On Saturday, August 7, 2004, J. Edwin Pope will be giving the sermon, continuing his series on “Coming Out of Babylon.”

I recently returned from a two week holiday where I was able to rest, relax and read. I did quite a lot of reading, including newspaper reports of both domestic and international matters. It reminded me that the frog in boiling water was alive and kicking. We have written about this syndrome before, but for those few who have not heard the story about this creature, it is worth briefly repeating — and it can even serve as a reminder to those of us who have used this expression in the past. Being cold blooded means that frogs are unable to regulate their body temperature independently of their environment. As the water was heated, almost imperceptibly, the frog in the water didn’t know what was happening. It was boiled alive, as the temperature increased. Isn’t that an almost perfect description of the way society has progressed over eons of time, but particularly in more recent years?

With the hectic pace of life today, we generally may only have time to review things superficially, without looking at the profound consequences of a deterioration in standards of personal and family life. This is certainly true in the UK, where we observe an increasing legislative process, which generally doesn’t favor standards of normalcy and decency. The UK, as well as other Western European nations, is also swamped with governmental intrusion where there should be no influence. If we add to this the pressure groups which promote Biblically unacceptable practices, we find that the mix is less than encouraging. The man in the street generally accepts these changes with little opposition because they come so very slowly. If they came apace, there would be much more adverse reaction. Satan knows how to manipulate society, but God’s people are not to be ignorant of his ploys (2 Corinthians 2:11).

On my vacation, I read of so many situations where God and His way were not considered, were ignored or summarily dismissed as irrelevant. God’s people have to be aware of the story about the frog in boiling water. Because of our hectic lifestyles, we can be so busy that we can become less and less perceptible to this crafty Satanic approach. We do need to make time to review what is going on and to make sure that we are not caught unawares. Let us always remember that frog!

Israel and the Dietary Laws

On June 24, 2004, Arutz Sheva Israel National News published an interesting commentary by Ariel Natan Pasko, titled, “Israeli Government: Kosher on the Outside Only.”

In the article, it was pointed out: “The Israeli Supreme Court, in contradiction to thousands of years of Jewish tradition, and Israeli Law, overturned the 1956 Law of Authority, which granted city governments special authority to enact regulations banning the sale of pork products within their municipality. Many cities in Israel have such a ban, and at issue were petitions to the court to remove that power from municipalities. The nine-judge panel voted unanimously to allow the sale of pork and instructed municipalities to enact new regulations conforming to guidelines set down by the court. The guidelines include taking the character of individual neighborhoods into account when enacting restrictions on sales of non-kosher meat. The guidelines allow pork to be sold in neighborhoods where the overwhelming majority of the population wants to buy pork, or are indifferent to its sale; i.e., where there are few religious or traditional Jews. In mixed neighborhoods, the city would be allowed to decide for itself.”

The article continued to explain: “Throughout Jewish history, kashrut observance, i.e., Jewish dietary laws (as seen in Leviticus, chap. 11 and elsewhere), has been a hallmark of Jewish life. Historically, if you asked most non-Jews about Jews and Judaism, the things they would know most about were the Sabbath, Passover and matzot (those funny dry crackers), Yom Kippur – the Day of Atonement – and that Jews keep kosher and they don’t eat pork.

“After their conquest and occupation of Judea, the Syrian Greek Hellenists (c. 168 BCE) attempted to ‘break’ the Jews. They set up an idol and began offering pigs to their pagan deity in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. When they began to spread their heresy among the Jews, they started in a small town called Modi’in. They set up an altar in the town square and instigated some weak Jew to offer a pig up as a sacrifice in plain public view. Public acceptance was meant to imply that the Jews were repudiating the Torah and their covenant with the G-d [sic] of their fathers. But in a clear example of the ‘Law of Unintended Consequences’, it sparked a national revolt instead, when a priest by the name of Matityahu took a sword, stabbed the turncoat Jew and the Syrian Greek officials, and declared, ‘Whoever is zealous for the Torah and is steadfast in the Covenant, let him follow me.’ The revolt spread, and ultimately was successful, leading to a liberation of the Judean homeland from occupation. The Jews cleaned-up the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and re-lit the menorah. And Hanukah is celebrated until this day, throughout the Jewish world, as a holiday of the liberation of the Jews and Judaism from pagan culture.”

The article continued to ask and answer the following question: “Why is the pig so detested in Jewish tradition? If you look closely at chapter 11 of Leviticus in the Torah, dealing with dietary laws, you’ll find the defining characteristics of kosher land animals: they must ‘chew their cud’ and they must have ‘split hoofs’. Several animals are given as examples of those that chew their cud but don’t have split hoofs. The pig is given as the example of that animal having split hoofs, but that does not chew its cud. The Torah clearly says just following the pig example, ‘don’t eat their meat’… So, it’s very clear that Jewish law forbids eating pig. The pig has even entered the popular culture of Jews as the symbol of hypocrisy, because it looks kosher on the outside – you can see it has split hoofs – yet it is treif, i.e., not kosher, on the inside – it doesn’t chew its cud. In Yiddish (one of the thirty-some Judeo-vernacular languages that Jews created in their 1,900-year-exile from their homeland), a ‘chazzer fissel’ (lit. ‘pig’s foot’) was what one called a hypocrite.

“And so, the most beautiful thing just happened, the G-d [sic] of Israel made His manifest will clear for all to see. Usually one fumbles around, good intentions, good behaviors, but you’re never really sure if you’re doing the right thing. Then, once in a while, comes a blessed moment, and G-d’s [sic] message is as clear as day. This court decision on pork comes at a time when the Israeli government is attempting to carry out an ethnic cleansing campaign against part of its own Jewish population. Ariel Sharon, current prime minister and the ‘father of the settlements,’ who for years encouraged Jews to ‘take to the hilltops’ and set up ‘outposts,’ has agreed in the Roadmap to ‘painful concessions,’ which includes dismantling those very same outposts. Those so-called outposts are actually new neighborhoods – only extensions of existing towns – within the legal boundaries of town limits. Some were set up without permits (a technicality), but many others do have all their paperwork done.

“But Sharon, for his own political purposes, has allowed the image of the outposts to be portrayed in the Israeli and world media as ‘wildcat settlements’ that are patently illegal. And now, with his ‘Gaza Disengagement Plan,’ Sharon is determined to evacuate, expel, ethnically cleanse Jews from their legally lived in homes, from their legally lived in towns, from historically Jewish Gaza, a part of the Biblically promised ‘Land of Israel’. Sharon looked kosher all these years to many on the Right in Israel – retired general and war hero, supporter of settlement activity, tough on terror, the opposition to Oslo. Yet, in the end, he’s willing to give away a part of the Land of Israel without any quid-pro-quo from the ‘Palestinians’. He’s willing to allow Gaza to become a Terror State launching pad to wipe out the rest of Israel (the security fences won’t stop Hamas missiles). And he’s going far further than any left-wing politician who supported Oslo.”

Spain a new Leader of Europe?

On July 29, euobserver.com published an article, titled: “Zapatero: Spain should be with Franco-German motor.” The article continued: “Spanish premier Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has said that he believes his country should be alongside France and Germany as the ‘decisive countries for the European construction.’ In an interview with French daily Le Monde, Mr Zapatero – who recently celebrated his first 100 days at the head of his Socialist government – said, ‘France and Germany are the two decisive countries for the European construction and Spain should be there.’

“Spanish government sources have said that Spain, France and Germany will hold an informal summit meeting after the summer break. ‘The European Union will not move forward just by virtue of the big countries or the little countries, but because of ideas, initiatives and proposals,’ he added. Furthermore, Mr Zapatero believes that Spain has re-joined the European family after the departure of his predecessor Jose Maria Aznar, who had, according to Mr Zapatero, ‘one foot in Europe … and one outside to slow it down.'”

It is very possible that, based on history, Spain will play a major role in the future of Europe.

Computer glitches threaten air traffic

“Computer Glitch Causes Air-Travel Delays!” With this headline, Associated Press published an article on August 1, 2004, showing once more how fragile our sophisticated highly-technological societies in the Western World really are. The article continued: “A computer glitch grounded American Airlines and US Airways flights from coast to coast Sunday morning, causing delays that were expected to last all day. American had its planes back up after two hours, while US Airways flights were grounded for about three.”

The article continued: “US Airways spokeswoman Amy Kudwa said the airline’s flight-operation database malfunctioned, due to ‘an internal technology problem.’ A similar problem affected American’s flight plan system, grounding about 150 flights, spokesman John Hotard said… The problem forced US Airways, based in Arlington, Va., to delay about 100 flights.”

Recently, flight cancellations or delays occurred in the UK, due to technical computer glitches. One needs to ask: What if those glitches were to occur within military operations, and what if they were not right away determined as being computer glitches. The possible nightmarish consequences could be catastrophic.

Mounting Problems in Iraq

As the Drudge Report announced on August 1, 2004, “JUSTICE LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION INTO MISSING IRAQ BILLION.” The article continued: “The Justice Department has launched an urgent investigation after U.S. civilian authorities in Baghdad failed to keep track of more than a $1 billion, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned. Investigators have found multiple examples of fraud and abuse in millions of dollars worth of contracts to rebuild Iraq that used U.S. taxpayer and Iraqi funds. Word of the Justice Department investigation spread throughout official Washington late Sunday.”

It should become more and more obvious to any objective observer that Almighty God has not blessed America’s war against Iraq.

Why did America Go to War?

We are printing excerpts from the following article, not because we want to take sides in this hotly-debated issue, but because we want to show how many people in England feel about it. This attitude is also pervasive in many European contries — especially Germany:

On July 28, 2004, Great Britain’s “the Guardian” published an article by John Chapman, titled, “The real reasons Bush went to war.” John Chapman is a former assistant secretary to the civil service, in which he served from 1963-96.

In the article, it is stated: “There were only two credible reasons for invading Iraq: control over oil and preservation of the dollar as the world’s reserve currency. Yet the government has kept silent on these factors… Saddam controlled a country at the centre of the Gulf, a region with a quarter of world oil production in 2003, and containing more than 60% of the world’s known reserves… Iraq has capacity second only to Saudi Arabia. The US, in contrast, is the world’s largest net importer of oil… By invading Iraq, Bush has taken over the Iraqi oil fields, and persuaded the UN to lift production limits after the Kuwait war… Oil and dollar were the real reasons for the attack on Iraq, with WMD as the public reason now exposed as woefully inadequate. Should we now look at Bush and Blair as brilliant strategists whose actions will improve security of our oil supplies, or as international conmen?”

