The Update

On January 31, 2026, Norbert Link will present, “Comments on News and Prophecy, January 31, 2026,” and Kalon Mitchell will present the sermon, titled, “A Pillar of God’s Word – Respect.”

The live 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.

Going back in time: Following the October 1973 Yom Kippur war, we were experiencing the Arab oil embargo (1973-1974) which also saw an unprecedented surge in global oil prices, when workers, students and soldiers took to the streets. All of this strained the US economy that had grown increasingly dependent on foreign oil. We were also confronted with the 1973-1975 recession; a terrible decline of about 48% at the stock market; and the Angola crisis (1974-75) contributing to strained relations between the USA and Russia.

The hotly disputed and highly controversial Vietnam War only ended in April of 1975, even though America had already withdrawn its troops in March of 1973. Still, the memory of that terrible war, in which about 58,000 American soldiers had died, still lingered on. The U.S. withdrew from Vietnam primarily due to immense domestic opposition, high casualties, massive financial costs, and the failure to achieve its goals. Key factors included growing anti-war protests fueled by media coverage, and the disillusionment with government. (Nothing has changed, has it?)

It was at that time in the early 70’s when many felt that Christ would come back very soon. And so, they did not take care of important aspects of their lives—from going to college or university and pursuing a career to saving money and looking after their financial situation. It also affected, to an extent, the concepts of marriage and family life.  

I remember it well. I was baptized in December of 1974, and in early 1975, after a Bible study, a Church member asked whether the time had come not to get married anymore, in light of Paul’s warning of a present and coming difficult situation or “distress” (1 Corinthians 7:26). Fortunately, the Pastor said he did not feel that this would apply then. But what if he had answered differently, and members had taken him at his word? What if I had followed a ministerial advice not to get married and have children? No marriage to my wife; no children, no grandchildren. (This shows the tremendous responsibility of a minister to give good, solid and godly advice.)

As we can see, many developments at the time in the 70’s mirrored pretty much what we are experiencing today. But now, we are very clearly much closer to Christ’s return than 50 years ago. However, if I were to be asked today whether the time had come not to get married or have children, my advice would be the same as the advice of the Pastor was way back then. I was ordained almost 30 years ago. During that time, I have never advised against marriage in the Church, because of “the signs of the time,” and I would not do so today. (Maybe in the future, but I had better be absolutely sure that at that time, it would be godly advice).

First of all, Christ told us that we do not know the times or the seasons or the day or the hour of His return. Not even He knows it—only the Father does. But God can delay or accelerate that moment. In the meantime, what are we to do? Are we to be living in fear and despair and hopelessness and resignation? Just the opposite! We must live in a way that we are worthy to escape all the terrible things to come and to stand before the Son of Man when He returns. But we also must live and prepare as if an entire lifetime of many years is still ahead of us. And we must do so with JOY, knowing that God is there to guide us and to direct our steps, if we let Him.

To be very specific, this means to get an occupation and career if you can (don’t be satisfied with working at a fast-food store for the rest of your life). This means going to college or university to get a degree and an education. This means, get married and have children, if the right opportunity presents itself. This means, don’t despair and give up on life or on God and become a hermit on a forsaken island—not even in your mind.

Live your life with joy—in spite of the evil days which are here and which will come. You CAN live with joy and hope and zeal and dedication in this terrible world. And there is still good in this world as well. Mr. Armstrong felt, for example, that the annual Rose Parade in Pasadena was one of the prettiest occasions this world has to offer (but he did not like the garbage and dirt left behind after the parade).

And so, enjoy going with your family to a theater to watch a good movie together; enjoy going together to an amusement park; a zoo; or on sight-seeing trips. And especially to the younger people, God says:

“Rejoice, O young man [or young lady], in your youth, And let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth” (Ecclesiastes 11:9). Of course, don’t behave foolishly and do the wrong things because “know that for all these God will bring you into judgment” (same verse). Still, “remove sorrow from your heart” (verse 10), while putting away “evil from your flesh” (same verse).

This admonition is not limited to young people. God tells all of us—young and old—to live a meaningful life of joy, dedication, and zeal.

When we know God’s Way of Life and walk in it, then Christ gives us this astonishing and comforting promise, in John 15:11:  “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”

This joy will and must never go away, as we read also in John 16:22: “… your joy no one will take from you.”

And so, we read the following conclusion of the matter in Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!”

by Norbert Link

We begin with articles about plans for Gaza’s future, as presented by Jared Kushner and envisioned by his father-in-law, Donald Trump—all of which are doomed to fail. In this context, we also report on a military alliance agreement between Israel, Greece and Cyprus against Turkey.

We speak about ongoing threats by Trump against Canada and Panama; more nonsense from Trump and J.D. Vance; and we address another fatal shooting by federal agents in Minnesota.

We focus on Europe’s anger with Trump and America; America’s refusal of total military support for Europe; and on a military treaty between Germany and Italy. We also address the concept that in all of this, Britain may be left behind.

Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Will the USA Invade Canada?”

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

“Jared Kushner Presents Plan for ‘New Gaza’”

JTA wrote on January 22:

“Jared Kushner presented a phased vision for the future of Gaza at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, saying that there was ‘no plan B’ when it comes to reconstructing the territory battered during the two-year war between Israel and Hamas… The 20-point vision… reflects elements of that ceasefire deal, which has been only partially implemented. It calls for… moving steadily northward until the entire Palestinian territory has been rebuilt, to include a seaport, airport and tourism infrastructure… [Not quite the Riviera of his father-in-law, but close.] 

“Kushner said the most important step is to disarm Hamas, which still controls a portion of Gaza. Emphasized that reconstruction will take place only in portions of Gaza where Hamas is demilitarized, he said some Hamas members who agree to lay down their arms will be given amnesty and could become part of a new security apparatus in Gaza. 

“Kushner suggested that he understood that his vision, which would take many years and at least $25 billion to implement, could encounter obstacles… 

“Kushner’s presentation came as Trump held a ‘signing ceremony’ for his new ‘Board of Peace,’ an entity devised initially to oversee Gaza but whose mandate Trump has indicated could include other world conflicts. (Its charter does not mention Gaza specifically.) Of the 60 countries that the United States invited to join, representatives from about 20 attended the ceremony, including Hungary’s Viktor Orban, Argentina’s Javier Milei and officials from Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

“Orban was the only European leader present [Bulgaria was also represented]; other European countries have turned down the invitation to join the board or expressed concerns about its composition — potentially to include Russia — and potential to undercut other international bodies, about which Trump has expressed disdain. 

