On June 6, 2026, Norbert Link will present the sermonette, titled,  “Comments on News and Prophecy,” and the sermon, titled, “Does God Travel Back to the Future?”

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.

Everything in our life occurs in the present moment. Because of this, it can be a challenge to keep the events of life in context of the bigger picture.

In my family, our young boys’ lives are centered around play and snacks. Just about every decision, complaint, and desire of theirs focuses on satiating their hunger for fun and food in the moment. Our older sons, now grown young men, have matured beyond the self-indulgent appetites to have concerns focused on starting their journey into adulthood. As such, being interested in their well-being, my wife and I bring those concerns into our own lives. Their concerns become ours too. In addition to our investment in their upbringing, we have myriad other concerns that we have accumulated from our own grown-up responsibilities we’ve picked up along the way. Things like the Work of the Church, employment, physical health, home ownership and much more put demands on our time. I bring this up to illustrate the up-close micro details that consume our attention, bring us delight, stress us out, and consume the resources of our days. This is what our lives consist of in the moment: Getting to work on time, getting food on the table, coaching our children to shape their lives.

In an up-close view, the substance of concern in our lives becomes magnified by the demands of our daily activities. The molehills of concern are mountains in the moment. Even the most trivial kind of problem, such as a wrong turn on the way to an appointment is the most important thing in the moment. In the close-up view, our activities appear to be an accumulation of little things right in front of us.

To say this is not to diminish the importance of our immediate attention, physically, mentally, nor emotionally. The little things really are important! People must necessarily operate on the little things that are right in front of them. Our interface with the world is limited to that which we can directly affect. All we can do is work with the moment, material, and people which are immediately before us. A journey of a thousand miles requires taking one step after the other.

The Bible makes it clear that the little things matter in our lives and also explains why they matter. “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much” (Luke 16:10). The way that we live in the moment reflects how we live in the larger context! In this passage in the Bible, Jesus Christ explains that the principles that govern our behavior apply both at small and large scales. We use the same source of faith for the small things as the large. Likewise, if we make justifications for sins because we consider them to be small and insignificant, we may be prone to make justifications for all other sins too. The little things matter because they are part of a mosaic in a much larger picture. 

The least of our actions takes place in the context of God’s plan for us. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). Our kindness to another in a passing moment is an expression of brotherly love that has the power to lift their heart, improve their day, and even change their life. The negative examples hold true as well. A hurtful word to another can damage trust in the span of a second and take years to repair. Therefore, our actions in the moment need to be considered in a much broader spectrum than our close-up view allows. God is working with us in our lives to help us learn and grow.

When considering the details of our lives in the moment, what should the scope of our perspective be? How far should we zoom out to properly see the setting of our momentary actions? It is no exaggeration to say that we need to view our moments in the context of the plan of God that He has for the entirety of creation. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God” (Romans 8:18-19).

Knowing that everything we experience in the moment is part of God’s master plan ought to give us great comfort. Our struggle, joy, boredom, and excitement take place in the context of something big. We may get wrapped up in the magnified concern of the moment, but those things only matter in their purpose to help us to grow into the children that God is helping us to become.

By Norbert Link 

We speak of Netanyahu’s ongoing disagreements with Trump on the Iran war; ideas to strip Jordan of the Al-Aqsa custodianship; and the futile attempts to reach a meaningful peace deal between the USA and Iran.

We address Trump—the “GOAT”; controversial actions of the US government towards American citizens; chemicals in our food; and further alienation between the USA and the UK and Europe.

We address the drone war between Russia and Ukraine, spilling over into Europe; events in Hungary and Poland; and point out extremely troublesome developments in Germany.

We conclude with the pope’s repudiation of the Catholic doctrine regarding just wars.

Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Germany Is Getting Ready For War” 

Netanyahu Blames Trump For Unmitigated Catastrophe

The Daily Mail wrote on May 29:

“Netanyahu privately views the looming US-Iran pact as an unmitigated catastrophe and lays the blame squarely at Trump’s feet… Netanyahu’s inner circle is also pinning blame on Trump for squandering what Israeli security chiefs saw as a genuine shot at toppling Tehran’s leadership by arming Iran’s Kurdish minority.  The plan, however, was reportedly killed by Trump at the eleventh hour under pressure from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan…

“The Kurds were reportedly eager to assist the US and Israel, viewing an invasion of Iran as a step toward the ethnic group’s ultimate goal of establishing their own independent state… Trump also repeatedly postponed and cancelled significant operational plans to overthrow the regime.”

Taking Control of 70% of Gaza Strip?

AFP wrote on May 29:

“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he had ordered the country’s military to take control of 70% of the Gaza Strip, in defiance of the terms of a fragile ceasefire that took effect in October…. ‘We are currently squeezing Hamas. We now control 60% of the territory in the strip,’ he said at a conference in an occupied West Bank settlement… My directive is to move to … 70%. … We’re squeezing them from all (sides)…’

“The first phase of the truce saw the last hostages seized in Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, which triggered the war in Gaza, released in exchange for Palestinians detained by Israel. The transition to the second phase, which was supposed to involve Hamas’ disarmament and a gradual withdrawal of the Israeli army, has been stalled for months… Israel said on Wednesday it had killed the new head of Hamas’ armed wing in Gaza, Mohammed Odeh, after killing his predecessor earlier this month.”

Stripping Jordan of Al-Aqsa Custodianship?

United Cultures wrote on May 25:

“The US and Israel are ‘actively working’ to strip Jordan of its historic custodianship of Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque complex, and are pursuing a new arrangement that would see the management of the revered Muslim site closely aligned with Israeli interests, multiple sources have told Middle East Eye.

“… under the plan, championed by President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, who has no official role in the administration, and the US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, the authority of the Jordanian-backed Islamic Waqf would abruptly end and a new body created by the Israeli government would declare the Al-Aqsa Mosque a ‘multi-faith centre’… The officials said that the Trump administration would like to see the Al-Aqsa Mosque stripped of its Muslim identity, with the site turned into a landmark tourist attraction that hosts all three Abrahamic religions.”

Only Prolonging the Inevitable

Reuters wrote on May 29:

“Even if a deal emerges, it may not restore the pre-war status quo of energy shipments… tanker crossings were running at roughly four per day, compared with nearly 50 before the conflict. To get anywhere close ​to pre-war levels, mines must be cleared and vessels repositioned… It could take roughly two months from a… re-opening date before energy buyers actually get their oil… even this timeline may be optimistic…

“Governments ​have already released more than 400 million barrels from emergency reserves. Those emergency stocks, and other buffers, are being depleted… Every month that passes, the global economy heads closer to a more painful oil crunch. If Iran believes this strengthens its bargaining position, the regime has every reason to play hardball on nuclear negotiations and other issues. It ​follows that a possible ceasefire extension is ​no solution to the Hormuz crisis. ⁠At worst, it may only postpone the reckoning.”

“Americans have paid an additional $59 billion in inflated fuel prices since Trump started his Iran war,” according to The Independent, dated May 29.

Iran Deal Still Far Off

Fox News wrote on May 31:

“President Donald Trump sent back changes to a proposed Iran deal after a meeting on Friday… This will extend the negotiations for at least another week…. [Reportedly,] the president requested tougher language on Iran’s nuclear commitments and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Trump’s requests came a week following his declaration that the Iran deal was ‘largely finalized,’ signaling the end of the war was near.

“However, even after Trump saying he would make his ‘final determination’ during the meeting on Friday, a conclusive decision was not reached. Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Sunday that no agreement will be approved until Tehran’s ‘rights’ are secured… [He said:] ‘The soldiers of the diplomatic battlefield have no trust in the words and promises of the enemy…’”

“Just Sit Back and Relax”?

The Sun wrote on June 1:

“DONALD Trump has told critics to ‘just sit back and relax’ after launching fresh strikes on Iran…

“Trump said it was tougher for him to negotiate when surrounded by political commentary…. He wrote: ‘But don’t the Dumocrats [sic], and various seemingly unpatriotic Republicans, understand that it is MUCH tougher for me to properly do my job and negotiate, when political hacks keep negatively “chirping” at levels never seen before, over and over again, that I should move faster, or move slower, or go to war, or not go to war, or whatever.’

“Trump ordered his critics to, ‘Just sit back and relax, it will all work out well in the end’, adding, ‘It always does!’”

Such blatant nonsense!

Ceasefire Collapsed

Daily Mail wrote on June 1:

“Iran has severed all diplomatic talks with the United States, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire by bombing its proxy militia Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran’s top negotiators on Monday stopped exchanging messages with the US through Pakistani intermediaries as Tehran vowed to fully shut down the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Iranian state-affiliated news outlet Tasnim….

“The regime says ‘No dialogue will take place’ until Israel fully withdraws from Lebanon and also stops attacks in Gaza, according to Tasnim. ‘Also, the resistance front and Iran have resolved to completely block the Strait of Hormuz and activate other fronts including the Bab al-Mandeb Strait [which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is controlled by the Houthis]…

“The ceasefire’s collapse comes after Iran fired missiles and drones at a US airbase in Kuwait, in retaliation for American airstrikes that Washington described as ‘self-defense strikes’ against the regime’s radar and drone command facilities…”

So predictable. Trump’s apparent naivety is unparalleled.

Iran Ready to Keep On Fighting

The Jerusalem Post wrote on May 31:

“Iran is already poised to continue firing missiles at Israel and other countries in the Middle East, after having dug out the tunnel entrances that US and Israeli bombings had collapsed… Iran used simple equipment such as bulldozers and dump trucks to clear roads and tunnel entrances, which had been destroyed by the bombing, leading experts to tell CNN that their missile capabilities would be very difficult to destroy….

“… experts said that Iran still has around 1,000 missiles stored underground, and that these stockpiles were unlikely to have been damaged from strikes at ground level.”

Trump Out of Control

The Jerusalem Post wrote on June 2:

“US President Trump accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being the reason for global hatred of Israel in an angry call on Monday, Axios reported… [He] called the prime minister ‘f… crazy.’… ‘You’d be in prison if it weren’t for me. I’m saving you’re a… Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this,’ Trump told Netanyahu…

“Members within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition [including National Security Minister Ben-Gvir, as well as the opposition parties] sharply criticized Israel’s decision to cancel strikes on Beirut at the urging of US President Donald Trump on Monday, calling on the premier to ‘say no’ to Trump and strike in Lebanon with full force… Opposition leader Yair Lapid accused Netanyahu of behaving as though Israel were a protectorate state of the US.”

It was also reported that Saudi Arabia no longer trusts the US to provide protection, and that Trump’s refusal to return to war and overthrow Iran’s regime will cost him dearly, while claiming that the US president has shown that he is a paper tiger. 

Who Is Lying?

Deutsche Welle wrote on June 2:

“Iranian media had reported US-Iran negotiations were halted amid continued fighting in Lebanon. Donald Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, rejected reports that the US and Iran have stopped discussions due to Israeli offensive action in Lebanon. 

“Fake News Reports that the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the USA, stopped speaking a few days ago are false and erroneous,” Trump said.  

Well, they could not have been that false, fake and erroneous. There are also reports of continuing strikes involving both Israel and Hezbollah after Trump had said attacks would stop. Also, as ABC News reported on June 3, Iran attacked Kuwait and Bahrain saying that they “bear responsibility for the Iranian attacks on U.S. facilities on their soil, because they allowed the U.S. to use bases on their land to commit an aggression against Iran.”

Erdogan the Real Winner of the Iran War?

The Jerusalem Post wrote on May 31:

“An article published in The Telegraph in the UK argues that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ‘is the real winner of the Iran war.’ The argument is that Turkey’s leader has been cracking down on its domestic opposition while the world is focused on the war with the Islamic Republic of Iran…

“‘Turkey is emerging as a long-term winner from the US-Israeli war against Iran, which has provided Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish president, room to accelerate an anti-democratic backslide with no global repercussions,’ The Telegraph says.”

Trump—the GOAT?

Daily Mail wrote on May 31:

“President Donald Trump is looking to cancel America’s 250th birthday concert after artists have dropped out and instead turn it into a rally and make himself the new headliner. Trump, 79, is ready to add another career accomplishment to his name as he called himself ‘THE GOAT’ – which stands for the greatest of all time – and said he would take over as the main headliner of the birthday event. 

“In a long Truth Social post on Saturday, he dubbed himself the ‘Number One Attraction anywhere in the World’ and compared himself to Elvis. Trump said unlike The King, who needed a guitar to wow his fans, all the President needs is a microphone and a good speech to get ‘much larger audiences than Elvis in his prime,’ he wrote…  ‘Two years ago, the United States was DEAD. Now we have the “HOTTEST” Country anywhere in the World,’ he wrote.”   

It’s so hot that many Europeans and others refuse to come to the USA, being afraid that they might be burned upon arrival. Trump’s proud self-aggrandizement is beyond words.

Controversial US Government Action Against US Citizens

Politico wrote on May 28:

“Trump administration officials on Thursday said Americans exposed to Ebola during the current outbreak in the Congo will be sent to a newly constructed facility at an air base in Kenya, instead of returning them to the U.S. … The decision is a break from past practice during prior Ebola outbreaks when Americans were brought home for care… At this point, there is no one at the Kenyan facility…

“Administration officials said any Americans moved to Kenya due to exposure to the lethal hemorrhagic fever will mostly quarantine there. They will ultimately be transported to Europe if they become sick. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested Wednesday at a Cabinet meeting that U.S. borders were closed to anyone with Ebola….

“… the approach… has sparked pushback from doctors, public health advocates and career diplomats, who argue that the United States has over a dozen of the best facilities in the world to care for people with Ebola and should not deny its citizens, some of whom are responding to the outbreak, that lifesaving treatment. The American Foreign Service Association, the labor union representing career diplomats, protested the decision Wednesday after the New York Times reported it, stating that its members exposed to Ebola had a ‘right to come home.’”

The United States cannot legally prevent its citizens from entering the country. Under U.S. law and the Constitution, every American citizen has an inherent, fundamental right to enter and remain in the United States, and this right cannot be legally revoked or denied. In case of a “pandemic,” returning citizens can be legally detained and subjected to mandatory quarantine or isolation orders at designated federal facilities or at home. Even though Kenya had originally agreed to Americans being treated at a new facility in Kenya, a Kenyan court (the High Court in Nairobi) suspended the plan.

DHS “Clarified” Its Ridiculous Announcement

Newsweek wrote on June 1:

“The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has clarified a controversial immigration policy issued last week, saying most green card applicants will not be required to leave the United States while their cases are processed [This is in clear contradiction to its earlier announcements, stating the exact opposite.] …

“The clarification follows confusion and backlash from applicants, attorneys, and business groups concerned about disruptions to long-standing immigration processes. Applicants may still be asked to leave the U.S. depending on individual circumstances, but most will continue applying from within the country under officer discretion…

“That framing marks a clear shift from last week’s USCIS release, which described applying from within the U.S. as an ‘extraordinary’ exception. Despite the update, DHS has not defined when applicants might be required to leave, leaving decisions largely to individual officers… Critics say the administration is trying to contain backlash from last week’s announcement.”

Far from it being a “clarification,” DHS clearly backpedals its earlier announcement, but it’s still unclear what exactly it’s trying to do. The picture of ensuing incompetence emerges more and more within the Trump administration…

National Emergency in the USA?

Focus wrote on June 1:

“As the US approaches the 2026 midterm elections, a development is emerging that goes far beyond normal election campaigning…. For Europe, this is a risk of the highest order… For Europe, this means: The US can be relied upon less in matters of war and peace…

“Trump doesn’t think in terms of majorities, but rather in terms of loyalty. A smaller, but completely controlled camp is more valuable to him than a larger, but independent one… Pro-Trump activists are circulating a draft executive order, a presidential decree, which, citing alleged foreign interference—particularly by China—would declare a national emergency. The aim would be to grant the president extraordinary powers over the election process…

“A presidential emergency specifically to control elections would be historically unprecedented…. Even a legally questionable step could have massive political consequences in the short term—for example, through delays, uncertainty, or delegitimization of the electoral process…

“For Europe, these developments are not a distant, domestic problem of the United States, but directly affect the continent.… Europe must strategically reposition itself. Greater military capability, less dependence on Washington, and greater economic resilience have become essential… The discussion about states of emergency and election organization shows how serious this issue has become. For Europe, this is not just about America. It is about the future of its own security. The era of strategic dependence is ending. Europe should act—before it has to react.”

Tear the Jefferson Wall Down?

The Jerusalem Post wrote on May 22:

“Then-US president Ronald Reagan went to Berlin on June 12, 1987, and demanded, ‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.’ The Berlin Wall was the symbol of what Reagan branded the ‘evil empire.’ It stood for less than 30 years and was gone within 30 months of the president’s appearance…

“Trump on Sunday spoke to thousands of predominantly conservative white Evangelical followers who were gathered on the National Mall, demanding he tear down Thomas Jefferson’s wall, the one that has stood as a foundation of American democracy for 250 years, and declare the United States a Christian nation. They want him to accelerate his dangerous efforts to tear down what the author of the American Declaration of Independence and the Constitution called the ‘wall of separation’ between religion and state…

“The founders were deeply committed to the separation of religion and state because they had seen what happened in Europe, where the blending of the two often led to religious wars and persecution not only of dissenting Christians but also of Jews, Muslims, atheists, free thinkers, and others who didn’t share their beliefs… Trump… has posted on his social media outlet memes of himself as Jesus and as a pope, and has said of himself, ‘I am the chosen one.’”

Chemicals in Our Food

npr wrote on May 29:

“99% of chemicals in our food right now were added without FDA approval. Many were added in secret…

“The FDA has essentially admitted it doesn’t have the capacity to verify the safety of new food chemicals. So they leave it up to food companies and chemical makers to declare their brand new chemicals are safe. These chemicals are used in everything from chocolate and smoked fish, to tea bags, protein drinks, popcorn, and seeds….”

UK Special Relationship With US Meaningless

The Independent wrote on May 30:

“[Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said:]  ‘You can’t just say, “Oh, we’ve been friends for a long time, so let’s work together.” It’s: “We’ve been friends for a long time, so you better have the same capabilities we do, because if we don’t, our alliance is meaningless.’… ‘… for those who believe they can continue to free ride on the generosity of the American taxpayer, hear us now: the era of the United States subsidising the defence of wealthy nations is over.’…

“There has been an increasing breakdown in relations between the UK and the US as Mr Trump has repeatedly accused the UK and other European allies of not spending enough on defence. He has also accused Sir Keir Starmer of not standing by the US in its war in Iran…”

Hegseth’s provocative speech was also directed at Europe. Focus reported, Hegseth criticized Europe as “unusually harsh”  [“ungewöhnlich scharf.”]

False Alarm at Munich Airport

The U.S. Sun wrote on May 30:

“A MAJOR European airport was locked down with all flights suspended after a suspected drone sighting. Munich airport in Germany was shut this morning as police swarmed the area following the alert….

“Around 9am, pilots made a suspicious observation… At around 10am local time Federal Police said their search revealed ‘no suspicious findings.’”

The hysteria followed an alleged Russian drone attempt to violate Lithuania’s airspace and the shooting down by a NATO fighter jet of a suspected Ukrainian drone over Estonia, with Ukraine claiming Russia had been “redirecting” their drone.

Russian Drone Hits Romania

The Guardian wrote on May 29:

“The Nato secretary general, Mark Rutte, has said the alliance is ‘ready to defend every inch’ of its territory after a Russian drone hit an apartment building in Romania, a member state, during an overnight attack on neighbouring Ukraine… The incident in Galați, which injured two people, prompted swift condemnation and the threat of repercussions, even as Vladimir Putin attempted to suggest, without evidence, that the drone might have been a stray Ukrainian weapon…

“The foreign ministry said it had asked Nato to accelerate the transfer of anti-drone capabilities and suggested it would call on article 4 of the Nato treaty, which would trigger formal discussions within the organisation about threats to Romania’s security. It described the incident as a ‘grave and irresponsible escalation’ and a serious breach of international law.

“The strike in Romania is the latest example of the war in Ukraine spilling beyond the country’s borders, amid growing concern over Russia’s wider campaign of hybrid warfare across Europe.”

A New Chernobyl?

Times of India wrote on May 31:

“Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has issued a stark warning after Moscow claimed that a Ukrainian drone targeted equipment at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

“Medvedev said that any catastrophic damage to a nuclear facility could trigger a ‘new Chernobyl’ and warned that Russia could respond with strikes on Ukrainian nuclear plants and even nuclear facilities in NATO countries involved in the conflict.”

All these threats will ultimately become reality.

Unlocking Billions of Euros for Hungary

Reuters wrote on May 29:

“Hungary’s progress in reforms under its new government will allow the European Commission to unlock €16.4 billion of previously frozen EU ​recovery and cohesion funds for the country, European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen ‌said…

“The EU money is crucial to kick-start the Hungarian economy that has practically stagnated for ​3 years.”

But there are conditions attached which Hungary’s new government might or might not be able to fulfill. Still, we feel that Hungary will become one of the prophesied 10 core nations of Europe.

