This Week in the News

by Norbert Link

We begin with restrictions for US citizens in connection with the coronavirus and the resulting consequences for personal liberty and freedom, religion and the economy. In this regard, please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Religious Persecution of Christian Pastors in the USA?”

We quote articles claiming that mass quarantines are not sustainable and showing the devastating effects on personal health conditions.  

Europe’s situation is deeply troublesome and poses the question as to whether and when a powerful charismatic autocratic leader will arise to lead core European nations out of this and other crises.

We cite two articles from Great Britain strongly disagreeing with measures taken by Boris Johnson to combat the coronavirus; ask whether the post-Brexit negotiations between the UK and the EU will have to be suspended; and report on a controversial decision regarding religion in Brazil.  

We speak on attempts to sacrifice a Passover lamb on the Temple Mount; and conclude with an alleged attempt by Pope Benedict to bring about the downfall of Pope Francis.

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

As most of the world sits locked down in their homes and scared, how are we doing as Christians? Are we succumbing to the daily terror in the news? Are we becoming discouraged and disheartened about what is happening? What is our mental attitude and state of mind at this time?

We are rapidly approaching the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. I remember thinking a month ago that I needed to really start digging in and examining myself, and I am surprised by how quickly that time has passed.

The god of this world, Satan, is causing massive panic (toilet paper shortages, as one small example) and great distress on ALL people right now. Most everyone I have talked within the Church is facing trials and troubles in unprecedented waves. It also appears to me that our trials are coming with such frequency that it can be hard to properly focus and take the time to examine ourselves correctly for the Passover.

While trials are not new to us, maybe the intensity with which they are coming is new.

I want to encourage each of us to MAKE the time to seek God, to examine ourselves and to work on the growth of our…

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People claim, oftentimes falsely, that they have received God’s call—especially to preach or witness for Jesus. Indeed, the Bible does speak of God calling people, but what does that really mean and how can you know that God has called you?

On the Day of Pentecost when God’s Holy Spirit was given to His Church, we find this:

“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call’” (Acts 2:38-39).

Here, Peter addresses the fact that God is calling specific people, and later he writes to those who have been called; those who are now part of the Church of God:

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy…

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