Update 967

April 3, 2021, is the last Day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread—see description below.

Live Sabbath services are available, over video and audio, at http://eternalgod.org/live-services/ (12:30 pm Pacific Time; 1:30 pm Mountain Time; 2:30 pm Central Time; 3:30 pm Eastern Time; 8:30 pm Greenwich Mean Time; 9:30 pm Central European Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

Saturday, April 3, is the Last Day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Morning services will begin at 9:00 am Pacific Time; afternoon services will begin at 2:00 pm Pacific Time.

“Discerning Salvation,” is the title of the morning sermonette, presented by Frank Bruno, and “Overcoming—It’s For Life!” is the title of the morning sermon, presented by Dave Harris.

The afternoon service Offertory, titled, “How Deep?” will be presented by Kalon Mitchell, and “What Happened Historically During the Days of Unleavened Bread?” the title of the afternoon sermon for the Last Day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, will be presented by Norbert Link.

We live in an age where truth is very difficult to find. In many cases it is considered to be relative depending on who is speaking and especially when politicians are involved. There is a reminder of this in John 18:38 when Pilate, who was well known to be very political, asked the question, probably sarcastically, “What is truth?” In actual fact, the truth was standing in front of him as Jesus Christ is the truth (John 14:6).

In some cases, for an educator even to state an obvious truth like the fact that some races generally perform better in education than others can risk that person losing their job. The fact that it may well be true does not matter. Even to agree with such a statement can be dangerous for one’s employment. And this is only one example; there are many others where it is safer to stay quiet than to reject an obvious untruth. In some countries, even quoting certain parts of the Bible is considered hate speech and can be punished by law. This is causing truth to be suppressed at times due to fear. And yet, God explains what He thinks about truth and lying in Proverbs 12:22: “Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.”

Justice also can be hard to find today and the outcome of trials can often depend on what kind of lawyers a defendant can afford. In some cases, the result of justice can depend on the color of a person’s skin. But when we read Leviticus 19:15, we find what God decrees about judgement: “You shall do no injustice in judgement. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbour.”

There are many examples today of the lack of truth and justice that we hear about constantly. But in God’s Word, Isaiah 59 is a chapter mostly on the evils of society. While it certainly applied to Isaiah’s time, the last few verses imply that it also applies to our time and to the near future. Verse 20 states: “‘The Redeemer will come to Zion, And to those who turn from transgression in Jacob,’ Says the LORD.”

Verse 4 of the same chapter states: “No one calls for justice, Nor does any plead for truth. They trust in empty words and speak lies; They conceive evil and bring forth iniquity.” God condemns them because they do not seek truth and justice.

Isaiah 59:14-15 repeats this theme forcefully: “Justice is turned back, And righteousness stands afar off; For truth is fallen in the street, And equity cannot enter. So truth fails, And he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. Then the LORD saw it, and it displeased Him That there was no justice.” Make himself a prey has the meaning of “a person that becomes the victim of an enemy.”

In Matthew’s Bible of 1537, “makes himself a prey” is rendered as “must be spoyled.” The verb spoyled or spoiled in this instance means to plunder, pillage or rob. In this day, for a person to not follow a crowd to do evil (Exodus 23:2), could be considered a reason for the crowd to do harm to that person. In fact, there is an expression, “Silence is violence,” which is used to criticize or harm those who do not verbally support the crowd doing evil.

The Koren version of 2015, a Jewish translation, renders it as “makes himself ridiculous.” In at least three commentaries, this expression is rendered “is counted mad.” Today it is considered by many that if a person relies on his religion to determine his actions, he is considered mad and he will be ridiculed. This can also be a very difficult trial for someone trying to obey God. To be constantly made fun of because of personal beliefs can be very wearying. It is little wonder that God is greatly displeased.

But we must remember that when we are persecuted or ridiculed for doing what is right, ours is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:10-12).

So, to conclude, we have already read that God delights in those who deal truthfully (Proverbs 12:22). He also instructs us in what He considers good, what He requires: “To do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). Going back to Isaiah 59:18, we read, “According to their deeds, accordingly He will repay, Fury to His adversaries, Recompense to His enemies; The coastlands He will fully repay.” So God will repay for the current lack of truth and justice.

So, to answer the question, what has happened to truth and justice? At the moment they can be quite difficult to find, but when God intervenes, they will be the standard way of life for the whole world. As we read in Deuteronomy 32:4, “He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.”

by Norbert Link

We begin with further reports on Israel’s election results and the consequences for the country as well as an alleged shocking agenda of the EU towards Israel; serious questions about Joe Biden’s health and his fitness for office; a dangerous “cooperation” deal between China and Iran; and the Suez Canal fiasco and what we must recognize in light of the incident.

We continue with deeply disturbing comments by Angela Merkel and Jens Spahn and other related developments in Germany and pose the question as to what scientific proof exists for the effectiveness of lockdowns, the wearing of masks and the ban on indoor dining. We also speak on vaccine passports programs and the ineffectiveness of today’s vaccines for coronavirus mutations.

We address the hypocritical censorship of “politically incorrect” news and opinions; and point out the difficulties for Jews in Europe; the attacks on religious freedom in the USA; false claims by Pope Francis [please view our new StandingWatch program “Was Christ’s Mother His First Disciple?”]; and a ridiculous Marxist program for teachers in Oregon.

Throughout this section, we have underlined pertinent statements in the quoted articles, for the convenience and quick overview of the reader.