Poland Outraged Over Naming of Ukrainian Unit

t-online reported on May 30:

“Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has sparked outrage in Poland by naming a unit of the Ukrainian army after the notorious Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). During World War II, the UPA was responsible for massacres of Poles within the territory of present-day Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated on Friday that Zelenskyy’s decision ‘offends our historical sensibilities.’ Karol Nawrocki, head of the Institute of National Remembrance, proposed stripping Zelenskyy of Poland’s highest honor, the Order of the White Eagle.

“In the 1940s, the UPA was regarded as the military wing of the OUN—the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists. During massacres committed between 1943 and 1945, UPA members killed up to 100,000 ethnic Poles in the Volhynia region. Until 1939, this region was part of Poland; following the Hitler-Stalin Pact, it was incorporated into the Ukrainian Soviet Republic. Today, it is located in northwestern Ukraine.

“In their struggle for Ukrainian independence from the Soviet Union, the OUN and UPA collaborated—at times—with Nazi Germany during World War II. In contemporary Ukraine, members of the OUN and UPA are revered as heroes. In 2024, disagreements regarding the Volhynia massacre led to diplomatic disputes between Kyiv and Warsaw…”

At this point, Poland is one of the strongest supporters of Ukraine. But this will change in time.

Jews No Longer Welcome in Belgium

The Jerusalem Post wrote on May 27:

“Jews have lived continuously in Belgium for 800 years, and an estimated 30,000 live there today. They are no longer being made to feel welcome. How can we say this? Because the country is going ahead with the prosecution of two mohels, those who perform ritual circumcision, a Jewish rite mandated by the Torah and performed since the time of Abraham. You can’t want Jews in your country and outlaw ritual circumcision. The two are mutually exclusive….

“This is especially troubling given Belgium’s history. According to Yad Vashem, some 66,000 Jews lived in Belgium when the Nazis occupied the country in May 1940, and approximately 28,000 were murdered in the Holocaust. One would think that history alone would make Belgian authorities especially sensitive to measures perceived by Jews as an assault on their religious identity.

“… why do Jews want to live there? Might this not be the time for Belgium’s Jews – and, indeed, Jews of other countries where Jewish life is coming under daily attack – to ask themselves whether they belong in a country sending unmistakable signals that they are not wanted?”

History is repeating itself.

Nazi Parallels—Propaganda or Justified?

Nius wrote on May 29:

“Time and again, the Federal Government exploits the crimes of National Socialism to demonize political opponents. Just recently, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned against cooperating with the AfD, drawing historical parallels to the NSDAP in the process… Editor-in-Chief Julian Reichelt [expresses] his astonishment at this rhetoric—which, in his view, is excessive…

“Julian Reichelt takes particular issue with the implication inherent in such comparisons. ‘Which Germans does Friedrich Merz actually see who would be capable of such things?’ he asks. Anyone who warns of a new National Socialism is, ultimately, accusing millions of citizens of being capable of repeating the crimes of the past… ‘Which Germans does Friedrich Merz actually see who would commit such crimes? Who have forgotten their lesson so completely—who are simply yearning to commit such crimes once again?’”

How very wrong Reichelt is! 

Federal Police Deny Exit to Spokesperson for German Identitarians

Nius reported on May 29:

“The Federal Police have prohibited Maximilian Märkl, the national spokesperson for the Identitarian Movement Germany, from leaving the country for Porto [Portugal]. Märkl intended to attend a ‘Remigration Summit’ there. The official justification: doing so could have damaged the reputation of the Federal Republic… On the platform X, Märkl wrote: ‘I have just been detained at Munich Airport and prevented from leaving the country. My fundamental right to freedom of movement has been violated because I allegedly threaten the reputation of the Federal Republic of Germany.’…

“Maximilian Märkl faces no criminal charges. The justification provided by the German authorities states: ‘The conspiracy theory of the “Great Replacement” is used to disseminate the view that political elites are intentionally promoting mass immigration in order to replace the indigenous peoples and cultures of Europe.’ Märkl’s active participation would have ‘strengthened the international connections of the Identitarian Movement in Europe’ and disseminated the ‘Identitarian interpretation of the term remigration.’

“Märkl’s supporters expressed outrage over the travel ban. They argued that illegal migrants are permitted to enter unhindered, while an EU citizen is denied freedom of travel… The incident is reminiscent of a similar one in May of last year. At that time, the Federal Police detained eight activists from the New Right ‘Identitarian Movement’ at Munich Airport and interrogated them for hours… They were prohibited from traveling to Italy. The group was en route to a so-called ‘Remigration Summit’ in Milan. Their departure was blocked pursuant to the Passport Act (PassG) on the grounds that the individuals posed a ‘threat to public safety and order.’ A portion of the group later managed to reach Italy by other means to attend the meeting.”

Nazi methods?

So Much for a “Voluntary” Bundeswehr!

MDR reported on May 29:

“Federal Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius is planning a return to mandatory participation by reservists in Bundeswehr training exercises. The SPD politician confirmed that a legislative draft is currently being prepared within his ministry, under which reservists would be required to perform service in the future—even during peacetime.

“Pistorius stated… ‘Military service itself is voluntary.’ However, anyone who undertakes it knows ‘that a subsequent obligation follows: to also participate in reserve exercises’… Reservists should benefit from meaningful training exercises. Yet, this cannot be based on a voluntary principle. Therefore, a mandatory requirement will be put in place…

“Until now, the principle of ‘dual voluntariness’ applied to the deployment of reservists. Under this principle, both the individuals concerned and their employers could decline participation in training exercises… Pistorius’s plans [include] an obligation for employers to release employees for reserve exercises, up to a certain limit…

“Accordingly, anyone who has completed at least six months of voluntary military service could be called up for duty until the month of their 45th birthday. Those who have served for at least one year as career soldiers or soldiers on a fixed-term contract could be called up until the month of their 65th birthday… As has been the case previously, the provision remains that reservists may be called up for indefinite military service should the Bundestag declare a ‘state of tension’ or should Germany come under attack.”

One should think very carefully about whether one truly wishes to perform military service “voluntarily,” and be fully aware of the consequences—quite apart from the fact that Christians are forbidden by God from fighting in wars or joining the Bundeswehr or any Army.

Steinmeier’s Dangerous Nonsense

t-online reported on June 1:

“[German] Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier doubts that the voluntary military service introduced by the ‘black-red’ governing coalition will suffice to ensure the Bundeswehr secures enough soldiers… ‘If it should turn out that the voluntary principle—which we have currently enshrined in the Bundeswehr’s service regulations—is insufficient to reach the necessary personnel strength, then the debate regarding conscription will once again become a live issue.’…

“Against this backdrop, the Federal President renews his call for a period of mandatory service for all citizens: ‘I wish to state that this idea is by no means dead… I could envision a duration of anywhere between six months and a year…’”

This is how the German people are being hoodwinked—and prepared and compelled for the return of conscription…

No Just War

MSN reported on May 29:

“One of Christianity’s most influential teachings regarding war has been directly challenged by the head of the Catholic Church. Pope Leo has used his first major papal document to reject the long-standing ‘just war’ doctrine as a framework for modern conflicts…. The doctrine traces its roots back to… Augustine…. Augustine argued that wars could be morally justified only under strict conditions, including the goal of restoring peace rather than pursuing conquest or vengeance…

“US Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic, has cited the theory in defense of military action against Iran…. Despite Leo’s criticism, the doctrine remains deeply entrenched in military training worldwide. Augustine’s principles continue to be part of the curricula at institutions such as West Point, the US Naval Academy, and the US Air Force Academy.”

Ultimately, the Catholic Church will go back to its ideas of a just war.

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.

We will continue to look at further false assumptions as we have done in the first two in this series of Q&A’s. 

FALSE ASSUMPTION No. 6

Apart from Christmas, the other major time for Christians is Easter, which again we will see that it is not quite what it may seem to be.  

Many believe that Jesus was crucified on Friday afternoon and resurrected on Sunday morning. But this cannot be true.

If we look at the Bible rather than man’s approach of “I think this, that or the other,” we get the correct answer.

We read in Matthew 12:39-40: “But He (Jesus) answered and said to them [some of the Scribes and the Pharisees], ‘An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth’” (Matthew 12:39-40).

It is as clear as day for those with eyes to see when we read that just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish or a whale or a sea monster (depending on the translation), so Christ would be three days and three nights in the earth (in the tomb or the grave; “hades” in Greek). This was reiterated in Matthew 16:4: “A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah…”

Christ spoke of 24-hour days. He said in John 11:9-10: “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” Christ divided the time between 12 hours of the day and 12 hours of the night. He said He would be in the grave three days and three nights—72 hours—as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea creature (Jonah 1:17). 

It is simply impossible to count 72 hours from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning. 

However, it seems that man would sooner go along with, in most cases, those man-made theories and errors as they are so ingrained in the false ways of the world with peer pressure and family situations, adding to the pressure of having to keep them.

In our free booklet: “Jesus Christ – A Great Mystery,” we read:

“Scripture tells us that Christ did indeed fulfill this sign. The angel of the Lord told the women, “‘He is risen, as He said’” (Matthew 28:6). God the Father resurrected His Son, Jesus Christ, exactly at the preordained time, as had been announced by Jesus. This means that Christ could not have been crucified on a Friday and resurrected on a Sunday, as this would not fulfill the sign of being in the grave for three days and three nights. Rather, Christ was killed on a Wednesday and placed in the grave on Wednesday afternoon, just before sunset. He was brought back to life three days and three nights later, leaving the grave on Saturday afternoon, just before sunset, as He said.”

How ridiculous can you get? A response to this question on Stack Exchange on the internet also gives a rather foolish explanation: “This issue is a bit difficult to solve. The message that God is trying to make, I believe, could be that as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three nights and days, so had Jesus an empty belly for three nights and days, between the last supper and the meal of fish and honey-comb, at the end of the third day. In other words, the belly thing started already in Gethsemane.”   How ridiculous, foolish and straight out of the mind of man!

We should realize, however, that according to Satan-inspired “legends,” pagan gods were crucified on a Friday (“black Friday”) and brought back to life on a Sunday. Since pagans believed in this nonsense, the Catholic Church adopted this false idea and just transferred it from pagan gods to Jesus. 

The whole idea of Easter celebrations is pagan and unchristian as well. The Bible commands the observance of Passover, not of Easter. And what do easter rabbits and coloured easter eggs have to do with Jesus Christ? These are all pagan traditions. 

On the bbc.co.uk/bitesize website we read that “an egg is a symbol of new life. For Christians, Easter eggs are used as a symbol for the resurrection of Jesus.”  

Again, how foolish and ridiculous can the human mind be when justifying what is clearly ungodly?

Easter is no exception to the fact that Christendom, in general, makes so many false assumptions about a number of issues that, when properly and correctly understood, give a completely different picture from what is the practice of so many.

ASSUMPTION No.7

Perhaps many of us have seen the “altar calls” for people to come forward and “give their hearts to the Lord.” An altar call is a tradition in some Christian churches in which those who wish to make a new spiritual commitment to Jesus Christ are invited to come forward publicly. However, this can give the impression that all you have to do to become a true Christian is to “give your heart to the Lord.”   The problem with that is that it may be a spur-of-the-moment action that either may be regretted later or not followed through with.

It can come under the heading of “once saved, always saved,” which is a false understanding of true Christianity.  This approach is a popular one and one that emotionally is very easy to accept! It conveys a message that little is required on our part beyond “accepting” the Sacrifice that Christ made for each one of us. However, such teachings are deceptive and misleading because they completely overlook clear and important biblical instructions regarding that which God holds us accountable for, in the process of salvation. 

First of all, we must repent and be baptised to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) through the laying on of hands by an ordained minister of God. At that point, we are saved from the penalty of death from our past sins.   However, it doesn’t mean that we are finally saved and that we could not lose the salvation, as we must persevere to the end (compare Matthew 24:13). Matthew 7:13-14 reveals the Way:

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

It is a Way of Life, a full-time career, a Way that demands that we keep God’s Commandments and endure to the very end of our lives or the return of Jesus Christ if that precedes our death.   During our life, we have to forsake the ways of the world and keep God’s Ways which include the keeping of the weekly and annual Sabbaths. 

It is a Way of Life that is joyous and productive and which leads to eternal life on earth as a member of God’s spiritual Family, at the return of Jesus Christ.  

It is yet another false assumption that through an altar call, just “giving your heart to the Lord” is all you have to do!

For further information, please read our Q&As: “Is it correct to say, “Once Saved, Always Saved?”, or can true Christians lose their salvation? Part 1” and “Part 2.” https://www.eternalgod.org/q-is-it-correct-to-say-once-saved-always-saved-or-can-true-christians-lose-their-salvation-part-1/

https://www.eternalgod.org/q-is-it-correct-to-say-once-saved-always-saved-or-can-true-christians-lose-their-salvation-part-2/

Closely connected with the false concept of an altar-call salvation is the idea that we only need to believe in Jesus to be saved. Believing in Jesus—who He was and is, and what He had done for us and is doing today—is most certainly necessary, but it is not all there is. A famous TV evangelist recently assured the President that if he believes in Jesus, he will go to heaven. Nothing could be further from the Truth. 

Just believing, without more, is dead faith… the demons believe to and tremble (compare James 2:19). When the Bible speaks of believing in the Son of God, it includes obeying Him. We have received God’s grace “for obedience to the faith” (Romans 1:5; compare Romans 16:26). Christ is only “the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9). 

The altar-call salvation with its different components (“once saved, always saved”; “only believe in the Lord”) is a false assumption which will not lead to salvation at all. 

ASSUMPTION No.8

Another false assumption may be associated with the account of the wedding at Cana.  We can just read over this without realising what an incredible miracle it was!  It would be easy to think that this was just another wedding day and then move on without really thinking about what actually happened. In John 2:1-11, we read about this amazing miracle.   

“On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, ‘They have no wine.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Whatever He says to you, do it.’ Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the waterpots with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, ‘Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.’ And they took it. When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. And he said to him, ‘Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!’ This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.”

Let us really think about this and let us review the logistics.

Verse 6 speaks about six waterpots at 20 or 30 gallons apiece. 

Let us take 20 gallons x 6 waterpots, and we reach 120 gallons. One US liquid gallon contains about 8 pints. 120 gallons amount to almost 1,000 pints. 

A standard pint of wine is equivalent to about 4.2 glasses of wine, assuming a typical glass size of 175ml. However, wine is usually served in smaller glasses, so the number of glasses can vary, based on the size of the glass used.

Let us assume 4.2 glasses to a pint, and we reach approximately 4,200 glasses of wine. If we calculate 30 gallons per waterpot, we reach possibly 6,300 glasses! Now, Christ’s miracle of changing water into wine occurred AFTER all the initial good wine had been drunk, as it says in verse 10.  So, could it be that a similar initial amount of wine was made available? 

Furthermore, marriage at the time of Christ could have gone on for several days. In Judges 14:17, we read about Samson’s wedding feast and it says: “Now she [his wife] had wept on him the seven days while their feast lasted.”

How many guests were there?  It just doesn’t say but if there were so many glasses of wine to drink, it’s fairly obvious that this was a “big event” with, probably, hundreds of people attending.

We can read right over this, but we can deduce the following:

• the amount of wine was enormous;
• the wedding feast could have gone on for several days;
• it was Christ’s first recorded miracle;
• we can overlook the magnitude of the miracle.

And, for those who think that only grape juice was produced, just look at verse 10.  If the wine had absolutely no effect, then why keep inferior wine until “the guests have well drunk,” meaning that they wouldn’t be able to tell the difference? 

There is so much more to this story, and many other stories in the Bible, that we shouldn’t just read them quickly without trying to understand the magnitude of such events.

This wasn’t your average wedding, as we normally conduct it today, with family and some friends, with a meal at a reception afterwards. It is one of those cases to read and think through and understand fully what was achieved at this wedding.   It would be so easy to make false assumptions about this truly amazing miracle.

We also might want to note that Jesus did not really intend to perform this miracle, but that He only did so because His mother pleaded with Him, showing His great love and respect for His mother. He did, of course, not go against God’s Will in doing so, but this story also shows us that when we pray earnestly to God, we can persuade Him to hear us and answer us, even if He might not have wanted to do so initially. Yes, we can “change” God’s intention if it is not against His overall purpose. 

Moses pleaded with God when He was about to destroy Israel, and God listened to him and changed His mind. God told Hezekiah that he would have to die, but because of his prayer and plea, 15 years were added to his life. Christ initially did not want to heal the daughter of a Gentile woman, but when she pleaded with Him, He listened and performed the healing. The idea that God cannot be intrigued to respond to our sincere and heartfelt prayers is another false assumption. 

(To be continued)

Lead Writers: Brian Gale and Norbert Link

Compiled by Norbert Link

“Germany Is Getting Ready For War” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

While Pope Leo declared the concept of a just war obsolete, Germany is actively preparing for war. It seems that the lessons of the past are willfully forgotten, and even though the illusion of a “voluntary” Bundeswehr should be clearly realized, far too many stay silent while they ought to speak. But this is not true for everyone.

“Deutschland rüstet sich für den Krieg“  is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.

Norbert Link’s German sermon for this Sabbath, titled, “Reist Gott zurück in die Zukunft?” (“Does God Travel Back to the Future?”) has been posted. 

A new member letter for the end of May has been posted and sent to our subscribers. In the letter, Michael Link reports on our Church conference and emphasizes our commitment to continue with the Work which God has given us to do. 

A new promo video by Michael Link for our booklet on Human Suffering has been posted. Human Suffering, Why…and How Much Longer? – Church of the Eternal God

Rene Messier’s sermon, titled, “The Purity of The Most High God,”  is now posted.

Here is a summary:

The sermon discusses how God is pure in every way, and it addresses our challenge to be pure. We can accomplish this with the help of God’s and Christ’s Spirit within us. 

Paul Niehoff’s sermonette, titled, “Pride, a Great Danger,” is now posted. 

Here is a summary:

Three examples are mentioned, two of them suffering from pride with the corresponding consequences. The third is avoiding pride and the reasoning why he avoided it.

We posted last week’s German sermon from Daniel Blasinger, titled, “Die vier Säulen-entfesselt” (“The Four Pillars Unleashed”).

We posted Mike Richter’s sermonette, titled, “Nachahmung als Zeichen echter Nachfolge“ (“Imitation as a Sign of True Discipleship”).

On May 30, 2026, Paul Niehoff will present the sermonette, titled, “Pride, a Great Danger,” and Rene Messier will present the sermon, titled, “The Purity of The Most High God.”

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.

In a world like this, which we all have to live in, we often find it hard to accept certain situations for what they are. Not everything can be understood, explained, or even changed. Many paths are rocky, many decisions are difficult, and some burdens must be carried for longer than one could ever have expected.

As the saying goes: There’s nothing in this world that comes easy. Everything that truly matters – trust, love, patience, maturity, or inner strength – usually arises from trials, disappointments, or experiences that shape us. Yet it is precisely in these moments that the depth of life reveals itself: that people do not grow only on good days, but often especially on the difficult ones.

Recently, I read something that really got me thinking. The words stirred something within me, as if a process had been set in motion deep within my thoughts – one that was necessary to bring about real change.

Sometimes you come across phrases or thoughts that don’t just touch you for a brief moment but continue to work within you. They put their finger on something that may have been slumbering within us for a long time. And that is precisely when this change begins – not on the outside, but first on the inside, in our thinking, our hearts, and our view of ourselves and how we live.

The phrase was: “Learn to accept the things you cannot change, have the courage to change the things you can change, and the wisdom to distinguish one from the other.”

This quote can touch upon one of humanity’s deepest inner struggles, perhaps prompting us to ask ourselves: “What should I make peace with, and what should I continue to fight for?”

Most people suffer not only when facing very serious problems, but often also when they try to control things that are beyond their power. Things like the past, other people’s behavior, injustice or illness, loss through death, or other unpleasant events. And that is precisely where discouragement, bitterness, anger, or despair can sometimes arise.

And that is exactly when we must say: “Do not give up but recognize your limits and do not waste your strength on things that God has not placed in your hands.” This is precisely what Jesus Christ spoke about, and the Bible generally has a great deal to say on the subject.

For example, in Matthew 6:25, 27, we read an appropriate statement by Jesus Christ: “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life… Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?”

In this way, Christ shows us that people often desperately try to grasp hold of things they cannot control at all. At the same time, the Bible also teaches us not to live passively.

God said in Joshua 1:9:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

And in Romans 12:21, Paul wrote: “…overcome evil with good.”

This means: Acceptance does not mean approving of everything. Humility is not weakness and letting go does not mean indifference. The difficulty lies in recognizing: When do I continue to fight out of love for the Truth, and when am I merely fighting out of disappointment, pride, anger, or a wounded ego?

The Bible strongly links this wisdom with humility. Solomon wrote in Proverbs 3:5:

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding…”

Humans often see only a small piece of the mosaic, while God sees the whole picture. And that is precisely why we should not seek our peace in wanting to control or determine everything, or in impatiently demanding something that is not our responsibility, but rather, in trusting completely that God will ultimately make everything right.

In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul wrote:

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

This is precisely what deep spiritual maturity looks like. Not every external situation should be allowed to influence and dictate our inner peace. Sometimes, of course, people cling to things—to friends and family, to times past, to recognition, to control, or to ideas about life—even though much of it has long since been broken and is even predestined.

