On May 9, 2026, Kalon Mitchell will present the sermonette, titled, “Give Your Amen Meaning” and Christoph Sperzel will present the sermon, titled, “With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility.”

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.

Following the news can be somewhat depressing when you read about what is happening in this world and our nations. The war is still going on in Ukraine, with bombs destroying residential buildings which have nothing to do with the war, and innocent men, women and children are killed who are also not involved in the war, but are victims of the senseless killing associated with war. The Iranian regime has killed over 20,000 of its people for protesting and wanting a better life. The Iran war is still dragging on, with no clear goal and no end in sight, and many innocent people have been killed in the process as well. The same can be said about Israel’s continuing war with Lebanon.

The brutality of how North Korea executes people with the use of hammers and other cruel methods, for as little as falling asleep during the leader’s speech, is appalling. A Senator questioned a pro-life activist and asked the woman which method of abortion she preferred, describing four barbaric and evil methods used by abortion clinics too gruesome to describe in this Editorial. It makes one sick to read about their methods of murdering the unborn. Every day you hear about shootings in some major cities where an innocent child was killed in the crossfire of gangs, and seniors are being pushed onto subway railway tracks. An innocent woman was stabbed to death on a subway train, minding her own business and just trying to get to her destination. There are no-go zones in some cities because of the danger of injury or death.

What is this world coming to?

Thankfully, one of the first things Christ will do at His return is to put an end to war by totally crushing the armies gathering around Jerusalem. The only language which this war-adoring world understands is overwhelming godly power. You can read the encouraging outcome in Isaiah 2:4: “He shall judge between the nations, And rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore.”

Children will not be taught from their youth to hate people of other ethnic or national backgrounds they may feel superior to, including the Jews, the Muslims, the Americans, the Russians, the Germans, the Mexicans, the Japanese or the Chinese, just to name a few. They will turn their swords, battleships, tanks, war planes, and missiles into implements of peace. Nuclear bombs will be destroyed or perhaps neutralized, if possible, to put the metal to good use. Arms will be burnt.

In the book of Ezekiel, Far Eastern nations are described to invade the Promised Land shortly after Christ’s return. But Christ will make a swift end to that futile attempt. Ezekiel 39:9 states: “Then those who dwell in the cities of Israel will go out and set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and bucklers, the bows and arrows, the javelins and spears; and they will make fires with them for seven years.”

The bombed cities will be rebuilt. Isaiah 61:4 says: “And they shall rebuild the old ruins, They shall raise up the former desolations, And they shall repair the ruined cities, The desolations of many generations.”

Instead of devising ways to kill people, mankind will use their energies and talents to rebuild the ruins and supply everything needed in houses to be functional for the use of families.

Will the streets be safe? Zechariah 8:3-5 tells us: “Thus says the LORD: ‘I will return to Zion, And dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Jerusalem shall be called the City of Truth, The Mountain of the LORD of hosts, The Holy Mountain.’ “Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Old men and old women shall again sit In the streets of Jerusalem, Each one with his staff in his hand Because of great age. The streets of the city Shall be full of boys and girls Playing in its streets.’”

Quite a contrast from what we see today.

You can understand why it mentions the creation “crying out” for better things to come, as described, figuratively, in Romans 8:19-23:

“For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption [better: sonship], the redemption of our body.”

The creation “groans” for better things, and so do we. We look forward to the return of Christ to put an end to this madness in this evil world ruled by Satan.

Let’s not forget our crucial part in this future process by fervently praying to the Most High God, “Your kingdom come!”—which cannot come soon enough for us and the whole world.

By Norbert Link

In this issue, we address Trump’s transgression of a mandatory law by falsely claiming that the Iran War has ended; speak of Trump’s announcement to withdraw many American troops from Germany and perhaps Spain and Italy, while placing 25% tariffs on European cars and trucks.

We publish articles describing Trump as a “chaos president” as well as a proud master builder (please note in this regard our recent StandingWatch program, titled “God’s Warnings and Task for President Trump”); and we report about the collapse of Spirit Airlines as a devastating blow to Trump.

We also address the end-time atmosphere in Germany and the sudden resurface of former German Federal Minister of Defense Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg.

Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Trump Calls on All Americans to Celebrate the National Sabbath.”

Iran War “Terminated?”

Politico wrote on May 1:

“President Donald Trump notified lawmakers Friday that the Iran war has ‘terminated’ — an effort to quelch the fight over the need for Congress to approve the conflict. The White House laid out its rationale in a letter… as the Middle East conflict reached a 60-day legal deadline under which operations must halt unless lawmakers authorize military force. A ceasefire with Tehran, Trump argued, effectively stops the clock. [It does not.] The missive seeks to head off a growing battle on Capitol Hill, where Trump faces the prospect of losing Republican support as the war stretches into its second month with no clear exit strategy…

“The 1973 War Powers Resolution requires U.S. forces to withdraw from a conflict 60 days after the president notifies Congress, unless lawmakers vote to authorize continued military action. The White House can seek to extend military operations for another 30 days for the purposes of winding down the conflict… Trump’s GOP support for the war could be starting to wane, particularly with a public who largely wants it to end.

“Trump on Thursday derided lawmakers who were pushing for authorization. ‘I don’t think it’s constitutional what they’re asking for,’ he said. ‘These are not patriotic people.’

“Advocates of reining in Trump through the 1973 law contend he is misreading the statute. And they note that despite the ceasefire, the U.S. military is still engaged in a blockade meant to force Tehran’s hand as Trump seeks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, not to mention roughly 50,000 American troops still stationed in the Middle East… Pentagon officials have said American military forces remain on standby to resume attacks on Iran if peace talks break down.”

Of course, Trump is under an obligation to follow that law. His objections are ludicrous, as the Iran war has clearly NOT ENDED. But Congress is too weak and ineffective to force Trump to obey the law.

Note the next article.

Congress “Deferring” to Trump

ABC News wrote on April 30:

“GOP lawmakers… continue to defer to the White House…. Congress made no attempt at enforcing that requirement, leaving town for a week on Thursday… Trump administration has shown no interest in seeking congressional approval at all….

“The reluctance to defy Trump on the war comes at a politically perilous time for Republicans, with public frustration mounting both over the conflict and its impact on gas prices.”

Congress is not doing Trump and the public any favors with its own severely damaged reputation any favors.

Trump’s Project Freedom– Ceasefire Ended?

The Hill wrote on May 4:

“The fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is under threat of falling apart after President Trump declared that the U.S. would ‘guide’ vessels through the Strait of Hormuz in an effort he called ‘Project Freedom’… In response, Iran’s armed forces said they would not allow passage to American combat forces or commercial ships without their authorization. Tehran’s forces opened fire on U.S. warships and commercial vessels on Monday, U.S. Central Command (Centcom) head Adm. Brad Cooper told reporters. He said American forces returned fire and destroyed six small Iranian boats... [Iran denies this.]

“The situation is threatening to reignite a war that has been paused during the temporary ceasefire and send gas prices even higher. It may also fuel frustration in Congress, after Trump told lawmakers last week the war was over as it passed the 60-day mark.”

The Daily Mail wrote on May 4:

“Trump has today confirmed Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, hours after Tehran launched a series of missile and drone attacks on the UAE. Tehran launched four missiles at a US-backed Middle Eastern ally on Monday, blowing up a major oil port following the President’s move to reopen the Strait. Trump later threatened to ‘blow Iran off the face of the earth’ if US warships and commercial vessels continue to be targeted…”

ABC News reported on May 5:

“President Donald Trump suggested that Iran hasn’t yet violated the ceasefire despite firing shots in the Strait of Hormuz, saying ‘I’ll let you know’ when it is breached. ‘They didn’t shoot the ships that were guarded by us,’ Trump said during an Oval Office event on Tuesday…. ‘Since the ceasefire was announced, Iran has fired at commercial vessels nine times and seized two container ships, and they’ve attacked U.S. forces more than 10 times, all below the threshold of restarting major combat operations at this point,’ Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters Tuesday.”

Zeteo wrote on May 5:

“President Donald Trump claimed hostilities against Iran had been ‘terminated,’ that seems, predictably, anything but the case, as the US, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates attack and counterattack over the Strait of Hormuz.”

Trump called the current situation a “mini war,” while he falsely alleged that America’s “economy is booming.” His terminology is carefully chosen as he tries to avoid abiding by the 60-day deadline of the War Powers Resolution of 1973. But he did not even have to be that concerned as most Republicans in control of Congress have shown no sign of holding Trump to that limit.

Project Freedom on Hold

The Guardian wrote on May 5:

“Donald Trump announced he is pausing ‘Project Freedom’… so he can finalise a deal with Iran, but added that his blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place… The announcement came after military leaders and the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, insisted a ceasefire in the Middle East was still holding and that – while the conflict is not resolved – the initial major US military operation against Iran has concluded. ‘The operation is over. Epic Fury – as the president notified Congress – we’re done with that stage of it,’ Rubio said…

“Trump’s pausing of Project Freedom appeared to run counter to comments from Rubio and the US defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, only hours earlier. In a Pentagon news conference, Hegseth said the US had successfully secured a path through the waterway and that hundreds of commercial ships were lining up to pass through. ‘We know the Iranians are embarrassed by this ​fact. They said they control the strait. They do not,’ he said.

“Rubio later said the US was working to get ships through the strait as a ‘favour to the world … because we’re the only ones that can’… So far, only two merchant ships are known to have passed through the US-guarded route, with hundreds more, carrying up to 23,000 crew members, bottled up in the Persian Gulf.”

ABC News added on May 5:

“Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters at the White House that operation Epic Fury is now over, saying the U.S. is now involved in a ‘defensive’ operation as it seeks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. ‘If they pose a threat to our forces, we’ll shoot down drones, we’ll shoot down missiles. But it’s defensive in nature,’ Rubio said.”

This is such nonsense. But IF operation Epic Fury is over, then America has LOST the war on all fronts… a terrible and humiliating, unparalleled defeat.

Pete Hegseth—Incompetent and Out of His Depth

The Independent wrote on April 30:

“Pete Hegseth is struggling: that much has been clear for a while. When it comes to the Iran war and the updates he is tasked to provide, he’s most comfortable in front of a journalistic audience, where he can yell and berate people for ‘being negative’ any time they ask anything that sounds too much like an actual question…

“But today, pressed calmly and continually by a bipartisan group on strategy and military expenditure, it became extremely obvious how out of his depth Hegseth is….  Asked about the length of the war, he pulled out manufactured outrage, talking about how his generation served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and that was a quagmire, and ‘you stain the troops’ by suggesting this war has been going on too long. ‘Who you cheering for?’ he yelled, adding, ‘Your hatred for President Trump blinds you to the truth of the success of this mission!’ In the quiet, unostentatious room, his words sounded flat, eerie, cult-like. They did not project the power he must’ve hoped that they would…

“Here is a man who cannot answer basic questions about what his decisions mean to the average American taxpayer; a man who is quick to call his fellow Americans adversaries and reluctant to talk specifics; a man who performs shockingly badly under pressure and becomes volatile in high-pressure situations. Just who you want in charge of the Pentagon…. it is, of course… deeply and unrelentingly scary.”

Hegseth should never have been placed in the position of Secretary of Defense or of War.

USA to Withdraw 5,000 Troops From Germany

CBS News wrote on May 1:

“The Pentagon is planning to withdraw about 5,000 American forces from Germany… officials characterized the move as a signal of President Trump’s discontent with the level of assistance that European allies have offered in the U.S.-Iran war. Mr. Trump has publicly criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the leaders of other NATO member states for not getting directly involved in the U.S.’s military campaign against Iran.

“The U.S. military has a massive presence in Germany dating back to the aftermath of World War II and the Cold War. More than 36,000 active duty troops were assigned to bases throughout Germany as of last December, along with nearly 1,500 reservists and 11,500 civilians. Japan is the only foreign country with a larger presence of U.S. troops. 

“Germany is also home to the headquarters of U.S. European Command and Africa Command, and its Ramstein Air Base is a key hub for U.S. operations.”

ABC News wrote on May 2:

“Sen. Jack Reed, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, sharply criticized the move, calling it a ‘foolish decision,’ in a statement.

“‘Withdrawing thousands of American troops from one of our most important strategic positions in the middle of a war is a serious mistake that will reverberate well beyond this moment,’ Reed said in the statement. ‘Weakening our military footprint in Europe at a time when Russian forces continue to mercilessly attack Ukraine and harass our NATO allies is a priceless gift to Vladimir Putin and suggests American commitments to our allies are dependent on the president’s mood.’”

More Than “Just” 5,000 Troops?

The Guardian wrote on May 3:

“Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw more US troops from Germany after stunning European leaders and some senior members of his own party by last week announcing the withdrawal of 5,000 soldiers from Germany. The move left 30,000 US troops still in the country… But Trump threatened on Saturday that more cuts were coming. ‘We are going to cut way down, and we’re cutting a lot further than 5,000,’ he told reporters on Saturday….

“The Republicans who chair the armed services committees in Congress, Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi and Representative Mike Rogers of Alabama, released a joint statement on Saturday saying they were ‘very concerned’ by the possibility of reducing troops in Germany… Any reduction in troops should be done in coordination with Congress and allies.’

The reduction is supposed to be completed in six to twelve months, according to Die Welt, dated May 3. Nius added on May 3 that American nuclear weapons are also stationed in Germany.

It is anticipated that many GOP members will submit to Trump in this regard as well, even though 62% of the population rejectsTrump’s policies, according to NTV, dated May 3, while 37% give him a positive evaluation. One has to wonder who those 37% are!!!

Withdrawing Troops From Spain and Italy As Well?

The Guardian wrote on May 1:

“Donald Trump also threatened Italy and Spain for not helping to reopen the strait of Hormuz…. Asked late on Thursday whether he would consider pulling US troops out of Italy and Spain, Trump told reporters: ‘Probably … look, why shouldn’t I? Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been horrible, absolutely horrible.’… About 13,000 US military personnel are stationed across seven naval bases in Italy….

“According to the US Defense Manpower Data Center, at the end of last year the US military had 68,000 active-duty military personnel assigned permanently in its overseas bases in Europe… Late last year, in an apparent rebuke to Trump’s threats to downgrade military ties with Europe, the US House approved a defense bill limiting the president’s authority to reduce troop numbers, barring levels on the continent from falling below 76,000 for more than 45 days and blocking the removal of major equipment….

“On 1 April, Trump said he was ‘absolutely without question’ considering withdrawing from Nato because of the European allies’ refusal to take part in the war on Iran and help secure the strait of Hormuz. A US withdrawal would be catastrophic for Europe’s security but is seen as unlikely because of US legislation passed in 2024 that bars a president from leaving Nato without either a two-thirds Senate majority or an act of Congress.”

But Trump may not abide by any of these provisions.

No Anti-Putin Missiles

Bild Online reported on May 2:

“This decision by US President Donald Trump really hurts! Not only is he withdrawing 5,000 American troops from Germany, but he is also canceling the planned deployment of Tomahawk cruise missiles. Defense experts view this development as dangerous to our defensive capabilities against Russia… These long-range precision weapons were originally scheduled to be stationed in West Germany this year. In the event of a defensive conflict, they would have enabled strikes against targets within Russia as well…

“The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces, Henning Otte (57), reacted with concern: ‘The withdrawal of US combat units sends a poor signal regarding Germany’s defensive capabilities. This loss must be compensated for.’ Trump’s decision ‘tears a gap in Germany’s defense architecture.’”