Israel—More Deadlocked Than Ever?

The Times of Israel wrote on March 26:

“Forty-six hours after polling stations closed, Israel’s election results were finally announced Thursday night… Voter turnout was way down — from 71.5 percent a year ago to 67.2 percent… neither the pro- nor anti-Netanyahu alliances have a clear path to a majority…

“… the Israeli electorate was asked to contemplate the mindblowing possibility of Netanyahu… seeking to govern with the parliamentary backing of both Arabs and… anti-Arabs: He would have Ra’am on one flank, and, on the other, the far-right Religious Zionism party… These two beyond-implausible partners do have one thing in common, however: their anti-LGBT stance. So we were also looking at a coalition featuring two anti-LGBT parties and a senior minister who is gay — Netanyahu loyalist Amir Ohana…”

Israel Today wrote on March 25:

“Our fourth election in two years upon which we had placed so much hope failed to bring any clarity. Quite the opposite, the situation now seems to be even more deadlocked than it was after the previous elections.”

This does not sound very promising for Israel’s future.

“EU Agenda: Erase Israel from the Map.”

Israel 365 wrote on March 31:

“A recently released report exposed European Union funding of illegal ‘Palestinian’ construction in the sections of Judea and Samaria designated for Israeli control… the EU has spent approximately three billion Euros in the effort to exert illicit control over areas the Oslo Accords established as under Israeli control. These actions violate international law as well as circumvent any attempts at bilateral negotiations. According to the report, the EU is funneling $952,460 to the Palestinian Authority for new Arab construction in the Old City of Jerusalem and another $778 million for the development of areas around Hebron and Bethlehem. Another $500 million is slated for construction in the Arab city of Ramallah in Samaria…

“Betzalel Smotrich, a Member of Knesset and head of the Religious Zionist Party, warned that ‘this process is one of the most dramatic and dangerous that is currently taking place under our noses in the state of Israel. Very quickly the results will be irreversible… This trend is further exacerbated by the use of an Ottoman-era code based on Islamic law that grants land rights based on agricultural use, effectively allowing Arabs to grab land without any claim of legal ownership.

“Naomi Kahan, Director of the international division of Regavim, [said:] ‘The EU is working very hard to create a de facto ‘Palestinian’ state in total contravention of international law and the Oslo Accords. They don’t hide it and even make statements describing what they do. This goes beyond aid to the ‘Palestinians’. Their efforts are focused on completely erasing the map of Israel. The EU has even planned Arab towns where Israeli towns already exist… The EU is continuing the tradition established by the British when they used their mandate to pander to Arab interests and set up Jordan on land that had been designated for the Jewish state,’ she explained, noting the precedent. ‘They are calling for a return to pre-1967 when Judea and Samaria, which had been designated for Israel, were illegally occupied by Jordan for 19 years in an occupation that nobody except the British recognized…’”

The Bible shows that in these last days, a European power bloc will fight against Israel and invade and occupy the Promised Land.

Biden Not Fit for Office?

The Daily Mail wrote on March 27:

“Texas Republican Rep. Ronny Jackson, a former White House physician [with the rank of Rear Admiral], believes President Biden’s press conference performance Thursday raises questions about his fitness for office. The Texas congressman said Friday that Biden’s behavior at his first solo press conference ‘should concern every American who wants to know that their president is fit for duty and in control,’ Fox News reported. ‘The president of the United States was armed with a picture book of friendly reporters to call on and with what appeared to be prepared answers, but he still could barely make it through his first press conference,’ Jackson said.

“Biden’s first formal news conference came 65 days after he took office, far longer of a wait than many of his predecessors, and he answered reporters’ questions for a little over an hour. Among the notable developments were Biden’s announcements that he plans to seek reelection in 2024 with Vice President Harris as his running mate… ‘If President Biden cannot handle questions from his cheerleaders in the White House press corps, then it is concerning to think about how he represents the American people when speaking to foreign leaders,’ Jackson said.”

Speculations are ripe for evoking the 25^th Amendment of the US Constitution against Joe Biden. It says that if the President becomes unable to do his job, the Vice President becomes the President (Section 1) or Acting President (Sections 3 or 4). Unless the President resigns voluntarily, transfers his powers voluntarily to the Vice President or dies, the 25^th Amendment allows the Vice President, together with a “majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide”, to issue a written declaration that the President is unable to discharge his duties.

China and Iran Sign Cooperation Deal

The Algemeiner wrote on March 27:

“Foreign ministers from China and Iran, which are both subject to US sanctions, signed a landmark 25-year cooperation agreement on Saturday. ‘Relations between the two countries have now reached the level of strategic partnership and China seeks to comprehensively improve relations with Iran,’ China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi was quoted by Iran’s state media… ‘Our relations with Iran… will be permanent and strategic,’ Wang said…

“President Hassan Rouhani… voiced appreciation for Beijing’s support within Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers… China, Iran’s largest trading partner and a long-standing ally, agreed in 2016 to boost bilateral trade by more than 10 times to $600 billion over a decade.”

The Times of Israel wrote on March 27:

“The New York Times reported that China will invest some $400 billion in Iran in exchange for oil as part of the deal. The two countries will also step up military cooperation with joint training, research and intelligence sharing… The deal signed Saturday could undermine US leverage over Iran ahead of expected negotiations and lessen American influence in the Middle East.”

In an attack of Asiatic hordes on the Promised Land right after Christ’s return, China and Iran will be in military alliance.