Yet it is precisely this desperate clinging and controlling that can often cause even more harm.

Solomon describes something similar in Ecclesiastes 3:1 with the words: “To everything there is a season” – a time to build and to tear down, to gain and to lose, to hold on and to let go.

This is often difficult because people seek security. Yet spiritual maturity is often shown in the realization that we do not have to control or change everything to find peace.

And perhaps this is the hardest lesson of our lives: God wants us to learn to accept the fact that not every wound heals, not every question is answered, and not everyone acts justly – and that we must not let our hearts become discouraged or hardened because of it.

Initial translation: Daniel Blasinger

By Norbert Link 

We begin with the never-ending story about the Iran War and a possible “deal,” with conflicting statements from both sides and highly dubious and questionable announcements from Donald Trump and the White House, as well as strong criticism from GOP “allies” and Benjamin Netanyahu.

We speak on Trump’s crazy AI postings; his and Rubio’s desire to take over Cuba; and the forgotten civil war in Sudan.

We address Germany’s future military role in Europe; America’s confusing and incompetent decisions regarding troops in Poland; Trump’s intentions regarding Greenland; warnings of severe natural catastrophes in 2026; and Tulsi Gabbard’s resignation.

We address Trump’s horrible new rules regarding current and prospective green-card holders; and we conclude with interesting information on Jens Spahn and the Holocaust. Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Trump’s War Against (Almost) ALL Foreigners in the USA”

The Iran War—Trump’s Dreamworld

Deutsche Welle wrote on May 23:

“US President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that an agreement had been ‘largely negotiated, subject to finalization’ between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and various other countries. ‘Final aspects and details of the deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly,’ Trump said, adding that ‘the Strait of Hormuz will be opened.’… Trump said the chance of an agreement was a ‘solid 50/50,’ while threatening to ‘blow them to kingdom come’ if talks fail. Earlier in the day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke of ‘slight progress’ in negotiations… Rubio also refused to rule out a resumption of US attacks on Iran if negotiations fail.

“Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, meanwhile, told state broadcaster IRIB that Tehran was in the final stages of drafting a framework for a deal, but said a final accord would take more time. ‘Within a reasonable period of 30 to 60 days, the details of these points will be discussed and a final agreement will ultimately be concluded,’ Baqaei told IRIB. He added that major gaps remain between both sides and that an end to the US blockade of Hormuz be part of the framework. .. While Rubio restated US demands that Tehran hand over highly enriched uranium linked to Iran’s controversial nuclear program, Baqaei insisted nuclear talks would not be part of the initial deal….

“Progress in the talks caused Trump to abruptly cancel plans to attend his son’s wedding on Friday to stay in Washington due to ‘circumstances pertaining to government.’ This move fueled speculation that talks had entered a sensitive stage or that Trump could order fresh military action. US media outlets Axios and CBS News reported that the White House is considering renewed strikes, while Rubio told NATO foreign ministers gathered in Sweden on Friday that there must be a ‘Plan B’ in case talks fail. In turn, Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf vowed a ‘crushing’ response from Tehran, warning Trump against ‘another act of folly,’ insisting that Iran’s armed forces had been rebuilt during the initial ceasefire.”

It was reported that Iran had agreed to give up its stockpile of enriched uranium—believed to be enough to build 11 nuclear bombs—as part of the deal announced by President Trump Saturday. We highly doubt the accuracy of that report, or if it were correct and Iran had agreed to this, it would only be for the purpose of gaining more time to be able to produce more weapons. A real and lasting peace deal agreeable to both sides does not seem to be likely, if at all possible.

Trump’s Strange AI Postings

Aljazeera wrote on May 23:

“President Donald Trump has posted a photo of the United States flag covering the map of Iran, with the question: ‘United States of the Middle East?’… It carries the potential to roil both regional allies and foes alike given Washington’s past intervention in the Middle East, most notably during the US invasion of Iraq from 2003 to 2011, as well as the Trump administration’s push to increase its influence abroad. The sentiment also appears to run counter to the Trump administration’s repeated statements that it is not seeking a prolonged occupation of Iran.”

The Times of Israel wrote on May 24:

“US President Donald Trump posts an AI-generated image captioned ‘Adios’ showing a US drone destroying an Iranian navy ship, amid reports of an emerging deal to end the war with Iran. It is unclear what message Trump is trying to convey with the post amid the ongoing talks with Tehran.”

Intended Only for Americans?

Bild Online reported on May 24:

“U.S. officials and intermediaries have privately urged Tehran during indirect talks to ignore Donald Trump’s Truth Social posts. This is reported by Fars News, a news agency close to the Revolutionary Guards. The posts, the intermediaries reportedly explained, are directed primarily at a U.S. audience and do not reflect Washington’s negotiating position.”

Trump also posted another AI image regarding Greenland (see article below).

US Military Irrelevant

On May 25, Ron Paul wrote in his weekly column:

“The pattern of media reports – based on White House leaks – that an agreement with Iran is almost completed has become predictable… It is dangerous to have a US Administration that no one in the US or the rest of the world believes. When White House ‘sources’ claim a deal is in sight only to have President Trump post another AI graphic of the US military – or himself – firing missiles at Iran, the futility of engaging with the United States becomes reinforced to the rest of the world…

“A US government whose word is no good will soon find a world that refuses to speak with it… A world that sees force as the only way to negotiate with the United States may not attack us immediately. But it will prepare to do so… while it is true that we have a powerful military, more expensive than most others combined and capable of projecting force worldwide, it is also irrelevant…

“Just a few weeks of fighting has nearly depleted our arsenal while barely denting that of Iran.  Despite the US Administration’s initial claims that 90 percent or more of Iran’s military was destroyed, we now know that the opposite is the case: nearly 90 percent of Iran’s military remains intact.”

Concerns and Skepticism

Newsmax wrote on May 23:

“President Trump announced Saturday that the United States and Iran are on the verge of reaching what he described as a broad ‘Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE,’ signaling a potentially dramatic pause in what many feared was an imminent return to war in the Middle East. Yet even as diplomatic momentum accelerated, critics in Washington and Israel warned the proposed agreement could ultimately strengthen Iran, weaken regional deterrence, and merely postpone a larger conflict until after the U.S. midterm elections…

“Senator Lindsey Graham issued a pair of sharply worded statements on X warning that any deal perceived as allowing Iran to retain long-term leverage over the Strait of Hormuz or Gulf oil infrastructure could dramatically alter the regional balance of power… Graham warned that such perceptions could embolden Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iranian-backed Shiite militias in Iraq while undermining Israeli security’…

“Israeli concerns have also intensified behind the scenes. According to Israel’s Channel 12, Israeli officials believe U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is attempting to secure an agreement ‘at any cost’ and has been urging Trump not to resume military action…

“Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, warned that a 60-day cease-fire extension based on vague Iranian promises could effectively eliminate U.S. military leverage… Dubowitz also warned that Iran could emerge with billions in sanctions relief while continuing to use the Strait of Hormuz as leverage against global energy markets.”

The Hill wrote on May 23:

“Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) sparred with one of President Trump’s outside advisers on social media Saturday…

“‘I am deeply concerned about what we are hearing about an Iran “deal,” being pushed by some voices in the administration,’ Cruz wrote on the social platform X… ‘If the result of all that is to be an Iranian regime—still run by Islamists who chant “death to America”—now receiving billions of dollars, being able to enrich uranium & develop nuclear weapons, and having effective control over the Strait of Hormuz, then that outcome would be a disastrous mistake,’ the senator wrote.

“His criticism echoed that of several other hawkish Senate Republicans who also agreed on Saturday that any deal that allows the current Iranian regime to remain in power could embolden them — a rare moment of discord between the president and his usually steadfast GOP allies.”

Focus wrote on May 23:

“Military expert Phillips O’Brien also sharply criticizes the deal. ‘If this is true, it would be a complete capitulation by Trump and would go down in US history as the fastest and most decisive defeat in war.’

“Iran expert Danny Citrinowicz wrote on X: ‘It is hard to overestimate just how much… Netanyahu perceives this moment as a potential personal and political defeat. An agreement between the US and Iran under Trump would be a severe blow to him—primarily diplomatically, but above all, politically.’”

Trump’s deal has been compared with Obama’s deal which Trump had strongly condemned in the past. He is saying now his deal would be the exact opposite (?) and that he makes no bad deals. Really?

And On We Go!

Bild Online reported on May 26:

“On behalf of Iran’s senior cleric, Mojtaba Khamenei (56), a message with explosive implications was published at the start of the annual Muslim Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. ‘In various parts of Iran and the world—and in the days following this blessed period—“Death to America” and “Death to Israel” will be the rallying cries shared by the Islamic community and the oppressed peoples of the world,’ the document states… According to a separate statement posted on Mojtaba Khamenei’s Telegram channel, the U.S. can no longer rely on the Gulf states to provide protection for its military bases in the future. The message asserts that there will no longer be any safe haven for the U.S. within the region…

“On Monday night, U.S. and Israeli fighter jets attacked the Iranian Navy in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as other targets. U.S. Central Command stated that American forces had struck missile launch sites in Iran, along with boats that were attempting to lay mines. The attacks were described as defensive in nature, serving to ‘protect troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.’…

“The U.S. insists that Iran surrender its entire stockpile of enriched, weapons-grade uranium. Tehran strictly rejects this demand. At the same time, the mullahs have declared they will only reopen the Strait of Hormuz if they are permitted to levy tolls on passing vessels. Furthermore, Tehran insists that Iran’s assets currently frozen abroad by the U.S. be released. Experts estimate the value of these assets at more than 100 billion U.S. dollars.”

More Fighting

Times Now News wrote on May 29:

“The US-Iran conflict has entered another volatile phase after fresh American strikes in southern Iran triggered retaliatory threats from Tehran and heightened tensions across the Gulf. Iranian forces warned of ‘more decisive’ action after attacks near Bandar Abbas, while military activity around the Strait of Hormuz intensified with naval confrontations and renewed concerns over maritime security. At the same time, Israel expanded its Lebanon operations with sweeping displacement orders, as aid agencies warned of a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the south.

“With military strikes, naval confrontations, economic pressure and fragile diplomacy unfolding simultaneously, the Middle East remains at one of its most dangerous moments in recent years, with fears of broader regional war continuing to grow.”

Trump Threatens Oman

The Guardian wrote on May 28:

“In a casual aside during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Donald Trump threatened to ‘blow up’ Omana US ally, if it failed to ‘behave’ over the reopening the strait of Hormuz… ‘The strait is going to be open to everybody,’ Trump said. ‘Nobody’s going to control it. We’re going to watch over it… Oman will behave just like everybody else. Or else we’ll have to blow them up. They understand that.’”

The Jerusalem Post added on May 28:

“Oman has historically been a friend of the US. However, many US partners and friends abroad have found themselves getting the cold shoulder in recent years from the US administration. Whether it is NATO allies, or Denmark, Ukraine, or Taiwan, many countries feel the US is moving away from historic partnerships. In recent days, America’s Gulf friends and allies have also been put under pressure to join the Abraham Accord.”

This push has been strongly rejected by Trump’s “Gulf friends.”

Tense Phone Call Between Trump and Netanyahu

The U.S. Sun wrote on May 21:

“DONALD Trump has said Benjamin Netanyahu will ‘do whatever I want’ after the pair reportedly had a tense phone call over the Iran war. The ‘lengthy and dramatic’ chat was focused on Trump’s decision not to restart airstrikes on Tehran after the US president claimed he was just minutes from launching a fresh round of attacks on Monday.

“Netanyahu has been clear from the start that his war aims are to abolish Iran‘s support for regional militias such as the Houthis, dismantle their nuclear programme and destroy all missile capabilities. Israel is yet to be convinced any of these three key goals have been achieved. But Trump said yesterday he is in ‘no hurry’ to begin strikes again…

“Israel’s Channel 12 said it was a ‘lengthy and dramatic’ call. Netanyahu’s ‘hair was on fire’ after the call… Trump later told reporters that he managed to convince the Israeli PM to agree to his point of view… ‘He’s [Netanyahu] fine, he’ll do whatever I want him to do…’

“Trump also told reporters on Wednesday that he ‘could run for prime minister’ in Israel – and believes he could even win. He said after his second, and final, term in the Oval Office: ‘I’ll go to Israel, run for prime minister. I had a poll this morning. I’m 99 per cent, so that’s good.’…”

Trump and Netanyahu do NOT see eye to eye on the Iran War. Ultimately, the USA and Israel will become enemies, not friends.

Experts Surprised by Israeli Weakness

Focus reported on May 23:

“For several weeks now, the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia has been intensifying its attacks on Israel using kamikaze drones… Israel is struggling to devise effective countermeasures.

“Since March, the Lebanese Hezbollah has increasingly relied on so-called FPV (First Person View) drones, which provide pilots with a real-time visual feed of their target. Several Israeli soldiers have lost their lives in these attacks, and many others have been injured. What particularly concerns Israeli military experts is this: an increasing number of these drones are controlled not via radio, but via fiber-optic cables. Their signals are transmitted to the pilots through thin cables unwound from a spool. The result: both locating the drones and jamming their communications… is virtually impossible using conventional electronic warfare methods…

“Given a trend that has been emerging for years, many observers are puzzled that even Israel’s military does not appear better prepared… A tank costing tens of millions of dollars can now suddenly be attacked by an FPV drone that can be purchased on Alibaba for just $400.”

Cuba Next?

BBC wrote on May 21:

“Cuba poses a ‘national security threat’ to the US and the likelihood of a peaceful agreement is ‘not high’, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said. His comments come just a day after the US charged Cuba’s former president Raúl Castro with murder over the 1996 downing of two planes resulting in the killing of US nationals… [Rubio] also accused Cuba of being ‘one of the leading sponsors of terrorism in the entire region’, which [Foreign Minister Bruno] Rodríguez vehemently denied in a post on X. The Cuban foreign minister criticised Rubio for trying to ‘instigate a military aggression’…

“Trump has repeatedly sought to exert pressure on Cuba and has openly discussed toppling its communist regime… Wednesday’s indictment of the former Cuban president is seen by some as reminiscent of Trump’s seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January… Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who announced the charges in Miami on Wednesday, said the US ‘expect he [Castro] will show up here, by his own will or another way.”

It appears that an American invasion of Cuba is highly likely.

Sudan… The Forgotten War

The Los Angeles Times wrote on May 24:

“The civil war in Sudan… enters its fourth year: a staggeringly brutal conflict where stagnating front lines have given way to intense drone campaigns targeting rear-guard cities, many after sunset… While much of the world’s attention in recent years has focused on Gaza and Ukraine, the Sudan civil war has killed well over 150,000 people — and that count is more than a year old. Some estimate the death toll is more than triple that number… Nearly 880 Sudanese civilians were killed in drone strikes between January and April, making drones… far and away the leading cause of civilian deaths…

“The war is a power struggle between the Sudanese army and its onetime ally, a paramilitary force called the Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, for control of the country… The Sudanese army has received UAVs and military support from Iran, Turkey, Russia and Egypt; the latter is running drone operations from a base near Sudan’s border. Saudi Arabia is giving Sudan billions of dollars’ worth of UAVs and air defenses purchased from Pakistan, and even fifth-generation Chinese fighter jets…

“How the RSF appears to have an inexhaustible supply of drones has been the subject of speculation, but observers say it has a wealthy Persian Gulf patron of its own in the United Arab Emirates. The Emirates has consistently denied those claims and insists it backs no side in the war. But Sudanese officials, U.N. investigators and open-source experts say the UAE has created what they describe as a transcontinental logistics pipeline utilizing airports, seaports and transit highways — in Chad, South Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Ethiopia and the Central African Republic — to deliver drones and the mercenaries who operate them to the RSF.”

The conflict has already forced more than 14 million people out of their homes.

Germany Ready for NATO Leadership Role

Deutsche Welle wrote on May 21:

“Ahead of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in the Swedish port city of Helsingborg on Thursday, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stressed Berlin’s readiness to assume greater leadership responsibility in NATO. ‘Our goal is a new burden-sharing arrangement that reflects Germany’s and Europe’s economic and military potential,’ he said in Berlin before departing for Sweden, adding that ‘Germany is accepting its leadership responsibility.’

“‘We want a stronger NATO with a greater role for Europe,’ Wadephul said. ‘To achieve this, we want to pool the capabilities of our industries through more intensive defense cooperation.’”

Germany will become the military leader of Europe.

Now Trump Wants to Send 5,000 Troops to Poland

Newsmax wrote on May 21:

“President Donald Trump said Thursday that an additional 5,000 U.S. troops will be sent to Poland, reversing a decision announced last week. The move comes amid a broader effort to scale back America’s military footprint in Europe …

“Trump announced the move on Truth Social, citing the election last year of Karol Nawrocki as Poland’s president. Nawrocki is considered a staunch Trump ally, but the decision to withdraw the deployment of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division, known as the ‘Black Jack’ brigade… blindsided him.”

The Daily Beast wrote on May 22:

“Pete Hegseth apparently created a huge mess for Donald Trump in his rush to keep the 79-year-old president happy. Insiders have revealed that the defense secretary’s abrupt maneuver to cancel the deployment of U.S. troops to Poland triggered an angry phone call from Trump, who was forced to explain that Poland was not one of the European allies that had earned his wrath. Hegseth, 45, blindsided officials on both sides of the Atlantic last week when he canceled the deployment of 4,000 troops to Poland at the eleventh hour. The decision stirred confusion within the Pentagon and quickly sparked a firestorm of criticism from American lawmakers and European allies…. Trump phoned Hegseth to demand an explanation for his decision to cancel the troop deployment, 

“White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told the Journal that ‘President Trump appreciates all the secretary has done—and will continue to do—in executing the America First agenda within our military and prioritizing our warfighters like never before.’…

“Trump changed course on the deployment of troops to Poland in a bizarre Truth Social post on Thursday night that invoked the election win of Polish President Karol Nawrocki—which occurred almost a year ago.”

What confusion and embarrassment. What incompetence on Hegseth’s part. What ridiculous comments by White House spokesperson Anna Kelly and Donald Trump.

But there might be more going on behind the scenes, explaining Trump’s sudden “change of mind.” Note the next article.

Trump’s “Change of Mind”

The Associated Press wrote on May 22:

“NATO allies and defense officials expressed bewilderment on Friday at U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to send 5,000 U.S. troops to Poland just weeks after he had ordered 5,000 troops to be pulled out of Europe… ‘It is confusing indeed, and not always easy to navigate,’ Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard told reporters… U.S. defense officials were also confused. ‘We just spent the better part of two weeks reacting to the first announcement. We don’t know what this means either,’ said one of two officials…

“NATO allies have been blindsided, despite a U.S. pledge to coordinate troop deployments… About 80,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Europe. The Pentagon is required to keep at least 76,000 troops and major equipment stationed in Europe unless NATO allies are consulted and there is a determination that such a withdrawal is in U.S. interests. The withdrawal of 5,000 troops might drop numbers below that limit.”

Greenland—Time and Again

Die Welt reported on May 23:

“Donald Trump has sparked speculation with a post on his platform, Truth Social. He posted a photomontage in which he is depicted peeking out from behind the mountains of Greenland, accompanied by the caption: ‘Hello, Greenland.’ Trump has repeatedly characterized Greenland—an island with a population of 57,000—as strategically vital for curbing the influence of Russia and China in the Arctic. The U.S. maintains an active military base there. Since his return to the White House, Trump has repeatedly asserted claims of ownership over Greenland—which belongs to the NATO and EU member state of Denmark—thereby plunging NATO into a deep crisis…

“Last week, Greenland’s Head of Government, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, met with U.S. Special Envoy Jeff Landry. Afterward, Nielsen stated that he perceived no change in the U.S. position regarding the dispute over the Arctic island… ‘We have unequivocally reaffirmed that the people of Greenland are not for sale and that Greenlanders possess the right to self-determination,’ Nielsen emphasized. Greenland’s Foreign Minister, Mute Egede, also stated that the U.S. government has not abandoned its intention to acquire the island. ‘We have our red lines. The American stance, too, remains unchanged,’ the Foreign Minister said.”

Trump will not easily give up his idea to acquire Greenland… by whatever means.

“UNESCO Warns a Tsunami in the Mediterranean Is Inevitable”

Science Daily wrote on May 20:

“The French Riviera may look like an unlikely place for a tsunami disaster, but scientists warn the threat is far more real than most people realize. Historical events and new modeling show that destructive waves have already struck the Mediterranean coast — and could hit again with very little warning.

“Some tsunami scenarios could reach beaches in under 10 minutes, leaving almost no time for traditional alerts.”

Potential 2026 Disaster Could Echo 1877 Catastrophe

Daily Mail wrote on May 19:

“Scientists have warned that an imminent ‘super El Niño’ could be even more powerful than a previous event which caused over 50 million deaths. The 1877 El Niño was one of the most severe climate events in recorded history, triggering a global humanitarian disaster known as The Great Famine.

“Climate reconstructions suggest water temperatures in a key region of the Pacific Ocean rose by 2.7°C (4.86°F), which caused disruption to rainfall patterns around the world. Estimates indicate the resulting scarcity of food and disease outbreaks killed up to four per cent of the Earth’s population at the time. That would be the equivalent of at least 250 million people if it happened today.

