On March 22, 2025, Kalon Mitchell will present the first split sermon, titled, “Dokimazo,” and Michael Link will present the second split sermon, titled, “Victory Over Defeat.”

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.

The recent German federal election, held on February 23, proved to be a real thriller. The election campaign itself, in which all parties were involved, can only be described as a farce. With each party attacking the others, and candidates fighting for every vote, the campaigns of the long-established parties were full of lies and deceit. Election programs were copied and declared as their own; and in the TV shows, the questions were constructed in such a way as to defame others. Every politician fought for his own power, and many voters were ultimately cheated of what they wanted to obtain.

However, it was interesting to see that voter participation had not been as high in almost 40 years as it was on that day. At the end of February, I read the following article on zdf.de: “An extremely polarizing election campaign and overlapping domestic and foreign policy crises have pushed voter participation in Sunday’s federal election to its highest level in almost 40 years… According to the preliminary results published early Monday morning, it was 82.5 percent.”

That is indeed enormous. Therefore, about 48.84 million people, out of 59.2 million eligible voters, participated in the election. Needless to say, they did not all vote for the same candidate, but for different parties and people.

This shows how desperate people are in Germany and, of course, all over the world. For many decades, people have been taken for fools by politicians, cheated, lied to and robbed of their possessions through various forms of expropriation; they have been arbitrarily imprisoned, made ill and even killed as a result of vaccinations. TODAY, however, people are turning a blind eye to this and want the whole scenario to be quickly forgotten. But God will not forget anything unless there is sincere repentance.

We know that Satan is behind all of this, as we can read in the Book of Revelation, in the 12th chapter and in verse 9: “So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world…” And Paul explains in his letter to the Romans, in chapter 8 and verse 22: “For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.”

Even back then, during the 430 years of the Israelites’ captivity in Egypt, the world was in a state of disorder, and when the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, unfortunately their voter participation for God was not 82.5%. On the contrary, well over 90% voted against God. They constantly complained, murmured, and were not particularly blessed because of their disobedience. This, of course, increased the discontent of the Israelites until they finally decided to completely reject Jesus Christ as their Savior and King. Note 1 Samuel 8:1-22.

Yes, the world is still in a state of disorder today, but now at the beginning of sorrows. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are riding ever faster, more violently and more corruptly, until it will ultimately come to a triumph when our Savior JESUS CHRIST returns to earth and puts an end to all this madness.

But before that happens, true Christians still have some time to dwell here, and as Paul so fittingly wrote, they live in the midst of a perverse and crooked generation. In this context, Paul warns us not to behave like the ancient Israelites, and that we should remain steadfast and be counted worthy.

He wrote the following in Philippians 2:14-16: “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.”

Of course, we don’t want any of God’s called elders and pastors to have run in vain or labored in vain for the gospel of Christ and the salvation of the brethren. Christ commanded Peter to tend His sheep, and this task is entrusted to the elders and pastors today. We must therefore all remain steadfast, today more than ever, because the time that remains for us until the return of Christ is indeed extremely short!

Let us therefore constantly strive to ensure that our voter participation for God the Father and Jesus Christ is 100%.

Initial translation from German: Daniel Blasinger

by Norbert Link

We begin with articles predicting that Putin will not accept a ceasefire with Ukraine, stating that Trump cannot do much to persuade him otherwise, and that Putin plays Trump like a fiddle, while Trump is repeating some of Putin’s lies. We also address the phone call between Trump and Putin.

Please view in this context our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Will Trump and Putin End the Russia-Ukraine War?”

We continue with Trump’s successful strikes on the Houthis and ISIS, while warning Iran.

We speak on Europe’s and especially Germany’s waking up to reality, with many voices demanding that Germany takes the lead in Europe, while Britain is being warned of becoming a useless ally.  

We speak on Trump’s revealed plans to acquire Canada, Greenland and the Panama Canal, which include military actions; the prospect of another travel ban for many countries; and the controversy surrounding the Khalil case and the rights and privileges of green card holders, and others.

We report on China’s preparations to invade Taiwan; and a Jewish push to return to the Temple Mount; as well as Israel’s attack on Gaza; and we conclude with a ludicrous decision against Starbucks and the question as to what happens to our brain when we die.

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

Putin Won’t Accept 

Fox News wrote on March 14: 

“Zelenskyy is correct – peace in Ukraine is a long way off. Putin is highly unlikely to accept President Trump’s current peace plan… 

“Trump demands that his staff accomplish things at record speeds, or ‘in Trump time’…  But with all due respect to President Trump and his accomplishments, the Russia-Ukraine situation is extremely complex. Russia has a very different strategic culture from Western culture. And Putin is an entirely different kind of animal from anyone Trump has dealt with before… [Putin] wants to end the war but only on his terms, which, if accepted by the U.S., would humiliate Washington.  

“On March 6th, Putin publicly ruled out making any concessions on Ukraine… Putin believes he can call the shots. Unconscionable Russian (and Ukrainian) losses notwithstanding, Russia is capable of dragging this war out for years. Indeed, Putin has been developing his strategy ever since he became president, a quarter of a century ago… This is why the Russians largely dismissed Trump’s threat of ‘large-scale’ sanctions. ‘To speak with Russia from the position of strength and to threaten with sanctions is a road to nowhere,’ said State Duma Representative from the Crimea Region Yuri Nesterenko. Additional sanctions are highly unlikely to change Putin’s decision calculus… 

“Putin has indicated multiple times that a temporary break in fighting was out of the question as he doesn’t want to give a strategic pause to Ukraine, Europe or the U.S., to rearm… Russia, being on a wartime footing, now produces more weapons in three months than the entire NATO alliance in one year… Putin also increased Russia’s armed forces above the constitutionally allowable size, to ensure that Russia can fight till the last Ukrainian… 

“Putin ruled out negotiating with Zelenskyy, having told state Rossiya 1 TV that ‘he [Zelenskyy] has no right to sign anything,’ having called the Ukrainian leader ‘illegitimate.’ Indeed, Zelenskyy’s presidential term expired in May. The Ukrainian parliament, at the end of February, rebuffed U.S. calls for elections by passing a resolution that ruled out elections during wartime, citing martial law, in compliance with the Ukrainian constitution…” 

Unstable From the Start 

The Mirror wrote on March 13: 

“Vladimir Putin has said Ukrainian troops involved in a counter-offensive will have to ‘surrender or die’ before he agrees to a ceasefire… Putin also recalled his visit to Kursk yesterday, where Russian troops are attempting to repel a Ukrainian counteroffensive in their own territory. He said ‘the situation is fully under our control, and the group that invaded our territory has been fully isolated’. The Russian leader added that Ukrainian troops can no longer leave the area, and they will have to ‘surrender or die’. He identified the fighting in the region as one of the issues preventing a deal being reached… 

“One defence and security analyst told the Mirror that he does not believe the US be able to persuade Russia to change its position – and that the West should prepare for war with Russia… Michael Clarke said: ‘… The Kremlin also has an agenda to weaken Europe in all ways possible and thinks it is on a roll now so there will be a sense of military momentum behind what Russia plans next.’ He said any ceasefire that is reached would be an ‘unstable truce from the start’…” 

“Putin Is Playing Trump (Again)” 

Politico wrote on March 14: 

“U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the ball was in Russian President Vladimir Putin’s court. But it was an easier ball for the Russian leader to play than many thought… It was classic Putin… There was no firm Russian nyet to stoke the U.S. leader’s anger, rather a teacher’s applause for Trump’s idea and effort. The temporary truce was ‘correct’ and ‘we support it,’ the Russian leader said, but, alas, there were many sticking points…

“It was all drawn from the playbook that he and his lugubrious Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov have used time and again: Obfuscate, delay, muddle, throw in some whataboutism, be sorrowfully unctuous, but make sure to dangle a carrot… so far, the play seems to be going as planned. For Trump, Putin’s response was ‘very promising.’… The carrot is working, and he can slow Trump’s eagerness for a deal… 

“Trump’s options for forcing Putin into doing anything aren’t great. Earlier this week, he threatened to apply economic pressure on Russia if Putin didn’t agree to a ceasefire… But Russia’s already been sanctioned every which way since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago…” 

Trump Repeats Putin’s Lie 

Bild Online wrote on March 14: 

“Ukrainians are threatened with a massacre in Kursk, Putin claims – and Trump is portraying himself online as their savior. But the whole story is nonsense… Putin claimed in Moscow: ‘A 30-day ceasefire is beneficial for Ukraine, as all its military personnel are blocked in the Kursk region.’ Putin added, verbatim: ‘It is becoming increasingly impossible for the Ukrainian military to escape the encirclement.’ 

“Complete nonsense! Except for small groups of Ukrainian soldiers (about 25 men in total), thousands of Ukrainians have managed to withdraw from Kursk toward the Ukrainian region of Sumy… Even the maps of Russian war bloggers clearly show that there are NO ‘encircled,’ ‘surrounded,’ ‘encircled,’ or ‘blockaded’ Ukrainian units in Kursk… 

“Hard to believe: The day after the baseless claim, US President Donald Trump repeated Putin’s propaganda. ‘Thousands of Ukrainian troops are completely surrounded by the Russian military,’ Trump said on the network ‘Truth Social.’ He asked Putin to ‘spare their lives’ to prevent a ‘horrific massacre.’ ‘This would be a horrific massacre, the likes of which hasn’t been seen since World War II,’ Trump wrote – completely beside the point.”

Putin, a mass murderer, liar and former KGB agent and spy, knows how to play his cards to his advantage. 

Trump-Putin Phone Call 

Deutsche Welle wrote on March 18 and March 19: 

“Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President  Donald Trump agreed in a phone call that Russia and Ukraine stop attacking each other’s energy infrastructure for 30 days…  ‘It was emphasized that the key condition for preventing the escalation of the conflict and working towards its resolution by political and diplomatic means should be a complete cessation of foreign military assistance and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv,’ the Kremlin said… 

“‘We’ve seen that attacks on civilian infrastructure have not eased at all in the first night after this supposedly ground-breaking, great phone call’ between Putin and US President Donald Trump, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said in a TV interview, adding that ‘Putin is playing a game.’ The German minister also described as ‘unacceptable’ the Kremlin’s insistence that a ‘key condition’ for peace would be a complete halt to Western military and intelligence support for Ukraine’s embattled military…. 

“Germany is set to deliver additional military supplies to Ukraine this year… The package includes €3 billion ($3.3 billion) in aid for 2025 and a further €8.3 billion for the years 2026 to 2029.  A spokesman for Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the equipment would consist of Iris-T air defense systems, guided missiles, surveillance radars, drones, combat vehicles and light weapons.” 

The Sun wrote on March 18 and 19: 

“Putin’s red lines remain intact and he has not shifted from his original goals of a Nato rollback in Eastern Europe or a demilitarised Ukraine… The Russian said… that he would not agree to a full ceasefire until all military aid to Ukraine from the US and its allies stopped… 

“German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron have vowed to keep arming Ukraine, directly pushing back against Vladimir Putin’s demand for a ‘complete cessation’ of Western military support… 

“IT is a sign of how badly Donald Trump has been played that Putin’s only concession to Kyiv was not to murder prisoners of war. [Putin] rejected calls for full 30-day ceasefire. He rejected calls to end all air strikes and attacks in the Black Sea…” 

The New York Post Editorial Board wrote on March 19: 

“Putin’s publicly ruling out a ceasefire unless he first gets a total halt on all foreign military aid and intelligence-sharing to Ukraine… 

“46% of Americans think Washington isn’t doing enough to help Ukraine, the highest level of support Ukraine’s enjoyed here since the war began — up 16 points since December and 21 since October. Meanwhile, the share who think we’re doing too much has plunged from 37% in December to 30%. And a majority, 53%, actually want to help Ukraine reclaim territory it’s lost to Russia, even if it prolongs the conflict — vs. 45% who want to end it quickly and let Russia keep land it’s stolen. 

“Trump is right to try to end the war, but getting to peace will require strength — including, if Putin keeps playing games, strengthening Ukraine. Remember, Russia itself is running out of manpower and materiel.” 

Trump Strikes Houthi Terrorists, Warns Iran 

The Associated Press wrote on March 14: 

“President Donald Trump said he ordered a series of airstrikes on the Houthi-held areas in Yemen on Saturday, promising to use ‘overwhelming lethal force’ until the Iran-backed rebels cease their attacks on shipping along a vital maritime corridor… He also warned Iran to stop supporting the rebel group, promising to hold the country ‘fully accountable’ for the actions of its proxy… 

“A U.S. official said this was the beginning of air strikes on Houthi targets that are expected to continue.” 

Trump and Sudani Kill ISIS Terrorists 

Politico wrote on March 15: 

“A joint Iraq-U.S. operation killed a leader of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, according to Washington and Baghdad. Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufay’i, also known as Abu Khadija, was responsible for Islamic State operations, logistics and planning and directed ‘a significant portion of finance for the group’s global organization,’ the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said… Friday. He was killed alongside one other IS operative in a ‘precision airstrike’ in Iraq’s western Al Anbar province, CENTCOM said. 

“Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said Khadija was considered ‘one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world.’… 

“Islamic State seized large swathes Syria and northern Iraq in 2014… [It] has remained active… U.S. commander General Michael Erik Kurilla said Khadija was ‘one of the most important ISIS members in the entire global ISIS organization.’” 

America First—An Impossibility 

Focus wrote on March 12: 

“Perhaps Trump has fallen so in love with the idea of a Fortress America that fends off foreign people (migrants) and goods (imports) alike that he is willing to test the robustness of the financial and labor markets in his first year in office… 

“Perhaps later, when historians, rather than psychologists, have passed judgment, we will realize: America First was not an option in an interconnected world, but an impossibility.” 

Needed—a European Army 

Indianetwork News wrote on March 14: 

“The European rearmament is ‘a first necessary step’ [towards a European Army]… the former president of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, [said]… 

“‘When Russia attacked Ukraine I told myself if we had had a common army, it would not have done it ‘… [We need] one in which ‘there is a common [only or single] command in which everyone participates.’” 

Europe WILL have a common army, and IT will attack Russia and other Far Eastern nations, but they will retaliate. 

Germany War-Ready? 

Deutsche Welle reported on March 14: 

“The conservative CDU/CSU bloc… and the SPD have agreed in principle with the Greens on plans for a massive increase in state borrowing ahead of a parliamentary vote next week. The debt reform plan, put forward jointly by the conservatives and the SPD, would exempt defense spending from the country’s constitutionally enshrined debt brake… ‘It is a clear message to our partners and friends, but also to our opponents, to the enemies of our freedom: we are capable of defending ourselves and we are now fully prepared to defend ourselves,’ [Merz] said… ‘There will be no shortage of financial resources to defend freedom and peace on our continent… Germany is making its major contribution to the defense of freedom and peace in Europe.’ 

“Meanwhile, Social Democrat co-leader Lars Klingbeil said a major government borrowing and investment push was a ‘powerful boost’ for Europe’s largest economy. ‘We have laid the foundation for Germany to get back on its feet and protect itself,’ Klingbeil said…” 

Suddenly, all leading politicians are united in their view that Germany must become war-ready. Note the following articles. 

Guttenberg Paints a Bleak Picture of German Foreign Policy 

Die Deutsche Handwerkszeitung (“The German Crafts Newspaper”) wrote on March 14:

“Former Federal Minister of Economics Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg has… sharply criticized German foreign policy over the past decades. ‘We have settled into a state of dependence,’ he said. The country has been in a ‘deep sleep.’ The dependence on the US for defense, previously on Russia for energy supplies, and on China for trade is worrying. These interdependencies have put Germany in a dangerous situation. ‘The law of the strongest prevails again,’ Guttenberg emphasized, referring to Washington, Moscow, and Beijing. 

“He made it clear that Europe can no longer rely on US protection. ‘The world after Donald Trump’s reign will never be the same.'” 

In this context, please view our recent StandingWatch program, titled, “Politicians Demand What We Have Told You For Decades!” 

Schulz: America No Longer Wants to Be a Partner! 

