Benjamin Netanyahu told supporters that due to the “changed international reality,” he is the only one who will stand “against the entire world” in regard to the Iran question. In response, the USA warned Israel and others in the Middle East not to oppose US policies. Also, Germans are very unhappy with Angela Merkel and Health Minister Jens Spahn, and Der Spiegel Online asked for Spahn’s resignation. What could all of this mean in the light of biblical prophecy?
Baptized Members of the Church of God partake each year at Passover evening of the symbols of bread and wine, but they also participate in the footwashing ceremony. Why did Christ introduce the footwashing ceremony, and what does it mean for us today? How do we understand Christ’s statements in response to Peter’s initial refusal to accept Christ’s washing of his feet? And is there a relationship between the correct baptism, which only occurs once in a lifetime of a converted person, and the footwashing ceremony which is being observed annually?
by Norbert Link
We begin with reporting on efforts in Europe and elsewhere to create a covid passport and speak on Germans’ dissatisfaction with Angela Merkel’s performance regarding the coronavirus crisis.
We address America’s airstrike against Syria and the reaction of Republicans and Democrats, with Ron Paul calling it an impeachable offense; and we point out America’s reluctance to sanction Saudi Arabia’s crown prince over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, due to political expedience.
We warn of a coming hyperinflation; and we report on Donald Trump’s comeback.
We address the US Supreme Court’s final decision regarding indoor religious services in California; and speak on a proposed law in Denmark which would restrict religious liberties and freedoms.
We speak on the discussion pertaining to Europe with or without NATO; and Israel’s strong objection to an Iran deal propagated by Europe and the USA; as well as the refusal of the Palestinian Authority to grant Israel any access to the Al Aqsa Mosque, under any circumstances.
We report on Russia’s persecution of its dissidents; speak on Pope Francis’ comments regarding the Flood [please view in this regard our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Pope Warns of a Worldwide Flood”]; Pope emeritus Benedict’s concerns about Joe Biden; the late or missing US mail; the nonsense of gender neutrality regarding toys for boys and girls; and we report on the largest-ever cocaine bust in Europe.
Throughout this section, we have underlined pertinent statements in the quoted articles, for the convenience and quick overview of the reader.
compiled by Norbert Link
“Pope Warns of a Worldwide Flood” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
In referring to the “story of the great flood in the Bible,” Pope Francis said that “humanity is facing another ‘great deluge, perhaps due to a rise in temperature and the melting of glaciers.’” He continued that the “biblical flood which destroyed the world except for Noah… may have been a myth.”
What does the Bible say about Noah’s flood and the possibility of another deluge in our time?
Our new booklet, “Are Jews and Christians at Odds with Jesus Christ?” is nearing completion of our review team.
“Die Bedeutung der Fusswaschung am Passaabend” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “The Meaning of the Footwashing Ceremony at Passover.”
“Anpassung an Veränderungen” is this Sabbath’s new German sermonette, presented by Michael Link. Title in English: “Adapting to Change.”
“Wuensche und Erwartungen” is the German sermonette from last Sabbath, presented by Daniel Blasinger. Title in English: “Wishes and Expectations…”
“Adapting to Change” is the title of last Sabbath’s sermonette, presented by Michael Link. Here is a summary:
Times have changed and the way we live now is much different than it used to be one year ago. How are we to adapt to changes that man is trying to put into place without having to contradict God’s way of life?
“What God’s Church Needs to Do!–Comments on News and Prophecy” is the title of Norbert Link’s special message from last Sabbath. Here is a summary:
We are told to cry aloud and spare not. This includes, pointing at and proclaiming prophetic developments in the light of biblical prophecy. And we must do so boldly and with conviction. Some don’t do this at all; others want us to give a watered-down Laodicean-type message, where anything goes. But this is not what we must do.