“Now, forecasts suggest water temperatures could potentially exceed 3°C (5.4°F) above average later this year – making the upcoming super El Niño even more powerful than the one nearly 150 years ago…

“India was among the worst–hit regions as monsoon rains disappeared, while Northern China suffered devastating dry spells that led to harvest failures. In Brazil rivers dried up and agriculture collapsed, while parts of Africa, southeast Asia and Australia also experienced severe drought and forest fires. The resulting famine weakened societies, intensified colonial control in some regions, accelerated migration and exposed how vulnerable global food systems were to climate shocks. There were also outbreaks of malaria, plague, dysentery, smallpox and cholera across weakened populations…

‘While it is not yet certain, this is a very strong sign that a powerful El Niño weather pattern is brewing.”

Tulsi Gabbard Steps Down as Director of National Intelligence

The Guardian wrote on May 22:

“Tulsi Gabbard’s tumultuous 15-month tenure as the nation’s top intelligence official ended Friday, when she submitted her resignation as director of national intelligence. Gabbard was an unconventional choice for the role: the former Democrat lacked an intelligence background and her foreign policy views at times diverged with Donald Trump, particularly on questions of overseas military intervention. And yet she also took unusual measures to ingratiate herself to the president by vowing to root out politicization across US spy agencies and embracing his agenda of election denial.

“Over time, Gabbard became increasingly sidelined by the president, who excluded her from key national security conversations on Iran and Venezuela… Gabbard said Friday that she was resigning from office because her husband had been diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer…”

Politico added on May 22:

“During her tenure as a Democratic member of the House, Gabbard regularly critiqued America’s national security establishment. She backed Trump’s 2024 campaign in part because he vowed to keep the country out of costly foreign wars. But Trump’s second-term foreign policy quickly proved far more muscular than his first, and Gabbard’s position in his administration had seemed uncertain for months. She was not a major player in the three major military operations Trump has launched since returning to office.

“She was not with Trump in Mar-a-Lago when the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in late February, and she did not participate in the initial briefings to Congress about the decision to strike. When the Trump administration launched a surprise military raid to capture Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro in early January, she was back in her home state of Hawaii. And, she was not at Camp David when Trump decided to bomb three Iranian nuclear sites last summer…

“Last June, she posted a video warning of nuclear holocaust that was not well received by Trump, who mused about firing her shortly thereafter. Trump reportedly considered firing Gabbard again in April after she failed to strongly endorse the war in Iran during testimony before Congress, but he was talked out of this.

“In an administration that prized loyalty above all else, she could never fully dispel concerns that she was not totally on board with Trump’s military decision-making. Her troubles were magnified this March when one of her top aides, Joe Kent, resigned in protest over the war and questioned whether Iran had posed an imminent threat to the U.S…”

When you cross Trump, you are history.

Horrible New Rules for Green Card Applicants

The Associated Press wrote on May 22:

“Foreigners in the U.S. who want a green card will need to leave and apply in their home country, the Trump administration announced Friday, in a surprise change to a longstanding policy that sowed confusion and concern among aid groups, immigration lawyers and immigrants. For over half a century, foreign nationals with legal status have been able to apply for and complete the entire process for permanent residence in the United States — including individuals married to U.S. citizens, holders of work and student visas, and refugees and political asylum seekers, among others.

“The announcement from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is the latest step by the Trump administration making legal immigration more difficult for foreigners already in the U.S. and for those hoping to come here. The changes comes on top of steps the administration has already taken to restrict and limit entry for people from dozens of countries. In some cases, there are outright bans on travel from those countries, while people from others face pauses in visa processing. Experts and attorneys warned that forcing people from those countries to return home to apply for a green card would result in them being barred from coming back.

“‘If families are told that the non-citizen family member must return to his or her country of origin to process their immigrant visa, but immigrant visas are not being processed there, it’s a Catch-22. These policies will effectively create an indefinite separation of families,’ wrote World Relief, a humanitarian and refugee resettlement organization….”

These are terrible developments.

Trump’s “Exceptions”

NPR added on May 22:

“In an emailed statement to the Associated Press the agency said people who provide an ‘economic benefit’ or ‘national interest’ could likely stay in the U.S. while others would have to go abroad to apply… immigration lawyers and aid groups pushed back, saying it was longstanding practice for many groups to be able to adjust their status in the U.S. and that many people couldn’t return home because it wasn’t safe or they had no embassy to apply at. The U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan, for example, has been closed since the U.S. pullout in August 2021…

“‘USCIS is trying to upend decades of processing of adjustment of status,’ said Shev Dalal-Dheini, senior director of government relations at the American Immigration Lawyers Association. ‘This all applies very broadly to anyone seeking a green card.’ Among them could be individuals married to U.S. citizens, immigrants with humanitarian protection who are applying for a green card, and holders of work visas — including doctors and professionals — as well as student and religious visa holders, the attorney noted.At some U.S. consulates abroad, wait times for a visa appointment could take up to more than a year, said Dalal-Dheini.”

People of national interest are apparently only those who do not dare to criticize Trump.

Most Anti-Legal Immigration Administration in US History

The Hill added on May 22:

“The Trump administration on Friday announced prospective immigrants would need to return to their home country to apply for green cards, a move that would stifle the most common pathway used for legal immigration. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) portrayed the new policy memo as ‘returning to the original intent of the law,’ [which is utter nonsense] while immigration advocates said the change was a cruel and disruptive move targeting those in the country legally [indeed, it is.].

“Under the new USCIS policy, those who have already legally lived and worked in the U.S. for years would have to return to their home country to apply to return. Meanwhile, the State Department has halted immigrant visa processing in 75 different countries…

“David Bier, director of immigration studies at the libertarian Cato Institute… wrote on the social platform X, directing his message to USCIS Director Joseph Edlow. ‘This admin continues to prove itself to be the most anti-legal immigration admin in US history. [That is undoubtedly true.] The harms this will cause to legal immigrants is incalculable. Impossible to explain how stupid and evil this policy is. [We agree.] It’s intended to cost people their jobs and their families.’…

“HIAS, an immigration and refugee resettlement agency previously known as the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, blasted the policy as the latest effort to target immigrants. ‘The administration’s new policy could force thousands of people to be separated from their families, their jobs, and their homes in order to wait for years outside of the country for their green card,’ the group’s president Beth Oppenheim said in a statement. ‘It echoes again and again the notion that no one is permanent here, unless they fit a particular notion of what it means to be worthy of protection. And that simply cannot stand.’…”

Again, worthy of protection if you agree with Trump.

Yahoo!News also quoted Bier as follows:

“These are all people who qualify to stay here permanently and Congress clearly wanted them to have a way to stay,’ he wrote Friday. ‘He’s telling them to leave America.’”

The New York Post added on May 22:

“Under the new policy, green card petitioners will be required to wait for their application to be processed outside the country through consular processing via the State Department.”

This new directive might face legal challenges. Many immigration attorneys and advocacy groups argue that this sweeping requirement violates the statutory framework established by Congress, which has historically allowed many visa holders to “adjust their status” from within the United States to prevent family separation and job disruption. Critics expect the policy to be heavily litigated in federal court.

Trump’s immigration policy is designed to get foreigners out of the USA or to prevent them from becoming permanent residents and ultimately US citizens. And if they do not leave voluntarily, other measures will be used against them. Trump’s fight against DACA and birthright citizenship are more examples.

Green Card Holders BARRED From Entering USA

The Guardian wrote on May 23:

“US authorities have temporarily banned green-card holders from entering the country if they have traveled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Uganda or South Sudan in the last 21 days.

“The order issued on Friday is part of an expanding attempt to prevent Ebola from entering US borders. A previously announced travel restriction blocked only people without US passports who had visited those countries from entering but exempted US citizens and lawful permanent residents….

“The order added that green-card holders may maintain stronger ties to families and communities outside the US than US citizens and nationals, ‘such that prohibiting their entry is comparatively less burdensome’… In a separate statement, the CDC said that ‘applying this authority to lawful permanent residents for a limited period of time provides a balance between protecting public health and managing emergency response resources’… The entry ban on green-card holders coming from the African region is for an initial 30 days.”

It is doubtful that this order is legal. A green-card holder can only be barred from entering the USA under highly specific and limited circumstances, which are: abandonment of residence; serious criminal record; national security threats; immigration fraud; and pending deportation. Undoubtedly, the US government will claim that green card holders who have been in certain African countries pose a national security threat. During times of alleged epidemics, everything goes, as the coronavirus circus has proven.

Jens Spahn – Private

Bild Online wrote on April 4:

“‘As a child, the first thing I associated with Easter was the Easter egg hunt. Faith was a given in our home. We went to church every Sunday or Saturday evening. For someone like me, who is more of a cultural Christian, but still a Christian, Easter is simply a beautiful holiday.’… For the Christian Democrat, religion is more than ritual. This upbringing in faith remains his foundation to this day. ‘Knowing that someone is there gives me a deep inner serenity and peace. My faith sustains me, especially when things get difficult.’

“Jens Spahn has been married to Daniel Funke (44) since December 22, 2017. That he speaks so naturally of ‘my husband’ wasn’t always conceivable. Because while he was an altar boy and sat in the pews on Sundays, he had long since realized that he didn’t feel the same way as many of his friends… And his faith and the Catholic Church? His answer is surprising in its… sobriety: ‘To be honest, I was never interested in the Church’s stance on homosexuality.’”

Watch Jens Spahn!

“Historian Götz Aly (79) Reveals Bitter Truth”

Bild Online wrote on May 23:

“The Holocaust and other crimes were no secret during the Nazi era. Many Germans participated in them, profited from them, or were aware of them. And what’s more: According to Aly, the leadership even wanted the population to know about the crimes – in order to motivate them to fanatical resistance…

“‘Many steps of the Holocaust took place in full public view,’ says Aly… Many citizens profited from the expropriation of Jews. In Hamburg alone, 400,000 people participated in the auctions of ‘non-Aryan property’… Knowledge of the systematic extermination of Jews by so-called Einsatzgruppen, as well as the mass murder of Soviet prisoners of war, spread rapidly within the Wehrmacht and among the general population, the historian argues…

“The Nazi dictatorship… wanted the German population to be involved in the crimes or at least aware of them. ‘In my book, I refer to this as the transition from the national community to the community of crime,’ says Aly. ‘Community of crime doesn’t mean that everyone is actively involved in crimes—but passively. Through small gains, through silence, through passive, silent support.’…

“This resulted in a great fear of defeat and a fanatical fight against the Allies. Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels spoke of ‘strength through fear’… Götz Aly sees a direct connection between the crimes of the Germans and their fanatical conduct of the war. It is now ‘to be assumed with certainty’ that the Holocaust contributed to ‘strengthening the resilience of the German people’… Because of their crimes and the resulting fear of possible revenge, the Wehrmacht fought until its complete collapse.”

Most will follow the beast and become thereby actively and passively involved in his crimes.

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer:

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

In the first Q&A in this series, we looked at the malevolent nature and influence of Satan the devil and started to look at false assumptions that many may make about different situations and teachings in the Bible. We know that Satan’s influence is everywhere and in every sphere, and is recognised by those faithful believers in the one true God.

Let us continue with further false biblical assumptions.

FALSE ASSUMPTION  No. 3

Many think that Jesus didn’t own a home and that He was a vagabond – a person who had no home, without a job and who travelled from place to place.    

In Matthew 8:20, we read: “And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.’”  We read the following on page 49 in our booklet, “Do You Know the Jesus of the Bible?” 

“While Matthew 8:20 is not as specific as to the timing, the parallel passage in Luke 9:58 is given in the context of when He was on a journey with His disciples and the Samaritans refused to grant them shelter (compare Luke 9:51–56; note verse 57: ‘NOW it happened as they journeyed on the road…’). There were times when Christ and His disciples did not encounter hospitality while they were on their missionary journeys, and it was that fact which Jesus stressed when He spoke about the sacrifices one must be willing to make when he or she wants to follow Christ (compare verses 57–58).”

On page 48 of this same booklet mentioned above, under the heading “Jesus Built and Owned Houses,” we read:

“There are numerous passages indicating that Jesus owned His own house—or perhaps even more than one. He grew up in Nazareth, but He later lived or ‘dwelt’ in Capernaum (Matthew 4:13), ‘His own city’ (Matthew 9:1). Luke makes this possible distinction when referring to Nazareth as the city where Jesus ‘had been brought up’ (Luke 4:16). It appears that at some point in time, then, Jesus made His adult home in Capernaum. We read that when in Capernaum, Jesus would go into ‘THE’ house, and that people would visit Him there when they found out that He was in the house (compare Matthew 13:1, 36). 

“Many commentaries say that this is a reference to Peter’s house in Capernaum, but it would be strange that in a few passages, it is specifically said that He entered ‘Peter’s house’ (Matthew 8:14), while in most cases, it is only stated that He was in THE house. It was obviously a dwelling place that was well known to the people—they knew where to go when they heard that He was in THE house. The strong indication is that it was actually Christ’s house where He would live when He was dwelling in Capernaum and when He was not on a missionary journey. 

“For instance, in Mark 2:1, some commentaries feel that the phrase, ‘He was in the house,’ should be rendered, according to the original Greek, as ‘He was at home,’ which would strongly indicate that Christ either owned a house in Capernaum, or that He was renting one, still showing that this was ‘His home.’ 

“Later, when Jesus went up from Capernaum to Nazareth, we read His words in Matthew 13:57, which could refer to His relatives and/or to visitors in His own house: ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his own country [or: hometown, compare New American Standard Bible] and in his own house.’ And so, He did not do many works in His hometown where He had grown up, ‘because of their unbelief’ (verse 58).”

Therefore, the assumption that Jesus didn’t own a home and that He was homeless is false.

FALSE ASSUMPTION No. 4:

Another false assumption is about the so-called “Lord’s Prayer.” We read that Jesus, in Matthew 6:7-8, gave the following instructions:

^“And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”

And then comes the prayer in verses 9-13:

^“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

In mainstream churches around the world, this outline prayer is mouthed every Sunday, word for word, in about 30 seconds, without any time made available to think about what all of those words truly mean. It can become meaningless. But as we will explain below, this is just an outline of subjects to consider, not a prayer to be repeated word for word. 

A former UK Prime Minister was reported to have said the “Lord’s Prayer” when a terrorist atrocity happened in the UK many years ago, which was the sign of a decent person but was somewhat misplaced. The prayer should have been about the immediate situation where people were killed, maimed and injured but there is this misplaced “understanding” that just mouthing the words of the “model prayer” is sufficient for all occasions. When you see prayers in a “Christian” movie, it is almost inevitable that it will be just the “model prayer”; in fact in one movie, the early Christians kept repeating the same words faster and faster; almost as if they were in a trance!

The prayer that Jesus gave His disciples then, and today, is an outline. We should pray to the Father, not to Mary or some saint, but to the greatest Being in the universe.  On page 3 of our booklet “Teach Us to Pray,” we read:

“There is absolutely no Biblical basis for praying to anyone but God. Even [the Apostle] John, on two occasions, was so overwhelmed and filled with awe by the visions revealed through one of God’s angels, he reacted by falling down to worship the angel, but the angel corrected him, saying: ‘Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God”’ (Revelation 22:9; compare Revelation 19:10).”

On page 14 of the same booklet, we read: “Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John [the Baptist] also taught his disciples.’” Christ then proceeded to give them an outline, which is recorded in Luke 11:2–4 and in Matthew 6:9–13.

“Note that this is just an outline—a guideline, if you will—on how to pray. It is not a prayer per se, to be repeated, word for word, over and over. Most professing Christian churches routinely require their members to recite the ‘Our Father’ prayer, verbatim, in their services. Priests may even instruct their parishioners to pray ten or twenty ‘Our Father’ prayers in order to become absolved of certain sins. This is NOT Biblical! Christ never intended such a custom! In fact, He specifically warned His disciples not to use “vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words” (Matthew 6:7). 

“We find, in John 17, the words of Christ’s prayer to the Father, just prior to His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. When reading that prayer, you will see that it does not at all contain the exact words that were recorded in Matthew 6, but it does contain some of the concepts listed in that prayer outline. 

“Christ gave His disciples this prayer as an outline, essentially setting forth the basic principles for prayer. We are to expand on those basics and go on to develop a meaningful conversation with God. We are not to present Him with an endless cycle of repetitive words. Think about it! When you converse with friends or family, or if you were to give a speech to a group of people, how long would they listen to you if all that came out of your mouth was a drone-like, repetitive cycle of repetitive words?”

The belief that this outline prayer just has to be continually repeated word for word each and every time is another false assumption. In passing, the “Hail Mary” (Ave Maria) prayer is totally wrong and must not be prayed by a true Christian. Mary is dead and in her grave, without consciousness. She was not resurrected and did not ascend to heaven. She is sometimes referred to as the “Queen of Heaven.” However, the idea that a “Queen of Heaven” is in heaven who has become our Mediator is an old pagan belief which is strongly condemned in Scripture (compare Jeremiah 7:18; 44:17-25). It is, in part, based on the apocryphal book of Enoch which contains many demonic concepts.

FALSE ASSUMPTION No. 5:

The many errors about Christmas are manifold but most people either don’t know or are not interested in them, as they enjoy many days off work to celebrate something that is not biblical; not that that worries many people today in this secular society.

In our Q&A: “Was Jesus really born on December 25?”, we clearly show from just two books in the Bible that it can be proved that Jesus was born around late September/early October, but if God had wanted us to celebrate Christ’s birthday, He would have given us the exact date.  

We’ve all seen the general nativity scene; mother and child, Joseph, with shepherds, angels and the wise men (the Magi). All of this is false as it never happened that way, although many churches and ministers know this, but go along with the false representation about the birth of Jesus.

In Halley’s Bible Handbook, we read: “Matthew 2:1–12 VISIT OF THE WISEMEN on page 418. This must have occurred in the period when Jesus was between 40 days and two years old (2:16; Luke 2:22, 39). It would have taken the Magi (or Wise Men) some time to get to Jerusalem after they first saw the star (verse 7), although probably quite a bit less than two years. And it took some time before Herod realized that the Magi weren’t coming back. So Herod, in order to be sure, took the outside limit. We know that the child was no longer in the manger, as is sometimes pictured, but in the house (verse 11; see on Luke 2:6–7)…”

Of course, Christ could have clearly been about two years old by that time, as Herod had carefully inquired as to His age. Continuing with the above-mentioned commentary:

“We may know the Christmas carol ‘We Three Kings’ which recounts the story of the three Magi or Wise Men. The false assumption is that there were only three wise men. They were men of high standing, for they had [been given] access to Herod. They are commonly spoken of as the ‘Three Wise Men.’  But Scripture does not say how many. There were probably more, or at least they were with an entourage of scores or hundreds, for it would not be safe for a small group to travel a thousand miles over desert wastes that were infested with bandits.” 

According to many traditions, there were actually twelve wise men visiting Jesus; each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. 

We state the following in our Q&A, “Who were the magi or wise men in Matthew 2? How many were there?”:

“Surprisingly to many, the ‘magi’ were neither ‘astrologers,’ nor did they visit Joseph, Mary and the Christ Child in the inn, nor is it biblically revealed how many there were. However, there are traditions which would support the idea that they were twelve, not three, as commonly assumed… The Bible describes at times angels as stars (compare Revelation 1:20; Isaiah 14:13; Job 38:7); so it appears certain that this ‘star,’ which was not always visible to the ‘magi,’ was an angel who showed them the way to the place where Christ dwelled. At that time, Christ was no longer in a manger or an inn. Rather, He was now in a house (compare Matthew 2:11)… 

“According to Matthew 2:16, Christ was at that time perhaps as old as two years, since King Herod had all children two and under killed, based on the information which he had received from the wise men…

“The P.M. magazine published an article some time ago, entitled, ‘What do we know about the Three Holy Kings?’ It pointed out:

“’That they… became kings, can be accredited to the theologian Tertullian (160 until 220). He wrote, “in the east, Magi were normally kings.”… According to Persian tradition, these Magi were descendants of the ancient Median priesthood… In the gospel, we are not told how many they were. The oriental churches speak of twelve Magi.

“’Jacob of Edessa (640-708), one of the most important ancient writers of the Church of the Jacobites, writes: “The Magi were from Persia, but they were not three, as portrayed by artists for the people, as derived from the threeness of the gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense, but rather twelve, as can be seen in many traditions. Those who came were princes and well-respected persons from the country of Persia. Many people, more than a thousand men, accompanied them, so that Jerusalem became very excited when they arrived.”‘

“The article also speculates that the number of the Magi was reduced to ‘three,’ not because of the three types of gifts mentioned, but because another argument for the Trinity was searched for. Allegedly, the remains of the ‘three kings’ rest today in the dome of Cologne in Germany. However, P.M. notes that ‘the garments, in which the bones are wrapped, were made in the second or third century after Christ in Syria.’”