Forum wrote on March 14: 

“The formation of a new federal government is under enormous pressure. The Trump administration’s policies demand swift and decisive reactions from Europeans. They, in turn, expect a strong role from Germany. Martin Schulz, [former President of the European Parliament], demands: We should accept the fight… 

“‘The Federal Republic of Germany must assume a leading role in the European Union… I believe we must soberly acknowledge that the United States of America, under the leadership of this President, no longer wants to be a partner of the Europeans. The US views Europe as enemy territory… The 450 million people on this continent, even if we are not all rich, represent the richest region in the world with the greatest purchasing power. We don’t need to hide from the United States of America, quite the opposite…” 

Germany Must Lead! 

Vorwaerts wrote on March 13: 

“[European Council President] António Costa… made it clear: ‘We need Germany with its determined investments in our common defense…’ Because the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has shown how urgently it is necessary to build a European defense… 

“SPD Chairman Lars Klingbeil [said:] ‘The West as we knew it is finished, at the latest with the re-election of Donald Trump’… This is also why Europe is needed more than ever… ‘This can only succeed if we finally make Europe strong,’ Klingbeil demanded. At the same time, Europe is more fragile than it has been for a long time. ‘Europe is at a crossroads; either we pull ourselves together and move forward together, or Europe dies… Peace in Europe is in danger today,’ Klingbeil said. To defend it, Germany has a leadership role to play. ‘We must be prepared to take on this leadership role,’ he demanded.” 

“Germany’s Bundestag Votes in Favor of Reforming ‘Debt Brake’” 

Deutsche Welle wrote on March 18: 

“The multibillion-euro package loosens borrowing limits and allows new investments in defense, infrastructure and climate… The legislation now goes to the upper house of parliament, the Bundesrat, where a vote is scheduled for Friday… 

“DW’s political correspondent Michaela Kuefner has said a vote in favor of the changes would give chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz a free hand when it comes to defense spending. ‘It means he would have the money to do what he says he wants to do, which is for Germany to take more of a leading role in Europe… spending more on European defense… He effectively has a blank check when it comes to defense spending which is fully exempt from the debt brake… 

“AFD co-leader Tino Chrupalla has accused the conservative CDU/CSU and center-left Social Democrats of a ‘spectacle’ in bringing the vote on the debt brake before the outgoing Bundestag. The package has been brought to the old parliament rather than the newly elected one, due to hold its first session on March 25, because parties that were unlikely to agree to the change have just over one-third of the seats in the new chamber….”

NPR added on March 18: 

“The package will exempt from the debt rules spending on defense and security, including intelligence agencies and assistance to Ukraine, worth more than 1% of GDP. It also foresees a 500 billion-euro ($544 billion) fund, financed by borrowing, to pour funding into Germany’s infrastructure over the next 12 years and help restore the stagnant economy — Europe’s biggest — to growth. At the Greens’ insistence, 100 billion euros from the investment fund will go into climate-related spending.” 

The French-German Engine Is Running Again… Thanks to Trump 

Politico wrote on March 19: 

“French President Emmanuel Macron has finally found the kindred German spirit he’s spent years looking for — and he has Donald Trump to thank… France is delighting at the prospect of a German leader [Merz] who, even before taking office, is moving with urgency to clear a path for his country to invest billions of euros in infrastructure and arms… 

“Merz and Macron were probably always going to get along well. Both are former creatures of the corporate world, though Merz’s career in the private sector — which included stints at white shoe law firm Mayer Brown and on the board of investment firm BlackRock — was much longer than Macron’s time as a banker at Rothschild & Co.. But without Trump, it’s not clear that the two leaders would’ve gotten off on such good footing.” 

Britain to Become a “Second-Tier” European Nation? 

Daily Mail wrote on March 13: 

“Britain is on course to becoming a ‘second tier’ European nation like Spain or Italy due to economic decline and a weak military that undermines its usefulness to allies, an expert has warned.

“Research professor Dr Azeem Ibrahim OBE concluded in a damning new report that the U.K. has been paralysed by low investment, high tax and misguided policies that could see it lose its standing as a top-tier middle power at current growth rates… ‘Britain no longer has the industrial base to logistically sustain a war with a near-peer like Russia for more than two months,’ he wrote in The Henry Jackson Society’s latest report, Strategic Prosperity: The Case for Economic Growth as a National Security Priority. 

“The report assesses… that [Poland’s] military will soon surpass the U.K.’s along lines of both manpower and equipment on the current trajectory… Britain’s usefulness to its allies is now ‘falling behind even second-tier European powers’, [Ibrahim] warned… 

“The former advisor to the 2021 Integrated Defence and Security Review noted in the report that in spite of the ‘weakening’ of the institutions once ‘secured’ by the U.S., Britain is responding by harming the last vestiges of its military might and economic power. The U.K., he said, ‘seems to be making increasingly expensive gestures’ like the £9bn handover of the strategic Chagos Islands and opening talks on reparations for Caribbean Slavery….”

The former glory of the British Empire has long passed, but the Bible says that Britain (Ephraim) does not realize it. 

Portugal Rejects F-35 Jets Due to U.S. Unpredictability 

BulgarianMilitary.com wrote on March 14: 

“Portugal has slammed the lid on any flicker of hope that it might one day strap into [America’s] Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II… Defense Minister Nuno Melo laid down the law: the fifth-generation jet isn’t in Portugal’s future, and Donald Trump’s fresh stint in the White House is a glaring reason why… it’s a blaring alarm about how a NATO ally is weighing U.S. trustworthiness in an era that’s starting to feel like a geopolitical rollercoaster… 

“As of March 2025, 14 NATO nations are either flying or waiting on F-35s, locking it in as the alliance’s top bird. For Lockheed Martin, every potential customer is a lifeline. Foreign sales keep the factory humming in Fort Worth, Texas… Portugal was never a sure bet, but it’s hard ‘no’ prick the bubble of F-35 inevitability just the same… The White House has sold the F-35 as a unifier, a way to stitch NATO together with shared tech and tight-knit ops. Portugal’s rejection, even of a what-if buy, frays that story at the edges… 

“European rigs like the Eurofighter Typhoon or Dassault Rafale keep popping up in the rumor mill, offering a clean break from U.S. strings. The Typhoon, flown by Germany, Spain, and the UK, packs a multirole punch and slots into NATO’s playbook, though its price tag rivals the F-35’s… The stakes reach way beyond Portugal’s hangars. Its Atlantic perch makes it a keystone in NATO’s western wall, especially as Russian subs and surface ships poke around more often, testing the edges of allied waters. 

“The F-35’s stealth cloak and sensor suite would’ve handed Lisbon a razor-sharp edge in that cat-and-mouse game—something its aging F-16s can’t even fake… If other small NATO players—say, Slovakia or Romania—start sniffing around non-American kit, the ripples could swell into a tide…” 

Another American ally turning against the USA.

Acquiring Greenland?

The Hill wrote on March 13: 

“President Trump on Thursday expressed confidence the United States would annex Greenland, even suggesting the head of the NATO alliance could be a key player in facilitating the acquisition. ‘I think it will happen,’ Trump told reporters in the Oval Office during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte… ‘You know, Mark, we need that for international security,’ Trump said, gesturing to Rutte. 

“Rutte agreed that Greenland and the Arctic Circle are critical for security reasons, noting that China and Russia have a growing presence in the region. But he said any discussion about Trump’s attempts to acquire Greenland were outside of his purview. ‘I don’t want to drag NATO in that,’ Rutte said.” 

Daily Mail wrote on March 14: 

“Greenland’s Prime Minister has declared ‘enough is enough’ in response to President Donald Trump’s threat to dispatch soldiers to annex the island… [Trump said:] ‘We have a couple of bases on Greenland already and we have quite a few soldiers. May be you will see more and more soldiers go there,’ he threatened… 

“In early January, after he was elected but before inauguration, Trump indicated he was willing to use force on both Greenland and Panama…”

Reclaiming the Panama Canal? 

Express wrote on March 13: 

“Donald Trump has reportedly ordered the US military to come up with plans to increase the number of troops in Panama as part of his mission to ‘reclaim’ the canal. US Southern Command, responsible for security cooperation and operations in Central America, has drafted ideas such as working with the Panamanian military and US troops taking the canal by force…  The likelihood of military force depends on the level of partnership agreed upon by the Panamanian military… 

“The US president said last week that ‘to further enhance our national security, my administration will be reclaiming the Panama Canal, and we’ve already started doing it’. While it remains unclear what ‘reclaiming’ means,… US Southern Command chief Admiral Alvin Holsey sent draft strategies to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth this week ahead of his visit to Panama next month. [It was] stressed that military action in Panama would only be considered if the country does not allow Mr Trump to ‘reclaim’ the canal.” 

Conquering Canada?

NBC News wrote on March 14: 

“Speaking with reporters in the Oval Office, Trump… riffed about how Canada shouldn’t exist as a sovereign country before getting to what has increasingly become a fixation: wholesale annexation of Canada as a U.S. state… ‘If you look at a map, they drew an artificial line right through it, between Canada and the U.S. Just a straight, artificial line. Somebody did it a long time ago, many many decades ago. Makes no sense… why should we subsidize another country for $200 billion?… we don’t need their lumber, we don’t need their energy. We have more than they do. We don’t need anything. We don’t need their cars. I’d much rather make the cars here. And there’s not a thing that we need. Now, there will be a little disruption, but it won’t be very long. But they need us. We really don’t need them. And we have to do this. I’m sorry.’ 

“Trump has been unapologetic in his quest to conquer the Canadians… Few think he’s joking…, and the Canadians have stopped laughing. A source with direct knowledge of the discussions told NBC News that Trump is heavily focused on Canada in conversations with aides, who believe he is completely serious about making the country the 51st state — even with Trudeau out of power and a new prime minister in place… 

“The president made clear in a phone call with Trudeau last month that he wants to revise the boundary between the two nations set by a 1908 border treaty… The president has also mentioned renegotiating agreements that dictate how the Great Lakes and Columbia River are governed… Trump wants to control the Northwest Passage, a maritime path that begins west of Greenland and cuts through Northern Canada to the Arctic Ocean…” 

All of this causes America’s “friends” to become extremely alarmed. 

A New Travel Ban?

Newsmax wrote on March 14: 

“The Trump administration is considering a three-tiered travel ban targeting 43 countries, including 11 that would be hit with an outright ban on all travel to the United States, The New York Times reported Friday. 

“Iran, Libya, North Korea, and Venezuela are among the ‘red’ list countries whose citizens would be barred from entering the U.S., according to the Times. 

“Another 10 countries on the ‘orange’ list, including Russia and Pakistan, would be slapped with sharp restrictions on visas; the rest of the countries, the ‘yellow’ list, would require 60 days to address concerns, according to the report. 

“The restrictions being considered are broader than the travel ban Trump implemented in January 2017 on seven majority-Muslim countries, all of which are on the ‘red’ list this time around save for Iraq, which is not targeted for any ban or restriction, according to the Times. 

“The State Department compiled the list of 43 countries several weeks ago and changes by the White House are likely, the Times reported. Those likely to be banned on the ‘orange’ list include people on tourist visas while business travelers might be allowed in, according to the report. Regardless, any person on the ‘orange’ list would be subjected to a mandatory, in-person interview to receive a visa, the Times reported. 

“Other ‘red’ list countries include Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, according to the report. 

“The other ‘orange’ list countries include Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Sierra Leone, South Sudan and Turkmenistan, the Times reported. 

“The ‘yellow’ list is composed of Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Vanuatu, and Zimbabwe, according to the report.” 

Although not yet final, these preparations create further animosity towards the USA. 

Deporting Green Card Holders? 

ABC News wrote on March 13: 

“The detaining of Mahmoud Khali, the Columbia University student and Palestinian activist who possessed a green card, has raised questions about the deportation risks faced by lawful permanent residents amid the Trump administration’s escalating crackdown on immigration. President Donald Trump’s administration, which has alleged that Khalil was a supporter of Hamas,  has said it has the authority to deport Khalil under the Immigration and Nationality Act. ‘Secretary [Marco] Rubio reserves the right to revoke the visa of Mahmoud Khalil under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Secretary of State has the right to revoke a green card or a visa for individuals who are adversarial to the foreign policy and national security interests of the United States of America,’ White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a press conference this week. Khalil… is married to an American citizen who is eight months pregnant… 

“Under the Immigration Nationality Act,… the government can charge a green card holder as being deportable without being convicted of a crime if there are reasonable grounds to believe they engaged in certain criminal or terrorist activities… But experts and immigration attorneys… said the statute does not give the secretary of state the power to deport green card holders like Khalil without going through a procedure… After the federal government invokes the statute, individuals like Khalil are entitled to argue their case before an immigration judge. Khalil is set to appear before an immigration judge later this month in Louisiana… 

“Experts told ABC News there are a number of reasons why an individual could lose their green card, including marriage fraud, immigration fraud, violent crimes and other offenses. Andrew Nietor, an immigration attorney, told ABC News said that while there are cases where the government invokes the Immigration and Nationality Act for certain green card holders with criminal convictions, he said he has never seen a case like Khalil’s…” 

Voice of America added on March 13: 

“In immigration court, the burden of proof is on the government; it must show the person violated immigration laws. In a case like Khalil’s, ICE attorneys will ask for deportation, but they will have to prove he is a threat to national security.” 

Unconstitutional? 

Zeteo added on March 13: 

“Yes, a green card holder (or lawful permanent resident) can be deported. The most common way is if they committed a crime. But in Khalil’s case, he has not been charged with any crime. Instead, Secretary of State Marco Rubio personally signed off on targeting Khalil using a narrow, little-used authority from the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), Under the provision – section 237(a)(4)(C)(i) – an immigrant who is not a citizen or US national, but ‘whose presence or activities in the United States the Secretary of State has reasonable ground to believe would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States is deportable.’ 

“While the provision has an exception for conduct deemed ‘lawful’ in the US (such as free speech), the exception has an exception: if the secretary of state ‘personally determines that the alien’s admission would compromise a compelling United States foreign policy interest.’ That personal determination seems to be driving Rubio’s insistence that the Trump administration can deport legal permanent residents whom it deems to be ‘pro-Hamas.’… 

“It’s worth mentioning that the Jewish publication Forward called the INA a ‘McCarthy-era antisemitic law’ that was widely viewed at the time of its passage in 1952 as a way to target ‘Eastern European Jewish Holocaust survivors suspected of being Soviet agents.’… 

“The Department of Homeland Security on Saturday accused Khalil of leading ‘activities aligned to Hamas’ and said authorities detained Khalil ‘in support of President Trump’s executive orders prohibiting anti-Semitism.’ The Trump administration has not provided any specific evidence on which it is basing its determination. Khalil’s legal team has rejected the Trump administration’s claim that Khalil supported a terrorist organization… 

“It’s worth noting, however, that a district court in 1996 did find that the provision was ‘unconstitutionally vague,’ said Lindsay Nash, an associate professor at Cardozo School of Law and co-director of the Kathryn O. Greenberg Immigration Justice Clinic. According to Nash, the judge, who was none other than Donald Trump’s sister, Maryanne Trump Barry, essentially said that ‘providing the secretary of state [the ability] to determine deportability’ deprives the court of the role it would ‘normally have in reviewing these types of determinations.’ The law, the court said, also doesn’t give non-citizens a way to know what is prohibited, and it violated procedural due process because ‘it provides no opportunity to be heard on the charges against you before you’re determined to be deportable,’ Nash told Zeteo. Ultimately, the court found the provision was an ‘unconstitutional delegation of legislative power to the executive.’ However, that ruling was thrown out by an appeals court, which did not comment on the constitutionality of the provision but rather said the district court did not have jurisdiction in the case. 

“Courts have previously found that green card holders, who are lawful permanent residents, are protected by the Constitution, including First Amendment rights. ‘Technically, the text of the First Amendment does not distinguish between citizens and non-citizens – so all persons in the US should be entitled to First Amendment protections,’ [attorney] McKanders told Zeteo. 

“For now, Khalil remains detained in an ICE facility in Louisiana. A federal judge in New York has ordered the government not to deport Khalil while a challenge to his detention is pending… Separately, Khalil is scheduled to appear before an immigration judge in Louisiana on March 27…”

We most certainly do not condone the—at times violent—antisemitic activities and anti-Israel protests of the students at Columbia University. But this case has much broader application than just the person of Khalil. It does already have a chilling effect on green card holders and creates an uncertainty as to their rights and privileges. In this regard, the following [incorrect] comments by JD Vance are of great concern. 