Trump Announces 25 Percent Tariffs on Cars and Trucks

Die Welt reported on May 2:

“Trump announces plans to raise tariffs on cars and trucks from the European Union to 25 percent…

“Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had agreed on a trade deal in July of last year. That agreement established a tariff rate of 15 percent for most goods. However, the status of the agreement was called into question by a Supreme Court ruling in February, which held that Trump lacks the authority to declare an economic emergency in order to impose tariffs on EU goods…

“Should Trump proceed to raise US tariffs as announced, the EU reserves the right to take countermeasures… Bernd Lange, Chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade, has sharply criticized the announced tariffs on European cars. ‘This latest move demonstrates just how unreliable the US side is,’ the SPD politician declared on Friday. ‘This is not how one treats close partners.’ Trump’s conduct is unacceptable. The European Union must now respond with the utmost clarity and determination, from a position of strength, Lange demanded…

“For economist Marcel Fratzscher, the renewed escalation in the trade conflict with the U.S.—triggered by President Donald Trump’s tariff threats—comes as no surprise. ‘For President Trump exploits Germany’s and Europe’s constant yielding as a sign of weakness,’ the President of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) told the news agency Reuters on Friday. ‘It is now coming back to haunt us once again that the European Union, as well as the German government, have repeatedly given in to Trump during this conflict and allowed him to have his way.’”

Vice-Chancellor Klingbeil Criticizes Trump’s Mess

t-online reported on May 1:

“SPD leader and Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil has defended Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) against criticism from the USA. ‘We really don’t need any tips from Donald Trump right now. He should take a look at the mess he has created. He should ensure that serious peace talks are held in Iran immediately,’ said Klingbeil…

“Klingbeil also voiced criticism of Trump’s strategy in Iran. ‘I believe he genuinely thought this would be a matter of two or three days, and then everything would be fine,’ he said. ‘He now bears the responsibility for ensuring that this war in Iran ends quickly,’ said the Federal Minister of Finance. ‘Above all, he must ensure that the burdens resulting from his war do not end up on our doorstep—on workers, consumers, and the economy.’

“However, it is also crucial that Europe be economically strong enough ‘that we do not have to let ourselves be blackmailed by anyone,’ said Klingbeil. ‘I do not want us to be dependent on whatever mood Donald Trump happens to be in today or tomorrow.’”

US Surveillance of Europeans

Fodors wrote on April 30:

“Citizens of the European Union do not need to apply for a visa to visit the U.S. The two sides have a visa waiver program in place. Now, however, the U.S. is adding a condition: If the EU wants to continue to enjoy visa-free travel, it needs to give American authorities access to its database…

“This is a highly controversial move in Europe. The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) offers strong protections to residents regarding their data. Businesses must comply with rules about data collection and processing of EU residents. They need to be clear and transparent about data use, and residents have the right to deny or withdraw consent at any time. The U.S., however, does not have such protections in place, and experts are concerned this could lead to mass surveillance…. A member of the European Parliament, Hermida-van der Walle, criticized the proposal calling it blackmail….

“It is possible that criticizing the government or its policies could get travelers barred from entering the country…  experts warn this could create a chilling effect among travelers, who might take their tourist dollars elsewhere.”

Trump—The Chaos President

t-online wrote on May 2:

“Over the past few days, Trump has worked himself into an ever-increasing rage. The trigger for his anger: Friedrich Merz. Trump’s outbursts—flanked by numerous statements from other administration officials, such as his ‘Secretary of War’ Pete Hegseth—culminated finally in a threat from the President directed not only at Spain and Italy, but above all, once again, at Germany. The long-standing specter of a troop withdrawal had suddenly returned….

“Trump’s familiar modus operandi against his chosen adversaries was visibly playing out: First, the personal attacks against Merz. Then, the threats. Then, the economic pressure. On Friday, Trump also announced new punitive tariffs of 25 percent on European automobiles. That alone constituted a very concrete, frontal assault on Germany’s industrial heartland. Shortly thereafter came the security-policy leverage: US troops out of Germany. The lesson intended to be taught is this: Anyone who dares to criticize Trump publicly—and as harshly as Merz did—will be made an example of….

“A simple principle governs Trump’s domestic and foreign policy: Loyalty or reprisals. The mere fact that Germany is not participating militarily in the conflict with Iran was enough to land it in his crosshairs. The fact that Merz then proceeded to lash out against him, too, was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Now, the US President is making an example of the Chancellor. Trump is bullying Merz. Germany is to be the victim…

“Trump’s erratic policies do not merely weaken Germany; they weaken all of Europe. And they benefit Russia. Trump’s often impulsive decisions do not merely sacrifice security on the other side of the Atlantic; they also jeopardize the security of the United States itself. For the United States, Europe is indispensable to maintaining its own global standing—whether in the Middle East or the Arctic, whether against Russia or against China. Trump, however, does not care. He snubs allies whenever it suits him…

“Military capabilities cannot be accelerated by decree. The Trump administration knows this all too well, given its dwindling military stockpiles resulting from the conflict with Iran, or its naval fleet, which is falling further and further behind China…

“Trump remains a ‘chaos president’—fighting on too many fronts with far too little strategy. He spreads himself too thin across the globe: war with Iran, presidential abductions in Venezuela, unlawful sanctions of economic blackmail against Cuba. Yet, he suspends those directed at Russia. He weakens his European allies—and even threatens them territorially, as seen in Greenland—wherever and whenever he can. The US President escalates conflicts everywhere simultaneously, thereby losing control. Ultimately, what is missing is the very thing that made America a global power for decades: trust.”

Trump’s pronouncements that America is respected again is nonsense. Just the opposite is the case.

Trump—a Master Builder Full of Pride

The Atlantic wrote on April 29:

“The tendency to self-aggrandize is as fundamental a feature of Trump as his sculpted hair and overlong red ties. But it has become even more important in setting his priorities and steering his actions as he hurtles through his final term in office. He no longer has to worry about the judgment of voters and can instead focus on what he’s decided really matters: ascending to become one of history’s so-called great men and leaving an enduring—and, in many cases, physical—imprint. The result, at least so far, has cost many lives and billions of dollars, damaged the world economy, strained already fragile alliances, and cratered the president’s standing with the public. But those around him cast his new focus as a liberation…

“Trump’s heightened tendency to view himself as a world-historical figure—capable of brash, misunderstood greatness—has transformed his second term, and not necessarily in a good way. …

“A foreign leader visiting Washington today would find a city under reconstruction, with tower cranes over the White House, a spectacle that recalls Roman Emperor Augustus’s claim that ‘I found Rome a city of bricks and left it a city of marbles.’ There’s the planned remodeling (and recent renaming) of the Kennedy Center, the affixing of his name to the United States Institute of Peace, the attempted seizure of D.C.-municipal golf courses that Trump plans to renovate, the paving over of Jackie Kennedy’s Rose Garden into a Mar-a-Lago-style patio, and the tearing down of the East Wing to make way for the massive ballroom. (That destruction prompted the largest outcry, perhaps because the symbolism was visual, physical, visceral—a wrecking ball laying waste to a cherished pillar of democracy.)

“The proposed ‘Arc de Trump,’ a 250-foot structure modeled after Paris’s Arc de Triomphe, would be taller than any similar structure in world history, and more than twice the height of the Lincoln Memorial, across the river from where it would stand. ‘The GREATEST and MOST BEAUTIFUL Triumphal Arch, anywhere in the World,’ Trump declared three days after announcing the cease-fire with Iran.”

So, when is he going to start building the Third Temple in Jerusalem?

Trump: After Iran We’ll Take Over Cuba

The Telegraph wrote on May 2:

“US president suggests Cuban government would ‘give up’ if his warships appeared near Havana. Donald Trump has warned that American forces could ‘almost immediately take over Cuba on the way back from Iran…”

Some said Trump was joking or partly joking, but his actions towards Cuba so far are no joke. His ambition to take over Cuba is far too obvious. Vox asked the question on May 1: ”Trump says Cuba is ‘next.’ What does that mean? The island may be next in the administration’s crosshairs after Venezuela and Iran…”

Spirit Airlines Folds… Blow to Trump

Reuters wrote on May 2:

“Bankrupt discount carrier Spirit Airlines ceased operations on Saturday, the industry’s first casualty linked to the Iran war, after failing to secure creditor support for a U.S. government bailout plan. The collapse of the carrier following a doubling in jet fuel prices during the two-month-old Iran war will cost ‌thousands of jobs. It is a blow to President Donald Trump, who had proposed $500 million to save Spirit despite opposition from some of his closest advisers and many Republicans in Congress.

“No U.S. ‌carrier of Spirit’s size – it accounted for 5% of U.S. flights at one point – has liquidated in two decades. Spirit helped keep fares lower in markets where it competed against major carriers… Spirit’s collapse highlights the unintended consequences of the Iran war launched by Washington.”

The Associated Press added on May 2:

“The airline said on its website that all flights have been canceled and customer service is no longer available. Some passengers arrived Saturday for flights and were stunned to find them canceled, while workers learned overnight they were out of jobs…

“U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Saturday that Spirit had a reserve fund set up for customers who bought directly from the airline to get refunds. People who bought from third-party vendors like travel agents would have to seek refunds from them.”

Other airlines are in danger of collapsing as well. For example, in late April, Lufthansa announced that they are permanently withdrawing 27 aircraft belonging to its subsidiary CityLine from service due to rising jet fuel prices and ongoing labor disputes. Lufthansa (including SWISS, Austrian, Brussels, and ITA Airways) also cancelled approximately 20,000, or 1% of its capacity, in short-haul flights across key European hubs (Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, Brussels, and Rome) until October 2026.

Trump Proclaims National Sabbath

chabad.org wrote on May 4:

“For the first time in American history, a sitting president has called on the nation to observe a Shabbat… President Donald Trump designated the period from sundown Friday, May 15, through nightfall Saturday, May 16, as a national Shabbat, dubbed ‘Shabbat 250.’ ‘In special honor of 250 glorious years of American independence and on the weekend of Rededicate 250 — a national jubilee of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving — Jewish Americans are encouraged to observe a national Sabbath,’ the President wrote.

“‘From sundown on May 15 to nightfall on May 16, friends, families, and communities of all backgrounds may come together in gratitude for our great Nation. This day will recognize the sacred Jewish tradition of setting aside time for rest, reflection, and gratitude to the Almighty.’”

Trump also wrote the following in his proclamation:

“I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month.  I call upon Americans to celebrate the heritage and contributions of Jewish Americans and to observe this month with appropriate programs, activities, and ceremonies.  I further call on all Americans to celebrate their faith and freedom throughout this year, during this month, and especially on Shabbat to celebrate our 250th year.”

It was pointed out that the move sent shockwaves through Jewish and Christian communities alike and that it is impossible to ignore the personal dimension behind the proclamation, as Trump’s daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner are shomer Shabbat — fully Shabbat-observant Orthodox Jews.

Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Trump Calls on All Americans to Celebrate the National Sabbath.”

Trump Keeps Attacking Pope Leo

The Guardian wrote on May 5:

“Donald Trump has issued a fresh verbal attack against Pope Leo XIV, accusing the pontiff of ‘endangering a lot of Catholics’ because ‘he thinks it’s fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon’…

“Leo has never said that Iran should have nuclear weapons, but has repeatedly opposed the war on the country and the subsequent escalation of the conflict in Lebanon and the wider Middle East, calling for ceasefires and dialogue.”

Pope Leo Indirectly Accuses Trump of Lying

Der Tagesspiegel reported on May 5:

“Pope Leo XIV has responded to the latest attacks by US President Donald Trump. ‘If anyone wishes to criticize me for proclaiming the Gospel, let them do so truthfully,’ the head of the Church told journalists on Tuesday evening in Castel Gandolfo.

“The Church has spoken out against all nuclear weapons for years—of this there is no doubt—Leo XIV stated, addressing Trump’s renewed assertion that the Pope would find it acceptable for Iran to possess a nuclear weapon.”

End-Times Atmosphere in Germany

Apollo News wrote on May 1st:

“These are the signs of the end times—signs that have become unmistakable in political Berlin these days. The verdict that Friedrich Merz simply isn’t up to the task—that is, the task of governing—has by now become almost indisputable, even within CDU circles. The Chancellor, meanwhile—just days before his anniversary in office—is left with nothing but a bunker mentality.

“Merz is now largely isolated. It has always been this way—at least during his tenure as parliamentary group leader—that Merz kept his distance from many people, rarely let anyone get close, and had few intimate confidants. A handicap at the start of his chancellorship, this has since evolved into a fatal paralysis for his government. By now, Merz appears to have no one left whom he trusts—and, apparently, no one left to tell him what the actual situation is.

“The man sitting in the Chancellery seems utterly detached from—and insulated against—reality. While his government is going up in flames, the ‘Great Reform Chancellor’ continues to announce one reform initiative after another, speaking of plans and projects that, outside the confines of his own mind, have long since died. His orders are merely words cast to the wind…

“It is an open secret in Berlin that the general consensus is: this coalition will fall apart sooner or later. Yet the fact that this sentiment is now being voiced so publicly serves as an ominous sign. The days of this coalition truly seem numbered.”

“Jens Spahn: The Indestructible”

Welt Online wrote on May 5:

“Jens Spahn has been confirmed as Chairman of the Union parliamentary group. His position of power has been strengthened; the CDU politician can now present himself with greater confidence vis-à-vis Federal Chancellor Merz. But just how loyal is Spahn?…

“One year after he took office, the members of the larger governing parliamentary group confirmed the 45-year-old CDU politician in his post by a large majority, securing his tenure until the end of the legislative term. A group spokesperson reported the result as 86.5 percent…. Spahn’s tenure had gotten off to a rocky start… After those difficult initial months, however, Spahn has found his footing; his support within the parliamentary group is now considered stable.”

ntv wrote on May 5:

“Many viewed the post of parliamentary group leader merely as a stepping stone on the way to the top—to the Chancellery. Whether he will ever succeed in reaching that goal remains an open question. He is not exactly popular, in any case…”

The Survivor

Bild Online wrote on May 5:

“You have to give Jens Spahn (45, CDU) credit for one thing: He is a political survivor unlike almost anyone before him. No matter what happens—one person survives it: HE. Mask deals, COVID-related failures, COVID fundraising dinners, shady villa financing, a botched judicial election, coup plots by his own party members, a sugar tax despite a party congress veto… Political crashes look different. So do electoral rebukes….

“The man—widely rumored to harbor ambitions for the chancellorship—is unlikely to ever become the darling of the German public. He has, however, just displaced the Chancellor—from the very last spot in the Bild politician rankings.”

Jens Spahn Is Unpopular and Controversial—Yet Untouchable

Wirtschaftswoche wrote on May 5:

“The CDU parliamentary group leader was controversial within his own party, is detested by his political opponents, and is unpopular among the general public. Now, he has been re-elected. How did he manage that?… Spahn was considered a precarious candidate—a man playing for his own advantage; a liability. Today, there is no longer any talk of that…

“Merkel was always adept at pushing critics to the sidelines—at marginalizing them. Yet with Spahn, she never succeeded… Not even within the Union itself does anyone believe that his political ambitions end with the office of parliamentary group leader.”