Parallels With Ancient Israelites is the title of last Sabbath’s sermon, presented by Kalon Mitchell. Here is a summary:
We live in the 21st century! We are modern and sophisticated! And yet we find ourselves living in a time of great fear and cascading catastrophic tribulation that is growing worse. When we look at the Bible, can we see parallels, especially when we review Israel and what God did with them? How does what they went through parallel our time now?
In referring to the “story of the great flood in the Bible,” Pope Francis said that “humanity is facing another ‘great deluge, perhaps due to a rise in temperature and the melting of glaciers.’” He continued that the “biblical flood which destroyed the world except for Noah… may have been a myth.”
What does the Bible say about Noah’s flood and the possibility of another deluge in our time?
Download AudioWe are told to cry aloud and spare not. This includes, pointing at and proclaiming prophetic developments in the light of biblical prophecy. And we must do so boldly and with conviction. Some don’t do this at all; others want us to give a watered-down Laodicean-type message, where anything goes. But this is not what we must do.
by Norbert Link
We begin with examples of the mass media’s falsification of facts or of the suppression of alternate views; address issues pertaining to allegations of voter fraud or voter irregularities and the US Supreme Court’s refusal to hear any of those cases; and we point out the “civil war” in the GOP.
We report on President Biden’s speech at the Munich Security Conference and the mixed reaction of America’s European allies. In this context, please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Will the Relationship between the USA and Europe Improve?”
We also address Europe’s dream of a European army which is shared by most Europeans, and Israel‘s concern regarding the willingness of America and other powers to revive the Iran deal, as well as the bad relationship between Israel and America’s Democrats.
We speak on the concern of Palestinians regarding Israel’s alleged goal pertaining to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Third Temple.
We conclude with an article on China’s terrible concentration camps and a discussion as to whether the coronavirus vaccines are safe; as well as an attempt to destroy biblical values; Jens Spahn’s fight for survival; and ongoing travel restrictions and the concept of a vaccination passport for all travel.
Throughout this section, we have underlined pertinent statements in the quoted articles, for the convenience and quick overview of the reader.
Do we really understand how much and to what degree this world is being held captive by Satan and his demons? Could this also apply to any of us? (cp. 2 Timothy 2:24-26). Of course, Satan cannot do what God does not allow, but still, this is NOT God’s world. It is Satan’s world, and he has deceived and is deceiving the whole world (Revelation 12:9). We are asked to come out of this sinful Babylon of confusion (Revelation 18:4). While living in this world (John 17:18), we are not to be part of this world (John 17:14, 16). Satan is the ruler of mankind, and he gives power and authority to human leaders. In Luke 4:5-7, we read how Satan tried to tempt Christ, saying: “Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, ‘All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.’”
Christ did not dispute Satan’s claim. He knew it was true. He knew that Satan rules on his throne here on earth (Revelation 2:13). He also knew, of course, that Satan would be behind the ten revivals of the Roman Empire in Europe (Revelation 13:2, 4), and that he would give power and authority to the coming beast and the false prophet. But do we understand that this is not limited to those past, present and future developments and rulers in Europe? Satan has power over ALL the kingdoms of the world, and he gives his authority to WHOMEVER he wishes.
People are deceived, because Satan is pretending to be an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14)… not of darkness. They may believe that rulers under his guidance and direction want to do the best for the people… and some in authority might very well think that they do, but they don’t understand what is good and what is bad (Isaiah 5:20). While they say they want peace, their actions lead to war and misery; rather than saving lives, they help to destroy lives (Romans 3:10-18).
Satan wants all mankind to be eradicated and wiped off this planet. And he would be successful if it were not for Jesus Christ who will come back to this earth to make an end to this madness of human misrule at His return.
Satan’s main target, however, is the people of God. He knows that Christ’s true disciples will replace him and his rule when Christ returns, and so he has great wrath against God’s Church, knowing that his time is short (Revelation 12:12).
