The Bible recounts the stories of men and women who have chosen to follow the way of God and of those who didn’t. My focus will be on those who chose life.
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Dave Harris
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
2023 FALL HOLY DAYS: Feast of Trumpets—September 16th; Day of Atonement—September 25th; Feast of Tabernacles—September 30th until October 6th; Last Great Day—October 7th.
A new Member Letter (September 2023) has been posted and mailed to our subscribers. Dave Harris points to the Fall Holy Days reminding us that Christians will comprise those in the First Resurrection who will accompany Jesus Christ when He returns to establish the Kingdom of God on earth.
“Unsere Auferstehung zum Leben,” is the German Trumpet’s sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Our Resurrection to Life.”
“Departing from God—Comments on News and Prophecy—September 9, 2023,” the first message presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:
In this program, we discuss astounding recent news which all signify a further departure from God: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Joe Biden telling fairy tales; France at the brink of civil war; American nuclear bombs on European soil; NATO’s collapse; Corona restrictions and the “we will not comply movement”; stiff sentences against the Proud Boys because of “sedition”; funding of the US government is being threatened; the push for President Biden’s impeachment and the GOP reluctance; the Burning Man Festival; England’s Church priests support premarital sex and gay marriage; and gender change of children.
“Isaiah 58 – A Chapter for Modern Times,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Isaiah 58 is an interesting chapter that speaks about some of the things that Christians need to be doing in their lives. It also talks about things that a Christian should be careful not to do. How exactly does this chapter find relevance in our modern times, seeing that this book was written sometime in the early 700s BC?
Other People’s Problems
Within families, there aren’t a lot of secrets. Family members know one another pretty well—both each other’s good points and bad; each one’s strengths and each one’s weaknesses.
Invariably, problems arise. Regardless, families most often stand by and offer great support in times of trial. It is rare to hear of a parent renouncing their child even when he or she commits terrible crimes.
Within our spiritual family, the Church of God, we also get to know one another quite well—the good, the bad, and, yes, even the ugly.
How do we operate within that spectrum? Regardless of the relationship, the goal should be one emphasizing this foundational approach:
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
We probably have all heard someone say about another that they were there for them when they needed them the most. Paul wrote:
“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2).
But it isn’t just the big problems other people have for which they need our help. Life is made up of many, many little things and that includes problems—challenges which might go easier with another person’s help.
Let’s make it a point to do what we can when the opportunity and the need arises to serve, remembering that we, too, can fall into that category of being the other person—with a problem!
You report on political matters–is that really biblical?
Indeed, we do watch and report on world affairs, but unlike the myriad of other news sources available, our focus is to reveal how prophecies of the Bible are being fulfilled, today!
The word “political” can simply mean, “of or relating to government,” and it is this meaning which applies to the true gospel. Astounding as it may seem, the gospel of the Kingdom of God is a far-reaching political statement emphatically proclaimed by Jesus Christ:
“Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel’” (Mark 1:14-15; also, compare Matthew 4:23).
Gospel is the English word translated from the Greek, euaggelion, meaning, “good news.” Jesus spoke about a future government which would be established by God when He sends Him back to rule the earth. In this context, Jesus taught that we should anticipate this good news:
“‘In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven’” (Matthew 6:9-10).
Moreover, the Church of God has been commissioned to carry forward the very same message that Jesus brought. It includes an announcement about the end of this world’s governments under the invisible influence of Satan the Devil (compare John 14:30; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 5:19). Jesus came and qualified to be the future ruler of the world by overcoming Satan, and He announced this:
“‘These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world’” (John 16:33).
Adding: “‘Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out’” (John 12:31).
The change of government over the earth has not yet happened; however, it will, and the Church of God fulfills a unique role as representatives of the Kingdom of God:
“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Before Jesus ascended to Heaven, He gave these instructions to His disciples:
“‘…Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned’” (Mark 16:15-16).
Preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God has led and will continue to lead some few to God’s promise of SALVATION in this day and age; however, not all will believe! Most people will reject God’s message now, but in addition to announcing the coming government of God on earth, the Church of God must accomplish another aspect in its commission—to WARN:
“‘And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come’” (Matthew 24:14).
Jesus said that His servants would confront the political forces of this world:
“‘But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you’” (Matthew 10:17-20).
Facing shipwreck, the Apostle Paul was told by an angel of God that he and his companions would be saved. The angel further stated, “‘“Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar…”’” (Acts 27:24).
In Matthew 24, Jesus revealed the world conditions His disciples would face just before His return at the end of this age. He spoke of deception and false prophets, wars, famines, pestilences and earthquakes—along with persecution. Additionally, He said that we should “‘watch’” and “‘be ready’” (Matthew 24:42, 44).