The Suez Canal Fiasco… Massive Container Ship Ever Given Freed…

CNBC wrote on March 29:

“The Ever Given, the massive container ship that became wedged in the Suez Canal and cut off traffic in the vital waterway for almost a week, has been refloated, authorities said Monday… The Ever Given is one of the largest container ships in the world. The 220,000-ton vessel is able to carry 20,000 containers, and stretching more than 1,300 feet is almost as long as the Empire State Building is tall.

“The ship, which ran aground last Tuesday, created further disruptions in a global supply chain already straining under the ongoing impacts of Covid-19. Around 12% of global trade passes through the Suez Canal. Lloyd’s List estimates that more than $9 billion worth of goods passes through the 120-mile waterway each day, translating to around $400 million per hour.

“Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, the technical manager of the ship, said last week that the Ever Given ran aground due to heavy winds. Over the weekend Suez Canal Authority Chairman Osama Rabie said that human or technical error may have played a role in the ship deviating from its course.

“Expert salvage crews were called in to help with the refloat operation. More than 10 tugboats were on the scene, as well as specialized dredging equipment. More than 20,000 tons of sand and mud were removed during the dredging operation. High tide also contributed to Monday’s successful refloating… The ship’s refloating means traffic can resume in the Suez Canal… More than 350 vessels are currently waiting on either side of the canal… This includes container ships, bulk carriers and oil tankers. As the Ever Given remained lodged last week, some ship operators opted to re-route vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, adding more than a week of additional sailing time, while also increasing fuel costs [in fact, hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional fuel costs] …”

Greenwich Time had reported on March 26:

“…  [the] grounded container ship… has come to symbolize the perils of a global economy that relies on goods traveling around the world in larger and larger vessels…. Some tankers have already opted to travel around the southern tip of Africa instead, adding weeks to their journeys through a region known for piracy… Pirates have long preyed on ships moving in the waters off the Horn of Africa, and the seas off oil-rich West Africa are now considered among the world’s most dangerous for shipping…

“[Egypt] spent $8 billion in 2015 to widen parts of the canal, but not the section in question. With more than 200 other ships stuck in the bottleneck, moving the Ever Given will only create a new set of headaches. Many of those vessels will arrive in European ports at the same time, and find they have nowhere to dock….”

The Daily Beast had added on March 27:

“… this same ship was involved in an accident in Hamburg in 2019, when its owners rammed into a ferry and destroyed it…”

This new incident shows how dependent the world is on the shipping industry, and how quickly everything can change and collapse. But the Suez Canal is not the only critical trade chokepoint. Note the next article.

Three More Critical Trade Chokepoints

Deutsche Welle wrote on March 27:

“DW looks at [three other] chokepoints that a strong post-COVID economic recovery relies on.

“Strait of Hormuz. The sea passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman that leads to the Indian Ocean is the most critical chokepoint for oil and gas. Some 167 kilometers (90 miles) long, about a quarter of seaborne-traded oil and a third of the world’s liquefied natural gas passes through the strait… The strait connects many different powers and oil market players, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq. The actual width of the fairway for the huge tankers is roughly 3 kilometers in both directions, meaning the waterway could be easily controllable during a conflict….

“Strait of Malacca. The 900-km long strait is Asia’s primary chokepoint and one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. The waterway links Asia with the Middle East and Europe, carrying about 40% of global trade… At its narrowest point off Singapore, the strait is only 2.7 kilometers wide…  Some 16 million barrels per day of oil flowed through the waterway in 2016, making it the world’s second most important energy passageway… The strait has become increasingly important strategically to Beijing, with nearly 80% of China’s crude oil imports passing through, from the Middle East and Africa…

“Panama Canal. The 80-kilometer Panama canal spans the narrowest part of Panama and connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. One of world’s busiest shipping routes, it has historically handled about 5% of world trade and nearly 14,000 transits were made last year… In theory, 98% of the world’s shipping can now ply the route, avoiding the lengthy and hazardous Cape Horn route around the southern tip of South America….”

More Dangerous Nonsense from Merkel and Jens Spahn

The Local wrote on March 26:

“Health Minister Jens Spahn has asked people in Germany to ‘ideally’ only meet outside with others before the Easter holidays… Things won’t yet be back to normal by Easter, Spahn said… Current rules allow for gatherings of up to two households, or five people excluding children under the age of 14…”

Bild Online reported on March 27 that Spahn is under investigation because of alleged misuse of tax money in connection with his mask deals, and questions have been raised regarding a potential conflict of interest because of the purchase of many masks, which were in short supply, through his “husband’s” company. According to Focus, Spahn’s popularity is presently in “free fall.”

In addition, many German doctors call for a “2-week hard lockdown despite the public furor over plans for a strict Easter lockdown, which were quickly rescinded” (Deutsche Welle, March 27).

Deutsche Welle reported on March 28:

“German Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged federal states to do more to curb infections during a televised interview. She also suggested additional measures such as curfews… If states do not take suitable actions in the ‘foreseeable future,’  Merkel warned the federal government could possibly amend the Infection Protection Act to implement nationwide restrictions… Merkel said all Germans should be able to get vaccinated by the end of September. She said Germany would not get ‘any vaccine that is not produced in Europe.’”