JD Vance Off-Base… Again! 

India Today wrote on March 13: 

“US Vice President JD Vance has said that green card holders in the United States do not have an indefinite right to stay in the country and can be deported at the administration’s discretion… Vance said that the decision is ultimately about whom the American public wants to include in the national community… Vance stressed that if the US President or the Secretary of State decides that a person should not be in the country, ‘they have no legal right to stay here. It is as simple as that’. 

“When asked about more deportations similar to that of … Khalil,  Vance said the US would certainly see some people get deported if the country determines that it is not in the best interest to have them.”

In light of the foregoing articles, the issue is not that simple. Vance, who is also an attorney, is clearly off base, legally, with his comments. 

Germany Monitors USA 

Deutsche Welle wrote on March 17: 

“Germany is ‘monitoring’ how its citizens are treated when traveling to the United States, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday. The announcement comes after the recent detention of three Germans in separate incidents. Two have been deported, but one person is still being detained. Foreign Ministry spokesman Sebastian Fischer said Germany was trying to assess ‘whether this represents a change in American immigration policy or whether these are isolated cases.’… 

“Fabian Schmidt, the German still in detention, was arrested at Logan Airport in Boston last week after returning from Luxembourg. He is being held at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Rhode Island. Schmidt is an electrical engineer who has been living in the US since 2007. It’s unclear why Schmidt, a US Green Card holder, was detained… 

“Tourists from EU countries such as Germany typically have visa-free access to the United States for up to 90 days. Two German tourists said they tried to enter the US legally but were detained and eventually sent back home. 

“Lucas Sielaff, a 25-year-old German, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials on February 18 as he and his US fiancée were crossing the border from Mexico, according to Der Spiegel. He spent two weeks in detention after his entry permit was canceled at the Mexican border. 

“Jessica Brösche, a 29-year-old tattoo artist from Berlin, was also taken into custody at the Mexican border as she tried to cross with a US friend in late January, the magazine said. Brösche originally planned to stay in LA until mid-February, according to her Instagram profile. She was also returned to Germany last week. Both were held at the Otay Mesa Detention Center, a prison in San Diego, California, before being sent back to Germany… 

“Tourists from other Western countries have reportedly also been detained by US immigration authorities recently. It appears to be a result of the strict immigration policies implemented by President Donald Trump.” 

Subsequently, a fourth case involving a German citizen, as well as cases involving British citizens, have been reported. These are hardly isolated cases. A Canadian actress was also detained after she tried to enter the USA from Mexico legally with filled-out documentation.  All those detained report on the inhumane, horrible and filthy conditions in those detention centers. 

Musk in Trouble Again 

Indy100.com wrote on March 14: 

“Elon Musk has sparked backlash after the billionaire reposted on his social media platform X… a post which declared that Hitler ‘didn’t murder millions of people,’ but rather it was public sector employees. 

“The post in full read, ‘Stalin, Mao, and Hitler didn’t murder millions of people. Their public sector workers did.’ It appears Musk has since taken down the repost…” 

What a ridiculous post. Utter appalling nonsense. 

The Daily Beast added on March 14: 

“Six million Jews were systematically killed as a result of Hitler’s maniacal quest for what he saw as racial purity during his reign as Germany’s Führer between 1933 and 1945… Stalin, who led the Soviet Union from 1924 until his death in 1953, had nearly a million of his own citizens murdered and millions more are thought to have perished in forced labor camps, famine, and massacres under his regime. ‘Chairman’ Mao Zedong founded the People’s Republic of China and led the country from 1949 until his death in 1976. During that time, tens of millions died as a result of maltreatment, starvation, and Communist Party purges.” 

China Preparing for Taiwan Invasion? 

The New York Post wrote on March 14: 

“Photos emerged Friday that apparently show China’s newly constructed and behemoth naval vessels that experts have reportedly suggested would fit right into a strategy for an invasion of the coveted island of Taiwan. Naval News first reported months ago that China was building at least five unique, massive barges outfitted with a long road-bridge extending 393-feet from their bow that could be used to land tanks on a shore… vessels fitting that description [are pictured] in Guangzhou Shipyard in southern China upriver of the coastal Hong Kong. 

“‘Any invasion of Taiwan from the mainland would require a large number of ships to transport personnel and equipment across the Strait quickly, particularly land assets like armored vehicles,’ Dr. Emma Salisbury, Sea Power Research Fellow at the Council of Geostrategy, told Naval News. This extended reach capability of the ships means that China could choose from a wider range of targets for landing their ships than previously considered and would no longer be reliant on Taiwanese ports for landing military vehicles, according to Naval News.” 

Naval News had already written on January 10: 

“The traditional view is that there are only a small number of beaches on the main island of Taiwan which are suitable for amphibious landings. And these could be heavily defended. [China] could seize fishing villages or a port for larger scale landings. But the view has been that any attempt to take the islands by force would mean landing in predictable places. These new barges change that. 

“The extreme reach of the Bailey Bridges means that [China] could land at sites previously considered unsuitable. They can land across rocky, or soft, beaches, delivering the tanks directly to firmer ground or a coastal road. This allows China to pick new landing sites and complicate attempts to organize defences. Instead of relying on Taiwanese ports, China can now sail its own mobile port across the straits.” 

The article referred to China as “PRC—the People’s Republic of China.” We replaced this with “China” in brackets. PRC is as much a misnomer as the reference to the former DDR—the “German Democratic Republic.” In both cases, we are or were speaking of total dictatorships. 

Return to the Temple Mount? 

Israel 365 News wrote on March 12: 

“Right-wing Ministers and MKs addressed a letter today (Monday) to members of the US Senate, calling on them to promote a declaration in Congress to ‘recognize the eternal and inalienable right of the Jewish people to the Temple Mount.’ The letter was signed by Minister of Communications Shlomo Karhi and Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar from the Likud and several MKs from the Likud, Religious Zionism, and Otzma Yehudit factions. ‘This is the place where our Temples stood, which were destroyed by the Babylonian and Roman empires about 2,500 and 1,900 years ago,’ it said. 

“The initiative is being led by a group of temple activists led by Beyadenu – Returning to the Temple, following the victory of Donald Trump and the Republicans in the US elections… Yosef Rabin, Chairman of Shofar in Zion, said, ‘With Trump’s return to power, we have a historic opportunity to correct the international narrative on the Temple Mount and rectify the grave injustice perpetrated against the Jewish people. The denial of the Jewish people’s religious and national rights to the Temple Mount must end… We are facing a modern-day Cyrus moment, and it is our duty to seize it. We must declare loudly: there is no Zionism without Mount Zion—this is a fight for the soul of the land.’” 

“Tom Nissani, CEO of Beyadenu – Returning to the Temple Mount, one of the initiators of the letter, said, ‘This important letter calls for the adoption of an important and natural call that will come from our friend overseas that recognizes and confirms the exclusive right of the people of Israel to their holiest place, the Temple Mount… The American administration supports full Israeli sovereignty over the Temple Mount.’” 

The “modern-day Cyrus moment” is of course not limited to just having access to the Temple Mount. As we all know, Cyrus allowed the Jews to build the Second Temple. 

Israel Attacks Gaza 

Newsmax wrote on March 17: 

“Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, saying it was striking dozens of Hamas targets in its heaviest assault in the territory since a ceasefire took effect in January… Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered the strikes because of a lack of progress in ongoing talks to extend the ceasefire. Officials said the operation was open-ended and was expected to expand. ‘Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength,’ Netanyahu’s office said… 

“The surprise overnight attack… raised questions about the fate of the roughly two dozen Israeli hostages held by Hamas who are believed to still be alive… Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, said the ‘gates of hell will open in Gaza’ if the hostages aren’t released. ‘We will not stop fighting until all of our hostages are home and we have achieved all of the war goals,’ he said.” 

Itamar Ben-Gvir Returns 

Newsmax wrote on March 19: 

“Itamar Ben-Gvir on Wednesday returned to Israel’s government as national security minister after it carried out a wave of heavy strikes that killed over 400 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. 

“Ben-Gvir had left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition in January to protest the ceasefire with Hamas, which was shattered by Israel’s bombardment Tuesday… Ben-Gvir supports the full resumption of the war with the aim of annihilating Hamas, depopulating Gaza through what he refers to as the voluntary migration of Palestinians and rebuilding Jewish settlements there.” 

In August of 2024, Ben-Gvir famously proclaimed that “he would build a Jewish synagogue at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem if he could.” In this context, it was mentioned that “the campaign to build a ‘Third Temple’ on Al-Aqsa is growing in Israel” and that “Hamas… called on Arab and Islamic countries ‘to take responsibility for protecting the holy sites’” (Aljazeera, dated August 26, 2024).   

Ludicrous Decision Against Starbucks 

The New York Post wrote on March 15, 2025: 

“Starbucks will have to fork over $50 million to a man whose genitals were severely burned after a hot tea spilled in his lap at a California drive-through. Delivery driver Michael Garcia underwent skin grafts and other procedures after the fateful spill of the piping hot, venti-sized Starbucks beverage, which immediately fell onto his crotch area after he bought it on Feb. 8, 2020…  a Los Angeles County jury decided in his favor, finding an employee of the Seattle-based coffee chain had not wedged the scalding hot drink into a takeout tray well enough before handing it over to him… 

“In July of 2023, a South Florida jury awarded $800,000 in damages to the family of then-4-year-old Olivia Caraballo for the second-degree burns she suffered when a hot Happy Meal Chicken McNugget fell in her lap in 2019.” 

CNN reported on March 14 that “damages included physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, humiliation, inconvenience, grief, disfigurement, physical impairment, anxiety and emotional distress… The lawsuit is reminiscent of a famous 1994 lawsuit against McDonald’s in which a woman spilled hot coffee on her lap and suffered third-degree burns. The plaintiff in that case… was originally awarded nearly $3 million.” 

This decision against Starbucks, as well as the previous decision against McDonald’s and, to a lesser degree, the Happy Meal Chicken McNugget, will go into the annals of history as some of the most ludicrous ones in the 20th and 21st centuries. Our legal system, based in part on a questionable and manipulative jury system with emotionally charged and quite biased jurors, is SO broken!!! 

“What Happens in Our Brain When We Die?” 

Die Welt wrote on March 13: 

“What do people experience in the last seconds of their lives? Current research shows: Shortly before death, there is a renewed surge of intense neuronal activity in the brain… 

“Neuropsychologist Dr. Christian Hoppe of the University Hospital of Bonn explains that medical death is defined by the irreversible loss of all brain functions. Nevertheless, studies show that the brain can once again be exceptionally active in the final moments. Experiments with dying patients have shown that some brain regions emit particularly intense electrical impulses—particularly those responsible for conscious experience. 

“This high-frequency activity could indicate that the brain is still processing experiences in the last seconds of life. It’s even possible that a form of consciousness could exist shortly before the final extinction. Many people report near-death experiences—such as seeing a light at the end of a tunnel or the feeling of leaving one’s own body. Researchers suspect that these phenomena are due to neurological processes. For example, stimulation of the visual cortex can cause people to perceive a point of light—a possible explanation for the often-described ‘light at the end of the tunnel.’ 

“The feeling of out-of-body experience—seeing oneself from above or being outside one’s own body—can also be artificially induced by targeted stimuli in the brain or through virtual reality. These experiments suggest that near-death experiences are not supernatural but have neurological causes.”

These are really interesting comments. We know, of course, that a person does not keep on living when he dies.

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.

This is an age-old question, and to say it right from the start—the answer is difficult for us to comprehend and accept. Still, the Bible does give us numerous hints, leads towards and proofs for the correct understanding.

When someone were to ask where the Bible talks about the beginning of creation, many who know Scripture would turn to Genesis 1:1, where it says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This statement identifies God as the Creator, and “God” describes more than one Person—the Hebrew word “Elohim” is a plural word, followed here by a singular verb, revealing the fact that God is a Family, consisting of the Father and the Son. We read that God the Father created everything through Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 8:6 states:

“… for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.”

Hebrews 1:1-2 confirms:

“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds.”

In this last passage, the reference is to the physical creation, as it is also the case in Genesis 1:1. But in 1 Corinthians 8:6, quoted above, creation is expanded to the spiritual world, as God created “all things” through Jesus Christ.  This aspect is also revealed in Colossians 1:15-16:

“He [the Son, cp. verse 13] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.”

The next verse is very revealing:

“And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.”

So, Christ existed before anything was created (“all things”). And Christ is described as “being the brightness of His [God the Father’s] glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power.”

The fact that Christ is upholding “all things”—the universe included—by His great power is confirmed in Isaiah 40:26:

“Lift up your eyes on high, And see who has created these things, Who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, By the greatness of His might And the strength of His power; Not one is missing.”

As Christ was before all things, it follows that the Father was before all things as well. They created everything which is visible and invisible to the human eye. In addition, Philippians 2:5–7 explains that Christ was in the “form of God” and “equal with God” the Father, but that He took the “form of a bondservant,” and came “in the likeness of men.” We read in John 17:5 that Christ had glory before the world existed–showing that Christ existed as a glorious Being before the world was made. As Philippians 2:6 says, He existed as a divine Being—He was EQUAL with God and therefore God.

Some claim that Christ—the Son—is a created Being; that the Father created the Son, and then created everything else through the Son. But this is not what the Bible teaches. We read in Revelation 3:14 that Christ was “the Beginning of the creation of God.” A better rendition would be, “the Beginner.” Compare our Q&A https://www.eternalgod.org/q-a-1997/

We find this revelation about Christ, also known as Melchisedek, the king of righteousness and of peace, in Hebrews 7:3: “…without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like (better: “resembling,” compare RSV) the Son of God, remains a priest continually.” He is identified, not as a mortal man, but as one who lives (cp. verse 8).

We also read in Micah 5:2 about Christ:

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”

Christ had no beginning; rather, He IS the “beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13). God the Father had no beginning either. As we said earlier, this may be difficult for us to comprehend, as we are used to thinking in terms of a “beginning.” Things just don’t exist without a beginning, and this is very true when applying this to physical or even spiritual “things.” The existence of “things” demands the existence of someone who brought them into existence. In other words, creation demands a Creator.

The universe (the “heavens” in Genesis 1:1) must have had a beginning; somebody must have brought it into existence. The idea which has been propagated by the world’s leading ”scientist,” that the universe created itself is preposterous to us; still, even this concept requires the idea that the universe had a beginning when it “began” to create itself.

God, however, had no beginning. Whatever we might define as “beginning,” God existed “before” that.

We asked the question above where the Bible speaks about the beginning of creation and answered that most people would turn to Genesis 1:1. Actually, that is not the Scripture which reports the earliest time of God’s creation. Apart from the fact that it does not seem to refer to the spiritual realm, but just to the physical world (the heavens and the earth, having been created at approximately the same time, “in the beginning”), it still makes a reference to God’s existence at the beginning, whenever that was.

Another passage makes clear that whatever we might refer to as “the beginning,” God had already existed before then.

We read in John 1:1-3:

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

The “Word”—“Logos” in the Greek—describes the Spokesman—Jesus Christ, the Son of God. But He was also God—the Second Member in the God Family. “All things”—visible and invisible—were made through Him. And He—the Word—became flesh and dwelt among us (verse 14).  He was “Immanuel”—God with us (compare Matthew 1:23).

He had no beginning. He existed already when creation began.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible states the following:

“What he [John] saith of him [is] enough to prove beyond contradiction that he is God. He asserts… his existence in the beginning: In the beginning was the Word. This bespeaks his existence, not only before his incarnation, but before all time. The beginning of time, in which all creatures were produced and brought into being, found this eternal Word in being. The world was from the beginning, but the Word was in the beginning… the Word was God: a distinct person…”

In Genesis 1:1, we read that Elohim created heavens and earth in the beginning. But in John 1:1 we read that Elohim already existed “in the beginning”—before ANYTHING was created. We also read in Hebrews 11:3 how God created the physical world: “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” Another translation has here: “God created everything out of nothing” (Luther Bible 1984).

