded televised ceremony in the Portuguese capital. The others were the Coliseum in Rome, the centuries-old pink-coloured ruins of Petra in Jordan, the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru, and the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza in Mexico…

“Losing out among the frontrunners on the short-listed sites were the Acropolis in Greece, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the statues on Easter Island, and Britain’s Stonehenge… The initiative seeks to recreate the popularity of the seven wonders of the world of antiquity. Only one of the seven, the Pyramids of Egypt, still stands today. The others were: the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus in Asia Minor, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, the Colossus of Rhodes, and the Pharos of Alexandria.”

Der Spiegel Online added on July 9:

“Yet despite the parties worldwide, not everybody was happy with the campaign, which was the brainchild of Swiss adventurer Bernard Weber. The Vatican was unhappy about the lack of Catholic cathedrals on the list of 21 finalists. The Church even gave voice last week to a suspicion that organizers had an ‘anti-Catholic bias.'”

Illegal German Proposal to Fight Terrorism?

Der Spiegel Online wrote on July 9:

“German Interior Minister Wolfgang Schäuble’s ideas for fighting terrorism have been sharply criticized by SPD politicians [of ] his government coalition. Commentators in Germany’s newspapers are [not] too thrilled either… Schäuble called in the interview [with Der Spiegel] for a harder line against terrorism, saying that German law might have to be changed to allow the state to fight terrorism effectively… The measures which he said might have to be considered include taking terrorists into preventive custody, deploying the German army in domestic operations, searching suspects’ computers online without their knowledge, and — most controversially — the targeted killings of terrorists…

“Editorialists writing in Germany’s papers Monday were… critical of the proposals, saying that Schäuble was over-stepping the limits of the state based on the rule of law and even accusing Schäuble of ‘complete insanity.’

“The center-left Süddeutsche Zeitung writes:

“‘Unfortunately Germany has an interior minister whose ever-diminishing sense of proportion leads to a feeling of insecurity rather than security. Wolfgang Schäuble makes people feel scared. The minister talks as if Germany can only be safe if it turns into an ‘007’ state, by the mutation of the constitutional state based on the rule of law into a regime where the extra-legal becomes legal. He talks about prudence and practices the opposite; he warns of hysteria, but spreads it himself; he disapproves of Guantanamo, but talks as if a ‘Guantanamo-ization’ of the German legal system is urgently necessary…’

“The center-left Berliner Zeitung writes:

“‘… With an eye to the American model, Schäuble has now announced a catalog of new legal ideas for the fight against terrorism. It is a list which causes fear… it is all about unethical principles, a kind of martial law and ultimately about a German version of Guantanamo…'”

The German Revival

The UK’s Telegraph wrote on July 10:

“To give an example of Germany’s weak performance, over the past 14 years, France has outgrown it, despite operating one of the most over-taxed and over-regulated economies in the world. Indeed, in recent years Germany’s growth rate has been about the same as Italy’s. But things were never as bad as this implies. Throughout, German business continued to do the right things – cost-cutting, wringing productivity gains from the workforce, outsourcing to eastern Europe, and gaining market share in the world’s rapidly growing markets in Asia.

“Furthermore, Germany remained the world’s largest goods exporter, as it is today. What laid Germany low was its labour market – high unemployment, excessively generous welfare provisions and difficult trade unions. So, while German companies continued to do well, the economy overall did not, held back by the weakness of consumption.

“Now things are changing… last year the German economy outgrew France. Moreover, consumers’ expenditure grew by almost 1pc. That may sound pitifully low, but it came after four years when consumers’ expenditure barely rose at all or even contracted…

“You cannot keep a great country down forever… Germany is set to benefit hugely from the strong growth in eastern Europe and Russia. Will the German revival be enough to spark strong growth across the eurozone? It has already helped to bring a boost. Although Germany has been the most striking example, economic growth has proved to be surprisingly strong over the last year in the eurozone as a whole…. For us, in an economic sense, a German revival is good news. Germany is one of our largest export markets. But politically, it is not going to be good.”

The European Revival

On July 10, The Wall Street Journal published an article, titled, “The European Revival.” In the article, it was stated:

“Not so long ago, Europe was the laggard of the world economy, with low growth and high unemployment… The situation today is very different. Last year saw solid growth in Europe, with economic expansion at 3%, the fastest rate in six years. Employment grew by 1.5%, twice the average rate of the 1990s, which translated into some 3.5 million new jobs being created in 2006.

“Even more important is that last year, for the first time in over a decade, the growth of labor productivity — the most important key to raising living standards — kept pace with that of the United States. It’s due to grow even faster this year.

“What’s changed? Certainly, a booming world economy has helped. But so have economic reforms that have been a long time in coming… The conditions for joining the euro are set out clearly in the 1992 Maastricht Treaty. However, as long as some countries that meet these conditions remain outside, there will always be the risk of a two-speed Europe. The euro has been a success. It ensures price and monetary stability for the economies that have adopted it, allowing them to grow and create new jobs.”

The European Empire

The Telegraph wrote on July 11:

“Gordon Brown was under renewed pressure to hold a referendum last night after José Manuel Barroso, [Portugal’s prime minister and currently] the president of the European Commission, hailed the European Union as an ’empire.’ The comments from the most senior EC official in Brussels will infuriate the Prime Minister as he tries to fight off growing demands for a referendum by denying a planned new EU treaty has constitutional implications… Mark Francois, Conservative shadow minister for Europe, believes the ‘startling’ statement of intent will increase pressure on Mr Brown to grant Britain a vote on Europe. ‘The British public will be genuinely surprised to hear the suggestion that we are now part of an EU empire,’ he said…

“The commission president warned Mr Brown that he was ‘honour bound’ by the detailed mandate and outline for a new EU treaty signed by Tony Blair at a Brussels summit on June 23. ‘There is a principle of good faith. For me it as important as any legal commitment,’ he said. ‘It is inconceivable that an agreement that was agreed unanimously in June is reopened now.'”