Guttenberg and the Bilderbergers

Apolut wrote on April 23:

“It is the 72nd Bilderberg meeting… 57 of the 128 participants had already attended the previous year in Stockholm… Back at Bilderberg for the first time: Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, former Federal Minister of Defense—who resigned in 2011 due to plagiarism—and who has since been based in New York and Washington as the head of Spitzberg Partners—a consulting and investment firm operating in the transatlantic defense and technology sectors—a transatlantic networker with CSU roots and a Washington base…

“On November 22, 2019, Wolfgang Effenberger wrote in WORLD ECONOMY under the headline ‘US War Against Rival China’: ‘For the “Deep State” in the USA, the slick, model student Guttenberg thus appears to be the right man to lead Germany into war in accordance with US directives, and to sell this war to the public as a “fight against evil.” Germany would then, once again, end up being the culprit.’”…

“Today, Guttenberg is no longer a politician, but rather a transatlantic networker with direct access to Washington and Berlin. His invitation is therefore explained, first and foremost, by his professional role: He is one of the few Germans who are simultaneously deeply embedded within the American establishment and who still command respect within the German CDU/CSU sphere…”

“Guttenberg understands both sides—a quality that makes him valuable in a year when the relationship between the U.S. and Europe is under considerable strain due to Trump… Guttenberg has repeatedly ruled out a return to politics in recent times—most recently in 2022 in an interview with Stern. Yet such statements have a well-known half-life in political history.

“Guttenberg’s profile fits more precisely than ever: transatlantically connected, media-savvy, and imbued with the aura of a fallen hero who deserves a second chance.

“… Bilderberg does not invite tourists. Thus, he is likely being kept in reserve as an option—not as a designated successor, but as someone being signaled that the door remains open should the time come. This is the classic function of Bilderberg: not to make decisions, but to pave the way for possibilities.”

Elections in England… a Massacre

On May 2, broadcaster Andrew Neil wrote in the Daily Mail:

“The only unknown about next Thursday’s elections is whether it will be a terrible day for Labour or a truly historic awful one. My money is on the latter… the local election results in England will be a massacre… I see no salvation in the new, so-called insurgent parties…

“In a democracy we get the political system we deserve… the prospect of a national revival remains as far away as ever.”

This is true for Britain, as it is true for America.

Royal Navy Warship Crisis Deepens 

The Daily Mail wrote on May 4:

“The Royal Navy’s fleet of frigates was reduced to just five today after the withdrawal of HMS Iron Duke – while the Army has ‘no money to buy weapons’… The warship is to be retired due to technical issues just three years after a £103million refit.”

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.

Abram was tested when God told him, as related in Genesis 12:1, “Now the LORD had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house To a land that I will show you.” And Abram obeyed. Genesis 12:4 states: “So Abram departed as the LORD had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.” Although this is not stated as a test, Hebrews 11:8 informs us that, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” This would certainly have been a test to Abram, but God tested him more severely when He asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. Genesis 22:1-2 reads: “Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then He said, ‘Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.’”

After it was obvious that Abraham would pass the test, God said, in Genesis 22:11-12, “But the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, ‘Abraham, Abraham!’ So he said, ‘Here I am.’ And He said, ‘Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.’” This shows us that God did not know for sure whether Abraham would obey God in this matter until Abraham passed the test. On the other hand, God knew that Abraham would command his children and his household after him to keep the Way of God to do righteousness and justice (compare Genesis 18:19; Authorized Version).

Of course, these were not the only two tests that God put on Abraham during his life. The Jewish commentators enumerate a number of other tests that Abraham faced and passed during his lifetime.

Another very interesting and instructive test was given to Moses after the children of Israel made a golden calf when it appeared to them that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain. Exodus 32:7-10 reads, “And the LORD said to Moses, ‘Go, get down! For your people whom you brought out of the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves. They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them. They have made themselves a molded calf, and worshiped it and sacrificed to it, and said, “This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!”’ And the LORD said to Moses, ‘I have seen this people, and indeed it is a stiff-necked people! Now therefore, let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them. And I will make of you a great nation.’” So, Moses was being offered the honor and glory of being the progenitor of his own great nation. For many this would be a very great test, but the answer Moses gave, and the reason behind it, is very instructive. In fact, it may explain, in part, the comment God said about Moses later in the book of Numbers.

Here is the response Moses gave to God. Exodus 32:11-13 states, “Then Moses pleaded with the LORD his God, and said: ‘LORD, why does Your wrath burn hot against Your people whom You have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians speak, and say, “He brought them out to harm them, to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from Your fierce wrath, and relent from this harm to Your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants, to whom You swore by Your own self, and said to them, “I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven; and all this land that I have spoken of I give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.”’”

Here we see that Moses was far more concerned about God’s reputation amongst the Egyptians than he was about his own glory. Moses continued to plead for God’s people as is mentioned in Exodus 32:31-33, “Then Moses returned to the LORD and said, ‘Oh, these people have committed a great sin, and have made for themselves a god of gold! Yet now, if You will forgive their sin—but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.’ And the LORD said to Moses, ‘Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book.’” Moses here was willing to give up his eternal life if God would not forgive His people of their great sin.

When we read of the comment that God made about Moses in Numbers 12:3, “(Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.)”, this could at least partly be because Moses was willing to give up his own future, both as a progenitor of a nation, and, even, if possible, his own eternal life, in order to maintain God’s reputation and His forgiveness of His people.

A similar episode occurred when the people refused to listen to Joshua and Caleb after they had spied out the land. This is written in Numbers 14:11-20, “Then the LORD said to Moses: ‘How long will these people reject Me? And how long will they not believe Me, with all the signs which I have performed among them? I will strike them with the pestilence and disinherit them, and I will make of you a nation greater and mightier than they.’ And Moses said to the LORD: ‘Then the Egyptians will hear it, for by Your might You brought these people up from among them, and they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land. They have heard that You, LORD, are among these people; that You, LORD, are seen face to face and Your cloud stands above them, and You go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and in a pillar of fire by night. Now if you kill these people as one man, then the nations which have heard of Your fame will speak, saying, “Because the LORD was not able to bring this people to the land which He swore to give them, therefore He killed them in the wilderness.” And now, I pray, let the power of my Lord be great, just as You have spoken, saying, “The LORD is long suffering and abundant in mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He by no means clears the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation.” Pardon the iniquity of this people, I pray, according to the greatness of Your mercy, just as You have forgiven the people, from Egypt even until now.’ Then the LORD said: ‘I have pardoned, according to your word…’”

Again, Moses was concerned about the reputation of God and pleaded for His people rather than desiring his own glory. At his request, God pardoned them and did not destroy them at that time, and did not make a new nation under Moses. But as a punishment, they were not allowed to go into the Promised Land because of their refusal to obey.

These examples show that God did not know ahead of time how the Israelites would behave.

Another example would be the evil conduct of mankind before the Flood. When God saw the wickedness on earth, He was very sorry that He had made man and He was grieved in His heart (Genesis 6:6-7). His reaction was similar when He spoke about the horrible crimes of the Israelites sacrificing their own children. He said that such an action did not even come into His heart (Jeremiah 7:31; 19:5). Following Abraham’s plea, Christ sent His two angels to Sodom to ascertain whether ten righteous people could be found in the city. As we know, not even ten righteous people lived there.

In general, we can say that God has decided not to know whether someone will commit the unpardonable sin. This includes those people whom God calls in this day and age, because if He knew that they would fail and inherit eternal death, He would not call them now for salvation. Instead, He would wait until the Second Resurrection to call them when it would be easier to qualify, since Satan won’t be around anymore to deceive them, and living conditions would be so much more pleasant. But the reward for those in the First Resurrection will be so much greater.

Coming now to David, there is an interesting Psalm written by him revealing what God knew about him. Psalm 139:1-4, “O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thoughts afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.” Continuing in Psalm 139:13-16, “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in your book they were all written. The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.” This shows that God knew David intimately and personally.

And yet, even with God knowing all this about David, he still asked God to search him, to find out more about him that God did not already know. Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” This phrase could also be understood, that David was asking God to reveal to him sins about himself, which he, David, had not realized.

There were other examples where David was tested, like when he had the opportunity to allow Abishai to kill Saul, David refused to let him and instead trusted God to provide the right outcome. 1 Samuel 26:8-11 states: “Then Abishai said to David, ‘God has delivered your enemy into your hand this day. Now therefore, please, let me strike him at once with the spear, right to the earth; and I will not have to strike him a second time!’ But David said to Abishai, ‘Do not destroy him; for who can stretch out his hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?’ David said furthermore, ‘As the LORD lives, the LORD shall strike him, or his day shall come to die, or he shall go out to battle and perish. The LORD forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed. But please, take now the spear and the jug of water that are by his head, and let us go.’”

Some of his tests he failed, but when his sin was pointed out to him, he repented deeply. Before David was anointed king, God stated in 1 Samuel 13:14, “But now your [Saul’s] kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.” This was long before David was made king.

It is interesting that God chose two kings to reign over Israel and were both offered royal lineages if they would obey Him. While He did not want to know whether Saul would rebel against Him, He was confident that David would obey Him. But when God has a specific purpose for individuals in mind, He causes people to fulfill them, and in that way “knows” their future to an extent. Examples were Cyrus, Josiah and even Pharaoh in Egypt, as Moses said to him in Exodus 9:16, “But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.”

The first king of Israel to be mentioned that God had chosen was Saul. God had originally intended Saul to begin a kingly line. But Saul disobeyed and offered a burnt sacrifice, which he, not being a priest, was not allowed to offer. Samuel told him, as is written in 1 Samuel 13:13-14, “And Samuel said to Saul, ‘You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you. For now the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.’”

God’s regret is stated in 1 Samuel 15:11, “‘I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.’ And it grieved Samuel, and he cried out to the LORD all night.” This example shows that God did not know that Saul would directly disobey Him, and it follows that God did not know what Saul would do in the future.

Other people whose future God knows about are the beast and the false prophet. They will be thrown into a [not: the] lake of fire (which does not mean that they will have committed the unpardonable sin. They will be resurrected in the Second Resurrection.) Jesus also knew from the beginning that Judas would betray Him (John 6:64). God knew way ahead of time events which would take place, as described in detail in the book of Daniel, and He also knows what will happen in the future, as described in the Book of Revelation. He knows that most will not repent when He pours out His plagues, but some will.

Also, God knows or knew the future of some who would make it into the Kingdom. Jesus said about the apostles that they would rule the twelve tribes of Israel in His Kingdom (Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:28-30). God knows that the two witnesses will not fail Him. God knew that Jesus Christ would not sin; otherwise, the prophecies about His rule in the Kingdom of God could not come to pass.

After king David and king Solomon, God chose Jeroboam to be king over Israel. God offered Jeroboam a sure house with the same promise He gave to David. The story begins in 1 Kings 11:29-31: “Now it happened at that time, when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite met him on the way; and he had clothed himself with a new garment, and the two were alone in the field. Then Ahijah took hold of the new garment that was on him, and tore it into twelve pieces. And he said to Jeroboam, ‘Take for yourself ten pieces, for thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: “Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and will give ten tribes to you…”’” Continuing in 1 Kings 11:37-38, “So I will take you, and you shall reign over all your heart desires, and you shall be king over Israel. Then it shall be, if you heed all that I command you, walk in My ways, and do what is right in My sight, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as My servant David did, then I will be with you and build for you an enduring house, as I built for David, and will give Israel to you.”

This conditional promise, based on obedience, shows that when God made it, He did not know or better, He did not want to know, if Jeroboam would obey or not. The word “if” shows that this promise was conditional. We look back knowing that Jeroboam did not obey, and the results are revealed in 1 Kings 14:6-11. Jeroboam’s wife had disguised herself as another woman, and went to Ahijah to inquire about a sick son. Ahijah, who at that time was blind, gave her the bad news. “And so it was, when Ahijah heard the sound of her footsteps as she came through the door, he said, ‘Come in, wife of Jeroboam. Why do you pretend to be another person? For I have been sent to you with bad news. Go, tell Jeroboam, “Thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘Because I exalted you from among the people, and made you ruler over My people Israel, and tore the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it to you; and yet you have not been as My servant David, who kept My commandments and who followed Me with all his heart, to do only what was right in My eyes; but you have done more evil than all who were before you, for you have gone and made for yourself other gods and molded images to provoke Me to anger, and have cast Me behind your back—therefore behold! I will bring disaster on the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam every male of Israel, bond and free; I will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as one takes away refuse until it is all gone. The dogs shall eat whoever belongs to Jeroboam and dies in the city, and the birds of the air shall eat whoever dies in the field; for the LORD has spoken!’”’”

So, as a conclusion regarding the question as to whether God knows what we will do in the future, He knows us intimately and has a good idea what we will do based on our past actions. However, our future is not predestined such that we have no choice in the matter. With God’s help, it is possible for us to repent of sin, and change.

In chapters 2 and 3 in the book of Revelation, the expression, “he or him who overcomes” is used seven times. This again shows us that our future in God’s Kingdom is dependent on our overcoming. Even though our calling is predestined, our future is conditional on our actions. Even though, Paul stated under godly inspiration that he was confident and quite sure that we will make it into His Kingdom (Philippians 1:6).

Yes, God knows everything there is to know, from the minutest detail to the whole universe and beyond, including the spiritual creation, things we have no comprehension of whatsoever. But He is still learning about those He is calling by testing and trying us, and watching our actions to see whether we will obey Him or not, as was shown in the few examples listed above.

God needs to test and try us to make sure that we will not rebel like Satan did, but that we will be able to live harmoniously with God forever in His Kingdom.

Lead Writers: Paul Niehoff (Australia) and Norbert Link

compiled by Dave Harris

“Trump Calls on All Americans to Celebrate the National Sabbath,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

For the first time in American history, a sitting president has called on the nation to observe a Sabbath. What exactly did President Trump say, and how does this correspond with the teaching of the Bible? What does it show in the light of biblical prophecy?

“Alle Amerikaner sollen laut Trump den nationalen Sabbat halten,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.

“Glaube an Gottes Führung und Leitung,” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Faith in God’s Guidance and Direction.”

We posted last week’s German sermonette from Daniel Blasinger, titled, “Between the Lines: Moses Before Pharaoh”. Zwischen den Zeilen: Mose vor dem Pharao.

Last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Frank Bruno, “Where Do You Belong?”, is now posted. 

Here is the summary:

A sense of belonging is important, as we work to fit in with an organization or on our job. However, we also know we must be careful with whom we align ourselves.  In this Sermonette, we will consider Scriptures and examples that can assist us as we contend with life, work, school, and family challenges, without compromising our primary relationship with God.

“Jesus Christ’s Marriage,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Eric Rank, is now posted. 

Here is the summary:

Marriage is the most intimate and committed kind of relationship that we humanly experience. The Bible uses betrothal and marriage as a model for us to understand Jesus Christ’s relationship with Israel and the Church of God. Seeing that the Church of God is considered to be the betrothed bride of Christ, how does this understanding affect our lives?

“The Birth and Rescue of Moses” is the latest video in our Bible Story Series on YouTube. 

This year’s Church conference is scheduled to take place in California from Thursday, May 14, through Friday, May 15.

On May 2, 2026, Frank Bruno will present the sermonette, titled, “Where Do You Belong?” and Eric Rank will present the sermon, titled, “Jesus Christ’s Marriage.”

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.

When Jesus was here on earth, He observed many who were forsaken and alone. His reaction in Matthew 9:36-38 was telling: “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.’”

The multitudes were weary, despaired, depressed, distressed, without hope, exhausted and harassed—also because of the lack of true and meaningful teachings from true shepherds. They were fatigued, resulting from being burdened. They were abandoned and neglected.

