On September 6, 2025, Norbert Link will present the sermonette, titled, “Comments on News and Prophecy, September 6, 2025,” and the sermon, titled, “God’s Warning to True and False Christians.”

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.

An abundance of options prevails in our lives. To my wife and me, simply choosing something to watch from a streaming video service on Saturday night after the Sabbath has become a chore! I remember when watching something on TV was limited to about half a dozen channels broadcast over the air, and even further limited by the scheduled programming of those stations.  Certainly, we had less to choose from, but it made the process of deciding a whole lot simpler.

“The Paradox of Choice” is the title of a book, published by author Barry Schwartz in 2004. In this book, Schwartz explains how having a multitude of choices in the modern world counterintuitively causes people to be less happy with their decisions. Having too many options turns out to make people less likely to feel that they have made the best decision. Yet still, people gravitate towards shaping their circumstances, so they have the greatest possible set of options to choose from. Ironically, this only works against their best interests. Maybe you can relate.

Adam and Eve began by making a choice that set the course for humankind in the way that many of their descendants would make wrong decisions. They chose the way of worldly wisdom, which is not satisfied with the simplicity of godly wisdom. After eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, their eyes were opened to a multitude of options. The vast majority of those options lead humankind towards the satisfaction of carnal desires, but further and further away from the true joy that comes from turning to God instead.

The book referenced above was written in the past 20 years, being acclaimed for its novel findings about the abundance of choice leading to a life of dissatisfaction. But the Bible revealed this problem thousands of years ago. God warned Adam and Eve that following the path of worldly wisdom, symbolized by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, would result in death (compare Genesis 2:17) and suffering (compare Genesis 3:16-19). The way of life Adam and Eve chose brought about the current state of the world. And so, today we have choices that interminably grow in number. But they will never lead us to find true fulfillment.

Fortunately, there is a better way. And it does not (necessarily) require canceling subscriptions or living off the grid. God’s Holy Spirit gives us the opportunity to choose differently. The options in life that the world offers will only provide worldly experiences. But God, through His Holy Spirit, helps us to understand that the path to a life of truly deep satisfaction is to simply obey God and love the way of life He provides. The abundance of choices available in our lives will continue to be there, but in a life dedicated to God they do not matter. They cannot provide the kind of satisfaction that a life guided by godly wisdom does.

Solomon had tremendous abundance in his life. He had so much wealth that he could have whatever he wanted that money could buy. Yet, it did not give him the satisfaction he sought. It was all a vain pursuit (compare Ecclesiastes 2:9-11). He experienced the paradox of choice as we do today. In his wisdom, he understood the solution to the paradox. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). The simple secret to living a satisfied life is to obey God.

We understand that our joy comes from refusing to participate in the paradox of choice. Simplifying our lives by reducing our options might make it easier to choose a movie to watch, but it may not guide us to abound in the Spirit. The true happiness that God provides comes from putting the power of the Holy Spirit to work, giving us godly discernment to judge righteously. Satisfaction comes from a life well-lived, choosing the path that leads to life resulting from godly obedience and wisdom.

by Norbert Link

We begin with developments pertaining to the Middle East—especially the “two-state solution”, Israel and Gaza, and plans to build the Third Temple—report on further revelations about the Minnesota murders (see our StandingWatch program, Demons Rule This World!); and continue with Trump’s unconstitutional actions towards states, stupid raids and a court decision by an Appeals Court ruling that many of his tariffs are illegal (subject, of course, to a future decision by the US Supreme Court).

We talk about further investigations in the Epstein case; J.D. Vance’s ridiculous accusations against Germany; and the conclusion by a leading Ukrainian commentator that Trump cannot and will not end the Russia-Ukraine war. 

We speak about a meeting between China, Russia, North Korea, India, Iran and other countries; the Wagner group in Africa; and the danger of “mirror life.” 

We conclude with a “strange series of deaths among German AfD candidates” and the expectation of a soon-coming civil war in Europe. 

Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Crazy Science and the End of the World.”

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

Shameful European Conduct Towards Israel 

Israel Today wrote on August 29: 

“British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s July 25 statement regarding the recognition of a Palestine state was ‘shameful,’ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during a recent interview… Asked… whether recognition of a Palestine state would ‘encourage Hamas to continue their resistance,’ Netanyahu said, ‘Of course, it does…  They commit the greatest savagery against Jews since the Holocaust, and the prime minister of Britain says, “We’ll reward you with a de facto state,”… which is committed openly to repeating the October 7 massacre over and over and over again.’ 

“Western leaders like to repeat that Israel has a right to defend itself, but ‘they recognize Israel’s right to defend itself as long as Israel doesn’t exercise that right,’ Netanyahu said… The capitulation of leaders of the UK, France and others is a product of weak leadership caving in to distorted media, social media manipulation and radical extremist minorities, the Israeli leader said… Describing as ‘shameful’ the way Western leaders in Britain, France, Canada and New Zealand, ‘buckle under,’ Netanyahu added that 80 years after the Holocaust, European leaders want to ‘give a prize for those who would destroy the one and only Jewish state.’… 

“However, Netanyahu acknowledged that Israel is losing the public relations war… He dismissed as a ‘fraud’ the genocide and starvation accusations. He likened the starving children slander to the blood libel during the Middle Ages claiming Jews killed Christian children. ‘If we wanted to commit genocide, we would have done it in one afternoon,’ he said, noting that Israel has the ‘capacity’ to do so… He said Israel had taken unprecedented steps to protect civilians, issuing millions of warnings to residents in areas where the IDF plans to conduct combat operations, while Hamas forces people to stay, shooting those who try to leave…

“Asked what lessons he wants people to take from history, Netanyahu said that the key lesson Jews have drawn from history is to take threats of annihilation seriously and act before it is too late…” 

Still, the world will hate Israel even more and gang up against it. 

Belgium Too 

The Guardian wrote on September 2: 

“Belgium’s foreign minister, Maxime Prévot, has said his country will recognise a Palestinian state at the UN general assembly later this month… 

“The recognition of Palestine would only be formalised if Hamas releases all remaining Israeli hostages kidnapped in the Hamas-led 7 October attack on southern Israel in 2023 and the militant group ‘no longer has any role in managing Palestine,’ Prévot added.”

Hamas and Palestinian Authority Attack Godly Injunctions 

Israel 365 News wrote on August 28: 

“Ha’arun Nasser al-Din, the Hamas official overseeing Jerusalem affairs, issued a warning against Jews visiting the Temple Mount on the upcoming Rosh Hashanah [Feast of Trumpets], claiming they represented a ‘dangerous escalation’ as part of a broader ‘religious war’ targeting Islamic holy sites [what about Jewish holy sites?]. He urged Palestinians in Jerusalem, Israel, Judea, and Samaria to come to Al-Aqsa Mosque, pray there, and remain present at the site in order, he said, ‘not to abandon it to the settlers.’ 

“It should be remembered that the Hamas-led massacre of Israelis on Oct. 7, 2023, was launched to take place on the Jewish holy day of Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah, which falls on the eighth day of Sukkoth [the Last Great Day following the Feast of Tabernacles.] Dubbed the Al-Aqsa Flood, Hamas and Hezbollah claimed the attack was sparked by the arrival of five red heifers in Israel, which they said would lead to the construction of the Third Jewish Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year [according to Jewish calculations of the civil calendar; not the religious calendar according to which the New Year starts in the spring, the Hebrew month of Nisan or Abib], will begin on Monday, September 22… 

“Similarly, on Monday, the Palestinian Authority condemned attempts by Jewish activist groups to sound the shofar on Jerusalem’s Temple Mount… [They] warned in a statement that the Jewish tradition of sounding the shofar throughout the Hebrew month of Elul is ‘no longer a passing religious ritual, but has become one of the most dangerous tools of the occupation to impose its alleged sovereignty.’ The statement denounced attempts to sound the shofar on the Temple Mount as a ‘direct assault’ on the Al-Aqsa Mosque… [Blowing the shofar on the Feast of Trumpets is pursuant to Old Testament injunctions.]”

One can see how this kind of propaganda may lead to self-fulfilling prophecies. 

Blair, Kushner and Trump on Ending the Gaza Crisis 

The Independent wrote on August 28: 

“President Donald Trump was being briefed Wednesday on ideas for a post-war Gaza by his son-in-law and former Middle East envoy, Jared Kushner, and Tony Blair, the former British prime minister… Kushner and Blair met with the president to discuss what to do with the devastated enclave, which is currently facing a famine after three years of war started by the October 7, 2023 terror attacks by Hamas… 

“Trump has previously suggested an American takeover of the strip using U.S. troops as a way to bring an end to the war and satisfy Israeli demands that neither Hamas nor the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority have any say in Gaza governance… Pressed on what authority would permit the United States to take over Gaza — which is considered occupied territory under international law — Trump replied that he saw the United States taking ‘a long-term ownership position’ that would bring ‘great stability to the Middle East’ region. He also said the US could send troops to Gaza to accomplish this… 

“The comments drew widespread criticism around the world with Saudi Arabia saying it ‘unequivocally rejected’ the forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza… Trump later appeared to back down from his plan to take over Gaza, but on Tuesday his roving special envoy, Steve Witkoff, told Fox News that the administration was formulating a ‘very comprehensive plan’ on ‘the next day’ in Gaza… 

“Meanwhile, a United Nations official told the Associated Press Wednesday that if Israel’s military goes ahead with a planned offensive in Gaza City, then ‘all hope is gone that we’re ever going to see the end to this.’ But Israel says the evacuation of Gaza’s most populated city is ‘inevitable’…” 

Palestinian Leader Abbas Barred From Attending UN General Assembly 

Deutsche Welle wrote on August 30: 

“The United States said it would not allow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to travel to New York next month for a United Nations gathering, where several US allies are set to recognize Palestinian statehood. 

“A State Department official said Abbas and about 80 other Palestinians would be affected by the decision to deny and revoke visas from members of the umbrella Palestine Liberation Organization and the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority. Abbas had planned to attend the annual high-level UN General Assembly, followed by a summit where France, Australia and Canada have pledged to formerly recognize a Palestinian state. The United Kingdom also vowed to recognize Palestinian statehood if Israel does not meet certain conditions by the General Assembly meeting. 

“Abbas’s office said it was astonished by the decision and said it violated the UN ‘headquarters agreement,’ a 1947 accord that requires the US to allow access for foreign diplomats to the UN in New York. The Trump administration, however, has said it can deny visas for security, extremism and foreign policy reasons. The State Department said the PA and PLO had failed to renounce extremism while pushing for ‘unilateral recognition’ of a Palestinian state…. 

“Several European foreign ministers arriving at a European Union meeting in Copenhagen criticized Washington’s decision to block Mahmoud Abbas’s visa… French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot… told reporters that the assembly ‘cannot be subject to any restrictions on access.’ Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said the US move was ‘unacceptable,’ while Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris said the EU should protest the decision ‘in the strongest possible terms.’ Both Spain and Ireland officially recognized Palestinian statehood in 2024… In 1988, the US refused to issue a visa to PLO leader Yasser Arafat, forcing the UN General Assembly to be moved from New York to Geneva so he could address it.” 

The Associated Press added on August 30: 

“Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ office on Saturday urged the U.S. government to reverse its unusual decision to revoke his visa… Abbas has addressed the General Assembly for many years, and generally leads the Palestinian delegation. 

“‘We call upon the American administration to reverse its decision. This decision will only increase tension and escalation,’ Palestinian presidential spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh told The Associated Press in Ramallah on Saturday. He urged other countries to put pressure on the Trump administration to reverse the decision, notably the countries that have organized a high-level conference on Sept. 22 about reviving efforts for a two-state-solution for the Middle East. It is co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia.” 

Demonic Behavior 

New York Post wrote on August 28: 

“Transgender mass shooter Robin Westman confessed that he ‘was tired of being trans’ and wished he ‘never brain-washed’ himself in a manifesto posted online… Westman used to horrify classmates by walking around saying ‘praise Hitler,’ according to a former friend who denounced him as ‘demonic.’… ‘It’s demonic, I’m sorry, it is, she said of her one-time friend’s behavior.”

See our new StandingWatch program from August 27, titled, Demons Rule This World! 

Trump Without Constitutional Authority Towards States 

The Ron Paul Institute published the following article by Judge Andrew P. Napolitano on August 28: 

“‘It is (my) intention to … demand recognition of the distinction between the powers granted to the Federal Government and those reserved to the States or to the people. All of us need to be reminded that the Federal Government did not create the States; the States created the Federal Government’ (President Ronald Reagan, First Inaugural Address, Jan. 20, 1981). 

‘When I heard President Ronald Reagan utter the words above, my heart leapt with joy. I couldn’t imagine a modern-day president recognizing the sovereignty of the states and understanding their role in the creation of the American republic… Oh, how the presidential attitude has changed. 

“Last week, President Donald Trump purported to order the states to reform their policies on bail so as to incorporate a variant of pre-conviction incarceration. He also ordered them to prosecute people for burning their own flags. His own observations have apparently caused him to conclude that bad people — including flag burners — should be picked up off the streets, incarcerated and kept there until trial. In another breath, he referred to the states as ‘agents’ of the federal government… where is his constitutional authority to do so? In a word: NOWHERE… 

“When the first 13 states formed the federal government and when the succeeding 37 joined — some voluntarily and some literally with guns aimed at the heads of state officials — they did so embracing subsidiarity… James Madison, the chief draftsman of the Constitution and the author of the Bill of Rights, insisted that the 10th Amendment declare that the powers not given away to the federal government are retained by the people and the states. Foremost among them is the police power — the power to regulate and enforce laws for the health, safety, welfare and morality of all persons in the states. 

“The federal government is one of limited powers… Madison made it clear, just because a problem is national in its scope does not make it federal in its nature. A national problem is one common to vast areas across America. A federal problem is one the governance of which is articulated and delegated to Congress in the Constitution… This system was crafted to prevent the accumulation of power in Washington…” 

The underlying goal to make America a dictatorship under the President is only too obvious. 

Stupid Raids Endanger America 

MSNBC added on August 31: 

“Authorities in Washington have been fighting the state’s largest wildfire nonstop for almost two months. Since early July, the Bear Gulch Fire has burned nearly 9,000 acres, and officials say it is only 13% contained. In fact, it’s so big that the state has to rely on contract firefighters. But on Wednesday, one group of firefighters who were battling the blaze had to take a three-hour timeout from their work after their camp was raided by Border Patrol officials. Video of the raid shows dozens of fire contractors being lined up and asked to show their IDs. Border Patrol officers ultimately arrested two of the firefighters, whom they believed were in the country illegally… 

“In a statement to NBC News, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said that the arrests followed a criminal investigation into two companies contracted to assist with fighting the fire. On Friday, the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement on X, which said the two men ‘apprehended were NOT firefighters’ but worked in a ‘support role, cutting logs into firewood.’ Adding: ‘The firefighting response remained uninterrupted the entire time.’ 

“According to reporting from The Seattle Times, one of the firefighters told the men they were not allowed to take video of the incident. ‘You risked your life out here to save the community,’ that firefighter told the Times. ‘This is how they treat us.’… As the Times notes, ‘It is unusual for federal border agents to make arrests during the fighting of an active fire, especially in a remote area.’ Earlier this year, Donald Trump rescinded a Biden-era policy that barred immigration enforcement at so-called sensitive locations, which applied to natural disasters…. And now [we see]  raids on camps of firefighters as they literally battle the largest wildfire in the American Northwest. It appears Trump, JD Vance, Stephen Miller and [others] are willing to burn the country to the ground if that’s what it takes, all so they can rule over the ashes.” 

Reuters added on August 31: 

“Two firefighters who were responding to a wildfire in the state of Washington when they were detained by U.S. border agents are being held at an ICE detention center in Tacoma… officials there confirmed they were holding the two people working for companies that had been contracted to help fight the 9,000-acre Bear Gulch fire in the Olympic National Forest… lawyer Stephen Manning said his Portland, Oregon, firm was representing one of those arrested, an Oregon resident Manning said was unlawfully detained. Manning… said the man had come to the United States with his family as a four-year-old about 19 years ago and was awaiting a response to a visa application… 

“ICE officials have criticized the Trump administration’s push for high daily arrest quotes that have led to the detention of thousands of individuals with no criminal record, as well as long-term green card holders, others with legal visas, and even some U.S. citizens, according to Reuters reporting….” 

This is INSANE! 

Court of Appeals: Most Trump Tariffs ILLEGAL! 

CNBC wrote on August 29: 

“A federal appeals court ruled Friday that most of President Donald Trump’s global tariffs are illegal, striking a massive blow to the core of his aggressive trade policy. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, in a 7-4 ruling, held that the law Trump invoked when he granted his most expansive tariffs does not actually grant him the power to impose those levies. ‘The core Congressional power to impose taxes such as tariffs is vested exclusively in the legislative branch by the Constitution,’ the court said. ‘Tariffs are a core Congressional power.’ 

“The appellate court paused its ruling from taking effect until Oct. 14 in order to give the Trump administration time to ask the Supreme Court to reverse the decision. Trump later Friday attacked the appeals court… ‘If these Tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the Country,’ Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. ‘If allowed to stand, this Decision would literally destroy the United States of America.’…” 

Trump might be right with his assessment, but the irony is: The Bible prophesies that the USA WILL BE destroyed. 

Newsmax added on August 29: 

“The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled Trump wasn’t legally allowed to declare national emergencies and impose import taxes on almost every country on earth, largely upholding a May decision by a specialized federal trade court in New York… The decision complicates Trump’s strategy, which has upended decades of American trade policy. His tariffs — and the at times unpredictable way he’s rolled them out — have shaken global markets, alienated U.S. trading partners and allies and raised fears of higher prices and slower economic growth…

“[A] possibility is that the government might have to refund some of the import taxes that it’s collected, delivering a financial blow to the U.S. Treasury. ‘It would be 1929 all over again, a GREAT DEPRESSION!’ Trump said in a previous post on Truth Social.” 

A great depression of Trump’s making. 