“Israel also did not have a representative at the ceremony. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Israel would join despite misgivings about the presence of Turkey and Qatar, which have backed Hamas, on the board. Netanyahu is not in Davos (Switzerland is party to the International Criminal Court, which has issued a warrant for his arrest) but Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who is present, did not attend.” 

This peace plan and the new Board of Peace are all destined to fail. 

Military Alliance Between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus 

Handelsblatt reported on December 28: 

“Greece, Cyprus, and Israel are deepening their partnership. High-ranking military officials from the three countries signed a joint action plan for military cooperation last week in the Cypriot capital, Nicosia. Political observers see the rapprochement between the three countries as a response to Turkey’s increasingly aggressive behavior in the region. 

“Turkey, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is in dispute with Greece and Cyprus over territorial rights and economic zones in the eastern Mediterranean. In Israel, there is particular concern about Turkey’s military presence in Syria… Against the backdrop of growing tensions between Turkey and Israel, military cooperation is now coming to the forefront.

“In Syria, the two countries are in direct confrontation. There, Turkey is attempting to gain political and military influence following the fall of the Assad regime. An Israeli government commission warned earlier this year that a Syria supported by Turkey could pose a greater threat than Iran.

“Concern is also growing in Athens. Turkish drones, as well as fighter and reconnaissance aircraft, have repeatedly violated Greek airspace in recent weeks.  Although both countries are formally allies within NATO, this has not ended the rivalries that have been simmering for decades…” 

“Today’s Israel, Greece, and Cyprus were part of the Ottoman Empire for almost 400 years… Israel also strictly rejects the participation of Turkish soldiers in the planned Gaza peacekeeping force – due to the close ties between the Turkish government and Hamas, which Erdogan describes as a ‘liberation movement’.” 

Frosty Relationship Between Canada and USA 

Politico wrote on January 23: 

“President Donald Trump revoked Canada’s invitation to participate in his ‘Board of Peace’ initiative, in the latest blow to the increasingly frosty relations between the North American neighbors… ‘Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian,’ Carney said earlier Thursday [responding to Trump’s slur in Davos.] 

“The withdrawn invitation deepens the fracture in the relationship between Trump and Carney, who stood with other NATO allies in opposition to the president’s campaign to wrest control of Greenland from Denmark… 

“… many Western allies have yet to sign on, and France and the United Kingdom have said they will not participate in the plan. Yvette Cooper, the U.K.’s top diplomat, cited Trump’s invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of the reason the U.K. won’t sign on.” 

To invite Putin to the Board is perceived to be an incredible affront to all of Europe (except for Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban). 

Trump Threatens Canada 

The Associated Press wrote on January 24: 

“President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened to impose a 100% tariff on goods imported from Canada if America’s northern neighbor went ahead with its China trade deal… Trump initially said that agreement was what Carney ‘should be doing and it’s a good thing for him to sign a trade deal.’… 

“Trump’s threat came amid an escalating war of words with Carney as the Republican president’s push to acquire Greenland strained the NATO alliance. Trump had commented while in Davos, Switzerland, this week that ‘Canada lives because of the United States.’ Carney shot back that his nation can be an example that the world does not have to bend toward autocratic tendencies. 

“Trump later revoked his invitation to Carney to join the president’s ‘Board of Peace’ that he is forming to try to resolve global conflicts. Trump’s push to acquire Greenland has come after he has repeatedly needled Canada over its sovereignty and suggested it also be absorbed into the United States as a 51st state. 

“He resumed that rhetoric this week, posting an altered image on social media showing a map of the United States that included Canada, Venezuela, Greenland, and Cuba as part of its territory. In his message Saturday, Trump continued his provocations by calling Canada’s leader ‘Governor Carney.’… 

“Carney has emerged as a leader of a movement for countries to find ways to link up and counter the U.S. under Trump…. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US $2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day.

About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, as are 85% of U.S. electricity imports. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum, and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security.” 

Canada could become unpleasant for the USA. In Europe, Carney is praised as a hero for his stance against Trump. 

Canada Preparing for US Invasion 

Financial Post wrote on January 20: 

“Canada’s military has modelled [a] hypothetical U.S. invasion, reports say. ‘Canada will never be the 51st state,’ [Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita] Anand said.” 

Obviously, Canada is taking Trump’s threats quite seriously. 

Invading Canada? 

The Guardian wrote on January 27: 

“First, American forces would strike with poison gas munitions, seizing a strategically valuable port city. Soldiers would sever undersea cables, destroy bridges and rail lines to paralyze infrastructure. Major cities on the shores of lakes and rivers would be captured in order to blunt any civilian resistance. The multipronged invasion would rely on ground forces, amphibious landing and then mass internments. According to the architects of the plan, the attack would be short-lived and the besieged country would fall within days.

“The target was Canada, part of a classified 1930 strategy – War Plan Red – for a hypothetical war with Great Britain where the US would seek to deny it any foothold in North America. But the invasion plans, once dismissed as a fumbling historical quirk, have taken on fresh relevance as the US pivots its foreign policy to an increasingly aggressive view of its ‘pre-eminence’ in the western hemisphere and turns its sights on both foes and allies.

“In early January, the fusion of economic nationalism and belligerent foreign policy championed by Donald Trump was on full display when his government ordered the capture of Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, and the US president announced on social media the US would seize control of the South American country’s oil. Days after, both Trump and prominent officials spoke openly of using military force to invade and capture Greenland for its strategic position and its immense mineral wealth. In late January,…  Canada’s military had modelled a hypothetical invasion of Canada, suggesting guerrilla tactics, similar to those used to repel both Russian and US forces in Afghanistan, would supplant conventional war.

“… threats from Trump that he intends to annex Canada have rattled the country. Last year, Trump said the centuries-old border between the two nations was no more than an ‘artificially drawn line’ that, with force and persuasion, might be redrawn. ‘Somebody drew that line many years ago with, like, a ruler – just a straight line right across the top of the country,’ Trump told Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney – adding a unified continent was ‘the way it was meant to be’.

“On 20 January, Trump posted an altered image on his social media account that features the US flag covering Canada, Greenland and Venezuela. His comments, condemned by Canadian lawmakers, nonetheless exposed a deep and persistent anxiety that the country, despite decades of tight economic integration, remains vulnerable to US aggression.