We need to have faith to believe this, as we need to have faith that God exists who created all things (verse 6: “… he who comes to God must believe that He is.”). But we are not talking about blind faith, but faith which can be understood and proven. Romans 1:19-20 explains:

“… what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead  so that they are without excuse…”

Only foolish atheists deny the existence of God and believe instead in the fairy tale of evolution—the most juvenile and stupid “explanation” of the existence of the physical world. Psalm 14:1 says: “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” Many times, an “atheist” knows, deep down inside, that his belief is foolish, but he wants to avoid accepting any responsibility for his lifestyle. Psalm 10:4 explains: “The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts.” Psalm 53:1 adds to this: “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity; There is none who does good.”

It is the Will of God to give us eternal life, through Jesus Christ. John 3:15 declares: “…whoever believes in Him [Jesus] should not perish but have eternal life.” Christ confirmed in John 6:58: “This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.” Also in John 8:51: “Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.” In Romans 6:22-23, we are given the following assurance:

“But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

This is something our human mind may grasp… to an extent. Living forever—the dream of mankind! But not living forever in misery, pain and heartache, but in peace, joy and abundance. Not in the flesh, but as immortal Spirit Beings together with the Father and the Son where there is joy forever more. As we read in Revelation 21:4: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

And Revelation 22:5 adds: “And they shall reign forever and ever.”

That we can live and reign forever and ever, without end, as God will live forever and ever, is something the human mind can appreciate. We can agree with what we read in Revelation 10:6 about God, that He “lives forever and ever.” Jesus said about Himself: “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore” (Revelation 1:18). And we can believe that this will apply to us as well, if we make it into His Kingdom.

This is perhaps so as God has revealed this fact to mankind, and by faith we embrace this Truth. We read in Ecclesiastes 3:11: “He has put eternity in their hearts…” They can and do know in their hearts that everlasting life is something which God can, may and even wants to grant them.

When it comes to appreciating the fact that God has always existed “forever,” from all eternity, before there was any time or anything created, the human mind is somewhat at a loss. But why is that the case?

Maybe we cannot quite comprehend that eternity applies not only to the future, but also to the past. As we read in Deuteronomy 29:29: “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.”

We may think that God has revealed to us that He and we will live forever, but not that God has lived forever. But the Truth is that God has revealed this to us as well.

We read in Revelation 21:6 about God the Father: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End…” In Isaiah 48:12, we read: “Listen to Me, O Jacob, And Israel, My called: I am He, I am the First, I am also the Last.”

If He is the End and the Last, why then can we not comprehend that He is also the First and the Beginning? Nothing—no god or idol outside the God Family will come after Him; and nothing—no other god or idol was before Him. He existed before anything and everything else. In passing, the above-quoted Scriptures in the book of Isaiah have been rightly understood to refer to idols which cannot help; they do not say that there is only one God Being or that God—the God Family—is not reproducing Himself through man. Compare the discussion of Isaiah 45:5 in one of our Q&As.  https://www.eternalgod.org/q-a-9801/ . See also our Q&A on the God Family https://www.eternalgod.org/q-a-9824/

God had no beginning. As He will live forever and ever, so He HAS lived forever and ever. The Bible makes this fact very clear.

We read in Psalm 90:2:

“Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.”

Also note Psalm 93:2: “Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting.” This applies to the Father and the Son (compare again Micah 5:2).

God has and will have everlasting life (as we will have), but He also had everlasting life in the past. This is also confirmed in Habakkuk 1:12: “Are You not from everlasting, O LORD my God, my Holy One?” The word for “everlasting” in this passage means, “what is before (in time or place).”

God is “from everlasting,” from eternity, without beginning of days or end of life. Hebrews 7:3, describing Jesus Christ or Melchizedek, is rendered in the Living Bible as follows: “He was never born and he never died…,” except of course for the three days and three nights in the grave, as Jesus Himself confirmed in Revelation 1:18, quoted above.

God the Father was not created by anyone, and the same is true for Jesus. Nobody was there to create God, and He did not create Himself either. This we understand “by faith.”

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

compiled by Dave Harris

“Will Trump and Putin End the Russia-Ukraine War?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

Will Putin agree to a ceasefire and perhaps even to the end of the war between Russia and Ukraine? Many doubt this. Still, the end of that war will come, but not now; not in ways most expect or anticipate; and not due to “negotiations” between Trump and Putin. What does this all mean for YOU? What does GOD tell us about war in general, and this war in particular?

“Werden Trump und Putin den Russland-Ukraine Krieg beenden?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topic as described above.

“Noah and the Flood” is the latest video published in our Bible Stories series on YouTube.

“Der kommende falsche Prophet,” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “The Coming False Prophet.”

“Hat Christus ein Wohlfühl-Evangelium gepredigt?” last Sabbath’s German sermonette presented by Mike Richter, is now posted. Title in English: “Did Christ Preach a Feel-Good Gospel?”

“Alles eine Vertrauenssache,” last Sabbath’s German sermon presented by Thilo Hanstein, is now posted. Title in English: “It’s All a Matter of Trust.”

“Red Tape,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Frank Bruno, is now posted. Here is the summary:

We’ve all had our experiences with bureaucracy at various levels of both government and the private sector. Whether one is attempting to get a permit to renovate one’s home or trying to deal with the family automobile insurance or one’s health insurance. In this Sermonette we will consider various scriptures that will illustrate that as true Christians we must strengthen, and lean into our relationship with God the Father to keep our spiritual home in order. All else pales in comparison.

“God Is Our Refuge,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is the summary:

Finding true refuge is an illusive dream for many downtrodden people. However, that opportunity is available for those whom God has and will call to be a part of His eternal Family. Can we say that God is also our refuge?

2025 SPRING HOLY DAYS:

Passover: April 12 (observed evening before)

Days of Unleavened Bread: April 13-19 (first and last days are Holy Days with live Services being broadcast).

On March 15, 2025, Frank Bruno will present the sermonette, titled, “Red Tape,” and Dave Harris will present the sermon, titled, “God Is Our Refuge.”

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 playing a sport, focus is crucial, especially where a ball is involved.  When keeping your eye on the ball, all your attention and focus are fixed on that object.  The moment you look away, it becomes challenging to successfully achieve what you are trying to accomplish, whether it be kicking the ball or catching it, hitting it, etc, depending on the sport. 

Based on the fast-paced nature and need for precise ball control, table tennis is often considered the sport that requires the most focus when using a ball, as players must react quickly to the ball’s trajectory and spin while maintaining a high level of concentration.

Baseball is another sport that uses complex hand-eye coordination, requires rapid decision-making and a need to track a fast-moving ball with precision, where focus on the ball is vital.  Pitchers can throw a variety of pitches with different speeds and breaking motions, demanding intense focus from the hitter to track the ball’s trajectory while players in the field must react quickly to batted balls, often requiring them to anticipate where the ball will land and make split-second decisions.  It’s a mental game, and baseball heavily emphasizes the mental aspect, with players needing to manage pressure situations and stay focused even when facing adversity. 

There are of course several other sports where this is the case, as well as sports that don’t require a ball, but internal focus is a necessity and can be mentally challenging.

The world, in general, can be quite distracting, and it can be easy to get caught up in it to where our focus is affected.  Getting back on track and regaining our focus is a constant task that we must accomplish.  Our “ball” is the Kingdom of God; something that we must never lose sight of, and our mental and spiritual strengthening is through God in whom we must always look to when trials, struggles, doubts, worries, uncertainties, and need for ANY help are affecting us in some way.  

Keeping our eye on the prize is something that Paul famously depicted in Philippians 3:14, using the imagery of a race where the goal is the prize and the runner must concentrate on reaching the finish line, signifying the importance of staying focused on our ultimate goal, not giving up, despite challenges we encounter along the way. 

We are to continue running with determination, “to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2; New International Version). This encourages us to focus on Christ at all times and not get distracted by other things, for Christ, the captain of our salvation, overcame every difficulty imaginable and was thus made perfect through sufferings (Hebrews 2:10). He expects us to do the same—to overcome all obstacles, to remain faithful and obedient, and to keep our eye on the ultimate prize.

by Norbert Link

We begin with reports on [predicted] renewed violence in unstable Syria; [unrealistic] proposals as to how to deal with Gaza; and continue with concentrating on Trump’s “whiplash” leadership which creates confusion and uncertainty, which might even be intentional, but which is also diminishing trust in the reliability of the USA.

We report on Canada’s new prime minister Mark Carney who is clearly no friend of Donald Trump and who has picked up the gauntlet; and report on the ongoing fight between the Trump administration and Zelensky, with Trump’s inconsistent and contradictory proposals and statements. We speak on the proposed “ceasefire” regarding Ukraine; and we point out additional animosity between the USA and Poland; Europe’s desire to become a nuclear power; and we discuss the possibility of America’s withdrawal from NATO, as we know it, with the proposal of Germany, as a rising military power, “taking on the leading role in the alliance.”

Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Politicians Demand What We Have Told You For Decades!”

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

Renewed Violence in Syria 

npr wrote on March 9: 

“More than 1,300 people in Syria have been killed — many believed to be civilians — in the span of three days amid intense fighting between forces associated with Syria’s new government and those loyal to the deposed dictator Bashar al-Assad… The conflict is considered the country’s worst violence since… December. It’s also the biggest test for Syria’s new government since it has assumed power… the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights… characterized many of the killings as executions and massacres, carried out in revenge against the Alawite community, which made up Assad’s traditional base of support. The human rights group also reported burning of homes and forced displacement, worsened by the absence of international intervention. 

“The fighting broke out on Thursday near the coast after reports that Alawite gunmen ambushed and killed 16 government forces in the coastal province of Latakia. In response, the government sent reinforcements to and imposed curfews on Latakia and neighboring Tartus. At first, the casualties mainly involved those fighting on both sides… But as clashes went on, the civilian death toll skyrocketed, with many people shot at close range… Alawite leaders said their community around Latakia and Tartus have been the target of attacks for weeks, ever since the Assad regime was overthrown…” 

The Daily Mail wrote on March 8: 

“The violent clashes, which erupted Thursday, are some of the deadliest since Syria’s conflict began 14 years ago, and marked a major escalation in the challenge to the new government in Damascus, three months after insurgents took authority after removing Assad from power. Witnesses revealed how women were reportedly told to ‘walk naked’ before being shot dead [by the Syrian “security” forces] amid horrifying scenes in Syria… 

“Residents of Baniyas, one of the towns worst hit by the violence, said bodies were strewn on the streets or left unburied in homes and on the roofs of buildings, and nobody was able to collect them. One witness said that the gunmen prevented residents for hours from removing the bodies of five of their neighbors killed Friday at close range. 

“The leaders of Syria’s three main Christian churches issued a joint statement Saturday condemning ‘massacres targeting innocent civilians’…”

This was so predictable, and we DID predict it… 

Proposals and Counter Proposals for Gaza 

Deutsche Welle wrote on March 9: 

“France, Germany, Italy and the UK said on Saturday they supported an Arab-backed plan for the reconstruction of Gaza. The plan would cost $53 billion (€50.5 billion) and avoid displacing Palestinians from the territory… The Arab Summit in Cairo took place after US President Donald Trump floated a widely condemned proposal to turn the Gaza Strip into what he called the ‘Riviera of the Middle East’ and displace its residents.   

“Earlier this week, the Trump administration dismissed the… counter proposal after it was adopted. The White House said it stood by Trump’s vision, with National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes commenting late Tuesday that ‘the current proposal does not address the reality that Gaza is currently uninhabitable.’… 

“The phased reconstruction plan consists of three major stages over five years. An initial six-month recovery phase is aimed at removing debris, de-mining and building temporary housing. In the first phase, the plan calls for the building of 200,000 housing units in Gaza over the next two years. A second stage will see 200,000 more housing units. By 2030, the plan foresees hundreds of thousands of new homes housing up to 3 million people as well as an airport, industrial zones, hotels and parks. 

“Under [the new] proposal, Gaza would be governed by a reformed Palestinian Authority… France, Germany, Italy and the UK also supported the call for the removal of Hamas, which is recognized as a terrorist organization by several countries…” 

None of this seems to be realistic. 

Greenland Votes Against Trump 

gzeromedia wrote on March 12: 

“Greenland’s center-right parties trounced the ruling left-wing coalition in Tuesday’s election. In a blow to US President Donald Trump’s plans to annex the Arctic territory, a once-marginal party that favors a slow separation from Denmark is set to lead the next government… 

“Recent polling shows that 85% of Greenlanders oppose joining the US.” 

Trump’s Whiplash Leadership 

CNN wrote on March 6: 

“One day, President Donald Trump imposed a punishing tariff regime against Canada and Mexico. The next, he froze auto duties for a month after suddenly realizing that – as everyone had predicted – they could wreck a quintessential American industry. 

“Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky came to the Oval Office to sign a rare-earth minerals deal that Trump billed as a triumph for the US. But Zelensky was provoked by Vice President JD Vance and kicked out of the White House. European leaders have spent days trying to fix the debacle. 

“Elon Musk, meanwhile, is taking his chainsaw to the bureaucracy, indiscriminately firing workers… 

“At first, Trump’s early-term energy on multiple fronts was a bolt of energy as he… chased away the lethargy that marked President Joe Biden’s waning months in office. Six weeks in, however… a new realization is dawning. There doesn’t seem to be a plan… ‘There’s too much unpredictability and chaos coming out of the White House right now,’ Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said Wednesday… 

“America’s friends are often left to puzzle over what exactly Trump is trying to do… 

“Still, the president can point to some successes with his threat-based foreign policy. For instance, his fury that a Hong Kong-based firm owned two ports at either end of the Panama Canal is precipitating  a purchase by US investment giant BlackRock… 

“The danger for the US therefore is that four more years of Trump’s antics could reshape the globe – in a way that does not comply with his vision of US dominance but leaves Americans looking in from the outside…”

And this is exactly what might happen… 

Tariffs an Act of War? 

archive.today wrote on March 3: 

“Warren Buffett (94) is one of the world’s most legendary investors. So, what does he think of tariffs and how they’ll affect the economy? The billionaire… says tariffs are ‘an act of war, to some degree.’ 

“‘Over time, they are a tax on goods. I mean, the Tooth Fairy doesn’t pay ’em!’ he said… when asked how tariffs would impact inflation. ‘And then what? You always have to ask that question in economics. You always say, ‘And then what?'” 

Good question! 

EU to Retaliate Against USA 

The Associated Press wrote on March 12: 

“The European Union on Wednesday announced retaliatory trade action with new duties on U.S. industrial and farm products, responding within hours to the Trump administration’s increase in tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports to 25%. The world’s biggest trading bloc was expecting the U.S. tariffs and prepared in advance, but the measures still place great strain on already tense trans-Atlantic relations… 

“The EU measures will cover goods from the United States worth around 26 billion euros ($28 billion), and not just steel and aluminum products, but also textiles, home appliances and agricultural goods. Motorcycles, bourbon, peanut butter and jeans will also be hit, as they were during U.S. President Donald Trump’s first term…” 

Canada’s New Prime Minister… No Friend of Trump 

The Sun wrote on March 9: 

“CANADA’S new prime minister [replacing Justin Trudeau who “tearfully” stepped down Sunday] has wasted no time in firing back at US President Donald Trump, vowing to fight the escalating trade war ‘until Trump shows us respect.’ Mark Carney – who was among the anti-Brexit campaign’s biggest voices during his time as Bank of England chief – called out Trump for attempting to ‘destroy the Canadian way of life’ with tariffs and trade threats. The former Bank of England governor and ‘Project Fear’ architect made it clear that Canada will not back down. 

“‘There is someone who is trying to weaken our economy. Donald Trump. Donald Trump has put unjustified tariffs on what we build, sell and how we make a living,’ Carney said in his acceptance speech. He went on to describe Trump’s tariffs and threats as the ‘greatest crisis of our lifetime’. The war of words intensified last week after the US imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, prompting Canada to retaliate with its own tariffs on up to $155bn worth of US products.  The trade war has put a strain on the two nations’ relationship, and Carney said the US could no longer be trusted… 

“He became a popular choice for party members due to his wealth of experience after serving as governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England between 2013 up until 2020… Carney’s firm stance comes amid mounting support for his leadership in a nation reeling from the threat of becoming the ‘51st state’ and Trump’s ongoing tariff war. His speech marks a sharp shift in the rhetoric of Western leaders standing up to the US president… ‘The Americans want our resources, our water, our land, our country.’… On Tuesday, the US slapped a brutal 25 per cent tariff on all goods imported from Canada, and despite a softening from Trump, the damage has been done….”

npr added on March 9: 

“Mark Carney, the former central banker-turned-centrist politician, triumphed over Chrystia Freeland in Sunday’s Liberal Party leadership race, paving the way for him to succeed Justin Trudeau as Canada’s next prime minister. He is expected to be sworn in early this week… President Donald Trump’s tariffs and controversial comments about Canada becoming the 51st state likely played a role in Carney’s win and could help his party — which was struggling against the conservatives in the polls just two months ago — hold onto power in the next general election. 