“… historical and biblical evidence reveals that the Magi of Matthew 2 were not astrologers whose observations of heavenly bodies led them to the Christ Child. Instead, they were representatives of the tribes of Israel in exile who were led to their King by an angel…

“Since the Jew Daniel was one of the righteous ‘magi,’ and he and many other Jewish exiles lived in Babylon as captives, after King Nebuchadnezzar had conquered the house of Judah, and since the Parthian Empire subsequently absorbed the Babylonian Empire, it stands to reason that Jews continued to live in the Parthian Empire, and that they still dwelled there at the time of the birth of Christ. The tradition that it was TWELVE magi who visited Christ would be quite interesting, in that the magi could have been representatives of ALL the twelve tribes of Israel AND Judah (being descendants of the TWELVE sons of Jacob or Israel), who were led by an angel to their King.”

Under the heading “Don’t Mix Pagan Customs With the Worship of God” in our booklet “Don’t Keep Christmas,” we read on page 20: “Do you know that you can be sincere in your worship of God and Christ, and still worship in vain? Christ clearly said in Matthew 15:7-9: ‘Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”’ Who can doubt that the celebration of Christmas and the observance of its customs are pursuant to the commandments of men? Nowhere in the Bible are we told to do these things! And Christ said, this kind of religious worship which is based on men’s traditions is ‘in vain’ – it is useless. Rather, we are expressly told how to worship God.”

The additional Santa Claus myth is just another “add-on” to a time not sanctioned by the Bible.  There are so many false assumptions about the birth of Jesus, as well as the Christmas tree, Christmas carols, the exchange of gifts, etc.

For much more information, please see our booklet: “Don’t Keep Christmas”. 

(To be continued)

Lead Writers: Brian Gale and Norbert Link

Compiled by Norbert Link

“Trump’s War Against Almost ALL Foreigners in the USA” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

“Cruel and stupid,” “disruptive and evil” new rules for green card applicants and green card holders have just been announced by the US government. They are in line with additional attempts by the Trump Administration to get foreigners out of the country or to prevent them from becoming US citizens. But God condemns those efforts and such conduct in no uncertain terms and wants us to understand WHY all of this is so ungodly and wrong.

“Trumps Krieg gegen (fast) ALLE Ausländer in den USA“  is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.

“Signs of the End Times: The Third Temple” is the latest short video which has been posted on YouTube. 

Eric Rank’s Pentecost sermon, titled, “Written on a Heart of Flesh”, is now posted.

Here is a summary:

The day of Pentecost is the holy day when the first church received the Holy Spirit. This is the Helper that Jesus Christ promised to them and us that allows us to understand and live by the law of God. As part of God’s plan, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit coincides with the replacement of the stony heart of the carnal people we are with a heart of flesh, willing to surrender to God. 

Frank Bruno’s offertory for Pentecost, titled, “2300 Words in the Future Kingdom” , is now posted. 

Here is a summary:

In this Offertory message, we will consider the importance of the Sermon on the Mount in Jesus’s ministry, and how it must convict true followers of Christ. We do not prepare an offering to God on the Feast of Pentecost simply because we are commanded to do so. We do this because we believe each word of the Sermon that Jesus preached, and we know that we glorify God with our obedience and our thirst for righteousness. 

We posted last week’s German sermon from Manuel Mueller, titled, “Ein Brausen vom Himmel” (“A Roaring from Heaven”).

We posted Manuel Giermann’s German sermonette, titled, “Die Schäden durch Unzucht” (“The Damage of Fornication”).

We posted Robert Macher’s German Pentecost offertory, titled, “Wie mit sexueller Sünde aufhören” (“How to Stop Sexual Sin”).

On May 23, 2026, Thilo Hanstein will present the first split sermon, titled, “Dangerous Ignorance,” and Norbert Link will present the second split sermon, titled, “Faith in God’s Holy Spirit of Power.”

On May 24, 2026, is Pentecost. Frank Bruno will give the offertory, tilted, “2300 Words Offered by Jesus Christ,” and Eric Rank will give the sermon, titled, “Written on a Heart of Flesh”.

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.

There are many different positions in the Church as there are many different positions in life. Are some more important than others, or is there more involved in this question? Some may think they do not have a large part to play, or that they are too weak, or too old, or even too new in the Church to have much significance in the operation of the Church, but they could be very wrong. 

Someone may think that because she is a woman, she is less important, but this can be far from the Truth. Consider that Eve was created to be a help to Adam (Genesis 2:18, 20; Authorized Version), and this could be considered a position of lower importance. However, we read Psalm 33:20, “Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.” The Hebrew for help is the same in both Genesis 2 and Psalm 33. So, when we consider that God is our help, being a help is highly significant, in no way to be looked down on. 

We can look at the example of Moses when he was assisting people who were inquiring of God. He was doing this all day from morning to evening. His father-in-law Jethro gave Moses sound advice which is described in Exodus 18:21-22, “Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you.”

In order for Moses not to be worn out, he needed helpers, so he could concentrate on the more important or difficult things. This is certainly the case in the Church where a minister may not be competent in every physical area, or able to do everything by himself, and a helper is very important so that he can concentrate on preaching. At the beginning of the Worldwide Church of God, Mr. Herbert Armstrong only had his wife, Loma, as a helper, and the two of them did everything required, even addressing envelopes to post the literature they had printed. But as the Church grew, this became impossible; they needed many more helpers to assist in the Work, and God provided those helpers. Without these helpers, the Church could not have grown as it did.

One may think he or she is too old or too young to be of great service, but let us read James 5:16, “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” Age is not a limitation here. And although it reads as man in the New King James Version, we know that from 2 Corinthians 6:18 (“I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty”), that the term man may also include woman. Many translations use person, or even believer in place of man in James 5:16. This concept is explained, in this context, in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” So, the prayers of both men and women can be equally effective.

A newly baptized person can take heart in the parable in Matthew 20:9-15, where those who worked all day received the same reward as those who worked only one hour. The condition for effective prayer is only righteousness and fervency, not length of Church membership.

The apostle Paul sums up this issue in 1 Corinthians 12:13-22, “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free – and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many. If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,’ is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,’ is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased, And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’; nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’ No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.”

From this we see that every member has a part to play in the operation of the Church, and God has determined the appropriate position for each as He pleases. The position may change over time, depending on individual growth or necessity, or even old age, but every member is a necessary part of the body of Christ. All have a part to play, regardless of position.

By Norbert Link 

We begin with what many commentators described as a failed summit between the USA and China, pointing out that key issues were not resolved, especially in regard to Taiwan and Iran.

American ambitions towards Venezuela and Cuba resurfaced; and Europe, as well as some Republicans, reacted with surprise and anger pertaining to the sudden decision to withhold troops from Poland.

We report on Mario Draghi’s presentation with the prestigious Charlemagne Prize; Spain’s push for a European army; and a bill by Russia’s parliament [to be signed by Putin] to expand Putin’s power to invade foreign countries.

We speak on European and Arabic outrageous persecution of the Jewish people, and UK’s religious persecution of Christians.

Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Trump’s Visit to China – What a Debacle!” Trump’s Visit to China – What a Debacle!

Little Success in China—Taiwan THE Big Issue 

Politico wrote on May 15:

“President Donald Trump returns from his two-day summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping with hints of deals but no progress on key issues that vex the U.S.-China relationship…

 “… despite repeated assurances from White House officials that U.S. policy toward Taiwan would not be on the summit agenda, Trump said that the two leaders had discussed U.S. ties to the island at length. Trump told reporters he was willing to reconsider U.S. arms sales to the self-governing island — a key longtime demand of Beijing — despite longstanding U.S. commitments to provide defensive weaponry to deter potential Chinese aggression…

“Whether Trump would revisit arms sales to Taiwan remains uncertain, but he was clear that he does not feel bound by a 1982 pledge former President Ronald Reagan made to the island that it wouldn’t consult with Beijing on weapons sales to Taiwan… Taiwan had emerged as a flashpoint during the meeting, with Xi warning Trump that mishandling of the island, which China considers part of its territory, could lead to ‘clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy.’…

“While Trump appeared willing to bend to Xi’s sensitivities on Taiwan, the Chinese leader offered no indication that he would use his influence to address one of Trump’s key concerns — Iran’s chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz.”

Trump’s position on Taiwan is very troubling, as the following articles document as well.

No Taiwan Commitment

Daily Mail wrote on May 16:

“Donald Trump has warned Taiwan not to declare independence from China following the two-day summit in Beijing this week… But he said he had declined to answer questions about whether the US would intervene to defend the island nation in the event that China invaded. Mr Trump’s warning came despite Taiwan, a democracy, demanding for the US to keep supplying it with weapons to defend itself…

“Mr Trump said he had ‘made no commitment either way’ about the question of sovereignty… 

“However, just hours after Mr Trump’s warning, the island declared itself ‘independent’. Taiwan’s foreign ministry said on Saturday that the island is a ‘sovereign and independent democratic nation, and is not subordinate to the People’s Republic of China’. It also insisted that US arms sales were part of Washington’s security commitment to Taiwan, after Mr Trump flagged that he was considering the issue…

“Under US law, America is required to provide weapons to Taiwan for its defence, but it has been ambiguous on whether US forces would come to the island’s aid in the event of Chinese annexation.”

On Sunday, Taiwan’s president said: “Taiwan will not, under pressure, give up national sovereignty and dignity, or its democratic and free way of life.

Even though the law requires it, Trump may not be willing to provide Taiwan with weapons. Note the next article.

Trump Attacks Taiwan

Mediaite wrote on May 16:

“President Donald Trump went on a rant against Taiwan, telling Fox News anchor Bret Baier that they ‘stole our chip industry’ as he was pressed about his private remarks to  China’s President Xi Jinping… ‘

“In one exchange, Baier pressed Trump about whether he will approve a pending arms sale to Taiwan. He asked Trump ‘Should the people of Taiwan feel more or less secure after your meetings with President Xi?’

“Trump insisted they should feel ‘neutral’ — but then went on a riff about Taiwan’s history of ‘stealing our chip industry’…”

Trump’s refusal to answer Baier’s question is telling, and his attack on Taiwan is deeply disturbing.

No Iran Commitment

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on May 16:

“The Beijing circus is over and Donald Trump’s talks with Xi Jinping produced nothing more than some pleasing photo ops and some performative diplomacy with no substantive accomplishments. There was no final communique at the end of Trump’s two days of meetings with Xi Jinping. Instead, we are left to rely on the statements from each government…

“The Chinese readout… said that ‘the two sides discussed the Middle East conflict’ without offering any further details — no mention of the Strait, no mention of tolls, no mention of Iran’s nuclear program, and no acknowledgment of any agreed position on any of those issues…

“The White House is asserting that China agreed Iran can never have a nuclear weapon and opposed Iran’s toll regime… However…, Xi firmly rejected Trump’s request that China apply pressure on Iran and help open the Strait of Hormuz…

“The most telling asymmetry runs in the opposite direction on Taiwan. The White House readout did not mention Taiwan at all, while China centered its entire readout on Xi’s Taiwan warning.”

 China does not seem willing to “help” America on the Iran question.

A New Cold War With China?

Fox News wrote on May 17:

“America and China are increasingly operating within conditions resembling a new Cold War — driven by military power, economic leverage, competing technological ambitions and irreconcilable visions for world order… The headlines following the two-day meeting at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People focused on symbolism, modest trade discussions, and elaborate pageantry. Yet beneath the surface, three realities stood out. Taiwan overshadowed everything. Iran exposed the limits of Chinese cooperation. And Xi himself chose language drawn from ancient Greek warfare to remind Washington of what this rivalry ultimately means…

“Even as Trump emphasized friendship, trade and ‘fantastic deals’ on the return flight to Washington, Xi was framing the relationship in terms of historic rivalry and potential conflict… The summit also demonstrated that Washington and Beijing remain deeply divided over Iran, despite public statements suggesting alignment…

“To his credit, Trump achieved one immediate objective: preventing the summit from deteriorating into open hostility… Americans should resist interpreting the summit’s warm optics as evidence the rivalry is fading… The new Cold War is already here. The summit proved it.”

 Xi was clearly the winner. As was Putin during his controversial meeting with Trump in Alaska.

Pentagon “In Panic” as Trump’s Visit to China Backfires

 Express wrote on May 16:

“Donald Trump’s China visit failed to deliver a breakthrough on one of the most critical parts of the US-China trade war – Beijing’s restrictions on rare earth exports vital to America’s military industry… In fact, Chinese academic Zhang Weiwei has warned Beijing is prepared to tighten controls even further – particularly against the US military…

“The remarks [have] triggered alarm, with geopolitical commentator Furkan Gözükara claiming: ‘The Pentagon is in absolute panic.’ He added: ‘Prof. Zhang Weiwei confirms China has officially cut off all rare earth exports to the US military. He exposes how Washington’s disastrous tech war completely backfired, leaving their weapons manufacturing severely crippled.’

“Rare earth materials are essential for advanced US weapons systems, semiconductors, fighter jets, submarines, missiles, radar systems and precision-guided weapons. A recent Pentagon briefing warned that securing rare earth elements is now a ‘national security imperative,’ highlighting growing concerns over America’s reliance on Chinese-controlled supply chains…

“The ongoing restrictions have already caused shortages across parts of the US aerospace and semiconductor industries, with some critical materials remaining in limited supply despite months of negotiations. Analysts say the standoff demonstrates how China’s control over critical minerals has become one of Beijing’s most powerful weapons in the wider economic conflict with Washington.”

It does not appear that America can win any more on any major issue.

Iran’s Collaboration With China

Newsmax wrote on May 17:

“Iran allowed approximately 30 ships — including several Chinese-linked vessels — to pass through the Strait of Hormuz overnight Thursday into Friday under what Tehran described as ‘Iranian-managed transit protocols,’ according to Iranian state-linked media and statements from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps…

“Iranian officials said the transits were conducted in ‘close coordination’ with China… State-affiliated Tasnim News Agency reported that the arrangement reflected the ‘strategic partnership’ between Tehran and Beijing, while Iranian military officials emphasized that access to the narrow shipping lane remains contingent on Iranian approval….

“A commander with the IRGC reportedly said vessels tied to what Iran considers ‘hostile states’ remain barred from passage.. The latest developments further highlight Washington’s inability to restore completely free navigation through the critical maritime corridor despite repeated U.S. military deployments and international calls for unrestricted access… Analysts say the situation represents a major strategic victory for Tehran…”

Iran’s Threats

On May 20, Newsmax published the following article by AFP:

“Iran warned on Wednesday that the Middle East war would spread far beyond the region if the United States and Israel resumed their attacks, after President Donald Trump threatened to strike again unless a deal is reached… The U.S. leader is himself under pressure, with rising energy costs beginning to bite at home…

“The future of the waterway is a key sticking point in negotiations, but without a deal fears are growing for the global economy as pre-war stockpiles of oil are used up.”

Bounty on Trump?

The Times of India wrote on May 16:

“A major controversy is erupting after reports claimed that Iran’s parliament is reviewing a bill that would reward anyone who assassinates U.S. President Donald Trump. According to Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi, the proposed legislation would require the Iranian government to pay €50 million to any individual or organization carrying out what was described as a ‘religious and ideological mission.’

“Azizi reportedly told Iranian state television that the U.S. president, Israel’s prime minister, and the CENTCOM commander ‘must be targeted and subjected to reciprocal action.’…”

Not Much Time?

The Daily Mail wrote on May 18:

“A revised proposal from Iran to end the conflict in the Middle East has been shared with the US, a Pakistani source said on Monday, as peace talks appeared to remain stalled. ‘We don’t have much time,’ the source said, when asked if it would take time to close gaps, adding that both countries ‘keep changing their goalposts.’ It comes as Donald Trump warned over the weekend that the ‘clock is ticking’ for Iran, adding in a post on Truth Social that Tehran ‘better get moving fast, or there won’t be anything left of them.’”

Trump’s Ongoing Chaotic Reversals

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on May 20:

“Since February 28, 2026, Donald Trump has released 11 statements suggesting the war with Iran was over or that a negotiated deal is close, only it turns out to be a hoax… In his latest whipsaw action, Trump spent the weekend posting images suggesting an attack on Iran was imminent, only to do another of his chaotic reversals…

“‘I have been asked by the Emir of Qatar…,  the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia…, and the President of the United Arab Emirates… to hold off on our planned Military attack of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which was scheduled for tomorrow [Tuesday], in that… a Deal will be made, which will be very acceptable to the United States of America, as well as all Countries in the Middle East, and beyond. This Deal will include, importantly, NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS FOR IRAN!…’”

This attack was allegedly planned in secret, with no one knowing about it. So, how did the Arab Gulf nations know about it? Also, a meeting with Trump’s military advisors was planned for Tuesday as well. Trump said he will delay the attack for a few days… or a week or so…

“Enriched Uranium Must Stay in Iran”

Reuters wrote on May 21:

“Iran’s Supreme Leader has issued a directive that the country’s near-weapons-grade uranium should not be sent abroad, two senior Iranian sources said, hardening Tehran’s stance on one of the main U.S. demands at peace talks.

“Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s order could further frustrate U.S. President Donald Trump and complicate talks on ending the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

“Israeli officials have told Reuters that Trump has assured Israel that Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, needed to make an atomic weapon, will be sent out of Iran and that any peace deal must include a clause on this.  

“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he will not consider the war over until enriched uranium is removed from Iran, Tehran ends its support for proxy militias, and its ballistic missile capabilities are eliminated.”

Trump’s Crazy AI Images

The Huffington Post wrote on May 18:

“Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform on Sunday to post an AI -generated image showing him bombing the Earth, minutes after his pre-taped Bible reading played at a MAGA-friendly prayer event on the National Mall. The image, which Trump unleashed as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) prayed for ‘mercy upon our land’ and ‘mercy upon us for our mistakes,’ shows the president pressing a red button on a control panel while inside some sort of space station or starship orbiting above the planet.

“The visual features Trump surrounded by small, military-like figures seated by the control panel as several screens show massive explosions taking place on the ground.

At least one screen shows a mushroom cloud-like blast alongside the text, ‘TARGET DESTROYED.’ The out-of-this-world image shared by the self-described ‘peace’ president is a kind of fantastical continuation of his recent tendency to post genocidal threats on the platform….”

The Looting of America

On May 19, Reuters published the following article by Paul Krugmann:

“So the Trump administration is creating a $1.776 billion slush fund… to pay off victims of ‘lawfare and weaponization.’ Just to be clear, if you’re a U.S. taxpayer, this action means that almost $1.8 billion of your money will be handed out to whomever a panel appointed by Donald Trump decides to reward. The beneficiaries are likely to include January 6 insurrectionists, as well as Trump, his family, and his allies.

“Few things shock me these days, but this development — in which a Justice Department that works for Trump is paying a vast sum to ‘settle’ a lawsuit brought by Trump himself — is a new nadir in self-dealing, further revealing Trump’s utter contempt for the American people…. the shamelessness of this latest episode of looting takes it to a new level. Until now, we’ve seen a combination of crony capitalism and insider trading…

“Vladimir Putin has obviously stolen billions, but never this brazenly. Even Third World dictators normally try to mask their corruption…”

America’s 51^st State?

 Breitbart wrote on May 15:

 “President Donald Trump’s Truth Social post depicting Venezuela overlaid with an American flag and labeled the 51st state followed a Fox News report that Trump said he was ‘seriously considering’ such a move.”

 “Acting President” Delcy Rodríguez strongly opposed Trump’s ambitions in this regard.

US Fears Growing Drone Threat From Cuba

Newsmax wrote on May 17:

“Cuba has acquired more than 300 military drones and has discussed potential scenarios involving the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, U.S. military vessels, and Key West, Florida, according to classified intelligence…

“The intelligence reflects growing concern within the Trump administration about advances in drone warfare and the presence of Iranian military advisers in Cuba, according to a senior U.S. official…

“CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Cuba on Thursday and warned Cuban officials against actions viewed as hostile by the United States… Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said during a congressional hearing that the presence of foreign adversaries operating so close to the United States remains a concern.”

Is all of this a pretext for an American invasion of Cuba? In the meantime, China told Trump to stop threatening Cuba. 

American Troops Overstretched

Focus wrote on May 15:

“According to the Navy’s highest-ranking non-commissioned officer, Master Chief Petty Officer John Perryman, current crew deployment models are no longer sufficient to maintain a permanently operational fleet…

“The past wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the fight against terrorism since the 2001 attacks in New York, are still taking their toll on the US military… Troops and equipment are being run down…”

No US Troops for Poland

Politico wrote on May 14:

“Pete Hegseth’s last-minute decision to cancel the deployment of 4,000 troops to Poland caught Pentagon staff and European allies by surprise — the latest example of an abrupt personnel move from the Defense secretary that blindsided both sides of the Atlantic…

“The decision was even more surprising because troops and equipment had already started to arrive in the country. It sent fresh waves of anxiety through European capitals and inside the Pentagon on Thursday about whether such moves could embolden Russia — and which ally might turn into the next target… The move follows Hegseth’s announcement this month that the Pentagon would withdraw 5,000 troops from bases in Germany.”

Trump said that the Pentagon would be “cutting a lot further than 5,000.”