It is no different today. Most people are truly alone and under a terrible yoke which is wearing them down. But there is a way out of such predicaments. Christ told His disciples to ask the Father to provide laborers for a plentiful harvest—laborers who would teach and manifest the way of compassion, peace and rest. Christ came to find who was lost (Luke 19:10), and His disciples are to follow His example—to care for, tend and lead His sheep (John 21:15-17); and not to behave like unprofitable, uncaring shepherds (Ezekiel 34:4-5).

That way towards rest can only be found in Jesus. He told all of us in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Christ told us to lay down the crushing yoke of sin, and receive His yoke instead. It reflects submission to His authority, His guidance and teachings, as well as partnership with Him—and to learn from His example of compassion, humility and gentleness. His yoke is easy and light because He carries its weight with us—we do not have to carry it alone.

Christ was not talking about heavy burdens which are hard to bear; especially those burdens inflicted on us by wrong teachers (Matthew 23:4). Rather, His commandments are light—not burdensome (1 John 5:3). This might perhaps not appear to be the case at first, as we are burdened by lifelong habits of sin. At the beginning, the road to life may be “difficult” (Matthew 7:14). But it will become more and more a “light” affliction in comparison with the “eternal weight of glory” to be revealed in us (2 Corinthians 4:17). Taking up our cross and following Jesus (Matthew 16:24) is so much easier than carrying our cross alone. The cross which we will have to carry is our separation from our sin and wrong priorities (Mark 10:21). The cross which we all carried in the past was our cross or heavy burden of our sinful conduct.

With Christ, our walk will be so much easier. Isaiah 41:13 tells us: “For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’”

We walk hand in hand with God, as it were, in partnership and agreement, because two cannot walk together unless they are agreed (Amos 3:3). We walk or better LIVE with God. We follow Christ wherever He goes (Revelation 14:4).

If you have not found the true God in your life, but really want to live with Him and be freed from your burdens and fears, seek God with all your heart, as He tells you in Jeremiah 29:11-13: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”

When you really want to love God and seek Him diligently, seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness, then you will find Him (Matthew 6:33; Proverbs 8:17). And He WILL give you rest for your souls.

For those of you who once knew the Truth, but slipped away and fell, lost interest, but still have the underlying and somewhat suppressed feeling that you ought to return to Him in order to be freed from your burdens and unhappy lives, sensing that you are missing out, it is not too late:

“Thus says the LORD: ‘Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls…’” (Jeremiah 6:16).

Do this; return to God! And He WILL give you rest for your souls.

By Norbert Link 

We begin with another assassination attempt on President Trump; addressing Trump’s looming deadline of May 1 pertaining to the Iran war; and speaking about America’s depleted weapons arsenal. 

We address Trump’s threats against the Falkland Islands and Europe; and we point out Friedrich Merz’s growing unpopularity in Germany; and Europe’s preparations for a nuclear war with Russia. 

We address King Charles’ visit to the United States and conclude with Israel’s conduct pertaining to Lebanon and Hezbollah and its LGBTQ culture. Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “God’s Warnings and Task for President Trump.” 

Another Assassination Attempt on Trump 

The Associated Press wrote on April 26: 

“The man accused of opening fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner sent writings to family members minutes before the shooting referring to himself as a ‘Friendly Federal Assassin,’ railing against Trump administration policies and signaling what investigators increasingly believe was a politically driven attack… 

“The writings, sent shortly before shots were fired at the Washington Hilton, made repeated references to President Donald Trump without naming him directly and alluded to grievances over a range of administration actions and recent events, including U.S. strikes on drug smuggling boats in the eastern Pacific… 

“Authorities also uncovered what the official described as numerous anti-Trump social media posts linked to the suspect…, a 31-year-old California man accused of trying to breach a security checkpoint at the dinner while armed with multiple weapons.” 

Lacking Security 

Newsmax wrote on April 26: 

“Fred Fleitz [former National Security Council chief of staff in Trump’s first term] told Newsmax on Sunday that the security breach surrounding the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner raises serious concerns about the safety of President Donald Trump and other top officials… ‘This shooter got far too close to the president. He brought a bag full of guns and knives … into a hotel room in the hotel… He could have brought a bomb into the hotel, a large bomb, and no one would have known. This is unacceptable,’ he said… 

“Fleitz… said the size and layout of the gathering pose inherent risks. ‘There’s far too many people there … It’s hard to walk from table to table. This is a fire hazard. It’s a security hazard,’ he said. He also questioned why the president and Vice President JD Vance were at the same venue under those conditions… Fleitz also pointed to specific security vulnerabilities at the hotel, particularly the placement of screening measures… ‘the magnetometers were far too close to the president. They should have been outside,’ he said. 

“He added that some attendees appeared to pass through minimal screening before getting near the event….” 

More Chaos on the World Stage 

NPR wrote on April 26: 

“The incident brought America’s commonplace gun violence just feet away from a room full of lawmakers, top officials, and journalists. It also may add to a string of troubling political violence in the U.S. that includes two assassination attempts on President Trump… 

“The high-profile incident of potential political violence adds yet another layer of chaos to an already tumultuous time both in Washington and on the world stage.” 

Trump Haunted by Epstein Files 

Daily Beast wrote on April 26: 

“60 Minutes correspondent Norah O’Donnell caught President Donald Trump in a revealing moment while pressing him on the manifesto of the gunman who stormed the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday. In a Sunday interview on the shooting, O’Donnell referenced the sprawling manifesto written by the alleged gunman, Cole Thomas Allen, 31, which detailed his plan to kill Donald Trump and his top administration officials. At one point, Allen allegedly wrote, ‘I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes.’ ‘What’s your reaction to that?’ O’Donnell asked Trump. 

“The agitated president, 79, reacted with a flurry of defiance—and inadvertently revealed that he himself believed he was the subject of the shooter’s remarks… ‘Well, I was waiting for you to read that because I knew you would, because you’re horrible people. Horrible people,’ he said, before adding, ‘Yeah, he did write that. I‘m not a rapist. I didn’t rape anybody.’ 

“That’s when O’Donnell called him out for appearing to identify himself in the gunman’s words. ‘Oh, you think—do you think he was referring to you?’ she interrupted. ‘Excuse me, excuse me,’ Trump shot back, before pausing for a beat as he appeared to process her question. But he then pressed on without recalibrating, voluntarily invoking the backlash over his close friendship with pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. ‘I’m not a pedophile. You read that c— from some sick person. I got associated with stuff that has nothing to do with me. I was totally exonerated,’ he said. ‘Your friends on the other side of the plate are the ones that were involved with, let’s say, Epstein or other things’… ‘But you should be ashamed of yourself reading that because I’m not any of those things.’ 

“‘Mr. President, these are the gunman’s words,’ O’Donnell reminded him. ‘Excuse me, excuse me. You shouldn’t be reading that on 60 Minutes,’ Trump said. ‘You’re a disgrace… ‘You’re disgraceful’… 

“The president has desperately sought to move past questions about his administration’s bungled Epstein files release and his own relationship with the convicted sex trafficker, but the issue continues to haunt him. Files released by the Justice Department revealed that one woman was interviewed by the FBI in 2019 after accusing Trump of sexually abusing her when she was 13. Trump has vehemently denied any wrongdoing in connection with his friendship with Epstein and has not been charged with any crime.” 

Trump also vehemently denied signing and sending an offensive “lewd” birthday card to Epstein in 2003, even though most believe that card was genuine. A federal judge dismissed Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal on April 13, 2026. Darrin Gayles ruled that Trump failed to prove “actual malice” and allowed until April 27, 2026, to refile an amended complaint, which Trump’s team indicated they would do. As of April 29, it has not been reported or confirmed that an amended complaint was filed. 

The Deadline: May 1 

On April 25, Focus wrote: 

“[Trump] is initiating a war without parliamentary approval and does not appear to intend to involve the U.S. Congress either…. However, a legislative act from 1973 could prove to be a stumbling block here. The so-called ‘War Powers Resolution’ (WPR) establishes a procedure enabling Congress to force a vote that either authorizes the President’s use of U.S. armed forces or orders their withdrawal from hostilities…. Sixty days after he first reports to Congress, the deployment of armed forces automatically terminates, unless Congress has declared war or passed legislation authorizing the action. And that deadline is May 1. 

“The President may extend this 60-day period by an additional 30 days by notifying Congress in writing of the necessity for the continued use of military force. The prevailing view, however, is that this extension may not be utilized for offensive military actions, but only for the safe withdrawal of U.S. troops. Yet that is likely not what Trump intends. The President thus faces a dilemma. If he allows May 1 to pass, he is obligated to withdraw U.S. troops. If he declares the necessity of continuing combat operations, he gains only an additional thirty days. At that point, however—absent congressional approval—the deployment would have to be terminated immediately. 

“Trump still has one avenue of escape left—one, ironically enough, for which he has Obama to thank. The latter extended the Libya operation by four years, arguing that U.S. operations in Libya did not constitute ‘hostilities’ within the meaning of the War Powers Resolution, as they involved neither sustained combat operations nor active exchanges of fire by U.S. ground troops. However, given that there have already been U.S. military personnel killed and wounded in the conflict with Iran, it will be difficult for Trump to invoke this ‘Obama clause.’ 

“A congressional majority is by no means assured for Trump… A successful vote appears doubtful as early as May 1, and even more uncertain by May 31. Precisely in this precarious situation, he has extended the ceasefire with Iran and suspended his ultimatum indefinitely. It is almost grotesque that he has left the timing of the ultimatum’s expiration up to Iran—for the guns are to remain silent until Iran has finally managed to formulate a response. 

“The dilemma could hardly be greater; yet perhaps Trump will simply play the feudal lord and disregard the law entirely. In any case, time is running out for the President—far faster than it is for Iran.” 

Pete Hegseth has already stated, as was to be expected, that they will not abide by the law because of a ceasefire.

Unpleasant Choices 

Daily Mail wrote on April 26: 

“President Donald Trump has been left with three hard choices to make about the war with Iran after he canceled peace talks and rejected the country’s last-minute offer. 

“…  he can go one of three ways: escalate the conflict, use the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to pressure Iran into a compromise, or decide to settle for a deal he does not want… On Sunday morning, Trump claimed that Iran’s oil pipelines will erupt in about three days’ time.” 

Of course, this did not happen, as is the case with most of Trump’s empty threats. 

Pakistan Allows Transit of Goods To Iran 

Ary News wrote on April 27: 

“The federal government has officially enforced the Transit of Goods Order 2026, allowing the movement of cargo through Pakistan for onward transit to Iran and other destinations… Under the revised system, goods originating from third countries will be permitted to pass through Pakistan en route to Iran, subject to regulatory compliance… 

“Officials added that the Transit of Goods Order 2026 is expected to improve trade efficiency, boost revenue generation, and reinforce Pakistan’s position as a key transit corridor in the region.” 

And so, America is losing again… In spite of Trump saying that Americans are sick of winning! 

Merz: Iran Is Humiliating the USA 

Reuters reported on April 27: 

“German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday Iran’s leadership was humiliating the United States and getting U.S. officials to travel to Pakistan and then leave without results, in an unusually abrupt rebuke over the conflict. Merz also said he [does] not see what exit strategy the U.S. was pursuing in the Iran war – comments that underlined deep divisions between Washington and its European NATO allies, which had already been festering over Ukraine and other issues. ‘The Iranians are obviously very skilled at negotiating, or rather, very skillful at not negotiating, letting the Americans travel to Islamabad and then leave again without any result,’ he said during a talk to students in the town of Marsberg. ‘An entire nation is being humiliated by the Iranian leadership, especially by these so-called Revolutionary Guards’… 

“Merz reiterated that Germans and Europeans were not consulted before the U.S. and Israel started attacking Iran on February 28, and that he had conveyed his scepticism directly to Trump afterwards. ‘If I had known that it would continue like this for five or six weeks and get progressively worse, I would have told him even more emphatically,’ Merz said, comparing it to previous U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

“Hopes of reviving peace efforts have receded since Trump scrapped a visit on Saturday by his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad, the Pakistani capital. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi travelled to Russia on Monday after failed talks in Pakistan and Oman. Merz said it was evident the Strait of Hormuz had been at least partially mined… 

“He said the conflict was costing Germany ‘a lot of money, a lot of taxpayers’ money and a lot of economic strength.’” 

Trump Fires Back 

aa.com wrote on April 28: 

“US President Donald Trump alleged Tuesday that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz finds it acceptable for Iran to possess nuclear weapons, further straining ties between the allies… He added that Merz ‘doesn’t know what he’s talking about’ and said a nuclear-armed Tehran would leave the world ‘hostage.’… 

“‘No wonder Germany is doing so poorly, both economically, and otherwise,’ said Trump… ‘Regarding Iran, yes, I’ve become disillusioned,’ Merz said at a news conference in Berlin when asked about his remarks that the US lacks an ‘exit strategy’ and Americans were ‘humiliated’ by Tehran.” 

ntv added on April 24: 

“‘German Chancellor Friedrich Merz thinks it is fine if Iran possesses nuclear weapons,’ Trump begins his post on Truth Social with a claim that is untrue. As recently as early March, Merz had stated that Germany shares the objectives of the United States and Israel regarding the Iranian nuclear and missile programs. ‘Iran’s military nuclear program, as well as its ballistic missile program, must be verifiably terminated,’ the statement continued. 

“Trump then proceeds with his post based on this false premise…” 

Pope Attacks Those Who Fight in War 

Reuters wrote on April 27: 

“Pope Leo on Sunday described those who wage wars and appropriate the earth’s resources as thieves who rob the world of a peaceful future, issuing a warning about the use of nuclear power on the anniversary of the Chornobyl reactor accident. Ukraine is commemorating the 40th anniversary of the world’s worst nuclear disaster on Sunday amid lingering fears that Russia’s four-year-old war could spark a repeat of the tragedy… 

“Pope Leo said thieves came under many appearances, listing as examples ‘superficial lifestyles driven by consumerism’, prejudices and wrong ideas. ‘And let’s not forget also those thieves who, by plundering the earth’s resources, by fighting bloody wars or feeding evil in whichever form, are simply taking away from all of us the chance of a future of peace and serenity,’ he added.” 

These comments are right on. 

America’s Depleted Weapons Arsenal 

The Independent wrote on April 24: 

“The U.S. has burned through billions of dollars’ worth of its critical weapons stockpile in the war with Iran… The conflict, which began on February 28, has seen the Pentagon use more than 1,200 Patriot interceptor missiles, and each costs more than $4 million. The military has also used up around 1,100 of its long-range stealth cruise missiles stockpiled for a potential war with China, according to congressional officials and internal Defense Department estimates obtained by the New York Times. More than 1,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles have been fired, too, which is around 10 times the amount currently bought by the U.S. Military each year. 

“Internal Pentagon estimates also suggested that around 1,100 JASSM-ER missiles, which cost around $1.1 million each, have been used. That has left just 1,500 of the projectiles in the military’s inventory… 

“[The war] has resulted in the death of several Iranian leaders and 3,000 citizens, according to state media. It has also resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members. According to a study conducted in April by the American Enterprise Institute, the war has cost the United States between $25 billion and $35 billion. In the first two days of the conflict alone, the military burned through around $5.6 billion worth of munitions… 

“Officials told the Times that the Defense Department is waiting for Congress to approve additional funding before it can pay manufacturers to replenish the military’s drained supplies… However, officials told the publication that there has been no effort to begin the expanded production effort since the Pentagon is still scrambling to find the funding it needs… Pentagon information obtained by the outlet also found that the war has led to depletions in essential weapon systems deployed to defend NATO’s eastern flank in the event of Russian aggression. The ability to launch offensive operations in the region has also been damaged due to the loss of attack and surveillance drones….” 