Further Planned Investigations in the Epstein Case 

The Independent wrote on August 30: 

“Jeffrey Epstein’s estate will hand the infamous ‘birthday book’ at the center of President Donald Trump’s defamation case with the Wall Street Journal to Congress, according to the top Democrat on the House committee [Rep. Robert Garcia of California] leading the investigation into the handling of the late sex offender’s case… Garcia… said that Epstein’s estate would comply with the subpoena issued earlier this week by the Republican-led House Oversight Committee and turn over the 2003 book and ‘other documents.’… 

“The birthday book is the subject of a WSJ article… Trump filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit… The House committee hopes to examine [on September 8] the book of messages from friends and associates, which was a gift to Epstein for his 50th birthday, compiled by his confidante, Ghislaine Maxwell. Trump, who denies writing a birthday message to Epstein, has not been accused of any wrongdoing… 

“Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel are expected to testify before Congress on the Trump administration’s handling of the case. Patel is scheduled to give testimony on September 17, while Bondi is scheduled for October 9…” 

This will be interesting. The Epstein case is not going away.  

Ridiculous Allegations by J.D. Vance Against Germany and Politico 

The Straits Times wrote on August 30: 

“The White House lashed out Aug 29 over what it called a ‘foreign influence operation’ by German-owned US news outlet Politico after it criticised the efforts of President Donald Trump’s envoy, Mr Steve Witkoff, in Ukraine negotiations. Vice-President J.D. Vance slammed Politico, bought in 2021 by German media giant Axel Springer [who also owns Bild], over an article that quoted unnamed officials as saying Mr Witkoff’s ‘inexperience shines through’ in his talks with Russia’s Vladimir Putin. 

“‘This story from Politico is journalistic malpractice. But it’s more than that: it’s a foreign influence operation meant to hurt the administration and one of our most effective members,’ Mr Vance said on X. A string of other White House officials made similar attacks, with Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair calling the article a ‘foreign influence operation run through a German-controlled online media outlet’. The officials did not offer evidence of any foreign party or government behind the story [Of course, because there is none.] 

“The attacks came as Berlin and France cast doubt on whether Mr Trump’s Ukraine peace efforts would bear fruit, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz saying the war would last ‘many more months.’ Mr Witkoff is a property tycoon whom Mr Trump has named as his special envoy for peace talks to end the Ukraine and Gaza wars despite having no diplomatic experience.” 

These accusations against Politico and German interference are totally ridiculous. Politico is by far not the only outlet which has pointed out Mr. Wirkoff’s perceived incompetence (we have reported about this in prior Current Events). J.D. Vance has recently made some other questionable comments, such as that Russia has made serious concessions, and that we are close to seeing the end of the war. The evidence proves the opposite.  J.D. Vance also stated that if it should become necessary, he would be ready to be President.   

Because of Trump—Germany and Switzerland Drawing Closer 

ntv wrote on September 2: 

“The high tariffs imposed on Switzerland by US President Donald Trump are bringing the Swiss Confederation and Germany closer together… While EU membership is not on the cards for Switzerland, integration to varying degrees is possible, emphasized [Friedrich Merz]. 

“The Federal President [Karin Keller-Sutter] also pointed out that Switzerland is not even a member of the European Customs Union, but nevertheless wants significantly closer cooperation with Germany and the EU… ‘Switzerland is particularly affected by very high tariffs. We must therefore come together and work together all the more closely in Europe,’ said Merz. He hoped that the ‘exorbitant’ US punitive tariffs for the country can still be avoided… 

“Noting that Switzerland is not only not an EU member but also not a NATO member, Keller-Sutter said that the neutrality is firmly anchored in the Swiss population. However, the Federal Council wants at least the War Material Act to be watered down, which has so far made arms exports and deliveries very difficult.” 

Trump Can’t (Won’t) Stop the War 

Express wrote on August 30: 

“Donald Trump’s muted response to the latest deadly missile and drone strikes on Kyiv has been condemned as a sign of weakness by a leading Ukrainian commentator, who warned that only China’s Xi Jinping now has the power to halt Russia’s war. But Mr Boycheko also believes Russia is now China’s ‘little brother’ with Beijing effectively waging a proxy war on the West. 

“The US President spoke after the massive August 28 raids on Ukraine’s capital that killed at least 23 people, including four children. Russian forces targeted residential areas, a shopping mall, and offices used by the European Union and the British Council in one of the largest bombardments of the war. In comments posted on X and reiterated by aides, Mr Trump said he was ‘not happy’ about the attacks but ‘not surprised,’ describing them as ‘not necessary’ and of ‘very bad timing’… 

“White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt went further, stressing that Mr Trump’s reaction reflected Ukraine’s own drone strikes on Russian oil refineries. The comparison — effectively treating Moscow’s bombardment of civilian areas as equivalent to Kyiv’s targeting of energy infrastructure — has drawn criticism for failing to condemn Russia’s aggression outright. 

“Mr Boycheko, Founder and CEO of Hope for Ukraine, who now lives in the United States, believes Mr Trump fundamentally misreads both the war and the Russian president’s psychology. He told [Express:] ‘He started this whole journey on the wrong foot. He thought he could come into office, use his personal relationship with Putin, charm him, bribe him, or sweet-talk him into leaving Ukraine. But Putin is not that type of person. Putin has no feelings. He is like a computer.’ [Putin is a “computer” led and directed by demons.] 

“In Mr Boycheko’s view, the drawn-out ‘peace process’ that Mr Trump has promoted, including this summer’s summit with Putin in Alaska, is merely buying Russia time to inflict further damage on Ukraine… 

“Mr Boycheko also urged European powers to assume greater responsibility as US policy drifts. He said: ‘The whole strategy of relying on the United States for your security is a road to nowhere. Britain, Germany and France need to come up with their own plan to help Ukraine, build more drones and weapons themselves, and restructure their militaries to deal with Russia…’ Mr Boycheko also called on Western governments to intensify pressure on Russia’s finances, particularly through sanctions against the ‘shadow fleet’ of ships carrying its oil.” 

Dangerous AI Warfare 

Politico wrote on September 2: 

“… some AI scientists believe the Pentagon has already started down a slippery slope by rushing to deploy the latest generations of AI as a key part of America’s defenses around the world. Driven by worries about fending off China and Russia at the same time, as well as by other global threats, the Defense Department is creating AI-driven defensive systems that in many areas are swiftly becoming autonomous — meaning they can respond on their own, without human input — and move so fast against potential enemies that humans can’t keep up.

“Despite the Pentagon’s official policy that humans will always be in control, the demands of modern warfare — the need for lightning-fast decision-making, coordinating complex swarms of drones, crunching vast amounts of intelligence data and competing against AI-driven systems built by China and Russia — mean that the military is increasingly likely to become dependent on AI. That could prove true even, ultimately, when it comes to the most existential of all decisions: whether to launch nuclear weapons. 

“That fear is compounded by the fact that there is still a fundamental lack of understanding about how AI, particularly the LLMs, actually work. So while the Pentagon is racing to implement new AI programs, experts… are scrambling to decipher the algorithms that give AI its awesome power before humans become so dependent on AI that it will dominate military decision-making even if no one ever formally gives it that much control… Most troubling to experts on AI and nuclear weapons is that it’s getting harder and harder to keep decisions about targeting and escalation for nuclear weapons separate from decisions about conventional weapons…” 

The Wall Street Journal added on September 2: 

“In a new frontier for warfare, Ukraine is using technology to allow groups of drones to communicate and make decisions independent of their operator… On a recent evening, a trio of Ukrainian drones flew under the cover of darkness to a Russian position and decided among themselves exactly when to strike. 

“The assault was an example of how Ukraine is using artificial intelligence to allow groups of drones to coordinate with each other to attack Russian positions, an innovative technology that heralds the future of battle…”

China, Russia and North Korea

NPR wrote on August 29: 

“When North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits China next week for a military parade, he’ll make his debut at a large gathering of foreign leaders, an event with the heads of China, Russia and North Korea all together for the first time. The Sept. 3 parade marks the end of World War II after Japan’s formal surrender to Allied forces… China’s State Council this week published a list of 26 leaders it said would attend that would also include the leaders of Iran, Cuba, Belarus and Serbia. Slovakia is so far the only NATO member on the list. This will also be Kim’s first known visit to China since 2019… South Korean President Lee will not attend the parade, but the government will be represented by Parliamentary Speaker Woo Won-shik…. 

“China and Russia have cooperated in helping North Korea avoid international sanctions imposed because of its nuclear and missile programs. And China and North Korea have helped Russia in different ways with its war in Ukraine…. 

“Chinese media, meanwhile, have focused on… China’s contributions to victory in World War II, officially known in the country as the ‘Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.’ That conflict started with Japan’s invasion of Manchuria in 1931, a decade before Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. Some 35 million Chinese soldiers and civilians were killed or wounded in the conflict, according to official Chinese government figures.” 

Still, even Japan might become part of the Kings of the East. So will India. Note the next article. 

Deutsche Welle wrote on August 31:

“Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi has arrived on his first visit to China in seven years. Modi met with Xi, with the two sides looking forward to improving ties after border tensions. Russian President Vladimir Putin was received with a red carpet welcome. China upgrades relations with Armenia during Xi’s meeting with Armenian PM Pashinyan.” 

The Axis of Evil 

The Sun wrote on September 2: 

“The powerful leaders, often dubbed the ‘Axis of Evil’ due to how they rule over their nations with an iron fist, are seeking to challenge the dominance of the US-led West. All three have an explosive relationship with the rival bloc from China’s constant threats to invade Taiwan by force, Russia’s refusal to end the war in Ukraine and Kim’s worrying nuclear arsenal… 

“Nato chief Mark Rutte has already sounded the alarm saying Russia and China together could light the fuse on World War Three. He laid out a nightmare scenario saying if Beijing seizes Taiwan while Putin strikes eastern European Nato territory then a global war will break out instantly…. Xi and Putin have already caught the eyes of the globe after announcing plans to form a new group to directly rival Nato.” 

Xi also claimed that China and Russia ended World War II, totally ignoring the role of the USA, Great Britain, and other instrumental allies. 

Wagner Group in Africa 

The Sun wrote on August 30: 

“THOUSANDS of miles from Ukraine’s bloody frontline, Vladimir Putin is quietly waging a brutal second war in the desert… From Mali to the Central African Republic and across the Sahel, Russia has rechristened its notorious Wagner group to form a new Kremlin-controlled paramilitary force – the Africa Corps… But the tyrant is also thought to be using the dark operations as a strategic ‘conveyor belt’ to train Russian troops for his meat-grinder war in Ukraine… 

“For years, Russia’s infamous Wagner Group was used as proxy by the Kremlin to battle rebels and armed groups abroad in brutal military operations. But their chief… –  a former ally of Putin – was wiped out in a fireball crash in 2023 following an extraordinary failed coup. With a much tighter grip from the Kremlin, Wagner reinvented itself as Africa Corps – with goals to shore up military leaders, extract gold and undermine Western influence… The mercenaries have a strong foothold in the Sahel, Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali – along with ‘interest’ in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire…” 

The Danger of Mirror Life 

Neoscope wrote on August 27: 

“It’s a technology that doesn’t even exist yet, but its effects could be so drastically destructive that scientists in the field are calling for it to be banned now, before it’s too late. We’re talking, of course, about ‘mirror life’ — synthetic organisms that quite literally turn natural biology on its head… 

“Mirror lifeforms contain DNA structures that are the mirror image to all known organisms. In all life on Earth, the DNA double helix is right-handed, meaning its strands, a sugar-phosphate backbone, twist to the right… The opposite is the case for proteins, the building blocks of cells, which are left-handed. 

“… So what happens when humans engineer a synthetic organism where its DNA twists to the left, while its proteins twist to the right? The scary thing is that we can’t say for sure — but many biologists fear the worst. In December, a group of leading figures in the field… published a massive technical report warning that the consequences of mirror life ‘could be globally disastrous,’ possibly even wiping out all life if the new organisms prove pathogenic to existing life, like us humans… 

“Most scientists agree that the technology is at least a decade away, perhaps three. But their sense of urgency in preventing it is palpable…” 

The Bible warns that no flesh would be saved alive if Christ was not to come back to shorten these days.

Strange Series of Deaths Among AfD Candidates 

Report 24 wrote on August 30: 

“The statistics don’t really support such a ‘coincidence.’ Shortly before the local elections on September 14, four promising candidates between the ages of 59 and 72 died – suddenly and unexpectedly. What they had in common: They were candidates for the Alternative for Germany (AfD), which the established, unified party in Germany fears and [it] does not want any changes to the political structure… 

“The background to this is a mood in the country that is the fault of the established, unified party [talking about all the “established” parties, such as CDU, SPD, FDP or the Green.] For example, the party had ensured that completely innocent AfD candidates were excluded from elections, most recently Joachim Paul of the mayoral election in Ludwigshafen am Rhein and Uwe Detert’s election in Lage. [This makes] it increasingly clear that the German population is only being fooled into believing in their right to democratic participation… 

“Equally part of the depressing overall picture is the tragic death of a doctor who dared to criticize former Green Party leader Habeck. The 76-year-old critical physician Wolfgang Conzelmann was tied up and suffocated—in other words, murdered. A connection to his political statements cannot be ruled out. One should also not forget that the authorities largely give the thugs and terrorist groups of the so-called ‘Antifa‘ a free hand in Germany. 

“And so it is hardly surprising that many questions have arisen surrounding the deaths of four AfD candidates for the upcoming local elections in North Rhine-Westphalia. From a purely mathematical and statistical perspective, such a cluster of deaths is extremely unlikely and difficult to explain as coincidence… 

“Stefan Berendes ran for city council in Bad Lippspringe. He was 59 years old at the time of his death. Wolfgang Seitz ran as a direct candidate for the Wesel district council in Rheinberg. He was also 59 years old. He is said to have died on August 16. Ralph Klaus Norbert Lange, 66 or 67 years old, ran for city council in Blomberg. Wolfgang Klinger ran for city council in Schwerte; he was 71 or 72 years old. The date of death is given as August 19, 2025. 

“No public information on the causes of death is currently available. Deaths among candidates from other parties running for election are unknown, which raises even more questions, at least in the mathematical and statistical field, about the deaths of the four AfD candidates.”

Elon Musk posted the following comments on X on August 30:  “Either Germany votes AfD or it is the end of Germany.” 

More Deaths 

Report 24 added on September 2: 

“Now two more AfD politicians have died: René Herford and Patrick Tietze. Both were reserve list candidates. Herford is said to have died of kidney failure and reportedly suffered from a pre-existing liver condition. Tietze is said to have committed suicide… 

“The fact that now… six politicians from the successful (and also promising in these elections) opposition party have died is certainly something to think about. No other party is being agitated and incited against as much as the AfD.” 

Subsequently, another AfD candidate died “of natural causes.”

Civil War in Europe 

Report 24 wrote on August 28: 

“Europe is no longer a haven of security. Its peoples and societies are deeply divided, trust in state institutions is in free fall, the economic foundation is crumbling… The risk factors for civil war have long been present; the only question is when the spark will ignite.” 

“The parallels to Yugoslavia in the 1990s are unmistakable. There, too, people lived in a deceptive normality until shortly before the escalation. Public life still functioned, people still went to work, and the cafes were still full. Until suddenly, nothing was normal anymore, and neighbors who had lived side by side for decades became enemies. Anyone who claims today that something like this could never happen in Paris, Brussels, or Berlin is falling prey to the same… dangerous self-deception that things will stay as they are – just because they are so used to it. 

“The ingredients for the big bang are already in place. A majority society that feels increasingly marginalized and is forbidden from any self-assertion [by being accused to be] ‘right-wing extremist’… A political establishment that sees mass immigration not as a problem, but as a ‘project’ for social transformation. And an economy driven to the brink of collapse by debt, deindustrialization, and centrally planned energy fantasies… 

“The question of ‘critical mass’ is particularly important. Studies… show that it takes no more than around 3.5 to 5 percent of a population to bring about a revolution or profound change – if this part acts decisively enough. Applied to the European Union and individual states, this means: Even a relatively small but radicalized minority can destroy the fragile balance. In an age when entire cities have already developed parallel societies (some with no-go zones), this is no longer a theoretical threat… 

“Trust in parliaments, governments, and the media regularly reaches historic lows in surveys… While the broad public still believes in the fairytale of the ‘European peace project,’ reality is gradually being determined by the conditions that, according to conflict research, make civil wars almost inevitable. Anyone who ignores this development is not only engaging in self-deception, but is endangering the survival of their own society. Europe is no longer a safe continent. The question is not whether conflicts will escalate, but when and where they will begin.” 

The Bible warns us that devastating developments will occur suddenly. 

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.

From time to time, we are faced with the question of how men and women should wear their hair, especially in church services. Some new people who get in contact with us feel that a woman must wear a veil in services, and especially during the opening or closing prayer. Others feel that a man can wear shoulder-length long hair, or he can do so by wearing it as a ponytail. Then, teens and young adults, and/or their parents, often may not know what hair length and hairstyle is appropriate for them.

We have previously addressed the issue of proper hair length in Q&As. Before extensively quoting from them, a word of caution, which we set forth in regard to proper dress in chapter 12 of our free booklet, “How Can Young People Cope With Life?”, but which would equally apply to the question of proper hair length:

“It may sometimes be difficult to strike a proper balance as to what is appropriate and inappropriate clothing. There may be a tendency to set forth detailed rules and ‘descriptions’ of what is supposedly allowed and prohibited, thereby creating what could be described as a ‘yard-stick’ approach. In this chapter, we will NOT do this, but rather, we will set forth suggestions, recommendations, guidelines and principles, while avoiding to create teachings, perhaps based on human traditions (like the Pharisees did), which the Bible does not contain…

“We need to keep in mind that we must NEVER condemn or judge self-righteously our spiritual brother and sister and their children for what is being worn (compare James 4:11–12; 2:1–4, 13). If a matter needs to be addressed on an individual basis, the ministry will do so. We are all learning to become more and more perfect in the eyes of God, and to increase in stature with people, and this process requires time and patience. As a general principle regarding proper clothing, we need to reflect God’s standards at all times, when appearing in public.”