The U.S. Dollar Is A Basket Case

The Associated Press reported on July 10:

“The euro soared to an all-time high against the U.S. dollar on Tuesday, topping the $1.37 mark as key U.S. retailers and homebuilders lowered their growth forecasts, causing more concern about the American economy… ‘The dollar is a basket case,’ said Peter Schiff, president of Euro Pacific Capital Inc… Given the state of the U.S. economy, he said, the dollar could continue to fall in the coming years against the euro to $2.50 or even $3.00 … The dollar’s plunge against the euro and pound came as U.S. stocks fell…”

On July 12, “The euro clawed closer to $1.38…, briefly hitting new highs against the dollar,” according to an article in the Associated Press.

Conspiracy Theories Galore

AFP wrote on July 7:

“A senior French politician, now a minister in President Nicolas Sarkozy’s government, [French Housing Minister Christine Boutin] suggested last year that U.S. President George W. Bush might have been behind the September 11, 2001 attacks, according to a website… Boutin backs her assertion by pointing to the large number of people who visit websites that challenge the official line over the September 11 strikes against U.S. cities. ‘I know that the websites that speak of this problem are websites that have the highest number of visits … And I tell myself that this expression of the masses and of the people cannot be without any truth.’…

“France appears to be particularly fertile ground for conspiracy theories. In 2002, a book that claimed that no airliner hit the U.S. Pentagon in the September 11 attacks topped the French bestseller lists. However, the French are not alone in their skepticism.

“According to a Scripps Howard/Ohio University poll carried out last July, more than one-third of Americans suspect U.S. officials helped in the September 11 attacks or took no action to stop them so the United States could later go to war. The U.S. State Department has rejected these accusations.”

Illegal CIA-Flights In Violation of German Law

Der Spiegel Online wrote on July 10:

“About 390 CIA-run flights through German airspace were in violation of German law, and Berlin could have collected millions of euros in fines. Now internal investigations could make things embarrassing for Gerhard Schröder’s government as well as the United States… SPIEGEL has obtained complete lists of the flight plans of secret CIA flights in German airspace, which reveal 390 takeoffs and landings of CIA aircraft at airports in Germany between 2002 and 2006. The documents also show that mis-identifying the flights was part of a system designed to dodge compliance with complicated approval regulations.

“If the CIA had registered the flight plans correctly, it would have been required to provide details on the purpose of the flights. And once the true reasons for travel were reported — say, as ‘kidnapping’ or ‘war on terror’ — Germany’s Federal Department of Aviation, the LBA, would have become suspicious (to say the least).

“These deceptive maneuvers by the CIA have become the subject of intense scrutiny and debate within German political circles — from the Ministry of Transportation and the LBA to the Chancellery. Soon a parliamentary committee set up to investigate the German foreign intelligence agency (or BND) will also take up the matter.

“According to internal documents, former Interior Minister Otto Schily was ‘directly presented’ in February 2005 with various press reports about US intelligence agents… This series of events should have triggered an investigation. Under German aviation law, the false declaration of flights is an infringement subject to fines ranging from €10,000 to €25,000. All told, the 390 CIA flights would have incurred fines of between four and 10 million euros.

“And yet nothing happened. Now the government — which at the time was led by former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, a Social Democrat — must face allegations of sacrificing principles to avoid ruffling feathers in Washington, and of not collecting the fines.”

Turkey Ready for War?

The Associated Press reported on July 9:

“Turkey has massed 140,000 soldiers on its border with northern Iraq, Iraq’s foreign minister said Monday, calling the neighboring country’s fears of Kurdish rebels based there ‘legitimate’… If [the figures] are accurate, Turkey would have nearly as many soldiers along its border with Iraq as the 155,000 troops which the U.S. has in the country…

“Turkey has long complained of U.S. inaction against separatist rebels, who have escalated attacks inside Turkey in recent months. Last week, Turkey’s military chief asked the government to set political guidelines for an incursion into northern Iraq. Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul on Friday confirmed that detailed incursion plans were ready.”

Let us, first of all, understand that the Bible clearly teaches that God HEALS our sicknesses and diseases. To quote from a prior Q&A:

“He tells us in Exodus 15:26, ‘If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.’

“We are also told how healing from sickness has been made possible. We are healed by the stripes of Jesus Christ who gave His life for us, and who was tortured and beaten so that we can obtain forgiveness of our sins and healing from our sicknesses and diseases (Psalm 103:1-3; Matthew 8:16-17; 1 Peter 2:21-25; Isaiah 53:5).

“Generally, God instructs us, when we are sick, to call for the elders of the Church of God — the body of Christ, a spiritual organism — to pray for us and to anoint us with oil (a symbol of the Holy Spirit) and to lay hands on us, so that we can be healed (James 5:14-15; Mark 16:18).

“Many times, a ministerial visit may not be possible, as the sick person might live in a remote area. If this is the case, then elders are permitted to pray over a cloth, anointing it with a drop of oil as the symbol of the Holy Spirit, and asking God to heal the sick person who will receive this cloth. This is based on numerous passages in the Bible, showing us that people were healed when they touched the garments of Christ (Mark 6:56) or the aprons or handkerchiefs from Paul’s body (Acts 19:12).

“We understand, of course, that there is no magical importance attached to an anointed cloth. It cannot and will not heal anyone. As mentioned, it is through the stripes of Christ that we are healed.

“When a person who is sick receives the anointed cloth, he is to place it on his head and pray to God (as the minister would already have done when anointing the cloth) that God would heal the sick person from the sickness. Since our faith must be in God, and not in any man or in the anointed cloth, the cloth should be destroyed immediately after it has been used.”