The Pentagon denied everything, but it’s not trustworthy. No wonder Trump is anxious to appease Putin and Xi Jinping. 

Fortune wrote on April 24: 

“The U.S. has depleted its store of seven major types of missiles, intensifying concerns of a ‘near-term risk’ it will run out of munitions for a future war… 

“Though the U.S. has enough missiles to continue to fight in the Iran war without limitations, there is an increased risk of the U.S. military being insufficiently prepared for a future war in the Pacific… [It is] estimated it would take one to four years to restock the seven major munitions to prewar levels.” 

Trump’s “Arithmetic Skills” 

Der Tagesspiegel wrote on April 24: 

“Trump had claimed that, through his policies, he could reduce [drug] prices by up to 600 percent. Mathematically, however, this is impossible, since a price can decrease by a maximum of 100 percent—at which point it would be zero. Kennedy… nevertheless stuck to his calculation… ‘If the drug costs 100 dollars and rises to 600 dollars, that would be a 600 percent increase. If it drops from 600 to 100 dollars, that would be savings of 600 percent.’ Trump, who was listening to Kennedy’s explanation, nodded in agreement and said: ‘Correct.’ The calculation presented, however, is nonetheless completely wrong. 

“… These fundamentals of percentage calculation are typically taught to students in the U.S. between the 6th and 8th grades. The scene caused an uproar on social media. Several users pointed to a passage in George Orwell’s… novel 1984: ‘In the end the Party would announce that two and two made five, and one would have to believe it.’” 

Trump Insults Country With Vile Comparison 

t-online reported on April 24: 

“India has sharply criticized US President Donald Trump for a post on his online platform, Truth Social, in which Trump referred to India as a ‘hell hole’… Trump had previously linked an article attributed to a conservative podcaster. The text denounces the constitutional right in the US whereby anyone born on US soil automatically receives US citizenship. ‘Every baby here immediately becomes a citizen, and then they bring the whole family over from China, India, or some other hell hole on the planet,’ the post states. 

“Furthermore, the text accuses Indian immigrants of refusing to hire white Americans in their companies and of speaking poor English… On the online platform X, the Hindu American Foundation described the remarks as ‘hateful, racist rhetoric’… 

“Following a period of initial closeness, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently fallen out of favor with Trump, allegedly because he had downplayed Trump’s role in mediating the conflict between India and Pakistan… 

“Trump has used the term ‘hell hole’ to anger a country once before. Following the Islamist terrorist attacks in Paris and Brussels in 2015 and 2016, Trump referred to the Belgian capital as a ‘hellhole’.” 

He has also referred to other countries—such as Haiti, El Salvador, and various African nations—as “shitholes.” 

USA Threatens UK Over Falkland Islands 

Daily Mail wrote on April 24: 

“The ‘Special Relationship’ was rocked by a furious new row today after Washington hinted at helping Argentina’s claim to the Falklands. On the eve of the King’s State Visit, it has emerged that US support for British sovereignty over the islands could be reviewed. The move appears to be part of Donald Trump’s drive to punish Nato countries for failing to help with his war against Iran. Argentinian president Javier Milei is a close ally of Mr Trump, and has reiterated the country’s claim to the islands – which the UK defended by force in 1982, at the cost of more than 250 lives. But the threat has drawn outrage from across the UK political spectrum… 

“According to Reuters, an internal memo floated reassessing US diplomatic support for longstanding European ‘imperial possessions’ such as the Falklands, as well as kicking Spain out of Nato for refusing to ramp up defence spending…. The State Department’s website states that the islands are administered by the United Kingdom but are still claimed by Argentina, whose Libertarian President Javier Milei is a Trump ally…. 

“Shadow Armed Forces Minister Mark Francois said: ‘Because of his strong personal bond with Mrs Thatcher, President Reagan ultimately backed Britain during the 1982 Falklands War. The fact the Americans could now even be contemplating something like this, shows just how far their relations have deteriorated…’ 

“Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk has expressed doubt over whether the US would be ‘loyal’ to its NATO commitment to defend Europe in the event of a Russian attack, and called on the EU to become a ‘real alliance’ in protecting the continent… Tusk added that some countries in the US-led defence alliance ‘pretend[ed] that nothing happened’ when about 20 Russian drones violated Poland’s airspace last September.” 

“Falklands Left Without Key Air Defences” 

The Daily Mail wrote on April 25: 

“Ministers have been accused of downgrading air defences for the Falkland Islands – just as Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw his support for Britain’s sovereignty and Argentina is expanding its air force. Critics warn the islands will be without air-to-air refuelling capacity for the first time since the 1980s, when Margaret Thatcher  sent the Task Force to defeat Argentina. Saturday marked the 44th anniversary of British forces recapturing South Georgia… 

“RAF sources confirmed the sole Voyager refuelling aircraft based on the islands had been redeployed amid the Iran crisis. It potentially means RAF Typhoons could not do around-the-clock air patrols for the 1,600 mile round trip to South Georgia…. Buenos Aires is spending more than £220million on 24 refurbished F-16s fighter jets from the Danish air force, and seeking to procure two KC-135R Stratotankers from the US for air-to-air refuelling. 

“President Javier Milei has pledged to strengthen the nation’s military forces and, as part of his election campaign, stated his desire for Argentina to regain sovereignty of the Falklands. Tory Armed Forces spokesman Mark Francois said: ‘Withdrawing this tanker aircraft sends all the wrong signals, particularly in light of President Trump’s recent comments.’” 

Charles Answers Trump in Congress 

Politico wrote on April 28:

“British monarchs deliver their political messages in code — and the reference we just heard Charles make to 9/11 is worth unpacking. ‘In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, when NATO invoked Article 5 for the first time … we answered the call together, as our people have done so for more than a century, shoulder to shoulder,’ the king said.

“Make no mistake — this is a carefully targeted rebuff to Trump and his allies in Congress that, contrary to the president’s repeated claims over recent weeks, NATO was in fact there to help in America’s hour of need…

“The king went further still, linking that seminal moment in 2001 to the need to maintain Western unity in support of Ukraine as the war continues…

“The king is striking a very different tone from Trump’s incessant criticisms of Ukraine and its President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom Charles has met multiple times for private talks over the past few years. This passage is a direct plea to Trump and Hill Republicans to maintain American support against the Russian invasion.” 

Things Got Awkward

News.com.au wrote on April 29: 

“Things got awkward during King Charles and US President Trump’s first meeting of this royal visit, it has now been revealed… Buckingham Palace has released a statement after US President Donald Trump claimed that King Charles ‘agrees’ with him that Iran shouldn’t be permitted to obtain a nuclear weapon… 

“‘The King is naturally mindful of his Government’s longstanding and well-known position on the prevention of nuclear proliferation,’ the spokesman said.” 

The visit of King Charles and his speech in Congress have been described as dignified and have been received with overwhelming support and respect. 

Europe Responds to Trump’s Threats 

t-online reported on April 25: 

“US President Donald Trump is apparently considering not only annexing Greenland to the United States but also suspending Spain’s membership in NATO. Furthermore, since the outbreak of the conflict with Iran, Trump has been highly critical of European NATO allies, accusing them of failing to support the United States. Additionally, the island of Cyprus—while situated in close proximity to the Middle East—is not a NATO member and would therefore be dependent on EU assistance in the event of war. The EU is thus vulnerable on multiple fronts. Consequently, the EU now intends to stand firm against any potential aggressors targeting its member states. The mutual assistance clause currently in force is set to be expanded…. As early as January, the EU clarified that, in the event of a violent conflict, Germany and other EU states would be obliged to provide assistance at Denmark’s request… 

“Article 42.7 is worded even more strictly than Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, under which it remains at the discretion of alliance members to decide how they will come to the aid of allies in the event of an attack. Moreover, were the United States to threaten Greenland, Denmark would be unable to invoke the NATO collective defense clause at all, as doing so would require the consent of the United States itself…. 

“A new formulation [of Article 42.7] is intended to effectively mandate that members come to the aid of any state under attack. Specifically, the newly worded paragraph states: ‘In the event of an armed attack on the territory of a Member State, the other Member States shall owe it all the aid and assistance in their power (…).'” 

Focus wrote on August 24: 

“[There is] fundamentally no procedure whatsoever that provides for sanctions—or even expulsion [from NATO]—in the event of undesirable behavior. Moreover, Spain is an important ally, and it is considered out of the question that European partners would assist the USA in pushing the country out of NATO.” 

Europe Must Act Without the USA 

Logos Press published on April 25 the following article by Joschka Fischer, German Foreign Minister and Vice Chancellor from 1998 to 2005, and former leader of the German Green Party for almost 20 years: 

“Whether she is ready for it or not, Europe’s post-American future has already arrived. 

“What will Europe be like without the U.S. military and political presence? Europeans had better start preparing for this prospect, because it is no longer in doubt that U.S. President Donald Trump wants to end the North Atlantic Alliance and is well on his way to achieving this goal. The only question that remains is whether he will officially withdraw from NATO or simply devastate it with his disdain and contempt. In any case, the disintegration of the alliance has already begun. Long-standing and time-honored structures such as NATO do not usually collapse overnight or in a single act. Rather, they erode as confidence in their fundamental commitments – namely, mutual defense – wanes. This is precisely what is happening in President Trump’s second term, especially now that Europeans have abstained from participating in his disastrous war in the Middle East… 

“For reasons that are barely intelligible, [Trump and his MAGA movement] harbor a deep hostility to the EU and are intent on returning Europe to an era of self-destructive nationalism. This is a dangerously misguided goal, given that achieving it will ultimately make America itself much weaker and more isolated… 

“For the first time in eight decades, Europe will be left to its own devices. Europeans will have to decide their own fate and take responsibility for their own security. This might seem like a trivial remark if it were not for Europe’s uniquely bloody history. The U.S. withdrawal from the European theater of operations after World War I set the stage for Hitler’s rise to power and, ultimately, for World War II. Had the world’s leading military and economic power remained in Europe during the interwar years, German revanchism would have had no chance of success. It was this lesson that the World War II generation learned from the war and applied in the postwar period. U.S. President Harry S. Truman maintained a strong U.S. presence in Europe not only to counter the threat from Stalin’s Red Army – which stood in Berlin, the center of Europe – but also to allay European fears of German revanchism… It was America’s presence on the continent that allowed the eventual reunification of Germany and the eastward expansion of NATO and the EU. Without it, Europe as we know it would never have emerged. 

“So what does the post-American future hold for Europe? Will it be able to ensure its security and maintain its unity without the US? For Germany, which has its own history of hegemonic aspirations on the continent, America’s departure raises difficult questions… The growing popularity of the far-right Alternative for Germany party shows that nothing can be taken for granted. As for the question of who will lead Europe, there is no alternative to Germany and France… 

“The question arises: do the Americans realize that they are destroying the greatest diplomatic success in their history, as well as significantly weakening the foundation of American power and prosperity? There is no reason to believe that the U.S. can simply abandon its strategic partner without incurring any costs… The long period of American protectorate has come to an end under Trump, and it is not coming back. Europe must now chart its own course.” 

Is a Chancellor Swap Now Imminent? 

Nius reported on April 24: 

“The coalition’s disastrous policies have severely damaged Friedrich Merz’s reputation—both among the public and within his own party… A specific strategy is currently making the rounds: replacing Chancellor Friedrich Merz, modeled after the chancellor swap involving Willy Brandt and Helmut Schmidt (both SPD) in 1974. 

“At that time, the federal government was rocked by the scandal surrounding the spy in the Chancellor’s office, Günter Guillaume. Behind the scenes, however, the governing parties—the SPD and FDP—had long been exasperated and disillusioned by the Chancellor’s chaotic governing style, which was foreseeably leading toward electoral defeat. In the background, SPD parliamentary group leader Herbert Wehner was pulling the strings, ultimately pressuring Brandt to resign. When Merz was ousted by Merkel in 2002, there were reportedly quite a few members within the parliamentary group who were relieved that the chaos associated with their former leader had finally come to an end. 

“The immediate catalyst for the rumors regarding a potential replacement of Chancellor Merz stems from reports detailing the proceedings of the crisis meeting at Villa Bordig—a meeting in which the Union parties reportedly entered negotiations in a completely disorganized and chaotic manner… 

“Following the heavy losses in the Bavarian municipal elections and the most recent opinion polls in North Rhine-Westphalia… it is said that efforts to replace Merz have likely been underway behind the scenes for some time now… Merz is failing to deliver politically, and the Union cannot win elections with him at the helm. Within the leadership of the NRW Union, there is currently no doubt being left that the CDU’s slump in the polls—along with the seemingly unstoppable rise of the AfD—can be laid squarely at Merz’s doorstep.” 

“When Union parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn (CDU, North Rhine-Westphalia) spoke on Sunday of the federal government currently merely ‘managing decline,’ many strategists pricked up their ears. In such a scenario involving a change of Chancellor, Spahn would play a pivotal role. He would have to steer the Union parliamentary group through this reshuffle, rally them behind the transition, and command the trust of the new Chancellor. 

“The most uncertain variable in these speculative scenarios is the role of the SPD. Behind the scenes, they would have to be persuaded to support the transition—even though, at first glance, a stronger Union Chancellor would appear to offer no advantage to party leader Lars Klingbeil and his comrades… Above all, CSU leader Markus Söder is rumored to harbor the greatest ambitions in this scenario: specifically, to prevent the CDU—following the missteps involving Armin Laschet and Friedrich Merz—from sending a third unsuitable candidate into the Chancellery. Moreover, it is no secret that Söder has for some time now shown palpable frustration with the incompetence on display in Berlin. Even CDU members with a declared aversion to the CSU privately concede that Söder and his state leadership have demonstrated extreme professionalism in their political, logistical, and strategic planning. 

“…These deliberations regarding a minority government and a change of Chancellor underscore the growing desperation within the Union—not only among the party base but also within the ranks of party officials…” 

Spahn More Popular Than Merz 

Der Tagesspiegel wrote on April 25: 

“‘I have learned a great deal over the past twelve months’: Jens Spahn was considered a precarious candidate, yet now he is more popular than the Chancellor. 

“Publicly, Jens Spahn is a polarizing figure; internally, however, the Union parliamentary group leader has managed to consolidate his position. After a year fraught with crises, his re-election suddenly appears certain…” 

Also, AfD’s popularity has exceeded Merz’s party (CDU) by 5%. 

Europe Preparing for Nuclear War With Russia?

Natural News wrote on April 24: 

“France and Poland… are preparing joint military exercises that simulate both conventional and nuclear strikes against Russia and Belarus… President Emmanuel Macron’s push to extend France’s ‘nuclear umbrella’ over other European states, combined with Poland’s willingness to host French Rafale fighters armed with nuclear warheads, signals a fundamental shift in European security dynamics…

“The planned exercises represent a break from NATO’s traditional decision-making structure… It suggests that France and Poland are not simply acting within existing alliance frameworks but are forging a separate nuclear partnership capable of independent action… 

“Macron announced earlier this year ‘a new phase in French deterrence,’ a historic shift that would see other European countries play an enlarged role in what France calls forward deterrence. Cooperation includes Poland, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and Sweden… 

“Simultaneously, Finland’s parliament took up a bill to allow the import and storage of nuclear weapons on Finnish territory… The timing of these developments is not coincidental 

“Russia possesses approximately 7,000 nuclear warheads… France holds roughly 300… France and Poland are gambling that nuclear escalation will deter Russia rather than provoke it. History offers little comfort. Napoleon’s invasion of Russia ended with Russian troops occupying Paris in 1814. The same territories now hosting French nuclear fighters saw Russian soldiers march through their streets two centuries ago. Some lessons are slow to learn.” 