As we said, these principles apply equally to proper hair length for men and women.

Let us reiterate first our long-standing teaching on proper hair length for women and the issue of whether they are supposed to wear a veil in services.

In our Q&A from May 31, 2003, titled, “Would you please explain 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 (instructing men to wear short hair, and women to wear long hair)…?”, we said this:

“In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul sets forth the timeless principles of proper hairstyle and hair length for men and women. After explaining in 1 Corinthians 11:3 that the Head of Christ is God the Father, the Head of a man is Christ, and the head of the woman (wife) is the man (husband), Paul continues: ‘… (verse 5) But every woman who prays or prophecies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. (verse 6) For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered. (verse 7)… (verse 10) For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels… (verse 13) Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?… (verse 15) But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering.’

“The context of the Scripture discusses the length of hair — not the wearing of a veil or of a hat… We read that a woman should wear long hair, which is given to her ‘as a covering’ or, as some translations render this, ‘as a veil.’”

We would like to mention that, even though Paul is addressing the situation between husband and wife here, the issue of hair length and hairstyle would equally apply, in principle, to unmarried women, teenage girls, and young adults as well. Even though there is no prohibition to wear a hat, for example, in church services for a “fashion style” statement, it would be wrong if it were done with the erroneous belief that God commands it and that the woman would sin if she were to pray without wearing a hat or a veil. (The same applies to someone who refrains from eating clean meat, but does so believing that God commands him or her not to do it.)

To continue with quoting from our above-mentioned Q&A:

“The Church of the Eternal God and its sister churches are not going to engage in a ‘yard-stick religion’ of defining and regulating how long and how short hair should be worn. However, the following Biblical principles are helpful:

“We read that a woman should have ‘long hair’ as a covering, as distinguished from an ‘uncovered’ head, a ‘shaved’ head, or a ‘shorn’ head. A ‘shorn’ head pictures very short hair. One might think of the analogy of a ‘shorn’ sheep… A ‘shaved’ head describes a bald head. In contrast, a woman should wear ‘long hair,’ showing that she accepts the authority of her husband over her, ‘because of the angels.’ The thought is conveyed here that a wife cannot rely on angelic protection, if she shows through her conduct that she does not accept the God-given authority of her husband over her. (This is not to say, however, that a husband should ever abuse his authority. Our free booklet, ‘The Keys to Happy Marriages and Families,’ explains the God-ordained husband-and-wife-relationship in much detail)…”

“We are… to follow the clear principles given in 1 Corinthians 11 — that a woman should not wear her hair as to look like a man, and a man should not wear his hair as to look like a woman. If one cannot tell, by just looking at hairstyles and hair lengths, whether a person is a male or a female, then the clear guidelines set forth in 1 Corinthians 11 have not been followed.”

To add to this and to reemphasize, a man is under the authority of God. So is a wife, but she is also under the authority of her husband. Her long hair symbolizes that. To wear hair which does not “cover” her head, or shaved or shorn hair would violate the command, symbolically, to be under her husband’s authority.

What is too short and too long can be difficult for some to determine. If in doubt, consult the ministry for advice.

A thumbnail approach would be:

When you look at a man and based on his hair length or hairstyle, he looks like a woman with long hair, or one cannot determine his gender, and if you look at a woman and based on her hairstyle or hair length, she looks like a man with short hair, or one cannot determine her gender, then we have crossed the line.

Also, hairstyle goes hand in hand with long or short hair. That too should reflect and reveal a gender.

We added the following in a Q&A from May 1, 2009, titled, “What are the biblical principles regarding hair length and dress for men and women?” 

“The key for falling within the guidelines instituted by God in His Word is for men to avoid having female type hairstyles and for women to maintain a proper length to serve as a covering and as an unmistakable woman-like appearance… A man should look like a man, and a woman should look like a woman. The difference should be recognizable based on outward appearance. When the length or style of hair, all by itself, does not allow to make that determination, then the particular hairstyle or hair length would need to be modified… Our hairstyle should be ‘normal.’ It should be viewed by the overwhelming majority of society as ‘acceptable,’ rather than as outlandish…”

Addressing now in particular the hair length and hairstyle for men, we said the following in our Q&A from May 31, 2003, “Would you please explain 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 (instructing men to wear short hair, and women to wear long hair)…?”,   

“Paul continues: ‘(verse 4) Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. (verse 5)… For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God… (verse 14) Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him?…”

“… we are told that a man is not to wear ‘long hair,’ and that even nature teaches us that wearing long hear is a ‘dishonor’ to a man. The Greek word for ‘dishonor’ is ‘atimia.’… Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance points out that ‘atimia’ can describe a comparative indignity or disgrace (under No. 819). The related word, ‘atimos,’ can describe something ‘less honorable [comparative degree]’ (under No. 820)…

“… the Old Testament permitted a man on special occasions to wear long hair. This exception is set forth in Numbers 6, known as ‘the Law of the Nazarite.’ Men were permitted to make a temporary ‘Nazarite vow’ to God. During the time of their vow, a Nazarite was not to cut his hair, but let ‘the locks of the hair of his head grow’ (verse 5). In addition, he was not to touch a dead person, eat any fresh grapes or raisins, or drink anything made from grapes, including wine. This law was inseparably connected with the ritual law of sacrifices: At the end of the separation, the Nazarite had to bring several offerings, and he had to go through additional rituals before the priest.

“The long hair of the Nazarite vow reflected, in physical terms, the willingness of the person to be under authority — under the authority of God. Sometimes, certain people were consecrated from their birth as Nazarites, to be separated to God throughout their lives. Famous examples are Samson (Judges 13:5,7); Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11); and — perhaps — John the Baptist (Luke 1:15; Luke 7:33)… 

“… these vows ceased within the church when the temple was destroyed, as the purification ceremonies could not be carried out any longer. Today, the rules and regulations pertaining to a Nazarite vow are no longer of any consequence for us…”

We might want to add here that Paul’s comments that it is a shame for a man to wear long hair, as only a Nazarite was allowed to do so. A man wearing long hair today would appropriate to himself the example of a Nazarite without being one. It would be shameful and quite frankly dishonorable to God to do so today. Just as an aside, Jesus was not a Nazarite, as the Q&As mentioned herein prove as well, and therefore didn’t have long hair. We would also like to add that our statements about hair length and hairstyle of men would equally apply to teens and young adults.

We added the following comments in our Q&A from May 1, 2009, titled, “What are the biblical principles regarding hair length and dress for men and women?” 

“God permits differences in length of hair, and we note that varieties occur in hair color and texture among people. Some men will wear very short hair while others will have fuller styles; the same might be true, to an extent, for women. The key for falling within the guidelines instituted by God in His Word is for men to avoid having female type hairstyles and for women to maintain a proper length to serve as a covering and as an unmistakable woman-like appearance…

“In reviewing hair length and hairstyle of men and women, we conclude, based on biblical principles, that one should be able to determine the gender of a person at first sight. To put it bluntly: A man should look like a man, and a woman should look like a woman. The difference should be recognizable based on outward appearance. When the length or style of hair, all by itself, does not allow to make that determination, then the particular hairstyle or hair length would need to be modified.

“In addition, we must consider more of what God specifically instructs concerning how we ought to wear our hair… During the Hippie-culture of the 1960s, young men would wear long hair, but this was never accepted by the majority of our Western society… Today, a man with long hair is normally looked upon as ‘different.’ The types of hairstyle propagated today by the MTV generation, with hair sticking out like that of a porcupine, or uncombed, giving a sloppy appearance, or hair which is just too long for a man, is simply not in line with how a Christian man should appear in public…”

It may be so that today, certain hair lengths and hairstyles in our “liberal” societies might be “accepted” which would have been rejected in times past. On the other hand, in certain cultures and in medieval times, long hair for men was accepted and even advocated. But we cannot go by those “rules,” which come and go, but need to have a sound mind, based on God’s instructions.

Again, if in doubt, consult your minister.

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

compiled by Dave Harris

“Crazy Science and the End of the World,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

Today, new scientific “advances” make it even more possible than ever before to destroy all life on Earth and usher in the end of the world. This program presents two shockingly insane scientific developments and, using a historical example, warns against being unprepared.

“Verrückte Wissenschaft und das Ende der Welt,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This program covers the same information as presented above.

“Sind Kindertaufen im Einklang mit Gottes Wort?” last Sabbath’s German sermonette presented by Dominik Kaltenegger, is now posted. Title in English: “Are Infant Baptisms in Accordance with God’s Word?”

“Family Rules – Sag, ich liebe Dich,” last Sabbath’s German sermon presented by Christoph Sperzel, is now posted. Title in English: “Family Rules — Say I Love You.”

“I Don’t Want to,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Rene Messier, is now posted. Here is the summary:

“I don’t want to” is a saying which you should eradicate from your mind when you deal with sin and repentance.

“The Period of the Judges,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Paul Niehoff, is now posted. Here is the summary:

When we read through the book of Judges, we might think that this book is just an historical record of the Children of Israel occupying the promised land and the obstacles they faced. However, when analyzed, their experiences could be a warning to us not to do what they did that aroused God’s anger against them.

2025 FALL HOLY DAYS:

September 23   Feast of Trumpets

October 2           Day of Atonement

October 7-13     Feast of Tabernacles

October 14         Last Great Day

On August 30, 2025, Rene Messier will present the sermonette, titled, “I Don’t Want to” and Paul Niehoff will present the sermon, titled, “The Period of Judges.”

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.

A long time ago, when I was in paid employment, I read an article by an instructor in leadership in one of my engineering magazines. She remembered back in her college days that the dean, over a period of several months, had invited all the students to dine with him and his wife. I will quote her words. “He had been doing this for over ten years. After my dinner, I wrote a thank you note. To my great surprise and trepidation, they asked to see me. They wanted to thank me for being the only student ever to thank them for their hospitality.”

This was one in maybe hundreds. In the days of the New Testament, when Jesus Christ healed ten lepers, only one turned back to thank God and show appreciation. In this case, it was one in ten. And that one was a foreigner (compare Luke 17:15-18).

Is thankfulness just a matter of politeness, being tactful, just a nice social custom?

I would like us to see what God says about thankfulness. How important it is to Him. Paul states this in 2 Timothy 3:1-4, “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 pleasures rather than lovers of God…” Being unthankful is listed among many other serious shortcomings like blasphemers and slanderers.

This shows that God considers being unthankful as a serious matter. Why is this? He knows that our human nature is selfish, trying to get for oneself. With this nature, it is hard to be thankful.

To be thankful, we must stop, look at, and appreciate what we have. But instead of appreciation, human nature generally lusts for more and more. A mind filled with this desire to get more is virtually incapable of gratitude.

God states this clearly in Romans 1:21-22. “… because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools…” It takes humility to be thankful. Human nature, with its greed, selfishness and vanity cannot humble itself in thanksgiving to God.

In Psalm 100:4, we read: “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” In some of the hymns we sing, based on the Psalms, they begin with “O Give Thanks.” Why?

God wants to develop holy, righteous, perfect character in those who have voluntarily yielded their lives to Him. God knows human nature. He knows it is filled with, as Mr. Armstrong used to say frequently, vanity, selfishness, lust and greed. God knows that of itself, human nature is not thankful.

Therefore, to help us overcome this selfish nature, God has commanded that we be thankful. Thankfulness gets our minds off self. It acknowledges God’s hand in our lives. We admit we’ve had help. We did not do it all ourselves.

It can be very difficult for people to say thank you. But God tells us, in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “… in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

So this is the formula for happiness. God expects us to give thanks in everything. In other words, God expects us to find something good in every situation. God wants us to focus on our blessings, not dwell on our problems. In fact, there is a command in Ephesians 5:20, “… giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

There are many things to be thankful for, and I will not mention them here, but being human, we like to think normally that we are sufficient unto ourselves, that we have worked hard to get all we have. Yet when we give God thanks, or even thank other people, we are acknowledging that God and others have helped us and provided for us and that we are not self-sufficient. We are not the big I.

King David understood the need for thanksgiving. He even set up certain of the Levites to thank and praise the Eternal God of Israel. Every morning and every evening also, these Levites were to thank and praise the Eternal. David knew how easy it is to become ungrateful, and this was one of the greatest sins a nation could fall into, so for an example, these Levites formally offered thanks to God twice a day (compare 1 Chronicles 23:30).

In a number of places God says He is not really pleased with the sacrifices the people offered in the Old Testament and the way they were offered, but in the book of Psalms, thanksgiving is called an offering and a sacrifice. God is very pleased with this offering (compare Psalms 116:17).

God knows it goes against the grain of human nature to say thank you. But to say it sincerely shows a person to be humble, meek and thoughtful. Every day God wants us to give thanks for the many blessings we have in life. He also wants us to thank others.

It is recorded that Daniel was a man who gave thanks. He thanked God for giving him wisdom and revealing the secrets of the king in prophecies. He was so thankful, that even when a decree was issued that no one should make petition to any God or man other than the king for thirty days, and if he did, he was to be put to death, Daniel knelt three times a day and gave thanks (compare Daniel 6:10).  He gave thanks even under a death sentence. He was not so concerned about himself that he forgot about God’s goodness. We note later in the book of Daniel that the angel Gabriel told him that he was greatly beloved. This was because of his total character, including his thankfulness.

Would I be able to give thanks under such circumstances? Would you? And yet, God says to give thanks always in all things; so yes, we should be growing in order to be able to do this.

So is being thankful just a social custom, a matter of being nice to people? No. From what we have just read, it is obvious that God wants us to give thanks always because it pleases Him.

by Norbert Link

Our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Demons Rule the World,”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIeCgnf0UHE covers the terrible murder of innocent schoolchildren in Minnesota, as well as other demonically inspired incidents in Russia and the USA.

In other news, we begin with the highly “suspicious” FBI raid on the home and office of John Bolton, former national security adviser and outspoken critic of Donald Trump; continue with the dubious testimony of Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and other crimes in the Epstein case, and reactions of family members of one of the victims, Virginia Giuffre.

We address the ongoing developments in the Russia-Ukraine war; with no hope in sight to end the killing any time soon; and point out Putin’s contact with “spirits.” We also speak about Germany’s ineffective and disunited government, as well as further interesting developments in Germany.

We address a frightening escalation between the EU Postal Service and the USA, due to Trump’s ill-conceived tariffs; as well as home sales in the USA being way down.

We report on the American intention of creating a “universal” vaccine; and we speak on bad memories regarding an army base used for WWII Japanese internment, which will be the nation’s largest ICE detention center, and which is being justified with the same troublesome rationale and the application of a highly problematic law; address the possibility of mass deportations in the UK, thereby following Trump’s lead; and America’s current policy NOT to approve a two-state solution.Throughout this section, we have underlined pertinent statements in the quoted articles, for the convenience and quick overview of the reader.

John Bolton Raid Shows Weaponization of FBI 

The Guardian wrote on August 22: 

“When Kash Patel, the FBI director, faced senators during his confirmation hearings on 30 January,  he bristled at suggestions that his 2023 book contained an ‘enemies list’. The appendix to Government Gangsters, which included a list of names of around 60 people, was simply documentation of those who had ‘weaponized’ the government, he insisted. 

“Seven months later, that denial appears increasingly hollow. Friday’s FBI search of the former national security adviser John Bolton’s home and office, reportedly to find classified documents, marks the fifth investigation targeting people from Patel’s book. Bolton now joins a growing list of Trump critics from Patel’s roll the administration has targeted with what appear to be retaliatory federal investigations… 

“Bolton’s investigation… is unprecedented in how it is calculated to target a critic…” 

Deutsche Welle added on August 22: 

“… his critics claim Patel lacks experience to lead the FBI, and point to his previous statements about going after Trump’s political enemies… Trump himself was… indicted by a Florida court for retaining classified documents at his private Mar-a-Lago beach club. That case was dropped in 2024 after Trump was elected. Patel had given interviews blasting the raids by federal agents on Trump’s residence related to the case.  

“John Bolton served as national security adviser during the first term of Donald Trump, but has since turned into an outspoken critic of the US president, often questioning the president’s mental aptitude. Since leaving the first Trump administration, Bolton has been widely critical of Trump and his policies, especially on the second administration’s handling of the war in Ukraine. During an interview with DW in June, Bolton said he believes Vladimir Putin perceives Trump as a ‘useful idiot.’ ‘He doesn’t know history, he doesn’t read briefing papers,’ Bolton said, referring to Trump.  

“In a DW interview yesterday, Bolton said Trump did not understand the situation on the ground in Ukraine, assuming that he could ‘bounce Ukraine and Russia into a peace deal in a couple of weeks and therefore get the Nobel Prize for it.’”  

In this light, the FBI’s action clearly looks like political retribution and persecution of a popular Trump critic. The FBI’s action most certainly reminds us of the FBI raid on Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate to locate “classified” information. 

More to Come? 

The Hill wrote on August 23: 

“Miles Taylor, a former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official, signaled Saturday that he could be the next target of President Trump’s FBI… ‘Yeah, we expect it… we can… be so certain of the president’s revenge campaign to know potentially who that next target might be or one of those next targets.’

“The former DHS aide added, ‘I mean when my wife and I woke up and saw the news, she basically said to me, “It’s coming.”’… 

“The search of Bolton’s home and office marked an escalation in the feud between Trump and his former national security adviser, with critics seeing it as a potential act of retribution. Taylor, who previously suggested the president kept a ‘blacklist’ for persecution, said as much… ‘Folks don’t have to play the violin for John Bolton or Miles Taylor. Maybe they don’t like either of us. That’s fine, because it’s not about us… It’s about the criminal justice system that all Americans expect to be able to treat them fairly… It’s a president of the U.S. weaponizing the tools of his office to reshape our society. And he’s doing that. He’s making sure the scales of justice tip in his favor… There’s no telling where this could go next.’ 

“Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday that he was not told ahead of time about the raid… Vice President J.D. Vance defended the raid…, pushing back on allegations that the raid is related to retribution.” 