Merkel was severely criticized by some in the press and by politicians and state leaders for these comments. It was pointed out that Merkel or the government has no authority to change the Infection Protection Act. This would be within the sole authority of the German parliament, which is on holiday and it would be extremely unlikely that they would meet before Easter. Bild Online commented: “That was Merkel’s Power Politics“ and „Merkel is not the Legislator.“  (“Das war Merkelische Machtpolitik“ and „Merkel ist nicht der Gesetzgeber.“).  However, other politicians, such as Bavaria’s CSU leader Markus Soeder, apparently supported Merkel’s demands. A very dangerous development towards a German dictatorship.

 Also, Germany demands now from everyone entering Germany [irrespective of the origin of the country] to present a negative COVID-test.

Leaders of two German states Call for NATIONAL Lockdown; AstraZeneca Only for Those Over 60

The Guardian wrote on March 31:

“Regional leaders of two German states… have urged the rest of the country to re-impose a tough lockdown… In a joint letter reported on by Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, Bavaria’s conservative premier, Markus Söder, and the Green head of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann, said the situation was ‘more serious than many believe’… Despite the political impasse over another lockdown and an already stuttering vaccine rollout, Germany on Tuesday heeded growing concerns over a rare blood-clotting condition and, alongside Canada and several other European countries, [have] chosen to restrict use of the AstraZeneca jab to those aged 60 and over…

“The daily newspaper Die Welt argued that faith in the vaccine had been eroded so badly that Germany should stop using it altogether. Prioritising AstraZeneca for the over-60s after the country’s vaccine regulator had initially only authorised the same jab for the under-65s, the newspaper said, ‘did not build trust but uncertainty’…

“Young people who expressly wish to receive the AstraZeneca shot will still be able to do so after being informed of the potential side-effects by a doctor. The vaccine regulator is going to decide by the end of April whether the 2.2 million people under 60 who have already a first dose of the AstraZeneca shot in Germany will receive their second dose from the same manufacturer.”

What a confusing mess. Germany’s leaders clearly prove that they are unable and incompetent to deal with the situation effectively.

Also, do lockdowns really work or are they even necessary? Or, could they be counter-productive and harmful? Note the next article.

Where is the Proof that Lockdowns Work?

The Norwegian paper steigan.no wrote the following on March 23:

“Texas Gov. Greg Abbott… [rescinded on March 2, 2021] lockdown, masking orders and other coronary restrictions… Governor Tate Reeves of Mississippi closely followed Abbott, declaring that closures and masking orders would be lifted from March 3 and that businesses could resume in full. But Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds was ahead of them. He lifted masking orders and coronary restrictions on February 8.  Montana‘s Governor Greg Gianforte lifted the masking order on February 12.

“The North Dakota House of Representatives has ruled that masking is illegal. As of March 2, 2021, there are 16 states that no longer have a masking order in the United States. This, of course, has led to strong controversy…

“It’s almost three weeks since all coronary restrictions were lifted in Texas… it seems that there has been no increase in infection or death in Texas since the state lifted the coronary restriction. On the contrary, it looks like the winter virus season is over…

“Florida has always practiced a much less restrictive infection control than, for example, the lockdown state of California. In Florida, life has largely gone as normal, with no lockdown and masking. In Florida, too, we are seeing a marked decline in deaths. The virus season seems to be coming to an end there as well.

“For the sake of comparison, let’s include the opposite pole, the lockdown state of California… It seems that it has not played a particularly big role if you have not had a lockdown at all (Florida), have closed the lockdown (Texas) or have continued with a strict lockdown all the time (California).

“We find the same pattern in [the states of North Dakota and Mississippi.] . It is not possible to trace any increase in deaths after the repeal of the corona rules, and also in these two states the winter virus season is in full swing…

“The lockdown policy has never been based on research, and it has never before been practiced… This policy has inflicted enormous damage on the world, it continues to do so, and it applies not only financially in the form of mass unemployment, but also in the form of deaths and illness due to lack of treatment for other diseases and a massive increase in mental health problems.

“It is those who have proposed and implemented this draconian policy who bear the burden of proof, and so far we have not seen any scientific evidence that this has been a correct course to follow.”

Still, lockdowns are being imposed by politicians and a scared medical field on a gullible public.

Masks and Ban on Indoor Dining Accomplish Very Little

Life Site News reported on March 26:

“Masks and bans on indoor dining do little to stop the spread of  COVID-19, according to a new report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Infection…

“According to the CDC report…  Mask mandates reduced case growth between zero and 1.8 percent, and COVID death rates by .7 and 1.9 percent, with an increase in deaths 21-40 days after the mandate went into effect.  Indoor dining bans decreased case growth between .1 and .4 percent with an increase in cases in four time periods the bans were implemented. Restaurant bans were associated with a slight growth in COVID mortality.

“Media outlets reported the findings but downplayed the numbers. ‘CDC study shows link between mask mandates, reduced COVID-19 spread as states lift restrictions,’ reported ABC on March 5 (the day the result released to the public). ‘CDC study finds easing mask and restaurant rules led to more COVID cases and deaths, as some states move to lift restrictions,’ stated CNBNC…

“The CDC’s findings on masks are in line with a Danish study published in November and a study on quarantined Marine recruits published in the New England Journal of Medicine in December. Both studies found limited evidence that mask-wearing was effective in stopping the spread of SARS-CoV-2.  On September 11, CDC reported in a group of 314 with and without COVID-19, there was no significant difference in vigilant mask use….”

Where is the reporting in our left-liberal mass media about these findings?