Germany’s view on John Kerry

Last week, Bild Online published several articles to discuss what a President John Kerry, referred to in the press as “JFK,” would mean for Germany and Europe. The paper uttered the opinion, in its article, dated July 29, that Kerry would in all probability be good for Germany and Europe, as he is expected to create better relationships between the U.S. and Europe. The paper claimed that Bush and Kerry share one “dark secret” – that they are allegedly both members of the order, “Skulls and Bones,” one of the most “influential and farcical orders in the U.S.” Bild Online commented on July 30: “It will have to be seen, with anticipation, how exactly the relationship between the U.S. and Germany will develop, if John Kerry becomes the next President.” In a commentary of July 28, the paper stated: “It is no secret that many Germans and Europeans desperately hope that Kerry becomes President… He would listen more closely to the advice of his European allies… But, Kerry would be determined, too, in the pursuit of his Iraq policy, to strongly demand military and financial assistance from Germany and France.”

It will indeed be interesting to see who the next American President will be — Mr. Bush or Mr. Kerry. We do not endorse or promote any political candidate – fully realizing that it is God who is in control over world affairs. The Bible teaches that it is “the Most High” who “rules in the kingdom of men,” and that He “Gives it to whomever He will” (Daniel 4:17) – so that His plan here on earth can be accomplished.

Germany’s Homosexuals

As AFP reported on August 2, 2004, “Gay politicians in Germany quitting the closet.” The article continued: “Has homosexuality become fashionable in German politics? Perhaps not quite, but a recent clutch of movers and shakers ‘coming out’ points to something afoot in the halls of power. Guido Westerwelle, the head of the liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP), caused a splash this summer when he appeared at a tony reception with his companion Michael Mronz, head of a regional equestrian society… Westerwelle, who has nevertheless declined comment on Mronz, is gunning for the post of foreign minister if the FDP and Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU) manage to unseat the center-left coalition of Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in 2006. By laying his cards on the table now, he avoids making his sexuality an issue during the campaign and could even begin tapping new reservoirs of political support…

“The mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit of Schroeder’s Social Democrats, stole the fire of his potential critics when he was running for office in 2001 with the now immortal line: ‘I’m gay and it’s just as good that way.’ The crowd roared. In the conservative camp, Hamburg Mayor Ole von Beust was reelected in a landslide in February after his ‘coming-out.’ And among the Greens, junior partners in the national coalition government, deputy Volker Beck has made no secret of his sexuality either.”

The article continued: “Tolerance, however, has its limits. Nine percent of women say that a candidate’s homosexuality could influence their voting decisions, and the figure is twice as high among men…”

However, due to the open confessions of German politicians and others as to their sexual preferences, it is now being asked in the German media how far public school teachers should go in discussing homosexuality with their pupils. The media points out that this has been the practice for years in countries such as the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Sweden, and that “only in Great Britain it was prohibited, until recently, to even talk about homosexuals and lesbians in school” (Bild, August 2, 2004).

The Bible is clear on the issue of homosexuality. But the question is, are our “advanced” Western societies willing to accept the clear teaching of the Bible – or do they think that they know it better than God does?

Warsaw Uprising

Associated Press reported on August 2, 2004, how “Western Leaders Mark Warsaw Uprising.”

The article continued: “German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder joined Poles in honoring the 1944 Warsaw uprising against the Nazi occupation, voicing shame but also the hope that history’s wounds are healing. Joined in Warsaw on Sunday by Secretary of State Colin Powell and British Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, Schroeder – the first German chancellor invited to an uprising anniversary – had the hardest mission. An estimated 200,000 Polish fighters died in the 63-day battle that began Aug. 1, 1944, led by the Home Army resistance movement. Most of the victims were civilians, including many children and teenagers. After the revolt collapsed, the Germans razed most of the city and sent many civilians to concentration camps or into slave labor.

“‘Today we bow in shame in the face of the Nazi troops’ crimes,’ Schroeder said to applause at the official ceremony. ‘At this place of Polish pride and German shame, we hope for reconciliation and peace. Never again must we allow such terrible wrongs. This task unites the peoples of Europe.’

Sadly, Biblical prophecy for the future of Europe indicates otherwise. For more information, please read our free booklets, “Europe in Prophecy” and “The Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord.”

Catholic Church Condemns Feminism

As Associated Press reported on August 2, 2004, “The Vatican on Saturday denounced feminism for trying to blur differences between men and women and threatening the institution of families based on a mother and a father.” The article continued:

“The pamphlet by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the Vatican’s orthodoxy watchdog, was published during a Vatican campaign to protect what it terms the Christian family. Earlier salvos have blasted same-sex marriage and appealed to politicians, regardless of their religion, to prevent such unions from winning legal recognition. The document, addressed to bishops worldwide, contended that new recent approaches to women’s issues were marked by a tendency ‘to emphasize strongly conditions of subordination in order to give rise to antagonism: women, in order to be themselves, must make themselves the adversaries of men.’ Such an attitude, the document said, ‘has its most immediate and lethal effects in the structure of the family.’

“The document also said that feminism wrongly tends to deny the differences between men and women ‘in order to avoid the dominance of one sex or the other.’ The consequences of obscuring the differences between men and women, it said, included calling ‘into question the family, in its natural two-parent structure of mother and father,’ giving homosexual and heterosexual couples an equivalent status… The document also expressed the Vatican’s concern that blurring of differences between sexes could pose a challenge to church teaching, including the belief, in a reference to Christ, that ‘the Son of God assumed human nature in its male form. From the first moment of their creation, man and woman are different, and will remain so for eternity,’ the document said. Many Italian politicians pay close attention to the pronouncements of the church, with its headquarters a few minutes away from the Italian parliament.”

We note that the Bible reveals that a great religious power will reign “over every tribe, tongue, and nation” (Revelation 13:7). These events, so long ago prophesied in the Word of God, are now well on the way to their final fulfillment. These are things we all must watch and pray fervently about. We encourage you to write for our free booklets covering these subjects, or to simply view them at our website-www.eternalgod.org.

Before answering this question specifically, let us briefly review why children are being adopted. Adoption in this day and age is usually done because the couple do not have children of their own and want to raise one or more children, or, if they do have their own children, they wish to add to the family fold. This last possibility requires the co-operation of the other children, since it will impact them. In addition, single parents may also want to adopt children. An unfortunate modern trend is for homosexuals and lesbians to adopt children, bringing them up to accept their “alternative lifestyle,” which is clearly condemned by God in the Bible, for instance, in Romans 1:24-27. This unbiblical development only compounds the problem by the social acceptance and proliferation of more deviant sexual behavior. (You may want to read, in this context, our article in the World News Headlines section on “Germany’s Homosexuals.”)

We are addressing in this answer a “normal” adoption by heterosexual families who live in a God-ordained way. Even then, adoption is a life-long commitment, as well as a legal requirement, to care for, love, feed, nurture and educate children for the duration they are at home, and after they leave home, to continue to love them and to treat them as their own, including providing for them via an inheritance in one’s will. Therefore, if approved by Scripture, a decision to adopt children must never be taken lightly. It requires, in any event, a life-long commitment. It would have to be based on the financial ability, emotional commitment and responsibility to raise, educate and care for the adopted children.

We would like to say, in passing, that this, of course, is true as well for one’s natural children. To bring children into the world, perhaps as a result of temporary sexual “adventures,” is totally irresponsible. If it happens, though, abortion is NOT a solution (For more information, please read our free booklet, “Are You Already Born Again?”). In such a case, perhaps adoption of the child by caring adults might be an option.

Let us see what the Bible says about adoption.

Many Bible translations, for example, the Authorized Version, the New King James Bible, the ASV, the FLS (a French translation), the LITV and the MKJV, include five places, where the word “adoption” is used. The original Greek word (“huiothesia”) is defined by “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible,” under # 5206, as: “… the placing as a son, i.e. adoption (fig. Chr. sonship in respect to God): -adoption (of children, of sons).” The ALT version adds: “the formal and legal declaration that we are His children.”

The Scriptures in question are (using the rendering of the New King James Bible):

(1) Romans 8:15: “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom [which] we cry out ‘Abba, Father.'”

(2) Romans 8:23: “Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.”

(3) Romans 9:4: “… who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises…”

(4) Galatians 4:5: “… to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”

(5) Ephesians 1:5: “… having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will…”

However, we need to point out that many translations render the Greek word as “sonship” — not as “adoption.”

For instance, the NIV, RSV, Moffat and the Rotherham rendition translate Romans 8:15 as: “you have received the [a] spirit of sonship.”

So do the German Elberfelder Bible and the Menge Bible (“Geist der Sohnschaft”). Luther says: “you have received a spirit of children” (“einen kindlichen Geist”). The New English Bible and the Jewish New Testament by David Stern say: “…but a Spirit which makes us sons.” The Diaglot, containing the Original Greek Text, translates the above five scriptural reverences as “Sonship.”

As pointed out, the Greek word literally means, “placing as a son.” It COULD refer to adoption, but here, MORE is involved. When we receive God’s Spirit, we are not merely adopted children of God, but BEGOTTEN children of God. The Holy Spirit makes us sons by a begettal — not by adoption. We become God’s children, not only acquiring rights and privileges — as one does when he is adopted — but we acquire God’s very own, the divine nature (compare 2 Peter 1:4: “that… you may be partakers of the divine nature…”).

God does not just adopt us. Rather, He makes us part of His family, by begetting us as His very children. God is reproducing Himself — not just by adoption, but by actually multiplying Himself, in that He puts His very Spirit into His begotten children, so that they can become born again children in the resurrection — full God beings, with all the rights and privileges of God, but also with His very character and divine nature.

We have to therefore conclude that our relationship with God goes beyond adoption. It describes the process of literal sonship. However, we also conclude that our relationship of being begotten sons and daughters to be BORN AGAIN as Spirit beings — literal sons and daughters at the time of Christ’s return — encompasses the principle of adoption. God, in His great love and mercy, has given us the position of “sonship” which is inclusive of the principle of being adopted as His sons and daughters.