From this it follows that many times, God may begin to heal a sick person when he or she places the cloth on his or her head and prays to God for healing. On the other hand, we have seen over the years that God may heal a sick person, or begin to heal him or her, prior to the receipt of the cloth, or, for that matter, prior to the arrival of the elders to anoint the sick person with oil and pray over him or her.

This might be based on numerous circumstances, including the faith of the sick person asking for a ministerial visit or a cloth. God looks at the heart of a person, and since He knows all of our thoughts, He might decide to heal a person when he or she fulfils his or her responsibility in the process of healing–that is, to ask for anointing. Many times, God looks at the outcome of a matter as if it had already occurred. Romans 4:17 says that God “speaks of future events with as much certainty as though they were already past” (Living Bible). In fact, we are told that we ARE healed by the stripes of Jesus Christ (compare, again, Isaiah 53:5). It does not say that we WILL BE healed. In God’s eyes, physical healing of a faithful and believing person is a foregone conclusion–even though God does not always intervene immediately. He may wait with our healing for numerous reasons–including, to test our patience and unshakable faith in Him.

We find an interesting example in Scripture, in Matthew 8:5-13. A centurion came to Christ and asked Him to heal his servant who was at home, paralyzed and dreadfully tormented. When Christ was willing to go to the centurion’s house to heal the servant, the centurion replied that all that was necessary was a command from Christ. Based on the great faith of the centurion in God’s healing power, Christ told him that his servant would be healed, “as you have believed,” and even though Christ never touched the servant nor saw him, the servant was healed “that same hour,” when Christ spoke the word (verse 13).

This means, then, that our faith in God is not to be restricted to actually receiving an anointed cloth; rather, we should have faith that God can and will heal us whenever it pleases Him. But, we are still to follow through with His command to ask for anointing. It is then up to the elder to decide whether to personally visit the sick person for anointing, or whether to send him or her an anointed cloth. Having shown God that we are willing to obey Him in everything, we can and should have the faith that God will heal us, in accordance with His will, whenever He chooses. To repeat, there is nothing magical about the anointed cloth. IT does not heal anyone. We must be careful that we don’t place our faith and trust in the cloth, rather than in God.

In any case, even though a sick person who has asked for anointing already feels better, or has been completely healed, by the time of the arrival of the ministry or the cloth, the procedure of anointing and praying over the sick person, or of applying the cloth, should still be carried out and followed through, thereby showing God our diligence and our gratitude for His ongoing intervention.

When should we ask for a cloth or an anointing through God’s elders?

Basically, if we are too sick to go to school or to work or to attend Church services, we are “sick enough” to ask for anointing. Even though we might be suffering from a flu or a cold which might “cure itself” in time–if this means that we would be unable to attend Church services, we should immediately ask for anointing to be healed, in order to be able to follow God’s COMMAND to attend Church services (compare Hebrews 10:24-25). [At the same time, if we feel that we are too sick to attend Church services on the Sabbath, but are not too sick to attend a party in the evening, then we were NOT too sick to attend Church services, and God does not look lightly at such casual and indifferent conduct toward Church attendance on His holy Sabbath.]

Can or should we ask for a cloth more than once, if God does not heal us after the first anointing?

This is most certainly permitted in a more serious sickness. Mark 8:22-25 relates an account when Christ put His hands on a blind person twice, before he was healed of his blindness. Paul asked God three times to be healed from a “thorn in the flesh”–a serious sickness (2 Corinthians 12:7-8)–and based on all the Scriptural evidence, we conclude that he did so by asking three times to be anointed for that same sickness. In that case, due to God’s specific plan and purpose, Paul was not healed from his sickness (verse 9). However, this Scripture shows that it is not wrong to ask for anointing or a cloth more than once for the same sickness. On the other hand, as stated, we must never place our faith in elders who anoint us, or in an anointed cloth. Our faith must always be in God, our Healer. Therefore, if a repeated request for an anointed cloth for the same sickness would become tantamount to a misplaced faith in the cloth, then such a request would be inappropriate.

Please refer to our booklet, “Sickness And Healing–What The Bible Tells Us,” for a more in-depth study of the subject of God’s healing.

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

A new StandingWatch program (#128) was recorded and placed on GoogleVideo. It is titled, “The Last Days of America.”

In the program, Norbert Link is asking and answering the following questions: Are we actually experiencing the last days of the USA, as a world bestseller suggests? Has God withdrawn His blessings from us? And if so, does our lifestyle have anything to do with it? Is there still hope for a change?

Watch it on Google Video.

We have begun our Internet Ad Campaign in Canada for our booklet, “The Mysteries of the Bible.” In the US, we have  received by now in excess of 55 requests for the booklet. In the UK, we have received by now in excess of 130 requests for the booklet, “America and Britain in Prophecy.”

On July 7, 2007, Dave Harris will give the sermon, titled, “The New Testament.”

The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at 12:30 pm Pacific Time (which is 2:30 pm Central Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

How strongly are we committed to the truth and God’s way of life?  We may sometimes have that feeling of quitting, having doubt or a lack of faith, and that kind of thinking could even bring us to the point of giving up.  We have to be careful that we don’t think that way. 

In the 13th chapter of Matthew, Christ talks about the parable of the sower.  In verse 19 He states, “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart.”

We must be diligent in understanding the truth, and we do that by studying God’s Word and asking God for His wisdom and understanding.  Satan the devil is very eager to draw us away from God’s truth, and He loves it when we stumble. 

Instead, we are to be joyful when we hear God’s Word (verse 20).  The key is that we remain joyful and enthusiastic about God’s way of life, lest we drift away, due to various trials in our lives.  Verse 21 states, “… yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while.  For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.” 