Polish Government Tries to Spin US Decision… Without Success

Politico wrote on May 16:

“Poland, one of the closest U.S. allies in Europe, was blindsided by this week’s surprise decision from Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth to cancel the planned deployment of 4,000 American troops to the country.  The government is now scrambling to respond while insisting that the move doesn’t undermine the country’s security… But there was no disguising that the U.S. move left Poland flat-footed… U.S. actions are confusing Europe…

“Poland, along with Romania and the Baltic countries, is hoping to get some of the troops being withdrawn from Germany, although it is still unclear if they’ll stay in Europe or go home…

“Polish governments have pushed for years to increase the number of U.S. troops in the country — making Hegseth’s decision such a surprise to Warsaw. Krzysztof Bosak, leader of the far-right opposition Confederation party, condemned what he called ‘internal chaos and a loss of credibility on the part of our most important ally,’ telling Polish radio that the unexpected decision ‘doesn’t build credibility’…

“Trump has also questioned the U.S. commitment to NATO’s Article 5 common defense pact and threatened to annex Greenland, a territory of alliance member Denmark. Oana Lungescu, a former NATO spokesperson and senior fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, said [America’s] ‘haphazard and uncoordinated decisions… risk alienating European allies and encouraging Russian President Vladimir Putin.’”

It is hard not to notice the utter confusion within the American government. The question is: what is really behind these strange decisions?

Republicans Not Happy

The Hill wrote on May 15:

“Republican lawmakers on Friday grilled Army leaders over the Pentagon’s seemingly last-minute decision to cancel the temporary deployment of 4,000 troops to Poland, with House Armed Services Committee Chair Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) saying the panel is ‘not happy.’..

“It also came roughly seven months after the U.S. informed allies that it is pulling some American troops from NATO’s eastern flank, including Romania. That plan also angered [Republicans] Rogers and Wicker, who said Congress had not been consulted prior to the decision.”

When does the Pentagon ever “consult” Congress before making wide-ranging decisions?

Mario Draghi Charlamagne Prize Winner

Deutsche Welle wrote on May 14:

“The former head of the European Central Bank Mario Draghi was presented with the prestigious Charlemagne Prize at a ceremony in Aachen, western Germany, on May 14… Draghi is likely mostly remembered as the head of the Frankfurt-based European Central Bank (ECB), who worked to stabilize the eurozone during turbulent times… Draghi tirelessly defended the single currency and became known for saying the ECB would do ‘whatever it takes’ to stop the euro from failing…

“With the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Iran, and strained relations between the US and most of the world, the prize is being seen as a timely reminder that European unity is indispensable…

“For centuries, the small town of Aachen has been used as a symbol of a united Europe. It was from here that Charlemagne (ca. 748-814) ruled the largest empire in western Europe since the fall of Rome, a legacy that later led him to be considered a medieval ‘father of Europe.’ The Charlemagne Prize honors those who strive for European unity in a more modern way.”

Some past recipients would clearly not have fallen under that category.

Spain For EU Army

MSN wrote on May 15:

“Spain is calling for the creation of a European Union army, amid fears the continent can no longer rely on NATO for military protection…

“Spain has been one of the most vocal opponents of the US in Europe…

“The US president has… suggested he could withdraw US troops from bases in Spain, and would even try to suspend Spain from NATO over Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez’s refusal to support Trump’s war in Iran…”

A European army is coming.

Putin to Be Given Power to Invade Foreign Countries

The Jerusalem Post wrote on May 15:

“Russia’s parliament approved a bill on Wednesday to expand President Vladimir Putin’s power to invade foreign countries. If approved, the bill would let the Kremlin send troops abroad to “protect” Russian citizens who are facing arrest, detention, or any other form of perceived persecution…. Putin now has 14 days to sign the bill into law.

“Moscow has previously justified its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 by claiming that it was protecting Russian-speaking regions of the country, including Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. Russia still demands the reinstatement of the Russian language and the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine as part of any peace agreement.

“Officials from the European Union have expressed concern that Putin will initiate a conflict with Europe within the next year or two to test the United States’ commitment to NATO… In December, Putin said that Russia was ready for war with Europe.”

Russia’s threatening conduct towards Europe is not being overlooked.

“Netanyahu ‘Blunder’ Threatens US-Backed Israel-UAE Alliance”

Fox News wrote on May 17:

“The U.S.-brokered alliance designed to counter Iran in the Middle East is showing signs of strain amid tensions between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, an analyst says, as the possibility of a broader conflict with Tehran intensified Sunday.

“The friction first surfaced May 13 after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he held a ‘historic breakthrough’ meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a ‘secret visit’ to Al Ain near the Oman border. The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a swift denial following the announcement…

“[Nathan] Sachs… said Netanyahu’s UAE meeting claim ‘seems like a diplomatic blunder because it embarrasses the UAE… This was an odd move to make since the UAE has been a close partner of Israel, even during this war… Either Netanyahu didn’t think, or he was thinking about something else — domestic politics. It would not be the first time he did that.’”

EU and Arab Persecution of Jews Continues

Israel 365 News wrote on May 14:

“The nations that herded Jews into ghettoes, expelled them from their cities, and handed them over to Nazi death camps have now found a new cause: sanctioning Jews for the crime of living in Judea and Samaria. On Monday, the foreign ministers of all 27 European Union member states convened in Brussels and reached a political agreement to impose sanctions on Israeli settler leaders and organizations, equating them, in the same diplomatic breath, with Hamas terrorists.

“The sanctions themselves consist of two specific measures: an asset freeze and a travel ban. An asset freeze means any funds or economic resources owned or controlled by the sanctioned individuals or organizations within EU jurisdiction are locked; banks in EU member states cannot process transactions for them, and any property or holdings in Europe cannot be accessed or transferred. A travel ban means the sanctioned individuals are barred from entering or transiting through any of the 27 EU member states…

“Meanwhile, the EU has for years funneled millions of euros into illegal Arab construction in Area C,  land that, under the Oslo Accords, remains under full Israeli civil and security control. 

“The EU sanctioning Jews for living in Judea and Samaria takes on a particularly sharp edge when set against what the Arab world has done and continues to do regarding Jews within its own borders. As of 2024, Algeria, Bangladesh, Brunei, Iran, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Pakistan, Syria, and Yemen all imposed outright bans on Israeli nationals, including Israeli Arabs… They are official state prohibitions on the entry of Jews holding Israeli passports, and in some cases, extended to anyone whose passport shows evidence of travel to Israel. Dual nationals are also affected, as many nations extend the ban to anyone entering with an Israeli passport, regardless of additional citizenship…

“The reason Jews no longer live in significant numbers in Arab nations is not a mystery… More than 850,000 Jews were forced to leave their homes in Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, Morocco, and several other Arab countries in the twenty years following the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. These were not refugees fleeing a war zone. These were doctors, lawyers, engineers, merchants: communities rooted in those lands for centuries, in some cases millennia, predating the Arab conquest of the region entirely.

“… In Syria, real estate purchase was prohibited to Jews in 1947, and Jews began to be discharged from public service positions. In Egypt, a long process of discrimination in the public service began in 1929, and by 1945-1948, Jews were excluded from public service entirely. From Morocco to Iraq, governments established laws meant to ostracize and disenfranchise their Jewish communities… property and assets were confiscated; Jews were arrested on suspicion of espionage based on trumped-up charges. In Iraq, it was worse than expulsion: in 1969, nine Iraqi Jews who had chosen to stay in the country after the mass flight of the early 1950s were convicted and executed behind closed doors…”

Horrible.  And the “civilized” world has been standing idly by.

Religious Persecution in the UK

Fox News wrote on May 17:

“A 66-year-old U.K. pastor [was] arrested while street preaching in London… Maile is a gospel singer and the senior pastor of Oasis City Church in Watford, England, a town outside London. For 45 years, the New Zealand native has preached and performed mission work globally. He told Fox News Digital that he often performs famous songs with lyrics altered to convey a Christian message… Maile [was] approached and handcuffed behind his back by Hertfordshire Constabulary officers… A female police officer appeared to mockingly respond, ‘In the name of Jesus, get in the car.’…

“Maile said he was detained for 12 hours without his phone and was not allowed to use the restroom. Police initially told Maile he was under arrest for assaulting a teenager, a charge Maile denied and which was later dropped. Maile remains under investigation for an alleged public order offense…

“Police said he was released on bail while an investigation into the public order offense continues and ‘the conduct of the officers was reviewed and it was deemed no further action was necessary.’..

“The Christian Legal Centre called the arrest ‘deeply troubling.’ ‘A peaceful, Christian preacher was treated like a serious criminal for expressing his Christian beliefs and that Islam is a false religion in a public place,’ said Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre. ‘The footage raises fundamental questions about whether policing in this country is now criminalizing Christianity…’’

No question about it.

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.

It can be relatively easy to read, misread, misunderstand or take a different view of almost anything where an individual may feel that his or her opinion is the right one.  However, when we talk about the Bible, there is a clear statement in Deuteronomy 4:2 where we read: 

“You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.”

What must also be uppermost in our minds is that Satan will try his best to confuse and redirect the people of God away from the Truth.  His influence is everywhere to be seen.  He is described in the Bible in Ephesians 2:1-2 as follows:

“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience…”

We also read in 2 Corinthians 4:4: 

“… whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” 

Satan is currently the god of this world and his influence is apparent for those with eyes to see.  One of Satan’s key roles is to tempt humans to sin. In John 8:44, we read that “he is a liar and the father of it.”  1 Peter 5:8 tells us that he is “like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

He is truly a hugely significant enemy of God, His people and His ways.

Biblehub.com has this to say about man’s adversary:

“The Bible depicts Satan as an intelligent, active being, focused on deceit, temptation, and opposition to God’s purposes. Though he possesses real power, this power remains limited by God’s sovereign will. From Eden’s garden to Christ’s victory at the cross and the promise of his future judgment, Scripture consistently affirms that Satan’s role is that of a defeated foe whose end is certain. Believers are called to stand firm, relying on divine truth and power rather than living in fear.”

We all grow up in different ways but the one factor that affects most of us is the teaching we received from our parents.   What they say is taken as fact when, in fact, it may not be.   But such is the influence that parents have, that beliefs and understanding are instilled in us from a very early age.   Of course, some parents can be negligent in these ways, and their children will form their ideas and ways via school, their peers and social media.

Aristotle is credited with the saying, “Give me a child until he is 7 and I will show you the man,” which is very similar to the biblical injunction found in Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” Training in the right ways from a very early age will produce much better persons than those who receive little or no correct training. 

We say the following in our free booklet, “The Keys to Happy Marriages and Families”

“We read in Proverbs 22:6, ‘Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.’ The Ryrie Study Bible comments, ‘[It says,] in the way he should go. Lit. according to his way, i.e., the child’s habits and interests. The instruction must take into account his individuality and inclinations, and be in keeping with his degree of physical and mental development.’ 

“Our children grow up too quickly. We give them hardly any time to play and to enjoy their childhood. We don’t let them pursue their interests as children, but want them to be young men or young women far too early. This is especially true in the entertainment industry, but this wrong concept has permeated our entire society and thinking. It is customary in the U.S. and in many other Western nations to place a child at the age of five, or even younger, in a preschool for the convenience of the parents. Many educators warn against such practice, saying that this is far too early to be separated from parents.

“When we look at our societies, especially in the Western world, we find a totally different way of life than what God intended. We read about the kind of family life that God intended, where the father would be present and available to teach his son or his daughter. But in our modern world, the father is basically gone all day, working somewhere away from home.

“In addition, children are being handed over to preschools at an early age, thereby being separated further from the benevolent teachings of their Christian parents. And when, on top of it, young mothers go to work and place their kids in day care centers, then even the last remaining positive influence of the Christian parents on their children has been abolished as well.”

In addition, we state the following in our Q&A, “Why do so many children of Godly parents depart from God’s Way of Life, even though Proverbs 22:6 says that they will not depart from it when they are old?” 

“In light of the fact that the Bible emphasizes individual responsibility, it must be concluded that Proverbs 22:6 does not intend to impress the idea that the righteous teaching of parents will automatically lead to the conversion of a child. It is true, of course, that parents are to teach their children about God and His Way of Life (Deuteronomy 11:18-19). But this does not mean that converted parents can bring about the conversion of their children…

“Proverbs 22:6 does not contain an unconditional promise that the training of a righteous parent will bring about the conversion of his or her children. The chances may be greatly increased, but the actual calling to conversion and salvation is still subject to God’s Will and the child’s reaction in the matter. But what an unspeakable joy and blessing it is when righteous parents see their children follow them in their paths of righteousness.”

In this series of Q&As, we will see how much Satan has influenced humanity with wrong thinking and understanding.   Many, if not all of the false assumptions addressed, should not be particularly new to long-time Church of God members but may seem strange to those who may be new to the Truth that the Bible has to offer.

And so, let us look at a number of examples.

FALSE ASSUMPTION No. 1:

Most people, if asked about where the Bible begins historically, would say Genesis 1:1, if they knew anything about God’s Word at all in this secular age. On the face of it, few would argue with that because it is about the creation of the heavens and the earth. Who could disagree with that, as in the very first chapter and the first verse in the Bible, we read: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

However, there are verses that precede these events as we read in the book of John.  In John 1:1-3, the Bible reveals that:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.”

Who was the Word referred to here?   Verse 14 reveals the answer:

^“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

This obviously refers to Jesus Christ, and we read further in Colossians 1:15-17:

^“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.”

These passages show that God the Father created everything, including angels and spiritual things, as well as animals and humans, through Jesus Christ. The “Word” in John 1:1 is a reference to Jesus Christ, while “God” in the same passage refers to God the Father. Both were in existence “in the beginning.” Many may be surprised by that, but it is there in black and white in the Word of God. However, we must add that neither God the Father nor His Son, Jesus Christ, had a beginning.   Human beings may be able to understand eternity with things going on indefinitely and forever, but God hasn’t given the human mind the capacity to fully understand that neither the Father nor the Son had a beginning; that they have always existed. Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers observes that “The Mosaic conception of ‘beginning’ is marked by the first creative act… John places himself at the same starting point of time, but before he speaks of any creation he asserts the pre-existence of the Creator. In this ‘beginning’ there already ‘was’ the Word.” In addition, as we saw, in this “beginning” there already “was” God—God the Father.

Based on his information, any assumption that the first chapter of Genesis is the beginning of all things is false. 

FALSE ASSUMPTION No. 2:

Whenever we see pictures of Jesus in paintings or in a movie, He is always shown as having long hair and a beard.   He is often shown to have feminine features and a sorrowful look.   But He couldn’t have had long hair because we read in 1 Corinthians 11:14, the following: “Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him?”

The bibleanalysis.org website observes that “The image of Jesus Christ with long hair and a beard is a familiar and iconic representation in Western art and popular culture. This depiction of Jesus has been ingrained in the collective imagination and has become a widely accepted and recognizable symbol of the Christian faith. But where did the idea that Jesus had long hair and a beard come from?

“One possible source for the portrayal of Jesus with long hair and a beard is the influence of classical Greco-Roman art and culture. During the early centuries of Christianity, artists and sculptors drew inspiration from the artistic traditions of the ancient world, where long hair and beards were commonly associated with wisdom, divinity, and authority. Greek and Roman gods and philosophers were often depicted with flowing locks and beards, signifying their status and spiritual significance.

“The early Christian artists and theologians in the Byzantine Empire and medieval Europe created images of Jesus that reflected the aesthetic and cultural norms of their time. The visual representation of Jesus as a compassionate and merciful figure, adorned with a halo, flowing robes, and long hair and beard, became a predominant iconographic tradition that has endured for centuries.”

It is interesting that in Ezekiel 44:20, we read about the laws governing priests when entering God’s sanctuary:

“They shall neither shave their heads nor let their hair grow long, but they shall keep their hair well trimmed.”

Of course, we realise the concept of a Nazarite vow when someone voluntarily took a vow to abstain from drinking wine and when he refused to have his hair cut, to drink wine or eat grapes or to have contact with corpses for a specified period.  And we also know that Samson was a Nazarite from birth for a specific reason.  It appears that Samuel and John the Baptist were under a Nazarite vow as well. But apart from these situations, it is a sin for a man to have long hair! (In passing, the Nazarite vow has no longer any application for us today.)

Shunsalon.com opines: “Catholic answers to this question often emphasize that the focus should be on Jesus’ teachings and mission rather than physical appearance, though the enduring image of long-haired Jesus remains deeply ingrained in religious iconography and popular imagination.”

Jesus did not have long hair, nor was He under a Nazarite vow. We state the following in chapter 8 of our free booklet, “Do You Know the Jesus of the Bible?”:

“Jesus, however, was not a Nazarite. He grew up in the city of Nazareth and was therefore called a ‘Nazarene’ (Matthew 2:23) — which is of course quite different from being a Nazarite…. Christ was not a Nazarite, because He did many things, which were prohibited for Nazarites. Those who took the vow of a Nazirite did not cut their hair, but they were also prohibited from drinking any wine or touching a dead body (Numbers 6:4–6). Christ, however, did drink wine (Luke 22:14–18; Matthew 11:19), and He did touch dead bodies (Luke 8:51–55). If Christ had been a Nazirite, He would have broken His vow and thereby violated one of God’s laws. But He said that He had kept His Father’s commandments (John 15:10), including all ritual laws still in force and effect at His time, and we read that He never sinned…”

It is interesting that the religious people of Jesus’ time had to pay 30 pieces of silver to Judas for him to identify who Jesus was. He certainly didn’t stand out from the crowd. But He would have, if He had been wearing long hair. In our booklet, “Do You Know the Jesus of the Bible?”, we state the following:

“Christ was a Jew, and He looked like an ordinary Jewish man, without special beauty in appearance (compare Isaiah 53:2). He was able to escape on occasion, by mingling with the crowd and going ‘through the midst of them’ (Luke 4:30; John 8:59). Apart from the Bible, archeology and history also confirm as well that the Jews at the time of Christ did not wear long hair… Christ, therefore, did not either; otherwise, He would have stood out in a crowd and a special identification through Judas (who identified Him by kissing Him) would not have been necessary.

“Recently, Israeli and British forensic anthropologists and computer programmers got together to create Christ’s face featured in ‘Popular Mechanics,’ a 1.2 million-circulation magazine… They… determined that Christ did not wear long hair. Other experts agree with that conclusion.

“On February 24, 2004, Reuters wrote: ‘… Jesus didn’t have long hair, said physical anthropologist Joe Zias, who has studied hundreds of skeletons found in archeological digs in Jerusalem.’ [He also mentioned:] ‘Jewish men back in antiquity did not have long hair.’ ‘The Jewish texts ridiculed long hair as something Roman or Greek,’ said New York University’s Lawrence Schiffman. Along with extensive writings from the period, experts also point to a frieze on Rome’s Arch of Titus, erected after Jerusalem was captured in AD 70 to celebrate the victory, which shows Jewish men with short hair taken into captivity…’”

It appears from the biblical description in Isaiah 53:2 that Jesus was an ordinary looking man, not particularly handsome, probably had a beard (compare Isaiah 50:6), but someone who would certainly have charisma (personal magnetism and charm) to be followed, listened to, fed at times, with many being healed.

As one writer opined: “The real Jesus epitomised what God would look like as a man – well-groomed but not affected, well dressed but not clothes-conscious, clean but not antiseptic, dignified but not distinguished.”

We don’t have any pictures of Jesus to see what He looked like. The Shroud of Turin has been used many times to try to show what Jesus may have looked like but today very few, if any, believe this to be true. The Independent wrote in August of 2025:

“A newly uncovered medieval document is the earliest known to suggest that the Shroud of Turin, widely believed to have been used to wrap Jesus’ crucified body, is not authentic. The findings, published in the Journal of Medieval History, add evidence that even in the Middle Ages, people knew that the Shroud was fake. In the document, medieval theologian Nicole Oresme rejected the Shroud as authentic, with the future bishop claiming it as a ‘clear’ and ‘patent’ fake that was the result of deceptions by ‘clergy men.’”

A further headline in the Independent headlined “628-year-old fake news: Scientists prove Turin Shroud not genuine (again).”

However, as the Smithsonian magazine recently reported on April 9, 2026, “new evidence” in the form of plant, animal and human DNA was allegedly discovered “showing” that the cloth was “genuine.’ This is utter nonsense. The article shows convincingly that that “evidence” is not compelling, pointing out that “radiocarbon dating suggests the shroud was made sometime between 1260 and 1390—more than a millennium after Jesus was said to have been crucified.”

We conclude chapter 8 of the above-mentioned booklet, “Do You Know the Jesus of the Bible?”, with the following cautionary remarks:

“In any event, Paul tells us that we are not to ‘know’ Christ ‘according to the flesh.’ We read in 2 Corinthians 5:16 (Phillips translation): ‘… even though we knew Christ as a man, we do not know him like that any longer.’

“It is dangerous to focus on images and pictures of Christ, including portrayals of Christ by actors in movies, and think that in some way those portrayals may accurately represent how Christ might have looked. We are to focus on Christ as He is now—a powerful Spirit being! To get a correct portrayal of Christ’s present appearance, please read Revelation 1:14–16. Christ has white hair, as white as wool or snow, and His eyes are like flames of fire, while His face shines like the sun in full strength! THAT is the Jesus Christ of the Bible—God the Son—who is worthy of worship!”

Again, everyone should beware of making false assumptions about Jesus’ appearance.