“‘Canadians are really feeling angry, hurt. Canada feels so disrespected in this relationship right now,’ Jamie Tronnes, the executive director of the Center for North American Prosperity and Security told NPR. ‘This has led to a resurgent nationalism, which is something that we haven’t seen the likes of in a long time in Canada, that has really benefited the Liberal Party.’ 

“Carney’s election makes him only the second prime minister in Canadian history without a seat in parliament. While there is no rule against this, precedent suggests Carney will call federal elections soon after being sworn in as prime minister where he will face off with conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. As the Liberal party’s popularity continues to surge in the polls, many Canadians see Carney as a steady, diplomatic globalist who knows how to navigate international challenges, particularly with the U.S. under Trump’s increasingly strongman negotiating tactics… Carney knows what it’s like to weather tough economic storms. He served as Governor of the Bank of Canada during the 2008 financial crisis and later became the first non-British person to be appointed as Governor of the Bank of England, where he oversaw the bank’s post-Brexit transition.” 

Tariffs Threat Against Canada Changing by the Hour 

Bloomberg wrote on March 11:

“President Donald Trump dialed back his latest trade-war threat against Canada hours after making it, while downplaying the risk of a tariff-led recession that’s sent US markets into a nosedive. Trump’s roller-coaster day saw him threaten to double duties on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50% after Ontario announced plans to place a surcharge on electricity sent to the US, only to retreat back to plans for his previously announced 25% rate after the provincial government backed down. (USA Today: “The abrupt shift was a response to Ontario Premier Doug Ford saying he would suspend a 25% electricity surcharge on about 1.5 million U.S. energy users in New York, Michigan and Minnesota… With Trump backtracking, the steel and aluminum tariff rate for Canadian imports will remain at 25%.”). 

“The episode rattled markets already bracing for the worldwide metal levies set to hit at midnight, and encapsulated the frantic and mercurial tariff barrage that has spooked investors and befuddled corporate leaders over the past six weeks. Major stock indexes were down some 10% off their peaks amid escalating concerns that the world’s biggest economy may be about to stall. Trump himself fueled the recession talk as recently as Sunday, declining to rule out the possibility in a Fox News interview.”

Trump vs. Zelensky

The Kyiv Independent wrote on March 9: 

“U.S. President Donald Trump has privately made it clear to his aides that he will not resume providing military aid and intelligence to Ukraine even if Kyiv and Washington sign a minerals deal, NBC News reported on March 9… Trump wants to see a change in President… Zelensky’s stance toward peace talks with Russia and a willingness to make concessions such as giving up occupied territories to Russia… The U.S. president also reportedly wants Zelensky to make some steps toward elections in Ukraine and possibly step down. 

“The news comes amid rising tensions between Ukraine and the U.S., as Trump escalates pressure on Zelensky to expedite a peace process. The tensions culminated in a confrontation during a meeting in the White House Oval Office on Feb. 28 after Zelensky had flown to the U.S. to sign a minerals agreement with the U.S. After being insulted by Trump and his Vice President JD Vance, Zelensky returned to Ukraine without signing the deal. Since that meeting, Washington has halted its military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine… 

“Politico reported that Trump’s team has been leading secret talks with former Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko and another opposition leader, Yuliia Tymoshenko. The two opposition leaders reportedly tried to position themselves as more flexible partners for the U.S. than Zelensky. Following the Oval Office clash, Zelensky’s approval rating has risen to 68%.” 

Is America trying to oust Zelensky? 

The Hill wrote on March 10: 

“Trump said Sunday the United States had ‘just about’ ended a suspension of intelligence sharing with Ukraine… Trump said he wanted Ukraine to ‘want to want peace… Right now, they haven’t shown it to the extent they should,’ he said.” 

Another switch in Trump’s ever-changing political world… and another example of Trump’s “whiplash leadership.” But the impression that he has no plan might be contradicted by a calculated method of unpredictability, thereby causing chaos and confusion.   

Ukrainska Pravda wrote on March 9: 

“US President Donald Trump has responded to concerns that Ukraine might not survive without American assistance by saying that Ukraine ‘may not survive anyway… ‘But you know, we have some weaknesses with Russia. You know, it takes two. It was not gonna happen, that war. And it happened. So now we’re stuck with this mess.’…” 

So, every war is caused by two sides? Where does this leave World War 2? 

“The interviewer then asked whether Ukraine really does have significant rare-earth mineral resources, to which Trump responded: ‘I do, I’ve had it checked’… Trump also claimed that under President Joe Biden, Zelenskyy had been taking money from the US as easily as ‘candy from a baby’.” 

The New York Post wrote on March 3: 

“On Sunday, Zelensky insisted that ‘an agreement to end the war is still very, very far away, and no one has started all these steps yet’ — a remark that further irked Trump.  ‘This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelenskyy, and America will not put up with it for much longer!’ the president wrote on Truth Social. ‘It is what I was saying, this guy doesn’t want there to be Peace as long as he has America’s backing and Europe, in the meeting they had with Zelenskyy, stated flatly that they cannot do the job without the U.S.’ 

“‘Probably not a great statement to have been made in terms of a show of strength against Russia. What are they thinking?’” 

Ukraine Cease-Fire? 

Deutsche Welle wrote on March 11: 

“Ukraine says it is willing to accept an interim 30-day ceasefire in the war with Russia, a joint statement from Washington and Kyiv said. According to the statement, published following the meeting of Ukrainian and American teams in Saudi Arabia, the United States will communicate to Russia that reciprocity is key for future peace between the countries. The US said it would also resume the intelligence sharing with, and security assistance to, Ukraine.  

“US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says that it is now up to Russia to accept the proposal… Kyiv and Washington also agreed to sign an agreement for developing Ukraine’s critical mineral resources as soon as possible, the statement said.” 

Fox News wrote on March 12: 

“Russia is waiting for Washington to deliver details… before commenting on the proposal, the Kremlin said Wednesday… Russia has so far opposed anything short of a permanent end to the conflict and has not accepted any concessions.” 

Russia Will Never Relent 

The Telegraph wrote on March 11: 

“But suppose the Russians do not reciprocate? Now there is one vital question: how will America respond if… Putin simply rejects the Jeddah offer? He will be deeply reluctant to accept a ceasefire at the very moment when his forces are finally advancing against Ukraine’s salient in the Russian region of Kursk.  In Putin’s preferred sequence, a ceasefire would be the last step, when everything else has been settled, allowing the Russians to maintain every ounce of military pressure to wring concessions from Ukraine throughout any negotiations… 

“Perhaps more likely is that Russia will pretend to accept the Jeddah offer and do just enough to prevent America from renewing its backing for Ukraine while in fact breaking the ceasefire and finding a way of blaming Mr Zelensky…” 

Poland’s Walesa Blasts Trump 

AFP wrote on March 3, 2025: 

“Poland’s freedom icon Lech Walesa and dozens of other communist-era dissidents on Monday slammed Donald Trump over his clash with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, comparing the US president’s actions to ‘communist courtrooms.’ 

“In their Oval Office meeting on Friday, Trump berated Zelenskyy, telling him to be more ‘thankful’ for US support against the invading Russian army in the three-year war and that without US assistance, Ukraine would have been conquered by Moscow. In a letter addressed to the US president, Walesa and around 40 other Polish former dissidents said they had watched Trump’s conversation with Zelenskyy ‘with horror and disgust. The atmosphere in the Oval Office during this conversation reminded us of the hearings by the Security Service and in the communist courtrooms,’ former Polish president Walesa and fellow dissidents said in the letter. 

“‘We find your expectations of respect and gratitude for the material aid provided by the United States to Ukraine, which is fighting against Russia, offensive,’ they told Trump. Walesa is feted as an icon of freedom as he led a 1980 shipyard workers’ strike, forcing the then-authorities to recognise the communist bloc’s first and only free trade union, Solidarity. He and dozens of other top dissidents were arrested after martial law was imposed in 1981. He then won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983. 

“After the fall of communism, Walesa in 1990 became Poland’s first democratically elected president since World War II. Poland is a staunch ally of its neighbour Ukraine and has advocated ramped up military aid to the war-torn country. On Friday, following the heated exchange in the White House, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, in a show of support to Zelenskyy, assured Ukrainians they were ‘not alone.’”

Even Poland and Poland’s icon Lech Walesa—once strong allies—are turning against the USA. 

What If Musk Cuts Off Starlink? 

Militarnyi wrote on March 3: 

“The European Commission is figuring out how it could help Ukraine secure satellite communication capacity in the wake of Elon Musk reportedly threatening to pull Kyiv’s access to his Starlink network. 

“Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said Ukraine had already ‘expressed interest’ in how it could use Govsatcom—a pooled network of the EU’s existing national government satellite capacity.” 

Rubio and Musk Follow Trump’s Backpedaling and Anger Poland 

Reuters wrote on March 10: 

“Poland’s prime minister on Monday called on ‘friends’ to respect their allies and not be arrogant, in a post on X which… came a day after an extraordinary social media spat between top U.S. and Polish officials over Starlink. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Poland’s foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski of ‘making things up’ and suggested on Sunday he was ungrateful, in a strong rebuke after Sikorski said Ukraine may need an alternative to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite service if it becomes unreliable. 

“Poland pays for Ukraine to use the services of Starlink, which provides crucial internet connectivity to Kyiv and its military. ‘True leadership means respect for partners and allies. Even for the smaller and weaker ones,’ Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote in English on X. ‘Never arrogance. Dear friends, think about it.’ 

“Rubio had also said that ‘no one has made any threats about cutting Ukraine off from Starlink’. (This statement is clearly untrue. Keep reading.) ‘And say thank you because without Starlink Ukraine would have lost this war long ago and Russians would be on the border with Poland right now,’ Rubio added… Sikorski had been told to ‘be quiet’ and labelled a ‘small man’ by Musk after he suggested Poland, which says it pays $50 million per year for Ukraine’s Starlink services, might need to find another provider if Musk’s service was unreliable… 

“The U.S. government has already revoked some access to satellite imagery for Ukraine and paused intelligence sharing, piling pressure on Kyiv as Trump seeks a swift end to the war, now in its fourth year after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Shares in Franco-British satellite operator Eutelsat… soared as much as 650% last week due to speculation the company could replace Starlink in providing internet access to Ukraine.

“Musk, a high-profile figure in the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, said in a post on X early on Sunday that Ukraine’s ‘entire front line would collapse if I turned it (Starlink) off’. (If this is not a threat, what is?) 

“In a series of posts on X on the subject, that lasted through the day, Musk said later he would not turn off Starlink in Ukraine. ‘To be extremely clear, no matter how much I disagree with the Ukraine policy, Starlink will never turn off its terminals … We would never do such a thing or use it as a bargaining chip.’” 

Rubio has become a disappointment for many by switching or abandoning his former positions and by now unequivocally supporting Trump, even when he is wrong, such as with his provocative clash with Zelensky in the Oval Office. 

Poland Wants Nuclear Weapons 

Politico wrote on March 7: 

“Poland will look at gaining access to nuclear weapons and also ensure that every man undergoes military training as part of an effort to build a 500,000-strong army to face off the threat from Russia, Prime Minister Donald Tusk told the parliament on Friday. Poland’s dramatic military expansion comes as fears grow across Europe that U.S. President Donald Trump is aligning with the Kremlin and turning his back on America’s traditional western alliances — a geopolitical shift that Warsaw regards as a potentially existential threat. 

“Tusk said that Poland ‘is talking seriously’ with France about being protected by the French nuclear umbrella… Tusk also stressed that Poland cannot restrict itself to conventional weapons… He pointed to the example of Ukraine, which gave up its nuclear arsenal and is now being attacked by Russia… 

“The Polish military is now about 200,000, which makes it the third-largest in NATO after the U.S. and Turkey and the largest among the alliance’s EU members. Tusk pointed out that Ukraine has an army of about 800,000 while Russia has 1.3 million men under arms… 

“The confusing signals coming out of the Trump administration are particularly worrying for Poland, which has built its security architecture around its close ties with the U.S. There are about 10,000 American soldiers stationed in Poland, and the country makes an effort to buy U.S. weapons systems — to the annoyance of other European countries.” 

“Time to Rearm” 

The Sun wrote on March 9: 

“THREE years on from the start of Vladimir Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine and the war has seen more than 1.3million killed or injured…. Zelensky’s offer to step down as Ukrainian president — in answer to Donald Trump’s bogus charge that he is a dictator— shows his commitment to peace. But he is not the problem. 

“Blood-soaked Putin has already sacrificed more than 860,000 of his own soldiers and is no more bothered by current losses of 1,500 a day than he is by the deaths of 12,000 Ukrainian civilians ruthlessly targeted by his forces. He is supported in this slaughter by the terrorists of Theran and North Korean  madman Kim Jong-un. Meanwhile, China watches on. The world is a very dangerous place right now and Europe cannot keep relying on America to fight its battles… increasing spending on defence is… about self-preservation. 

“[Britain may] raise defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP] by 2030 and offer 30,000 peace-keeping troops for Ukraine. But that is meaningless when we don’t have 30,000 troops to spare, when 2.5 per cent is not enough and 2030 is too far away. What are we waiting for?” 

Abandoning Nuclear Weapons? 

The Sun wrote on March 9: 

“DONALD Trump has warned ‘monster’ nuclear weapons could ‘end the world’ as he sounded the alarm over atomic armageddon. The President issued the stark warning in a TV interview on Sunday morning after he floated new arms controls with Russia and China… The US has the second largest nuclear weapons stockpile in the world with around 5,000 weapons. Russia has the most with nearly 6,000, with China a distant third with around 350. Nuclear weapons have only been used in anger twice – when the US bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki to end World War 2. 

“Speaking on Fox, Trump said: ‘We spend a lot of money [on] nuclear weapons – the level of destruction is beyond anything you can imagine. It’s just bad that you have to spend all this money on something that if it’s used, it’s probably the end of the world.’… It comes [as] France offered to use its nukes to protect Europe from Russia… Moscow said the speech was threatening towards Russia and had ‘notes of nuclear blackmail.’…” 

Europe will not abandon its nuclear weapons. Note the previous article about Poland. 

No More Trust in the USA 

Deutsche Welle wrote on March 7: 

“Two thirds of respondents in this latest ‘ARD Deutschlandtrend’ poll said they are in favor of a massive budget increase for the Bundeswehr, and eight out of ten are in favor of more money for infrastructure projects…. 

“Trump has been back in office for only six weeks and has already been calling into question core policies, which is having a massive impact on how Germans view Trump and the United States. One in two respondents to the infratest poll say their opinion of Trump has worsened since he took office. Just one in seven expresses a favorable opinion of the US president. The United States’ reputation is plummeting to new lows…. 

“This month only one in six voters described the US as a partner who Germany can trust. Three quarters believe that NATO members cannot currently rely on the United States for protection… there is growing support for greater European independence. One in two said they favor establishing a European military alliance… The US policy U-turn on Ukraine significantly contributed to the decline of American prestige in Germany.” 

NATO and the EU Army 

DNA India wrote on March 7: 

“Hours after heads of state of 29 European nations met in the French capital of Paris and discussed the issue of supporting Ukraine…, US President Donald Trump dropped the bombshell. Trump said in the most undiplomatic way, for which he is known, that if the member states do not pay for NATO’s expenses, he will not defend them.  