In fact, Trump declared that he “didn’t want to know about it” (compare Fortune, dated August 23). 

JD Vance’s Comments Very Suspicious 

Raw Story wrote on August 23: 

“Hours after FBI Director gave the go-ahead to his agents to raid the home and office of John Bolton, Vice President J.D. Vance was well prepared and ready to discuss it with NBC’s Kristin Welker during an extensive interview… Vance stated, ‘We are investigating Ambassador Bolton, but if they ultimately bring a case, it will be because they determine that he has broken the law. We’re going to be careful about that… You should let the law drive these determinations, and that’s what we’re doing.’

“After watching a clip of the Vance interview…, former DHS official Miles Taylor claimed Vance’s comments should set off alarms. ‘This is very, very unusual for the vice president to be this read into a criminal investigation that he should be at arm’s length from… And then… we heard that the CIA director himself might have been the one to provide the evidence to the FBI director.’ 

“‘You know, as more of these details come out, it’s starting to look completely unprecedented that all of these very top senior officials that work under Donald Trump, that know he wants to get revenge against John Bolton, are personally involved in the investigation of John Bolton,’ he added. ‘I mean, the vice president’s attestation that this had nothing to do with revenge was about as believable as what… the administration has said on the Epstein files, because it would be a truly extraordinary coincidence that they’ve decided to focus their investigative powers on a man that Donald Trump has wanted investigated for years.’” 

It does not pass the smell test for sure. And Trump did not know anything about this, while Vance knew all about it? 

Right-Wing Media Skeptical of FBI Raid 

The Independent wrote on August 24: 

“The investigation has sparked criticism from usually reliably supportive right-wing media outlets. On Friday, panelists appearing on Fox News’ America’s Newsroom said they were ‘skeptical’ of the FBI’s decision to execute the raid. 

“Chris Swecker, former assistant FBI director from 2004 to 2006, said that he had consulted with former agency colleagues about the raid. ‘We’re looking at this a little bit skeptically because we were very heavily critical of the Mar-a-Lago raid. Just because you have the authority and discretion to do something like this, doesn’t mean you should,’ he told Fox News… 

“Attorney and Fox News contributor Jonathan Turley alluded to the ‘longstanding disagreement’ between Trump and Bolton. ‘There is a great concern about whether this is retaliation against a political opponent,’ he said… 

“Other conservative media warned that the raid could signal Trump is using the FBI to exact political retribution.  

“The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board said the raid reeks of political vengeance… Trump may hope that the raid leads Bolton to stop criticizing him publicly, the board suggested, adding that ‘the real offender here is a president who seems to think he can use the powers of his office to run vendettas’… the board… [characterized] the recent FBI raid…   a ‘vendetta campaign.’ The newspaper’s editorial board described [it] as ‘hard to see … as anything other than vindictive’… the board asserted that ‘it is increasingly clear that vengeance is a large part, maybe the largest part of how [Trump] will define success in his second term.’… The editorial board also noted the immediate termination of Bolton’s protective security detail upon Trump’s return to the White House, despite threats to his life connected to actions against Iran. ‘This is the kind of gratuitous viciousness that has increasingly defined Mr. Trump’s return to office,’ the board wrote… 

“The WSJ’s editorial board had previously warned about Trump and his allies pursuing political revenge, including in December 2024, weeks before his inauguration. ‘We said this was one of the risks of a second Trump term, and it’s turning out to be worse than we imagined,’ the board wrote.”

The whole matter is also suspicious for the simple reason that a highly publicized blowup occurred between Attorney General Pam Bondi (supported by Trump) and FBI Director Kath Patel and his deputy, Dan Bongino, in the screwed-up Epstein matter, with Bongino threatening to quit. Is the FBI perhaps trying to regain Trump’s favor? 

Maxwell’s Fairy Tales 

The Independent wrote on August 23: 

“Skepticism abounds following the release of transcripts and recordings of Ghislaine Maxwell’s testimony to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche regarding the Jeffrey Epstein case. Four years after her conviction and sentencing on charges of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and other crimes, how credible is her testimony? 

“Ranking House Oversight Committee Democrat Rep. Robert Garcia was especially damning in the hours after the interview transcripts were released Friday, writing on X: ‘Ghislaine Maxwell is a convicted sex trafficker and known liar. Her interview with Trump’s DOJ lawyer shows she’s desperate for a pardon. She claims no involvement in wrongdoing, which is insulting to the girls and young women she victimized and trafficked. She cannot be trusted.’… 

“Having been convicted of federal crimes, her only likely hope for getting out of prison early is either a pardon or a commutation from the president… In addition to her flattering portrayal of Trump, Maxwell also denied the existence of the infamous Epstein client list…. On Fox News, prime time host Jesse Watters… reminded viewers of the existence of a trove of… potential evidence: ‘The list doesn’t exist? So, flight manifests don’t exist? The surveillance tapes don’t exist? The bank records don’t exist?’ 

“Attorney and legal scholar Jonathan Turley joined Watters to share his thoughts… ‘She clearly also does want something from Trump; she wants a commutation… she is clearly angling for it.’…”

Maxwell also said that the famous picture with Prince Andrew and the underaged girl Virginia Giuffre was a fake, and that even though she does not believe that Epstein killed himself, he was not murdered because of fear that he could produce some discriminatory evidence against famous people, or blackmail them. 

So, now we are also to believe that elephants can fly? 

Virginia Giuffre’s Family Outraged 

NBC News wrote on August 23: 

“The family members of a prominent survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse said they were ‘outraged’ by the Justice Department’s decision to release transcripts from Ghislaine Maxwell’s testimony last month to a federal prosecutor, arguing it provided Maxwell a ‘platform to rewrite history.’ ‘The content of these transcripts is in direct contradiction with felon Ghislaine Maxwell’s conviction for child sex trafficking,’ the family of Virginia Roberts Giuffre said in a statement. The family added, ‘This travesty of justice entirely invalidates the experiences of the many brave survivors who put their safety, security, and lives on the line to ensure her conviction, including our sister.’ 

“During the interview last month…, Maxwell said Giuffre’s allegation against Andrew ‘doesn’t hold water,’ and disputed key facts in the case, including an alleged photo of Giuffre with Andrew… Giuffre’s family accused the deputy attorney general of not sufficiently challenging Maxwell’s assertions during her testimony, suggesting that by publicly releasing the interview, the Justice Department provided Maxwell the opportunity to dispute her case in the court of public opinion… 

“Giuffre’s family also condemned the Justice Department’s decision to transfer Maxwell to a minimum-security prison following her meeting with Blanche. ‘By moving convicted felon Maxwell to a minimum-security, country club prison, the DOJ sends a disturbing message that child sex trafficking is acceptable and will be rewarded,’ the family said Saturday in a statement.” 

It was also reported by the Miami Herald, dated August 23, that only 3% of the Jeffrey Epstein files turned over so far to a House committee this week, in response to a congressional subpoena, contained new information, and less than 1% of all the files, estimated to be around 100,000 pages, not in the public domain, have been released to the public. 

The Justice Department’s conduct in this entire matter is more than questionable. Trump’s statements are not helpful either, calling “the whole Epstein thing… a Democratic hoax.” Really? Tell that to the family of Virginia Giuffre and the many hundreds, if not thousands, of underaged victims. 

To Send or Not to Send? 

Deutsche Welle wrote on August 23: 

“Politicians have been arguing about whether Germany might send soldiers [to Ukraine] for a possible peacekeeping force… Many have said Germany could hardly be absent from such a force… in Germany, it seems clear that it will not be easy for Merz to obtain approval for such a force… 51%… were opposed to a German participation in a peace mission in Ukraine. Only 36% said they thought it would be the right thing to do… 

“… politicians from all political parties have been speaking out daily on the idea of deploying troops to Ukraine. Most of them are skeptical or flat-out opposed. Almost all of them point out that any decision on this matter is still a long way off. Politicians from eastern Germany are especially opposed to the plan… AfD leader Alice Weidel warned that Germany could itself become a target and demanded: ‘Germany needs reconciliation with Russia instead of constant confrontation.’ 

“Meanwhile, Wolfgang Ischinger, the long-standing head of the Munich Security Conference, wrote on X: ‘There is not a single indication that President Putin is prepared to end this war at the moment.’ Many observers in Germany agree.” 

The German government’s two coalition parties are hopelessly divided on about EVERY major issue. As Bild Online commented on August 23: 

“The CDU/CSU and SPD are emerging from the summer recess even more divided than when they entered it… There’s hardly a significant issue on which the coalition partners agree… Moreover, a deep mutual distrust has eaten into the coalition… After the three disastrous years of the traffic light coalition, Germany cannot afford another phase of standstill… this autumn will decide the future of the government—and of Germany.” 

Trump Very Angry With Ukraine 

Newsweek wrote on August 22: 

“President Donald Trump has expressed his anger at recent Ukrainian attacks that disabled the Russian oil pipeline Druzhba, which supplies Hungary and Slovakia, both NATO allies… ongoing attacks by both sides have frustrated the self-styled peacemaker Trump as he seeks to bring about an end to a war that has cost hundreds of thousands of lives and destroyed parts of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. 

“Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban shared a handwritten note from his political ally, Trump, in a private Facebook group for his supporters… Hungary has sought to stay out of the Russia-Ukraine war and maintain relations with the Russian government… It opposes Ukraine’s ambition to join the EU. The country has accused Brussels and Kyiv of seeking to drag it into the war. 

“Orban had written to Trump to complain about the attacks on Druzhba and the impact on Hungarian energy. Ukraine said the pipeline also supplies the invading Russian armed forces, which is why it was targeted. ‘Viktor—I do not like hearing this,’ Trump… wrote in the note. ‘I am very angry about it. Tell Slovakia. You are my great friend.’… 

“In the statement to which Trump had replied, Orban noted that Ukrainian strikes on Druzhba had happened days before the ‘historic meeting’ in Alaska between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukraine has since struck the pipeline again. ‘This pipeline supplies Hungary and Slovakia, two countries that have no other means of importing crude oil,’ Orban had said. ‘Hungary supports Ukraine with electricity and petrol, in return they bomb [a] pipeline that [supplies] us…’” 

Two More Weeks? 

The Sun wrote on August 23: 

“Donald Trump has announced that he will give Vladimir Putin a couple of weeks to set up a peace meeting with rival Volodymyr Zelensky… Trump said that there’s a ‘tremendous amount of hatred’ that he’s trying to navigate through as he fights for a ceasefire… 

“Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, warned on Friday that Putin is laying a trap for the West by demanding to keep hold of Ukrainian land…. Trump has backed the need for ‘swapping of territories’ in peace negotiations – raising fears he could be strolling straight into this trap.” 

The Hill added on August 22: 

“One aspect of the deal that remains a sticking point is security guarantees. A possibility would be that Ukraine joins the European Union instead of joining NATO. On the recommendations of European leaders, Trump called Orban on Monday to attempt to sway his vote in order to let Ukraine join the EU’s 27 member states.  

“Orbán posted on Facebook that Ukraine’s accession to the EU ‘does not provide any security guarantees,’ therefore, ‘linking membership with security guarantees is unnecessary and dangerous.’” 

No Meeting Anytime Soon 

The New York Post wrote on August 24: 

“Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov threw up yet another roadblock Sunday to direct talks between his leader, Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky — suggesting that a summit is still far off… Lavrov said Sunday that Russia has an ‘agenda’ in mind that must to be agreed before the two sides can sit down together. ‘There is no meeting planned,’ Lavrov told [NBC].

“The summit to end the war will only happen if it has a ‘presidential agenda’ that pleases Russian President Vladimir Putin, he said — but that agenda is ‘not ready at all.’”

So why wait two more weeks? 

Ceasefire an Easy Fix? 

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on August 25: 

“Clearly no one in the world with a heart would like to see the fighting go on. So at first glance a ceasefire seems like a quick fix… Earlier in Ukraine hostilities both Germany and France achieved Putin’s agreement to a ceasefire while a negotiated peace agreement was underway. The efforts were called the Minsk Accords… 

“Certainly [Friedrich] Merz [Germany’s Chancellor] must know the background of this. He would be remiss not to understand that a ceasefire without a peace agreement might be as unattainable as the end of a rainbow.” 

Russia Threatens to March on Paris 

Express wrote on August 26: 

“Russia has issued a terrifying warning to France as tensions between the two countries threaten to explode. The French President is the latest Western leader to be singled out for rough treatment by Kremlin propagandists and to become ‘public enemy number one’… During an interview with the French TV news network LCI, Emmanuel Macron called Putin ‘a predator and an ogre at our doorstep.’ The remarks seemingly went down like a lead balloon with the sensitive Kremlin tyrant, who unleashed his propaganda hounds on the unfortunate Macron. Vladimir Solovyov has relished his role as the Putin regime’s top attack dog… 

“Once again referencing deep Russian grievances about Nato expansion, the Kremlin stooge said [on his TV show]: ‘Originally, back in December 2021, we stated that NATO moving closer to our borders was unacceptable… And now they’re saying: “We’ll be at your borders, we’ll send Nato troops there. That’s why we’ll be on Champs-Elysées. And Macron will be polishing the boots of a Russian officer.’… The last time Russian soldiers graced Paris with their presence was in the aftermath of the Napoleonic wars in the 19th century. Russian forces, along with other Coalition allies, reached and entered the French capital on March 31, 1814.” 

Russian Children Taught to Murder 

The New York Post wrote on August 27: 

“Baby-faced Russian children as young as 8 have been taught how to throw hand grenades and carry rifles at a bizarre summer camp designed to train up the next generation of Putin’s military. The twisted exercises, supervised by soldiers who have fought in Russia’s war in Ukraine, saw young children given real rifles or convincing replicas at a camp in the Rostov region, close to the Ukrainian border…

“Some 83 children — ages 8-17 — took part in last week’s activities, including a ‘route march’ along the River Don involving running and crawling on their bellies across sand and shallow water while holding weapons. The camp is part of President Putin’s attempts to indoctrinate even young children to be prepared for eventual military service.”

This world is indeed ruled by demons. 

Putin’s Spirits 

Express wrote on August 20: 

“Vladimir Putin allegedly consulted Mongolian shamans regarding the potential deployment of nuclear weapons, according to Russian sources. The Russian leader has long been recognised for his ‘special attitude to mysticism’ throughout the years, with speculation emerging in 2018 that he bathed in Siberian red deer blood to enhance his vitality. Nevertheless, during his trip to Mongolia in early September this year, it’s alleged that Putin advanced his mystical convictions even further, reports the Daily Star… Mikhail Zygar, founder of the prohibited opposition channel TV Dozhd, indicated that Putin possesses a strong fascination with ‘pagan traditions.’ 

“In a piece for the German news website Der Spiegel, Zygar penned: ‘Mongolia and Tuva are considered the home of the most powerful shamans in the world. Vladimir Putin has long been known for his special attitude towards mysticism. And he apparently combines his interest in Orthodox mysticism with pagan traditions.’ 

“Mongolia maintains membership of the International Criminal Court, which issued an arrest warrant for Putin last year following his deportation of Ukrainian children. Despite the warrant, Mongolian authorities failed to apprehend Putin during his visit, citing their substantial dependence on Russia as justification for their inaction. 

“Zygar proposed that Putin was prepared to risk detention to seek counsel from the spirits. The Kremlin has rejected recent claims put forward by an opposition figure, declaring: ‘The mentioned circumstances related to the Russian President’s visit to Mongolia in September 2024 have no connection to reality.’ This marks not Putin’s initial venture into mysticism – he allegedly consulted spiritual advisers before his 2012 invasion of Ukraine.   

“According to a report last year, Russian state media asserted that the nation’s ‘supreme shaman’ Kara-ool Dopchun-ool had called upon ‘the sun, the moon and the stars’ to safeguard Kremlin forces in Ukraine, all at Putin’s request.” 

This would explain Putin’s insane and demonic conduct towards Ukraine.

Deportation of Garcia Paused 

The New York Post wrote on August 25: 

“A federal judge on Monday temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s effort to deport alleged MS-13 gangbanger Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda. US District Judge Paula Xinis, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, paused the deportation plan until the Trump administration allows Abrego Garcia the opportunity to contest his removal… 

“‘Today, ICE law enforcement arrested Kilmar Abrego Garcia and are processing him for deportation,’ Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said. ‘President Trump is not going to allow this illegal alien, who is an MS-13 gang member, human trafficker, serial domestic abuser, and child predator to terrorize American citizens any longer.’” 

By way of background, Garcia (29), a Salvadorian citizen and Maryland resident, is married to an American citizen. They have 3 children together, who are all American citizens. He entered the USA illegally in 2011. In 2019, an immigration judge granted him withholding of removal status due to the danger he would face from gang violence if he returned to El Salvador. This status allowed him to live and work legally in the US. He was illegally transported to a notorious prison in El Salvador. The United States Supreme Court found that he needed to be returned to the USA.

He was returned, but was charged immediately with human smuggling following a 2022 traffic stop in Tennessee for speeding. He had nine passengers in the car and officers allegedly discussed their suspicions of smuggling before allowing him to go with just a warning. He was detained by ICE this week when he showed up in immigration court for an scheduled interview. No charges were ever filed against him for being a child predator or a MS-13 gang member. The allegation that he lives illegally in the USA is at least questionable. So is the allegation that he is a “serial domestic abuser.” His wife filed for protective orders against him in 2020 and 2021, though she has since made conflicting public statements regarding the allegations. He was never convicted of any crime.

Politifact wrote on August 25, in fact-checking the U.S. government’s allegations: “Some of these statements are exaggerated, and others are based on information from dubious informants.” 

EU Postal Services Suspends Shipment of Packages to the USA 

Breitbart wrote on August 23: 

“Multiple postal services around Europe announced Saturday that they are suspending the shipment of many packages to the United States amid a lack of clarity over new import duties. Postal services in Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Italy said they will stop shipping most merchandise to the U.S. effective immediately. France and Austria will follow Monday, and the United Kingdom Tuesday. 