Christ also describes a category of people who do know the truth but are still attached to the world in some way:  “Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful” (verse 22).  We cannot serve God and mammon  (Matthew 6:24).  Being caught up in the world is a huge distraction from God’s way of life, and therefore, it is impossible to bear fruit.  In verse 23 Christ states: “But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

We must also come to the realization that we, as converted Christians, were predestined to be called, and we were chosen for this life, to know God’s truth and His law.  God has called us out of this world to a potential better life that is to come in the near future.  With this understanding that we have, we must act on it, and we will be blessed far more than we can ever imagine.

Prepare for Terrorism!

Der Spiegel Online wrote on July 2:

“As British police step up the hunt for terror suspects after thwarted bomb attacks in London and Glasgow, German commentators assess the risks for all of Europe, debate how much civil liberties should be curtailed and give their verdict on Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s difficult first few days in office… Interior Minister Jacqui Smith, only days into her new job, warned of the ‘serious and sustained threat of terrorism,’ and Prime Minister Gordon Brown said that the threat would be ‘long-term and sustained’ but insisted that the country would not be cowed by the terror plot. ‘We will not yield, we will not be intimidated, and we will not allow anyone to undermine our British way of life,’ he said in a televised interview on Sunday. He added that he believed the attacks were linked with al-Qaida in some way…

“The Financial Times Deutschland writes:

“‘The attackers have succeeded in one thing: They have shocked the West, with the fact that the exact same barbaric methods that the al-Qaida network has employed in Iraq and Afghanistan, have now been exported to Great Britain and most likely elsewhere. Still, the thwarted attacks in Great Britain are not enough of a reason to give German security officials even more powers. Despite the British secret service’s much greater powers, they were still clueless about the plans for the attacks…’

“The conservative Die Welt writes:

“‘In the long run we can’t avoid (terror). Ducking down will be of little use. It would be wise to be mentally prepared for the moment of truth. And with a hint of the almost heroic calm with which the citizens of Britain react to the string of threats…

“The center-right Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung writes:

“‘It would be a dangerous mistake to see the attempted attacks as an exclusively British concern… German security officials recently publicized a warning, and some people accused them of alarmism and spreading panic. This charge is unjustified and foolish. It undermines the vigilance that free societies need to muster in the face of these kinds of threats. Gordon Brown has already given the most important answer: We will not allow ourselves be intimidated. We — that is not just the English, Scots and Welsh, but Europeans and all those who feel they belong to the “West.” Because that is the target of this murderous Islamism. Placation and contrite self criticism, for example because of an allegedly incorrect foreign policy, will not stop them'”…

“The financial daily Handelsblatt writes:

“‘It’s not just the British, but all of us in Europe, who have to learn to live with this threat. And there are two challenges facing us. One has to do with the question of how our legal systems should be adjusted… The second challenge is easier: to go on living our lives in the usual way. In London people were back in the discos on Friday night. In Glasgow people dragged their suitcases to the planes and flew off on their holidays. There is no other way. That is how we show the extremists just how futile their blood thirst is.'”

The Bible warns all of us that “perilous times” will come (2 Timothy 3:1), and that “The sword shall destroy outside [while there] shall be terror within” (Deuteronomy 32:25). But we also have the promise that God will protect us from the terror by night (Psalm 91:5), when we make God our refuge (verse 9). See the inspiring message on this subject in the section on “Prayer Updates and Requests.”

Interesting Assessment

The UK’s Daily Telegraph wrote on July 1:

“The floods that have devastated swathes of the country are God’s judgment on the immorality and greed of modern society, according to senior Church of England bishops. One diocesan bishop has even claimed that laws that have undermined marriage, including the introduction of pro-gay legislation, have provoked God to act by sending the storms that have left thousands of people homeless.

“While those who have been affected by the storms are innocent victims, the bishops argue controversially that the flooding is a result of Western civilisation’s decision to ignore biblical teaching.

“… Graham Dow, Bishop of Carlisle… who is a leading evangelical, said that people should heed the stories of the Bible, which described the downfall of the Roman empire as a result of its immorality. ‘We are in serious moral trouble because every type of lifestyle is now regarded as legitimate,’ he said.

“‘In the Bible, institutional power is referred to as “the beast”, which sets itself up to control people and their morals. Our government has been playing the role of God in saying that people are free to act as they want,’ he said, adding that the introduction of recent pro-gay laws highlighted its determination to undermine marriage… He urged people to respond to the latest floods by turning away from a lifestyle of greed to instead live thinking of the consequences of their actions…

“‘People no longer see natural disasters as an act of God,’ said… James Jones [Bishop of Liverpool]. ‘However, we are now reaping what we have sown…’

“… The Bishops’ warnings came as flood-hit communities were being warned to brace themselves for more torrential rain…”
 
Especially the American and British people are warned by God not to forsake His way. God prophesied that if they disobeyed Him in these end times, many curses would befall them (compare Leviticus 26:14-39; Deuteronomy 28:15-68). For more information, please read our free booklet, “The Fall and Rise of Britain and America.” In order to find out HOW we are to please God and obey Him, please read our free booklet, “And Lawlessness Will Abound…“

President Bush’s Continuing Downfall

When one thinks, it could not get much worse for President Bush’s approval rate inside and outside the USA… well, it can. Bush’s comments after his recent meeting with Russia’s Vladimir Putin and his saving Libby from prison have not helped to improve his reputation one iota. What is worse, it has not helped to bring back a positive American prestige around the world. Please note the next two articles in this issue.

Bush’s Controversial Praise for Putin

The Associated Press reported on July 3:

“After hearing scathing criticism of the U.S. and its foreign policy from his Russian counterpart for months, President Bush praised President Vladimir Putin for his truthfulness and frankness… Bush’s support for Putin drew puzzlement from Russia scholars, who say the Russian president is being rewarded for behavior that the West should be discouraging.

