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Dear Brethren and Friends,

Having celebrated the annual Fall Holy Days, including the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day, we find ourselves back in this dark world which is ruled by Satan and his demons. Terrible shattering news reached us already during the Last Great Day when murderous Hamas terrorists inflicted unspeakable harm and evil on many innocent people. 

While we focused on the wonderful world tomorrow during our Feast celebrations, when God will rule this earth for the very first time since Adam and Eve, we were shocked by the brutality of demonically inspired and possessed deceived Islamists whose expressed goal it is to wipe Israel off the map and to kill all Jews. Satan has been trying to do this time and again in the past, but he was and will be unsuccessful, because God’s plan requires the existence and survival of the Jewish people (Our free booklet, “The Fall and Rise of the Jewish People,” makes this very clear).

While in Germany, I could observe the miserable state the country is in, which in many ways mirrors the situation in the USA. In both countries, governmental leaders do not seem to know what they are doing. Creating one crisis after another, the respective “leadership” has lost popularity, and in Germany, they would not be reelected at this point. It does not appear that Joe Biden would be reelected either, if he runs again for the Presidency. 

We know that the biblically prophesied beast will arise soon in Europe. He will be of German or Austrian descent, and in all probability, he will rise in Germany. But there does not seem to be a person on the horizon who clearly fulfills the characteristics of the beast. Some have speculated that Austria’s former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz could be the one, but this does not appear to be the case. Kurz is presently in legal trouble, and it will remain to be seen whether he will even survive those challenges. Others predicted, at times quite dogmatically, that Germany’s former Minister of Defense, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, would be the beast, but he resigned in disgrace over the plagiarism of his doctrinal dissertation, faces a divorce and seems to have suffered, on and off, from depression. Their political agenda was quite contrary to what to expect from the ideas of the beast, and both have declared that they will not again get involved in politics. Of course, we realize that times can change, but for now, that is the state of affairs.

Neither in Austria nor in Germany do we presently see the manifestation of THE candidate who would clearly identify as the beast. The Bible gives us numerous characteristics to look for in that man and neither seem to apply to Kurz or Guttenberg. Decades ago, many in the Church felt that Germany’s Franz-Josef Strauss could have been the man, and later, that Austria’s Chancellor Joerg Haider might have been the one, but both died. It seems that every time, one is fixated on “determining” who the beast is/will be, one finds him- or herself on an erroneous pathway. 

The same is true when one tries to determine the exact date of Christ’s return. All have been wrong in the past, and all will be wrong in the future. Christ said that even He does not know the day and the hour (Mark 13:32), and that He will come at a time when we don’t expect it (Matthew 24:44).

Regarding the beast, we are told that only the elect will be able to recognize him—those who have been written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the earth (Revelation 13:8, 18; 17:8). All those “out there” who tell us that they have figured out the name of the end-time beast and his number and that they know who he is are and must be wrong, since they did not receive God’s wisdom and understanding to make that determination.

Having said all of this, we must not forget the fact that the time for the establishment of the Kingdom of God here on earth is getting closer. Christ said when the true gospel of the Kingdom of God is being preached in all the world as a witness to all nations, then the end will come (Matthew 24:14). This sign is being fulfilled today in front of your very eyes. We also know from biblical prophecy that the end will come when the tenth and last revival of the ancient Roman Empire has been established in Europe—and observing the times, this event is being carefully staged on the world scene. Germany will arise out of their present disastrous condition under a changed “right” leadership (Please read our new free booklet, “The Rise and Fall of Germany and Europe”). 

Under German leadership, Europe will act with hostility towards the USA and the UK. It will also continue to act with hostility towards Israel, in collaboration with many Arab nations, such as Saudi-Arabia, Jordan, Iraq and Turkey, as well as the Palestinians and Islamist terrorist groups under Iran’s leadership (compare Psalm 83:1-8). Antisemitism has never died in Europe, and right now, it is raising its ugly head once again, and in a demonic twist, many support Hamas and the Palestinians against Israel. In spite of or perhaps because of the present turmoil in the Middle East, a third temple will be built in Jerusalem, and preparations are in high gear to bring this event about. America and the United Kingdom have lost their former glory, and their continuing downfall is irreversible, and only those who are blind cannot see this. The war between Russia and Ukraine will lead to a collaboration between these two powers, together with China, North Korea and other Far Eastern countries—all in opposition to Europe. And it appears that Taiwan will fall into China’s hands.

Many more prophetic events are coming to fruition, as we speak. 