Therefore, strictly judging on a spiritual basis, the Bible does not prohibit adoption per se. This conclusion is supported by several positive Biblical examples, where children were raised in an “adoptive” environment. For instance, Joseph raised Jesus Christ as Christ’s stepfather (compare Luke 3:23). Jacob “adopted” his grandchildren, Ephraim and Manasseh, giving his name to them (compare Genesis 48:16). Moses was adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter (Exodus 2:10; Acts 7:21). In a sense, Samuel was “adopted” by Eli the priest — Samuel was “given” to Eli, to be raised by him, as a servant of the Lord (compare 1 Samuel 1:11, 27-28; 2:11, 18-21).

This means, then, that we cannot say that it is wrong for humans to adopt children, giving them the legal status of sons and daughters. Some have misunderstood the teaching of the Church of God in this matter, wrongfully concluding that Herbert W. Armstrong, the late human leader of the Church of God, had taught against adoption. Although some overly “zealous” ministers might have taught this, they only expressed thereby their own personal (mis)understanding — but never the official teaching of the Church. The Church, under Mr. Armstrong, has always permitted, or did welcome, adoptions in certain circumstances.

In conclusion, it is a personal decision whether or not to adopt children — but all individual circumstances need to be carefully considered first. The decision for a heterosexual couple or single parent to adopt rests on their ability to financially and emotionally take care of the children to be adopted.

Our newest booklet entitled, “Jesus Christ – The Great Mystery!” is progressing in its review process. We are anticipating having printed copies available at both the Feast sites in California and England.

On Saturday, July 31, 2004, Dave Harris will be giving the sermon, titled, “Please, Take it Personally.”

Example is a powerful witness. It is something we deeply admire when the example is a good one.

In each of our lives, we have all noted a specially loved individual who has helped to shape who we are. For instance, those examples may be a favorite teacher, a family member with whom we felt a close bond or someone in the greater society whom we never personally knew, but we were motivated by their accomplishments or some other aspect of the way in which they lived their lives.

That being said, we have also known a greater number of people with whom we were acquainted, but these individuals are the ones who turned out to be, as the saying goes, “ships passing in the night.” Their influence was not counted as lasting or productive.

It is an interesting exercise to think about the most influential people in our lives.

Now, let’s consider the reverse–what has our example been like to others? How have we influenced others?

It is certainly an area in which Christians are accountable–in fact, it has very much to do with the second of the great commandments upon which “‘…hang all the Law and Prophets'” (Matthew 22:40). In verse 39, Jesus stated: “‘…You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'”

Certainly, setting a right example in how we live as Christians in this world is one way in which we can fulfill what Jesus taught. Jesus also identified a proclivity of human nature in this regard. He spoke of the scribes and Pharisees in this way: “‘…for they SAY and do not DO'” (Matthew 23:3).

Jesus said of His followers: “‘You are the light of the world'” (Matthew 5:14). He also instructed those who would be His disciples to “bear much fruit” (Compare John 15:8). Paul spoke of the fruit of the Spirit and identified those qualities which are an outgrowth of godly character: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” (Galatians 5:22-23).

While it is very easy to want to tell others how to do it better or to somehow fix their problems, perhaps we should consider the fact that our primary role is to first be examples of what is right and true. Note how Peter explains the correct approach: “…and always be ready to give a defense [or, “answer”] to everyone who ASKS you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). The thought here is that others are drawn to ask because of what they first see in our lives–NOT what they first hear!

In this same chapter, Peter addresses the issue of husbands who are not Christians: “Wives, likewise be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, WITHOUT A WORD, may be won BY THE CONDUCT of their wives, when they OBSERVE YOUR CHASTE CONDUCT accompanied by fear” (1 Peter 3:1-2).

Example is indeed a powerful tool for all Christians! More than all that we might say, how we live–the example we set–will show whether we truly honor and serve God and whether or not we really do love our neighbor!

News from Europe

Associated Press reported on July 20 about the election of the new European President. It pointed out: “Despite a boycott from Euro-skeptics, lawmakers on Tuesday elected a pro-European from Spain to be its next president as the expanded European Parliament met for the first time. The 732-member assembly chose Josep Borrell, a relatively UNKNOWN Spanish Socialist, to its top job… He asked all members for their help during his 2 1/2 year term as head of the EU assembly to push ahead with EUROPEAN INTEGRATION…”

How politics “works,” and how candidates are “chosen,” can be seen by the next few interesting statements of the article: “Borrell’s victory was expected FOLLOWING A DEAL BETWEEN THE CONSERVATIVE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY AND THE PARTY OF EUROPEAN SOCIALISTS — THE TWO LARGEST GROUPS IN THE ASSEMBLY. The two parties worked together to secure the EU’s top jobs for the next five years. The deal is expected to help former Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Manuel Barroso to win lawmakers’ approval as president of the European Commission, the bloc’s executive.”

And so, let us notice what happened on July 22, 2004, as reported by Reuters:

“The European Parliament on Thursday approved former Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Manuel Barroso as the next president of the European Union’s executive commission… The 48-year-old Barroso, who traveled a path from MAOIST STUDENT ACTIVIST IN THE 1970s TO PRIME MINISTER OF A CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT AND SUPPORTER OF THE WAR IN IRAQ, has promised to bring a STRONG HAND TO HIS NEW EU ROLE. He will head the European Commission, which runs the EU’s day-to-day affairs. It drafts EU law, ensures they are enacted in each of the 25 member states and represents the union in world trade and other negotiations. The president is the face of the EU.”

These incredible developments show HOW QUICKLY relatively unknown persons can, virtually and literally “overnight,” climb to the highest political and governmental positions in Europe.

France and the US

Associated Press published an article last week, titled, “Chirac’s Outbursts Worry World Leaders.”

The article explained: “Jacques Chirac, whose refusal to join the Iraq invasion gained him I-told-you-so clout, IS WORRYING ALLIES WITH BLUNT OUTBURSTS that some say RAISE THE RISKS IN AN OVERHEATED WORLD. At a time when fighting terrorism needs a united front, arrogance in Paris and Washington alike is breeding discord, analysts and diplomats say… But things have gone beyond the two men’s [Chirac and Bush] apparent mutual dislike to drag in other leaders. Turkey, for instance, badly wants to join the European Union. But last month, when Bush endorsed Turkey’s ambitions, Chirac [and many other European leaders and the European media] essentially told him to mind his own business [a polite saying for “keep your nose out of European affairs”], saying Europe doesn’t tell the United States how to deal with Mexico.”

The article continued: “Chirac has enraged eastern European newcomers to the European Union by warning them against supporting the Iraq invasion. He is engaged in a nasty exchange with Ariel Sharon over the Israeli prime minister’s [overblown] claim that France is engulfed in the ‘wildest anti-Semitism’ and that its Jews should get out. And he has angered the Muslim world by championing a ban on schoolgirls’ wearing Islamic head scarves at school. Chirac also sent a message to this month’s international AIDS conference in Thailand accusing Washington of tying aid to trade and calling it ‘tantamount to blackmail.'”

The article pointed out: “Iraq is the obvious issue [for discontent between France and the USA], but underlying it is something much more basic to the French — a sense that their global leadership role, and even their identity, is being submerged in the united 25-nation European superstate they themselves worked to build.”

The German media implied that Chirac’s behavior can be explained by his desire to become a modern Napoleon — the new leader of Europe. However, the final leader will not be French, but of German/Austrian descent — as the Bible clearly reveals. For more information, please study our free booklets, “Europe in Prophecy” and “The Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord.”

Turkey and the EU

The Middle East Times ran an aticle this week, titled, “Austria Lists Turkey’s EU Obstacles.” The article stated: “Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel said in a TV interview on Sunday that Turkey’s entry into the EU would pose ‘huge problems.’ He said the main problem was that Turkey had a population larger than the 10 most recent EU entrants combined. Per capita purchasing power in Turkey was only one-fifth of that in the older members of the EU, and half that of the 10 new members, he said, Turkey had three times more farmers than the entire EU. Turkey’s strategic position on the frontiers of Iraq, Iran, and Syria could also be a problem, Schuessel said.”

EU and the Middle East

On July 22, 2004, Reuters reported that “Israel’s Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom said he told an E.U. convoy on Thursday the Jewish state was uncertain it could trust the European Union as a negotiating partner for Middle East peace. Israel is furious at the European Union, a member of an international peacemaking quartet, for backing a U.N. General Assembly resolution that it should tear down the barrier it is building inside the West Bank.”

On July 23, 2004, Reuters published an article, titled, “EU Vows Middle East role as Israel fumes.” It pointed out: “The European Union’s top diplomat has said the EU will play a role in ending the Middle East conflict ‘like it or not.’ The pledge by EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana followed talks on Thursday in which Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon warned him there would be little chance of EU involvement in ending the conflict without a drastic change in the European position. Ties between Israel and the EU have hit a new low after the 25-nation bloc voted for a Palestinian-sponsored General Assembly resolution demanding Israel heed a World Court ruling calling on it to tear down the barrier.”

The article continued: “After failing to resolve the row in meetings with Israeli leaders, Solana wrapped up his visit telling reporters: ‘Europe … is a very important international power and is going to play a role, (whether) you like it or not.’ He said the EU had a right to participate because of its important interests in the region… Palestinians have always insisted on a European role, seeing them as more balanced to their cause than Washington, Israel’s staunchest ally.”

Israel Faces Potential Missile Attack

www.dailystar.com published an article, dated July 26, 2004, titled, “Hizbullah can hit Tel Aviv.” It was stated: “The head of Israeli military intelligence warned Sunday that Hizbullah has developed rockets capable of reaching the Tel Aviv region from its bases in Southern Lebanon, public radio reported.” The article continued: “Agence France Presse reported that General Aharon Zeevi Farkash told the weekly Cabinet meeting that Hizbullah had dozens of missiles with a 105-kilometer range and several with a 205-kilometer range which would represent a threat to Israel’s commercial capital. The missiles were supplied by Syria, the chief sponsors of the militia, public radio said. Israeli officials warned two years ago that Hizbullah possessed 8,000 Katyusha rockets with a range of up to 70 kilometers, representing a direct threat to the north of the country.”