“‘Here’s the thing, when you’re dealing with a world leader, you wonder whether or not he’s telling the truth,’ Bush told reporters Monday. ‘I’ve never had to worry about that with Vladimir Putin. Sometimes he says things I don’t want to hear, but I know he’s always telling me the truth.’

“Later, Putin seemed to equate Russia’s record on human rights and press freedom — both widely criticized — with that of the United States… Bush did not react to the evident comparison…

“Michael McFaul, an expert on Russia at Stanford University, said he welcomes talks between the two leaders, but is puzzled by how easily the White House forgave and forgot Putin’s harsh rhetoric. ‘He says all this, and for that he gets invited to a special event,’ McFaul said. ‘It’s better that they’re cooperating than when Putin threatens the United States as if we were Nazi Germany. But suddenly we’re buddies riding in the boat … I don’t get it.’

“Speaking of Putin’s comparison between Russia’s political system and that of the U.S., McFaul, an expert in how democratic societies develop, said that Putin ‘has probably rolled back democracy further than any other world leader during Bush’s presidency.’

“Sarah Mendelson, a Russia scholar with the Center for Strategic and International Relations in Washington, said she, too, was surprised by Bush’s comments that he found Putin to be honest and forthright. ‘The last thing I would expect to hear anyone say about the Putin administration is, truth, trust, comfort,’ said Mendelson…

“Western experts have criticized the Kremlin for establishing control of most of Russia’s major television stations, which now rarely air critical voices. Mendelson said the Kremlin has failed to investigate the suspicious deaths of journalists.”

President Bush’s praise for Vladimir Putin is indeed hard to understand. Putin has shown himself to be a ruthless and uncompromising advocate of totalitarian supremacy of the Russian government, brutally suppressing any opposition, with the obvious attempt to enlarge Russian hegemony over former “Soviet satellite states.”

Bush Commutes Libby’s Jail Term

AFP reported on July 3:

“US President George W. Bush commuted a 30 month jail term imposed on a former top White House aide for lying to federal investigators, sparking outrage from opposition Democrats…

“Libby, who was a trusted aide to Vice President Dick Cheney, still faces a 250,000 dollar fine and a two-year probation after being convicted in March of perjury and obstructing justice. Libby was found guilty of lying to federal investigators in a case probing whether White House officials had leaked the name of undercover CIA officer Valerie Plame. It was alleged that Plame’s cover as a CIA agent was deliberately leaked to the media and blown in July 2003 to avenge criticism of the war by her husband, ex-diplomat Joseph Wilson, after the invasion.

“Libby, 56, was found guilty of lying about conversations he had with reporters about Plame, but not of actually leaking her name. Bush’s decision came after a US judge ordered on June 14 that Libby had to go to jail… The move provoked a slew of reactions along political lines…

“Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald, who brought the Libby case, disputed Bush’s view that the sentence was ‘excessive,’ stressing that Libby ‘remains convicted by a jury of serious felonies, and we will continue to seek to preserve those convictions through the appeals process.’ …

“Wilson, who angered the White House 2003 by publicly disputing the administration’s claim that Saddam Hussein had sought to buy uranium from Niger to build nuclear weapons, said Bush had ‘subverted’ US justice. ‘By commuting the sentence I think the president raises the real suspicion that he’s party to the obstruction of justice or the cover up of the original crime,’ Wilson told CNN television. Wilson, who with his wife is suing Libby and other administration officials for exposing his wife’s identity, effectively ending her career, said he still believes Vice President Cheney was behind her outing.”

According to US press releases and comments on American TV, Bush might have acted in the way he did, as he had nothing to lose. It was stated that his approval rate of the American people was so bad–without any real hope for improvement–that he might as well have done what he wanted to do. A televised press conference with Bush’s spokesman Tony Snow on Tuesday morning did not help much to calm the waves. Repeatedly confronted and pressed by outspoken journalists, Snow did little to “explain” the President’s decision, except to say that he had the power to do so. He even left open the possibility that Libby might be completely pardoned in the future–even though, according to a recent poll, about 70 percent of the American people are opposed to a full pardon.

After the recent circus surrounding Paris Hilton’s jail term, the impression–especially outside the USA–is being given more and more that there ARE different standards for special people in the American legal system. None of this will help to regain American prestige in the world.

The Price to Pay for Afghanistan and Iraq

On July 3, 2007, thefirstpost.co.uk stated the following:

“The US is considering introducing a limited military draft if it is to keep its present force levels in Iraq and Afghanistan, Pentagon advisers have warned British colleagues. Next month, US forces in Iraq will peak at around 170,000, and GIs in the new units are being told they could be on operations for at least 15 months.

“Over Memorial Day weekend, Americans have been faced by the grim statistic that in the year since the last Memorial Day, very nearly 1,000 US military have been killed in Iraq, and many more wounded. These are the worst casualty rates since the coalition invaded Iraq in March 2003…

“To mix a metaphor, both the Americans and the British seem caught in a drifting impasse now in Iraq. They cannot go forward, nor suddenly pull out, for fear of triggering a major regional war – for which all the combustible ingredients are in place. Both London and Washington face the issue of forces and equipment reaching exhaustion point by this time next year…

“The question for Britain now is whether Gordon Brown will follow the messianic policy laid down by Tony Blair, or cut loose… The question is more than intriguing. It could be vital, and a lifesaver for our forces.”

The real crux of the issue is, are our wars pleasing to God? Should we try to better the world through the means of war? The answer might surprise you. For more information, please read our free booklet, “Should You Fight in War?”