When we see all these things, how much more diligence do we have to show to make our calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10; compare also 2 Peter 3:11)! This is not the time to give up and fall away and go back into the world from which we were freed (2 Peter 2:20). This is the time to look with great anticipation to our unique and incredible future (Please read our new free booklet, “God Is… Our Destiny”).

Let’s be and stay strong, brethren. Times are tough and will get tougher, because Satan, the god and ruler of this world, wants nothing more than to destroy mankind and especially God’s people. But GOD is stronger than Satan. Nothing will overtake us without God’s knowledge, and HE will show us THE sometimes unexpected and surprising way of escape in times of trouble (1 Corinthians 10:13). And we have this promise in Romans 16:20: “… the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.”

With Christian love,

Norbert Link

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Dear Brethren and Friends,

The world of the year 2023 does not offer us much hope for the future. News reports appear to be only harbingers of even worse things to come. From wars, natural disasters, societal breakdown and countless other issues, individuals and nations are being confronted with problems for which there seems no way out.

But there is a solution, and God will soon intervene to bring peace by establishing His government over the earth. This will be done through the return of Jesus Christ, and that is the great hope the Church of God is proclaiming as is noted in Matthew 24, verse 14: “‘And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.’”

But even more, Christians are living as members and representatives of that coming government NOW:

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself” (Philippians 3:20-21).

We must be mindful of what Jesus said of His disciples, and that includes all whom God has called, who have repented, been baptized and have received the Holy Spirit—both then and now:

“‘I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world’” (John 17:14-18).

We, as Jesus did, are to live in this world, but we are doing so with the extra help that comes from the Father and Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. Jesus said of Himself:  

“‘And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him’” (John 8:29).

Likewise, the Apostle Paul taught:

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). 

We have entered the season of the Fall Holy Days—a time set apart by the commandment of God (compare Leviticus 23). Observing these holy convocations with true understanding is only being done by faithful Christians. The people of the world are not aware of, or not concerned with, obedience to any of the biblical instructions from God, including the Holy Days.

While we may seem like an oddity among the societies in which we live, we are not to God! Note this promise from God:

“Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, And the LORD listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the LORD And who meditate on His name. ‘They shall be Mine,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them As a man spares his own son who serves him.’ Then you shall again discern Between the righteous and the wicked, Between one who serves God And one who does not serve Him” (Malachi 3:16-18).

Keep in mind the warning we have been given concerning this age and the generation in which we live, called “Babylon the great” (Revelation 18:2):

“And I heard another voice from heaven saying, ‘Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues’” (Revelation 18:4).

Our keeping of the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day represents our commitment to God that we are coming out of Satan’s deceived world. 

Furthermore, we know that God will inspire and strengthen us during these times. He wants us to rejoice in both the knowledge and the abundant blessings we can receive by obeying Him.

As we assemble together to appear before God, let’s express our thankfulness for being among the firstfruits of salvation. We have been called to become a part of the new government of God on earth and to accompany Jesus Christ when He brings peace to the world.

In Christ’s Service,

Dave Harris

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Dear Brethren and Friends, 

With summer here and with the children out of school, there is an increase in activity. For those who have gardens, they have to be maintained and most of us have lawns to cut because of the increased growth, due to the warm weather. Some have to deal with the planning of activities for the children this summer. With all the increased activities, it is easy to get so caught up in all of this that we begin to neglect one of the tools for maintaining a right relationship with God, and that is fasting. 

As unpleasant as it may seem, it is a crucial element to maintaining a close relationship with God, and it also helps in getting closer to God. Notice the admonition in Matthew 6:16: “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”

This is not an excuse not to fast, nor is it a recommendation or suggestion to fast, but it is an admonition. It does not say, IF you fast, but it says, WHEN you fast. There are only two individuals specifically recorded in the Bible who fasted for forty days and forty nights, without eating or drinking anything, and these are Moses and Christ.

When considering Elijah, he received twice nourishment from the angel of the LORD. Then, in
1 Kings 19:8, we read: “So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God.” Technically, it does not say that Elijah fasted 40 days and 40 nights, even though most commentaries conclude that he did not eat and drink during that time. But some have a different point of view.

For instance, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible writes: “The old commentators generally understood this to mean that Elijah had no other food at all, and compared this long fast with that of Moses and that of our Lord. But the words do not exclude the notion of the prophet’s having obtained such nourishment from roots and fruits as the desert offers to a wanderer, though these alone would not have sustained him.”