Reuters reported on July 24, 2004: “Israel’s Security Minister warned Saturday of a possible attack on a Jerusalem mosque that is Islam’s third holiest shrine by Israeli right wing groups seeking to derail a plan to pull out of Gaza. The comments follow a report by Israel’s secret service that there is an increasing threat of an attack on Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon by right-wing groups who oppose his plan to pull troops out of Gaza and dismantle all 21 settlements… The al-Aqsa mosque in Arab East Jerusalem is known to Muslims as al-Haram al-Sharif, or Holy Sanctuary, and is revered by Jews as the Temple Mount, the site of two ancient biblical temples. The extremists would take advantage of the fact that the shrine served as ‘the most sensitive, most volatile, most sacred site for Muslims’ in order to attack either the mosque itself or its worshippers’… The shrine has also been the site of numerous clashes by Palestinian worshippers and Israeli police since a Palestinian uprising erupted in September 2000.”

Alternate Pope in Spain?

On July 27, 2004, Reuters published an interesting article, titled, “Spanish Sect Leader says he is the real Pope.” The article pointed out: “Papal pretender ‘Gregorio XVII’ is leader of a self-styled church in Spain who says God crowned him after Pope Paul VI’s 1978 death, that Satan controls the Vatican and that the devil will crucify him at the start of an apocalyptic end of an era.” The article continued: “Church members say followers number several thousand and come from as far away as the Americas. But membership is clearly dwarfed by the 1 billion Roman Catholics around the world who recognize John Paul as head of the church… Gregorio’s church has conferred sainthood on former Spanish dictator Francisco Franco for defending Catholicism in Spain’s Civil War and four subsequent decades of fascist rule. Followers call 58-year-old Gregorio the last pope, and say he will be crucified. An electronic information package handed out at the church shows gory pictures of Gregorio with bleeding wounds in the hands, torso and forehead similar to those of Christ on the cross… Gregorio’s congregation rejects reforms made by the Catholic Church at the 1962-65 Second Vatican Council, such as saying mass in local languages instead of Latin and dialogue with other religions and branches of Christianity… Mass is said in Latin and members of the congregation — all wearing pictures of Christ’s face and two bleeding hearts around their necks — spend most of the service on their knees.”

The article continued to point out: “Before crowning himself ‘pope,’ the man formerly known as Clemente Dominguez said he had visions of the Virgin Mary and messages from God that the church in Rome and Pope Paul VI were being misled. ‘Satan is governing in the Vatican,’ Gregorio was told in a vision in 1971, according to one booklet. A year later he was told, ‘Masons and communism have infiltrated the Vatican.’ Gregorio lost his sight in a 1976 car crash but the Virgin Mary promised he will regain it one day, church documents say. Two years later Paul VI died and Clemente Dominguez, on a trip to Colombia, proclaimed himself pope… The corpulent leader does not always lead services but appears for special occasions. But Pura Hernandez, a 76-year-old woman from Barcelona, said that his presence was overwhelming. ‘I saw him once in ecstasy. There were so many angels,’ she whispered.”

Reading an article like this, one should be reminded of Christ’s stern warnings for our days, as recorded in Matthew 24:11, 24: “Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many… For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”

Francis Arinze — the Next Pope?

post-gazette.com published an article, dated July 26, 2004, titled, ” Outspoken Catholic cardinal captivates audience.” The article pointed out: “Cardinal Francis Arinze, one of the most powerful men at the Vatican, is known for an acerbic wit in defense of church teachings… Arinze, 71, heads the Vatican office responsible for sacraments and liturgy. Because he is embarrassed that the news media have touted him as a potential future pope, he avoids interviews… While Arinze is known as a traditionalist, he criticized what he perceived as traditionalist deviations from good Catholic practice. Two questions dealt with purported ongoing apparitions of the Virgin Mary, which are wildly popular in some conservative Catholic circles but have not been approved by the church. Arinze said he would not visit an unapproved apparition site, recommending Mass instead. Even when an apparition has been judged authentic — such as at Lourdes in France or Fatima in Portugal — no Catholic is required to believe in it, he said. ‘If you don’t believe Our Lady came to Fatima and you don’t believe Our Lady came to Lourdes, you can still be a good Catholic. But, if you don’t believe that Jesus died in Jerusalem, then you are not a Christian anymore,’ he said.

“He cautioned against extreme fasting and penance that Mary is said to have called for in some of these apparitions. Prayer and fasting are good, but not when they begin to interfere with the joyful completion of the ordinary God-given duties of family life, work and service to the church, he said… Arinze is an enthusiastic advocate of the church ban on artificial contraception. But in reply to a question about what to do when one spouse wants more children and the other doesn’t, he insisted they decide together… Arinze called the ban on women’s ordination ‘settled’ and said no future pope was likely to reconsider.”

US in Danger of Nuclear Attack

www.janes.com published an article, titled, “US vulnerable to EMP attack.” The article pointed out:

“The US armed forces infrastructure, and American society at large, remain vulnerable to a debilitating attack by an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) generated by a high-altitude nuclear blast, a senior-level, congressionally appointed panel has warned. Several potential adversaries, such as China, are capable of launching a crippling EMP strike against the US with a nuclear-tipped ballistic missile, and others, such as North Korea or even terrorist groups, could have the capability by 2015, the panel said in its findings that it unveiled to US legislators at a hearing on 22 July. Panel members said this type of attack may be an appealing option, especially for an unsophisticated opponent. One possible scenario is a ‘Scud’ missile, with a modified nuclear warhead to maximise the EMP effect, launched from a barge off the US coast.”

The article continued: “An EMP attack, for example, could place the nation’s electrical grid ‘in danger of fundamental collapse,’ said commission chairman William Graham, who served as scientific advisor to US President Ronald Reagan in the 1980s. The overall effects could be long lasting and difficult to recover from, he added. An EMP strike would also be likely to knock out non-hardened satellites in low-Earth orbit ‘within days or weeks,’ he said, noting that commercial satellites are especially vulnerable.”

Religion under attack in the US?

On July 23, 2004, WorldNetDaily ran an interesting exclusive, titled, “Group threatens churches with loss of tax-exempt status over activism.” The article pointed out: “At least two organizations are monitoring the content of Sunday sermons by U.S. pastors and threatening to report churches to the Internal Revenue Service if they hear political messages they deem inappropriate under federal guidelines on tax-exempt status. Earlier this week, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, headed by Barry Lynn, filed a complaint with the IRS against Ronnie Floyd, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Springdale, Ark., accusing him of preaching a sermon promoting President Bush’s re-election July 4. The complaint challenges the church’s tax-exempt status as a religious organization.

The article continued to point out: “Lynn’s letter to the IRS reads, in part: ‘The pastor’s description of the candidates’ stands and their personal religious beliefs was obviously aimed at encouraging congregants to cast ballots for Bush. The church is known for its stands on social issues and its opposition to legal abortion and gay rights. By lauding Bush’s stands on these and other issues and attacking (Sen. John) Kerry’s, Floyd was plainly telling his congregation to be sure to vote for Bush…’

“Organizations granted tax-free status under federal law ‘may not participate at all in campaign activity for or against political candidates,’ according to published IRS guidelines. According to IRS regulations, tax-exempt organizations ‘are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for elective public office. Contributions to political campaign funds or public statements of position, verbal or written, made on behalf of the organization in favor of or in opposition to any candidate for public office clearly violate the prohibition against political campaign activity. Violation of this prohibition may result in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status and the imposition of certain excise tax.’

“The guidelines add: ‘The political campaign activity prohibition is not intended to restrict free expression on political matters by leaders of organizations speaking for themselves, as individuals. Nor are leaders prohibited from speaking about important issues of public policy. However, for their organizations to remain tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3), leaders cannot make partisan comments in official organization publications or at official functions.'”

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

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

But, what about today or the immediate future? Will there occur another conflict between the king of the North — the final LEADER of the 10th resurrection of the ancient Roman Empire, or the 7th resurrection of the “Holy” Roman Empire — and a king of the South, a final LEADER in the Middle East? Perhaps — but not necessarily so.

Herbert W. Armstrong wrote the following in a personal of the Plain Truth, dated June 1967. We are adding emphasis by pointing out startling statements by Mr. Armstrong which have been — overall — overlooked or forgotten by God’s people today. In quoting from Daniel 11:40, Mr. Armstrong explained:

“‘And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him …’ — that is, at the king of the north. The modern remnant of the ‘king of the south’ of this prophecy is Ethiopia. Anciently, Egypt was the country of the king of the south. But few Egyptians remain in Egypt today. Arabs, of a different original stock, have generally replaced the real Egyptians. The people descended from those who were of ancient Egypt, in its southern portions, are the Ethiopians. And the Italians were the remnant and successors, of the people of the king of the north. This prophecy WAS FULFILLED February-March, 1896, when King Menelik II of Ethiopia ‘pushed at’ the Italians, defeating Italy at Aduwa. Italians thirsted for revenge. Finally, their opportunity came, in 1935, under the military machine developed by Mussolini. Continue the prophecy, verse 40: ‘… and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind [in the air], with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships: and he shall enter into the countries and shall overflow and pass over.’ Notice, a whirlwind comes IN THE AIR. So DID Mussolini’s air forces. He sent down many ships, much cavalry, and tanks [modern ‘chariots’]. And his forces, in planes, ‘passed OVER.’… Continue: VERSE 41: ‘He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown …’

“There is a TIME-LAPSE between verse 40 and verse 41. After Mussolini captured Ethiopia he added it to Libya, Eritrea, and Italian Somaliland. Mussolini had signed a concordat with the Vatican, and publicly announced the rebirth of the ROMAN EMPIRE, with King Victor Emmanuel Emperor, and himself the Duce or Premier. But Mussolini’s bubble of a Roman Empire was short-lived. Most people never actually noticed he had proclaimed its resurrected existence. It is described in another prophecy — Revelation 17 — as the insignificant sixth ‘head’ of the mysterious symbolic ‘beast,’ [of the “Holy” Roman Empire] that was, and is not, and yet is. But the final seventh head [of the “Holy” Roman Empire, or the tenth resurrection of the ancient Roman Empire] is soon to rise. It is in the preliminary stages of coming into existence now, in the six-nation Common Market. Soon there will be ten European nations in a political-military union, that will shock and dumbfound the world. Verse 41 refers to THAT succession of the Roman power which became the ‘king of the north’ in the prophecy of Daniel 11. So notice what this COMING ‘United States of Europe’ WILL DO: VERSE 44: ‘But tidings out of the east and out of the north [Russia] shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many. And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious, holy mountain [Palestine]; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.’ So this now-forming European… power will invade Palestine, and move its headquarters there! But verse 41 adds [omitted above]: ‘… but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.’ The Turkish people today are ‘Edom,’ and the people of Jordan are the present-day descendants of Moab and Ammon — descended from Lot, Abraham’s nephew. They will still be in that land…

“This European power, resurrecting for a VERY short while the Roman Empire, will take over the city of Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:2.) They will take the Temple, and plant the palace of their headquarters there. With this coming military leader, pictured in Revelation 17 as the symbolic ‘beast,’ will be a supreme religious leader, called ‘the False Prophet,’ [Rev. 16:13; 19:20; 20:10] and the ‘man of sin.’ So will you turn next to II Thessalonians 2:3-4: ‘Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day’ — the Day of the Lord, verse 2 — ‘shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and THAT MAN OF SIN be revealed, the SON OF PERDITION; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.’ So there will have to be the Temple there!”

