Dear Brethren and Friends,
Worry that borders on outright fear has entered into the lives of people who live in even the most prosperous nations of the earth! No longer are the bad things just happening to other people! The reality so little understood is that this world has come to the generation that will mark the end of life, as we know it! Governments are destined to fail; nations will cease to exist, or, at the very least, they will be decimated; and the earth itself is going to suffer such destruction that life of any kind will be tenuous and in mortal danger! How can such ominous things happen? Is this just doomsday thinking—lacking any real proof or certainty? If you have come to believe God, and if you believe the prophecies He has left for His people in His Word, then you KNOW that human governments under the influence of Satan will be brought to an end. Along with this, Jesus Christ warned of awesome events on a scale never before experienced by mankind. One key element beginning to emerge at this time is the rise of a powerful religion with global influence and might. This is something for us to recognize and watch. That emerging super-religion will be empowered by Satan and his demonic forces. Jesus Christ warned that in the end time, “‘…false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to DECEIVE, if possible, even the elect’”(Matthew 24:24). In Revelation 13 and in 2 Thessalonians 2, more details about the leader of that powerful religion reveal that he will use stupendous signs to deceive the whole world—forcing people into false worship and even killing those who refuse! Extraordinary devastation will soon fall upon the modern English-speaking descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh—the British Empire and the United States of America. In a prophecy written long ago in the Book of Jeremiah, God foretold that He would punish His nation for their sins unless they repented. The time setting is the unparalleled period that will usher in the promised Kingdom of God at the return of Jesus Christ. Note the wording: “‘“Alas! For that day is great, So that none is like it; And it is the time of Jacob’s trouble”’” (Jeremiah 30:7). We know that this is a warning that is especially directed to the United States and Britain—the nations who bear the name of Jacob (Compare Genesis 48:16).
In the midst of the beginning of these sorrows, we in the Church of God have been given the job of WARNING those who will listen—and even those who will come to reject and despise what we have to say. The commission to do this is, on the one hand, seemingly overwhelming. How can we have any impact—how can we do our part?
Our beginning point has been to embrace our calling and to set about to accomplish what God has given to us to do. Our small beginnings are bearing fruit—the Gospel message is going out into the entire world as a witness. The Internet provides the means for our work to reach into virtually any nation. Of course, even in this, we have barely begun, but the door is open to us!
In a recent StandingWatch program titled, “Food Shortage in the USA,” Norbert Link forcefully challenged viewers asking “why” rationing could even be possible in such a richly blessed nation as the United States. This and recent programs are beginning to evoke attention, with hundreds of viewers watching each program and on different providers. Consider that only a short time ago, our program appeared only on our own website, but it is now being featured on Google Video and YouTube—with more outlets being planned.
These recent programs have struck a nerve, because there is a growing concern among people about the frightening problems of our time. Two viewers’ comments were especially interesting, asking about Norbert Link, “Who is this guy???” The message shocked some. Why? Because they haven’t been hearing anyone really explain God’s warning in a way that will challenge them to begin to look soberly at the issues of our time. We need to fully recognize that all of us must give account for how well we have answered God’s calling and the responsibility and unique role given to God’s Church—which must be carried out in these very last days of man’s present civilization.
We must remain mindful of the possibilities before us. What value does God place on those whom He has called to become children of His in His Family and as brethren of Jesus Christ? Will we have a role in helping some escape the terrible horrors about to explode on this world? Will some listen and wake up before it is too late? In addition to zealously involving ourselves in the work of God, we also face the challenge left for us by Jesus Christ—a message especially directed to our time:
“‘But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 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 21:24-36).
Our watch begins by knowing what is happening right now! Prophecies are finding fulfillment, and we would be woefully mistaken to not carefully note world events in the light of Bible prophecy. We need God’s sense of compelling urgency in our lives, because He has left us powerful warnings and the gift of His Holy Spirit so that we can understand!
As we move into the future—together, as faithful brethren—the opportunity to do the Work of God is expanding. The growth of our three organizations in the USA, Canada and Great Britain has been small when viewed comparatively, but even in this, God shows us His perspective in Zechariah, saying, “‘For who has despised the day of small things?’” (4:10); and, adding this: “‘“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” Says the LORD of hosts’” (4:6).
Many today do not even know who and what God is; what His Holy Spirit is; and how to worship and serve God. The “Christian” world believes in the false concept of a closed Trinity and celebrates all the wrong days, while neglecting to observe God”s weekly and annual Holy Days. Even some in God’s Church have become confused and deceived in regard to the vital understanding as to who God is, and how to worship Him.
We are pleased to announce a new comprehensive publication, unique in its kind, which fully explains which days to observe, and which days to reject. It is titled, “Is That in the Bible?—Man’s Holidays and God’s Holy Days.” This booklet (the 27th), written by Evangelist Norbert Link, is being mailed to you along with this letter (except in the UK where it is mailed separately).
Take time to carefully read this publication, and open up your Bibles and really prove what you are learning! Also take advantage of the in-depth resources posted on our web pages, and use them to watch and be ready for the momentous closing chapter of this age, looking forward—always—to the glorious Kingdom of God that lies beyond this descending time of darkness and sorrow!
Our opportunity is exceeded only by the responsibility that accompanies it, and to that end, let me close with the words of Jesus Christ—our instructions for bringing hope in our time, the end of the age: “‘Let YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven’” (Matthew 5:16).
In Christ’s Service,
David J. Harris