“Under a decree signed by President Donald Trump last month, international goods that were previously exempt from U.S. tariffs – those valued under $800 – will be subject to import duties from Aug. 29. Letters, books, gifts and small parcels worth less than $100 will continue to be exempt.

“A trade framework agreed by the U.S. and the European Union last month set a 15% tariff on the vast majority of products shipped from the EU. Many European postal services say they are pausing deliveries now because they cannot guarantee the goods will enter the U.S. before Aug. 29. They cite ambiguity about what kind of goods are covered by the new rules, and the lack of time to process their implications.

“Starting Saturday, Deutsche Post and DHL Parcel Germany said they ‘will no longer be able to accept and transport parcels and postal items containing goods from business customers destined for the US.’ Postnord, the Nordic logistics company, and Italy’s postal service announced similar suspensions effective Saturday… In the Netherlands, PostNL spokesperson Wout Witteveen said the Trump administration is pressing ahead with the new duties despite U.S. authorities lacking a system to collect them… 

“Austrian Post, Austria’s leading logistics and postal service provider, stated that the last acceptance of commercial shipments to the U.S., including Puerto Rico, will take place Tuesday. France’s national postal service, La Poste, said the U.S. did not provide full details or allow enough time for the French postal service to prepare for new customs procedures… The UK’s Royal Mail said it would halt U.S. shipments on Tuesday ‘to allow time for those packages to arrive before duties kick in.’ Items originating in the U.K. will require a 10% duty for items over $100, it said. PostEurop, an association of 51 European public postal operators, said that if no solution can be found by Aug. 29 all its members will likely follow suit.”

Money Watch added on August 23:

“India’s government also said the country will temporarily suspend postal deliveries to the United States starting Monday, except letters, documents and gift items of up to $100 in value… India’s communications ministry said in a statement that the executive order issued last month requires transport carriers or other ‘qualified parties’ approved by US authorities to collect and remit the tariff duties, but ‘several critical processes relating to the designation of “qualified parties” and mechanisms for duty collection and remittance remain undefined.’”

This is the kind of damage and uproar Trump’s ridiculous tariff policy creates. 

US-India Relationship Sours 

Express wrote on August 26: 

“Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has rejected four phone calls from US President Donald Trump as the countries’ relations sour, a German newspaper reported. The report in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (F.A.Z.) claimed that Modi remained frustrated and cautious about engaging in dialogue due to mounting pressure over tariffs. The US threatened India with a 25% tariff on exports to the US due to its purchases of Russian oil, on top of a 25% tariff due to a trade imbalance, meaning the country is facing a steep 50% duty in total on major industries like textiles, gems and jewellery, auto parts, and seafood. 

“Modi is reportedly maintaining his stance on continuing to buy Russian oil, which has been claimed to be financing ‘Putin’s war machine’, and resisting Trump’s pressure to open India’s markets to US agribusiness. The new rate [came into effect on] August 27, according to the executive order. A response from India’s foreign ministry on Wednesday August 6 said Delhi had already made clear its stance on imports from Russia, and deemed the tariff ‘unfair, unjustified and unreasonable’. 

“Analyst Mark Frazier said the American concept of an Indo-Pacific alignment—in which India plays a central role in containing China—’is falling apart’, according to the F.A.Z. report.” 

Of course it does. India will become part of the prophesied kings of the East under Russian-Chinese leadership. 

Coming… A Universal Vaccine? 

npr wrote on August 5: 

“The Department of Health and Human Services will cancel contracts and pull funding for some vaccines that are being developed to fight respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and the flu. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced in a statement Tuesday that 22 projects, totaling $500 million, to develop vaccines using mRNA technology will be halted. 

“Kennedy’s decision to terminate the projects is the latest in a string of decisions that have put the longtime vaccine critic’s doubts about shots into full effect at the nation’s health department. Kennedy has pulled back recommendations around the COVID-19 shots, fired the panel that makes vaccine recommendations, and refused to offer a vigorous endorsement of vaccinations as a measles outbreak worsened. 

“The health secretary criticized mRNA vaccines in a video on his social media accounts, explaining the decision to cancel projects being led by the nation’s leading pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer and Moderna, that offer protection against viruses like the flu, COVID-19 and H5N1. ‘To replace the troubled mRNA programs, we’re prioritizing the development of safer, broader vaccine strategies, like whole-virus vaccines and novel platforms that don’t collapse when viruses mutate,’ Kennedy said in the video… Kennedy said work is underway on an alternative.

He said a ‘universal vaccine’ that mimics ‘natural immunity’ is the administration’s focus. ‘It could be effective — we believe it’s going to be effective — against not only coronaviruses, but also flu,’ he said.” 

So, replacing certain vaccines with another “universal vaccine” is the solution? 

“Army Base Used for WWII Japanese Internment Will Be Nation’s Largest ICE Detention Center” 

USA Today wrote on August 24: 

“Americans of Japanese heritage say they hear echoes of their families’ forced internment in the Trump administration’s newest immigrant detention site… erecting the nation’s largest immigrant detention site on Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas.

“Eighty years ago,  Fort Bliss housed dozens of [American] people [of Japanese heritage] labeled ‘alien enemies’ by the government in a detention camp that included two compounds surrounded by double barbed wire fences… Smaller numbers of immigrants from Germany and Italy were also sent there after the United States joined European Allies and declared war against those countries. At least 113 first-generation Japanese Americans were shipped to the base before being sent to other holding areas across the country… 

“The people detained at Bliss… [were] the first in the eventual internment of over 125,000 Japanese Americans across the country, most of them U.S. citizens. For the vast majority, there were no accounts of wrongdoing other than being seen as ‘enemy aliens’ …. After Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, the American government viewed Japanese immigrants and Japanese Americans as potential traitors… President Franklin Delano Roosevelt immediately invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to detain people and confiscate their property.” 

Terrible. And it’s all repeating itself. 

Coming… Mass Deportations in the UK? 

Newsmax wrote on August 23: 

“Former Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage set out plans on Saturday for ‘mass deportations’ of migrants who have crossed the English Channel on small boats if his Reform UK party forms Britain’s next government… Farage said he would withdraw Britain from the European Convention on Human Rights and sign deals with Afghanistan, Eritrea, and other top countries of origin to repatriate illegal migrants… 

“Asked if he was concerned that asylum seekers would be killed or tortured if they were sent to countries with poor human rights records, Farage said he was more worried about the threat he believed asylum seekers posed to Britons. ‘I can’t be responsible for despotic regimes all over the world. But I can be responsible for the safety of women and girls on our streets,’ he said… 

“Broader opinion polls show that immigration and asylum are the public’s greatest concern, just ahead of the economy… 

“Last year 37,000 people — mostly from Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, Vietnam, and Eritrea — arrived in Britain from France by crossing the English Channel in small boats. The total was up by a quarter from 2023 and accounted for 9% of net migration. About two-thirds of people who arrive via small boats and claim asylum are successful and only 3% have been deported… 

“Farage told The Times he would end the right to claim asylum or to challenge deportation for those who arrived by small boats by replacing existing human rights legislation and opting Britain out of refugee treaties, citing a national emergency… The Times said Farage wanted to create holding facilities for 24,000 migrants on air bases at a cost of $3.4 billion and operate five deportation flights a day with total deportations reaching the hundreds of thousands. If that failed, asylum seekers could be held on Ascension Island, a British territory in the South Atlantic, to send a symbolic message, Farage said.” 

Politico added on August 23: 

“… the far-right politician, whose party currently leads consistently in the polls, said migrants coming to Britain by small boats should be arrested on arrival, detained in Royal Air Force bases, denied the right to asylum, and deported within 30 days…” 

Sky News added on August 23: 

“Only last autumn the Reform leader repeatedly shied away from the concept of ‘mass deportations’, describing the idea as ‘a political impossibility.’ But now he’s embraced Trump-style immigration rhetoric. 

“It’s not surprising that Reform want to capitalise on the outpouring of public anger over the use of hotels to house asylum seekers. The policy was started by the previous Conservative government, in response to housing shortages – and Labour has failed to make significant progress on its promise to stop it. But all the major parties have shifted firmly to the right on this issue. 

“There’s been very little political criticism of the aggressiveness of Farage’s policy suggestions, and the premise that the UK should no longer offer sanctuary to anyone who arrives here illegally…. current efforts to end the use of asylum hotels by 2029 are clearly not working. That’s a credibility gap Farage is more than ready to exploit.” 

Adopting Trump’s controversial approach to immigration is most certainly not an act to follow. 

UK Economy Heading for Collapse 

Express wrote on August 25: 

“They’re under the misapprehension that they can keep raising taxes without consequences – and have another £50 billion in store for us in autumn. Everyone else in the country knows the reality that if you push taxes too high some businesses go bust, others go abroad, and some move to the black market where they operate a cash-in-hand system to bypass handing over their hard-earned money to the Treasury… 

“It is so apparent those in government have never run anything commercially… What a bunch of clueless [politicians] we have in charge – they are not so much running the country as running the country into the ground…” 

Mystery of Bermuda Triangle Solved? 

Daily Mail wrote on August 25: 

“Dr Simon Boxall, an oceanographer from the University of Southampton,… says that the Bermuda Triangle’s record of disappearances is due to ‘rogue waves’… Towering up to 100 feet (30 metres) in the air, rogue waves are abnormally steep and can hit unexpectedly from directions other than the prevailing wind. According to Dr Boxall, a large ship trapped by one of these killer swells could ‘sink in a matter of two or three minutes’… 

“Theories surrounding the deadly pull of the Bermuda Triangle have spread widely ever since the disappearance of the USS Cyclops in 1918… Despite an extensive search, no trace of the 542-foot (165-metre) vessel or its 306 crew members has ever been found…” 

From all the “explanations,” this one seems to be one of the least convincing. It does not even address the disappearance of airplanes. At least 50 ships disappeared, as well as at least 20 airplanes, which never left any trace of a wreckage or survivors. But “scientists” who deny the existence of the “supernatural,” do not even consider that Satan and his demons might be behind many of these occurrences. However, the Church of God has been considering this possibility for over 60 years. 

No Two-State Solution 

Israel 365 News wrote on August 22: 

“US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has firmly stated that establishing a Palestinian state is not a priority for the Trump administration, suggesting that Israel’s Arab neighbors could instead provide territory for such a state… effectively ruling out the establishment of such a state in the occupied West Bank… Huckabee went further, suggesting that no Palestinian state is likely ‘in our lifetime’, marking a significant departure from decades of US policy supporting a two-state solution… 

“‘One of the reasons we’re seeing the more aggressive decision [by Israel] to move into some of these areas is because it’s in reaction to what the Europeans have done — in concert with the Palestinian Authority — pushing for a unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state,’ Huckabee said. He added that these actions have had ‘a totally disastrous effect’ on stability in Judea and Samaria and on efforts to resolve the situation in Gaza…. ‘Pushing for unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state without the cooperation and participation of Israel is a violation of Oslo,’ Huckabee said… 

“Huckabee has long been a vocal supporter of Israeli settlement expansion in what he refers to as Judea and Samaria, the biblical names for the West Bank. The former Arkansas governor has previously argued that ‘there’s really no such thing as a Palestinian’ and has stated there is ‘no such place as the West Bank’… 

“The push for Palestinian recognition has gained momentum globally, particularly following Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The State of Palestine is recognised by 146 countries around the world… In the spring of 2024, more European and Caribbean nations recognized a Palestinian state, including Barbados, Ireland, Jamaica, Norway and Spain, while Slovenia also joined this group. Looking ahead, France, Malta, and Australia have announced plans to recognize Palestine as a state in September 2025 at the 2025 United Nations General Assembly, with Canada and the United Kingdom stating they will as well subject to certain conditions. In 2014, Sweden became the first country in Western Europe to recognise Palestine, setting a precedent that others have followed…”

Australia Expels Iran’s Ambassador Over Antisemitism 

JTA wrote on August 26: 

“Australia expelled Iran’s ambassador on Tuesday, accusing Tehran of orchestrating antisemitic arson attacks on Jewish institutions, as police in Melbourne announced a series of arrests tied to synagogue fires and vandalism that have rattled the country’s Jewish community. 

“Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Iranian-directed attacks were ‘extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression’ designed to destabilize Australia. The government will also designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization and suspend operations at its embassy in Tehran. It has already moved Australian diplomats to a third country… 

“The Australian response appears to be the most extensive. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the expulsion of Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi and three other Iranian officials was the first time Australia has taken such a step since World War II.” 

Increasing Antisemitism in France 

ntv wrote on August 25: 

“France has summoned US Ambassador Charles Kushner for today following a letter to French President Emmanuel Macron regarding antisemitic incidents. In the letter, Kushner expressed his ‘concern about the increase in antisemitic acts in France and pointed to an alleged failure of the French authorities to combat these acts,’ the French Foreign Ministry said. ‘The allegations are unacceptable,’ it added. It regrets the increase in antisemitic incidents in France since October 7, 2023, which are a reality. The French authorities will take all necessary measures to combat them, the ministry said… 

“The US ambassador to France has joined Israel’s criticism and accused French President Emmanuel Macron of ‘inadequate’ efforts to combat anti-Semitism. In a letter to Macron, he expressed his ‘deep concern about the dramatic rise in anti-Semitism in France and your government’s inadequate response to it.’ In France, not a day goes by ‘without Jews being attacked in the streets, synagogues or schools vandalized, or Jewish businesses vandalized,’ Kushner wrote. 

“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the French president last week of promoting anti-Semitism with the planned recognition of a Palestinian state. Nearly 500,000 Jews live in France, making it the largest Jewish community in Europe. Since the major attack by the radical Islamist Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the resulting war in Gaza Strip, the number of anti-Semitic acts in France and other countries has risen sharply.” 

Major Step Towards Compulsory Military Service 

The Washington Post wrote on August 27: 

“Germany took a major step Wednesday toward a controversial return to compulsory military service… On Wednesday… Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s cabinet approved a plan that would reinstate a form of conscription, which has not existed in Germany since being suspended in 2011. 

“The measure — subject to parliamentary approval this fall — would not subject Germans to draft cards and lotteries. Instead, starting next year, it would require 18-year-old German men to fill out a questionnaire about their physical fitness and willingness to serve. For women, the form would be voluntary. The bill also allows compulsory military service to be reinstated in the future, with parliamentary consent. Beginning in 2027, the bill would require all 18-year-old men to undergo a physical fitness exam. These measures would save time ‘if mandatory conscription for basic military service has to be activated, because conscription data will then already be available and will not have to be collected in this situation,’ according to the draft legislation… 

“‘The Bundeswehr must grow,’ Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said… ‘The international security situation, especially Russia’s aggressive behavior, demands this.’ If compulsory conscription is reinstated, conscientious objectors would be able to avoid the military, as was permitted previously, by performing civil service such as hospital work or disaster relief, the bill states… 

“‘There will be no way around conscription,’ Markus Söder, minister-president of the state of Bavaria and head of the Christian Social Union, the Bavarian sister party to Merz’s CDU, said on German TV ahead of the cabinet vote. Merz said Wednesday that the goal was to ‘make military service more attractive and bring in more young people to serve in the Bundeswehr.’ But, he added, ‘if we determine that we need to make adjustments, we will do so.’ Even Pistorius, a Social Democrat, conceded that voluntary measures might fall short. ‘There is no guarantee that voluntary participation will be sufficient.’”

Of International Interest? 

Nius wrote on August 25: 

“AfD politician Joachim Paul addressed high-ranking US politicians (Marco Rubio and JD Vance) and entrepreneur Elon Musk in a video on the X platform. In the English-language message, he reports having been excluded from the upcoming mayoral election in Ludwigshafen. Paul calls it a ‘case of international interest’ and asks for support… 

“‘The pretext is that I met with the wrong people, I spoke to the wrong people. The real reason is: They want to stay in power at all costs, and they don’t want to change the migration policy – ​​which has led to a major crisis in Germany and especially in Ludwigshafen.’ 

“Elon Musk already commented on the video: ‘Excluded from the election without having committed any crime?'” 

No Longer a Democracy? 

Focus wrote on August 25: 

“Germany calls itself a democracy, but the reality is sobering: Parties have hijacked the political system… At the same time, citizens’ trust is plummeting. According to studies by the Allensbach Institute and the Research Group on Elections, trust in parties is at historic lows. More and more people are turning away or seeking salvation in protest votes. This is no coincidence. It is the direct result of a politics that has lost touch with the people… 

“Parties control every access to power…. In the Bundestag, voting is based on party discipline, not individual conviction… We must not fool ourselves: Hardly anyone will develop the perfect solution from within… It is naive to believe that change comes from within. Anyone who reaches the executive board or even the top of a party is living proof that the system works for them. Why should someone change a system that made them great? That is the paradox: We expect reform from party leadership that costs them power… Germany doesn’t need a steward of the old, but an Innovator of the future…” 

Grenell: “Germans Sick and Tired of Weak Woke Response.” 

Brussels Signal wrote on August 25: 

“Richard Grenell, the US Presidential Envoy for Special Missions, has criticised German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over Germany’s lax response to a rise in immigrant crime. In a post on X on August 24, Grenell – who served as the US ambassador to Germany from 2018 to 2020 during Donald Trump’s first presidency – wrote: ‘Friedrich Merz must understand that the German people are sick and tired of this weak and woke response.’ 

“Grenell’s remarks came as a reaction to the stabbing of a US student on a German tram that was allegedly committed by a Syrian asylum seeker. The US student himself had posted a video from hospital shortly after the attack that showed him with a bandaged face. ‘If [allegedly criminal asylum seekers] can do this to the people of Germany and then just get released 12 hours later, where’s the law?’ he said. 

“The 21-year-old student said he had witnessed two men accosting a group of young women on a tram in Dresden (Saxony) late on the night of August 23. According to German police the US citizen intervened to help the harassed women. In reaction the two then allegedly started hitting him. A short while later one of them pulled out a knife and allegedly stabbed him in the face several times. The student was seriously… injured and rushed to the hospital with several slash wounds to his face. Photos in German newspapers showed the blood-spattered interior of the tram. 