Exodus 34:28 speaks about Moses: “So he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread nor drank water. And He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments.”

Matthew 4:2 speaks about Christ: “And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.”

To fast that long is not recommended today, since it could very well be fatal. Without food or water, you can normally survive about a week. With water, you normally could survive for one to two months; so this shows how heathy and strong both were, but in all probability, that they received supernatural strength from God to survive such a long and unusual fast. In case of Elijah, we can see clearly, in any event, God’s supernatural intervention.

Other than at the beginning of His ministry and on the Day of Atonement, which was a requirement of the law, there is no record of Christ fasting more often than that, which is not to say that He did not; only, that it has not been recorded.  

The disciples of John the Baptist fasted, and they were somewhat critical of Christ’s disciples for not fasting enough in their view. We read in Matthew 9:14: “Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, ‘Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?’”

Here is Christ’s response, in Matthew 9:15: “And Jesus said to them, ‘Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.”

They were in His presence all the time, but they would fast after His death.

Fasting is probably the tool we could use more frequently. We have examples in the Bible of people fasting often—some for the wrong motive of being seen by men, and others for the right purpose of drawing close to God. 

When and how often we should fast, other than on the required fast on the Day of Atonement, is not mentioned in the Bible, but in order to maintain a close relationship with God, it should be more than once a year. (We understand of course that young children or people with health issues should not be required to fast. God will see to it that they can and will have a close relationship with Him by other means.)

In general, through fasting, we can maintain a healthy relationship with God and move forward in our responsibility to grow in grace and knowledge, looking forward to receiving the greatest gift ever offered to man, and that is to become God beings as His sons and daughters. Reading our recent booklet God Is Our Destiny will reinforce that reality for us. 

This gift of becoming a God being in the Family of God was not offered to angels or to animals, and thus it should motivate us to continue in our task of finishing the Work given to us of preaching this gospel to the world as a witness, which includes warning the nations, so that Christ can return and end the madness that we witness under the direction and influence of Satan, the god of this world.

His return cannot happen soon enough, so let’s hang in there, continuing to do the Work because Christ’s return does not appear to be too far away.

In Christian Love 

Rene Messier (Canada)

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Dear Brethren and Friends, 

Last month, on the 6th May 2023, King Charles the Third was crowned in Westminster Abbey in London as King of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland and the 14 other Commonwealth realms. His mother, Queen Elizabeth the Second, was coronated on 2nd June 1953, some 70 years ago and so it was an elaborate and archaic ritual not seen in Britain since 1953.

In his first spoken part of the ceremony, Charles said that he had come to “serve, not to be served” and to follow the example of the “King of kings.”

The religious service was carried out by the Archbishop of Canterbury and other senior figures in the Church of England. At the climax of the ceremony, the Archbishop placed St Edward’s Crown on Charles’s head—a solid gold crown, dating from 1661. This is the centrepiece of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, and is only worn by the monarch at the moment of coronation itself (not least because it weighs a hefty 2.23kg—almost 5lbs). Unlike royal weddings, the coronation is a state occasion—the government pays for it, and ultimately decides the guest list.

For the past 900 years the coronation has been held in Westminster Abbey—William the Conqueror was the first monarch to be crowned there, and Charles was the 40th.

Among the historic items used was the Stone of Destiny. The stone, also known as the Stone of Scone, was transported from its usual home in Edinburgh Castle to London at the end of last month. We discussed the Stone of Scone in detail in several Q&As and also in our Current Events. 

The Gold State Coach, which is covered in gold leaf and carved decorations, was first used by King George III to travel to the State Opening of Parliament in 1762. 

The sheer logistics in preparation for and leading to the coronation service had to be admired. After the coronation service, the BBC reported that “At the head of the procession—about a mile in front—was Brigade Major Lieutenant Colonel James Shaw riding Sovereign’s Shadow. He led more than 4,000 members of the armed forces from the UK and across the Commonwealth, 19 bands and flag-bearers, formed into eight groups. It was the largest procession in the UK for 70 years.”

As members of the true Church of God, we realise and understand that there were a number of elements of the service that were plainly unbiblical, including some taking the eucharist which is a counterfeit of the Passover service. Praying to the Trinity, and references to the cross and other matters were made which were not in accordance with true Biblical understanding. In fact, the entire service appeared to be Catholic to the core and it was not the kind of service which would have been pleasing to God. 

Nevertheless, all of this pageantry might have been impressive to many; especially to those who are not members of the Church of God. However, there is a future event that will dwarf all of what transpired at this coronation.