Axis of Unity Against the USA

Reuters reported on July 2:

“The presidents of Iran and Venezuela launched construction of a joint petrochemical plant [in Iran] on Monday, strengthening an ‘axis of unity’ between two oil-rich nations staunchly opposed to the United States…

“Chavez, who last week pushed two U.S. oil giants [Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips] out of his country as part of his self-styled socialist revolution, said: ‘This is the unity of the Persian Gulf and the Caribbean Sea.’ Iranian officials said a second methanol plant would be set up in Venezuela… That would help Iran to access the Latin American market, while Venezuela would get closer to buyers in India and Pakistan.”

U.S. Dollar Weakest Since 26 Years

The Associated Press reported on July 2:

“The dollar fell to a 26-year low against the British pound Monday ahead of an expected rate hike by the Bank of England later this week. The pound rose to $2.0173 — its highest level versus the dollar since June 1981 — in New York trading before retreating to $2.0165. The dollar also dropped to within a cent of its all-time low versus the euro, as rising global interest rates made the currency less attractive to investors. The 13-nation euro rose to $1.3637, just shy of its April 27 all-time high of $1.3682, before dipping back to $1.3623…
 
“The dollar has been especially weak for so many months, it’s difficult to put a finger on a single catalyst for Monday’s losses, said David Solin, a partner at Foreign Exchange Analytics in Essex, Conn… The euro climbed after German industry group VDMA reported that new orders for the country’s machinery industry rose by 18 percent in May from a year earlier. Germany is the euro zone’s largest economy… The dollar slipped against the yen… In other trading, the dollar bought 1.0562 Canadian dollars, down from 1.0626, and 1.2103 Swiss francs, dropping from 1.2219.”

The Tom Cruise Circus — Ongoing Persecution in Germany…

 Der Spiegel Online reported on July 3:

“You might think the city [of Berlin] would be delighted that a Hollywood superstar wanted to make a film about the German resistance, but not, it seems, if that star is Tom Cruise, a well-known Scientologist. Cruise is to star as Claus von Stauffenberg, who planned an assassination attempt on Hitler in 1944 and was executed after the plot failed. The film, ‘Valkyrie,’ is to start shooting soon, but things are not going according to plan for the star.

“The latest setback for the toothsome heartthrob is the refusal of the Berlin Police Department to allow him to shoot at one of their properties in the city. The police had ‘intensively examined the application and have come to the conclusion that the adverse effects for the services that operate on the premises would be so serious that we cannot approve the application…’

“This is the second key location to have denied the star. Cruise has already been refused permission to shoot at the Bendlerblock, a government building in central Berlin, where Stauffenberg hatched the July 20 plot and where he and several others were executed after it failed. At first the Berlin studio shooting the film dismissed earlier comments by the German Defence Ministry that it could not shoot at the location, saying it had the necessary permit. But the Finance Ministry has the final word and on Monday it confirmed that it was ‘no.'”

In an unbelievable attempt to gloss over the true reasons for the denial (that is, that Tom Cruise is a member of Scientology–a fact which has been widely reported in the German press), the magazine quoted Ministry spokesman Stefan Olbermann as insisting “‘that the decision had nothing to do with Scientology. He explained to Reuters that another film had been shot at the Bendlerblock, which is also a memorial site, and that experience had led the ministry to bar all film shoots on the site.”

However, to get the record straight, the magazine was anxious to point out:

“There is nevertheless a clear distrust of Cruise’s religious beliefs in Germany. While Scientology is accepted as a religion in the United States, in Germany it is seen as a money-making cult which puts pressure on defectors and is involved in dubious real estate deals.”

Germany’s somewhat paranoid conduct has resulted in a storm of angry criticism from abroad and within Germany itself. The magazine explained:

“The American press has reacted harshly to… Germany’s frosty welcome for one of their own. ‘We say, what better way to recall the Nazi era than by denying a man work due to his beliefs,’ commented the Philadelphia Daily News. And there has been some criticism from closer to home too. Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, the German director of the Oscar-winning film ‘The Lives of Others,’ criticized the ‘circus’ surrounding the filming permits in Berlin.

“‘Just as Stauffenberg and his accomplices were still regarded as un-German traitors of the fatherland after the war, so today the biggest star of the victorious nation is not good enough to play our hero Stauffenberg if the star’s personal beliefs don’t match the current mood in Germany,’ he writes in Tuesday’s edition of the newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. And he sees the film as a big opportunity for Germany itself, writing that Cruise playing Stauffenberg ‘would do more to improve Germany’s image than 10 soccer World Cups.'”

“Things Are Very Bad in Europe”

The Catholic News Agency (CNA) wrote on June 28:

“The president of the International Federation of Catholic Medical Associations, Dr. Jose Maria Simon, said this week med students can obtain gynecology degrees without having to perform abortions in four countries in Europe—Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece.
 
“… Simon told Europa Press that in Spain, ‘although it is difficult, it is still possible to find a place that accepts residents who don’t practice abortions.’  That is not the case in France, Switzerland, Germany or Austria, where the ‘normal’ thing is for students to be required to practice abortions.  ‘Things are very bad in Europe,’ he insisted.

“On the other hand… ‘Pregnant women in Spain receive practically no financial help.  If a pregnant immigrant who is alone shows up at a clinic she gets asked practically nothing and she is given a pass to have an abortion.  This happens and happens often,’ Simon said. [He] noted that there are more and more women who want to be seen by a doctor who follows the Magisterium of the [Catholic] Church… He pointed to a study that shows that in the United States, there are 10 times more women who would go to such a gynecologist but who can’t because they are hard to find.”

Incredible European Attack on God and the Bible

On June 8, 2007, The Committee on Culture, Science and Education of the Council of Europe filed a report, which had been drafted on May 31, 2007, in support of a proposed European law defending the evolution theory and attacking anything and everybody who dares to question that theory. The report includes incredibly hostile and accusatory language somewhat reminiscent of witchcraft trials in the Middle Ages. Please note the following excerpts, taken from the report, as published on www.assembly.coe.int.