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

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

Our newest book on the Mystery of Jesus Christ has entered the second phase of our review cycle. Comments received so far are very positive and enthusiastic.

On Saturday, July 24, 2004, Norbert Link will be giving the sermon, titled, “Our Father.”

I just read an article that has my head reeling and a gamut of emotions pulling me in every direction. It was originally published in the NY Times and it explains why America’s days are numbered.

You can find a copy of the editorial here in case the original is archived or removed in the future. If you haven’t read the piece yet, please do so before continuing. The article describes Amy Richards’ maligned thought process which is germane to the opening paragraph as well as the subsequent ones.

I don’t know where to begin except to say that the article is unconscionable on so many levels. Amy openly admits that she killed at least 2 children because she put home location, shopping options, travel restrictions and her freelance career above their LIFE.

Her description of events is cold and without remorse. It is filled with euphemisms such as “selective reduction” instead of murder. She wields the words “potassium chloride” without regard to the fact that it is the drug of preference on death row. This drug is being used on blameworthy criminals and yet Amy Richards is using it to casually take the lives of the most innocent, an unborn child.

The tone of her words are flippant and without conscience. The real problem is that this reflects the blatant, frequent and wide acceptance of the act of abortion. Since abortion was legalized in the US in 1973 there have been over 32 million unborn children killed and around the world the figure hits 46 million EVERY year. Can we really fathom the magnitude of these numbers?

What a stench in the nostrils of God this must be!

As a nation we claim to have achieved the highest levels of societal evolution and yet we condone barbarism. We ask God to “Bless America” while we slap Him in the face and break the most fundamental of His laws.

As a country, we are not allowing God to bless us and as a result He is removing His protection and blessings that we have enjoyed for so long. The end result of the sins that are being committed will be a captivity and enslavement as prophesied in the Bible. That is unless we repent of our ways and our carnality and submit to God’s way.

With the arrogant flaunting of God’s ways, as Amy Richards has done, the time of the end can not be too far away. Now more than ever we must be about our Father’s business.

For more in depth information on these subjects please refer to our booklets: “Europe in Prophecy,” “The Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord,” and “Are You Already Born Again?“

Not Only In the USA

The following article was published in the British The Daily Mirror, dated July 22, 2004, adding to the terrible information presented in our Editorial:

“A GIRL aged 14 who had a miscarriage in hospital was given the foetus in a jar and told to take it home. The teenager and her mother, who were distraught, put the baby’s remains in the kitchen fridge. Only when the girl’s father came home and expressed anger did they ring the hospital to complain. A midwife and undertaker were sent to collect the foetus. Last night health chiefs apologised, saying staff at Bishop Auckland General in Co Durham should have acted ‘in a more appropriate and sensitive manner’. The family want an inquiry and are to write to Tony Blair, who opened the flagship £67 million hospital two years ago. The mother, who also lost a baby recently, had known her daughter was pregnant for about five weeks.

“Last Sunday the girl, who does not want to be named, had slight bleeding and went to the urgent-care GP centre at the hospital. The next day, she started to miscarry in McDonald’s and went to A&E [Accident and Emergency ward]. Her mum said: ‘We saw a nurse and a doctor who told us to take the foetus back for the night, then return it to the gynaecology department. They didn’t explain and we were too upset to argue. They actually told us to put the baby in the fridge.’ The foetus was in a specimen jar in a blue plastic bag inside a padded envelope. The mum added: ‘Mr Blair needs to know what’s happening.'”

July 20, 1944

As AFP reported on Monday, July 19, 2004, “German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder paid tribute to the army officers who mounted the bomb attempt on Hitler’s life on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the unsuccessful attack, describing them as models for all Germans. ‘They showed there was another Germany, a good Germany, a democratic Germany at that time,’ he said of officers who tried to kill the Nazi leader on July 20, 1944. Aided by the aristocratic Claus von Stauffenberg a group of Wehrmacht (regular army) officers planted a bomb in a briefcase at a meeting with Hitler at his war headquarters in what was then East Prussia. Von Stauffenberg placed it on the floor before leaving the room, saying he had to make a phone call. He flew immediately back to Berlin, where he and co-conspirators hoped to stage a coup.

“But an officer moved the briefcase behind a leg of the solid oak table at which Hitler was studying maps, saving Hitler’s life. The explosion killed five of the 24 people in the room but the Nazi leader was only slightly injured. Von Stauffenberg and three other plotters were executed by firing squad on the same night. Dozens more were sent to often agonizingly slow deaths. ‘I have a profound respect, admiration, for the women and men who belonged to this resistance and who gave their lives for a Germany in which we now have the joy of living,’ Schroeder told a television station. ‘I think that if there are models in Germany, human models, these men and women belong to them.’ The fact that the assassination attempt failed is regarded as one of the great tragedies of the 20th century. Between July 20, 1944 and the end of the war in Europe in May 1945 killings in concentration camps continued, four million Germans, a million and half Soviet soldiers and more than 100,000 Allied servicemen lost their lives.”

The Bible predicted the rise of Hitler as part of the ninth resurrection of the Roman Empire. It says that the dragon (Satan), with God’s permission, gave his power to the “beast” (compare Revelation 13:4) — and Adolph Hitler, together with Benito Mussolini, constituted the ninth resurrection of the “beast” power. It is predicted that a last and final resurrection of the Roman Empire will still occur, before Jesus Christ returns. In a recent sermon, we addressed why the assassination attempt on Hitler on July 20, 1944, as well as prior assassination attempts, had to fail. The sermon — titled, “Who is in Control?” — is posted on the Audio page of our Website (www.eternalgod.org).

Sharon Angers France

Associated Press reported on July 19, 2004, that “an appeal by Israel’s leader [Ariel Sharon] for French Jews to flee for their safety [from France] prompted an outcry in France on Monday, with lawmakers and Jewish groups urging Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to mind his own business. The president of France’s National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, said Sharon ‘missed a good opportunity to keep quiet.’ ‘These words are inadmissible, unacceptable and, furthermore, irresponsible,’ Jean-Louis Debre told Europe-1 radio, adding to a chorus of complaints in Paris from the government and opposition groups. Sharon on Sunday urged France’s Jews to move to Israel to escape a tide of anti-Semitism at home. ‘If I have to advocate to our brothers in France, I will tell them one thing,’ Sharon told American Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. ‘Move to Israel, as early as possible.’ Israel’s government spokesman sought Monday to tone down the remarks, saying Sharon only meant to let French Jews know they were welcome in Israel.”

The article explained the typical political propaganda associated with an attempt to soften Sharon’s outrageous remarks, as follows: “‘Sharon was misunderstood,’ spokesman Avi Pazner told Europe-1 radio, adding the prime minister said ‘he considered that French Jews, like all Jews in the world, belong in Israel — and he invited French Jews to come.'”

AP continued: “Anti-Semitic acts against Jewish schools, synagogues and cemeteries have risen in France in recent years, coinciding with tensions in the Middle East. Many attacks have been blamed on young Muslims. The latest French Interior Ministry figures show 510 anti-Jewish acts or threats in the first six months of 2004 — compared with 593 for all of last year. ‘I would simply remind that France is today certainly the country with the strictest legislation on all problems of racism,’ Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie told RTL radio Monday. She added that France shows the ‘strongest disapproval, its condemnation and sanctions racist and anti-Semitic acts.’ France’s opposition Socialists also condemned Sharon’s remarks as ‘unjustifiable,’ saying such comments would only add to the racial confusion in France, said party spokeswoman Annick Lepetit. The French Foreign Ministry issued a swift reply Sunday to Sharon’s remarks, saying it had immediately contacted Israeli authorities for an explanation to ‘these unacceptable statements.’ French Jewish leaders interviewed on France-2 television said Sharon’s remarks were unhelpful. ‘These comments do not bring calm, peace and serenity that we all need,’ said Patrick Gaubert, president of the International League Against Racism and Anti-Semitism, known by the acronym LICRA. ‘I think Mr. Sharon would have done better tonight to have kept quiet.'”

The tragic truth is that, as the Bible prophesies, state-endorsed and state-organized anti-Semitism WILL occur in Europe in the future. However, not unlike current events in Germany, Sharon’s comments at this point represent a wrong evaluation of the present affairs and will, in the long-run, hurt, rather than help. Angry reactions to comments like the ones from Sharon might very well bring into motion events which no one wants to see, and which many will be shocked about, when they finally occur.