Craziness Galore

CBS Dallas wrote on March 30:

“The Catholic Diocese of Dallas is responding to Dallas mother Deirde Hairston’s allegation that she was escorted out of Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, while holding her baby — for not wearing a mask. And there’s video of the incident. Appearing on Dr. Taylor Marshall’s podcast, Hairston, who’s pregnant, described how she was escorted out by officers after Holy Communion with the eucharist ‘still on her tongue,’ and told the church didn’t want her there. One of the three officers tells Hariston that she will ‘place her in handcuffs,’ if Hairston doesn’t leave… Cell phone footage shows Hariston asking what crime she has committed, to which police replied she was ‘trespassing on a business.’

“Hariston said her parish-priest, Father Ryan called police. Once outside, Hariston said the usher ran to her car and took photos of her license plate as police were taking her information. She also said she was issued a ticket for trespassing.

“Holy Trinity… responded on March 29, two weeks after the incident and two days after Marshall shared the interview on Youtube. In it, they state that Hairston wasn’t arrested or ticketed, merely issued a trespass warning. They also said the pastor of the parish has required masks at Mass out of concern for the health and welfare of its entire congregation. Hariston and her husband said that isn’t true. They said it wasn’t required – only encouraged….”

It seems a balanced and sound approach is thrown out of the window and replaced by a spirit of fear, panic and hysteria.

The Vaccine Passport Program

The Dossier wrote on March 28:

“What was labeled an unhinged conspiracy theory just last year has become a reality today. Unindicted human rights [violator] Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced this week that New York has rolled out the nation’s first COVID vaccine passport program with the introduction of the ‘Excelsior Pass.’ According to reports, the COVID-19 vaccine passport is already ready for use at dozens of venues statewide… While advertised as a ‘voluntary’ measure, New York State officials are making it clear that not participating in the program will result in an individual being essentially shut out from society… The ‘Excelsior Pass’ mobile application will display a green checkmark if the person has been vaccinated or tested negative for COVID-19. A red ‘x’ means they have not met this standard…

“New York is just one of several states that is introducing an independent vaccine passport program (Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, to his great credit has ruled it out as a misguided, authoritarian idea). With so many states developing their own applications, this complicates privacy and security matters even more so, given the reality that this means several companies will be able to possess sensitive health information, and will have to send your medical records through multiple networks. Competition for vaccine passport contracts is heating up, and there are many technology companies seeking to profit from COVID Mania.

“… Several European Union members… South American countries, China, and other nations are moving forward on their own vaccine passport systems.”

Newsmax reported on March 28:

“The White House is working on a COVID-19 vaccine passport initiative that could be required for travel, sporting events and even eating out. The report comes as major U.S. airlines and nearly 30 travel and labor groups are pushing President Joe Biden to develop a standardized, government-backed credential to ‘accelerate safe economic activity and recovery.’”

 There can be no doubt that these measures will contribute to the establishment of a dictatorial autocratic society.

Vaccine Passports, Nazi Germany and the Star of David

JTA wrote on March 30:

“Political activists… are comparing the idea of ‘vaccine passports’ to Nazi Germany, with many invoking the yellow Stars of David that Nazis forced Jews to wear during the Holocaust…

“Richard Grenell, former… ambassador to Germany and a member of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, tweeted a meme showing a Nazi Gestapo officer in the Quentin Tarantino film ‘Inglourious Basterds’ saying ‘You’re hiding unvaccinated people under your floorboards, aren’t you?’ The original line from the movie uses similar wording in referring to Jews. ‘Speak up now…’  Grenell wrote.

“In Britain, conservative pundit James Delingpole tweeted, ‘Wouldn’t it be better just to cut to the chase and give unvaccinated people yellow stars to sew prominently onto their clothes?’”

The comparison between the contemplated vaccination passports and the Yellow Stars of David is by no means far-fetched.

New Mutations Resistant to Vaccines

Deutsche Welle wrote on March 28:

“German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s chief of staff, Helge Braun, warned that…  there is a growing danger that the next virus mutation will become resistant to the vaccine…”

In fact, it’s more than just a theoretical danger. It has been recognized that today’s known vaccines do not protect against the corona mutations already occurring in Brazil and in other countries.

Hypocritical Censorship

In several articles, Fox News wrote on March 31:

“Facebook removed a video of an interview with former President Trump conducted by his daughter-in-law Lara Trump, saying any content ‘in the voice of Donald Trump’ would be scrubbed from the social media platform. Facebook permanently banned the former president from their platform in January after the Capitol riot… ‘We are reaching out to let you know that we removed content from Lara Trump’s Facebook Page that featured President Trump speaking,’ the Facebook employee wrote. ‘In line with the block we placed on Donald Trump’s Facebook and Instagram accounts, further content posted in the voice of Donald Trump will be removed and result in additional limitations on the accounts.’…

“The Media Research Center unveiled its latest TechWatch Report on Tuesday, which found that ‘more than 260 conservative users on Facebook and Twitter had their posts about Biden scrubbed from the social media platforms’ in the months leading up to the Democratic National Convention…. The study found that the 129 instances of censorship on Facebook included video of ‘a stammering Biden accidentally endorsing Trump’ and a ‘collage of photos that depict Biden sniffing, hugging, or kissing young girls has been censored on a regular basis,’ [MRC’s] Weaver and Moon wrote…. ‘Facebook and Twitter openly deny working with Biden. Yet the platforms appear to cover for him,’ Weaver and Moon wrote…

“CNN’s tepid coverage of the latest developments in the Andrew Cuomo saga continued this week, this time with no mention of the ninth accuser who has come forward with sexual misconduct allegations against the Democratic New York governor… The pro-Cuomo network has similarly avoided the damning groping allegation made by the governor’s sixth accuser… Meanwhile, CNN has gone nearly an entire week without the explosive reporting alleging that Cuomo had prioritized COVID testing for family members and allies, including his kid brother anchor Chris Cuomo. Chris Cuomo returned to his primetime program on Monday night after being conveniently absent last week when the scandal broke. The host made no mention of the controversy he himself was implicated in…”

It is sickening to see how the left-wing mass media and Big Tech are suppressing anything which is not in line with their agenda. Note the next article.