(To be continued)

Lead Writers: Brian Gale and Norbert Link

Compiled by Norbert Link

Dave Harris, long-time Pastor, writer and Editorial Team member of the Church of the Eternal God, died on May 15, 2026, after a short stay in the hospital. He maintained a strong will to live as he was dedicated to his family and his work for the Church—in fact, he packed sermon notes to work on at the hospital! With this same strength and clarity, he decided the prognosis of living with medical support was not what he wanted, and this decision allowed him to secure his crown in faith. Through all of this he was clear that God was in charge. We are looking forward to meeting him again in the first resurrection. 

“Trump’s Visit to China – What a Debacle!” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

Trump’s two-day summit with Xi Jinping produced nothing for Trump. Major issues were not discussed or if they were, no agreement was reached. This includes Taiwan and Trump’s alarming position in this regard, as well as Iran’s ongoing collaboration with China; but also other major and essential issues vital for the USA. Trump’s chaotic reversals of his announced intentions question his credibility, and Iran responds with ridicule and dangerous threats. A peace deal between the USA and Iran seems to be nowhere in sight.  

“Trumps China Besuch – was für ein Debakel!“ is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.

Norbert Link’s German sermon for Pentecost,  “Glaube an Gottes heiligen Geist der Kraft” (“Faith in God’s Holy Spirit of Power”) has been posted. 

We posted last week’s first German split sermon from Dmitrij Niemann, titled  “Achten Sie auf Ihre Zunge” (“Pay Attention to Your Tongue”).

We posted last week’s first German split sermon from Robert Indlekofer, titled “Der Betrug der Liebe–Bedürfnis oder Gehorsam“ (“The Deception of Love—Need or Obedience”).

Last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Michael Link, titled, “The Work Will Go On,” is now posted.

Here is the summary:

God has given us a responsibility to fulfill. What does He expect of us, and what reward does He promise those who zealously commit themselves to this task?

”Faith in God’s Guidance and Direction,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. 

Here is the summary:

Are we convinced of God’s guidance and direction in our lives? What is this faith based on? What does the Bible tell us about God’s guidance through many examples? Is it possible that we experience God’s direction in unexpected ways—without initially becoming aware of it or being able to “see” it? Does God sometimes make use of His angels to encourage us? What do God’s guidance and intervention look like within a Christian marriage?

On May 16, 2026, Michael Link will present the sermonette, titled, “The Work Will Go On,” and Norbert Link will present the sermon, titled, “Faith in God’s Guidance and Direction.”

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.

What does God expect of us?

We have an individual responsibility to respond to God’s calling with expectation and faith, for He has called each of us for a reason: to fulfill the plan He has for us. To take it personally, we are responsible for ourselves and for our salvation, because we choose for ourselves whether we will obey God. Nobody else can determine that for us. We will all give an account for our actions. 

2 Corinthians 5:10 says that we will ALL appear before the judgment seat of Christ, “that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” God is interested in each of us individually, in how we have lived our lives, and in whether or not we are counted worthy to be part of His Family. Does God count us worthy enough to be in His Family?

When we go before God in prayer, we must truly repent of our sins. We have to do this again and again because we constantly sin, and therefore, we must always examine ourselves and how we live our lives. If we forget to do that, it becomes easier to slip up while also forgetting to ask God for forgiveness. We must be strong-willed and have a clear, focused mind. We need to continue asking God for strength and for more of His Holy Spirit, just as David did over and over again.  

Sometimes it is difficult to keep out of someone else’s matters; especially, when it comes to our own spiritual salvation. There is nothing wrong with trying to help another person when he or she is slipping, but we must be careful that we do not slip ourselves. In Galatians 6:1-5, we read, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load.”

We need to concentrate on how WE are going to make it since each of us will give an account of ourselves to God (Romans 14:12).

The concept of personal responsibility is taught in the Bible. Ezekiel 18:20 says: “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.” Isaiah 3:10-11 (NIV) also states: “Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds. Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them! They will be paid back for what their hands have done.”

God clearly defined what is right and wrong from the beginning of the Bible with Adam and Eve, and He still expects His people to do what is right today. Everyone who has sinned along the way has been held responsible for his or her actions, just as we are responsible for ours. There were times when people tried to avoid personal responsibility by blaming others. Adam tried to blame Eve, Eve tried to blame Satan, and so on. We cannot fool God, and attempts to pass the blame to others when we ourselves have sinned will not work. We cannot hide our sins either: “But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23).

When God specifically commands what we are to do, He expects us to obey. Those who choose to reject the Truth of God are without excuse, as Romans 1:20 (NIV) points out: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”  

We must do what we need to do and continue to fulfill our responsibility.

By Norbert Link

We begin with further developments regarding Trump’s Iran war, including the short-lived “Project Freedom” and new revelations that Iran has not been “defeated” by a long shot; and we report on the fragile state of the US Navy’s submarines and blasphemy and idolatry in the USA pertaining to a golden statue of Donald Trump.  We also address Marco Rubio’s humiliating meeting with Pope Leo; and Cuba’s warning directed at the USA.

We continue with Tucker Carlson’s note-worthy interview with the German publication, “Die Zeit,” and with the claim that Epstein’s “suicide note” was a fake and a forgery.

We speak on dramatic and quick developments in Germany, including Russia’s verbal attacks on Germany; and the collapse of governments in Romania and Hungary; and Russia’s veiled threats against Albania.

We conclude with the chaos in Britain and a “government in decline.”

Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Could America Survive a New Major War?” 

Iran “Responds” To US Proposal

The Associated Press wrote on May 10:

“Iran has sent its response to the latest U.S. ceasefire proposal to Pakistani mediators and wants negotiations to focus on permanently ending the war, Iran’s state-run media said Sunday. State TV said Iran seeks to end the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and ensure the security of shipping. Washington’s latest proposal had addressed a deal to end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and roll back Iran’s nuclear program, an issue that Tehran would rather discuss later…

“Another sticking point in negotiations is the fate of Iran’s highly enriched uranium. The U.N. nuclear agency says Iran has more than 440 kilograms (970 pounds) of uranium that is enriched up to 60% purity, a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels. In an interview with state media posted late Saturday, a spokesman for Iran’s military said its forces were on ‘full readiness’ to protect nuclear sites where uranium is stored… The majority of Iran’s highly enriched uranium is likely at its Isfahan nuclear complex…”

The Sun wrote on May 11:

“The US President blasted the regime on Truth Social, writing: ‘I have just read the response from Iran’s so-called “Representatives.” I don’t like it — TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE.’… The US President earlier accused Iran of playing games with the US for almost 50 years, threatening: ‘They will be laughing no longer!’”

Al Jazeera added on May 11:

“Donald ⁠Trump says the ceasefire with Iran is ‘on life support,’ after dismissing Tehran’s response to ⁠a US peace proposal as ‘stupid.’ The US president’s swift rejection… has fuelled concerns that ⁠the 10-week-old conflict will drag on, and continue to paralyse shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

“Referring to the latest proposal, Trump said the ceasefire is ‘the weakest right now after reading that piece of garbage they sent us.’… The search for an agreement between the US and Iran has so far proved elusive, with Trump threatening a return to war… Iranian officials have also expressed a lack of trust in the US, which has previously attacked Iran during periods of negotiation.”

Chinese Merchant Ship Attacked

Reuters reported on May 7:

“A Chinese-owned oil products tanker was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday… as President Donald ‌Trump launched a U.S. plan that day to help stranded vessels but suspended ‌it a day later... This was the first time a Chinese oil tanker has been attacked… China remains a key buyer of Iranian oil, which has been targeted by a U.S. blockade in ⁠the Gulf of Oman…

“Due to the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran, hundreds of ships and 20,000 seafarers remain trapped inside the Gulf, with traffic through Hormuz paralysed after renewed attacks on ships this week.”

Why Project Freedom Might Have Been Paused

Breitbart wrote on May 7:

“President Donald Trump’s ‘Project Freedom’ — the plan for American military forces to safely escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz — was ‘paused’ after less than 48 hours because Saudi Arabia denied the use of its airbases to protect ships from attacks by Iran… the Saudi government was ‘surprised’ and ‘angered’ when Trump announced Project Freedom with a Truth Social post on Sunday afternoon… [This was denied by the White House, claiming that ‘regional allies were notified in advance’]…

“Another theory about the abrupt suspension of Project Freedom is that Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states were made nervous by the Trump administration’s low-key response to the latest wave of Iranian attacks against the United Arab Emirates…”

The Most Embarrassing U-Turn Yet

The Independent wrote on May 7:

“Not for nothing is Donald Trump known as the ‘TACO’ (Trump Always Chickens Out) President. He announces major decisions and issues dire threats… and then scraps them. But even by his own shameless standards, Trump’s abandonment of his so-called Project Freedom to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is the granddaddy of all TACO somersaults…

“The official White House version is that Project Freedom is being ‘paused’ for ‘a short period of time’ to see if a peace deal with Iran can be reached. ‘Great progress’ has been made towards that end, claimed Trump, without a shred of evidence… A more likely explanation is that he was told that Project Freedom never had a hope of working and was almost guaranteed to make the war much worse, not end it. Experts were near unanimous in warning that it was likely to end the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran and renew the ‘hot war’ between them…

“Sir John Sawers, former head of Britain’s MI6 intelligence agency, said Trump’s latest switch on Iran showed we are ‘living in an Alice in Wonderland world’ whereby the ‘ceasefire is intact as long as the president says it is intact’… Every intelligence agency in the world could have told Trump before he launched the war that it would result in Iran retaliating by blocking the Strait of Hormuz.”

“Trump’s Iran War Boasts SHREDDED”

The Daily Mail wrote on May 7:

“A leaked CIA briefing to the White House concludes that Iran retains significant ballistic missile capabilities, undercutting Donald Trump’s claims that the regime’s stockpile has been wiped out. The regime retains roughly 70 percent of its prewar missile stockpile and 75 percent of its mobile launcher inventory, according to a confidential CIA analysis provided to Trump officials.

“A US official told The Washington Post that Iran has recovered and reopened the vast majority of the underground storage facilities damaged in the opening stages of the war. Sources added that Iran has not only repaired damaged missiles but has also managed to produce new ones…. Intelligence officials found that Iran can withstand the economic toll of Trump’s naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz for at least three to four months.”

DNYUZ added on May 7:

“Citrinowicz, a senior researcher at the Tel Aviv-based Institute for National Security Studies [and] former head of the Iran branch in Israeli military intelligence, said that even if the blockade lasted several months, it would not force the regime to bend to Washington’s demands…

“‘What started as a war supposedly aimed at toppling the regime and dismantling its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities,’ Citrinowicz posted Wednesday on X, ‘may instead leave Iran’s regime stronger than before — empowered by sanctions relief, still retaining significant missile capabilities, continuing support for its proxies, and almost certainly preserving uranium enrichment on its own soil.’”

Why the Iran War Will Not End Any Time Soon

The Ron Paul Institute published on May 8 the following opinion piece by Larry Johnson:

“…someone in the Trump administration who has been briefed on Trump’s upcoming statements about the war in Iran made a financial killing yesterday. This is part of a continuing pattern of deliberate deception by Trump, i.e., pretending there is great progress with talks with Iran, which in turn produces a boost in the US stock market and a decline in the futures price of oil. Here is the reality: There will be no negotiated end to the war with Iran in the next six months because the US narrative and the Iranian narrative cannot be reconciled.

“Let’s start with the US position or narrative… Iran is an irredeemable Islamic terrorist state that is teetering on the edge of collapse. Iran’s political and military leaders are deeply divided. Iran’s economy has no way to recover as long as the war goes on. Iran’s military capabilities have been decimated. Iran must cease enriching uranium and must allow complete, unhindered inspections of its nuclear facilities…

“Iranian leaders are equally firm… Iran will only agree to a negotiated settlement to end the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz [SOH] if Israel agrees to a complete ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza. The Strait of Hormuz will remain under Iran’s control and that they would never relinquish control of the SOH. On May 5, 2026, Iran launched a new body called the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), requiring all ships wishing to cross the Strait of Hormuz to register, fill out forms, and pay a toll before receiving a transit permit. Iran will never give up its supply of enriched uranium and, as a sovereign nation and signatory to the NPT [Non-Proliferation Treaty], will exercise its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes. Iran will continue to support the Palestinian people and their quest for freedom and self-rule and will continue to provide assistance to Hezbollah. Finally, Iran will not compromise on its right to build ballistic missiles.

“This… is called an impasse. The US position rests on a number of false assumptions… there is no rift between the political leaders of Iran and the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps]… the President, the Foreign Minister, the Head of the Iranian legislature and the Ayatollah all fought and served with the IRGC during the war with Iraq… Iran’s economy is beginning to revive thanks to support from Russia, China and Pakistan and from the high price of oil… the Iranian navy, air force and ballistic missile, cruise missile and drones are intact and able to continue exchanging blows with the US and Israel.

“Donald Trump faces several dilemmas… The US economy is beginning to falter with growing public anger over the surging price of gasoline. There are no viable military options to effect a regime change in Iran or to compel Iran to agree to US demands. The US supplies of critical weapons systems will be further depleted if the US renews its aerial and missile attacks on Iran…

“The real threat to the US is not military, it is economic. The continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran confronts the world with an unprecedented economic threat. US attempts to block this will only worsen what will become a global economic catastrophe… Iran holds the ultimate trump card… Trump holds none.”

Trump’s Illusion

t-online wrote on May 10:

“One thing is… already clear to most people… Donald Trump has maneuvered himself into a conflict regarding Iran from which, in reality, there can no longer be any politically orderly withdrawal… Trump’s dilemma is now becoming apparent almost daily. For instance, in all those excessive threats to—as a next step—‘wipe Iran off the map’ or ‘obliterate’ an entire ‘civilization.’ What followed almost invariably was: nothing.

“However, the President’s predicament is also evident in his most recent, grotesque post on his platform, ‘Truth Social.’ Following a heavy engagement between Iranian and American forces in the Strait of Hormuz, he wrote: Iranian drones shot down by the U.S. military ‘sank so gracefully into the sea, just like a butterfly falling to its grave.’ Anyone who romanticizes an obviously fragile ceasefire and active combat in such flowery terms has a problem. While… rockets and drones continue to fly, American destroyers come under fire, and Iranian fast attack craft are sunk, Trump feels compelled to trivialize this war. That is why he went so far as to characterize the recent U.S. retaliatory strikes against Iran as a ‘love tap’—a ‘loving little pat’…

“Yet his war—and its devastating consequences—cannot be permanently denied. His approval ratings are hitting new lows. More and more Republicans are attempting to distance themselves from his Iran policy… Trump has maneuvered the United States, Europe, Asia, and the rest of the world into a situation in which almost everyone is affected… All for a war whose strategic objective remains unclear.

“This strategy will collapse the moment an American ship is severely damaged, should there be further U.S. casualties, or if another massive oil-price shock further worsens the daily lives of Americans. That is when Trump’s painstakingly constructed illusion—of a war that is supposedly no longer a war—will come to an end.”

The U.S. Navy’s Submarine Crisis

National Security Journal wrote on May 7:

“The U.S. Navy is currently experiencing a submarine crisis. It needs more submarines than it has at its disposal. America’s naval shipyards are backlogged, understaffed, and lack the capacity to maintain or repair existing submarines, let alone complete new builds in a reliable and affordable manner…

“…diesel-electric submarine technology has advanced considerably since the Navy last employed it. Many European and Asian allied nations employ diesel-electric AIP technology. In fact, AIP-driven diesel-electric submarines have consistently demonstrated an impressive ability to sneak up on US nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, get within firing range during multinational wargames, and simulate sinking them successfully….

“Israel employs German-made, AIP-driven Dolphin-class submarines as part of its nuclear strike capability, too. Of course, the Israelis have never officially acknowledged their possession of a nuclear weapons arsenal. It is, in fact, the worst-kept secret in the Middle East. Many believe that the Israelis have armed their Dolphin-class diesel-electric submarines with nuclear-tipped cruise missiles that serve as a sea-based nuclear strike capability…

“We live in an age where quantity trumps quality, after all. Time is not on the Navy’s side. They must act to plug the sizable gaps America’s broken naval shipyards have created in its nuclear submarine force. Diesel-electric subs cannot do that…”

Blasphemy and Idolatry

Letters from Leo wrote on May 9:

“A 22-foot effigy of Donald Trump, wrapped in gold leaf, now stands at his Doral golf course in Miami. The president boasted about it Thursday morning on Truth Social with the all-caps line: ‘The Real Deal — GOLD.’ Before the unveiling, the figure was blessed. Pastor Mark Burns — Trump’s longtime spiritual adviser and a candidate for Congress in South Carolina’s 3rd District — assembled a circle of evangelical and Jewish clergy at the foot of the gilded statue and consecrated it. What happened at Doral is not unusual; in fact, it is ancient — the modern American repetition of the oldest act of unfaithfulness recorded in scripture.

“… a ceremony like the one Pastor Burns staged is a sin against the living God… The sacred was dragged into filth. A Christian pastor bent religion into the service of a man who calls his own gilded image ‘the real deal,’ and the clergy who should have refused stood beside him while he did it.”

Trump: I Don’t Think About Anybody!

The Huffington Post reported on May 12:

“President Donald Trump  on Tuesday gave his two cents to a reporter who asked to what extent ‘Americans’ financial situations are motivating’ him to strike a deal to end his unpopular Iran war.  His answer? ‘Not even a little bit.’ ‘The only thing that matters when I’m talking about Iran, they can’t have a nuclear weapon,’ he told reporters on the White House lawn. ‘I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation. I don’t think about anybody.’…

“Consumer prices have jumped and gas prices have surged by 50% since the start of the conflict in late February, figures that have buried a president who once promised to eradicate inflation (among other economic promises) on day one of his second term.

“His comments arrived on the same day the latest CNN/SSRS poll found 77% of Americans blamed Trump’s policies for increasing the cost of living in their communities. That includes 55% of GOP respondents who pointed the finger at the president for a rise in living expenses. The poll also found that 70% of Americans disapproved of Trump’s handling of the economy, while 79% of respondents disapproved of his handling of gas prices. More than half of Republican disapproved of his handling of prices at the pump (52%), as well.”

Trump went on to insult two female reporters, calling one a “dumb person” after she asked about the controversial White House ballroom project, and another a “stupid person” after she asked about inflation. His habit to insult female reporters is well-known.  He called them “piggy,” “ugly”, a “disgrace,” “horrible,” “stupid and nasty.” Of course, Trump attacks everyone—male or female—who disagrees with him. Incredibly or perhaps predictably, the Pentagon has been defending Trump’s inappropriate outbursts.

Vatican Humiliates Rubio

The Daily Beast wrote on May 7:

“The Vatican did Secretary of State Marco Rubio no favors with its response to his meeting with Pope Leo XIV on Thursday amid deep tensions between the Catholic leader and his boss, President Donald Trump… After the summit on Thursday morning, it was also revealed that the pope was not subtle in his choice of gift for Rubio. The secretary of state gifted Pope Leo, who is from Chicago, a crystal football bearing the State Department seal, while the pontiff gave Rubio a pen made from olive wood. He noted that an olive branch is the symbol of peace…

“The Vatican put out a statement describing the talks as ‘cordial; and insisted the ‘shared commitment to fostering good bilateral relations between the Holy See and the United States of America was reaffirmed.; But the niceties stopped there. ‘There followed an exchange of views regarding the regional and international situation, with particular attention to countries marked by war, political tensions, and difficult humanitarian situations, as well as to the need to work tirelessly in support of peace,’ the Vatican added.”

CubaWarns USA

ABC News wrote on May 8:

“In a sit-down interview with ABC News’ Whit Johnson in Havana on Thursday, [Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno] Rodriguez said he takes Trump’s threats ‘very seriously,’ …. ‘It seems that the U.S. government has chosen a dangerous path, a path that could lead to unimaginable consequences, to humanitarian catastrophe, to a genocide, to the loss of Cuban and young American lives, it could also lead to a bloodbath in Cuba,’ Rodriguez told ABC News in Spanish…  

“Rodriguez maintained Cuba’s independence and said that if attacked militarily, ‘Cuba will exercise its right for its legitimate defense to the very last consequences with massive, mass support of the people.’… Rodriguez told ABC News on Thursday that there has been no progress in the talks with the U.S…”

Tucker Carlson’s Interview Regarding Trump

Die Welt reported on May 7:

“[Tucker] Carlson now levels a grave accusation in an interview with Die Zeit: Trump, he claims, ‘led the U.S. into this war with Iran’—specifically ‘at the behest of the Israeli government.’ In his view, this constituted a betrayal of the United States… ‘The pressure from the Israelis—and from Israeli advocacy groups within the U.S.—as well as from his donors, was simply too great,’ Carlson continued. Trump, he argued, allowed himself to be persuaded, believing that ‘regime change’ in Iran could be ‘brought about just as easily’ as it had been in Venezuela in early January.