Satan’s modus operandi is not just to destroy and kill literally, but also, and perhaps even more importantly at this time, to destroy us spiritually. He uses teachers in all the world who are teaching our children the wrong things in school—from the godless evolution concept to the abominable ideas of abortion and war to the false concepts of sexual immorality, just to name a few. He will try to use his human rulers to prohibit the preaching of the gospel and to malign, accuse and persecute those who do. We are already seeing the beginning of these endeavors. Satan is a liar and a murderer, and we must not be ignorant of his evil devices.
Very importantly, Satan is the accuser of the brethren, accusing them day and night before God (Revelation 12:10). Some of his accusations might be their sinful conduct for which he was directly responsible. Satan influenced Peter to speak Satan’s words (Mark 8:31-33); and he influenced Judas to betray Christ (Luke 22:3; John 13:27). It is therefore critical that we repent of our sins when we become aware of them and confess them to God so that we can be cleansed (1 John 1:9), and so that Satan does not succeed (Revelation 12:11; Zechariah 3:1-5).
It is Satan’s goal to devour us (1. Peter 5:8). In order to accomplish this, he is using fiery darts (Ephesians 6:16); evil devices or schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11); craftiness or unscrupulous conduct (2 Corinthians 11:3); and wiles or thought-out tricks (Ephesians 6:11).
God warns us that we can easily fall for Satan, if we are not careful. He describes Satan in very descriptive ways:
Satan is identified as our adversary (1 Peter 5:8); the god of this age or of this present evil world (2 Corinthians 4:4) who is worshipped (Matthew 4:9; Revelation 13:4); the prince and ruler of the darkness of this world and age (John 12:31; 14:30; Ephesians 6:12); the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2); a murderer and a liar (John 8:44) who blinds the minds of unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:4); and Apollyon, meaning “the destroyer” (Revelation 9:11).
But we don’t have to be or become Satan’s victims, falling for his evil devices and becoming inadvertently his instruments (1 Timothy 5:15). It is very comforting to know that we can protect ourselves against Satan, when we are sober or self-controlled (1 Peter 5:8); when we are vigilant or watchful and on the alert (1 Peter 5:8); when we resist him (1 Peter 5:9; James 4:7) while submitting to and drawing near to God (James 4:7-8); when we put on God’s whole spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:11); accept and apply the “blood of the Lamb” or Christ’s Sacrifice to and for our sins (Revelation 12:11); when we believe God and His Word and live by it, while rejecting all lies (Revelation 12:11, 17); and when we give our lives to God (Revelation 12:11).
The good news is, God will crush Satan under our feet shortly (Romans 16:20), but in the meantime, as we have read, we must resist him now and draw near to God; and Satan will flee from us. Then, we can say victoriously with Jesus: “Satan has no power over me” (compare John 14:30, Revised Standard Version).
Some are hopeful that the relationship between the USA and the EU, which has not been that good, will get better substantially because of the new US Administration. Others are not so sure, or they even doubt it very much. Listen to many articles from national and international liberal and conservative sources to note what their take is on the matter.
Download Audioby Norbert Link
We address Trump’s acquittal in his “impeachment trial” and subsequent reactions from Trump, Republicans and Democrats; and point out the use of reckless rhetoric and the phenomenon of the new McCarthyism, which are only all too common nowadays in the USA. We speak on the terrible cold and the insane green energy politics and further developments regarding the strained relationship between the USA and Israel, as well as Europe. n this context, please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Can Israel Count on America’s Support?”
We report on Italy’s new Prime Minister, former European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi, and, in focusing on issues related in some way to the coronavirus pandemic, we speak on the problems New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and, to an extent, his younger brother, CNN moderator Chris Cuomo, are encountering; and we report Instagram’s latest atrocity in banning Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; as well as Parler’s return.
We address further nonsense regarding the use of the words “breast milk” and a new bill in the state of Victoria in Australia persecuting, in effect, Bible-believing Christians; and we point out an attempt by the UN to create a blacklist of those who oppose the LGBT agenda in any way.
Throughout this section, we have underlined pertinent statements in the quoted articles, for the convenience and quick overview of the reader.