“War Plan Red, first devised in 1927 and then approved in 1930, was drawn up amid fears from American military planners that Britain could launch a war against the US where Canada would be the most likely theatre for battle. US planners conceded that if they lost, Canada would​ ‘demand that Alaska be awarded to her’. But the plan highlighted both how Americans believed Canada… would fall quickly – and the broader flimsiness of political alliances… battle designs such as War Plan Red underscore fears within Canada of its continued vulnerability to US military action… Trump and his allies could deploy a sustained campaign to ‘demonize’ Canada by warning the 5,500-mile (8,850km) border has grown increasingly lawless and drugs are ‘pouring across’ in order to shift how Americans perceive of their northern neighbour…

“Last year, the then prime minister, Justin Trudeau, warned business leaders Trump’s threats to annex Canada were a ‘real thing’ and the president wanted to access the country’s critical minerals… A 2025 poll found that 43% of Canadians believed a military attack by the United States within five years was at least somewhat likely, with 10% deeming it highly likely or certain… “

Given subsequent events, a new poll would undoubtedly find that more than just 43% believe that a military attack by the USA is at least somewhat likely. 

“Europe Must ‘Play the Power Game’ with Trump Over Greenland” 

ABC News wrote on January 23, after Trump had announced the nebulous framework of an even more nebulous deal pertaining to Greenland: 

“Greenland is a self-governing territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. Trump’s second term has seen the president double down on his ambition to acquire the minerals-rich island — despite Danish and Greenlandic politicians repeatedly rebuffing him. Trump has suggested that U.S. sovereignty over Greenland is necessary to ensure American security and blunt Chinese and Russian influence in the Arctic region. A 1951 defense agreement already grants the U.S. military access to Greenland, but Trump has suggested the accord is inadequate and has demanded ‘ownership.’… 

“[Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette] Frederikson said in a Thursday morning statement that Copenhagen ‘cannot negotiate on our sovereignty.’ Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said at a Thursday press conference… that they have some ‘red lines’ including territorial integrity, international law and sovereignty... 

“For [former Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe] Kofod… any deal should be twinned with a European show of force. ‘The first step is power,’ Kofod said. Trump may soften his attacks ‘if he sees that he will have all of Europe — including the U.K., France, Germany — against him, and they are ready to defend Greenland,’ Kofod said, plus if he sees that European ‘retaliation is so massive that it will hurt the U.S. economy and interests.’ ‘Trump plays with all the instruments he has. Europe has to learn to play the power game,’ Kofod said… 

“The turbulence will undermine European, American and collective NATO security, Kofod warned. ‘For the U.S. it’s also a big self-inflicted problem,’ he said. ‘But I don’t think Trump looks at the world like that. He  thinks that NATO is there, it’s important, but it’s not something you cannot live without, because you just can form another alliance.’” 

He already tried this with the Gaza Board of Peace, but that one will fail. Europe’s concerns that Trump may continue to try to acquire ownership of Greenland by whatever means continue. 

Europe’s Power in Relation to the USA 

Focus Online wrote on January 24: 

“In Davos, there were negotiations, attempts at appeasement, and ultimately a sigh of relief. FOCUS columnist Jan Fleischhauer asks why Europe once again forgets the power it actually holds in relation to the USA… 

“Fleischhauer reminds us that the EU is the largest economic area in the world. Larger than the USA, larger than China.  Nevertheless, it’s celebrated as a success if they simply manage to avoid being completely taken advantage of… 

“Fleischhauer considers this subservience unnecessary. Because Europe certainly has the means to exert pressure…” 

Schulz Interview with German Public Broadcaster ARD 

SWR reported on January 23: 

“The EU must act faster in the future.  Therefore, former European Parliament President Martin Schulz advocates that some countries should move ahead – if not all EU member states agree – or if countries like Hungary block decisions. He sees the trio of Germany, France, and Italy as an important driving force for Europe. Schulz emphasizes that Germany should effectively utilize the remaining time of French President Macron’s term to advance joint projects.  

“He believes Germany should also try to negotiate with the French about a European nuclear defense shield… Europeans should forge stronger economic and security alliances with democracies such as Canada and Australia in order to stand up to the current major powers and become more independent from the USA.” 

In particular Schulz said this: 

There should be no right of veto for all members.  Instead, decisions should be made by majority vote. At least nine countries can join together without the others being able to prevent it.  And if they want to do so. These could include: Germany, France, Italy, Poland, the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), Spain, and the other founding members of the EU (Belgium, Luxemburg and the Netherlands). 

He said that Europe must become independent of American military power, but that a European nuclear army is not possible without France. He emphasized that if one wants to, one can act very quickly. He also stated that people are afraid of war. When asked if he wanted to become chancellor, he gave only a vague answer. 

America’s Limited Support for Europe 

Deutsche Welle wrote on January 24: 

“The US will concentrate mostly on protecting the homeland and combating the threat posed by China, while expecting allies to look after their own defense with reduced help from Washington, according to a strategy document released by the Pentagon on Friday… 

“The document describes Russia as ‘a persistent but manageable threat to NATO’s eastern members for the foreseeable future’ and calls on the US’s [European] NATO allies to ‘take the lead’ in defending Ukraine against Moscow’s invasion’ with critical but more limited US support.’’ 

npr added on January 24: 

“The Pentagon released a priority-shifting National Defense Strategy late Friday that chastised U.S. allies to take control of their own security and reasserted the Trump administration’s focus on dominance in the Western Hemisphere… 

“The 34-page document, the first since 2022, was highly political for a military blueprint, criticizing partners from Europe to Asia for relying on previous U.S. administrations to subsidize their defense. It called for ‘a sharp shift — in approach, focus, and tone’… 

“It capped off a week of animosity between President Donald Trump’s administration and traditional allies like Europe… As allies confront what some see as a hostile attitude from the U.S., they will almost certainly be unhappy to see that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s department will provide ‘credible options to guarantee U.S. military and commercial access to key terrain’… It specifically points to access to the Panama Canal and Greenland… Trump previously suggested that the U.S. should potentially consider retaking control of the Panama Canal and accused Panama of ceding influence to China… 

“In another example of offloading regional security to allies, the document says, ‘South Korea is capable of taking primary responsibility for deterring North Korea with critical but more limited U.S. support.’” 