Israel Ready to Strike

WorldNetDaily reported on July 19, 2004: “Israel has conducted military exercises for a pre-emptive strike against several of Iran’s nuclear power facilities and is ready to attack if Russia supplies Iran with rods for enriching uranium, Israeli officials told reporters. An Israeli defense source in Tel Aviv told the London Sunday Times, which first published the story, that ‘Israel will on no account permit Iranian reactors — especially the one being built in Bushehr with Russian help — to go critical.’ The source was also quoted as saying that any strike on Iran’s reactors would probably be carried out by long-range F-15I jets, flying over Turkey, with simultaneous operations by commandos on the ground. Russia is expected to deliver the enriching rods, currently being stored at a Russian port, late next year after a dispute over financial terms is resolved. ‘If the worst comes to the worst and international efforts fail,’ the source said, ‘we are very confident we’ll be able to demolish the ayatollah’s nuclear aspirations in one go.'”

The article continued to point out: “The Sunday Times reports Israeli sources fear a pre-emptive strike against Iranian nuclear facilities could provoke ‘a ferocious response,’ which could involve Lebanese-based rocket attacks on northern Israel or terrorist attacks against Jewish and Israeli targets abroad.”

We know from Biblical prophecy that an all-encompassing war will be fought in the future in the Middle East, and that “all nations” will battle against the state of Israel, and especially the city of Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:2). It will be interesting to observe how these prophecies will reach their ultimate fulfillment. For more information, please read our free booklets, “Europe in Prophecy” and “The Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord.”

Canada Forbids Distribution of Bibles

On July 13, 2004, LifeSiteNews.com reported the following: “The Canadian Bible Society is disappointed and strongly questioning the rationale behind a recent decision by Senior Citizenship Judge Michel Simard, removing the Society’s ability to present bibles on request to new Canadians. For more than 50 years the Society has welcomed immigrants in citizenship courts, offering them copies of the Scriptures. The right of the Society to do that was formalized in an agreement signed in 1998 with the government. At all times, it was made clear that acceptance of the bibles was purely voluntary on the part of the recipients… In a letter to the Society, Judge Simard merely noted that Canada is a multicultural nation where freedom of religion is guaranteed under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. His letter indicated that notwithstanding the agreement ‘allowing holy books to be made available at citizenship ceremonies detracts from this message.'”

Apart from the questionable rationale of the Judge’s decision, God looks with disfavor at individuals, institutions and governments who break their promises and agreements. The history of the mistreatment of American Indians is only one of the sad records of making and breaking promises. God holds us accountable for what we say and what we do. If we give our word, we must keep it — otherwise, God might withdraw His protecting hands from us — individually and nationwide.

Tame Animals Becoming Wild

On July 15, 2004, news.com.au published a remarkable article about a change in the nature of presumably tame animals:

“Just days after a large kangaroo drowned a pet dog in Canberra come reports that farmers in New South Wales’s southeast believe it is only a matter of time before packs of wild dogs in the area attack a human. The wolf-sized dogs, which have reached plague proportions in the Snowy Mountains and South Coast regions, are becoming increasingly bold and have reportedly begun stalking farmers. The combined effects of the drought and last year’s bushfires, which killed off large numbers of native wildlife in NSW national parks, have seen an increase in the number of big dogs roaming through grazing land, attacking and killing stock. Bombala grazier Kurt Pougratz and neighbour Peter Shoeman last month shot and killed two dogs that were attacking his breeding deer. The dogs, believed to be crosses between great danes and rhodesian ridgebacks, weighed 60kg and 70kg and were nearly 180cm long. Bega farmer Ellen Green and her husband Bill were forced to abandon grazing sheep at their property after attacks and now run less profitable cattle, whose calves are constantly being killed.”

This report brings to mind, as a small foretaste, frightening Biblical prophecies for the descendants of the ancient house of Israel, including the United States of America, Great Britain and Australia, describing the not-too-distant future: “I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, destroy your livestock, and make you few in number; and your highways shall be desolate” (Leviticus 26:22).

Missile Defense Site in Europe?

The Guardian reported on July 13 that plans are underway to build a missile defense site in central Europe:

“The US administration is negotiating with Poland and the Czech Republic over its controversial missile defence programme, with a view to positioning the biggest missile defence site outside the US in central Europe. Polish government officials confirmed to the Guardian that talks have been going on with Washington for eight months and made clear that Poland was keen to take part in the project, which is supposed to shield the US and its allies from long-range ballistic missile attacks. Senior officials in Prague also confirmed that talks were under way over the establishment of American advanced radar stations in the Czech Republic as part of the missile shield project… Under Bush administration plans, two missile interceptor sites are being built in the US – one in California, the other in Alaska. Such a site in Poland would be the first outside America and the only one in Europe.”

Saturday or Sunday?

WorldNetDaily ran a surprisingly candid article about the Biblically-commanded Sabbath and the man-made establishment of Sunday in an exclusive, titled, “Testing the Faith — Sunday, holy Sunday?” It continued: “Pastor resurrects Sabbath debate with 1 million dollar reward.” The article pointed out:

“One of the longest running disputes in the history of Christianity — Saturday vs. Sunday — is having new life breathed into it with a cash reward of up to $1 million toward a resolution. A. Jan Marcussen, a Seventh-day Adventist pastor in Illinois, is starting with $50,000 of his own money if someone can produce ‘a verse from the Holy Bible showing that God commands us to keep holy the first day of the week’ — Sunday — ‘instead of the seventh day’ — Saturday — ‘as is commanded in the Bible… Millions of people believe and have confidence in their clergy that what they’re being taught is true,’ says Marcussen. ‘They’ll find out that the clergy is not teaching from the Bible.'”

The article continued to say: “Experts on biblical scripture tell WorldNetDaily that Marcussen has little need to worry about paying out the money. ‘I am afraid that you are not going to find an exact Bible verse to counter the good pastor’s challenge and collect,’ says James Efird, professor of biblical interpretation at Duke University Divinity School in North Carolina. ‘As far as I know, there is no verse which specifies that Sunday is the day for Christians to observe the Sabbath.’

“Indeed, neither the words Saturday nor Sunday appear anywhere in most translations of the Bible. Days of the week are referred to by number, starting in the first chapter of Genesis in the account of creation. It was after the work of creating that God made special note of one day of the week: ‘And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made’ (Genesis 2:3). In the Ten Commandments, the seventh day was made the focus of the fourth mandate: ‘Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy … thou shalt not do any work … For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it’ (Exodus 20:8-11). The word sabbath comes from the Hebrew root word ‘shabbat,’ meaning to rest, cease or desist. Scholars say the word in Bible scripture not only refers to the weekly day of rest, but also the ANNUAL festivals of God such as Passover and Day of Atonement (emphasis added)…

“In the lexicon of modern society, the debate over which day is holy — that is, set apart to God — goes unresolved by the editors of Webster’s New World College Dictionary. While the first definition of sabbath calls it ‘the seventh day of the week (Saturday), set aside for rest and worship and observed as such by Jews (from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) and some Christian denominations,’ its second meaning defines it as ‘Sunday as the usual Christian day of rest and worship.’ ‘There’s a fear factor among preachers,’ says Marcussen, on why churches don’t have their members look into this issue. ‘They’re afraid their sheep will start reading the Bible, and they know they’ll lose their sheep.’

“One expert who has spent his career researching and explaining the Sabbath debate is Dr. Samuele Bacchiocchi, a retired theology professor at Andrews University in Michigan. He tells WorldNetDaily two factors are responsible for the shift from one day to another: ‘Anti-Judaism caused the abandonment of the Sabbath, and pagan sun worship influenced the adoption of Sunday.’ Bacchiocchi says the Church of Rome, which grew into the Roman Catholic Church, had great influence in promoting Sunday observance. ‘The Church of the capital of the empire, whose authority was already felt far and wide in the second century, appears to be the most likely birth-place of Sunday observance,’ he writes in his book, ‘From Sabbath to Sunday: A historical investigation of the rise of Sunday observance in early Christianity.’

“In May 1998, Pope John Paul II issued an apostolic letter on the subject, entitled Dies Domini (The Lord’s Day). In it, the pontiff refers to the origins of Sunday-keeping. ‘In the weekly reckoning of time, Sunday recalls the day of Christ’s Resurrection,’ writes the pope. ‘It is Easter which returns week by week, celebrating Christ’s victory over sin and death, the fulfillment in him of the first creation and the dawn of “the new creation.”‘ The pontiff goes on to state that though Sunday has become a time for cultural, political and sporting events, it has a significance that shouldn’t be ignored… Though Protestant churches have some significant differences with Catholicism, one thing often agreed on today is Sunday observance. ‘The church always met on Sunday throughout the New Testament,” says Rev. Jerry Falwell, chancellor of Liberty University in Virginia. ‘Saturday is clearly the Sabbath as is recorded many times in the Old Testament. In Christian Church tradition, Sunday became “the Lord’s Day” when Jesus rose from the grave.’

“The actual times of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection are not universally agreed on either. ‘I personally believe he was crucified on Wednesday evening … and rose after 6 p.m. Saturday evening,’ Falwell tells WorldNetDaily.”

We might mention here that Christ did in fact die on a Wednesday and that He rose on Saturday — NOT Sunday! (We are preparing a new booklet on the Mystery of Jesus Christ, which will explain these facts in much more detail.) However, it is absolutely false to claim that the New Testament Church “always met on Sunday throughout the New Testament.” It is hard to believe that Jerry Falwell would make such a clearly erroneous statement — unless he meant to say that the New Testament church always met on Saturday — which it clearly did. For more information on these vital issues, please read our free booklets, “God’s Commanded Holy Days” and “Europe in Prophecy.”

To continue with WorldNetDaily’s article: “Most scholars agree that biblical references to ‘the Sabbath day’ denote the seventh day of the week. But in the years to come after Jesus rose, the first day of the week came into competition with Saturday, and at times both days were being observed side by side. The ostensible church was divided on the issue, choosing different days to regard as holy. ‘It may be that Sunday was originally one of the [pagan] Roman festival days,’ explains Professor Efird at Duke, ‘but so were several others that the church adopted in its evolution, [for example:] Christmas.'”

Again, this last statement is very true. That is the reason why true Christians should not keep Christmas, either. For more information, please read our free booklet, “Don’t Keep Christmas.”