Those in the Church have long been looking forward to the return of Jesus Christ to this earth when the havoc, chaos and confusion that is reflected in society worldwide today, will be eliminated. From all the current signs that there are in the world, we surely cannot be far from the time of the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord, spanning 3½ years of calamity and destruction which will pre-date Christ’s return. (In this regard, please ask for our new free booklet, titled, “The Rise and Fall of Germany and Europe.”). We see prophecy coming to pass in the world before our eyes and Daniel 12:1 is very specific about the time just ahead of us: “At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book.”

However, there are warnings for us. We are admonished in 2 Peter 3:3–4 as follows: “…knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.’” We are not to fall asleep spiritually at this critical time but to put on the whole armor of God (see Ephesians 6) and “above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one” (verse 16). We must stand strong!

Without question, Satan will be pursuing the begotten members of the God Family as we read in 1 Peter 5:8: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

We are to look forward to Christ’s return and to Him setting up the Government of God on the earth which is a time that we will be involved with. We read about this in 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17: “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. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”

King Charles the Third said that he was to “serve, not to be served” and to follow the example of the “King of kings.” He will presumably do the best he can as a human being, but the arrival of Jesus Christ at His Second Coming will see Him serve in a godly way, not just for a few years, but for eternity, as indeed we will if we remain faithful to the end of our days (compare Matthew 24:13).

In this world of great uncertainty, and as it has become darker and more chaotic, we can be certain about the veracity of God’s Word which shows that better times are ahead for all of God’s people, and for all of humanity.

Let us all take heart, fully appreciate our calling, stay close to God and look forward to a much better world that is ahead of us. And when Jesus does return, we will be with Him to serve all of humanity.

With Christian love,

Brian Gale (United Kingdom)

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Dear Brethren and Friends,

Together in unity! This is one of the main themes we aim for during our annual Church conferences, especially when tackling certain doctrinal issues. It’s also a time when we focus on the goal of successfully doing the Work of God, continuing in our efforts in how we carry on the task of preaching the Gospel and feeding the flock. 

During the past few years, the agenda before each conference was a bit slim and quite limited as there weren’t many new topics to address (so it appeared), but that all seems to change in the weeks if not days prior to the beginning of the conference. There is always something to talk about, and making sure we are all on the same page when it comes to doctrinal issues is vital for the sanctity and unity of the Church. 

Summarizing this year’s conference of 2023, one such way in how we are involved in spreading the Gospel focused on our Google advertising campaigns and distribution of our booklets. We have had pretty good success advertising the Rise and Fall of the Jewish People booklet to English-speaking nations, which also led to having to do several reprints of this booklet. We have also advertised the German version of the Ten Commandments booklet in German-speaking areas. Other possible booklets for advertising, ad campaigns focusing on our weekly updates with news and current events, as well as the production of new booklets, are also in the planning. 

When it comes to the internet and our websites, a new theme on the English site had been created which makes the website more secure and is also more advantageous for mobile devices. We also began using additional video publishing sites like Rumble and have also created a Twitter site where we upload our StandingWatch programs in an attempt to get the word out. The German website is also in the works for improvement and plans for creating a Spanish site as well as a French site are in the making. 

The Feast sites for 2023 have been established for Loveland, Colorado, in the United States, and Kalkar, Germany. 

When it comes to doctrinal issues, we discussed the question of what the Bible says about the “called” and the “chosen.” Our booklet on Predestination goes into this very topic on pages 52-54. Calling and chosen are related concepts. Those who are with Christ are called and therefore chosen and faithful. We plan to have a Q&A on this matter which will go into more detail. 

We also addressed the difference between the physical and spiritual sin concept, realizing that the Bible doesn’t use those words in that way. If we do a physical act, for example by eating pork or smoking, knowing it’s wrong, it is a sin, whether physical or spiritual. There is no distinction between both.

We discussed using the expression of the Hebrew word YHWH or “LORD.” We have refrained from using these words, especially “LORD,” unless quoting from Scripture. Often times, it is an issue of translation and it is also a matter of what the word conveys. 

We discussed at length what it means to “add” or “delete” from Scripture. When quoting Scripture, if a Scripture needs explanation, that would not be considered adding or deleting because of false translations and by also clarifying the understanding of what the Scriptures mean. An example would be in Acts 16:31 when Paul is in prison saying, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Much more is involved to inherit salvation than just believing on Jesus, which has to be explained.