Spain Demands European Army 

Euronews wrote on January 22: 

“The chief of Spain’s diplomacy, José Manuel Albares… called on Europe to take full control of its own security, arguing that the continent must move ‘towards a European army’… 

“‘… we need firstly a coalition of the willing of European security, secondly, an integration of our industries of defence and in the end a European army.’” 

Most Germans View Trump as a Threat 

Deutsche Welle wrote on January 24: 

“A new nationwide poll of Germans shows that a large majority (61%) views US President Donald Trump as a threat to their country… 

“52% of respondents called on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his administration to take a harder line when dealing with the nation’s longtime ally…” 

Warning For World Cup Soccer Fans: Don’t Travel to America 

Fox News wrote on January 26: 

“Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter says soccer fans should avoid traveling to the United States for the 2026 World Cup this summer… Blatter cited Mark Pieth, an anti-corruption expert and law professor [who] told soccer fans to, ‘Stay away from the USA!’… Pieth added in his interview: ‘… upon arrival, fans should expect that if they don’t please the officials, they’ll be put straight on the next flight home. If they’re lucky.’… 

“Trump’s stance toward Greenland has led to a call to boycott the World Cup this summer by German soccer federation executive Oke Göttlich… 

“‘The country itself is in a state of tremendous turmoil,’ [Pieth] said. ‘What we’re witnessing domestically — the marginalization of political opponents, the abuses by immigration authorities, and so on — doesn’t exactly entice a fan to travel there… Pieth believes the U.S. has become ‘increasingly authoritarian.’” 

According to Bild Online, dated January 26, Pieth also said that soccer fans could be deported to Middle America, and agents could confiscate their smartphones to see whether something negative had been written about Trump. This is clearly overblown, but it shows the growing antagonism of Europe towards Trump. 

Trust in USA Gone 

The Huffington Post wrote on January 23: 

“Though Trump backed down by the end of the day, his two weeks’ worth of assaults over Greenland have rattled European diplomatic officials like nothing in recent memory,.. The alarm blended with disappointment in their own leaders’ response. On Thursday, an E.U. official told HuffPost they compared most European countries’ approach to the president to the fable of the frog and the scorpion: Both die after the former foolishly trusts that the latter will not sting and paralyze him. The scorpion, the official noted, was at least clear about its toxic nature. 

“European institutions ‘don’t seem able to adapt to a world in which the U.S., that played such a crucial role in European integration, not to mention NATO, may actually turn into a threat,’ said Nathalie Tocci, the director of the Istituto Affari Internazionali in Rome.  

“Philip Bednarczyk, an American who… works at the German Marshall Fund’s office in Poland… said this week led proponents of close ties with the U.S. in countries such as Germany, France, Italy and Poland to have ‘a painful recognition that we’re losing what we had.’ He expects pro-American voices in policymaking will lose out to rising anti-American sentiment…’” 

No More Trust 

Politico wrote on January 23: 

“Diplomats and officials now fear the breakdown in personal trust between European leaders and Trump has potentially grave ramifications… Given how unreliable Trump has been as an ally to Europe, officials are now privately asking what [Trump’s] guarantees are really worth… 

“While these leaders know they can no longer trust Trump’s America with Europe’s security, many of them lack the trust of their own voters to do what might be required instead.”  

Trump Destroys NATO and Britain Is Left Behind 

Daily Express published on January 24 the following article by Andrew Neil: 

“… the wiser Nato allies in Europe know there can be no return to business as usual – that we’ve reached a watershed in global politics. That the Atlantic Alliance will never be the same again. That America under Trump must be now be regarded as an unreliable and capricious ally — and at times (Ukraine, Greenland, tariffs) to behave as an enemy. That European Nato, along with Canada, has no time to waste in preparing for a new world order in which they no longer depend for security on the USA…

“This is a wake up call for the British Government, which should take stock… Britain is being left behind – and nothing will change under the current Government. Starmer has neither the vision nor aptitude to meet the challenge. His Labour Party is a prisoner to old ways of thinking and redundant priorities… Our politics dwells on the frivolous, the insignificant, the irrelevant – when what’s at stake is nothing less than national survival. Until we recognise that we cannot be regarded as a serious country.” 

Trump Causes More Outrage 

The Daily Mail wrote on January 23: 

“Keir Starmer led a chorus of fury against Donald Trump today after the president’s vile slur against British soldiers who fought and died in Afghanistan…. Politicians and military veterans reacted with outrage after the president told Fox News that Nato troops, including those from Britain, stayed ‘a little off the front lines’ during the war in Afghanistan. 

“Some [455] British service personnel were killed in the conflict in Afghanistan, fighting alongside the US, and countless more were severely wounded…. The UK suffered the second-highest number of military deaths in the Afghanistan conflict [followed by Canada with 158 deaths]… The US saw [2,465] deaths. America’s allies suffered 1,160 deaths during the conflict – around a third of the total coalition deaths.” 

Trump Backs Down 

The Daily Mail wrote on January 24: 

“Donald Trump has paid tribute to the UK’s ‘great and very brave soldiers’ – after sparking fury with claims British troops dodged the Afghanistan front line. In a statement, the US President said: ‘The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America! In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors…’ 

“Earlier this week Mr Trump was accused of ‘trampling on the memories’ of Britain’s 457 war dead with his claim they had stayed ‘a little off the frontlines’. The President made no mention of the Danes or other NATO soldiers who died in the country.” 

Bowing to pressure and sharp criticism, including from King Charles, Keir Starmer, Rod Stewart, Prince Harry, Denmark, Germany and Poland, and many others, Trump backpedals, without apologizing. As mentioned above, he did not retract his defamation against other NATO soldiers who had died in Afghanistan, including those from Germany and Poland. 

Another Killing in Minnesota 

Focus reported on January 25: 

“Deadly shots fired at another opponent of the U.S. immigration authorities during an ICE operation in Minneapolis are fueling anger against President Donald Trump’s administration. The parents of the man who was shot accused the officers of killing their son, Alex Pretti, without legitimate reason. They accused Trump’s administration of spreading lies about the incident in the state of Minnesota. The Department of Homeland Security is portraying the case as self-defense on the part of the officer, but videos from the scene are fueling criticism of ICE raids against migrants and the heavy-handed tactics used against protesting civilians.  Earlier in January, when 37-year-old U.S. citizen Renee Good was shot and killed in her car during an ICE operation in Minneapolis, the government also described the action as self-defense by an officer whose life was in imminent danger. But in that case, too, videos painted a different picture…” 

“Several eyewitness videos of the incident on the street are circulating online, filmed from different perspectives. One of them, which the German Press Agency has verified, shows several masked individuals in tactical gear violently forcing a person to the ground and attempting to restrain him. This person is clearly Alex Pretti.  He is eventually surrounded by eight officers. Then shots are fired; judging by the sound, there are about ten shots… Even after the man is lying motionless on the ground, at least one of the masked individuals continues to shoot at him. 