“The alleged attackers fled but one was later apprehended. According to German newspaper Bild on August 24, he… reportedly has a police record including alleged bodily harm, robbery and illegal immigration to Germany. The suspect was taken into custody but released a couple of hours later by decision of the public prosecutor’s office. Public prosecutor Jürgen Schmidt told Bild: ‘According to the assessment of the duty prosecutor, there were insufficient grounds for detention. He cannot be held responsible for the knife attack.’… Germany only allows pretrial detention as a rare exception. Reportedly, the prosecutors saw no chance of obtaining an arrest warrant from the investigating judge in this case as there was no risk of Majd A fleeing, concealing evidence or reoffending as he has a permanent place of residence…” 

Due to national and international pressure, the Dresden prosecutors seem to have awakened from their sleep. Note the next article. 

Deutsche Welle added on August 26: 

“Dresden police and prosecutors said on Tuesday that they had arrested a 21-year-old Syrian… and was put in investigative custody on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, among other offenses. 

“The man in question had already been detained once before and was released soon after the incident… Police said… that after further investigation there was now reasonable grounds to suspect that he was ‘involved in the knife attack against the 20-year-old American and also himself injured the victim with a dangerous object.’ Tuesday’s statement made no direct mention of the second suspect [who is still at large]. 

 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.

With all that is going on in the world at present, war is on many people’s minds. War is a terrible thing, showing the worst excesses of sinful man.   On the website worldpopulationreview.com, we read that there are currently 12 different countries involved in war, civil war, drug wars and terrorist insurgencies.

We have a 78-page booklet entitled, “Should You Fight in War?” This is a thorough exposition well worth reading, or re-reading, showing that it is not the way that man should behave, ever!   On pages 17 and 20, we read under the heading “THE CHRISTIAN DUTY—TODAY!” the following:

“True Christians need to understand that they must already have God’s attitude toward peace and war, knowing that PEACE, not WAR, will be the reality of the future world under God’s rule. They must lead by their good example TODAY, showing others that we can live the way to peace and avoid the way to war. 

“Clearly, we cannot participate in war—neither in a literal sense, nor in the sense of advocating war with our lips, or even entertaining thoughts of war. Rather, we have to bring ‘every thought’ into captivity to the obedience of Christ (compare 2 Corinthians 10:5). That is, we must be sure that our thoughts conform to Christ’s thoughts, and if we think thoughts of war, rather than peace, we must eradicate those thoughts from our minds.”

There is also a section in the same booklet, titled, “Killing in War Breaks the Ten Commandments,” which should be pretty obvious to a true Christian.   Unfortunately, there are those in mainstream Christianity who think otherwise; for example, a lay Anglican theologian and Associate Tutor in Doctrine wrote:

“Because the cause of war is sin it is never legitimate for Christians to precipitate warfare. It is not right for Christians to attack other people, or other nations, as part of an army out of a desire to kill them or to take what they possess. Down the centuries there have been Christians who would go further than this and say that Christians must never go to war for any cause at all. However, this has not been the majority Christian view. The majority view has been that although Christians may not start a war as a result of sinful desire, they may nevertheless engage in warfare. As Article XXXVII of the Church of England’s Thirty-Nine Articles puts it, ‘It is lawful for Christian men, at the command of the Magistrate, to wear weapons, and to serve in the wars’” (our emphasis by underlining).

In Matthew 26:51-52 we read:

^“And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.But Jesus said to him, ‘Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.’”

Here, Jesus, as He was being arrested, made the telling comment that “all who take the sword will perish by the sword,” which certainly rules out fighting in war.

From the earliest dawn of civilization, men have fought and waged war.   The Bible is replete with example after example of such conflicts.   And, of course, it shows no sign of diminishing.   How seriously do we take our calling?   Is our Christian faith just a hobby or a Way of Life to which we are fully committed?   

Older members may well recall that Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong (the late Pastor-General of the now defunct Worldwide Church of God) stated a number of times that he wondered whether even 50% of the Church “got it” (that is, thoroughly understand and live by every Word of God supporting the Church in its God-given responsibilities).   Some used to be amazed that he would say that.  They thought that he had made a mistake by saying that.   In a sense, he did, as it appears from what has happened since his death in 1986 that not even 50% “got it”.   A much smaller percentage, it seems, have stayed with the Truth.   But there will still be tares growing with the wheat in the Church of God today as the Bible reveals.

However, the point of this Q&A is a reminder that the war that true Christians ARE currently involved in is very real!   It is not with physical weapons, military operations or armed struggles that we contend with as our focus, but spiritual warfare that will decide our eternal future.

This warfare is spiritual.   We have been warned about this over many decades and many reading this Q&A will be very familiar with the knowledge of the forthcoming persecution that will increase in intensity the nearer we get to the time of trouble as set out in Matthew 24:21:

^“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.”

From what is happening in the world today, it must be obvious for those with eyes to see that we are rapidly heading towards the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord and the return of Jesus Christ, and it will happen with God’s perfect timing.

Jesus revealed to His disciples that persecutions would be coming, as they were then, and will be in the near future, as Matthew 10:22 shows:

“And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.”

There may be those in the Church who may think or say that we’ve heard all this before, but history shows us that some did not make it to the end.   Therefore, we all still have to be on our spiritual toes to make completely sure to God that we will stay loyal and faithful to Him and to our Calling.   Some won’t make it, and let us ensure that we are not among that number.  

1 Corinthians 10:12 is very instructive: “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” 

This is talking about vigilance and ongoing self-examination, and all of us have to be careful that we stay on the straight and narrow path without deviation.   We are to have a continuous, active watchfulness about the Way of Life we have chosen and must not be shaken or moved away from God’s Way.    

Psalm 16:8 sums this up perfectly: ”I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.”

And Philippians 1:6 complements this view: “… being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Matthew 24:13 gives us knowledge of what it will take to be in the Kingdom of God: “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”

The forces that we are to be well aware of are shown in Ephesians 6:12:

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

Our enemies, the ones that we are at war with, are the dark, demonic forces of Satan and His demons as they influence this world with their evil manipulative powers.

We read further about the source of our problems in 1 Peter 5:8-9:

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”

Jesus told the Jews the Truth about Satan the devil in John 8:44:

“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.”

On the other hand, Titus 1:2 explains: “… in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.”

The difference on just this one issue of Truth between God and Satan is stark.

We read in 2 Corinthians 10:4: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds…”

When the apostle Paul mentions “the weapons of our warfare,” he doesn’t point to the usual normal physical items that they would have had at their disposal 2,000 years ago but the spiritual sources that God makes available to His people – “divine tools that have the strength to break down barriers and strongholds,” as one commentator put it.   Carnal signifies the ways of man but the people of God rely on God Himself Who will help and guide us through the most difficult of times.

We don’t want to be in the position that Jesus outlined in Matthew 7:23: “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

What is the answer?   How do we succeed?

We know that in the Millennium, there will not be war as we read in Isaiah 2:4: “He shall judge between the nations, And rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore.”

That is the future to look forward to, but in the meantime, what do we do?   We touched on Ephesians 6:12 showing who we are fighting against but the whole passage of Ephesians 6:10-18 reveals the whole armor of God which is for our protection:

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

^“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints…”

We know that at this time, the broadcasting of Satan will be increasing as he sees his time is running out.   Many members have illness, sickness, serious health concerns and these can lead to discouragement and depression, maybe even questioning our calling at times.   We have to hang on to our love of God the Father and Jesus Christ, keeping them at the centre of our lives, pray, study and trust in Him Who is able to bring us through our own individual problems and concerns.

Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong made these comments about true spirituality, which is a state that we must be seeking unless our religion is a hobby. If it is a hobby, these words won’t count, but if our Christianity is a Way of Life, these words should remind us of our commitment.   He said, as stated in The Good News, in the June/July 84 edition:

“The spiritual mind is the surrendered, yielded mind.   It is the mind that has given up all wanting its own way.   It is the mind that has been conquered in its rebellion against God.

“It is the mind that, henceforth, is willing to obey God no matter what the cost, and that continually studies God’s Word, not to argue and strive and corner others, but to learn more of God’s will, and to walk in it!”

Our baptism was symbolic of our decision to put God first in our lives, no matter what the circumstances.   For those of us who have been Church members for many years, do we still feel the same today?   We accepted the condition to love God more than anyone or anything else – with all of our heart, with all our soul and with all of our mind.   This is the greatest commandment of all.   Does it have first priority in our lives?   And after that, does the second great commandment – loving neighbour as ourselves – have priority in our lives?

The good news, which must now be just around the corner, can be found in Revelation 12:12 where we read: “Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”   This shows a time, possibly yet future, when Satan will be cast out of heaven to the earth and when he will persecute the Church as we read in verses 13-17.   However, the Church will be protected and we may very well be near that time now.

Finally, and most importantly, we must stress that in spite of all the messages in magazines, booklets, Q&A’s, sermons and sermonettes that have been made available over many decades, many have fallen away and detached themselves from the One Who is able to protect and provide for us.

We read in 2 Thessalonians 2:3:  “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition…”

There is a falling away to come; the Bible says so, and so it will happen.   Let us not be among that number and let us take heed of the fact that Satan is at war with all of God’s people, trying to deny them a position in the Family of God for eternity.

We have been warned many times about this, and this is the latest admonition in a long line of previous warnings.

The question asked in this Q&A was: “Are Christians currently involved in war?” We hope that we have answered that question.   We are at war spiritually which will affect our future eternal life.   Let us make the most of this incredible opportunity that God has afforded us and win this war!

Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)

compiled by Dave Harris

“Demons Rule This World!” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

If you are still not convinced of the Truth of this statement, this program will give you several examples of absolutely demonic behavior—from today’s murder of innocent Catholic schoolchildren in Minnesota, the horrific developments in Russia regarding innocent children and Putin’s questioning the spirits, to the White House Faith Office.

“Dämonen beherrschen diese Welt!” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.

“Die Bedeutung der Tierwelt für uns heute, morgen und in Zukunft,” last Sabbath’s German sermonette presented by Patrick Flueck, is now posted. Title in English: “The Significance of the Animal World for Us Today, Tomorrow and the the Future.”

“It Is Possible to Please God!” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is the summary:

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, did please God, and we have His tremendous example to follow in order to attain eternal life in the Kingdom of God.

“How Do You Worship?” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is the summary:

Worship is such a basic function of Christianity that we rarely consider what it means and how to do it. What are the examples of worship in the Bible that we can learn from? As converted Christians, how does God want us to worship Him?

2025 FALL HOLY DAYS:

September 23  Feast of Trumpets

October 2  Day of Atonement

October 7-13  Feast of Tabernacles

October 14  Last Great Day

On August 23, 2025, Dave Harris will present the sermonette, titled, “It Is Possible to Please God!” and Eric Rank will present the sermon, titled, “How Do You Worship?”

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.

Many politicians of this world enjoy a form of political immunity that appears to guarantee them exemption from punishment or impunity. Due to widespread corruption and lobbying, this gives the impression that these rulers can never be held accountable.

As an ordinary citizen, this is difficult to understand. Whether it is the US, the UK, Russia, Ukraine, or Germany, the whole world is corrupt, and pretty much all politicians seem to be concerned with their own advantage or their own position and power, rather than the welfare of the people they swore to uphold when they took office.

At present, one can only shake one’s head at recent Current Events published by the Church of the Eternal God and be deeply distraught about this worldwide political corruption.

Whether it is the affair involving Jeffrey Epstein, which is causing a worldwide uproar, the wars in Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Gaza, Jordan, Iran, Iraq, China, North Korea, and many others – trillions of dollars, euros, and other currencies are being embezzled and senselessly wasted. This embezzlement of taxpayer money not only leads to further tax increases; above all, in God’s eyes, it is nothing less than a serious crime!

But none of those in power take responsibility or care about making a righteous change in their actions, as they all enjoy a certain kind of immunity. In most cases, therefore, no one can be punished for their actions! These are disgusting conditions.

Solomon wrote in Proverbs 29:4: “By justice a king gives stability to the land; but he who imposes heavy taxes ruins it” (New American Bible).

However, the Bible regards goods and money as entrusted to human beings, regardless of whether they come from God or from people. Misuse or waste is considered foolishness and sin, which demand accountability. Read “The Parable of the Unjust Steward” in Luke 16.

Diplomats also enjoy immunity from prosecution in their host country under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. There are several well-known cases of fatal accidents or even intentional acts that fell under this immunity. The diplomats involved were never held accountable in the host country.

For example, the case of Anne Sacoolas – USA/UK (2019):

Anne Sacoolas, the wife of a US diplomat in the UK, caused a traffic accident in Northamptonshire in which 19-year-old Harry Dunn died. She left the country invoking diplomatic immunity. It was not until years later that she was convicted in her absence in the UK, but she did not serve any sentence in the UK.

Or Raymond Davis – USA/Pakistan (2011):

Davis, officially declared a diplomat, shot and killed two men in Lahore, Pakistan. The US invoked diplomatic immunity. Davis was released after paying financial compensation (“diyya,” blood money in Islamic law) and returned to the US without being punished in Pakistan.

These are just two examples of many! This immunity, behind which politicians and diplomats hide, is officially not unlimited. In most countries, it “can” be lifted by parliament if there is a serious suspicion of a criminal offense. However, the problem is often not immunity itself, but corruption, lobbying, and a lack of transparency, which in most cases lead to impunity. And as the saying goes, “Birds of a feather flock together!”

God knew that these abuses would come into the world. The following Bible passages prove it.

David wrote in his Psalms, “No king is saved by the multitude of an army; A mighty man is not delivered by great strength” (Psalm 33:16).

And Isaiah declared, “Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, Who write misfortune, Which they have prescribed To rob the needy of justice, And to take what is right from the poor of My people, That widows may be their prey, And that they may rob the fatherless” (Isaiah 10:1-2).

The time will come when everyone has to give account for their actions – if not in this life, then at the latest at the Great White Throne Judgment.

The Bible, the Word of God, is infallible and absolutely correct. It condemns corruption, abuse of power, and lies in the strongest terms and in fact gives warnings about the consequences. False rulers are often hypocrites and perpetrators of injustice, but the people should look to God, stand up for justice, and not participate in lawlessness.

Micah wrote down what God expects of people: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).

Even if politicians enjoy immunity from prosecution, one thing is as certain as the sun rising every day: There is no immunity before God!

God’s answer for all people is actually no secret, except that most people do not want to know about it, especially today’s politicians.

Paul wrote at least three times that all people will one day have to give an account.

First in Romans 14:10-12; then in 2 Corinthians 5:10; and finally in Hebrews 4:13, where it says: “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

Solomon confirms these words in Ecclesiastes 12:14. And Christ admonishes us in Matthew 12:36: “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.”

It would be an illusion to believe that we will never have to give account for our actions which we commit in this life.

(Initial translation: Daniel Blasinger)

by Norbert Link

We publish articles about Trump’s meeting with Putin in Alaska, and the overwhelmingly negative impression of that meeting [see our StandingWatch program, titled, “The Debacle of Trump’s Meeting with Putin in Alaska”); and continue with Trump’s subsequent better-received meeting with Zelensky and European leaders in Washington.

For further developments regarding the discussions concerning Russia and Ukraine, please note our newest StandingWatch program, titled, “Is There (No) Peace After All?”

We speak on ICE’s unpopular raids on “harmless” immigrants; a warning not to pull the plug on Israel; and mysterious fatalities in the Epstein orbit.

We conclude with a strong movement in Germany to institute compulsory military service.

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

“Boris Johnson: Trump-Putin Summit ‘Most Vomit-Inducing’ Ever” 

Upday.com wrote on August 16: 

“Boris Johnson delivered a scathing assessment of Donald Trump’s Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin, calling it ‘the most vomit-inducing episode in all the tawdry history of international diplomacy.’ The former Prime Minister condemned the red carpet treatment given to the Russian leader during their three-hour meeting… on August 15. 

“Writing in his Daily Mail column, Johnson described his visceral reaction to watching Putin welcomed on American soil. ‘It was emetic to see him applauded on the red carpet,’ he wrote, particularly criticising Putin being invited to ride in Trump’s presidential limousine – a privilege rarely extended to world leaders facing war crimes accusations. 

“The former Prime Minister compared Putin directly to Hitler, arguing the Russian leader’s ‘continual lies, dissimulation and aggression’ mirror the Nazi dictator. Johnson expressed outrage at hearing Trump refer to Putin as ‘the boss’ and describe their ‘fantastic relationship’ while Ukrainian civilians face daily bombardment… 

“The former Prime Minister assessed that Putin fundamentally wants to control Ukraine and make it a vassal state of Moscow… The former Prime Minister challenged European allies to match American leadership on sanctions. ‘This is our continent. We continually demand leadership from America – and yet when we get that leadership we don’t even have the guts to follow suit,’ Johnson wrote.” 

Trump Embarrassed by Fox News 

Express wrote on August 16: 

“US President Donald Trump was embarrassed on Fox News after failing to make a deal with Vladimir Putin… Fox News’ Jacqui Henrich, a senior White House correspondent, called out the President in a live video link to the studio, in a move that is extremely rare for the news channel… 

“She said: ‘It was very unusual, atypical… the way it felt in the room was not good, it did not seem like things went well and it seemed Putin came in and steamrolled, got right into what he wanted to say and said what he wanted to say to the President and then left.’” 

Putin Got Everything… Trump Got Nothing! 

The Independent wrote on August 16: 

“Vladimir Putin wanted to stave off the threat of US sanctions, he wanted to gain more time to prosecute his war against Ukraine, he wanted to end his and Russia’s diplomatic isolation, he wanted to peel the US off from the rest of Europe, he wanted to keep Zelensky as far away from this as far as possible and he wanted to flatter his host, Donald Trump… [Putin] flew back to Moscow having achieved everything he wanted. There are no new sanctions. Donald Trump literally rolled out the red carpet for him and applauded Putin before shaking his hand warmly. The meeting took place on US soil, with all European leaders thousands of miles away…. 