Hitler’s attack on Russia ended likewise in Germany’s defeat. 

Germany Stronger Because of Ukraine War 

RBC-Ukraine wrote on April 24: 

“Russia’s war in Ukraine has triggered an unprecedented surge in military technology development, with a pace that would have been impossible in peacetime, said German Chancellor Fredrich Merz at a press conference during a summit in Cyprus…. ‘We are witnessing military-technological development advancing at a speed that would not have happened without this war. And in that, despite all the tragedy of this war and the terrible pain, there is also a great opportunity that we will use,’ the Chancellor said… 

“Germany’s first-ever comprehensive military strategy… provides for large-scale reform of the Bundeswehr to transform it into the most powerful conventional army on the continent, capable of sustained defense…. Germany has significantly shifted its position on supplying weapons to Ukraine over the past two years… Germany had become one of the leading suppliers of armored vehicles, air defense systems, and ammunition, despite ongoing attempts by Russia to sow divisions within Europe.” 

Bavarian Premier Söder Calls for Compulsory Military Service 

Deutsche Welle reported on April 26: 

“Bavaria’s conservative State Premier Markus Söder has criticized the government’s plan to boost the number of people enlisting in the armed forces, saying that the only thing that will work is compulsory military service. ‘For us it’s very clear: If the Bundeswehr is to become the biggest army in Europe, then there’s no way around military service,’ Söder told Bild newspaper. 

“‘With volunteers alone we won’t achieve the necessary security our country needs. And security is the prerequisite for freedom,’ he said, adding: ‘That’s why military service needs to come as soon as possible.’” 

And sadly, it will. 

Israel Awaits Green Light From US to Resume War 

Focus reported on April 23: 

“According to Defense Minister Israel Katz, Israel is ‘ready to resume the war against Iran.’ Israel is awaiting a green light from the US, he said… The targets have already been identified. 

“The primary objective is to definitively dismantle ‘the Khamenei dynasty’ and to destroy key energy and power facilities, as well as the national economic infrastructure. Katz spoke of sending Iran ‘back to the Stone Age.'” 

Israel Owes A Lot of Money 

Calcalist wrote on April 29: 

“The Ministry of Defense owes the three major defense companies, Rafael, Israel Aerospace Industries, and Elbit Systems, an unprecedented sum of about NIS 13 billion ($4.3 billion)… Executives in the defense industries have expressed dissatisfaction with the continued practice of delayed payments… 

“The expansion of interceptor missile production earlier this year was made possible only after an exceptional commitment by Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram, guaranteeing that the state would repay the company for the missiles ordered.” 

“Mocking God” 

The Christian Post wrote on April 22: 

“The official X account of Israel, which is run by the Israeli Foreign Ministry, promoted an upcoming four-day LGBTQ+ pride festival in June at the Dead Sea, which some detractors on social media noted is the traditional location of Sodom and Gomorrah. ‘Pride rises at the lowest place on earth,’ the Monday post read. ‘This June the Dead Sea becomes Pride Land, the biggest LGBTQ+ festival ever in the Middle East. Four days of nonstop celebration community and connection. Israel celebrates its LGBTQ+ community bigger than ever.’ 

“‘Pride Land,’ which is slated to celebrate LGBT behavior from June 1-4, will transform a part of the Judaean Desert near the Dead Sea into a 24-hour city with 15 hotels, beach facilities and a central performance arena that will host continuous entertainment from prominent Israeli performers… 

“The promotion of the event by Israel’s official X account prompted significant backlash on social media, including from Christians who saw the event’s location as an affront to God and a mockery of the Bible. Some users pointed out that the southern region of the Dead Sea has traditionally been considered the site of Sodom, Gomorrah and the other cities of the plain that God destroyed with fire and brimstone because of their rampant sexual perversion, according to Genesis 19… 

“The Pride Land event comes as Israel attempts to revitalize its flagging tourism amid the war against Iran and its proxies in the region…” 

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 live in a world of constant surveillance, where governments and companies constantly monitor our communications. They use this information in many ways; for example, knowing what we purchase can help with tailored advertising. Other information can help governments know who we will vote for (even though we in God’s Church should not vote in governmental elections). This is usually with the aim of knowing our future actions and possibly influencing them for some purpose, whether political or commercial. As an example, this information can be used in “Nudge Technology”, a system where people are nudged to vote a certain way or purchase a certain product, or even partake of a medical procedure like a vaccine, and believe that they are making a free will choice, because there may be no mandate or coercion, but the desired aim of the government or company  is still achieved.

But does God “figure out” what we will do by knowing what we have done in the past and assuming we will continue doing likewise in the future? Or is there much more involved?

For a start, what does God know? He reveals much about Himself in His Word, the Bible. But He does not reveal everything He knows to us. Deuteronomy 29:29 does inform us that there is a limit, for some reason: “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” But even so, there is a great amount revealed about God in His Word. Following is a short list of examples of God explaining His abilities and knowledge to give us some understanding of who and what God is.

God knows the names of all the stars; He knows all of them by name. Psalm 147:4 states: “He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name.” We, as humans, are very limited; we can count and name only a few stars. Even with the most powerful telescopes, the stars are uncountable, but since God, through Jesus Christ, created them all, for Him it takes no effort whatsoever to name them all. He does not have human limitations like we do. God compared the number of stars with the descendants of Abram in Genesis 15:5, “Then He brought him outside and said, ‘Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.’ And He said to him, ‘So shall your descendants be.’” In other words, a very great number. A number none of us can even comprehend. It could be approaching a billion people.

We read in Psalm 147:5: “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.” We humans have a very finite understanding, especially compared with God’s. In a similar expression in Psalm 145:3 and Isaiah 40:28, God’s understanding is translated from another Hebrew word as “unsearchable”. But basically, it means “beyond our understanding” or “without limit”. God’s understanding and knowledge are even greater than that of the angels. 1 Peter 1:12 informs us that there are things that angels want to look into: “To them [the prophets of old] it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.”

And how is God affected by time? This is described in Isaiah 57:15: “For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.’” We inhabit the present time and do not know what the future will bring precisely, although biblical prophecy does give us an indication of events that will occur in the future. As for what happened in the past before we were born, we only know what others have told us. However God, inhabiting eternity, is not limited in any way by time. He knows everything that has happened. We will discuss later whether He also knows everything that will happen.

God, of course, has the ability to cause future events to occur, as is stated in Isaiah 46:9-11, “Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,’ Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it.”

This man is understood to be king Cyrus of Persia, and in Isaiah 44:28, he was prophesied to rebuild Jerusalem and lay the foundation of the temple: “…Who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd, And he shall perform all My pleasure, Saying to Jerusalem, “You shall be built,” And to the temple, “Your foundation shall be laid.”’” This prophecy was written long before Cyrus was even born, and God still used his future name. It was written about 150 – 200 years before it was fulfilled. So this example shows God knows or directs future events; in this case, it was God’s purpose to use king Cyrus to fulfill one aspect of His Will, so this is a matter of declaring a future event from an earlier time.

Another prophecy in which God gave the name of a future king is in 1 Kings 13:1-2: “And behold, a man of God went from Judah to Bethel by the word of the LORD, and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense. Then he cried out against the altar by the word of the LORD, and said, ‘O altar, altar! Thus says the LORD: “Behold, a child, Josiah by name, shall be born to the house of David; and on you he shall sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense on you, and men’s bones shall be burned on you.”’” This prophecy was spoken between 270 and 290 years before the event prophesied occurred. Again, this shows God can declare future events that will fulfill His purpose, from the time many years earlier.

God also compares our way of thinking with His way. This is stated in Isaiah 55:8-9: “‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,’ says the LORD. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.’” No matter how much we think we know, God knows so much more, and He uses this example comparing the height of the heavens with our life on the earth. The actual extent of the heavens is limitless if we want to believe astronomers, but there is a physical limit as to how far we can see into the universe, due to its supposed age and the speed of light. We have no idea what is outside of that limit.

If we ask, “How old is God?”, we find the answer in Job 36:26, “Behold, God is great, and we do not know Him; Nor can the number of His years be discovered.” At some time in the past, as we understand time, God created time for us to live in as human beings. But God already existed before there was any time.

Another mention of God’s knowledge is in Job 37:16, “Do you know how the clouds are balanced, Those wondrous works of Him who is perfect in knowledge?” Using the word “perfect” is a superlative. There is nothing better than perfect. God has so much knowledge that He even knows the hairs on the heads of all His servants (Matthew 10:30). To us, this appears impossible, but God, being a Spirit being, does not have any physical limitations like we have, and so He knows all that He wants to know. But, as we will see later, He is still learning when considering human conduct.

When did God choose whom He would call to be members of His Church and hence first fruits? This is answered in Ephesians 1:3-4, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love…” Commentaries generally state, and the Church of the Eternal God teaches, that the expression “chosen us” refers to individuals, not the Church as an entity. It includes Paul himself and Jews and Gentiles present at Ephesus at that time. It is the same Greek word used when Christ chose His disciples individually. It is used in the book of Acts when specific persons were chosen for specific tasks. Similarly, “before the foundation of the world” implies this choice was made before the world was made or before the work of creation.

Therefore, God knew before He created the world whom He would choose individually out of the population living at Ephesus at the time Paul preached there. This logically implies that God knew everyone He would call in the history of the world before He created the world. Many in the Church of God in the past have tried to minimize or generalize this fact, teaching that God would raise up a Church or that God would just call a number of some unidentified and unknown individuals at a given time, but as the commentaries point out and as many other Scriptures prove, the biblical meaning that God knew which individuals He would call before the world was created is the true meaning of this passage.

There are some passages indicating that God in some cases does not hear. This is stated in John 9:31, “Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him.” And also in Psalm 66:18, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.” This is not stating that God is unable to hear or is deaf, but the sense is that God will not listen and respond favorably to a person of iniquity when he or she prays. In actual fact, God hears everything, but only chooses to respond to things that are within His purpose.

This is explained again in Isaiah 59:1-2, “Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.” Most translations replace “hear” with “listen,” indicating God can hear the sounds we make as we pray, but He will refuse or choose not to listen to the substance of the prayer, and He will therefore not respond to our prayers if we are rebellious and full of sin which we are unwilling to overcome.

This issue of God hearing and not hearing is due to the fact that there are different ways a Greek or Hebrew word can be translated into English. The Hebrew for “hear” is translated in over twenty ways in the Old Testament depending on context. The Greek in the New Testament is translated in fewer ways but still with variations. This is explained effectively in “The New Analytical Greek Lexicon”, where we read “hear” can also be translated as: to hearken, listen to, to heed, to obey, to understand, to take in or admit to mental acceptance. So God will hear the words but may not accept and act on them.

So, the question needed to be answered is, what does God not know about us and what does He need to learn? This will explain to an extent whether God knows what we will do in the future.

God tests us to see if we will obey Him, an early example being Exodus 16:4-5, “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not. And it shall be on the sixth day that they shall prepare what they bring in, and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.’” Thus, God was finding whether the people would obey His instructions that He had given before the Ten Commandments were again formalized and given to the people.

The Ten Commandments had been given to mankind before, at the time of Adam and Eve’s creation, but the Israelites, being enslaved in Egypt, had forgotten most, if not all of them.

(To Be Continued)

Lead Writers: Paul Niehoff (Australia) and Norbert Link

compiled by Dave Harris

“God’s Warnings and Task for President Trump,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

President Trump has survived at least three assassination attempts. Each one could have been fatal. God has given Trump several warnings. He has set Trump aside to carry out an important prophetic task. But what if he refuses to do so and does not repent of his pride and his blasphemous conduct?

“Gottes Warnungen und Auftrag an Präsident Trump,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.

We are very pleased to announce the recent baptism of three people: Louis Pare (Germany); Natalia Lis (Germany); and Gideon Rank (United States). CONGRATULATIONS!

“Gründe für Prüfungen,” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Michael Link. Title in English: “Reasons for Trials.”

“Der bittere Weg des Menschen und Gottes Alternative” last Sabbath’s first split sermon presented in Germany by Andreas Rätz, is now posted. Title in English: “The Bitter Path of Man and God’s Alternative.”

“Gehen Sie nicht bei Rot über die Strasse,” last Sabbath’s second split sermon presented in German by Johann Schell, is now posted. Title in English: : “Do Not Cross the Street on Red.”

“Reasons for Trials,” last Sabbath’s first split sermon presented by Michael Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:

A follow-up to the message “Keep Going” given on April 18, 2026. What are our initial reactions when we are faced with trials? Is there a purpose behind them? Focusing on Paul, how did he react to his many trials and what was his motivation? How can we relate?

“When Is God Glorified?” last Sabbath’s second split sermon presented by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is the summary:

Christians are to glorify God. How does this work? How are we doing in bringing glory to God? 

On April 25, 2026, Michael Link will present the first split sermon, titled, “Reasons for Trials” and Kalon Mitchell will present the second split sermon, titled, “When Is God Glorified?”

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

A hallmark of the writings of the Apostle Paul was his unyielding focus on the future—that is, life in the Family and Kingdom of God.

We have many details of Paul’s calling and then the message he taught under the inspiration of God. We are also told of his struggles, persecutions and health problems (2 Corinthians 11 and 12). In Romans 7:24, Paul writes, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?”

Today, among brethren in the Church of God, we also see great personal trials.

Of course, that is true of the world at large, and that is because of sin, its penalty and the influence of Satan. But we have been called out of this world—still in it but not part of it (John 17:16). This is what Paul preached, and how he lived his life.

Paul wrote:

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it” (1 Corinthians 9:24)

“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

Paul said, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1), and in that, we find our ultimate example—as Paul also wrote:

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

By Norbert Link 

A substantial rift is developing between Trump and Netanyahu. A fragile ceasefire between Iran and the USA is about to collapse, as the Strait of Hormuz has been closed again by Iran, while the USA continues its blockage, and key demands and concessions are rejected by both sides. Talks between Israel and Lebanon ignore the real problem, which is Hezbollah. Trump rejects any help from NATO, and Europe is developing its own defense system and army without the USA.

A mentally unstable president has the unrestricted power to start a nuclear war, and while Franklin Graham attempts to defend Trump’s blasphemous depiction of himself as Jesus and then lies about it, Tucker Carlson is wondering out loud whether Trump might be the Antichrist.

Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Trump’s Announcement of the Third Temple?” 

 Also, please view our recent StandingWatch program, “Pope Leo’s Condemnation of Trump’s Unholy Iran War” 

Israel “PROHIBITED” by the US From Bombing Lebanon, and Strait of Hormuz Open?