The article continues: “Marcussen condemns the change in day of observance. ‘It’s the greatest hoax of all time, foisted upon the world for hundreds and hundreds of years,’ he says. His zeal on the matter reflects his belief that citizens of the United States and other countries will be forced to choose sides on the issue in the so-called ‘end time’ mentioned in Scripture. ‘Sunday worship is the mark of the Papacy’s authority,’ Marcussen writes in his book. ‘Sunday worship is the “mark of the beast!”‘”

Indeed, it is — in addition to the celebration of Christmas, Easter and other “Christian” holidays of pagan origin, and the rejection of the weekly Sabbath and the annual Festivals, as set forth in Scripture. Again, we encourage our readers to study our free booklets: “Europe in Prophecy“; “God’s Commanded Holy Days“; and “Don’t Keep Christmas.”

We are addressing here strictly the Biblically described spiritual fasting — not fasting for health reasons. The fast during the Day of Atonement — one of God’s annual Holy Days — is the only commanded fast in the Bible (Leviticus 23:27, 29, 32). The fast on the Day of Atonement, referred to by the commandment to “afflict your souls,” has been rightly understood as abstaining from food and drink for 24 hours. (For more information, please read our free booklet, “God’s Commanded Holy Days.”). However, we find that God’s people fasted, or were asked to fast, on other occasions as well (compare, for example, Joel 2:12; Nehemiah 1:4; 2 Chronicles 20:3; Matthew 17:21; Daniel 9:3; Acts 13:2-3; Acts 14:23).

David, a man after God’s own heart, wrote in Psalm 35:13: “I humbled [or: afflicted] my soul with fasting.” Here, David fasted in the same way, as it was required on the Day of Atonement — by afflicting his soul. This would mean that he abstained from food and drink during his fast.

In fact, all Biblical passages, defining or describing the manner of fasting, make clear that it is being done by abstaining from food and drink. We read in Esther 4:16, that the queen told her uncle Mordecai: “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Sushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise.”

We also find that Ezra, who was accustomed to fast in times of need (compare Ezra 8:21-23), fasted in this way: “[He] ate no bread and drank no water, for he mourned because of the guilt of those from the captivity” (Ezra 10:6).

In addition, when Moses fasted for forty days and forty nights, “he neither ate bread nor drank water” (Exodus 34:28). There is NO Scripture that would tell us that people who engaged in spiritual fasting drank water or other fluids.

We also read that Elijah, after he ate and drank, what the angel had provided him, “went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God,” (1 Kings 19:8) indicating that he did not eat or drink during these forty days and nights.

We note, too, that the Ninevites did not eat or drink during their fast (Jonah 3:7); and neither did the Jews who tried to kill Paul (Acts 23:12) — they, of course, fasted for a wrong reason. Still, this shows how the Jews understood the manner of fasting; in fact, Paul fasted by abstaining from food and drink for three days (Acts 9:9).

Some have suggested that Jesus Christ drank water, when He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights in the desert (compare Matthew 4:1-2). However, the Bible does not say that He drank water, and to conclude that He did, means to read something into the Bible which is simply not there.

We might want to add, however, that we do not recommend that anyone should fast today for 40 days and 40 nights or anywhere near that long. As we have reached the end of this degenerate age, to do so today would border on suicide. In addition, the principles discussed in this Q&A only apply in normal cases and circumstances, and not for people who are diabetic or suffer from other serious ailments. The Church of God has recommended a long time ago that a person with a medical condition should check with a medical doctor for advice in order to determine whether it is advisable and safe to fast at all, as described herein. In addition, children should not be required to fast. Children old enough to understand what their parents are doing may want to fast. It might be advisable for some children to start with a half-day fast.

In conclusion, a spiritual fast should be conducted by abstaining from food and drink.

The Global Church of God in the UK has received so far 569 requests for our advertised booklet, “Europe in Prophecy.”

On Saturday, July 17, 2004, Edwin Pope will be giving the sermon from Colorado. His sermon is titled, “Babylon’s Ways–How You Are Affected!”!

It seems that at all times, people have wondered about the imminent end of this world — as we know it. The Jews hoped that the Messiah would restore the kingdom to Israel at the time of Christ’s first coming, making an end to Roman occupation. The early apostles asked Christ what the sign of His coming and the end of this present age or civilization would be — believing that Christ would return during their life time (Matthew 24:3; Acts 1:6). For a while, Paul believed that he would experience the return of Christ during his life (compare 1 Thessalonians 4:17) Professing and true Christians wondered about Christ’s return at the time of Charlemagne, the Middle Ages, the 19th and the 20th centuries. Now we have reached the 21st century, and we can say, without any doubt, that the time of our salvation has drawn nearer than when we first believed (Romans 13:11).

But — how imminent is Christ’s return?

Christ said that the generation of the last days will be able to see by the signs of the time that His return will be near (Matthew 24:32-35). But how near?

These are some of the events which we know will still have to happen first:

We know that the last and final resurrection of the Holy Roman Empire must still occur, headed by a powerful religious and a powerful political leader who will receive authority from ten European nations or groups of nations for “one hour” (Revelation 17:12-13; compare, too, Daniel 2:41-44). We see the beginning stages of this final resurrection, and we are watching world events to observe the fulfillment of those prophetic events.

We know that the Middle East, and especially Jerusalem, will be overrun by armies of the coming European Empire, once it has reached its final formation (Luke 21:20-24; Daniel 11:41).

We also know that this future European Empire will fight against the United States of America, Great Britain, and other English-speaking nations, as well as, ultimately, a powerful Eurasian bloc, consisting of, in all likelihood, Russia, China, India and Japan (Daniel 11:44-45; Revelation 9:13-21).

We know that it is very likely that a temple will be built in Jerusalem (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; Revelation 11:1-2; Psalm 79:1-7) — we know that the Jews will start to bring sacrifices within Jerusalem, prior to the European armies invading Jerusalem and preventing those sacrifices to continue (Daniel 8:13; 11:31; 12:11).

We also know that the preaching of the gospel of the Kingdom of God must still go forward (Matthew 10:23) — that it is to be proclaimed in all the world as a witness unto all nations, and then the end will come (Matthew 24:14).

We know that the end will come at a time when most won’t expect it. We know that it will come at a time when people live in relative peace (1 Thessalonians 5:3) — a fragile and temporary “peace” which might have been brought about with the means of force, weapons and war.

From everything we can observe, we know that we are living in the end time. But — how much time we have to collectively fulfill the job God gave us, and to individually prepare for Christ’s return — only the Father knows — because it is the Father who will determine the exact timing (Mark 13:32; Acts 1:7).

The real question which we should ask ourselves, is: Would we be ready if Christ were to return today? Not that He will — but ARE WE READY, NOW?

We read that God does not want anyone to perish, but that all of us come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). We read, too, that at the time of Christ’s return, the bride will have made herself ready (Revelation 19:7). This means that the Church, as a whole, will be ready — but this does not mean that everyone claiming to be part of the Church, will be ready. Christ says to the members of the last era of His Church that unless He sees repentance, He will vomit them out of His mouth (Revelation 3:16, 19-20).

Rather than trying to figure out, when, exactly, Christ will return, we should concentrate on getting READY for that event. Paul tells us that we should not be in spiritual darkness when that Day comes (1 Thessalonians 5:4-6, 8). Let us, instead, heed Christ’s sobering warning: “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44).

Bird Flu a Terrible Worldwide Threat

The web site www.theage.com.au published an article on July 10, 2004, titled, “Bird flu a danger of pandemic magnitude.” The article pointed out: “The bird flu strain that killed 24 people in East Asia earlier this year and has resurfaced in recent weeks is now endemic to the region, and the virus could trigger a global health crisis if it goes unchecked, a study says. In the study published by the London-based science journal Nature, researchers led by a Hong Kong microbiologist found that domestic ducks in southern China had played a key role in the creation of the H5N1 influenza virus, while wild birds had probably helped its spread through Asia. Early this year, the virus raged through Asia’s poultry farms and transferred to humans in cases that were mostly traced to direct contact with sick birds, killing 16 people in Vietnam and eight in Thailand. Health officials raised concerns about the illness mutating into a strain that could easily be passed between humans, but said there was no sign that had happened. New outbreaks from the same deadly strain re-emerged in eastern China and two central Thai provinces this week, and Chinese and Thai officials are slaughtering thousands of chickens to halt its spread. Vietnam also has been dealing with bird flu outbreaks in recent weeks.”

Israel’s Barrier and Europe’s Hypocrisy

Reuters reported on July 9, that the “World Court strongly condemned Israel’s West Bank barrier Friday, saying it had illegally imposed hardship on thousands of Palestinians and should be torn down. The court said in a nonbinding ruling hailed by Palestinians and rejected by Israel that the barrier violated international humanitarian law. It called on the U.N. Security Council and General Assembly to stop its construction. But the United States, which has vetoed Security Council resolutions against the Jewish state in the past, dismissed the court’s intervention and an American judge on the 15-member panel did not back the ruling. Israel was forthright in its rejection of the ruling, saying not one Palestinian suicide bomber had managed to slip into the Jewish state wherever the barrier had already been constructed.”

At the same time, according to israelnationalnews.com of July 4, 2004, the “European Union funds a separate fence” in Northwest Africa. The article pointed out: “…while the European Union attacks Israel mercilessly for the partition fence it’s building to protect Jewish lives, the EU itself funds and operates a similar fence designed only to protect itself from illegal immigrants.”

The article went on to explain: “The fence is located in a Spanish enclave in northwestern Africa, the coastal city of Ceuta just across the Straits of Gibraltar from Spain. Unknown to most of the world, when Spain handed over most of northern Morocco to the newly independent kingdom in 1956, Spain retained Ceuta and Melilla (about 250 kilometers further east) – thus that the European Union is present in Africa as well. Poverty-stricken Moroccans attempting to cross into Ceuta, from where they will then be able to work anywhere in Europe because of the EU’s no-checkpoints policy, are stopped in their tracks by the eight-meter-high, double layer fence. Funding for the fence, some 60 million Euros, came from European Union coffers.” The article concluded: “The EU continues to oppose Israel’s fence, constructed to protect against murderous terrorists and suicide bombs – even as it plans to build another fence of its own around Spain’s second enclave in northern Africa, the Moroccan town of Melilla.”