We also pointed out that it is wrong to speculate when the Bible doesn’t support it, especially if it is contradictory to Scripture. When it comes to prophetic speculation, we need to emphasize that it is such when the Bible isn’t clear on it. Examples of this would include how we get to the place of safety, and where and how exactly the Third Temple will be built, but the Bible gives evidence for the fact THAT some WILL BE at the place of safety, and that a Third Temple WILL BE built prior to Christ’s Return.

The questions of whether the Bible teaches unconditional forgiveness and if there can be forgiveness without repentance have been explained in a Q&A series by Norbert Link. The question of whether there is something like “unconditional love” is being explained by a new Q&A series by Norbert Link.

We also went into specific Scriptures like Numbers 12:8 which refers to Moses seeing the glorified “form of the LORD”, but not in His full glory. This also proves that God has form and shape in His glorified state.

We revisited the proper procedure when it comes to anointing and also, that it could apply to anxiety, especially before an operation, surgery or other potentially dangerous procedures. It was pointed out that God promises not to afflict us with sicknesses as He is our “LORD who heals” us (Exodus 15:26).

The proper procedure when suffering from a sickness, physical or otherwise, is to pray to God first, then ask for anointing, followed by a prayer request to the Church. 

As we can see from this year’s conference, there is always something to talk about, something that needs to be addressed and perhaps revisited if reasons allow for it. We have to have unity in the faith and understanding, based on the Bible, to make sure we are correct in what we are saying without contradiction. If something needs correction, we need to address that based on what we understand from the Bible. 

The Work continues and will not end as we can see from the fruits of our labors in getting the Gospel message out, along with the help from the members and contributors of the Church which does not go unnoticed. We pray that God will bless our continuous efforts and God bless you all for your continuous diligence.

We also wish all of you a very rewarding and profitable Feast of Pentecost, being reminded that all glory and honor go to God who has bestowed us with His Holy Spirit of power to do His Work without wavering.

In God’s service and with Christian love,

Michael Link

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Dear Members and Friends,

Today we live in a world that is subject to constant change. What was considered normal twenty years ago is very different from what is considered normal today. And the media is one very powerful method used to accept these changes as a normal part of life.

 Here in Australia, we have just experienced the WorldPride event being held in Sydney, including the Mardi Gras parade. They have been constantly on the news bulletins with many interviews of the participants being shown during prime TV viewing time. The object of the WorldPride event was for it to be thought of as an alternative but fully acceptable way of life. In fact, those who do not accept it are vigorously criticized.

The question for Christians is, how do we know what is right and what is true, and also importantly, what does God think of the goings-on we see all around us?

Looking at what is true, Truth is a subject that is mentioned over four hundred and fifty times in the Bible, in the Old Testament and in the New Testament, and its importance is revealed to us.

When Moses was up on the mountain for the second time, the LORD proclaimed His name and this name included “abounding in goodness and truth” (see Exodus 34:6). So God abounds in Truth; it is a part of His character.

There are so many statements referring Truth to God; especially in the Psalms. “All His work is done in truth” (see Psalm 33:4). His Truth is so great, we read, “For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens, And Your truth unto the clouds” (see Psalm 57:10) Also, “His truth endures to all generations” (see Psalms 100:5). Psalm 119:142 reveals that God’s Law is Truth, and Psalm 119:151 states that “…all Your commandments are truth.”

One of the statements made by Jesus Christ about Truth is in John 14:6 in response to a question by Thomas. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” We see that Jesus said “the truth”, not just truth. This is stated in all versions including the original Greek, showing us that Jesus defines what is Truth. He is the Truth and all that He does and says is Truth.

Getting back to the introduction, how do we know whether the changes in modern society are right or wrong? How do we know what God thinks of them? To know this, we need to compare them with the works of God which are done in Truth; the Law of God which is Truth; and the Commandments of God which are also Truth.

But we need to have more than just knowledge of the Truth; we must have a love for it, to hold onto it and never let it go. There is a warning in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11 about just knowing the Truth, but not loving it. “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason,” not having the love of the Truth, “God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie.” In this case, love is translated from the Greek word agape which is the love that God gives us through His Holy Spirit (see Romans 5:5).

This shows us how important it is to love the Truth so that when deception comes as it certainly will and is even currently present, whether moral as in the world, or religious deception, we will compare that deception with the Truth of God and be able to reject that deception. With only a knowledge of the Truth but not the love of it, it is easy to let go of it and go along with the world or the coming false religious leader and perish as a consequence.