We are doing just that by reporting on events as they develop in fulfillment of Christ’s warning! We are doing so in great detail through our booklets, weekly Updates, StandingWatch and AufPostenStehen programs presented by Evangelist Norbert Link, sermons and sermonettes—all available on our websites: www.eternalgod.org; www.churchofgodacf.ca; www.globalchurchofgod.co.uk; www.aufpostenstehen.de.
The Church of God also has an additional responsibility to serve as a “WATCHMAN” to proclaim the prophetic messages for our time (compare Ezekiel 33:7)!
Jesus referred to the prophecy of Daniel as an end-time event (Matthew 24:15), and Daniel himself quoted a prophecy being fulfilled which was made by Jeremiah (Daniel 9:2).
Many of the prophecies given to the prophets found in the Old Testament did not apply to their lifetime. In fact, those prophets, at times, did not even understand, as Daniel said:
“Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, ‘My lord, what shall be the end of these things?’ And he said, ‘Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand’” (Daniel 12:8-10).
The ”wise” who understand will be watching world events in the light of biblical prophecies. The Book of Revelation is addressed to servants of God, that is, the Church of God:
“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near” (Revelation 1:1-3).
Those things revealed in both the Book of Revelation and other biblical prophecies deal with people—including their political and religious leaders; the rise and fall of nations and empires is addressed; the evil influence of demonic, spiritual wickedness is identified; and even catastrophic occurrences on earth and the powers of heaven are foretold.
“Political” has another meaning. It can be defined as “relating to the ideas or strategies of a particular party or group in politics.” In other words, it can refer to involvement in politics and especially party politics where there is infighting and the picking of one side or person over another. A third meaning of “political” is, “interested in or active in politics.”
That is not the role of the Church of God, nor should it be the role of individual Christians! However, God does instruct His servants to, “‘Cry aloud, spare not; Lift up your voice like a trumpet; Tell My people their transgression, And the house of Jacob their sins.’”
Doing all that this entails is BIBLICAL, indeed!
The Church of God is not commissioned to fix this world’s political structure; rather, the Church is announcing the NEW government which Jesus Christ will bring to the earth—the KINGDOM OF GOD!
Lead Writer: Dave Harris
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
“The Decline and Fall of Canada,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
Many Canadians feel that under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canada has become a laughing stock of the world, and that the right to free speech has been severely limited. They feel that the country is indeed in the process of declining and falling. Is there any hope for change?
2023 FALL HOLY DAYS: Feast of Trumpets—September 16th; Day of Atonement—September 25th; Feast of Tabernacles—September 30th until October 6th; Last Great Day—October 7th.
Note that opening services for the Feast of Tabernacles will be conducted Friday evening (after sundown, Mountain Time)—September 29th.
A Tech Team Meeting was held via Google Meets on Sunday, September 3. 2023. Hosted by Eric Rank, much time was spent on analyzing and planning our booklet ad campaigns, which are targeting both English and German speaking audiences. It was noted that subscriptions for our Update (sent out weekly via email to all who make requests) has experienced modest growth in recent months. Due to the number of requests for “The Fall and Rise of the Jewish People” booklet, a rushed reprint order has been made this week.
“Sind wir Opfer Satans geworden?”, this Sabbath’s new German sermonette presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Title in English: “Have We Become Satan’s Victims?”
“Das Geheimnis der biblischen Zahlen—Teil 2,” this Sabbath’s new German sermon presented by Michael Link, is now posted. Title in English: “The Mystery of Biblical Numbers–Part 2.”
“Unsere Auferstehung zum Leben,” is the German Trumpet’s sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Our Resurrection to Life.”
“Gottes Bogen in den Wolken,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented in Germany by Jens Herrmann, is now posted. Title in English: “God’s Bow in the Clouds.”
“The First and Great Commandment,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Paul Niehoff, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Jesus Christ answered a lawyer about which is the great commandment of the law. He quoted a passage in Deuteronomy chapter six which described this commandment and the physical benefits from obeying it. It is also very beneficial spiritually for us to obey it, remembering that only the Eternal God can give us eternal life. No other so-called gods are able to.
“Know the Lord,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Rene Messier, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Many claim to “know the Lord,” but never study His life and how He dealt with life’s challenging situations; nor do they know what He was really like. This sermon looks at His attributes and characteristics.
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
“Civil War Is Going to Happen!” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
More and more Americans are convinced that civil war in the USA is inevitable. The reasons for that belief are many, and this program lists quite a few. What does the Bible say about a coming civil war, and how can YOU prepare for it?