“Regarding the question of whether Pretti was armed—he was, according to police, generally authorized to carry a firearm—the videos reviewed by dpa do not provide a clear answer. In one of the videos circulating on social media, it appears that ICE officers may have confiscated a pistol from him—but this was before the first shots were fired, which would further call into question the claim of an alleged imminent threat to the lives of the officers… 

“Since the US government and its subordinate agencies under Trump regularly spread false claims or at least selectively present the truth, many people no longer believe their statements.” 

This will continue. The next fatal shooting is inevitable. 

Trump Replaces Kristi Noem With Tom Homan! 

Daily Mail wrote on January 26: 

“Donald Trump has sidelined Kristi Noem and ordered her longtime rival [Tom Homan] to lead a rapidly deteriorating Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Minneapolis… Trump’s immigration crackdown plunged into yet another scandal on Saturday when ICE agents shot dead American citizen Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse. 

“It came amid weeks of riots in Minneapolis following the killing of anti-ICE protester Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three.  Republican lawmakers in Washington have raised concerns that Noem’s operation has spiraled out of control… Trump himself has privately expressed that Noem’s department mishandled the public messaging in the immediate aftermath of Pretti’s shooting… 

“Noem and Homan have battled for control of Trump’s mass deportation agenda from the start of the administration. Under Noem’s leadership, non-law enforcement DHS officials have feuded with career ICE officers, who are loyal to Homan, over how to detain and deport illegal migrants.  

“Corey Lewandowski, a longtime Trump insider and Noem’s rumored lover, has publicly accused Homan of leaking to the Press and has sought to oust immigration officers close to the border czar. Homan now appears to have the President’s support after Trump appointed him to clean up the mess caused by Noem’s leadership in the Twin Cities.” 

Replacing “incompetent” Noem with “radical” Homan? Insofar as the power struggle between DHS and ICE is concerned, it reminds us of the power struggle between the SA (Sturmabteilung)  and the SS (Schutzstaffel) in Hitler’s Germany. Noem, Miller and Bovino immediately justified the horrible shooting of Alex Pretti as self-defense, misrepresented the facts, and labeled the victim as a domestic terrorist. Even the IRA objected to such classification. 

Noem Demanded Meeting With Trump 

The New York Post wrote on January 27: 

“Noem demanded a two-hour meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office late Monday after she was elbowed aside amid backlash over her handling of the latest deadly shooting in Minneapolis by ICE agents… Numerous videos… showed the ICU nurse only holding a cellphone and trying to get away from the agents… 

“Trump… didn’t suggest Noem’s job was on the line during the sit-down, sources told the outlet.” 

In fact, according to Fox News, dated January 27, Trump said that Noem is doing a “great job.” This is not very promising. 

Daily Mail added on January 27: 

“Video showed eight agents surrounding Pretti and tackling him to the ground. The nurse, who was carrying a licensed firearm, appeared to have been disarmed before he was shot ten times in less than five seconds. 

Demonstrating Peacefully? 

Fox News wrote on January 27: 

“Melania Trump called for national unity Tuesday as tensions remain high following the fatal shootings of two civilians by federal agents in Minneapolis. ‘We need to unify… I know my husband, the president, had a great call yesterday with the governor [Tim Walz] and the mayor [Jacob Frey], and they’re working together to make it peaceful and without riots,’ Mrs. Trump said…  ‘I’m against violence so, please, if you protest, protest in peace.’” 

What about “peaceful” conduct of brutal ICE and DHS agents??? 

Gregory Bovino Out? 

The Atlantic wrote on January 26: 

“Gregory Bovino has been removed from his role as Border Patrol ‘commander at large’ and will return to his former job in El Centro, California, where he is expected to retire soon, according to a DHS official and two people with knowledge of the change… 

“For the past seven months, Bovino has been the public face of a traveling immigration crackdown on cities governed by Democrats. Noem and other Trump officials gave Bovino the ‘commander’ title and sent him and his masked border agents to Chicago, Charlotte, New Orleans, and then Minneapolis. Bovino… traveled the country with his own film crew and used social media to hit back at Democratic politicians and random critics online. Veteran ICE and CBP officials grew more and more uneasy as Bovino worked outside his agency’s chain of command and appeared to relish his role as a political actor.”  

The White House disputed that Bovino, a close ally of Noem, was relieved of his duties, calling him a “great American,” but did not deny that he would leave Minneapolis. Bovino’s actions and conduct have been highly controversial. He even called the agents “victims” who shot Pretti on January 24. Bovino has found in November by a court to have lied dealing with his conduct against demonstrators. He has been nicknamed “little Napoleon.” He liked to dress in a Nazi-like outfit, being described by Der Spiegel as looking like “an elegant SS officer.” He has been nicknamed by some as “Gestapo Greg.” He has warned that those who compare him and his methods with the Gestapo will have to face consequences. 

“Being Incited Into Civil War”? 

Newsweek wrote on January 26: 

“Former U.S. representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has warned that Americans are being ‘incited into civil war,’  following the death of Alex Pretti… 

“Writing on X, Greene… urged people from both sides of the political spectrum ‘to take off their political blinders’ and appeared to ask her supporters to question the events.”

Greene might have a point. 

Trump’s Watershed Moment 

The Daily Mail wrote on January 28: 

“For all presidents there comes an event that history will record as the tipping point moment of their administration. Joe Biden’s was when he disastrously withdrew US troops from Afghanistan seven months into his presidency, and his poll numbers never recovered. Jimmy Carter was torpedoed by his inability to solve the Iran hostage crisis. George W. Bush’s popularity never rebounded after Hurricane Katrina. 

“Now, Donald Trump is facing his own reckoning as his approval rating sinks to a record low following the shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by immigration officers in Minneapolis. 