The Right to Voice our Opinions

Dan Wootton, in the Daily Mail, wrote on March 30:

“… despite my personal feelings, I defend with a passion the right for both Meghan [Markle] and Sharon [Osbourne] to loudly voice their opinions, which should play an important role in our public discourse over the thorny social issues that are, very sadly, starting to divide us… Meghan was allowed to share her ‘truth’, as she branded it, to Oprah Winfrey without even the slightest hint of scrutiny. That’s despite the fact she unleashed a dossier of ludicrous claims that defied long-dated royal protocols, historical fact and basic believability, according to many staff members I’ve spoken to who lived through her tumultuous two years as a member of the Royal Family.

“Sharon, meanwhile, was instantly damned to the modern-day torture of public cancellation for merely raising the possibility that her close friend Piers Morgan may well have more insight as to whether Meghan was indeed telling the truth. One of the biggest threats facing democracy in 2021 is a craven desire to shut down voices who are brave enough to speak out against liberal groupthink on controversial issues…

“… my fear is that free speech advocates like me are losing the battle… the tyranny of suppression and cancellation has never been so real in modern culture…

“Believing in Sharon Osbourne or Piers Morgan’s right to express their opinion on Meghan Markle doesn’t make you a bad person. Believing that Meghan isn’t a very nice person who told a load of porkie pies to Oprah doesn’t make you racist.

“Believing we must question the most draconian restrictions to our freedom and liberty since World War Two doesn’t make you a murderer….”

Very true and very insightful… and VERY politically incorrect…

No Private Wedding of Harry and Meghan

Newsmax wrote on March 31:

“Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has contradicted British royal Meghan’s claim that she married Britain’s Prince Harry several days before the official lavish ceremony at Windsor Castle in 2018. Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, told Oprah Winfrey in an interview earlier this month that she wed Queen Elizabeth’s grandson in a secret ceremony officiated over by the Archbishop a few days before the Windsor event… ‘You know, three days before our wedding, we got married – no-one knows that,’ she said. ‘Just the two of us in our backyard with the Archbishop of Canterbury.’

“But Welby contradicted that. ‘The legal marriage took place on that Saturday,’ Welby was quoted as saying by Die Welt, adding that he personally signed the marriage certificate. ‘I would have committed a crime if I had signed something that was not true.’

“He said he had earlier had a ‘series of private and pastoral meetings’ with Harry and Meghan, but declined to give details on the conversation…”

Jews Unwelcome in Europe

Deutsche Welle wrote on March 28:

“In some cases, the coronavirus pandemic has served as a pretext to restrict worship. Jews in the European Union are deeply troubled by this development… In December, the European Court of Justice upheld a ban on ritual slaughters — a religious and humane method for killing animals for consumption — in Belgium… Banning access to and the producing of kosher meat makes Jewish life impossible. Similarly, proposed bans on male circumcision in Denmark, Finland and Iceland run counter to religious freedom. These policies are de facto bans on Jewish life… While professing to uphold individual liberty, Europe is undermining freedom.

“EU lawmakers repeat over and over that Jewish life must be appreciated and respected. But assertions like these ring hollow and hypocritical in light of recent laws outlawing religious practices… Over the past decade, many Jews have left EU countries, feeling no longer welcome. That stems not only from the growing number of anti-Semitic incidents, but also from the gradual curtailment of religious freedoms…”

Sadly, anti-Semitism is rampant in Europe.

Religious Freedom in Danger in USA

Breitbart wrote on March 27:

“The former archbishop of Philadelphia, Charles Chaput, noted in an interview Friday that religious liberty is in peril in the United States due to declining appreciation for the importance of faith. ‘The United States was founded by Europeans seeking religious liberty,’ Archbishop Chaput noted…

“‘It was a very important issue for them, even though they didn’t really recognize the liberty of Catholics at first, or the liberty of slaves, in the first decades of our country… Today, we don’t have any respect for the dignity of the unborn as a country. When you don’t do that, you begin to embrace ideologies that enable us to interfere with the order of creation, like gender theory. Likewise, if we don’t respect the elderly, which we don’t, then we embrace things like euthanasia,’ he added. ‘Things can turn pretty bad pretty quickly and I worry about that.’ … Bishops themselves contribute to the scandal when they act as if supporting abortion does not harm a person’s relationship with the Church, he added.”

The French Minister of Interior just said in an interview that Evangelicals in France pose an important problem, and that the law of God is inferior to the national law of France.

Was Mary Christ’s First Disciple?

Breitbart wrote on March 29:

“… the Evil One is taking advantage of the crisis to disseminate distrust, desperation, and discord,’ [Pope Francis said].

“‘And us? What should we do?’ he continued. ‘The one who shows us is the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus, who is also his first disciple. She followed her Son. She took upon herself her own portion of suffering, of darkness, of confusion, and she walked the way of the passion keeping the lamp of faith lit in her heart.’”