“Emphasising that all members of the trans-Atlantic bloc, big or small, rich or poor, must pay for the common cause of security, he declared, ‘If they don’t pay, I’m not going to defend them. No, I’m not going to defend them.’ Trump raised this issue in the first term of his presidency also and forced small countries like the Baltic states of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to pay. A day earlier, when a journalist asked him in the Oval Office of the White House whether France and a couple of other countries would defend the US, Trump said, ‘You think they’re going to come and protect us?…’ 

“Earlier, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in February that Washington would not participate in any peacekeeping force in Ukraine, which is not a NATO member and would not defend any country that participated in it if attacked by Russia… 

“The idea of a European Army is not new, however, it got a boost this week after EU Commissioner Ursula van der Leyen pointed out that the EU should raise EUR 800 billion for the development of the bloc, besides a separate corpus of EUR 160 billion for funding defence preparedness of the member states. Earlier the UK and France announced to increase… their defence budgets.  

“Political observers believe France, Poland, Germany, the UK, frontline states like Finland and the Nordic-Baltic states like Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia may serve as the backbone of the European Army as they have relatively strong and cohesive forces with substantial fire power. Analysts also believe the European Union may raise a common EU force or the EU Army. This force should not belong to any one nation but for the collective use of defending all members of the 27-member bloc like NATO,  

“All the European nations put together have more than 2 million men and women in uniform and they spend a whopping amount of $338 billion of their militaries. Coming back to Ukraine, if the US and Turkey oppose any move to send NATO forces to the war-torn country, the European nations may send their troops. It may lay the foundation stone of an EU Army or European Army.” 

An EU Army is clearly prophesied in the Bible.

NATO to Survive? 

Daily Mail wrote on March 3: 

“President Trump has launched his latest attack against Europe claiming that the United States should worry more about ‘migrant rape gangs and drug lords’ than Vladimir Putin or ‘end up like Europe’… The continent is also coming to terms with the brutal reality that it might not be able to rely on America for its security anymore… While Trump has so far avoided actively calling for the US to exit from NATO, he has consistently painted it as a one-sided relationship. 

“… Trump previously told reporters that he doubted the value of spending money on NATO – since the US was protecting NATO members but they were ‘not protecting us’ and has consistently called for the bloc to double its spending target.  During his first term Trump threatened to quit the alliance over his grievances about member’s defence spending.  

“Since Trump returned to the White House, the war in Ukraine has represented another growing rift between America and its European allies… 

“Trump’s advisor Elon Musk has outright called for the US to leave NATO in a post on X, formerly Twitter, over the weekend. Gunther Eagleman, a political commentator with 1.3 million followers, who describes himself as a ‘Proud America First MAGA Patriot’, wrote ‘It’s time to leave NATO and the UN’ in an X post on March 1. That message was reposted by Musk… who simply added ‘I agree’. 

“Musk also today reposted a tweet by Republican congressman Thomas Massie, the representative for Kentucky’s fourth congressional district since 2012, which called NATO ‘a Cold War relic that needs to be relegated to a talking kiosk at the Smithsonian’.” 

End of NATO? 

The Telegraph wrote on March 1: 

“End of Nato alliance could be ‘days away’, warns former commander… Wavering US support for the defence bloc may open the door to a new ‘European Treaty Organisation’, says Admiral James Stavridis…” 

“US ‘to Cease All Future Military Exercises in Europe’” 

The Telegraph wrote on March 8: 

“Nato countries could be forced to plan manoeuvres without US as Trump continues pivot away from bloc. 

“The United States has told its allies that it does not plan to participate in military exercises in Europe [beyond 2025], according to reports… It means that Nato countries will be forced to plan exercises without the participation of the US military, the largest in the alliance… 

“The Telegraph reported on Friday that Mr Trump is also considering pulling US troops out of Germany and redeploying them to Eastern Europe. He is understood to be weighing up withdrawing some 35,000 active personnel and moving them to Hungary.” 

Europe Angry With USA 

Financial Post wrote on March 1: 

“European leaders are confronting their worst-case scenario: maybe they really are going to be dealing with a bellicose Russia alone. When the United States lined up alongside Russia and North Korea earlier this week to oppose a UN motion condemning Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, some European officials knew that the transatlantic relationship was in deep trouble. Then they watched in horror as Donald Trump gave Volodymyr Zelenskiy a public dressing down in the Oval Office and something broke. 

“In interviews with Bloomberg, more than half a dozen officials who’ve maintained their composure through wars and financial crises reacted with visceral anger. For them, the scene showed the trust and values that have bound Europe and the U.S. together since the end of World War II are no longer shared. 

“‘President Trump and his administration raised a more fundamental challenge to the transatlantic alliance than it has faced in many decades,’ said Graham Allison, a professor of government at Harvard University, who studied with Henry Kissinger and served in both the Clinton and Reagan administrations. French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have all described this moment as a generational challenge for the continent… 

‘After Friday’s quarrel in the Oval Office, EU leaders lined up to voice their support for Zelenskiy and make clear whose side they were on. Trump is putting the Europeans into a position where they have to choose between the U.S. and Ukraine, several officials said, and most, if not all, will pick Ukraine. For Europe, it is existential.”

Within a little more than a month of Trump’s rule, the alliance between the USA and Europe is being broken up. And calls for an EU Army are getting louder.

AfD Politicians Call for Nuclear Weapons for Germany 

Die Welt wrote on March 7: 

“Several AfD politicians are calling for… Germany to be armed with nuclear weapons. Conscription is also essential… ‘Germany needs its own nuclear weapons and compulsory military service – also for women. To achieve this, the Basic Law [Grundgesetz] must be changed as soon as possible,’ said former Bundeswehr colonel [and] AfD defense politician Rüdiger Lucassen… ‘If the US nuclear umbrella is missing, Europe must act on its own. Germany must itself become capable of nuclear deterrence – within the framework of strategic European autonomy and a system of collective security with its own military and command structure.’… 

“AfD Bundestag member Hannes Gnauck, previously chairman of the AfD youth organization Junge Alternative (JA), which is disbanding, expressed similar views to Lucassen. ‘Germany needs its own nuclear umbrella…’ If the USA actually leaves NATO, Germany must take on the leading role in the alliance.” 

Compulsory Military Service in 2025? 

Die Tagesschau wrote on March 4:

“In view of the changing threat situation and the global alliance structures, CSU politician Florian Hahn is calling for more speed in the internal German debate about the reintroduction of compulsory military service… ‘The first conscripts will have to walk through the barracks gates in 2025…’ The chairman of the Bundeswehr Association, André Wüstner, is also in favor of starting compulsory military service this year… Approval for the reintroduction of compulsory military service also comes from the former Green Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer…

“The current Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius (SPD) presented a draft law for a new military service model in November. Shortly before the traffic light coalition collapsed, the federal government agreed on it – but there was no vote in the Bundestag and Bundesrat… 

“It is now up to the new federal government to decide on a new compulsory military service in peacetime. In times of conflict, the Military Service Act already stipulates that conscription for men is reinstated when the Bundestag declares a state of tension and defence.” 

Germany Must Become a Military Power 

Die Welt wrote on March 5: 

“Green politician Joschka Fischer describes the scandal in the White House as an ‘unbelievable event’. All trust in US President Donald Trump has been destroyed, Germany must now become a military power… 

“[He also calls for] talks on extending the French and British nuclear umbrella to the whole of Europe…”

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer:

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

In the first part of this Q&A, we looked at the biblical evidence that God the Father, Jesus Christ the Word, and innumerable angels are all in the third heaven.

But are there any human beings in heaven?  What about those who have died and have lived good lives?  Did they go to heaven and live there now in a conscious state?

In Ecclesiastes 9:5 we read: “For the living know that they shall die; But the dead know nothing, And they have no more reward, For the memory of them is forgotten.” 

Psalm 146:3-4 illustrates that the day one dies, his thoughts perish.

No human being has ascended to heaven, as Jesus revealed in John 3:13, and this is a telling piece of Scripture: “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from, and it is heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.”   

The NIV states “No one has ever gone into heaven.” The old Luther Bible says: “No one ascends to heaven.”

Acts 2:29 and 34 are also instructive on this matter:

“Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day… For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: ‘The LORD said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand…”

And Hebrews 11:39-40 speaks of the great men and women of old and shows that they are STILL awaiting their reward: “And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.”

For much more on this subject, please see our Q&A:  https://www.eternalgod.org/question-and-answer-1066/ and our booklet “Do We Have an Immortal Soul?”    

Those who know the doctrines of the Church of the Eternal God and its international affiliates will be fully aware that our understanding from the Word of God is that we do not go to heaven at death.

For those who may want to study this more thoroughly, please see our Q&A’s:

“What are the biblical proofs that we do not go to heaven when we die?” https://www.eternalgod.org/q-a-11453/

“Do certain biblical passages tell us that we go to heaven when we die?”  https://www.eternalgod.org/q-a-11468/

“How do you explain certain passages in the Bible suggesting that we go to heaven when we die?”  https://www.eternalgod.org/q-a-11483/

“Doesn’t the Bible say that we will enter the kingdom of heaven? Doesn’t this show that we will go to heaven when we die?”  https://www.eternalgod.org/q-a-11501/

There are some commentators who say, incredibly, that there are human beings in heaven, and in their physical state, and they even make some other even more preposterous assertions.   We have no doubt about their sincerity, but such errors are something that we must avoid.  

What is in Heaven?

We read in Exodus 20:4 the following: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth…”

This verse reveals that there are things in heaven.

Revelation 3:5 speaks of a “Book of Life” which is in heaven.  In our booklet “Are You Predestined to be Saved?”, we read in the first chapter, page 3, the following description: 

“‘THE BOOK OF LIFE. The most important heavenly book, or scroll, that pertains to God’s true children is mentioned numerous times in Scripture. But many who have read these references have falsely assumed that this particular book is just a figurative expression, rather than a real, albeit spiritual book. The opposite is true. The book we are talking about is a VERY real book! It is called in Scripture, ‘the Book of Life.’ For example, we read in Revelation 3:5: ‘He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I [Jesus Christ] will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.’ On its face value, and without trying to ‘interpret’ this passage, we are plainly told that the names of true Christians are written down in a particular book—the Book of Life—and that they will not be erased from it as long as they continue to overcome. We can also understand from this that their names could be blotted out from the Book of Life.”

The information below is taken from Mr Norbert Link’s very revealing booklet, “Angels, Demons and the Spirit World” on pages 59-62:

“In Revelation 20:12 we read: ‘And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.   Barnes Notes on the Bible states: ‘And the books were opened – That is, the books containing the record of human deeds.’ 

“Revelation 4:2 mentions a ‘throne set in heaven.’” 

We have seen, in part one of this Q&A that God the Father and Jesus Christ, both Spirit beings, reside in heaven.   In Psalm 47:8 we read: “God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne.”   And in Psalm 103:19: “The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.”

“Revelation 4:4 describes several thrones in heaven.”

The Scripture reads: “Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.”

“Revelation 4:6 speaks of a ‘sea of glass’ before the throne in heaven.”

The Scripture reads: “Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back.”

“Revelation 5:1 mentions a spiritual scroll, sealed with seven spiritual seals.” 

The Scripture reads: “And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals.”

“Revelation 5:8 talks about a spiritual harp and golden bowls.”

The Scripture reads: “Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.”

These golden bowls housed the prayers of God’s people, the saints, which indicates how important they are.   Incense burned in the temple in the Old Testament gave off a pleasing aroma to God, and His people’s prayers are likened to this. 

“Revelation 8:2–5 reveals the existence of a spiritual golden censer, a spiritual golden altar, and even spiritual fire.”

The Scripture reads: “And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand. Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.”

“We are informed in the book of Hebrews that all of these spiritual objects were used as a pattern for the creation of physical objects at the time of Moses. We read in Hebrews 9:23–24, in the Living Bible: ‘That is why the sacred tent down here on earth, and everything in it—all copied from things in heaven—all had to be made pure by Moses in this way…But the REAL things in heaven, of which these down here are copies, were made pure with far more precious offerings… It was not in the earthly place of worship that He did this, for that was merely a copy of the REAL TEMPLE IN HEAVEN.’ 

“So, there is a spiritual temple in heaven (Revelation 11:19; 15:5–6, 8). Further, we read about the temple of the tabernacle. God showed Moses exactly on the mountain how to build the earthly tabernacle. Time and again we read (Exodus 25:9; 25:40; 26:30; and 27:8) that God showed Moses a pattern as to how to build the tabernacle, the altar, the golden lamp stand and the sanctuary. God showed Moses what the real spiritual heavenly things look like. Moses was also instructed to form two cherubim, which were to cover the mercy seat. Again, God showed Moses, if he did not already know, what cherubim look like… 

“Isaiah 14:13 reports that Satan, formerly Lucifer, said: ‘I will ascend into heaven. I will exalt my throne above the stars of God. I will also sit on the mount of the congregation.’ Ezekiel 28:14 adds what God said about Lucifer: ‘You were the anointed cherub who covers…You were on the holy mountain of God.’ This spiritual mountain of God in heaven is also described in Hebrews 12:18–24. 

“We read about a city in heaven, the spiritual or heavenly Jerusalem (compare Hebrews 11:9–10; Revelation 3:12). It will come down to this earth in the future (Revelation 21:2–3, 10–21; 22:1–2). 

“Revelation 2:7 says that the tree of life is in the Paradise of God. Ezekiel 28:13–16 adds that Lucifer, who became Satan, was in the garden of God at the time of his creation, long before there ever was a physical world. So, we see that there is a spiritual garden of God, a Paradise, in heaven. 2 Corinthians 12:2–4 mentions that ‘Paradise,’ the spiritual garden, is in the third heaven where God dwells [and is] a heaven composed of spirit—the third heaven… where God lives (Psalm 11:4; Hebrews 9:24)]. The physical garden of Eden, which God later created for Adam and Eve, was patterned after the spiritual garden that exists in heaven, and in which is a spiritual tree of life. When the heavenly Jerusalem comes down to this earth, the heavenly garden, with the tree of life in it, will come down to this earth as well. 

“Revelation 21:1 tells us that the heavenly Jerusalem will come down from heaven to this earth, AFTER God has created a new heaven and a new earth. This will take place after all human beings have been changed into immortality or have been burned up and destroyed in the lake of fire. By that time, as we read in Revelation 20:14, death will no longer exist. We are told that death will have been cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 21:4–5 confirms that there will be NO MORE DEATH from that time on. 

“It is true that during the Millennium, certain of the things mentioned in Revelation 21 and 22 will be found on this earth as physical forerunners (Ezekiel 47:1, 7–8, 12). There are differences, however. Ezekiel 47 talks about the existence of a physical temple. When the heavenly Jerusalem comes down to this earth, after the Millennium, there will be no temple in it, ‘for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple’ (Revelation 21:22).”

In our booklet “Is That in the Bible? – The Mysteries of the Book of Revelation” page 145, we read:

“……John sees the ‘holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God’ (Revelation 21:2). This is a literal city—albeit not physical, but spiritual. (For more information on the spiritual nature of the new Jerusalem, please read our free booklet, ‘Angels, Demons and the Spirit World.’) That this city is literal and not just a symbolic reference to the Church, for example, can be seen from the very detailed and specific description in Revelation 21:10–22; 22:1–5. We are told in Revelation 21:2, in conjunction with other Scriptures, that God is presently ‘preparing’ this city in heaven (compare Revelation 3:12; Hebrews 11:9–10; 12:22; 13:14; Galatians 4:26). We also read that Jesus Christ is presently ‘preparing’ for us a place in the ‘Father’s house’—the new Jerusalem (John 14:1–3).”

What marvellous and thrilling information about who and what is in heaven—exciting and mind-blowing facts that we may not have previously fully understood or appreciated.

Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)

compiled by Dave Harris

“Politicians Demand What We Have Told You For Decades!” is the title of a new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

In this program, we describe a frightening development that we’ve been predicting for a long time. Until recently, most people weren’t willing to believe that something like this was possible, but today, for some, things are looking different.

“Politiker fordern, was wir Ihnen seit Jahrzehnten gesagt haben!” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same subjects as described above.

A new Member Letter (March 2025) has been posted and mailed to our subscribers. Pastor Brian Gale notes that the Church of God has faithfully sent monthly member letters with a focus on world events; especially, those which will lead to the return of Jesus Christ, and he stresses that many end-time prophecies are now being fulfilled.

“Cain and Abel – The First Murder” is the latest video published in our Bible Stories series on YouTube.