When something is loved, it is held onto strongly. The more we love Truth, the more strongly we will hold onto it.

Interestingly, the very first item of the armor of God needed to fight against Satan and his demons is the girdle of Truth (see Ephesians 6:14). Not only that, but the apostle Paul instructed the Philippians to meditate on certain positive things, the first of these being whatever things are true (see Philippians 4:8).

Even the first warning Jesus gave on the Mount of Olives was not to be deceived especially by false christs and false prophets. In other words, hold onto the Truth so we recognize what things are deceptive and reject them.

We can also read what gave the last surviving apostle, John, his greatest joy. 3 John 4 states: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” His children were those he had taught God’s Way first-hand or through the ministry that he had raised.

While attending a previous congregation, many people outwardly had the Truth. They kept the Sabbath and the Holy Days, they abstained from unclean meats and they fully appeared to be a part of the congregation. They may have done this for decades. But when false teachings were introduced, many eagerly accepted those wrong teachings and straight away, went out to eat unclean meats, and stopped tithing, etc. They did not love the Truth and ultimately fell away from the Church.

Christ gave an admonition to His disciples in John 8:32: “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” That is, free from deception and ultimately free from the second death and to be in God’s Kingdom forever; provided, we love and live by the Truth—God’s Truth.

Remember what Christ said in His prayer in John 17:17: “Sanctify them by Your truth, Your Word is truth.” God’s Word, the Bible, is where we find the Truth so we can avoid the deception this world and Satan use to tempt and destroy us.

With much love and concern,

Your brother in Christ’s Service, 

Paul Niehoff (Australia)

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Dear Brethren,

Every day, we have to make judgments about whom and what to believe. Our news, governments, media, and general interactions with others have elements of fact and falsity mixed together, putting a veil over the actual truth. It is not a new problem for anyone, of course. Deception has been rampant in various shapes and forms for mankind since the time that Satan deceived Eve. The most significant difference for us is that our information sources are much more diverse. Even though our modern advancements in sharing information present different challenges, we can learn a lot from the biblical record of Eve’s deception. To be more specific, we can learn from Adam and Eve’s mistake in making a bad choice about whom to obey and what to believe, and apply that lesson in our lives today.

In their situation, both of them might have believed what they were doing was good. Satan’s manipulation influenced the judgment of Eve. He blatantly lied to her, leading her to believe that it was a good thing to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Her choice in believing Satan demonstrates a form of deception that is very direct and intentional. His motive was to tell her a lie and cause her to disobey the commandment from God. Adam’s situation is slightly different. The Bible only makes a brief comment about their interaction, “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate” (Genesis 3:6). At this point, Eve did not know that she had been deceived, so it is unlikely that she intentionally deceived Adam like Satan deceived her. Yet, Adam was not deceived (1 Timothy 2:14); still, he made a poor judgment in choosing whom to obey. Eve might have sincerely believed her offer to Adam was generous and safe, but Adam was too weak to resist Eve. Instead, he followed Eve’s bad example, although he knew better.

When we consume information, it can be very hard to know whether to believe it or not because it might come from a source that tells us what we want to hear. The information that appeals to our carnal nature will be the most tempting to believe. For example, if we hear good things about ourselves that are consistent with how we see ourselves, we will tend to believe them even if those things might not be true. If we hear news reports that appeal to our worldview, we will be more apt to believe them. The contrary is also true. We will resist believing things that are inconsistent with our view of ourselves and the world we live in. The problem is that we might be victims of passive manipulation like Adam was. Well-meaning sincere people will feed us information, which might not be true, leading us to fall into a trap of believing a lie.

We have an endless stream of information to consume, which invariably mixes the Truth and the lie. Knowing that we are doomed to make eventual mistakes in our fallible, human judgment about what to believe, what can we do about it? To effectively fight against deception, we have to acknowledge who the enemy is. It is too easy to blame the sources of information that we can see with our own eyes and hear with our own ears. Politicians, biased media sources, corporations, and individuals might be the ones sending messages to us with the intention of influencing our beliefs. But they are not, or might not be, inherently the enemy of Truth. Satan is. They are merely pawns in the war for our allegiance. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). Therefore, to protect ourselves from being deceived we have to begin by forfeiting the attempt to learn the Truth with worldly methods. Since our battle is spiritual, we have to use spiritual weapons.