The “summary” at the beginning of the report states the following:

“The theory of evolution is being attacked by religious fundamentalists who call for creationist theories to be taught in European schools alongside or even in place of it. From a scientific view point there is absolutely no doubt that evolution is a central theory for our understanding of the Universe and of life on Earth… The Assembly calls on education authorities in member States to promote scientific knowledge and the teaching of evolution and to oppose firmly any attempts at teaching creationism as a scientific discipline.”

Additional intolerant and ignorant statements can be found in the main text of the report, named, “draft resolution,” as follows:

“The Parliamentary Assembly is worried about the possible ill-effects of the spread of creationist theories within our education systems and about the consequences for our democracies. If we are not careful, creationism could become a threat to human rights, which are a key concern of the Council of Europe… The prime target of present-day creationists, most of whom are Christian or Muslim, is education…  The theory of evolution has nothing to do with divine revelation but is built on facts… The war on the theory of evolution and on its proponents most often originates in forms of religious extremism which are closely allied to extreme right-wing political movements. The creationist movements possess real political power… the advocates of strict creationism are out to replace democracy by theocracy… If we are not careful, the values that are the very essence of the Council of Europe will be under direct threat from creationist fundamentalists. It is part of the role of the Council’s parliamentarians to react before it is too late.”

Finally, the conclusions and admissions of the report are truly breathtaking–showing THE DEGREE OF FOOLISHNESS IN THE EYES OF GOD, and HOW FAR this sophisticated God-denying and God-defying world has strayed from true Biblical knowledge:

“… the denial of evolution is particularly harmful to children’s education… The creationists are in fact supporters of a radical return to the past, which could prove particularly harmful in the long term for all our societies… evolution pervades all medical research… the ‘scientific’ approach adopted by the creationists to put forward and support their ideas is itself a particularly dangerous instrument of mental manipulation… The truth and scientific nature of evolution remain irrefutable today… The theory of evolution constitutes a body of fundamental knowledge for the future of our democracies and cannot be arbitrarily challenged… It is important to point out that the theory of evolution has had a profound effect on science in general, philosophy, religion and many other aspects of human society (for example, agriculture).

“Evolution has also entered the field of psychology: evolutionist psychology is a field of psychology that aims to explain the mechanisms of human thought on the basis of the theory of biological evolution. It is based on the fundamental hypothesis that the brain, like all the other organs, is the result of evolution and thus constitutes an adaptation to specific environmental constraints, to which the ancestors of the Hominidae were forced to respond… There can be no doubt that [creationism] is a serious attack on human rights…  The teaching of evolution by natural selection as a fundamental scientific theory is therefore crucial to the future of our societies and our democracies…”

In spite of these repeated unspecified and generalized “assertions” in support of evolution, the SCIENTIFIC TRUTH is that the theory of evolution has NOT been proven scientifically; that is CANNOT be proven scientifically, as it is FUNDAMENTALLY flawed, and that RENOWN SCIENTISTS concur that the theory of evolution is NOT scientifically provable or even scientifically accurate. For more information, please read our free booklet, “The Theory of Evolution–A Fairy Tale for Adults.” In addition, insofar as ongoing religious persecution in Europe is concerned, which we can expect to continue and grow worse, please read our free booklets, “Europe in Prophecy” and “The Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord.”

Saltwater As Clean Fuel?

On June 1, wkyc-tv.com reported the following:

“Retired TV station owner and broadcast engineer, John Kanzius, wasn’t looking for an answer to the energy crisis. He was looking for a cure for cancer. Four years ago, inspiration struck in the middle of the night. Kanzius decided to try using radio waves to kill the cancer cells… Here are the basics of John’s idea:

“Radio-waves will heat certain metals. Tiny bits of certain metal are injected into a cancer patient. Those nano-particles are attracted to the abnormalities of the cancer cells and ignore the healthy cells. The patient is then exposed to radio waves and only the bad cells heat up and die.

“But John also came across yet another extraordinary breakthrough. His machine could actually make saltwater burn. [He] discovered that his radio frequency generator could release the oxygen and hydrogen from saltwater and create an incredibly intense flame… The APV Company Laboratory in Akron has checked out John’s amazing invention. They were amazed. ‘That could be a steam engine, a steam turbine. That could be a car engine if you wanted it to be.’

“Imagine the possibilities. Saltwater as the ultimate clean fuel. A happy byproduct of one man searching for the cure for cancer.”

The Scriptural passage in question is found in 2 Peter 3:17-18, which reads:

“… beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Grace has been commonly understood as unmerited pardon–especially in connection with the forgiveness of sin. God forgives us our sins, not because we deserve to be forgiven, but because of Christ’s sacrifice. However, the Greek word for “grace” conveys a much broader concept than just the “unmerited pardoning of sins.”

Notice, in this context, Paul’s warning in Romans 6:1-2, 15: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue to sin that grace may abound? Certainly not… What then? Shall we sin because we are… under grace? Certainly not!”

We are not to “grow” in grace, by sinning, so that we can receive more and more forgiveness or unmerited pardon. Just the opposite is true. 1 Peter 4:1 tells us: “Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.”

What, then, is meant with the statement: “Grow in the grace… of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”?

The commentary of Jamieson, Fausset and Brown emphasizes that we are to “GROW” in His grace, stating, “Not only do not ‘fall from’ [verse 17], but grow onward: the true secret of not going backward. Eph. 4:15, ‘Grow up into Him, the Head, Christ.'”

The Greek word for “grace,” “charis,” is defined by Strong’s Concordance of the Bible (G 5485) as, “acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).”

According to Young’s Concordance to the Bible, the Greek word “charis” can also have the meaning of “graciousness,” and points out that the Authorized Version translates the Greek word “charis” also as “grace,” “benefit,” “favor,” liberality,” “pleasure,” and “thanks.” The Greek word “charisma” is derived from the word, “charis,” and means, “gift.”