“An exclusive Daily Mail/JL Partners poll shows Trump at 45 percent approval, his equal worst ever showing in the survey…  It reveals 55 percent of Americans now disapprove of his overall performance. Worst of all for Trump, immigration, his signature issue for the last decade, is now proving to be an albatross around his neck, one of the areas where he has least support. Just 39 percent approve of his handling of the issue, with 47 percent disapproving.  

“According to the Daily Mail poll, 53 percent of voters say the chaos in Minneapolis has been a ‘turning point’ moment for them personally. That includes 39 percent of Republicans. It marks, without question, a key watershed in his presidency…. 

“The zealousness with which ICE has pursued its mission is now the number one driver of disapproval of the president, the Daily Mail poll revealed…  there has been a constant deluge of news reports about undocumented foreign nannies and gardeners being arrested by masked and heavily armed ICE operatives, culminating in the disaster that has now engulfed Minneapolis….  the Daily Mail poll shows America holds him responsible for events in Minneapolis…. ICE itself was viewed favorably by only 32 percent, and unfavorably by 55 percent… 

“Beyond ICE and Minneapolis, there is a wider problem too. Trump is struggling on all issues, according to the poll. Only 36 percent of Americans approve of his handling of the economy, with 51 percent disapproving. Even less, 33 percent, approve of his efforts to tackle inflation, with 53 percent disapproving. 

“Just 31 percent approve on healthcare, with 49 percent disapproval. Foreign policy – where he has focused much of his time – stands at 36 percent approval and 47 percent disapproval…. 

“Republicans face losing control of the House [during the Midterm elections], leaving Trump fighting an uphill battle for the final two years of his presidency, along with the possibility of being impeached for a third time.” 

While prior impeachments were doomed to fail, due to the strictly political nature of the allegations and the absence of judicial violations, this time around may be different, as an impeachment for some of Trump’s perceived illegal actions might very well be justified.   

A Fourth Term? 

The Huffington Post wrote on January 23: 

“Donald Trump on Thursday reignited speculation about serving beyond January 2029, when his second term in office is due to end. Posting on his Truth Social platform, the president wrote: ‘RECORD NUMBERS ALL OVER THE PLACE! SHOULD I TRY FOR A FOURTH TERM?’… 

“It is unclear what Trump exactly meant by a ‘fourth’ term. The remark could reference his… claim that he won the 2020 election against Joe Biden… [or] it could suggest a bid to serve two additional terms.” 

“Record numbers all over the place”? Trump is really hallucinating. So is J.D. Vance. Note the next article. 

J.D. Vance’s Titanic 

Yahoo! News wrote on January 23: 

“JD Vance needed an analogy for the Trump economy and landed on… the Titanic. The vice president, 41, got mocked relentlessly on social media after making a head-scratching metaphor in a speech intended to tout the Trump administration’s economic policies. 

As he stood in front of a massive banner that promised “lower prices” and “bigger paychecks” in the manufacturing town of Toledo, Ohio, Vance blamed the affordability crisis—once dismissed as a ’hoax’ by President Donald Trump—on the Biden administration… ‘You don’t turn the Titanic around overnight. It takes time to fix what was broken.’” 

Of course, the Titanic was never “fixed.” The “indestructible” ship sank in 1912 after it struck an iceberg, leaving over 1,500 passengers dead.  However, Vance’s analogy inadvertently and unintentionally told the Truth: America, the Titanic, will not be fixed, but it will go down.   

The Coming Storm With Iran 

The Sun wrote on January 23: 

“IRAN has issued a chilling threat to Donald Trump after he ordered a military armada towards the Ayatollah’s regime and warned that Washington was ‘watching’… 

“A top Khamenei crony said on Friday that the mullahs may target US-linked investments in the Middle East – if Trump were to step in and strike Iran… Ayatollah henchman Mohammad Javad Haj Ali Akbari said: ‘The one trillion dollars you have invested in the region is under the watch of our missiles.’… 

“Fears that the Iranian regime is still killing protesters under the guise of a total internet blackout are resurfacing. President Trump said he had received assurances that the killing had stopped earlier this month, but speculation is mounting that Supreme Leader Khamenei may continue executing civilians. Iran’s top prosecutor even denied claims that Iran had permanently called off some 800 executions – as Trump had previously claimed.” 

The Mother of All Deals 

npr wrote on January 27: 

“After nearly two decades of negotiations, India and the European Union announced Tuesday they have reached a free trade agreement to deepen economic and strategic ties. The accord, which the EU chief described as the ‘mother of all deals,’ could affect as many as 2 billion people. The deal between two of the world’s biggest markets comes as Washington targets both India and the EU with steep import tariffs, disrupting established trade flows and pushing major economies to seek alternate partnerships. ‘This agreement will bring major opportunities for the people of India and Europe,’ India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a virtual address to an energy conference. ‘It represents 25% of the global GDP and one-third of global trade.’

“The accord will see free trade on almost all goods between the 27 members of the EU and India, covering everything from textiles to medicines and bringing down high import taxes for European wine and cars… India is expected to reduce or eliminate tariffs for 96.6% of EU exports, while Brussels will reciprocate with similar reductions in phases that eventually cover nearly 99% of India’s shipments by trade value…” 

Germany and Italy Sign Defense Cooperation Agreement 

Deutsche Welle wrote on January 23: 

“Germany and Italy are deepening defense and economic cooperation with the leaders of the two countries signing an agreement in Rome. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni agreed on closer cooperation in the production of drones, naval vessels, underwater systems and air and missile defense systems. 

“The leaders are also looking to collaborate in the development of electronic warfare and aerial combat defense systems.”

The European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) added on January 23: 

“The Italy-Germany partnership could knock down the barriers that are holding Europe back… Today’s meeting in Rome marked a qualitative shift from alignment to structured co-governance… This sends a signal that Italy and Germany intend to shape the European defence pillar together rather than merely contribute to it separately.” 

More than 20 ministers from Italy and Germany met in Rome to discuss the implementation of the signed agreements. It reminds us somewhat of the infamous “Pact of Steel” between Italy and Germany which was signed in Berlin on May 22, 1939, declaring cooperation concerning the military and the economy.

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.

In the first part of this two-part series, we looked at the difference between the soul (the person) and the spirit in man.   We quoted from an article about “soul sleep” which rejected the concept that the soul is mortal, that the person is the soul, and that when a person dies, the person (the soul) sleeps in an unconscious state. The quotation from the article taken is in italics, followed by our comments below in roman type.

Let us continue with quoting from the article under discussion, and with our comments.