We live in a world that is corrupt, and there is nothing we can do to fix it. When Jesus prayed to God in the garden at Gethsemane, He expressed the tenuous situation in which He left His disciples, and us by extension (compare John 17:14-15). He didn’t pray to remove us from the spiritual dangers of the world, but rather, to protect us from the deceptive ways of Satan – the ruler of this world (compare Ephesians 6:12, Revelation 12:9). Through Satan’s influence, the world that we live in threatens to eliminate us and prevent us from receiving the spiritual gift God promises us. If we allow ourselves to be pulled away from our spiritual focus and choose instead to subscribe to the ideologies that appeal to our carnal nature, we will inevitably fall away from God.

To fight against deception in this world on its own terms is futile. We cannot win by playing the game for our eternal lives by the rules set by the world. The source of deception is Satan, whose sole purpose is to influence us to turn away from God. When we fight with worldly means, we will fall victim to Satan’s deception. Aligning ourselves with political parties and adopting the ideas of public figures who espouse their own morality by the reasoning of man will augur us deeper into the world. Even if these things sound good and right to us, we must beware. Our instruction is to separate ourselves from the systems of the world (compare Revelation 18:4). We have a better, even perfect, set of spiritual rules by which we lead our lives.

If we want to succeed in our fight against the deception of Satan in this world, living by the perfect commandments of God that lead us to the Truth, we must remain accountable individually. We have to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (compare Philippians 2:12). We do this by developing and nurturing our sincere LOVE for the Truth. If we do not have that love, we are doomed to be led away to believe the unrighteous lie that seems to be pleasant (compare 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12). With our love for the Truth and desire to live by it, we equip ourselves with our best defense against the wiles of Satan. When we love the Truth, we draw near to God who is the source of it. In doing this, Satan loses his ability to pull us away and retreats (compare James 4:7-8). Through Satan’s influence, the world will broadcast all kinds of information designed to distract us from what really matters. But when we keep our minds set on spiritual things, being directed by God, we are not led astray.

We should consider ourselves to be very, very fortunate if God has opened our minds to understand the Truth. By that Truth, we are set apart from the rest of the world for the purpose of salvation (compare John 17:16-19). By that Truth, we learn how to live in a superior way. “Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day” (Psalm 25:4-5). The only way that we can win the battle against the deception of the world is by looking to God for the Truth. Man will attempt to compel us to believe that there is a better way to follow, devised by him. But if that way leads us away from God in any way, we cannot trust it. The measure of Truth is not found by the methods of man, but in adherence with God’s commandments.

The Church of the Eternal God and its international affiliates have a mission to faithfully and fully uphold the Truth of God. We are accountable to you as brethren, to Jesus Christ as our High Priest, and to God the Father, the Almighty. If we were to take this assignment lightly, we would experience dire consequences. For that reason, we are committed to doing our very best so that you are well-equipped to understand the Truth and to live by it. Your support through prayer, words of encouragement, tithes, and offerings keep this Work going. For whatever you may have offered this Church as a personal sacrifice—great or small—we thank you. The Work of upholding the Truth requires the kind of team effort where we all contribute with the means we are blessed with. As we stand together against the ways of this world, we can take solace that we have a source of Truth that we can trust, and that we have a future that will be free of deception.

In Christ’s Service,

Eric Rank

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Dear Brethren and Friends,

We find constant reminders that as true Christians, the very elect of God, we are living by different standards than other people in the world.

Having just experienced a deluge of “merry Christmas” and “happy New Year” greetings, along with the endless commercialism of these recent holidays, we will soon have to contend with even more. Valentine’s Day and Easter will dominate the societies in which we live, and obedience to the God of the Bible will not even be considered!

As mature Christians, we know the Truth, that all of these false practices are inspired by Satan. We know that God forbids our participating in such worldly traditions, and we are warned, that even among us, there will be those who reject God’s Truth in this regard—even turning back to embrace what they had formerly proven to be false worship:

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron…” (1 Timothy 4:1-2).

How can this happen?

It is because Satan is able to devour people through his deceitful doctrines, and it is because those whom God has called do not resist Satan. Resisting Satan is built on the foundation of God’s Truth, and the key for us is to understand and prove the true doctrines of God; furthermore, we must “‘live… by every word of God’” (Matthew 4:4). This is how Jesus withstood the temptations of Satan (Matthew 4:1-11).

Like Jesus, we also live in and face the world of the ungodly. We must test the actions of society by this godly standard: “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20).

We will be persecuted when we don’t go along with those who live in rebellion against God, as we have been warned, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). But God tells us this:

“‘Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, You people in whose heart is My law: Do not fear the reproach of men, Nor be afraid of their insults’” (Isaiah 51:7).