As we have seen, one important definition of “charis,” or “grace,” then, is “favor.” We are to grow in the favor of God, by continually overcoming our own selves, the world and Satan. Even Jesus, when He was here on earth, increased or grew in favor — or grace — with God and men (compare Luke 2:52).

In addition, we read that Mary found “favor” or “grace” in the eyes of God (Luke 1:30; compare Luke 1:28); and so did David (Acts 7:45-46). We are told that the early apostles and disciples had “favor” or “grace” with all the people (Acts 2:47). Likewise, Joseph received “favor” or “grace” and “wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh” (Acts 7:10).

Barnes explains that “religion in general is often represented as ‘grace,’ since every part of it is the result of grace, or of unmerited favor; and to ‘grow in grace’ is to increase in that which constitutes true religion.”

Gill states that the meaning of growing in grace is growing in “the gifts of grace, which, under a divine blessing, may be increased by using them: gifts neglected decrease, but stirred up and used, are improved and increase.”

This explanation has merit, considering that it is through grace (“charis”), that gifts (“charisma”) are bestowed on us.

Clarke explains the passage, “to grow in the grace… of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” as follows:

“Increase in the image and favor of God; every grace and Divine influence which ye have received is a seed, a heavenly seed, which, if it be watered with the dew of heaven from above, will endlessly increase and multiply itself. He who continues to believe, love, and OBEY, will grow in grace, and continually increase in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, as his sacrifice, sanctifier, counsellor, preserver, and final Savior. The life of a Christian is a growth; he is at first [begotten] of God, and is a little child; becomes a young man, and a father in Christ. Every father was once an infant; and had he not grown, he would have never been a man. Those who content themselves with the grace they received when converted to God, are, at best, in a continual state of infancy: but we find, in the order of nature, that the infant that does not grow, and grow daily, too, is sickly and soon dies; so, in the order of grace, those who do not grow up into Jesus Christ are sickly, and will soon die, die to all sense and influence of heavenly things. There are many who boast of the grace of their conversion; persons who were never more than babes, and have long since lost even that grace, because they did not grow in it. Let him that readeth understand.”

Similar statements are made by William Barclay, in his commentary on 2 Peter. He writes:

“The Christian is a man with a developing life… The Christian must daily experience the wonder of grace, and daily grow in the gifts which grace can bring.”

A good explanation of the passage can also be found in the “Life Application Bible”:

“Peter concludes this brief letter as he began, by urging his readers to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ–to get to know him better and better. This is the most important step in refuting false teachers. No matter where we are in our spiritual journey, no matter how mature we are in our faith, the sinful world always will challenge our faith. We still have much room for growth. If every day we find some way to draw closer to Christ, we will be prepared to stand for truth in any and all circumstances.”

Only if we grow in the grace of Jesus, can we properly handle the knowledge that He imparts to us. That is why we must receive and grow in both His grace and His knowledge. We are to grow in graciousness and kindness, as well as in favor with God, and we must grow in the knowledge of Who He really is, what His character is like, and how He lives. Christ is described as the “only begotten of the Father, FULL of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

But we also read that we can share in His grace (John 1:16-17)–we can all become more gracious and loving persons, willing to sacrifice our time, effort or money for the benefit and well-being of others. As James explains: “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27; compare 2 Peter 3:11, 14).

We ARE to grow in the GRACE of Jesus Christ–in His FAVOR toward us, due to an obedient lifestyle which is pleasing to Him–as well as in the acquisition of His GRACIOUSNESS; of His willingness to bestow GIFTS on others; and of Christ’s desire–which is to become our desire–to help others in need. But we also need to grow in His KNOWLEDGE so that we can know how to live a Christian life of giving and sharing, and how and when to bestow gracious favors and gifts on others.

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

Last week, Norbert Link video-recorded a sermon to be played at the Feast sites in the UK and the USA. It is intended to make the sermon available, on DVD, to interested scattered brethren around the world.

A new member letter has been written. In the letter, Norbert Link shows what GOD has done within and through the Church of the Eternal God during its six years of corporate existence, in collaboration with its affiliates in the UK and Canada, and encourages all of us to continue to go forward together to fulfill the great commission that God has given us.

We sent out the following announcement regarding our StandingWatch program #127:

Europe is MAD with Poland and Britain

Europe has agreed on a new treaty, resurrecting in substance its  former proposed Constitution, but only after much disagreement and hostilities. The main offenders of European unity were viewed as Poland and Britain, while the British people are upset with Tony Blair’s perceived surrender of British sovereignty to Brussels. How WILL Europe ultimately unite, and will this be good or bad news for the world?

View it now on Google.

by Aaron Hooper (22)

As Americans, we find ourselves in such a busy world that we never see the same face twice. As a result of our high-paced, technologically advanced society, most people have lost their sense of community and compassion. This is a world where one must be cautious of being helped by a complete stranger because it is impossible to know what their motives are.

Such was the case when I helped a middle-aged woman to the gas station to fix her flat tire. She asked, “Why are you helping me?” I had not known her prior to the encounter and she could not figure out why I was so willing to help her. I explained to her that I was simply doing what I thought was right. Unfortunately, she had sustained terrible injuries as a result of domestic abuse. It was even difficult for her to walk. She had since left that person, but her outlook on people in general had forever changed.

The people of this world are subject to the many horrors that man has conceived. As a result, no one is to be trusted and the sense of community and compassion for the fellow person is all but gone.

In God’s Church, we are very fortunate to enjoy the sense of community, compassion and belonging that our society is lacking. We are very blessed in this way as not every one is so fortunate. We are also very grateful in looking forward because of the awesome Kingdom that God will establish. A loving, compassionate community in which everyone can participate and belong. A place where the rest of the world will be able to learn what God’s way of life is all about.