No Right to Life for a Fetus

The web site news.bbc.co.uk reported last week: “A woman whose pregnancy was wrongly terminated in a French hospital has lost her fight at the European Court to enshrine a foetus’ right to life.” The article continued to report about this outrageous incident, as follows: “Mrs Thi-Nho Vo went to the court after French courts said the doctor could not be prosecuted for homicide as the foetus did not have the right to life. She said it had that right under the European Convention on Human Rights. But the Court of Human Rights ruled against her, and involuntary abortion did not constitute manslaughter. The ruling sets a precedent on the legal status of unborn babies that will be applied across European countries… Mrs Vo argued that the foetus is protected by article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which guarantees a right to life… Nuala Scarisbrick of the pro-life charity Life, told BBC News Online: ‘This is not a surprising decision. But it is a disgusting one. It is morally bankrupt. It’s a disgraceful situation that a child of that stage, who is perfectly viable, is not given the right to life.'”

Biblical Truth and Worldly Persecution

World Net Daily reported last week that “A Swedish court has sentenced Ake Green, a pastor belonging to the Pentecostal movement, to a month in prison, under a law against incitement, after he was found guilty of having offended homosexuals in a sermon, according to Ecumenical News International. Green had described homosexuality as ‘abnormal, a horrible cancerous tumor in the body of society’ in a 2003 sermon. Soren Andersson, the president of the Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender rights, said on hearing Green’s jail sentence that religious freedom could never be used as a reason to offend people. ” We wonder whether the Swedish Court, bowing to pressures from homosexuals, would have sentenced the apostle Paul to prison as well (compare Romans 1:20-32)?

The Vatican and the American Catholic Bishops

NewsMax.com reported on July 7, 2004 about a private memorandum from Cardinal Ratzinger, telling American bishops that Communion must be denied to Catholic politicians who support legal abortion. The article continued: “While never mentioning Sen. John Kerry by name, the memo implicitly aims at the pro-choice Catholic Massachusetts senator and presidential candidate. Ratzinger’s ban is broad and includes all other pro-abortion Catholic politicians who are defying the church’s ban on abortion. According the Culture of Life Foundation, which obtained a copy of the confidential document, the Cardinal began by stressing the serious nature of receiving Communion and the need for each person to make ‘a conscious decision’ regarding their worthiness based on ‘the Church’s objective criteria.’ But the Cardinal adds that it is not only the responsibility of the pro-abortion politicians such as Kerry to make a judgment about their worthiness to receive Communion. It is also up to those distributing Communion to deny the sacrament to those in conflict with the Church’s prohibition of abortion and the duty of office holders to oppose the procedure.”

In an interview on the Larry King Live Show which was broadcast last week, Senator Kerry explained that he has been receiving communion from Catholic Bishops — it, therefore, seems that Cardinal Ratzinger’s memorandum is presently being ignored by most American Catholic Bishops.

The article continued that Ratzinger’s “document also address the issues of the death penalty and war, contrasting these issues… with abortion. ‘Not all moral issues have the same moral weight as abortion and euthanasia … There may be a legitimate diversity of opinion even among Catholics about waging war and applying the death penalty, but not however with regard to abortion and euthanasia,’ Ratzinger wrote.”

We would like to say that there cannot and MUST NOT be “legitimate diversity of opinion” among TRUE Christians about waging war. God condemns the wars of this world that are being fought by humans. The Biblical teaching on this issue is abundantly clear.

You are correct that Christ is indeed referred to as the “firstborn from the dead.” Our free booklet, “Are You Already Born Again?“, explains on pages 7 and 8:

“Christ… became born again when He was resurrected to Spirit. It was at that time that He became the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:29 tells us that we are to be ‘conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.’ We also read in Colossians 1:15, 18: ‘He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation… And He is… the beginning, the firstborn from the dead.’

“Christ was the first human who became born again as a Spirit being. The Greek word for ‘firstborn,’ ‘prototokos,’ designates the person who is born first. It can refer to the firstborn Son of the spiritual Family of God, and it can also refer to the firstborn son in a physical family. We read, for example, in Hebrews 11:28 that Moses kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood by faith, ‘lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.’ Christ was also, quite literally, Mary’s firstborn Son (Compare Matthew 1:25; Luke 2:7. The Greek word, ‘prototokos,’ used here does not mean ‘only’ or ‘only begotten’ son. That concept is conveyed by the Greek word ‘monogenes’…). Since Christ was Mary’s firstborn Son, it goes without saying that Christ as a human being had younger brothers. In fact, He also had sisters (compare Matthew 13:53-58).

“The same Greek word, ‘prototokos,’ is also used in Revelation 1:5. The New King James Bible translates the entire passage quite accurately in this way: ‘…and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.’ (The Authorized Version’s rendition, ‘first begotten of the dead,’ is clearly wrong. The context here is the resurrection from the dead. The Ryrie Study Bible comments that ‘Christ was the first [man] to receive a resurrection [glorified] body which is immortal.’).”

On the other hand, the Bible includes numerous examples, prior to Christ’s death and resurrection, of dead people coming to life again. 2 Kings 13:21 relates the record of a dead person who “revived and stood on his feet,” when the bones of Elisha touched him. Also, John 11:38-44 records the story of the resurrection of the dead Lazarus. We also read, in Luke 8:49-56, that Christ brought a dead girl back to life. In all these cases, however, we must realize that these were resurrections to temporary physical lives — not to eternal, immortal life. In the case of the young girl, we read that Christ commanded the parents “that she be given something to eat” (verse 55) — indicating that this was a resurrection to physical life, as immortal beings have no need to eat physical food.

When we carefully analyze the nature of the resurrection of the saints, described in Matthew 27:52, based on the testimony of the entirety of God’s Holy Word, we must conclude that these were likewise resurrections to physical life, not to eternal life. Please note the following excerpts from our free booklet, “Are You Already Born Again?“, page 25:

“The Christians who died in the faith, and whose spirits returned to God at the time of their death (Ecclesiastes 12:7), are registered in heaven (Luke 10:20). They have not been resurrected from the dead, so they are not yet firstborn — but they are first begotten — the firstfruits (compare James 1:18). They were called out of this world ‘first’ (Ephesians 1:11-14) and they received the Holy Spirit, and it will be they who are going to be in the FIRST resurrection (Revelation 20:5; 1 Corinthians 15:23-24). Christ is the first of the firstfruits (Acts 26:23; 1 Corinthians 15:20). He is, up until now, the ONLY firstborn, the only one who has been born again from the dead. Those called by God WILL BECOME firstborn as well. They will be in the first resurrection, born again first, when comparing them with the rest of the vast majority of mankind who will be called to salvation later (always excluding Jesus Christ, of course, who was the very FIRST of all the subsequent firstborn). (For more information regarding those who will be called later, please read our free booklet, ‘God’s Commanded Holy Days.’).”

Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-16 that “we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 15:52 that they will rise “incorruptible.” Hebrews 11:39-40 tells us that none of those who have fallen asleep have received the “promise” of eternal life, “that they should not be made perfect apart from us.”

Christ, then, is the firstborn from the dead in that He is the first human being who became born again as a SPIRIT BEING. He was the FIRST who was resurrected to eternal life. Others — those in Christ — will be resurrected as SPIRIT BEINGS — to eternal life — at the time of His Second Coming. In addition, Christ is called the Judge of the living and of the dead. After His death and resurrection, it was guaranteed that dead persons would be brought back to physical life in the future to BE JUDGED. The Bible refers to this time period, which will begin after the Millennium, as the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-12). The vast majority of mankind, never having heard about or accepted the Sacrifice of Christ in their lives, will be brought back to physical life to be “judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books” (verse 12). This “judgment” is quite different, however, than what most people think. For more information, please read our free booklet, “God’s Commanded Holy Days.”

All resurrections to physical life prior to the Second Resurrection which is called the “Great White Throne Judgment” period, did not occur for the purpose of the “judgment,” described in Revelation 20. Rather, because of God’s great mercy, people received their physical lives back for a short while, but then they later died and are in the grave, waiting for the resurrection to eternal life, or to be judged in the “Great White Throne Judgment” period.

The resurrected saints in Matthew 27:52-53 are no exception. They came out of the graves “after His resurrection” (verse 53), and they appeared to many in the holy city, apparently to confirm the fact that God DOES resurrect the dead. Nothing more is reported about those saints — but we know that they did die, in due time, to await the resurrection to eternal life. Otherwise, they WOULD HAVE preceded the rest of the saints who will be made perfect and receive eternal life at the time of Christ’s return.

The Nelson Study Bible points out: “Because the Lord Jesus is the firstborn from the dead… and the firstfruits of those who are asleep…, these people could not have received their resurrection bodies. They probably were raised, as Lazarus was, to ordinary physical life. The fact that the people who were raised appeared to many in the holy city implies that they had been contemporaries of the people who saw them.”

Christ is indeed the firstborn from the dead, and the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. To learn more about how you can become part of the FIRST resurrection — the “better” resurrection to eternal life (Hebrews 11:35) — please read our free booklets, “Gospel of the Kingdom of God,” “And Lawlessness Will Abound…,” and “Baptism – A Requirement for Salvation?“

A new member letter was written by Norbert Link and sent out this week. In the letter, Mr. Link discusses the important question, amongst other things, how Christians, belonging to one organization, should view Christians — members of the body of Christ — in other corporate entitities. A copy of the letter can be found at: http://www.eternalgod.org/lit/letters/brethren-20040713.pdf

We received this note from Rene Messier: “I am very pleased to announce that today we have picked up from the printer the FIRST booklet printed in French, ‘God is a Family.’ The booklet looks great. This is a milestone for the work that we are engaged in in Canada, and we will be sending copies to brethren in Africa and Quebec. This booklet could not have been produced without the dedication and efforts of Kathryn Meyers from California, USA, and Isabelle Leveau from Quebec, Canada, both in regard to translating and proof reading. We are grateful for their
efforts in the translation of the booklets, as well as member letters and other material from the Updates. We are constantly adding more French articles and booklets to our Websites. So far, we have two booklets posted, with a third one on Christmas to be posted soon. We are presently working on the French version of the Born Again booklet. Hopefully, as finances avail themselves, we will be able to produce another printed booklet in French.”

We have also placed several new articles on our German Websites, in addition to our two German booklets on Germany in Prophecy and Evolution.