The doctrines of the true Church of God are simply incompatible with those who practice lawlessness. It is becoming more difficult to openly preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God. Our opportunities on social media outlets are being throttled and censored. Brethren—especially in Europe—now face extreme penalties for taking their children out of school to observe God’s commanded Holy Days.

An all-powerful Satan-inspired religion is beginning to emerge in Europe, and it will dominate the world (Revelation 13:8). It will seek to enforce absolute worship from everyone.

We have been called out of this world to follow Jesus Christ and to keep the commandments of God. Great persecution will come upon the Church of God, and some will be more prepared than others, as Revelation 12:13-17, reveals. We also find that various elements of the scattered Church of God will not be prepared for what is coming, as the parable of the Ten Virgins relates in Matthew 25:1-13.

However, there is something we need to be doing right now if we truly believe the warnings from God:

“‘Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man’” (Luke 21:36).

Brethren, let none of us ever compromise with the true doctrines of God or ever turn our backs on His calling. Rather, let us keep the faith and grow stronger and stronger as we seek to please God!

In Christ’s Service,

Dave Harris

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Dear Friends and Co-Workers, 

As I think about this past year while we get ready to move into 2023, I wonder what we are moving towards. During this year, many of us have had significant trials and tests. We have faced them, overcome them, or are currently walking through that “valley of the shadow of death”

Our member letters are meant to be filled with encouragement. They are also written from a very personal point of view. As I am writing this letter, I am thinking about all the things that I have gone through this year and just how it has affected my growth, and then I also see that I need to become more diligent in certain regards or shore up other aspects. I think, we each can relate to the same way of thinking. But this requires us to do some deep introspection. 

Recently, we have been hearing many messages based on the power of God. I personally have found great strength in these messages. As true Christians, we are the “weak of the world”. Our job is so enormous and intense that we must realize that without God leading and directing us, our efforts would be useless. We are so weak that at times it can feel like we are being swallowed up by the things we are facing—be it health problems, family issues, or money concerns, just to name a few. 

The apostle Paul seems to capture this feeling perfectly in many of his letters to the churches. The commission and the opportunities to do the Work were important then—and they are important now. The persecutions and all the trials were meant to help the brethren to grow and to be able to become stronger—especially in faith and reliance on God.

In Philippians 2:13 (from the Amplified Bible), Paul iterates: “For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.” 

We should think about that deeply. The power of God is working in and with each of us. We are responsible for cultivating the use of this power in our lives. We are to be doing everything we can to grow accordingly. When we are not that diligent in this, then that may be the time when God creates opportunities and situations in our lives (like He did in the case of Job) where we have to walk that walk of faith! 

The 8th chapter of the letter to the Romans lays out in detail for us how we can accomplish using the power of God. When we read this chapter, we should be encouraged to try all the harder. This quote from verse 28 is something I remind myself of over and over: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.“ 

No matter what we face in this life, if we look at trials properly, we will begin to understand that they are for us! They are opportunities for us to look at our challenges that we face with a different perspective

It really depends on the attitude we choose to take! We can choose the mindset of a victim—believing that we are the poor innocent ones who have to deal with the undeserved problems that we face. We can blame circumstances, other people, Satan or any number of things. But this is not what God tells us! He tells us that everything that we face is meant to help us to grow, overcome or to change our mindsets! He is attempting to teach us to lean on Him more and more! 

In this world, there is no end of advice for self-mastery and how to change. Many times, the advice given is fruitless. The Truth is: It is we who must be willing to change. Change is painful! But we are to choose the pain we go through—the pain of regret or the pain of a trial that helps us to grow. There are many quotes on self-mastery, but one of my favorites is a Henry Ford quote: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.”

Romans 12:1-2 tells us about the real change which we must seek: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service (your duty to conduct yourself as a Christian). And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Whether we think that this life is meant for us (which it truly is) or whether we think that it’s just a pain to get through dictates for us how we behave. We must not discount the power and the strength that we can gain from God in being able to persevere! God tells the church members in the Book of Revelation that they must hold on to their crown! We who are of the Philadelphian remnant must hold on to the Truth. We cannot make the mistake of believing that this will not be tremendously difficult! We will be pressured on all sides—the wearing down of the saints is happening now! 

We must stay strong in our faith, brethren! We must stay close to God! We must do everything in our power to consistently seek after God in all things and at all times! God stands mighty and fights for those of us whom He considers to be His saints! 

With much love and Christian care, 

Kalon Mitchell