The Guardian wrote on April 16:

“A half hour after posting that the US naval blockade on Iran was still in effect [and will remain in full force until a deal is reached with Iran], Donald Trump posted that ‘Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer’. ‘They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!! Thank you!’ the US president wrote…” 

Netanyahu Stunned and Alarmed 

Newsmax reported on April 18: 

“Israel sought clarification from the White House following a statement by President Donald Trump in which he said Israel had been ‘prohibited’ from carrying out airstrikes in Lebanon… Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly ‘stunned and alarmed’ by Trump’s statement and learned of it from the media…. A U.S. official later clarified Trump’s remarks, telling The Times of Israel that the ‘ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel clearly states that Israel will not carry out any offensive military operations against Lebanese targets but preserves its right to self-defense against planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks.’… 

“Trump announced the agreement as a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. However, Israel has not been fighting with Lebanon itself, but rather with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants inside the country, who were not formally part of the agreement… [Netanyahu] said Israeli troops would not withdraw… [but would] extend six miles into Lebanon. ‘That is where we are, and we are not leaving,’ he said.’” 

Trump and Netanyahu don’t see eye to eye. Who will prevail in that fight? 

Lebanon Not the Problem

The Jerusalem Post wrote on April 17: 

“The breakthrough in Israel-Lebanon talks is that both sides now agree that Hezbollah is the problem, but whether Lebanon can do anything about it is a different question…  it’s nice to have hope… but it’s dangerous to have illusions, or to create them…. 

“The problem is that Lebanon – or, more precisely, the government of Lebanon – is not the problem. It is not the one ordering the rocket and drone attacks on Israel. Hezbollah is doing that, and it is taking its orders from Iran. Israel and Lebanon can talk all they want, but if Lebanon cannot force its will on Hezbollah, then what is it worth?…  if the Lebanese government cannot even implement an order to expel a diplomat [Iran’s ambassador] it itself declared persona non grata, how in the world is it going to disarm Hezbollah?” 

The deal, brokered by the US and France, requires the Lebanese government to prevent Hezbollah from attacking Israel. This is a non-starter. Also, Hezbollah approved the ceasefire deal but demanded full Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, which Netanyahu rejected. 

Closed Again 

Thomson/Reuters wrote on April 17: 

“Merchant ‌vessels attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday received radio messages from Iran’s navy telling them they were not allowed to pass, while two ships reported being hit by gunfire… ‘Attention all ships, ⁠regarding ⁠the failure of the U.S. government to fulfill its commitment in the negotiation [including lifting its blockade], Iran declares the ‌Strait of Hormuz completely closed again. No vessel of any type or nationality is allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz,’ the radio ‌message said. 

“Hundreds of ships and about ‌20,000 seafarers remain stranded in the Gulf, waiting to pass through the key waterway…” 

Even after Iran temporarily opened the Strait and before it closed it again, oil tankers remained cautious about sailing through the Strait of Hormuz. A number of tankers and cargo ships tried to exit the strait on Friday via the route designated by Iran around Larak Island, but they suddenly turned back. 

The Sun wrote on April 18:

“Tehran is yet to agree to a second round of negotiations, a source told Iranian state TV, adding that the regime will not waste its time with America’s ‘excessive demands’…. Trump warned the US will resume its bombing campaign in Iran if peace is not reached by Wednesday…”

Trump Threatens AGAIN…

Newsmax wrote on April 19: 

“President Donald Trump on Sunday morning threatened to ‘knock out every single power plant and every single bridge’ in Iran unless the country’s leaders accept a ‘very reasonable deal’ offered by the United States.” 

The Algemeiner added on April 19: 

“Iran rejected new peace talks with the United States, its state news agency reported on Sunday, hours after US President Donald Trump said he was sending envoys for talks in Pakistan [JD Vance, Kushner and Witkoff] and would launch new strikes on Iran unless it accepts his terms.” 

Trump Extends Ceasefire… Again! 

The Independent wrote on April 21:

“President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the U.S. would extend its ceasefire with Iran that was due to expire tomorrow, at the request of Pakistani authorities… The president’s latest walk-back of his threats to resume the U.S. air campaign against Tehran comes hours after he told CNBC he was not inclined to agree to any extension of the ceasefire…

“For their part, Tehran’s negotiators had refused to participate in the sessions unless Trump had lifted the blockade of Iran’s ports… [Trump said he would not end the blockade]. Tuesday’s announcement is just the most recent in a series of reversals, which critics have come to give the derisive acronym TACO (‘Trump Always Chickens Out’) that have characterized Trump’s second bite at the apple of presidential power….

“The ceasefire extension echoes his decision to announce the ceasefire agreement on April 7, hours ahead of a self-imposed deadline before he ordered U.S. forces to bomb Iranian civilian infrastructure.”

Further, the White House confirmed the US team (JD Vance, Kushner and Witkoff] would not be traveling to Pakistan on Tuesday. So, no talks, but a fragile “ceasefire”? Trump’s declarations of intent cannot be trusted. 

Iran Seizes Two Cargo Ships

The U.S. Sun wrote on April 22:

“IRAN has claimed it seized two cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz and fired at a third, just hours after Donald Trump extended a ceasefire with the rogue nation… Hopes of a deal to end the war were dashed as the rogue state inflicted ‘heavy damage’ on one ship as the crew dived for cover…

“Iran shot at and seized the ships, despite Trump’s claims to have wiped out the threat posed by the Revolutionary Guard’s navy.”

“Trump’s Blockade COLLAPSES”

Daily Mail wrote on April 22:

“Donald Trump’s naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is unraveling after dozens of Iranian vessels secretly slipped past US surveillance… Approximately 34 Iranian oil tankers have slipped through the blockade, with 19 vessels exiting the Persian Gulf past Trump’s navy and another 15 ships entering from the Arabian Sea toward Iran… Six of those tankers were smuggling Iranian crude oil totaling 10.7 million barrels, estimated to be worth approximately $910 million in revenue for the regime. ..

“As reports of Iranian gunfire on three container ships emerged, oil prices rose with Brent crude futures up to $99.21 a barrel. Gas prices in the US have skyrocketed to above $4 a gallon as polling suggests the public is turning against Trump’s war… Senior officials say Trump seemed wary about prolonging the conflict because of how deeply unpopular it is with the American public.”

The Huffington Post wrote on April 23:

“Iran flaunted its tightened grip over the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday with video of its commandos storming a huge cargo ship, after the collapse of peace talks.”

America’s Concessions… But Iran Unwilling to Concede 

The Daily Mail wrote on April 6: 

“US officials have said that Washington and Tehran are negotiating a three-page plan to end the war, which could see Iran surrender its enriched uranium in exchange for $20 billion in unfrozen funds… 

“There has been no confirmation from Iran, however, that it made this concession… ‘Iran clearly wants the $20 billion — and a lot more. They clearly want to sell oil at free-market rates without sanctions. They want to participate in the global financial system. But they also want to have this nuclear weapons program,’ one official said. The official added: ‘They want to fund terrorists like Hamas. And they don’t want to give that up enough to get the things we’re offering.’”

Trump later declared that Iran won’t get $20 billion in unfrozen funds. Iran denied Trump’s claim that it was ready to surrender nuclear materials, saying those materials are located on Iran’s holy ground and cannot be given away.

Chaos Inside the White House 

The Guardian wrote on April 19: 

“… the US president’s chaotic approach to diplomacy doubles the need for Tehran to act calmly and strategically – two competencies it believes he totally lacks. 

“Such is the distrust and fog surrounding relations between Iran and the US that no one can know whether Trump… has once again decided to use diplomacy as a giant smokescreen prior to a further military attack on Iran… 

“…in a series of tweets on Friday Trump… gave the impression that Iran had surrendered. The backlash that followed in Tehran on Friday was inevitable… the leader of Iran’s delegation to Islamabad, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf,… accused Trump of telling lies… 

“The sense of unbridled chaos inside the White House was only underlined by a flurry of conflicting reports as to whether the vice-president, JD Vance, was to attend… None of this brings either side closer to the solving the substantive problem of how to address Iran’s determination to maintain a right to enrich uranium on Iranian soil…”

It gets worse. Note the next article.

Trump Was Screaming at Aides for Hours 

The Independent wrote on April 19: 

“When President Donald Trump learned that two American pilots had gone missing in Iran on Good Friday, he ‘screamed at aides for hours’ and was then ‘kept out of the room’ while his team was given minute-by-minute updates, according to a report [by the Wall Street Journal]…. ‘Images of the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis—one of the biggest international policy failures of a presidency in recent times—had been looming large in his mind,’ The Journal reported…. ‘Aides kept the president out of the room because they believed his impatience wouldn’t be helpful,’ the official told the newspaper…. 

“Trump boasted about the success of the mission on Truth Social at around midnight and went to bed at 2 a.m., according to the WSJ… The next morning, Trump ordered Iran to ‘open the F***in’ Strait, you crazy b*******, or you’ll be living in Hell,’ in an expletive-laden post that ended with ‘Praise be to Allah.’ On April 7, Trump threatened that a ‘whole civilization will die tonight’ unless Iran agreed to open the strait…. The comments prompted global alarm and caused concerned lawmakers to contact the White House to inquire about the president’s state of mind, according to the newspaper.”

Trump later said that he sent out his provocative note with his foul language and the desecration of Allah so that he would be viewed as being mentally unstable, as to deceive his enemy and have them guess as to what he would do next. Apart from the doubtfulness of his “defense,” he did not have to send out that note so that people would reach that conclusion.

Trump: No Need for NATO Help 

The Daily Mail wrote on April 6: 

“German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday that his country was prepared to contribute to a mission ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that input from the United States would also be ‘desirable’… [and] that this could include… mine clearing. 

“’We will therefore take part in the further military planning discussions that are taking place…’ 

It comes after Trump wrote on Truth Social: ‘Now that the Hormuz Strait situation is over, I received a call from NATO asking if we would need some help. I TOLD THEM TO STAY AWAY, UNLESS THEY JUST WANT TO LOAD UP THEIR SHIPS WITH OIL. They were useless when needed, a Paper Tiger! President DJT’ 

Trump also said that the US/UK relationship is “not good, not good at all.” Friedrich Merz claimed that only he and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte can still talk to Trump. What does this say about the strength of Merz and Rutte?

New Rifts Between Washington, Europe, the Vatican, and Israel 

The Jerusalem Post wrote on April 16: 

“In a matter of days, tensions have surfaced simultaneously across different arenas: the United States has openly criticized its European allies for what it sees as a lack of support; Italy has recalibrated its position toward Israel following a series of incidents in Lebanon; and an unusually direct confrontation has emerged between Washington and the Vatican…

“The deterioration in relations between Italy and Israel must be understood as a gradual escalation rather than a single decision point… The disagreement between Washington and European capitals over Iran… reflects long-standing differences in strategic culture, threat perception, and political capacity that the war has brought into sharper focus… 

“Trade between the European Union and Iran… still exists, and European governments continue to weigh the economic consequences of escalation… Germany earns about €1.2 billion from exports to Iran and imports roughly €200 million in Iranian goods, while Italy exports around €700 million to Iran and imports about €170 million… Iran seeks to destroy Israel, not Italy or Germany… 

“From Washington’s perspective, European restraint is not interpreted as strategic caution but as a failure to meet alliance expectations. The Trump administration has framed the issue in terms of burden-sharing, arguing that European allies have benefited from American security guarantees while declining to support US-led efforts in the current conflict… 

“The tensions reached their most visible point in the overlapping confrontation involving President Trump, Meloni, and Pope Leo XIV… The feud with the Vatican is not just another Trump spectacle. It matters because the Holy See occupies a distinctive place in international politics… Massimo Faggioli, a professor of theology and religious studies at Trinity College Dublin, told The Media Line that President Trump’s posture reflected political self-legitimization. ‘It is the picture of a presidency that sees itself with a religious function… it is covered with a messianic cloak. Trump believes he is the savior of America, the savior of the Middle East, the savior of the world.’… 

“Taken together, these developments point to a broader transformation rather than a temporary rupture… This means that NATO loses importance… The Iran war did not create this shift. It exposed it.” 

Rejected by Everyone 

Politico wrote on April 20: 

“The Iran war is damaging America’s influence around the world and exacerbating tensions… an erosion of power that could be tough to reverse… 

“The war appears to be accelerating what some see as a U.S. break-up with much of the rest of the planet…” 

“When an Amateur Wages War” 

ntv wrote on April 12: 

“A golfer—indifferent to the world, to facts, and to science—rules the most powerful country on Earth like an autocrat… 

“We can safely assume that the man in the White House unwaveringly believes in his own absurd self-assessments… ‘We have had a regime change,’ Trump declared regarding the fact that numerous figures who had previously been influential spokespersons within Iran’s political, military, Revolutionary Guard, and intelligence circles had lost their lives. The executions of insurgents serve as proof that the ‘barbarians in Tehran’ have not lost an ounce of their domestic power. ‘Iranian patriots, keep protesting!’ Trump had urged the courageous demonstrators via Truth Social in mid-January. ‘Help is on the way.’ The opposition has been waiting for that help to this day. Anyone who relies on Trump is left in the lurch. Europe and NATO are feeling the effects of this as well… 

“Trump has no boldly hatched plan—or any plan at all, for that matter. The only thing that drives him is generating headlines, so that he can dominate the news cycle every day and feel vindicated in his belief that he is a brilliant leader.”

“Trump’s most effective tactic is retaliation. He vows revenge against anyone who does not fall in line—imposing a tariff here, issuing a threat to cut off military aid there. The man may possess a certain street smarts; yet in the realm of global politics, he has so far proven himself to be clueless and incompetent… To this day, Trump fails to even grasp that NATO is a defensive alliance, not a coalition for waging wars… 

“Reports emerging from the U.S.—suggesting that intelligence officials and military leaders no longer dare to present the President with findings and facts that do not suit his agenda—appear entirely plausible… U.S. ‘War Secretary’ Pete Hegseth serves as the archetype of these absurd figures. His public appearances—his effusive paeans of praise to Trump—are so preposterous that one can scarcely distinguish them from satire… 

“Trump has maneuvered himself into a dead end… The beneficiary of this fiasco is China, along with its allies, Russia and Iran… This tripartite alliance… flanked by North Korea and economically closely linked with India—poses a formidable challenge to the United States… 

“The conflict with Iran has exposed just how easily the U.S. President can be defeated. All it takes is driving up oil prices… On the stock market, a term for this phenomenon has already emerged: TACO. The acronym stands for ‘Trump Always Chickens Out’—or, loosely translated: Trump always folds. Iran grasped this reality very quickly and translated it into policy. Other nations will undoubtedly follow suit. A development that renders the world an even more precarious place…” 

EU Military Plans… 

Inbox.Iv wrote on April 17: 

“Serious discontent is growing within the North Atlantic Alliance due to a number of defense initiatives proposed by the European Union. According to the Financial Times, NATO is particularly irritated by projects such as the ‘drone wall’ and plans to strengthen the EU’s central military headquarters. According to the publication, alliance officials see these steps as an attempt by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to establish herself as the key architect of Europe’s militarization. In NATO, such initiatives are perceived as an effort to make rearmament the main element of her political legacy. 

“The European Union is steadily and systematically enhancing the military component of its foreign and domestic policy. In the spring of 2025, a colossal rearmament plan… was unanimously approved at an emergency summit in Brussels, with a budget of a staggering 800 billion euros. This ambitious plan includes joint arms procuremen…”

… Without USA

RBC wrote on April 17: 

“The European Union will hold its first large-scale exercises on activating the mutual assistance mechanism in the event of armed aggression against one of its member states…   

“The purpose of the exercises is to test Article 42.7 of the EU Treaty, which obliges member states to provide assistance by ‘all means in their power’ in the event of an attack on the territory of one of them. This wording is considered legally stricter than Article 5 of the NATO Charter, which only requires allies to take actions they ‘deem necessary.’… 

“The need to implement defence guarantees has become more relevant amid growing tensions in transatlantic relations. In particular, this includes threats by US President Donald Trump to withdraw from NATO and his statements regarding Greenland…. In recent months, discussions about Europe’s autonomous defence capabilities have intensified significantly. In particular, the Wall Street Journal reported that European countries have begun secretly developing a plan B in case the US withdraws from NATO… 

“In addition, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has directly stated that the EU should move towards creating its own army and deeper defence integration in order to take security matters into its own hands… NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed during talks in Brussels the need to urgently accelerate weapons production in Europe…” 

Euractiv wrote on April 17 that “EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius on Friday proposed a new intergovernmental European treaty to create a defense union and prepare the bloc to defend itself.”