The claim that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was Christ’s first disciple is absolutely false. For more information, please read our free booklet, “Jesus Christ—a Great Mystery.”

Marxist Ideology in Oregon’s Classrooms

The Western Journal wrote on February 12, 2021:

“The Oregon Department of Education is promoting a course for teachers that links math lessons to racism and a culture of ‘white supremacy’…

“According to the teaching materials, too much focus on asking students to get the ‘right’ answer when solving math problems is connected to white supremacy…  Furthermore, the course will ask teachers to identify and ‘challenge the ways that math is used to uphold capitalist, imperialist, and racist views’…

“In Oregon, the idea that there are wrong answers to math problems is being challenged… If you’re wondering where something so brazenly anti-American originated from, the lesson thanks the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for its ‘generous financial support.’”

Has one ever heard such stupidity?

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer

These Current Events are compiled and commented on by Norbert Link. We gratefully acknowledge the many contributions of news articles from our readership. The publication of articles in this section is not to be viewed as an endorsement or approval as to contents or accuracy of the selected articles, but they are published for the purpose of pointing at worldwide developments in the light of biblical end-time prophecy and godly instruction. Our own comments are provided in italics.

The basis of the question is correct; we do think that true Christian values are the only ones that would work in this society making it a much happier, safer and more enjoyable world than it currently is. What we see around us today is a world in turmoil, but this was prophesied.

We have made it clear on so many occasions that we believe that the 6,000 years allocated to man is almost up and that we are living in the end times. A passage in the New Testament sums up the behaviour of man at the end of this age: “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

Having said that, man’s history over the last 6,000 years is a catalogue of anti-godly behaviour where evil, in general, has proliferated throughout that time. Man has had more than enough time to show that he can live happily and peacefully with his neighbour but history shows that man has consistently gone the wrong way by thinking that he knows the answers and ignoring the One who created mankind and who has set out a blueprint for happy and abundant living.

We read in Judges 17:6: “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” This is repeated in Judges 21:25. Today, this same behaviour has proliferated where legislation is enacted all around the world which is in contravention to God’s Way, and the end result has been disastrous.

The Word of God has been ignored for the most part and, today, man thinks that he knows better than the One who created us all. Laws are pushed through that can often defy the commandments of God and His Way, and this happens around the world.

G.K. Chesterton wrote in “What’s Wrong With the World”, “that people who oppose Christianity do so not because they think it is unreasonable but because they have not truly looked into it.”

A brief overview of the world today clearly shows that God’s Way is ignored and the results include anarchy, hatred, wars, selfishness and much much more.

Almost 2,000 years ago, the apostle Paul set out a list of the works of the flesh as we read in Galatians 5:19-21. These applied to human nature for the previous 4,000 years and these are still extant nearly 2,000 years after this was written:

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Many talk today about values, but their values are often in direct conflict with biblical admonition. The works of the flesh, which we can see wherever we look, are certainly not the way that God wanted man to behave when He created Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden around 6,000 years ago. Even the first child born, Cain, was a murderer, and the evil of that action at the dawn of civilisation has continued down to our time now.

Since the time of Adam and Eve, man has tried every available form of government. We have seen autocracy, democracy, communism, dictatorships, monarchy, oligarchy, socialism, presidential, theocratic and so many others – a quick search of the internet will easily reveal a huge number of governmental structures tried out by man.

The ancient nation of Israel had God as their leader but the people wanted to be like all the other nations. In 1 Samuel 8:4-5 we read: “Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, and said to him, ‘Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.’” This displeased Samuel (compare verse 6) but God said that they had not rejected him but had rejected God (note verse 7). Even when God had looked after and cared for His nation Israel, stiff-necked and stubborn human beings wanted to discard divine protection and just be like all the other nations. They wanted a human king to also lead them in battle and fight their wars (see verses 19-20). How utterly absurd was that decision, and the fruits were not good.

In 1 Samuel 8, from verse 11 onwards, Samuel told the congregation of Israel what would happen and in spite of the warnings given them, they still demanded a king! Their first king was Saul who started out well enough but by the time of the end of his life, he had become a king destroyed by his own jealousy.

When we review true Christian values, we see that these are designed to bring about and sustain a peaceful and supportive environment. Not even the most optimistic person could say that mankind has enjoyed that over the last 6,000 years.

In Deuteronomy 7:7, we read the reason why God chose Israel to be His people:

“The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples; but because the LORD loves you, and because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers, the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments…”

They were given instructions on how to live but, generally, Israel failed miserably. God had a plan for mankind and the Saviour, Jesus Christ, came from Judah, one of the tribes of Israel.

In Matthew chapter 5 are the beatitudes (blessings) that come from the way that Jesus taught us how to behave. In this chapter, Jesus states that He had not come to destroy the Law or the Prophets but to fulfil them – that is, to expand and develop them, not to do away with them as mainstream Christianity erroneously believes (verses 17-19).  He then goes on to expand the meaning and understanding of murder and adultery which are the 6^th and 7^th of the Ten Commandments.

If Israel, and mankind, had lived according to these instructions, how much better, more gentle, kinder and sensible society would be today. But that has simply not happened.

The Bible is replete with instruction for right and proper living, and great examples of these are to be found in the book of Proverbs. Add to these, the instructions to keep the law of God and you have a really great resume of how to live a life pleasing in the sight of God and how beneficial it would all be to society.