“Prophetisches Ereignis-OdS,” last Sabbath’s first split sermon in Germany was presented by Robert Muhr and is now posted. Title in English: “Prophetic Event – Place of Safety” (PoS).

“Try Harder,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is the summary:

Is our Christianity a lazy or diligent one? Is there something we should be doing, or are we to just have faith and wait for what comes next?

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

For those whom God calls in this age, He calls them uniquely. At the point of conversion, each one of us confirms our beliefs that set the direction for the rest of our lives. The reasons why we believe in the promise of God must be strong enough to guide us through our life’s journey. Are we working hard enough to strengthen our beliefs to lead us into salvation?

2025 SPRING HOLY DAYS:

Passover: April 12 (observed the evening before)

Days of Unleavened Bread: April 13-19 (first and last days are Holy Days with live Services being broadcast).

On March 8, 2025, Dave Harris will present the sermonette, titled, “Try Harder,” and Eric Rank will present the sermon, titled, “Why Do You Believe?”

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

“Going the Distance” is the musical song in the original Rocky movie, and there is quite a lesson to learn from it about determination, endurance and reaching for a goal. The movie and the song are based on an unknown boxer, Rocky Balboa, with aspirations of becoming the boxing champion and what he was willing to put his body through in exercise, diet and determination to reach that goal. Even though he did not gain the title, he showed an inspiring performance of endurance, even when fighting in the ring. 

Our Christian lives are a continual battle to maintain our equilibrium in overcoming Satan and the pulls of the flesh. Thankfully, we have the perfect coach in our corner who gave us the perfect example of overcoming sin, enduring trials and attaining righteousness through obedience.

He never said it would be easy and without trials; but rather, we would be faced with challenges, but He would always be at our side through thick and thin. Hebrews 13:5 tells us:  “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU.’”

These are powerful words of great encouragement since at times, when going through severe trials and tests, we may get the feeling of being abandoned but that is just not the case. Christ is full of love, compassion and mercy.Lamentations 3:32 says: “Though He causes grief, Yet He will show compassion According to the multitude of His mercies.”

He went through trials as a human and always looked to God the Father, and He was always in a good attitude, a good example for us to follow since even though we may ask for God’s merciful intervention, it may not always come as fast as we would like, or not come at all at that time since we may have lessons to learn by the trials we face.

What really helps us through these trials which come upon us is to focus on the end goal and make the effort to attain that goal with the same determination as Rocky Balboa did in the movie Rocky, putting himself through sacrifice and physical pain via training hoping to attain the goal he was focused on.

Our hope is in a future resurrection in the Family of God, a goal attainable if we obey and are faithfully following the example of our leader Jesus Christ Who patiently endured the suffering in His life, including death, on our behalf so we could be with Him in the Kingdom. So let’s not let Him down and let us show Him that we are willing to go the distance.

by Norbert Link

In this edition, we are addressing the clash between Trump, Vance and Zelensky, and the consequences for the ongoing alienation between the USA and Europe, as well as Ukraine, Russia and NATO.

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

Germany Decides on Full, Unlimited Rearmament!

Financial Times wrote on March 4:

“Chancellor-to-be Friedrich Merz has agreed a deal with his likely coalition partner to inject hundreds of billions in extra funding into Germany’s military and infrastructure, in a ‘fiscal sea change’ designed to revive and re-arm Europe’s largest economy…

“A provision would exempt defence spending above 1 per cent of GDP from the ‘debt brake’ that caps government borrowing, allowing Germany to raise an unlimited amount of debt to fund its armed forces and to provide military assistance to Ukraine…

“Germany’s massive fiscal stimulus has also underlined the sense of urgency in Europe, spurred by US President Donald Trump’s threat to unwind the US guarantees that have long underpinned the continent’s security.

“’This is a fiscal sea change for Germany,’ said Holger Schmieding, chief economist at Berenberg. ‘Merz and his coalition-to-be are rising to the occasion’…

“Jana Puglierin, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said: “It is a huge investment in Germany‘s ability to act — and potentially in Europe’s [ability to act] if Germany finds its way back to being a constructive European leader…

“Merz’s deal with the SPD came as the European Commission outlined on Tuesday a joint debt instrument that would enable member states to fund the purchase of military equipment.”

The European military power bloc under Germany’s lead is developing—very rapidly! 

The Clash! 

Piers Morgan wrote that it started with the silly question by Marjorie Tyler Moore’s boyfriend and “conservative commentator” about why Zelensky did not wear a suit, which he indicated was disrespectful. (Elon Musk does not wear one either. Nor did Churchill during war time.) Then Vance jumped in and accused Zelensky of not being grateful to the USA and not having said thank you once (Zelensky thanked the USA at least 33 times in the past. He also started off the meeting with thanking the USA and Donald Trump). Then, Vance talked about diplomacy, and when Zelensky asked what kind of diplomacy, and that a peace deal would have to have security guarantees for Ukraine, Trump lost it. 

Will Trump Withdraw Support? 

Sunday World wrote on March 1: 

“Zelensky had seen the meeting in the Oval Office as an opportunity to convince the United States not to side with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who ordered the invasion of Ukraine three years ago. [The] meeting with Donald Trump ended in disaster on Friday… 

“Trump has lurched toward Russia since taking over as president, shocking traditional allies in Europe and beyond and leaving Ukraine increasingly vulnerable. Friday’s outburst was the most public display of that shift. 

“Vance stressed the need for diplomacy to resolve the biggest conflict in Europe since World War Two, while Zelensky, with his arms folded, countered that Putin could not be trusted in any talks… Zelensky openly challenged Trump over his softer approach toward Putin, urging him to ‘make no compromises with a killer.’… 

“The head of the Ukrainian armed forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, posted a statement on Telegram affirming that his troops stood by Zelensky and that Ukraine’s strength was in its unity. Anxious Ukrainians following from afar largely rallied around their leader, but fretted about the prospects of continuing flows of U.S. military aid that the country has relied on. 

“In Congress, reaction from Trump’s Republican Party was mixed, while Democrats lambasted his handling of the meeting… 

“The falling out meant that Ukraine and the United States failed to sign a much-vaunted minerals deal that Kyiv hoped would spur Trump to back Ukraine’s war effort, and potentially win support from Republicans in Congress for a new round of aid. The clash also undermined efforts by European leaders to convince Trump to provide security guarantees for Ukraine even if he has refused to deploy U.S. soldiers on Ukrainian soil to maintain peace. Such guarantees are seen as crucial to deter Russia from future aggression. 

“Trump threatened to withdraw U.S. support from Ukraine. ‘You’re either going to make a deal, or we’re out, and if we’re out, you’ll fight it out. I don’t think it’s going to be pretty,’ Trump told Zelensky… 

“Zelensky, who won billions of dollars of U.S. weaponry and moral support from the Biden administration, is facing a sharply different attitude from Trump. Trump wants to quickly wind down the three-year war, improve ties with Russia and recoup money spent to support Ukraine.” 

Reactions to the Trump-Zelensky Clash 

The New York Times wrote on February 28:

“European leaders quickly pledged their continued support for Ukraine on Friday after President Trump’s blistering criticism of Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, in a meeting at the White House.

“Leaders lined up behind Ukraine and praised its embattled president, the statements coming one after the other: from France, Germany, Poland, Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Norway, Finland, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, Belgium, Lithuania, Luxembourg and Ireland. Canadian, Australia and New Zealand…

… many in Europe addressed their statements of encouragement directly to Mr. Zelensky.

“‘Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people,’ Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, said on social media, referring to Mr. Zelensky. ‘Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President.’

“President Emmanuel Macron of France, who had put on a display of friendship with Mr. Trump during a chummy visit to the White House on Monday, said the United States and Europe had been justified in aiding Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years…

“Friedrich Merz said in a statement…  addressed to ‘Dear Volodymyr’ that his country would stand behind Ukraine ‘in good and in testing times… We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war,’ Mr. Merz added, apparently referring to Mr. Trump, who has called Mr. Zelensky a dictator and blamed him for the invasion. The departing German leader, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, said that Ukraine could rely on Germany and the rest of Europe.

“Daniel Fried, a career diplomat under American presidents of both parties who had just returned from a trip to Brussels, said the Oval Office clash had jolted Europe’s capitals, generated a wave of sympathy for Mr. Zelensky and upended a peace process that appeared to be gaining traction. ‘The Europeans are horrified and dismayed,’ Mr. Fried said…

“Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain, a center-left leader who carefully avoided any major disagreements with Mr. Trump during a visit to the White House on Thursday, spoke with Mr. Trump and Mr. Zelensky on Friday, according to the prime minister’s office. Mr. Starmer ‘retains his unwavering support for Ukraine and is playing his part to find a path forward to a lasting peace,’ the office said in a statement…

“The Canadian foreign minister, Mélanie Joly, joined the European leaders in offering words of support for Ukraine… On Saturday morning in Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed the messages of support from Europe. Mr. Albanese said his country was proud to help Ukraine  defend itself against ‘the brutality of Russian aggression.’’

The Indiana Express added on February 28:

“Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof reiterated support, stating, ‘The Netherlands supports Ukraine as firmly as ever. Now more than ever.’” 

Deutsche Welle added on February 28:

“EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas also joined in the support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. ‘We will step up our support to Ukraine so that they can continue to fight back the aggressor,’ she wrote in a post on X. Kallas also stressed that ‘the free world needs a new leader’ and that it’s up to Europe ‘to take this challenge.’”

t-online wrote on February 28:

“A peak of arrogance – Donald Trump and J. D. Vance simply kicked Volodymyr Zelensky out. What a bottomless disgrace… The completely wrong film is being shown in Washington today. Because it is not Zelensky, but Putin who is playing with a third world war. It was not Zelensky, whom Trump has repeatedly insulted as a dictator, who started this murderous war, but Putin…

“It was not the Ukrainian president who behaved disrespectfully towards the USA and its famous Oval Office. First and foremost, it was the American Vice President J. D. Vance and President Donald Trump who not only treated Zelensky disgracefully, but also damaged their own office and America’s reputation. What happened in Washington today is a historic disgrace in America’s often glorious history.”

Die Welt wrote on February 28:

“The scandal in the White House has shown Europe that it can no longer rely on the USA under Donald Trump. Not in the defense of Ukraine, but also not in the defense of the values ​​that make up the free West. 

Bild wrote on February 28:

“It was tragically a historic moment in the Oval Office that will bring joy to the Kremlin. A moment that can change the world. And poses huge problems for Europe and Germany. For Vladimir Putin, on the other hand, it was the best day in a long time.

“What Trump and Vance did there has NOTHING to do with the values ​​of the free West… Trump and Vance… didn’t say a word to Putin. Simply unbelievable. The full escalation is the worst outcome that could have happened.” 

ntv wrote on February 28: 

“Roderich Kiesewetter, CDU foreign policy expert: ‘What Donald Trump’s attack on Selenskyj in the Oval Office shows is that Donald Trump has changed sides… The USA is therefore no longer a partner.” 

Bild wrote on March 1: 

“Rzeczspospolita” (Poland): ‘In American history, no US president has ever treated a foreign head of state, let alone an allied country, in this way. […] This shows where the USA, the leader of the free world for decades, has developed under Trump. […] Zelensky made the emperor naked. He showed who Trump really is.’ 

“The Telegraph (UK): ‘Such a display of aggression by the White House towards a Western-oriented head of state, let alone an ally engaged in an existential military struggle, is unprecedented. Trump and Vance were undoubtedly wrong – factually, geopolitically and morally.’ 

“El País (Spain): ‘The exchange of blows, live and in front of journalists, is the impressive symbol of the end of an era. It is a brutal confirmation of the US’s abrupt change of course, both in content and form, compared to the past 80 years.” 

BBC wrote on March 1: 

“The public breakdown also signals a major crisis looming between European members of Nato and the US. 

“There will be many more doubts and questions about the US commitment to European security outside Ukraine. The biggest is whether President Trump would keep the promise his predecessor Harry Truman made in 1949 to treat an attack on a Nato ally as an attack on America. Those concerns are based on what appears to be Trump’s determination to restore a strong relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

“He has put heavy pressure on Ukraine while offering Putin big concessions – that would have to be made by the Ukrainians. The security of Ukraine is coming a poor second – and Europeans are worrying theirs is too. President Zelensky’s refusal to make those concessions has infuriated Trump… Ukrainians believe they are in a war for national survival – and that Putin would break any promise to end the war if he is not deterred.” 

Trump has said that once a peace deal is made, Putin would stick to it. This is naïve and totally unrealistic. 

Reuters wrote on March 1: 

“NORWEGIAN PRIME MINISTER JONAS GAHR STOERE IN STATEMENT TO TV2: ‘What we saw from the White House today is serious and disheartening. Ukraine still needs the US’s support, and Ukraine’s security and future are also important to the US and to Europe. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has strong support in Ukraine, broad support in Europe, and he has led his people through a very demanding and brutal time, under attack from Russia. 

“‘That Trump accuses Zelenskiy of gambling with World War III is deeply unreasonable and a statement I distance myself from. Norway stands with Ukraine in their struggle for freedom. We hope that the Trump administration also understands the importance of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.’ 

“SWISS PRESIDENT KARIN KELLER-SUTTER ON X: ‘Switzerland remains firmly committed to supporting a just and lasting peace, while condemning Russia’s aggression against a sovereign state.’ 

“JOHANN WADEPHUL, DEPUTY OF CONSERVATIVE PARTY-GROUP IN GERMAN PARLIAMENT, THE PARTY OF INCOMING CHANCELLOR FRIEDRICH MERZ, ON X: ‘The scenes from the White House are shocking. How can you stab the president of an invaded country in the back like this? Free Europe will not betray Ukraine!’”

Focus wrote on March 2: 

“After the heated argument in the White House between the USA and Ukraine, the former chairman of the Munich Security Conference, Christoph Heusgen, is counting on a significant strengthening of Europe… Now is Europe’s hour… 

“The former Foreign Minister and Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel… criticized… the US government’s attitude towards Europe and its role in security policy. ‘After more than 80 years, this American government has made the decision… no longer to be a partner for Europe’… ‘For Trump, Europe is no longer a strategic partner, but just a burden… I am sure that he wants to weaken or even destroy Europe, because we are actually quite big.’… 

“Gabriel expressed concern that Trump’s strategy ultimately plays into Vladimir Putin’s hands. ‘For the US President, peace seems to mean leaving Ukraine to Vladimir Putin. And to replace the strength of the law with the right of the strongest…’ This is a wake-up call for Europe. ‘Many Europeans would like to see a Germany finally return to the political stage that is prepared to take the lead together with others,’ said Gabriel.”

Europe in Support of Zelensky… Facing US Challenges 

Deutsche Welle wrote on March 2: 

“Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has joined leaders from the UK, Germany, France and others after a public showdown with Trump sent shockwaves… The London conference opened with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer giving an address… where dozens of world leaders have gathered to discuss Ukraine’s and Europe’s future, especially in the shadow of an increasingly antagonistic administration in the US. ‘We gather here today because this is a once-in-a-generation moment for the security of Europe and we all need to step up,’ Starmer said. He said the leaders will discuss a plan on how to end the war with Ukraine before presenting it to the US… In addition to prime ministers and heads of European states, the guests include Canada’s outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen… 

“Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized his country’s opposition to deploying European peacekeepers to Ukraine… He also praised US President Donald Trump for wanting to end the war, accusing Europe of seeking to continue the conflict… Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stressed that Europe must believe in its power… ‘Europe has an advantage over everyone here,’ Tusk said, adding that with some 2.6 million professional soldiers, Europe has more troops than the US, China or Russia. He also stressed the continent’s combat aircraft and artillery strength. ‘Today in Europe there is a deficit of imagination and courage,’ he said. ‘Europe must understand its strength.’… 

“Alexseev, a professor of political science at San Diego State University,… discussed the pressure European leaders face… ‘Well, I hope that they [European leaders] realize that we’re witnessing a major shift in global politics, that the discussion in the Oval Office was not just a spat between two leaders. It signaled a major realignment of the United States away from Europe, and we can no longer take for granted US security guarantees probably not just for Ukraine, but for NATO as well.’ Alexseev said that since Trump came to office, the US ‘has offered major concessions to Russia but put all the pressure on Ukraine.’ 