“Carlson also recounts how he personally attempted to dissuade Trump from the war with Iran. He says he ‘flew straight to Washington’ and met with the U.S. President in the Oval Office. ‘I spent the entire day with him and have spoken with him many times since then.’ He told Trump… that he was ‘walking into a trap,’ that the U.S. would derive ‘no benefit’ from it, and that Iran posed ‘no threat to the United States.’ Furthermore, he reminded Trump of his promise ‘not to start any new wars’…”

“Trump did not contradict him on this point, Carlson said. ‘He knew it was true’… Carlson describes Trump as a politician who ‘isn’t interested in details’ and ‘doesn’t understand them, either’…

“It is noteworthy whom Carlson explicitly praises in this context: Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz. When Die Zeit asked him about Merz’s criticism… Carlson replied: ‘Absolutely! Merz is absolutely right. There was no plan.’ Trump was furious with anyone who pointed out his mistake to him… Carlson adds: ‘There is a deep humiliation of the United States embedded in all of this…’

“Carlson views the political consequences as far-reaching. The coalition that delivered Trump his victory in 2024—comprising ethnic minorities and the politically disengaged—is ‘history.’ ‘Oh, he completely destroyed it,’ says Carlson, when asked what the war is doing to the MAGA (‘Make America Great Again’) movement. ‘There is such anger among Trump’s voters; I feel it, too.’ For the midterm elections in November, Carlson sees a bleak outlook for the Republicans. ‘I don’t know what they could campaign on to score points. Nothing hurts as much as being betrayed…'”

It has also been reported that in 2025, Charlie Kirk advised Trump repeatedly against attacking Iran.

Epstein’s Suicide Note a Fake?

The Daily Beast wrote on May 9:

“Mark Epstein said he believes the handwritten [“suicide”] note, which was unsealed this week by a federal judge, is a fake designed to prop up the official ruling that his brother died by suicide in his jail cell while awaiting trial in 2019….

“The note remained buried in court records for years before a federal judge unsealed it this week as part of criminal proceedings tied to Nicholas Tartaglione, Epstein’s former cellmate. Tartaglione, a former police officer convicted of murdering four men and burying them on his upstate New York property, claims Jeffrey Epstein left the note inside a book after a suicide attempt in July 2019, weeks before the notorious pedophile was found dead inside New York’s Metropolitan Correctional Center. According to court filings, the note changed hands multiple times between 2019 and 2020 as people attempted to verify its authenticity.

“‘They investigated me for [a] month—FOUND NOTHING!!!’ the alleged note reads. ‘So 15 year old charges resulted. The FBI arrested me for a stack of cash and old headlines. It is a treat to be able to choose one’s time to say goodbye,’ Epstein reportedly wrote. The final line closely resembles phrases Epstein used in previously released emails to friends and family, apparently referencing the 1930s comedy series Little Rascals.

“But his brother argued that detail only deepened his suspicions, claiming anyone attempting to fake the note could have copied language already floating around publicly… Epstein has consistently rejected the official findings and maintains his brother was murdered… He also claimed Jeffrey initially accused Tartaglione of attacking him in jail before later backing away from the allegation because he feared retaliation…”

Newsom Under Attack

The New York Post wrote on May 9:

“California Gov. Gavin Newsom is facing accusations of corruption for paying $20 million in taxpayer money to a nonprofit led by an executive who also sits on the board of his wife’s organization that promotes gender equity… The program aims to provide free diapers to newborns through hospitals statewide, but the deal has triggered a wave of scrutiny over how the nonprofit was chosen, and its proximity to Newsom’s political and personal network…

“Despite the criticism, Newsom has promoted ‘Golden State Start’ as a flagship child welfare initiative, calling it ‘a first-in-the-nation program to provide free diapers to all new babies born in California.’”

Trump in China

Newsmax wrote on May 13:

“The Chinese embassy is warning that there are ‘four red lines’ President Donald Trump must not challenge during his meetings this week with Chinese President Xi Jinping… stating that the United States, during Trump’s meetings, must not challenge the ‘Taiwan question,’ China’s record of democracy and human rights, the nation’s path and political system, and ‘China’s developmental right.’…

“The leaders are expected to discuss the Iran war, trade relations, and U.S. arms sales to Taiwan during the talks… The administration is facing bipartisan pressurefrom lawmakers to continue supporting Taiwan militarily despite objections from Beijing…”

Israel’s Government to Collapse

NPR wrote on May 12:

“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition may collapse next week, after one of his key ultra-Orthodox coalition partners called for the parliament to be dissolved…

“The political crisis comes after Netanyahu told ultra-Orthodox political leaders that he would not advance legislation to exempt ultra-Orthodox Jewish Israelis from military service… A vote to dissolve the parliament has been called for next week. If parliament dissolves, new elections would be scheduled in three months’ time. By law, Israel must hold new elections by Oct. 27…

“Netanyahu would remain acting prime minister until a new government is formed after elections. He is seeking a new term.”

Now Everything Is Happening Very Fast

Bild Online reported on May 7:

“For months, there was bickering and outcry over the new military service scheme; now, suddenly, everything is moving very fast. Although draft notices have only been sent out since January, the first recruits are already standing in uniform on the barracks grounds! To ensure that willing applicants don’t have a change of heart at the last minute, new recruits are being inducted on a monthly basis. According to the Ministry of Defense, over 200,000 letters have landed in the mailboxes of 18-year-old Germans so far. A good 12,500 new ones are added every week.

“…The Bundeswehr aims to send out 650,000 letters in 2026 alone, with the goal of increasing the number of active-duty personnel over the course of the year from the current 12,700 to 20,000. To achieve this, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is relying on… ‘lightning recruitment’ drives!…

“72 percent of the 18-year-old men contacted by the Bundeswehr so far have completed the questionnaire regarding the new military service; 28 percent, however, have not—despite being legally obligated to do so. In plain terms: More than one in four is ignoring their civic duty! Anyone who fails to complete the questionnaire faces a fine of 250 euros… However, the fine will only be collected if a young man has received multiple reminders and still fails to respond.

“According to the law, fines of up to 1,000 euros would have been possible—however, the ministry led by Boris Pistorius (66, SPD) has set the penalty significantly lower. The men have one month to complete the online questionnaire. Women—who are also being contacted—are not legally obliged to provide information…

“There is a great deal at stake here: The questionnaire assesses both suitability and willingness. Notably, around half of those who responded have signaled an interest in performing the voluntary military service, which lasts at least six months.”

Not Going Well for Merz

Politico wrote on May 12:

“As Friedrich Merz’s popularity plunges to new lows — compounding his already-weak coalition’s troubles little more than a year into office — the chancellor is traveling the country to persuade Germans that things remain on the right track. It’s not going well. Instead, Merz looks like he is only compounding his problems, often appearing out of touch and further alienating some of the very voters he can least afford to lose….

“The chancellor’s failure to connect with voters is one reason a vast majority of Germans — 86 percent — are unhappy with the work of the coalition government… Merz is markedly less popular than even his ill-fated predecessor, Olaf Scholz, was at the same point in his chancellorship….”

Russia’s Medvedev Attacks Germany

Die Welt reported on May 7:

“Russia’s former President Dmitry Medvedev has accused Germany of militarism and revanchist desires over its defeat in the Second World War, and has called into question the Federal Republic’s very right to exist. He argued that no referendum on reunification ever took place, rendering the process legally dubious…

“Furthermore, Medvedev wrote that Berlin had violated the ‘Two Plus Four Treaty’ by opening a maritime tactical headquarters in Rostock. Consequently, he claimed, the treaty governing German unity is invalid…

“Once again, in a text peppered with Nazi comparisons, Medvedev also took direct aim at Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz. He accused the government of driving the German economy into the abyss. Merz apparently fails to recognize that rearmament will not generate economic growth, he wrote—this against the backdrop of a rearmament drive in Russia itself that is unprecedented, with 40 percent of budget revenues currently flowing into the defense and security apparatus.

“Moreover, he accused Berlin of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons. In this context, he issued threats of war. He made it clear that even the mere prospect of Germany acquiring nuclear weapons would constitute grounds for war in the Kremlin’s eyes. Furthermore, he wrote that even a conventional war—one fought without nuclear weapons—would end in Germany’s total destruction.

“Medvedev, who served in the Kremlin from 2008 to 2012, was widely regarded during his tenure as a beacon of hope for the liberalization of Russia. However, since the outbreak of the war against Ukraine—ordered by President Vladimir Putin in 2022—he has sought to cast himself as a hardliner. He has repeatedly drawn attention to himself through threats, such as those involving nuclear strikes against Western capitals like Berlin, London, or Paris.”

Romania’s Government Collapses

Politico wrote on May 5:

“Romania’s [pro-European] centrist government collapsed on Tuesday, throwing one of Europe’s most strategically important countries into turmoil at a critical time. Center-right Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, who heads the National Liberal Party, lost a confidence vote in the country’s parliament after only 10 months in office, bringing his short-lived and unpopular attempt to rein in the country’s budget deficit to an abrupt end…

“Bolojan’s defeat was in part masterminded by far right leader George Simion… But Simion’s bid to oust the prime minister only succeeded because his far right Alliance for the Union of Romanians joined forces with the center-left Social Democratic Party (PSD), which quit Bolojan’s coalition government last month…

“Romania is also suffering from soaring inflation and has the EU’s highest budget deficit. If the country does not complete key reforms by August, it risks losing out on around €11 billion in EU funding…”

New Government in Hungary

Deutsche Welle wrote on May 9:

“Conservative ‌Peter Magyar ⁠was ⁠sworn in as Hungary’s new prime minister on ‌Saturday… He has… vowed to repair ties with the EU. Relations between the NATO member and the bloc were strained under Orban, who moved closer to Moscow and opposed EU efforts to support Ukraine against Russia’s invasion…

“One of his first tasks as prime minister will be trying to unblock billions of euros in suspended EU funding to help kickstart the economy. The money was frozen during Orban’s time in office due concerns about rule of law and corruption in Hungary. Also on Saturday, the EU flag was raised on the parliament building in Budapest for the first time since Orban removed it in 2014.”

Putin Threatens Armenia

RBC wrote on May 10:

“Russian leader Vladimir Putin criticized Armenia, warning Yerevan [capital of Armenia] against pursuing European integration without coordination with the Kremlin, according to Russian media. The Kremlin chief claimed that such a policy could lead to a scenario similar to the events in Ukraine in 2014, referring to Russia’s armed invasion….

“‘We are now living through everything that is happening on the Ukrainian track. And where did it begin? With Ukraine joining or attempting to join the EU,’ Putin said, adding that this later led to ‘the coup d’état, the Crimea story, the position of southeastern Ukraine and military actions.’”

Chaos in Britain

Daily Mail wrote on May 8:

“Keir Starmer was fighting for his political survival last night after Labour was thrashed in the local elections.

“MPs, ministers and unions lined up to call on Sir Keir to set out a timetable for his departure following humiliating defeats across England, Scotland and Wales. Nigel Farage hailed a ‘historic’ result last night as Reform smashed through Labour’s Red Wall strongholds in the North and Midlands…

“Sir Keir said he took ‘responsibility’ for the electoral disaster but insisted he would not ‘walk away’. However, furious Labour figures blamed the PM directly…”

Andrew Neil wrote on May 9 in the Daily Mail:

“Just when Britain needs tough and radical leadership, our new system of multi-party mayhem will deliver nothing but instability and paralysing inertia.”

Bringing Back Disgraced Gordon Brown

The Sun wrote on May 9:

“KEIR Starmer has brought Gordon Brown back for a top job as calls grow for the under-fire Prime Minister to quit. Brown, 75, has been appointed as his Special Envoy on Global Finance – more than 16 years since he was ousted from No10 in a landslide General Election defeat in 2010… [He also appointed Harriet Harman, the former Labour deputy leader, as his ‘Adviser on Women and Girls’.]

“The Prime Minister has plunged to historically unpopular levels after 21 months of U-turns, sleaze scandals and policy disasters…. Meanwhile Labour MPs and ministers blasted the appointments as ‘pure gimmick’ and ‘nonsense’ that suggests Sir Keir doesn’t ‘grasp the scale of the challenge’…. The new job announcements came as the chorus of public fury from the Prime Minister’s own MPs is continuing to crescendo today…”

Gordon Brown faced significant political difficulties during his time as UK Prime Minister (2007–2010), including allegations of bullying staff, the infamous “bigot woman” scandal in 2010, [when he slandered a female voter as “a bigot woman,” who had asked him about immigration, causing a major public relations disaster], and criticism over the sale of gold reserves, selling nearly 60% of the UK’s gold reserves between 1999 and 2002 at historically low prices, a move commonly referred to as “Brown’s Bottom”.

A Government in Decline

The Sun wrote on May 9:

“… in this moment of crisis, [PM Keir Starmer] has turned to the man who sold Britain’s gold, crashed the economy and was dumped out of office. Making Gordon Brown ‘global finance envoy’ is another spectacular misjudgment from the most unpopular Prime Minister in living memory.

“Who better to revive a dying government than a former Labour leader overwhelmingly rejected by the British people?… This is a government in decline, clinging to the ghosts of Labour past because it has nothing left to offer the country now…”

Nigel Farage’s Powerful Influence

Politico wrote on May 9:

“The leader of Reform UK would require a political earthquake to achieve a nationalsuccess. Luckily for him, volatile voters keep delivering seismic results. 

“Judged on his own record, Nigel Farage is one of the most prolific political failures in modern British history.  In three of the five elections he has fought over the past 20 years under various party banners, none of his side’s candidates won a single seat — and he finally entered Westminster in 2024 only after failing in seven previous attempts.

“But local elections across England, as well as parliamentary votes in Wales and Scotland, this week confirmed that Farage’s Reform UK party is now an undeniably powerful electoral force. The question is whether he can convert these successes into winning a general election and achieving a national majority in Westminster. POLITICO analysis suggests he has an enormous task ahead in his quest to become prime minister — but not an impossible one.”

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.

Some may wonder why we hold a conference for the ministry. What is the purpose of meeting together?

Before we answer this question, some background history might be helpful.

In July of this year, it will mark the 25th year of existence for the Church of the Eternal God (CEG). While this is a good and impressive milestone, what is most important is that we continue doing the Work of God with fervency and zeal. Many people at the time when CEG was started stated that this organization would not last more than a few months. Yet, by the grace of God, we continue to operate and God continues to help open doors for us to preach the Gospel to the world (Matthew 28:19-20; 16:17-18).

One of the core tenets of CEG found in our Statement of Beliefs is the following:

“The Church’s Commission:

“We believe that it is the Church’s commission to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God to all nations as a witness, to warn all nations, and especially the lost tribes of the house of Israel (mainly in the United States, Great Britain, certain Commonwealth nations and nations in Northwestern Europe) of impending danger, and to feed the flock of Christ – the Church – spiritually and physically.”

As we continue carrying out this commission, it is important that we maintain our focus and approach in doing the Work. In order to do so, we meet monthly in technical meetings over the Internet to discuss various ongoing projects and continually work to keep doing what we are doing, making improvements when needed, but also staying true to our core values that God has entrusted to us.

We have often stated that we are to be growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, which includes remaining steadfast in the Truth that we believe. Quoting again from our Statement of Beliefs:

“The major doctrines of the Church are those, which were taught by Herbert W. Armstrong, derived from the Biblical teachings as followed by God’s faithful servants, and originally established by Jesus Christ through the founding of His Church in the time of His chosen early apostles. Since we are to increase in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, we are committed to review and alter any of our teachings, if and when proven to be wrong by the Bible.”

We continue to follow this principle, and it has served the Church well through the years. People have come and gone, but we continue to hold fast to the Truth and we persevere in preaching it. The Work that we are doing has been given to us by God, and by His grace and strength, we will continue. 

On May 10, 2003, a Q&A was written asking the question: “Does the Church of the Eternal God and its corporate affiliates believe in and practice hierarchical government?”

The Q&A emphasizes that God is not working through independent, self-directed individuals, but through an organized structure under Christ. If God governs His Church through structure, then periodic gathering, instruction, and alignment within that structure are necessary and beneficial. The purpose of the unity is so that we can effectively preach the Gospel and help prepare the way for Jesus Christ’s Second Coming.

Quoting from that Q&A further should help us to understand how the Church operates administratively:

“We in the ministry of the Church of the Eternal God, the Global Church of God in the United Kingdom, and the Church of God, a Christian Fellowship in Canada, discuss things among ourselves, ‘submitting to one another in the fear of God’ (compare Ephesians 5:21). We are convinced, and experience has shown, that if a person is not willing to submit to others ‘in the fear of God,’ such a person will sooner or later cease to be a part of the organization. When we do not reach an agreement on a given point, we place the matter on hold, meditate and pray about it, and come together again for further discussion. When we decide an issue, we do it under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, expecting full consensus, as was the case in Acts 15.”

Unity is a clear theme that runs through the Bible. In order to fulfill our part in God’s Work, we are anxious to maintain unity.

Paul clearly wrote about this in Ephesians 4:1-5: “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism…”

The unity that is shared between God the Father and Christ should be the same unity with which we operate. But Paul doesn’t stop here. There is a reason why unity is so important in his view.

Continuing in Ephesians 4:11–16:

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”

In participating in this conference, the ministry is working to do just this. We are working on behalf of the readers and those who are called. We do the Work because we have been called to do so to preach the Gospel as a witness and to help the growth of the entire body, by doing our part!

While the ministry continues to carry out its responsibilities, the membership also has a responsibility to grow spiritually. Together, the Church should be growing and maturing as one unified Body.

Ephesians 2:19-22 states:

“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”

We must allow God’s Spirit to be increasing within each of us. The more this happens, the more God can move His plan forward. We are not static; rather, we are created to grow and develop toward the fullness of God’s character and Way of Life.

While unity and spiritual growth are vitally important, another question must also be asked: Why do all this Work?

As mentioned above, preaching the Gospel and all that it entails is the commission given by Christ, and it is the one that we are keen on fulfilling. Christ told us exactly what would happen before His return: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14).

The world is still standing, Christ has not returned; therefore, our commission is still in full force and effect. Christ plainly tells us that this is what we must be doing to the extent that we can. We read in Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” He added in Matthew 28:20, ”…teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Our job is to watch, warn and exhort! Our StandingWatch YouTube channel does exactly this in commission of Habakkuk 2:1-3. We must not be discouraged by small numbers. (Remember, Elijah thought he was all alone, but God had preserved 7000 in Israel, compare 1 Kings 19:18).

God will bring people into His Work to help as we prepare ourselves. We are seeing growth though, even if it’s not in ways that we always expect. Our video on the Fall and Rise of the Jewish People has now surpassed  2.4 million views. This demonstrates that God continues to open doors for the Work. Each week, we also send out large quantities of booklets to individuals requesting them.

When ancient Israel sinned and went into captivity, people remembered God and turned back to Him. We should recognize that the greatest portion of the Work may still lie ahead of us. We should pray diligently that God will provide additional laborers to help accomplish His Work.

Matthew 9:35-38 tells us: 

“Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’”

Christ cared about the people. This should also be a concern for us in such a way that we are dedicated to preaching the Gospel which contains good news to this world. In order to do this, there has to be unity so that we can continue to fulfill the commission of the Church.

One of the key takeaways from our conference is that we gather together to gain strength, encouragement, and greater understanding in how to better accomplish the Work of God. When the early Church met in Acts 15, they came together to seek greater understanding of the Truth. At that time, they discussed the issue of circumcision—a matter considered extremely important by some. Yet the conclusion they reached brought about a significant change for the Church. This aligned with what Peter had previously experienced through the vision he received before baptizing Cornelius and his household. The decision reached in Acts 15 helped open the door of salvation more fully to the Gentiles. It was a major development in the growth of the Church and the expansion of the Work.

As we conclude this year’s ministerial conference, we can move forward and be encouraged in continuing the Work of God. All of us are part of this effort together. Every prayer, comment, contribution, and act of support is deeply appreciated. This is not a one-person work. As Scripture says:

“For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:12).

We can all continue praying and asking God for wisdom, strength, and open doors to preach the Gospel, while ensuring that we remain aligned with His Will in all things.

In closing, Psalm 90:13–17 provides a beautiful capstone to this Q&A:

“Return, O LORD! How long?
And have compassion on Your servants.
Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy,
That we may rejoice and be glad all our days!
Make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us,
The years in which we have seen evil.
Let Your work appear to Your servants,
And Your glory to their children.
And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands.”

Lead Writer: Kalon Mitchell

“Could America Survive a New Major War?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

Why is Donald Trump so reluctant to continue with epic fury his warfare with Iran? The answer is shocking and simple at the same time, and it explains why America is NOT going to survive a prophesied new major war in the near future. 

“Könnte Amerika einen neuen größeren Krieg überleben?“ is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.

We posted last week’s German sermonette from Marc Völler, titled, ”Haben wir den Frieden Jesu Christi?” (“Do We Have the Peace of Jesus Christ?”) 

Last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Kalon Mitchell, “Give Your Amen Meaning,” is now posted. 

Here is the summary:

The word Amen is used to end a prayer. But is that the only context in which the word has been used throughout the Bible? How should we think about this word when we use it, and does it hold any implications for us today? 

“With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Christoph Sperzel, is now posted. 

Here is the summary:

If God gives knowledge and truth to every Christian He calls, He also entrusts them with responsibility. Whoever has received more light and understanding will be judged more strictly by God, for our life is a test and a time of character formation. Therefore, this spiritual principle applies: With great power comes great responsibility.

The ministerial conference will be held this year in California from May 14 to May 15.