Sebastian Kurz on Friedrich Merz 

Die Welt reported on April 11: 

“Former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz warns of ‘massive rifts’ within NATO in light of the conflict involving Iran. ‘Regardless of who is President in America, I do not believe that, in the medium term, it will be possible for the USA to stand by the European Union’s side whenever we happen to want them to—for example, in Ukraine’s defensive war against Russia,’ Kurz said in an interview with Business Insider and WELT AM SONNTAG… 

“Kurz considers Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s stance on the conflict involving Iran to be misguided. Merz had stated: ‘Germany is not a party to this war, nor do we wish to become one.’ Kurz countered…: ‘It is crucial that the European Union—and, above all, the NATO member states—make a fundamental decision regarding how cooperation with the USA is to proceed in the future.’ He argued that this conflict involving Iran affects Europe just as profoundly as the war in Ukraine… 

“Following his withdrawal from politics, Kurz worked—among other roles—as an advisor for Thiel Capital, the firm founded by Silicon Valley investor Peter Thiel. In 2022, he co-founded the company Dream Security alongside Shalev Hulio. By 2025, the start-up was valued at 1.1 billion US dollars. Kurz himself holds a 15 percent stake in the company. 

“Dream’s AI models were able to uncover, for instance, a cyber-espionage campaign orchestrated by Iran that aimed to sabotage negotiations regarding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages. Using disguised emails, diplomats from Oman, Egypt and the USA, were able to spy on and falsify their communications in real time.”

“U.S. Nuclear Scientist LEAKS Trump’s SENSATIONAL IRAN Plan”

The Times of India wrote on April 22: 

“A shocking undercover video has put the US military under scrutiny after a senior nuclear official was caught allegedly revealing sensitive details about war operations and chemical weapons. The footage, now viral, shows the official speaking casually about nuclear systems, missile detection, and even potential plans involving Iran’s leadership. The claims go further, touching on nerve agents, civilian casualties, and internal safety failures. The US Army has reacted swiftly, placing the official on administrative leave and launching an investigation. 

“However, the incident has triggered deeper concerns about how securely critical information is handled. It also raises uncomfortable questions about the gap between official policy and what may be happening behind closed doors. At a time when tensions with Iran remain volatile, this leak is not just a scandal. It is a moment that could reshape perceptions about US military conduct, transparency, and the risks of sensitive information slipping into the public domain.”

When the President Pulls the Nuclear Trigger 

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on April 17: 

“Larry Johnson is reporting ‘shocking details of what is going on behind the scene at the White House [where] Donald Trump began exhibiting signs of early dementia in September 2025… He frequently confabulates [In psychology, it describes when a person unintentionally creates false memories to fill gaps, often seen in dementia or brain injuries. Synonyms include chats, converses, gossips, confers, or consults. Examples include casual chatting or fabricating memories.] … he routinely loses his temper and unleashes screaming rants, and he is incapable of doing critical thinking. [As a result] Trump’s senior White House staff are behaving like children with an abusive, drug-addled father… i.e., they walk on egg shells fearful of saying anything that might ignite Trump’s rage.’ 

“… Beyond his mental breakdown, Trump’s foreign and domestic policies are characterized by their belligerency [a generally hostile or aggressive attitude], full of threats directed against imaginary enemies, friends and allies unwilling to go to war for nothing, and anyone in the media or among the public who dares to criticize what comes out of the White House… 

“… Trump is full of threats to ‘obliterate’ foreign countries, and includes unconscionable diatribes [bitter, angry and abusive speeches] against folks like the Roman Catholic Pope Leo for daring to ask for an end to wars and to seek peaceful coexistence among nations. After Trump posted an Artificial Intelligence picture of himself as Jesus, the Pope argued ‘Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic, and political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth.’.. 

“Trump is also outraging America’s former loyal allies in NATO… But unfortunately there is much more than the trading of insults at stake in the Donald Trump debacle… 

“So for the benefit of all those, like myself, who want to learn what happens when the United States President pushes the so-called button or pulls the trigger, whichever metaphor one prefers, to start a nuclear war, I will outline what I have discovered. The biggest surprise to me was that there are not really any checks and balances on what takes place to make sure that no president is making a mistake or exceeding authority to go nuclear. Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution states that ‘The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States’ and both courts and legal scholars have long interpreted this clause as giving the President direct command over military operations, including decisions about when and how to use specific weapons. Indeed, no statute or constitutional provision requires the President to get approval from anyone else before ordering a nuclear strike… he has absolute authority to launch when, in his or her judgement, there is a proportionate imminent threat coming from a hostile state…

“… in practice, every President retains the physical ability to order a first strike without asking Congress first as the launch system does not distinguish between retaliatory and first-use orders. The button to push is located on an electronic ‘nuclear football’ that is carried around in close proximity to wherever the president is at by a military aide… the fact is that Donald Trump… could no doubt both legally and practically initiate a nuclear weapons attack on Iran or any other country based on his ‘feelings’ about what is going on with that country’s foreign policy. In shaping any such a judgement he will no doubt have plenty of false information fed to him…

“Trump, to be sure, is the second president in a row who has not been of sound mind and the danger that he might stumble into doing something awful is all too real…”

The author is apparently referring to Biden and Trump as two presidents in a row who have not been of a sound mind. However, studies suggest that half of all presidents suffered from mental illness. If a president is perceived as acting irrationally and willing to use nuclear weapons against an “enemy,” it is not unreasonable to assume that the “enemy” will strike first, preemptively with nuclear weapons. A nuclear war between Europe and the USA is prophesied. Time will show HOW this war is triggered. 

Franklin Graham’s “Defense” of Trump 

The Huffington Post wrote on April 17: 

“On Thursday, Franklin Graham… a longtime prominent ally of Trump… took to X to vehemently defend President Donald Trump for posting an AI-generated image that depicted him as a Jesus-like figure earlier in the week… He… said he was ‘thankful’ that Trump had since made it ‘very clear’ that he believed the AI image depicted him as a doctor ‘helping someone,’ not Jesus…. 

“Graham suggested on X that he didn’t come to the same conclusions as just about everyone else who thought Trump was depicting himself as Jesus…. Graham went on to defend another Jesus post that Trump shared on Truth Social… Graham said he liked the image.” 

Graham’s statements are to be rejected as being strictly political. Trump lied about his posts, and Graham should recognize this. After Trump admitted that he sent out the image of him being Jesus, but it allegedly depicted him as a doctor, he denied posting it a day later. One lie followed the next lie. 

Tucker Carlson: Is Trump the Antichrist? 

The Wrap wrote on April 18: 

“Tucker Carlson is beginning to wonder if Donald Trump might be the Antichrist… ‘Here’s a leader who’s mocking the gods of his ancestors, mocking the God of gods and exalting himself above them. Could this be the Antichrist? Well, who knows?…’” 

MSN added on April 18: 

“Carlson read from Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, describing a ‘man of lawlessness’ who opposes God and exalts himself, often linked in Christian teaching to the Antichrist. He also cited the Book of Daniel’s prophecy of a ruler who acts as he pleases, speaks against God, and elevates himself above all gods. Carlson suggested Trump’s behaviour, including self-promotional religious imagery, could fit these descriptions, though he left the question open-ended.” 

The passage in 2 Thessalonians does not depict “the Antichrist,” if it is interpreted to mean the “beast” in the Book of Revelation, but it speaks about the false prophet who will sit in the temple of God [to be built in Jerusalem prior to Christ’s return], proclaiming to be God (or that he is Jesus Christ who has allegedly returned). The passage in the book of Daniel 11 does however depict the beast. Trump is not “the Antichrist” or the beast, but the Bible speaks about many “antichrists” who have risen…false messengers who proclaim a teaching opposed to the true Jesus of the Bible. 1 John 4:3 reads: “And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.” 2 John 7 reads: “For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh [that Christ lives today in His disciples]. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.”

Pope Leo’s False Message

EWTN wrote on April 13:

“‘The Sunday Eucharist is indispensable for Christian life,’ Pope Leo XIV said before reciting the Marian prayer of the Regina Caeli on April 12 in St. Peterʼs Square… ‘Faced with the offer to save their lives on the condition that they renounce celebrating the Eucharist, they [some martyrs of the early African Church] replied that they could not live without celebrating the Lord’s Day… For this reason, on the “eighth day,” that is, every Sunday, the Church invites us to do as the first disciples did: to gather together and celebrate the Eucharist as one,’ he said…. ‘May the Virgin Mary help us to do this — she who is blessed because she was the first to believe without seeing,’ he said.”

The pope’s comments are filled with errors. Sunday is the first day of the week, not the eighth day, nor is Sunday the “Lord’s Day.” Christ said that He is the Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8). The Eucharist is not a biblical concept either. Christ commanded His disciples to partake of the Passover once a year, not participating in an “Eucharist” every Sunday. The disciples did not assemble on Sunday for worship services, nor did they celebrate the “Eucharist” together on Sunday. They continued to assemble on the Sabbath to keep it holy. (See our previous Update #1202 and the article, “A Christian Bishop’s Confession: We Changed God’s Sabbath”.)

The “Virgin Mary” – Mary did not stay a virgin after her conception of Jesus – was most certainly not the first one to believe without seeing. She believed that she would bear a Son—Jesus—but she did not believe Him (she even thought at times that he was mad) until she became converted and received the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost in 31 AD.  Please read our free booklet, “Jesus Christ—a Great Mystery.” 

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.

My staff at work have come to expect my request to hear the end of a story before they launch into a long explanation for something that may or may not be significant. I make clear that I will listen to the story if they first succinctly share what happened. This has become a standard that even my board members expect of us. It makes us more effective in getting to the point and not drifting. Everything in the Bible is significant and mustn’t be abbreviated; however, it is beneficial never to lose sight of Scriptures that God wants us to live by. For example, John 3:16 is a foundational Scripture for all true Christians, and it sets the context for all that follows in the life of Jesus. Sadly, this Scripture has been widely messaged in greeting cards and billboards by mainstream “Christianity,” thus trivializing this amazing gift from God. 

So many in the world also consider the end of Jesus Christ’s human life as He died on the cross at the end of the story.  This brings me to the point of this Q&A: how should true Christians discern the meaning of John 19:30? This Scripture captures a moment of terrible pain and human suffering for Jesus. He had been beaten, tortured and nailed to the cross for our sins. Then comes the pivotal moment in John 19:30 (New International Version throughout): “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” While some may use these words to justify that all that had come before the birth of Jesus Christ was no longer valid, true Christians must see this verse as the embodiment of Scripture and prophecy, and the beginning of all that is still to come. The Greek word tetelestai literally means, it is finished, or it has been accomplished, as in a contract. This usage aligns with the Hebrew word Shalem, which denotes reconciliation or wholeness. Jesus was therefore stating that that part of the Work which the Father had sent Him to do had been accomplished, thus setting the stage for the Lord and Master of the soon-coming Kingdom of God.

Let us look to the book of John to initiate our deeper consideration. In John 1: 1-4 we read: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men.” We know that Jesus was sent by the Father for a purpose; to be a sacrifice, the Lamb of God, for the sins and transgressions of humankind over past generations and for those to come. It was not the pointless death that many of the Roman soldiers and Jewish leaders of the day thought it would be. It was the fulfillment of Scripture, as we see in John 1:29: “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’”

John the Baptist was made aware by God that he would know and recognize Jesus by the presence of the Spirit that would come down from heaven and remain on Jesus, and as John responded in verse 34: “I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.” Jesus was beginning His ministry and He knew what lay ahead, but it was not the end of the story that He was preparing for, but the preparation for His future kingdom. 

In Isaiah 9:6, we see this wonderful prophecy unveiled: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” This was reinforced by the words of the prophet Micah, who lived during the same period as Isaiah—the 8^th century B.C. Consider his words in Micah 5:2: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient times.”

In Luke 2:11, we see the further embodiment of God’s promise: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” The angels who came among the shepherds rejoiced in proclaiming this news. The birth of the Christ, the Savior, was a moment of great joy. This joy would soon be tempered by the words of Jesus Himself soberly stating the plan the Father had for Him in Luke 9:22: “And he said: ‘The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” 

Jesus prophesied a great future and a place in the Kingdom for His followers, but made clear that sacrifice was required. We see this in John 12:23-24: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” Continuing this theme in verses 27 and 28, we read: “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” 

So again, the words of Jesus captured for us in John 19:30, “It is finished,” do not signify a sad ending to the life of the Son of God, but the assurance that He will return to set up His Kingdom on earth. Jesus Himself addressed this for us as we just read in John 12:27. We honor His sacrifice for us by obeying Him. In 1 Samuel 2:30, God tells us that those who honor Him, He will honor, but those who despise Him with their thoughts and actions will likewise be disdained.

There was a time, prior to my calling and conversion, when I read John 19:30 with great sadness and misunderstanding. However, now I rejoice in His gift and look forward to the glory of the Kingdom and the new Jerusalem. John 19:30 was truly a new beginning for those who are called and honor the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Let’s be certain to be counted worthy of His gift!

Lead Writer: Frank W. Bruno

compiled by Dave Harris

“Trump’s Announcement of the Third Temple?”  is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

Is Donald Trump indeed set aside to help build the Third Temple? Some, if not many, doubt this, but yesterday’s events should not be ignored, and they were not coincidental. Has God shown us His plan again through most unusual developments, and are we willing to pay attention?

“Trumps Ankündigung des dritten Tempels?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This program covers the same topics as described above.

A new Member Letter (April 2026) has been posted and will be mailed to our subscribers. Norbert Link writes about prophetic events regarding the Iran war, the downfall of the United States and the formation of a powerful European political and military alliance and crucial developments in the State of Israel which will open the way for the building of the Third Temple in Jerusalem.

“Gott IST… unsere Bestimmung!” is the latest German short video by Michael Link which has been posted on YouTube. Title in English: “God Is… Our Destiny!”

“Duale Ausbildung im Unternehmen Gottes,” last Sabbath’s first split sermon in Germany presented by Tahir Coban, is now posted. Title in English: “Dual Training in God’s Enterprise.”

“Die Blindheit des Herzens,” last Sabbath’s second split sermon in Germany presented by Mike Richter, is now posted. Title in English: “The Blindness of the Heart,”

“Keep Going,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Michael Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:

Even when we find ourselves in unexpected circumstances, and our patience and strength are tested, how do we keep going when things seem hopeless? Here is a true story of my family’s trip to Germany and the absolute chaos we faced at the airports along the way.

“Faith in God’s Protection,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:

God has promised us His protection, and many biblical examples demonstrate God’s mighty intervention. But does God still perform miracles today? Does He still intervene in our lives in unexpected and unfathomable ways? Do we truly believe in His miraculous power—just as David and Daniel did, for instance? And how, exactly, does God deliver us from time to time?