“Steve Witkoff, [Trump’s] special envoy (and a man with zero diplomatic experience), who laid the ground for this summit, has been turning up in Moscow with only his girlfriend for company. At the Kremlin meetings, he has set completely alone opposite the combined might of Putin, foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and key adviser Yuri Ushakov. Witkoff had no note takers, no advisers, and was 100 per cent reliant on a Kremlin translator… 

“Should Ukraine be concerned? Should Europe be concerned about the way this summit has come about and the way it’s unfolded? They’d be stark raving mad not to be.” 

Change of Plans? 

Newsmax wrote on August 17: 

“President Donald Trump has reportedly privately indicated to European leaders he is open to offering U.S. security guarantees to Ukraine — a significant shift in his stance toward America’s role in ending the war. The change in position came after Trump’s high-profile summit in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where Trump sought to push Moscow toward a ceasefire, but according to Trump’s own account, Putin told him he would not stop fighting and demanded that Kyiv cede parts of eastern Ukraine in exchange for freezing the front line elsewhere…

“Despite Trump’s vow to secure a ceasefire at the risk of ‘severe consequences’ to Putin and Russia, the Alaska summit produced no ceasefire agreement and Trump has pivoted toward what he described as a ‘direct path to a peace agreement,’ aligning with Putin’s preference to negotiate final terms rather than interim pauses in fighting.” 

Complete Disappointment 

Deutsche Welle wrote on August 17: 

“A red carpet for Vladimir Putin and no results for Ukraine. The Alaska summit, which many had pinned high hopes on, turned out to be a complete disappointment from the perspective of many Ukrainians….  Oleksandr Kraiev of the Ukrainian Prism think tank told DW: ‘…The war criminal Putin came to the US and shook hands with the leader of the free world.’  According to Kraiev, apart from ‘Trump’s deference toward Putin, there were no final answers to the most important questions.’ He believes that Putin dealt with Trump ‘with surgical precision’ and told him everything Trump wanted to hear. This way, Putin got everything he wanted out of the summit.   

“According to Ivan Us from Ukraine’s Center for Foreign Policy of the National Institute for Strategic Studies, the Russian president never wanted the summit to lead to an end to the war. Instead, Putin’s goal was to legitimize himself and end his international isolation… Judging by discussions among ordinary Ukrainians, what angers them most is the red carpet that was rolled out for Putin at the US military base in Anchorage. Countless angry comments on social media leave little doubt over how this was perceived in Ukraine.” 

The reaction of the German and European press has been devastating. Headlines read like, “The nightmare of the Europeans has become true.” Hypocritical and quite silly comments by European politicians thanking Trump and saying he brought the world closer to peace only contribute to the anger of the German and European people. 

Zelensky Set Up to Fail? 

Express wrote on August 17:

“Donald Trump knows there is zero chance of a workable peace deal…, former defence committee chairman Tobias Ellwood has warned. And the Ukrainian President is being ‘set up to fail’ by his US counterpart, who was himself ‘manipulated’ by Vladimir Putin during their high-profile summit on Friday, the ex-British Army officer claimed. 

“Mr Ellwood said: ‘I see Trump deliberately setting this up to fail so he can then walk away and say, “I tried, they didn’t want to play ball.”’ The former MP… painted a picture of a summit dominated by strategic manoeuvring rather than concrete support for Ukraine.” 

No Security Guarantees? 

Fox News wrote on August 18: 

“The Russian Foreign Ministry roundly rejected the idea of NATO forces serving as peacekeepers in Ukraine, a provision sought by Ukrainian President Voldodymyr Zelensky and his European allies in U.S.-brokered peace talks. 

“‘We confirm the position that has been voiced more than once about our categorical rejection of any scenarios involving the appearance of Ukraine military contingent with the participation of NATO countries (which is fraught with an uncontrolled escalation of the conflict with unpredictable consequences),’ a foreign ministry statement reported by Russian state media outlet Ria read. President Donald Trump already suggested a European-led peacekeeping force to ensure Russia does not invade Ukraine again would be a part of peace talks. Asked if U.S. would contribute forces, Trump said: ‘[Europe is] first line of defense, because they’re there, they’re Europe, but we’re going to help them out also, we’ll be involved…’” 

There are discussions on the Ukrainian, American and European side to guarantee protection “similar to” the one afforded in Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty (which would require NATO membership). Newsmax said on August 18 that “President Donald Trump told Ukraine to give up hopes of getting back annexed Crimea or joining NATO.”  

But even Article 5 is no absolute guarantee of protection for NATO members. It states: 

“The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them . . . shall be considered an attack against them all and consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defence recognised by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking . . . such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area.” 

Brennan Center for Justice wrote on March 4, 2022:

“This language is relatively flexible. It permits each NATO member to decide for itself what action should be taken to address an armed attack on a NATO ally. It does not require any member to respond with military force, although it permits such responses as a matter of international law. A member may decide that instead of responding with force, it will send military equipment to NATO allies or impose sanctions on the aggressor.”

It may also conclude that no actions are necessary at all. 

No American Boots on the Ground 

Newsmax wrote on August 19: 

“President Donald Trump said American soldiers will not be on the ground, as long as he is president, despite pledging participation in Article 5-type security guarantees in a potential Russia-Ukraine peace deal… The ‘coalition of the willing’ – a subset of major NATO countries including France, Germany, and the U.K. – is ready to commit their troops in Ukraine to defend against Russian aggression…” 

Tentatively, a meeting is planned soon [within the next two weeks?] between Zelensky and Putin, suggested by Putin to be held in Moscow, with Trump as mediator. Reportedly, Zelensky rejected the location. According to other reports, Budapest (Hungary) could be chosen as the place for negotiations, or Geneva (Switzerland), which has promised Putin immunity if he travels to the city for peace talks.   

Who Would Send Troops?

Deutsche Welle wrote on August 21:

“‘Germany’s contribution to security guarantees has not yet been determined and this issue will be decided at the political and military levels,’ German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Tuesday. He added that there were still too many uncertainties…

“Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal and the Baltic states have also signaled their willingness to participate in a possible peacekeeping force in Ukraine.

However other European states are more cautious. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk rejects the deployment of Polish soldiers… Hungary and Slovakia are also opposed to the deployment of European troops…

“Austria and Italy are also cautious. Italian Prime minister Giorgia Meloni is particularly skeptical… [and] has so far avoided making any clear commitments….

“In any case, nothing will happen without a prior agreement with Russia. But Moscow has so far categorically rejected the deployment of NATO troops to Ukraine and there is little indication that would change.”

How the Phone Call Came About… 

Focus wrote on August 19: 

“Chancellor Friedrich Merz apparently played a decisive role in Donald Trump interrupting the Ukraine summit on Monday evening to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the phone. As ‘Bild‘ reports, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly told the group about a child who had been abducted to Russia. The child’s parents knew where the child was but had no way of contacting him or bringing him back home. 

“In total, Russia is said to have abducted 19,500 children. Many of them were given up for adoption. Zelensky is also said to have given Trump a letter from his wife, Olena, to Melania Trump, in which she thanked the US President’s wife. A few days earlier, [Melania] had asked Putin in a letter to ‘protect the innocence of children.’ 

“According to the ‘Bild‘ report, Zelensky’s story is said to have deeply affected Trump. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is said to have advised the US President to call Putin immediately and confront him about it. Trump then left the room and, contrary to his plan, spoke to the Kremlin chief on the phone before the end of the summit.” 

Newsmax added on August 19: 

“Trump left the European leaders seated in the Oval Office when he went to another room to privately call Putin at 1 a.m. local time in Russia… [Reportedly, the call lasted 40 minutes.] ‘I didn’t do that in front of them, that would be disrespectful to President Putin,’ Trump said. ‘President Putin wouldn’t talk to the people from Europe – that is part of the problem.’…” 

Merz Challenges Trump 

DPA wrote on August 18: 

“German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday took a hard stance on the need for a ceasefire in Ukraine before a peace deal with Russia can be signed, as European leaders convened in Washington with US President Donald Trump. In a public statement in the White House, alongside Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, Italian Prime Minister Giogia Meloni, Britain’s Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron [as well as Finnish President Alexander Stubb and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte], Merz said that ‘the path is open’ for negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. However, he warned that a trilateral meeting between Trump, Putin and Zelensky should not take place without a ceasefire in force. 

“‘I can’t imagine that the next meeting would take place without a ceasefire,’ Merz said. ‘Let’s try to put pressure on Russia because the credibility of these efforts we are undertaking today are depending on at least a ceasefire from the beginning of the serious negotiations.’ 

“The meeting came days after Trump hosted Putin in Alaska, after which he dropped his long-held calls for an immediate ceasefire in the war.” 

Fox News added on August 18: 

“Trump was asked about the prospect of a pre-deal ceasefire earlier Monday.  ‘I don’t think you’d need a ceasefire. If you look at the six deals that I settled this year, they were all at war – I didn’t do any ceasefires…’”

Trump’s Claims He Ended Six Wars 

The New York Post wrote on August 18: 

“President Trump repeated his frequent claim Monday that he’s ended six wars during his term in office. The White House has claimed that Trump resolved conflicts between the following countries:

“lsrael and Iran less than two months ago, during which the US bombed three of the Islamic Republic’s nuclear sites; Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda; Cambodia and Thailand; India and Pakistan; Serbia and Kosovo; Egypt and Ethiopia. 

“The extent to which Trump played a role in resolving these disputes is debatable. Furthermore, some of the conflicts ended with fragile accords. The peace deal between the DRC and Rwanda, for example, concluded with the involvement of a key Rwanda-backed rebel group. The conflicts between Israel and Iran, as well as India and Pakistan, are frozen rather than resolved.” 

The following article gives more insight. 

Politico wrote on August 18: 

“The list of wars Trump professes to have ended starts with the clash between India and Pakistan last May… India, however, vociferously denies any U.S. involvement in bringing the fighting to a close… Actual peace would mean settling the competing claims over Kashmir, which have resulted in violent clashes and wars between the two nations for decades… And while the active fighting may have ended for now, the underlying conflict very much continues to mark relations between the two countries. 

“Next on Trump’s list of peace deals is the clash between Israel and Iran… Trump’s decision to target core parts of Iran’s nuclear program did clearly play an important role in ending Israel’s bombing strikes and Iran’s counterstrikes. But that’s a far cry from achieving lasting peace. Instead, Iran will now likely intensify its effort to build a nuclear weapon, and Israel has made clear it reserves the right to strike at any time if Iran were to rebuild its nuclear or missile program and air defenses. 

“Not long after, in late June, came a comparatively more substantial deal to end the fighting between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Brokered by the U.S. and signed in the Oval Office, the agreement requires Rwanda to withdraw its troops from the DRC within 90 days… But while this deal is, indeed, a real step toward ending the conflict, it’s important to remember that the key lies in its implementation. And on that front, news is much more mixed, as fighting between the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group and the DRC continues unabated — in part because M23 didn’t sign on to the deal. 

“The following month then saw Trump have a hand in securing a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, after violent border clashes had erupted in late July. Facing pressure from China, Malaysia and the promise of trade deals with the U.S., the two countries eventually agreed to stop shooting and halt dispatching more troops to the region. Yet again, the underlying conflict that resulted in these armed clashes remains unresolved. Cambodia and Thailand have been fighting over the demarcation of their border, including for the crucial location of centuries-old Hindu temples along their 800-kilometer frontier, for decades now… 

“Finally, earlier this month, the U.S. president presided over the conclusion of a major agreement ending the war between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Following major clashes over Nagorno-Karabakh — an enclave in Azerbaijan that Armenia had seized in 1992 and Baku regained in 2023 — much of the leg work on this agreement had been completed before Trump took office. But two sticking points remained: A demand from Azerbaijan that Armenia erase any claim to Nagorno-Karabakh from its constitution — which will require a referendum — and a transportation link between two parts of Azerbaijan that runs through Armenian territory. Under Trump, the U.S.-brokered talks did lead to an agreement, including a U.S.-leased roadway connecting the two areas of Azerbaijan — a substantial deal and a real accomplishment. But, again, implementation will be key. 

“Nonetheless, Trump’s boast of ending six wars in six months is a lot less than meets the eye. The fact is, even if he had been completely successful in ending these wars, his record would still be overshadowed by his failure to end the two wars he actually vowed to solve— the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Far from ending them in 24 hours, as he boasted he would do during his reelection campaign, the situation in both has worsened since Trump’s return: In Gaza, the U.S. leader has essentially given the Israeli government a green light to occupy the strip, washing his hands of any effort to secure an end to the fighting. Meanwhile, in Ukraine, he sought to move the peace process forward by meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska — only to come up empty-handed and seemingly more in sync with Moscow than Kyiv…” 

The subsequent meeting in Washington turned out to be much better. However, Trump (and others) keep talking about a land swap… that Ukraine will have to give land to Russia… a demand which Ukraine had continuously rejected. 

Russia and China Demand a Say on Security Guarantees

Daily Mail wrote on August 21:

“Ukraine peace talks were in disarray on Wednesday after Russia effectively demanded Moscow and Beijing get a veto on any security guarantees…

“Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow must be part of the security guarantees. Putin’s man also said these ‘should be provided on an equal basis with the participation of countries such as China, the United States, the UK and France’. Lavrov added: ‘I’m sure in the West they understand that seriously discussing security issues without Russia is a utopia, it’s a road to nowhere.’

“[It would mean] none of the guarantors would be allowed to defend Ukraine from Russia unless they all agreed, including China and Russia.”

Trump’s Confession

 The Daily Mail reported on August 19: 

“President Donald Trump talked about his desire for eternal salvation as he discussed ongoing efforts to negotiate a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine. 

“He invoked the Bible during an interview on Fox & Friends one day after hosting historic meetings at the White House to broker peace between the countries. ‘I want to get to heaven if possible. I’m hearing I’m not doing well. I hear I’m at the bottom of the totem pole,’ Trump said.”

ICE Deportations of the Wrong People Harmful to the US 

The New York Post wrote on August 17: 

“President Donald Trump delivered on his key campaign promise: Securing the border. Yet the only thing falling faster than illegal crossings has been his approval rating on immigration. The problem: Instead of building on his win at the border with more popular arrests of criminal threats inside the country, the administration is going after migrants indiscriminately.  

“Democrats can’t deny it: The border crisis is over. Border Patrol arrests have fallen nearly 90% since December to near-record lows. Nonetheless, only 40% of voters approved of the president’s handling of immigration… while 55% disapproved… Of course, people don’t actually want more illegal immigration. Polls consistently show that the president is the most trusted on the border. Instead, it’s the deportations from within the United States driving the discontent…  

“That doesn’t mean voters back the other side — 84% disagree with Democrats who want to suspend deportations completely… But Trump emphasized that he would prioritize ending ‘sanctuary and protection for dangerous criminals’ — the position of 81% of voters. Unfortunately, most voters don’t believe the president is doing that right now. 

“Even as late as June, voters told CBS News they thought that the president was prioritizing ‘dangerous criminals’ over peaceful immigrants 53%-47%. By mid-July, it was 44%-56% the other way — an 18 point swing in a month. What happened? Voters started to see how the priorities shifted… agents were instructed in late May to focus on ‘quantity over quality’ to meet a 3,000-per-day ‘goal’ set by the White House. ICE was advised to target people looking for work at Home Depot and to raid businesses in industries likely to employ illegal workers. 

“Rather than scooping up violent criminals recklessly sent back to the streets by New York City…, ICE is arresting immigrants who are helping power the Trump economy. Since the White House ordered the change, there has been a dramatic escalation in arrests of people without criminal records. In June, the number of immigrants arrested without criminal convictions was 1,100% higher than it was even in 2017 during the first Trump term: nearly 6,000 per week. 

“Yet there are still half a million illegal immigrants with criminal convictions out there to remove — and ICE should locate them before spending its time and resources on workers. It’s common sense: ICE agents told The Post that the policy was ‘leading them to leave some dangerous criminal illegal migrants on the streets.’   

“Setting aside politics and crime, Trump has already publicly acknowledged there’s an economic downside to these non-criminal deportations. ‘Our aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long-time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace,’ he said in June, referencing farms, hotels, and leisure businesses.  The president is correct. Besides the border, the president’s other primary election issue was inflation. And immigrants reduce inflation — not, as critics claim, by depressing wages for American workers, but by increasing production of goods and services. When supply decreases, prices go up for consumers, as we painfully saw throughout the pandemic… 

“Whatever the immigration politics are, Trump’s midterm success will ultimately depend most on his economic outcomes. Americans re-elected him because they remember his first term before the pandemic as a period of stable wage and job growth — but random mass deportations are both politically unpopular and economically destabilizing. Although the president has promised ‘changes are coming’ on deportations, none have yet occurred….”

In addition, Donald Trump promised to prioritize arrests, detentions and deportations of dangerous criminal illegal migrants. This promise has been clearly broken by Stephen Miller, Kristi Noem, Tom Homan and others. 

Don’t Pull the Plug on Israel 

The Algemeiner wrote on August 15: 

“US Sen. Lindsey Graham delivered a forceful defense of the US-Israel alliance at a South Carolina Republican Party meeting on Wednesday, warning that withdrawing American support for the Jewish state would carry both strategic and spiritual consequences. ‘If America pulls the plug on Israel, God will pull the plug on us,’ Graham told the crowd, framing the alliance as a moral imperative for the US. 