We know that the commandments of God are sneered at today even by so many professing Christians, but instruction from the 1st book of John are there for a reason:

1 John 2:3-6 states: ^“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”

1 John 3:4 reads in the Authorized Version:  ^“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”

1 John 5:3 says: ^“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.”

And in 1 John 5:20 we see where our right understanding comes from:  ^“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.”

Please see our free booklet “The Ten Commandments” for a comprehensive review of God’s Commandments.

There are those who might react and accuse Christianity of being “exclusivist,” and they would be right! In Acts 4:12 we read: “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

In John 14:6, we read: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”

In spite of some of the other religions, teaching good values and proper behaviour, true Christians understand that there is only salvation in Jesus Christ which is something that everyone alive at the time of Christ’s return to this earth will come to realise.

Yes, we do believe that Christian values are the right ones and are values that Christians in the true Church of God need to keep today. However, they are a tiny minority who are living the way that God wants His people to live while mankind, in general, goes in exactly the opposite direction which is leading to destruction.

The really good news is that the world, under Christ’s loving, caring and righteous rule which is just ahead of us now, will learn how to live properly and according to God’s Commandments as we read in Isaiah 9:6-7:

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”

In the final analysis, 6,000 years of history has shown us in an undeniable way that man’s approach simply does not work, and that it has not worked. In the future, after Christ’s return, true Christian values will be the only way and will work for the benefit of all concerned.

At that time forward, and for eternity, true Godly values will be the order of the day.

Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)

compiled by Dave Harris

“Are Jews and Christians at Odds with Jesus Christ?” our new booklet, has now entered the final review process before printing. This booklet will be posted soon, and following printing, hard copies will be sent to our mailing list and to those requesting a free copy.

Was Christ’s Mother His First Disciple?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary: 

Recently, Pope Francis claimed that the Virgin Mary, Christ’s mother, was Christ’s first disciple. Why is this comment false, and why is it important that you understand who Mary was?

“War die Mutter Jesu Christi sein erster Jünger?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This program covers the same topic as described above. 

“Was geschah geschichtlich während der Tage der Ungesäuerten Brote?”  is the title of a new German sermon for the Last Day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “What Happened Historically During the Days of Unleavened Bread?”

“The Meaning of the Suez Canal Fiasco—Comments on News and Prophecy, March 27, 2021,” the first message presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

This message covers planned animal sacrifices and the new elections in Israel; the need for encouragement; the concern regarding President Biden’s health; the new treaty between China and Iran; nonsense at Oregon’s schools; the Suez Canal fiasco which shows our fragile worldwide economy; and mutations of the coronavirus for which there are no vaccines.

“The Body and the Blood of Jesus Christ,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

During the Passover night, when He was betrayed, Jesus Christ introduced the new symbols of bread and wine. He said much about it, and much happened during the next day of Passover, which is very confusing to most people. Are we allowed to partake of the “communion” or the “Lord’s supper” at any time? Do the bread and the wine change on that occasion to the body and blood of Christ? Did Jesus say during the Passover night that He would eat no bread and drink no wine until His return to this earth? Exactly how did Jesus die on the cross? And in what way was His body broken, and what does this mean for us today?

“Der Glaube kommt aus der Predigt” the sermonette presented last Sabbath in Germany by Mike Richter, is now posted. Title in English: “Faith Comes from the Sermon.”

“Hingabe,” the sermonette presented on the First Day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread in Germany by Christian Mrosek, is now posted. Title in English: “Dedication.”

“Der Betrug der Suende,” the sermon presented on the First Day of Unleavened Bread in Germany by Norbert Link, is now posted. Title in English: “The Deceitfulness of Sin.”

“Just a Second,” the morning sermonette for the First Day of Unleavened Bread which was presented by Frank Bruno, is now posted. Here is a summary:

In the sermons and sermonettes leading up to the Spring Holy Days we have heard and considered that even a person drawn by God to follow Jesus Christ can be beset by sin. Most of us would like to believe that we are basically good people in the eyes of God and among our brethren. However, in this sermonette on the Feast of Unleavened Bread we will consider just how easy it is for a human to sin, and how important repentance is to save us from our nature and mistakes, and even restore our confidence. We need not fall prey to Satan if we remain mindful of the blessing of the Holy Spirit sent to help us move forward. Repentance is the tool that we can wield to return to the embrace of the Father and His Son.

“Who We Are” the morning sermon for the First Day of Unleavened Bread which was presented by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is a summary:

One characteristic that all Christians share is their humanity. By nature, humans are complex creatures, prone to error, but above all, capable of compassion. The work of a Christian is to strengthen the ability to love and care for one another, recognizing that we are all imperfectly working together towards the same goal.

“Remain Clean,” the afternoon Offertory for the First Day of Unleavened Bread which was presented by Michael Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

The Days of Unleavened Bread symbolize keeping sin out of our lives from both a physical and a spiritual standpoint by not partaking in anything leavened during these 7 days. But what about after the 7 days are over?  How are we to remain clean spiritually at all times, and what help do we have?

“The Deceitfulness of Sin,” the afternoon sermon for the First Day of Unleavened Bread which was presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

How and in what way does sin deceive us? Why is the way of sin a way of error and of fraud? How can people and Satan deceive us and lead us into error? Why is sin compared with leaven, and why are we to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, the Herodians, and the Sadducees? Can we, on our own, overcome sin?