Until the final resurrection, there is a temporary heaven—paradise (Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 12:4)—and a temporary hell—Hades (Revelation 1:18; 20:13-14). According to Jesus’ account in Luke 16:19-31, neither in paradise nor in Hades are people sleeping. The three individuals in Jesus’ story—Lazarus, Abraham, and the rich man—are quite conscious and active in the afterlife, prior to the resurrection.

There is no temporary “heaven” for anyone when they die!   We have covered this understanding many times in our writings over the years.  Let us look at the article’s Luke 23:43 assertion.   This is about the thief on the cross which reads: “And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’”

In short, the Companion Bible states in its appendix, in paragraph 173, that the interpretation of this verse depends exclusively on the punctuation, which is totally dependent on human authority. They explain that until the 9th century, Greek manuscripts had no punctuation at all, and even after that time, they only had a dot separating words from each other. The Broadman Bible Commentary admits: “It is possible to place the comma after today…”   In effect, Jesus was telling him “I say to you today…”   Further, he could not have been in Paradise the same day with Jesus because Jesus was in the grave for 3 days and 3 nights. We explain this in great detail in our free booklet “Jesus Christ – A Great Mystery!”.

Let us look at the biblical references made to support the idea of going to heaven at death.

In the quoted article, 2 Corinthians 12:4 is mentioned: “… how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.”

It is generally recognised that this was the Apostle Paul writing about a profound experience he had which is usually thought to refer to his vision of heaven. In it, he describes hearing “inexpressible words,” meaning that this vision was so incredible that it was beyond human expression and understanding.  However, nowhere is it even suggested that he was in heaven as a human being. Rather, it was a vision.

One commentator stated that “a vision is a supernatural revelation of God given to a person in the form of a dream or trance-like state usually for the purpose of revealing the glory of God or the meaning of past or future events.”   Paul was not in heaven because “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven” (John 3:13).

Other references in the above-quoted article to prove their point, which in fact prove the exact opposite,  are:

Revelation 1:18: “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death’” and Revelation 20:13-14: “The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.  Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”

In our free booklet “Is That In the Bible? The Mysteries of the Book of Revelation,” we can read the following on page 129:

“Revelation 20:13–15 describes the THIRD resurrection, which will occur some time AFTER the judgment period of the second resurrection: ‘The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.’”

“God refers to the coming THIRD resurrection in the book of Daniel. In contrasting the FIRST resurrection with the THIRD resurrection, we are told, in Daniel 12:2: ‘And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to EVERLASTING life, Some to shame and EVERLASTING CONTEMPT.’

“Notice, it does not say that they will live forever in everlasting contempt. But it says that they will WAKE UP ‘to’ everlasting contempt—their fate will be one of everlasting consequences.”

Then, the article includes a reference to Luke 16:19-31 about Lazarus and the rich man. The Scripture reads as follows:

“There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.  And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’  But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’ Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’”

This parable speaks about the resurrection from the dead. The psychological punishment of the unrepentant incorrigible sinner is vividly portrayed by Jesus Christ in this parable. While Lazarus and Abraham are resurrected in the First Resurrection, the rich man faces his fate in the Third Resurrection. When he is raised back to life, he has had no consciousness of time. The “great gulf fixed” is the gulf between immortality (for Abraham and Lazarus) and mortality (for the rich man who is raised to a temporary physical existence to be burned up in the Lake of Fire).  We discuss this parable at great length on pages 29-32 of our free booklet, “Do We Have an Immortal Soul?”

Continuing with the above-quoted article denying that there is “soul sleep”:

Moses and Elijah were not “sleeping” when they appeared with Jesus on the mount of transfiguration. Far from it. They were “talking with Jesus” (Matthew 17:3).  Luke gives some additional detail, relating the subject of their conversation: “They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem” (Luke 9:31).

We discussed this issue in our Q&A, titled, “…You explained that Enoch did not go to heaven. You also stated that no one has gone to heaven, except Jesus Christ. What about Elijah? Does not the Bible state that Elijah ‘went up by a whirlwind into heaven’ (2 Kings 2:11)?” https://www.eternalgod.org/question-and-answer-85/. We said this:

“Some believe that Elijah was alive at the time of Christ, as he appeared, in a glorified state, to three of the disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration, together with the glorified Moses and Jesus (Matthew 17:1-9; Mark 9:2-10; Luke 9:28-36). We explain this account in detail on pages 14 and 15 of our booklet ‘The Gospel of the Kingdom of God.’ In that booklet, we show that the whole experience was a VISION — the disciples were given a foretaste of the kingdom of God in power. They saw, in a VISION, the time when Christ, Moses and Elijah would be powerful God beings in the Kingdom of God. Elijah and Moses are not glorified yet, as Hebrews 11:39-40 explains.  They will receive the promise of eternal life and glory in the kingdom of God at the time of Christ’s return — not before then.”

Hebrews 11:39-40, mentioned above in our Q&A, reads: “And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.”

The book of Ecclesiastes has something to say on this matter where we read in Ecclesiastes 9:5: “For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing…”

Back to the article we are reviewing:

In Revelation 6, John sees “the souls of those who had been slain” in heaven (verse 9). These souls are not sleeping; rather, they are crying out “in a loud voice, ‘How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?’” (verse 10). They are given white robes and “told to wait a little longer” (verse 11). Nothing in this heavenly scene hints at a state of unconsciousness, oblivion, or sleep prior to the resurrection. The souls in heaven are wide awake.

In our booklet “Is That in the Bible? – The Mysteries of the Book of Revelation!,” we read the following on pages 50 and 51 under the heading “The Souls Under the Altar”:

“How are we to understand that there are souls under the altar who speak—and that they are then told to ‘rest’ a little while longer (Revelation 6:9–11)? Doesn’t this show that our souls go to heaven when we die, while they are resting at the same time?

“Now, that would be a pretty confusing teaching, don’t you think?

“First of all, it does not say that the altar is in heaven. Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible maintains that ‘The altar is upon earth, not in heaven.’ The ‘souls’ are under the altar because, as the Nelson Study Bible explains, ‘sacrificial blood was poured beside the base of the altar in the temple (see Exodus 29:12).’