“The political science professor argued that Trump was trying to appease Russian President Vladimir Putin, rather than his stated aim of reaching peace [and] that ‘the primary goal for Trump is to rehabilitate Putin and to open the door for lucrative deals with Russia, which right now maybe seem to be hampered by the fact that Russia is under sanctions because it launched this brutal all-out war against Ukraine.’… 

“The officer in charge of Germany’s Field Army, Lieutenant General Harald Gante, said the country needs to reintroduce conscription to meet its defense needs. He told the German news agency dpa that the Bundeswehr cannot rely solely on volunteers… The Bundeswehr is awaiting the government’s decision on reintroducing military service, which was suspended in 2011…” 

Leaving NATO and the UN? 

The New York Post wrote on March 2: 

“Elon Musk backed calls for the US to withdraw from NATO and the United Nations after months of badmouthing the two international organizations. ‘I agree,’ Musk, 53, wrote on X in reply late Saturday to MAGA influencer Gunther Eagleman’s suggestion that ‘It’s time to leave NATO and the UN.’ 

“Musk did not elaborate on the specifics of why he wants the US to pull out of NATO and the UN, but the suggestion came after several social media users pointed to Sen. Mike Lee’s (R-Utah) call to pull out of both. Last month, Lee, 53, who has drawn frequent reposts and interactions from Musk on X, introduced legislation alongside other lawmakers to pull out of the UN and decried it as ‘a platform for tyrants and a venue to attack America and her allies.’ On Saturday, Lee publicly suggested that the US pull out of NATO, pointing to Norwegian fuel supplier Haltbakk Bunkers’ announcement that it would stop helping the US Navy refuel in protest of President Trump’s confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday. ‘Europe doesn’t love us,’ Lee chided on X Saturday. ‘Let’s leave NATO.’… 

“Musk is known to have Trump’s ear, serving as a ‘special employee’ at the White House and informal boss of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)… While Musk didn’t delve into his rationale on Saturday, in the past, Musk has argued that the US makes up a disproportionate amount of NATO’s power and has questioned why NATO continued to exist after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Musk has also previously asserted that the US spends too much money on the UN… 

“Trump has publicly demanded NATO allies spend vastly more on defense and accused European nations of taking advantage of America’s military umbrella. Last month, he also cut off funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees and pulled out of the UN Human Rights Council.” 

These comments are interesting in light of the following article. 

Tariffs for Europe 

Newsmax wrote on February 26: 

“President Donald Trump said Wednesday during his first Cabinet meeting that the European Union was formed to take advantage of the United States and that his administration soon will be announcing tariffs of 25% on the 27-nation bloc… 

“‘the European Union was formed in order to screw the United States. I mean, look, let’s be honest, the European Union was formed in order to screw the United States. That’s the purpose of it. And they’ve done a good job of it. But now I’m president.’”

China Ready for “War”!

BBC reported on March 5:

“China has warned the US it is ready to fight ‘any type’ of war after hitting back against President Donald Trump’s mounting trade tariffs.

“The world’s top two economies have edged closer to a trade war after Trump slapped more tariffs on all Chinese goods. China quickly retaliated imposing 10-15% tariffs on US farm products.

“’If war is what the US wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end,’ China’s embassy said on X, reposting a line from a government statement on Tuesday.

“It is some of the strongest rhetoric so far from China since Trump became president and comes as leaders gathered in Beijing for the annual National People’s Congress.”

Trump’s Big Speech

BBC wrote on March 5:

“US President Donald Trump declared “the American Dream is unstoppable’ as he addressed a raucous joint session of Congress for the first time since he returned to power.

“In the longest presidential speech to lawmakers on record, he outlined his vision for his second term, as Republicans applauded a high-octane six weeks that has reshaped domestic and foreign policy.

“Trump was heckled by Democrats and he goaded them in turn during the rowdy primetime address, during which he said his administration was “just getting started”.

“The Republican president has moved to slash the federal workforce and crack down on immigration, while imposing tariffs on the US’s biggest trading partners and shaking up the transatlantic alliance over the war in Ukraine. 

Sadly, President Trump’s vision for America is not the same as prophetic scriptures in the Bible so clearly warn. 

Trump’s Surreal AI-Generated Video Depicts Gaza As A Luxury Resort Destination 

Forbes wrote on February 26: 

“President Donald Trump has shared an AI-generated video showing a transformed Gaza Strip featuring golden Trump statues, luxury beachfront developments and bearded belly dancers… The AI-generated clip… begins with scenes of destruction before transitioning to a reimagined Gaza featuring Dubai-style skyscrapers, luxury hotels and pristine beaches, before numerous surreal elements are portrayed. These include a towering golden statue of Trump, children carrying golden Trump balloons, buildings emblazoned with ‘Trump Gaza,’ and Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lounging poolside with cocktails. 

“Elon Musk… also appears several times in the video, eating on a beach and throwing dollar bills into the air as apparent Tesla vehicles drive through the streets. Throughout the video, a song plays with the lyrics: ‘Donald’s coming to set you free, bringing the light for all to see, no more tunnels, no more fear, Trump Gaza’s finally here. Trump Gaza shining bright, golden future a brand new light. Feast and dance the deal is done, Trump Gaza number one.’… 

“The video release follows Trump’s Febr. 4 announcement of a controversial plan for Gaza, where he stated that ‘The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it, too. We’ll own it.’ Trump described his vision as turning Gaza into ‘the Riviera of the Middle East’ and his plan would reportedly involve relocating Gaza’s approximately 2 million Palestinian residents to neighboring countries…

“The surreal video has garnered widespread criticism, with even Truth Social users responding with mixed reactions. Direct quotes from commenters include: ‘I hate this. I love our president, but this is horrible,’ and ‘I don’t think that’s funny or cool. Sorry. Am I missing something??? I hope it’s a joke, a bad joke.’ Another user commented: ‘You’re doing great Mr President. But don’t let it get to your head. God put you in that position for His Glory, not yours.” 

The golden statue of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3 comes to mind. 

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.

These are very interesting questions and the only place that we can find this information is in the Word of God, the Bible.

The spiritual realm is a fascinating subject.   Physical can’t see spirit.  Our physical life now, however long or short, will be a fraction of our life as a Spirit-born member of God’s Family if we make it into the Kingdom of God.

In an article entitled “What Science Can’t Discover About the Human Mind”, Mr Herbert W Armstrong (1892-1986), former leader of the now defunct Worldwide Church of God, wrote that “God has had to plan to bridge the gap between MATTER (of which MAN is now wholly composed) and SPIRIT (which God now is, and man must become).   The body that comes in the (first) resurrection is not the same body that was flesh and blood in this human lifetime. God does not turn flesh and blood matter INTO Spirit. The flesh and blood physical body, after death, decomposes and decays, but the spirit that was IN that body, like the sculptor’s mold, preserves all the form and shape, the memory, and the character INTACT. And that mold, being spirit does not change — even though the resurrection may take place thousands of years after death.”

 

In his book “Beyond the Cosmos,” author Hugh Ross states on page 15 that “Since birth we have lived in the four dimensions of length, width, height and time.   We will continue to reside there until the day of our physical death.”  On page 19, we read: “With the help of supercomputers, mathematicians have designed realms with as many as a million dimensions of space.  On page 20, we further read: “Physicists have just uncovered strong evidence that extra dimensions do indeed exist.  Yet predating these physics discoveries by more than nineteen hundred years are the words of the prophets and apostles who penned the sixty-six books of the Bible.  These ancients described phenomena – such as the creation event, miracles, [and] Jesus’ post-resurrection capacities…  – that require the existence of extra dimensions or the functional equivalent of extra dimensions.”  

We quote these comments to show how incredible the future will be when the physical will be but a fleeting moment of history and everything will then become spiritual.   As Spirit beings, the people of God will understand all of this information, and much more as the sons and daughters of God.

Therefore, we will have a look at the spiritual world now and see how magnificent it is.   This should encourage and motivate us about the future that is set before us and show us how much greater it will be than that which we enjoy today, and much greater than we can understand at this time.   It is exciting to think about all of this and to pray for God’s Kingdom to come – and soon!

There are three heavens and we have written before, for instance in our Q&A https://www.eternalgod.org/q-a-3756/, about these as follows:

“The Bible does indeed reveal the existence of ‘three’ heavens. While the first two heavens are ‘physical’ in nature, the third heaven is composed of spirit — it is referred to in Scripture as God’s dwelling place.

“The atmosphere or the ‘first heaven’ — the air that surrounds the earth — refers to the space where the birds fly, the clouds and the wind roam, and from which the dew comes. We read in Genesis 1:20: ‘…let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.’ We also read, in Genesis 27:28, that God promises to give ‘the dew of heaven.’ Finally, we are told in Deuteronomy 33:28, that Jacob’s ‘Heavens shall also drop dew.’

“The physical universe, which is beyond this earth’s atmosphere, can be described as the ‘second heaven.’ It represents the space where we find the sun, the moon, the stars, and all the other planets that God has created. We read, in Genesis 1:14-17, that God referred to sun and moon as ‘lights in the firmament of the heavens’ (verses 14, 15), and that He ‘set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth’ (verse 17). David pondered, in Psalm 8:3, over God’s ‘heavens, the work of Your fingers,’ and he especially continued to talk about ‘the moon and the stars, which You have ordained.’

“In addition to these two physical ‘heavens,’ we find that the Bible speaks about another heaven, a heaven composed of spirit — the third heaven, where God lives. No human being has ever ascended to this heaven (compare John 3:13) — the only one who went to this heaven after His resurrection was Jesus Christ. We are specifically told that David did not ascend to heaven (Acts 2:34).’”

So, let us now look at the Heaven of God’s Throne and so much more.  We will explore WHERE it is, WHO and WHO IS NOT in heaven, WHAT is in heaven.

One commentator opined that “I believe that heaven cannot thoroughly be explained, even by the Scriptures, for it must be too wonderful for words and it must be too indescribable to relate to by word pictures.”   It would be difficult to disagree with that assertion!

So, where is the Heaven of God’s Throne?    

In Isaiah 14:13, we read about Lucifer’s attempted coup d’etat, the most audacious but ridiculous attempt at a take-over bid in the history of the universe!  But this verse does reveal a geographical location of the third heaven: “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north” (Authorized Version).

This reveals that it is in the north of the earth and the word ascend means to go or move upward, to rise.   This is confirmed when we read that Jesus came down from heaven (cp John 3:13 and many other verses particularly in John 6 which are quoted further on in this Q&A.  Therefore, it must be in the north.

There are many verses in the Bible where heaven is shown as in the north. Psalm 75:6-7 (Authorized Version) states: “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.” Promotion or “exaltation” comes from the north, where God’s throne is. 

The Bible does not give other information about this location, geographically, but the location is immaterial anyway because, as it is spiritual, it can’t be seen by man.

Let us look WHO and WHO is not in heaven.

It is interesting to read about those spiritual beings who inhabit that wonderful spiritual place.

Wikipedia gives the following insight into the 3^rd heaven: “A third concept of Heaven, also called shămei hashamayim (שׁמי השׁמים or ‘Heaven of Heavens’), is mentioned in such passages as Genesis 28:12, Deuteronomy 10:14 and 1 Kings 8:27 as a distinctly spiritual realm containing (or being traveled by) angels and God.”

We know, of course, that God the Father and Jesus Christ are in heaven.   Let us review just a few of so many verses in the Bible that refer to this.

Psalm 11:4: “The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD’s throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men.”

Psalm 115:3: “But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases.”

Isaiah 66:1: “Thus says the LORD, Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest?”

In the model prayer given by Jesus as recorded in Matthew 6:9, Jesus opens with the phrase “Our Father in heaven.”

In John 3:12, we read: “If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?” Jesus knew about heavenly things because He had come down from there.

In John 6, Jesus refers to Himself as the bread which came down from heaven (see verses 33, 41, 48, 50, 51, 58).

Hebrews 8:1: “Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,”

Mark 16:19: “So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.”

Revelation 3:21: “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.”

 And then there are the angelic beings.   

On page 3 of our booklet “Angels, Demons and the Spirit World,” the question is asked: “How Many Angels Exist?” and the answer reads as follows:

“Man has no comprehension of how many angels exist. The revealed number is indeed mind-boggling. In Revelation 5:11, the number of angels that had assembled before the throne of God is given as ‘…ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.’ Hebrews 12:22 goes even further: ‘But you have come to… an innumerable company of angels.’ The Greek word for ‘innumerable’ is ‘anarithmethos,’ literally meaning, ‘unnumbered’ or ‘without number.’ Certainly, God knows how many angels He created but for man, angels are ‘without number.’”

Let us, from the same booklet on page 4, read about them having their own names:

“As individual beings with feelings and emotions, and with their own language, God also knows them by individual names. The Bible reveals two angelic names to us—Michael and Gabriel. It also talks about a third angel—Lucifer—who became Satan the devil. It appears, however, that all of the other angels have God-given names too. In Hebrews 1:4, we are told that Christ ‘…obtained a more excellent name than they,’ and Ephesians 1:21, in comparing Christ with the angelic world, states that Christ was seated at the right hand of God the Father, …far above…every name that is named.’ (Compare, too, Philippians 2:9.)”

Then on page 7, we read about the different orders of angels:

“There seem to exist different orders, categories or ranks of angels, with varying degrees of power and authority. When describing the angelic world, Colossians 1:16 speaks about ‘…thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.’ Ephesians 1:20–21 refers to angels as ‘…principality and power and might and dominion.’ In Ephesians 3:10, angels are identified as ‘…principalities and powers in the heavenly places,’ and 1 Peter 3:22 describes the created world of spirit beings as ‘…angels and authorities and powers.’

“In light of these Scriptures, the Swiss Zürcher Bible does refer to ranks among the angels. The Ryrie Study Bible states in an annotation to Ephesians 1:21: ‘These words (i.e., principality, and power, and might, and dominion) in rabbinical thought of the time, described different orders of angels.’

“As will become clearer in the remainder of this booklet, angels have been given varying degrees of power and glory. All of them are powerful and glorious, but not to the same extent. Revelation 5:2 speaks about a ‘strong angel.’ Revelation 10:1 and 18:21 describe ‘mighty’ angels. Revelation 18:1 introduces an angel ‘…coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory.’  Other Scriptures imply that specific angels were given special powers over fire (Revelation 14:18) and water (Revelation 16:5).

“The following brief overview will summarize the varying orders or categories of angels, as revealed in Scripture.”

We then read about them on pages 6-10:

• Archangels
• Seraphim
• Cherubim
• Four Living Creatures
• The twenty-four Elders
• The seven Spirits of God
• The Remaining Angels 

In heaven, there are God the Father, Jesus Christ the Word, and innumerable angels.   

(To be continued)

Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)

compiled by Dave Harris

A Tech Team Meeting was conducted on March 2, 2025. Hosted by Eric Rank, we reviewed our advertising results, video presentations, website status along with some miscellaneous topics.

“Cain and Abel – The First Murder” is the latest video published in our Bible Stories series on YouTube.

“Das korrupte wirtschaftliche System Europas” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link.  Title in English: “The Corrupt Economic System of Europe.”

“Wie uns das Lob näher zu Gott bringt,” last Sabbath’s first split sermon in Germany was presented by Marc Völler. Title in English: “How Praise Brings Us Closer to God.”

“Wo ist sein Hut?” last Sabbath’s second split sermon in Germany was presented by Johann Schell. Title in English: “Where Is His Hat?”

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

The term “in all honesty” is frequently used to emphasize truthfulness and sincerity in an attempt to soften the impact by diminishing the harshness and not trying to be malicious. However, we shouldn’t use this term loosely; we should be honest at all times. There is also a fine line between an honest mistake and a blatant mistake, and when we do make a mistake, how can we rectify it?

“Europe’s Corrupt Economic System,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:

In the book of Revelation, ungodly modern Babylon is described not only as a European political, military and religious system, but also as an economic power. Other passages in the Old Testament give us further information about this worldwide economic system in which true Christians must have no part.

2025 SPRING HOLY DAYS:

Passover: April 12 (observed the evening before)

Days of Unleavened Bread: April 13-19 (first and last days are Holy Days with live Services being broadcasted).