“The South Carolina Republican, a longtime supporter of Israel, criticized the use of the term ‘genocide’ to describe Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, arguing that the label is politically weaponized. ‘If Israel wanted to commit genocide, they could. They have the capability to do that. They choose not to,’ he said. ‘Hamas … would commit genocide in 30 seconds. They just can’t.’ Graham cast Israel as the most reliable ally of the US and emphatically defended the Jewish state as a force for good in the Middle East… 

“While Graham’s comments echoed the staunchly pro-Israel position favored by the Republican Party’s foreign policy establishment, some in the party, such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-SC) have called for greater scrutiny of US backing of Israel… Greene… falsely accused Israel of attempting to eradicate the Palestinian population. Greene, a conservative Republican with an extensive history of antisemitic statements, has recently accused Israel of committing a so-called ‘genocide’ in Gaza… In recent weeks, Greene has established herself as a vocal critic of Israel, breaking ranks with the rest of the Republican party…” 

Unexplained Fatalities in the Epstein Orbit

The Drudge Report referred to the following article by the National Enquirer of August 14:

“Jeffrey Epstein’s mysterious death occurred six years ago this month — but the National Enquirer has discovered 22 people in the sketchy billionaire’s orbit have also died under murky circumstances, fueling fears of a cover-up by powerful figures seeking to erase potential witnesses. From the predator’s alleged victims to house managers, lawyers, accountants, investigative journalists and pimps, the list of unexplained fatalities traces a dark money trail that leads straight to Epstein’s inner circle, sources say… 

“Financier Steven Hoffenberg confessed in a final account before his death to the Enquirer’s Doug Montero that Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted pedophile’s now-imprisoned recruiting madam, were ‘taping’… videos of sleazy VIPs with underage girls for a cabal of deep-state blackmailing power brokers… 

“Epstein’s final cellmate, Efrain ‘Stone’ Reyes, 51, died of COVID in November 2020 just weeks after talking with federal investigators probing the monstrous moneyman’s death. Reyes was transferred out of Epstein’s cell just one day before the bigwig’s death… 

“Three of Epstein’s outspoken accusers also suspiciously perished. Virginia Giuffre, 41, was found dead on April 25 in an apparent suicide, while sex slaves Carolyn Andriano, 36, and Leigh Skye Patrick, 29, died of drug overdoses in May 2023 and May 2017. The three women are not the only dead bodies related to Epstein’s days in West Palm Beach, Fla., where he was accused of abusing and pimping out dozens of young girls. 

“Despite overwhelming evidence of his purported obscene operation, Epstein received a sweetheart deal orchestrated by the feds in 2008 — and was allowed to plead guilty to two state prostitution charges and served only 13 months in a cushy county jail work-release program. 

“Joe Recarey, the Palm Beach Police detective who led the Epstein investigation and pushed officials for justice, died May 25, 2018, after a brief illness at 50. Epstein’s ex-butler Alfredo Rodriguez — who swiped his former boss’ infamous little black book and offered to sell it to an undercover FBI agent — died in December 2014 of mesothelioma at 60, after serving 13 months in federal prison on obstruction charges… 

“Two high-powered attorneys who helped Epstein skate in the West Palm Beach case have also passed away: Kenneth Starr in September 2022 at 76 after surgical complications and Roy Black, 80, who died last month at home… 

“Marvin Minsky, the MIT artificial intelligence pioneer named in Giuffre’s Epstein allegations, suffered a fatal cerebral hemorrhage in January 2016 at 88, while Ronald R. Eppinger Sr., a Miami pimp who was allegedly the first to traffic Giuffre, died at 80 in November 2006. Two investigative journalists chasing the Epstein scandal have also met their end. Former NYPD detective and Epstein book author John Connolly passed away in January 2022 at 78…  Celebrity biographer Wendy Leigh’s body was found beneath her London balcony in May 2016. Her death remains questioned as initial reports suggested suicide, but her agent emphasized the 65-year-old’s optimistic view on life… 

“Jean-Luc Brunel, 75, a French modeling agency boss awaiting trial for allegedly trafficking girls to Epstein, was found hanged inside a Paris prison cell in February 2022. Movie producer Steve Bing, 55, plunged from the 27th floor of his L.A. apartment building in June 2020 after talking to the FBI about Epstein. Mark Middleton, 59, an advisor to former President Bill Clinton with ties to Epstein, was found hanged and shot in Arkansas in May 2022 in what was ruled a suicide. 

“Thomas Bowers, 55, a head of the Deutsche Bank wealth management division that moved money for Epstein, was also found hanged inside his California home in November 2019. Epstein pal and former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson died in his sleep in September 2023 at 75, and physicist Stephen Hawking, who is known to have visited Epstein’s island, passed away in his U.K. home in March 2018 at 76… 

“The Enquirer can also reveal unusual deaths followed Epstein even before he became a household name. The death toll began 40 years ago, when the since-disgraced mogul began working as a trusted financial advisor for tycoon Les Wexner, the L Brands founder and former owner of lingerie company Victoria’s Secret and fashion retailer Abercrombie & Fitch. Epstein’s predecessor at L Brands, 43-year-old lawyer Arthur Shapiro, was gunned down in March 1985 just weeks before he was expected to be questioned by the IRS about illegal tax shelters… Soon after Shapiro’s death, Epstein took over managing Wexner’s finances. FBI documents mention Shapiro’s unsolved murder and the sex peddler’s possible link to prime suspect Berry L. Kessler. Kessler died at age 84 in 2005 inside a Georgia federal prison after being convicted a decade earlier of masterminding two separate murder-for-hire plots unrelated to Shapiro. 

“Now, Ghislaine Maxwell — the only known living Epstein accomplice currently behind bars — was mysteriously transferred from a Florida penitentiary to a minimum-security facility in Texas that has no surveillance cameras or recordings. Maxwell’s brother Ian exclusively tells the Enquirer that his sister is ‘not suicidal,’ and experts believe the deep-state cabal wants to make sure the last remaining witness is silenced. An insider warns, ‘She’s got a bull’s-eye on her back!’” 

Some of the fatalities mentioned above appear to be rather “natural,” given the old age of those who died. Others however do appear somewhat or very suspicious. 

Mandatory Military Service in Germany? 

Politico wrote on August 14: 

“Germany’s grand coalition is headed for a fight over whether the country’s effort to increase the size of its military should include the option of compulsory military service. The conservative Christian Democrats are sparring with the center-left Social Democrats (SPD) within the ruling coalition over the shape of the country’s new military draft law… which is set to be presented in Cabinet on Aug. 27…

“The bill is Defense Minister Boris Pistorius’ attempt to address the Bundeswehr’s chronic personnel shortage without fully reintroducing mandatory conscription, which Germany suspended in 2011. Under the proposal, all draft-age men would be required to register and undergo a screening process, but only a targeted number would be called up for service. Women could volunteer… Crucially, compulsory service would only kick in if parliament votes for it in a separate decision.  

“The Christian Democrats want the law to go further by introducing a mandatory service year, which would include compulsory military service as one option, alongside civilian alternatives like work in hospitals or schools. They also reject the idea of requiring a parliamentary vote to trigger conscription in a crisis, a prerequisite in the legislation… Multiple parliamentary advisers told POLITICO they doubt the bill, as drafted, could win the political backing needed to pass.” 

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.

Even though the Bible records that some in the Old Testament paid God’s tithe before Moses, there are those who claim that there was no obligation to pay the tithe before Moses, and it only became an obligation when the Levitical tithing system was instituted under Moses. They also claim that the tithing system was only instituted for Israel (some even say, the Jews, confusing the house of Israel with the house of Judah), and that any obligation to pay tithe ended at the time when Israel and Judah went into captivity. They say that in any event, there is no tithing obligation for New Testament Christians as Christ came to abolish the commandment to pay tithe.

All of these assumptions are wrong.

We say the following in our free booklet, “Tithing — Today?” 

“One of the ancients who honored God with tithing was righteous Abraham. We are told that Abraham [Abram] gave a tithe of his income to the high priest, Melchizedek. We read in Genesis 14:20 that Abraham gave him ‘a tithe [or one-tenth] of all.’ In the book of Hebrews, it is again mentioned that Abraham gave Melchizedek ‘a tenth of the spoils’ (Hebrews 7:4)…

“So then, why did Abraham give the high priest the tithe? Had Abraham done it before, or was this the first time? And if it was the first time, how did this thought enter his mind?

“The context of both passages in Genesis 14 and Hebrews 7 shows that Abraham practiced tithing as a way of life. We read that Abraham kept God’s ‘charge.’ We also find this statement from God Himself regarding Abraham, that ‘Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws’ (Genesis 26:5). In other words, Abraham was OBEDIENT TO GOD IN EVERYTHING, and that included tithing in accordance with God’s instructions.

“We also read of the patriarch, Jacob, who became obedient to God’s instructions on tithing, as well. When he fled for his life from his brother Esau, God appeared to him in a dream. When Jacob awoke, he made a vow, stating, ‘… of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth [or tithe] to You’ (Genesis 28:22)… Again, how did Jacob know that God required this of him? The obvious answer is that Abraham, his grandfather, and Isaac, his father, had taught him. However, Jacob had not yet begun to tithe, because he had not yet accepted God as his God. Rather, he said, ‘If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, THEN the LORD shall be my God’ (Genesis 28:20–21)…”

We will later come back to the question as to whom Jacob (and Isaac) gave the tithe. In the case of Abraham (Abram), we already read that he gave it to the high priest “Melchizedek.”

We explain in our above-quoted booklet who Melchizedek was.

“We read in Hebrews 7:4–8: ‘Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. And indeed, those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham; but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.’

“Notice, too, Hebrews 7:28: ‘For the law [regulating the collection of tithes through the Levites] appoints as high priests men who have weaknesses, but the word of the oath, which came after the law [pertaining to the Levites], appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.’

“‘Christ, who is a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek’ (verse 17), was none other than Melchizedek Himself. Melchizedek is described as the ‘king of peace,’ without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remain[ing] a priest continually’ (verses 2–3). It is said about Melchizedek that he ‘receives them [tithes], of whom it is witnessed that he LIVES’ (verse 8).

“The ONLY human who has been resurrected from death to ETERNAL LIFE is Jesus Christ… Melchizedek and Jesus Christ are one and the same person! We read that Melchizedek was without beginning—and so was Christ, the Eternal One…”

It was Christ, in the person of Melchizedek, who appeared to Abraham as the priest of the Most High—God the Father—to receive the tithe from Abraham. This was hardly the first, nor the only time, that Abraham had paid the tithe, as we have seen before; nor, that he paid it only on that occasion to Melchizedek.

We read that Melchizedek was called “king of Salem” and “king of righteousness (Hebrews 7:2). He actually ruled in Salem or Jerusalem as the King of Jerusalem and the King of Peace. We do not know for long He ruled there, and when His rule began or ended, but we do know that He ruled as king when He met Abraham, and undoubtedly longer than that. This does not mean that Christ had become a Man of flesh and blood, but He did manifest Himself as a Man.

We say more about Melchizedek in our free booklet “God Is… Our Destiny” (Chapter 19):

“We read in Genesis 14:18–21 that Christ, as Melchizedek, appeared to Abraham, then called Abram, who gave Him the tithe of everything. Hebrews 7 confirms that Melchizedek was indeed Jesus Christ who lived at that time as High Priest among the people (compare verses 3, 8). He had not become a Man, but He lived for a while ‘as’ a man; that is, He manifested Himself as a man. Abram knew who Melchizedek was…

“… later in Genesis 18…, Christ and two angels ‘appeared’ to Abraham as ‘men’ (verse 2) when they were about to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. They ate and spoke with him (Genesis 18:1–15). But this does not mean that they actually WERE men—that is, flesh and blood human beings. They just manifested themselves AS human beings. Abraham knew right away that one of the three was Christ, calling Him ‘My Lord’ in verse 3 (compare also verses 27, 30, 32). The word is Adonai, which Abraham used in reference to God (compare Genesis 15:2). He recognized Christ, having seen Him before when He appeared to Him as Melchizedek. (In passing, the word Adonai is actually a plural word, meaning ‘my lords’; the singular form is adon. This is another proof that Abraham knew that God consists of more than one Person.)…”

When Christ came to this earth as a Man and died for us, the tithing obligation was changed, but not in the sense that it was no longer obligatory to tithe, but in the sense that Levites would no longer collect the tithe; rather, Jesus Christ would receive the tithe again, as He had received it before, prior to Moses, in the Person of Melchizedek. We are told, in the book of Hebrews, that with Christ’s death and resurrection, a change in the ADMINISTRATION of the tithing obligation occurred (compare Hebrews 7:11-12).

As it was prior to Moses, so it is today: God’s tithe, holy to Him, is to be paid directly to Christ. As Christ is the Head of the Body, His Church, God’s tithe must be paid to His Church.

That the obligation to pay God’s tithe did not cease can be seen in the end-time prophecy of the book of Malachi. We say in our above-mentioned booklet “Tithing – Today?”:

“God inspired [Malachi] to record His stirring warning in Malachi 3:8–10: ‘“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, “In what way have we robbed You?” In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,’ Says the LORD of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.’”

“… Although recorded in the Old Testament, the statement refers equally, if not more so, to God’s New Testament Church, as well as to all of mankind just prior to Christ’s return… The entire context of the book of Malachi has to do with OUR immediate future!

“For instance, we read in Malachi 4:1–4: “‘For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,’ Says the LORD of hosts, ‘That will leave them neither root nor branch. But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves. You shall trample the wicked, For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet On the day that I do this,’ Says the LORD of hosts. ‘Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, Which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, With the statutes and judgments.’”

“This is a challenge God extends to us today! Malachi’s prophecies apply to us today AND to our immediate future! The Law of Moses—with its statutes and judgments—includes God’s law to tithe. God says to remember this and to cease from robbing Him—cease neglecting to tithe to Him His HOLY tithe! To those who obey Him, God says in Malachi 3:17: “‘They shall be Mine,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them As a man spares his own son who serves him.’ Then you shall again discern Between the righteous and the wicked, Between the one who serves God And one who does not serve Him.’”

“Jesus Christ confirmed that the tithing law was still in effect at the time of His first coming. While emphasizing that tithing is not an end in itself, He nevertheless endorsed its validity: ‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone’ (Matthew 23:23). Note that Christ talked about ‘paying’ tithes, even confirming that this OUGHT TO BE DONE!”

Returning to Abraham and Jacob, we saw that Abraham paid the tithe directly to Melchizedek. Jacob said that he would pay the tithe if he would be blessed by God. But to WHOM would he pay it? We read in Genesis 28 that he came to Bethel and had a dream in which he saw the LORD (Jesus Christ) and His angels (verses 12-15). The LORD spoke to him in the dream by stating that He was the “LORD God of Abraham and of Isaak” (verse 13) and He promised him protection and that He would bring him back to this place in the future (verse 15). When Jabob woke up, he recognized that “the LORD is in this place and I did not know it” (verse 16). He also said that if I were to come back to his father’s house in peace, then the LORD (Jesus Christ) would be his God, and “of all You give me I surely give a tenth TO YOU” (verses 21-22).

In other words, he promised to pay the tithe to the LORD—apparently in the Person of the High Priest Melchizedek, who was obviously still ruling by that time as the King of Jerusalem. He must have known this, as there was no Levitical priesthood yet, and to state that he would give the tithe to the LORD would make little sense, unless he knew how to do this. He knew that Abraham, his grandfather, had given the tithe to Melchizedek, and apparently also his father Isaac had done so, and so he, Jacob, would do the same.

We find another interesting prophecy in Isaiah 1:26 about Jerusalem or Zion, after Christ has returned to earth, where we read: “I will restore your judges as at the first, And your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city.”

Up until the time of David, Jerusalem was not even in the hands of Israel and Judah, so the reference to righteous judges could hardly be applied to the Jebusites who possessed the city at the time of David which he conquered. Applying this to the time of the Judges or Moses, as some suggest, would make little sense either—at that time, Jerusalem was not ruled or judged by the Israelites.

The Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers points out:

“The city of righteousness… There is possibly an allusive reference to the idea embodied in the [name] of Melchizedek… (Genesis 14:18; Hebrews 7:2) as connected with Jerusalem. So in Jeremiah 33:16 the ideal city, no less than the ideal king, is to be called Jehovah Tsidkenu (‘the LORD our righteousness’).”

So, it appears that the reference in Isaiah 1:26 is to Melchizedek when He ruled Salem or Jersualem, apparently with some of His righteous angels, who could be described as “judges” or “counselors” (compare Daniel 4:13, 17; 1 Kings 22:19-20; Revelation 4:4). And it would have been Melchizedek to whom Abraham, Isaac and Jacob regularly brought their tithe and offerings. But in the future, it will be the born-again members of the God Family who will rule under Christ as judges and priests over angels (Revelation 5:10; 20:4, 6; Hebrews 2:5, 8; 1 Corinthians 6:3), and the people will bring their tithes and offerings to them to be used for righteous purposes.

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

compiled by Dave Harris

“Is There (No) Peace After All?” is the title of the newest StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

The meeting in Washington between Trump, Zelensky, and European leaders was far more promising than the previous meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska. But Russia would now have to play along, which it clearly isn’t. It categorically rejects the security guarantees for Ukraine, proposed by Trump and the Europeans, or combines them with demands that are absolutely laughable. Trump is now seemingly losing his patience with Putin. Where will all this lead?

“Gibt es doch (keinen) Frieden?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same information as described above.

“The Debacle of Trump’s Meeting with Putin in Alaska,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

Why do we say that the meeting was a debacle? Well, what did it accomplish? What was agreed upon? Even though we haven’t heard much about the exact nature of a deal, in an interview subsequent to the meeting, Trump let slip a few things, which were in favor of Russia and which Ukraine would never agree to. But most importantly, what does the BIBLE say about the future of Russia and Ukraine, as well as Europe and the USA?

“Das Debakel von Trumps Treffen mit Putin in Alaska,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same information as described above.

“Gottes Warnung an wahre und falsche Christen,” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “God’s Warning to True and False Christians.”

“Wertschätzung” last Sabbath’s German sermonette by Marc Völler, is now posted. Title in English: “Appreciation,”

“Halte die Treue,” last Sabbath’s German sermon presented by Thilo Hanstein, is now posted. Title in English: “Keep Loyalty.”

“God of Peace — Peace of God,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is the summary:

The world we live in constantly threatens to steal away our peace of mind and peace between one another. God offers us a sure path to experience lasting peace if we have the courage and faith to follow Him. The God of peace provides us with the opportunity to obtain the peace of God.

“Your Christianity–Counterfeit or Real?” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is the summary:

It is the largest of the world’s religions, and 2.4 billion people claim to be Christians! But is this the Christianity of the Bible or a counterfeit? Is your Christian faith real, or have you been deceived?