“We must realize that the fifth seal with the souls under the altar describes a vision, as do the other seals. The four horsemen do not REALLY ride—they REPRESENT certain events, which will take place on this earth. In the same way, the ‘souls under the altar’ are not really alive and do not really cry to God with a loud voice. Neither did the ‘dry bones’ in Ezekiel’s vision in Ezekiel 37:11 really speak, nor did Abel’s shed blood (Genesis 4:10). This is symbolic language, as we also read in Hebrews 12:24 that the blood of Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant, ‘speaks better things than that of Abel.’

“Notice also what is said in Revelation 20:4, 6 about the ‘souls’ of those who were killed for Christ:

“‘… I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshipped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads and on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years… Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection…’

“These souls were brought back to life in a resurrection. Before that, they were dead…

“Just imagine what it would mean if we were to take this symbolic vision in Revelation 6:9–11 literally: Souls of killed saints would need to ‘rest’ under the altar for several more years—and that in a conscious state, being able to speak and to have emotional pain—until other servants of God were killed as well (Revelation 6:11). This does not sound like a very blissful and happy state of affairs for the souls of righteous people!

“To use the vision of the souls under the altar as evidence for the teaching that our souls don’t simply sleep but do go to heaven when we die, is without any biblical basis whatsoever.”

Finishing off the article we have been addressing, we read:

Still, it can be said that a person’s body is “sleeping” while his soul is in paradise or Hades. And that is just how the Bible pictures it. At the resurrection, the body is “awakened” and transformed into the everlasting body a person will possess forever, whether in heaven or hell. The redeemed, made righteous by the blood of Christ, will inhabit the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1). The unredeemed, who remain in their sin, will be thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15).

It is quite ridiculous to assert that “a person’s body is ‘sleeping’ while his soul is in paradise or Hades.”   We have already shown, many times in our literature, sermons and sermonettes over many decades that, at death, we neither go to heaven, limbo, purgatory or hell but that the soul (the person) dies and the spirit in man goes back to God to be stored in heaven until the person is resurrected at a later time. 

It is true that the righteous will inhabit the new heaven and the new earth and that those who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and refuse to live the Way of Life set before us will be thrown into the Lake of Fire.  However, mainstream Christianity often states that this is the only day of salvation when it is but “a day of salvation” and those who have never heard about the true God and His Son, Jesus Christ, will rise in the Second Resurrection and be given their first opportunity in the Great White Throne Judgment to accept Jesus Christ as their Personal Savior. God is fair and everyone will be given their chance for salvation and eternal life in the Kingdom of God.

In 2 Corinthians 6:2, we read “For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”  This is quoting Isaiah 49:8 where in the Authorized Version it states “a day of salvation”.   If today was the only day of salvation, all those who had never heard the only Name by which we must be saved, the Name of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12), would be doomed to eternal death.

Today is indeed THE day of salvation for those who have been predestined to be called today. But these are only very few—the firstfruits. Most people were simply never given the chance to be called now. For them, today is NOT the day of salvation. It will come later. It would be unfair to those who lived in the 4,000 years before Christ’s birth and for all those others who have never heard His Name in the last 2,000 years to be lost! But God is fair!

The article which we are quoting finishes off by saying:

Present-day advocates of the doctrine of soul sleep include Seventh-day Adventists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christadelphians, and some others. 

In addition to the many mistakes and omissions contained in the article, we are not mentioned.

In conclusion, the false concept of the immortal soul is the beginning point where mainstream Christianity goes off track and teaches that the “immortal soul” has to go somewhere at death, purgatory, holding places, heaven and hell.   This is unbiblical and unnecessary. The soul is mortal and sleeps an unconscious sleep—a sleep without any consciousness and awareness—when the person (the soul) dies. The spirit in man returns to God on death and will be used when God raises all who have ever lived at the resurrection.  A brief comparison below shows the difference.

A person dies and his/her body (the soul) is buried or cremated while the spirit in man returns to God. We read in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 that at the return of Jesus Christ, the dead in Christ will be raised. That will be the First Resurrection, followed by the 1,000-years reign of Jesus Christ on earth after He sets up the Kingdom of God.

Then there is the Second Resurrection (the Great White Throne Judgment) where everyone who have not had their opportunity to accept Christ and God’s Way of Life, will then have their chance.  The indication is that this will be over a 100-year period.

Then there is the Third Resurrection where the Lake of Fire awaits the incorrigible wicked even after being given a chance during their lifetime in times past, now, or at a later time.

Doesn’t that make a lot more sense than death, purgatory, indulgences, people going to heaven, or a waiting place or to hell for eternity even if they have never heard the Name of Jesus Christ?

The Bible spells out the Truth despite the fact that man so often seems to come up with his own version which usually turns out to be very wide of the mark!

We have a free booklet entitled “Why This Confusion About Life After Death?,” which is freely available upon request.   This 77-page booklet covers many of the items raised in this two-part Q&A, such as the false concept of hell and the immortal soul as distinguished from the spirit in man; numerous Catholic myths; indulgences and purgatory; and much more. Please ask for a free copy.

Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)

compiled by Dave Harris

“Will the USA Invade Canada?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

Impossible? Don’t be too sure! This program analyzes the frightening facts and the escalating war of words between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Mark Carney; Trump’s ongoing threats; Canada’s fears; obvious parallels between Canada, Venezuela and Greenland; and a striking historical example from the 1930s. 

“Wird Amerika in Kanada einmarschieren?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This program covers the same topics as described above.

A new Member Letter (January 2026) has been posted and mailed to our subscribers. Pastor Eric Rank writes about how to apply the model prayer given by Jesus, and how we can improve  our prayers by using this pattern when we come to God in prayer.

“Endzeitprophezeiungen im Buch Hosea,” this Sabbath’s German sermon presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Title in English: “End-Time Prophecies in the Book of Hosea.”

“Wahl und Entscheidung,” last Sabbath’s first split sermon in Germany, was presented by Johann Schell and is now posted. Title in English: “Choice and Decision.”

“Die Macht der Musik,” last Sabbath’s second split sermon in Germany, was presented by Mario Danisch and is now posted. Title in English: “The Power of Music.”

“The Two Test Commandments for the Children of Israel,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Paul Niehoff is now posted. Here is the summary:

Two of the ten commandments were specifically listed and breaking them was the main reason why Israel was taken into captivity. Breaking one of them was the main reason why Judah was also taken into captivity.

“Walking Dust,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Rene Messier is now posted. Here is the summary:

This sermon discusses the consequences of pride and how some consequences are immediate and some delayed, but that there are always consequences for lack of humility and thinking you are better than others.