“Wird Deutschland zu einem Unrechtsstaat?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Is Germany Becoming an Unconstitutional State?”
“Unsere Kinder sind Gott heilig!,” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Our Children Are Holy to God!”
“Babylon, Gestern und Heute – Nimrods Erbe,” last Sabbath’s first split sermon in Germany, presented by Robert Indlekofer, is now posted. Title in English: “Babylon, Yesterday and Today – Nimrod’s Legacy.”
“Die Kraft von oben, der heilige Geist,” last Sabbath’s second split sermon in Germany, presented by Christoph Sperzel, is now posted. Title in English: “The Power from Above, the Holy Spirit.”
“Learning to Follow Directions,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is a summary:
What can we learn from teaching children? What lessons can we apply into our Christian lives?
“The Mystery of Biblical Numbers – Part 2,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Michael Link, is now posted. Here is a summary: In this second part of the series, we look at the meaning and symbolism of the biblical numbers 5, 6 and 7.
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
“America and Germany in Decline!” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
As we will show in this program, both America and Germany are experiencing a decline in so many areas which is unprecedented in recent history, but which seems to have similar causes. Many Americans seem to be unable or unwilling to connect the dots. This is not the case for most Germans. However, the fate and future for both countries is quite different. While America will be falling and rising, Germany will be rising and falling.
“Amerikas und Deutschlands Niedergang,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This program covers the same information as described above.
A new Member Letter (August 2023) has been sent to our subscribers and posted. Written by Norbert Link, this letter warns of more and more attempts by governments to control whole populations regarding such things as pandemics and climatic change. He asks what will true Christians do in the times ahead when confronted with rules that contradict what God commands.
Two new Spanish booklets were finalized and posted on our Spanish website:
“La clave para Matrimonios y familias felices” (“The Keys to Happy Marriages and Families”) and “Europa en la profecía—El desarrollo de acontecimientos del fin de los tiempos” (“Europe in Prophecy: The Unfolding of End-Time Events”)
We received today, ready for distribution, the printed copies of our new German booklet, “Aufstieg und Fall von Deutschland und Europa” (“The Fall and Rise of Germany and Europe”).
“Wachstum nach Gottes Willen,” last Sabbath’s German sermonette presented by Robert Muhr, is now posted. Title in English: “Growth According to God’s Will.”
“Hugging the Cactus,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Frank Bruno, is now posted. Here is a summary:
There are a couple of uses of this phrase that can be meaningful to a true Christian in the world today. One such use refers to the love we have for our children that can often be disregarded and unreciprocated. The other use is the idea of confronting that within each of us that is sinful and dealing with it so we can leave it in the past. In this sermonette, we explore Scriptures and examples that can help us in taking the necessary action to move forward productively.
“Milestones,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Milestones mark the progressive achievements along a path. Christian growth involves reaching these demarcation points, one after the other, on a continual journey of conversion.
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
“WHY God Condemns Trump’s Indictments and Biden’s Protection!” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
Georgia’s District Attorney Fani Willis filed preposterous criminal charges against Trump and 18 codefendants for an alleged conspiracy pertaining to the 2020 election, which, according to legal experts, Democrats have engaged in since at least 1977. It was also pointed out that especially alarming is Willis’ “excessive” and “dangerous” conduct while showing not even a “resemblance of restraint.” Just prior to the indictments in Georgia, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was ridiculed for incorrectly stating that there was “zero evidence” that Joe Biden had “discussed” or was “involved with” his son’s business dealings, while ignoring a “mounting collection of evidence” proving the opposite. Attorney General Merrick Garland’s appointment of David Weiss as special counsel in the Hunter Biden case, after Weiss’s sweetheart plea deal with Hunter fell apart, may be his “last trick card to save Joe Biden,” according to an opinion piece in the New York Post. Even CNN questioned this “odd” appointment. God has some strong and frightening words to say about the current state of affairs in the USA. Will His warning be heard?
“Unsere Versprechen— sind sie etwas wert?”, last Sabbath’s German sermon presented by Thilo Hanstein, is now posted. Title in English: “Our Promises—Are They Worth Anything?”
“Alarming Developments in the USA, Germany and the Ukraine—Comments on News and Prophecy, August 12, 2023,” last Sabbath’s first message presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Will an allegedly biased judge in the 2020 Election case against Trump recuse herself? Was the “odd” appointment of David Weiss as special counsel in the Hunter Biden case just a trick of Merrick Garland? Why do most Republican voters in Iowa think that the conduct of the Justice Department and the FBI “is reminiscent of Nazi Germany in the 1930s”? Are we facing coming climate and pandemics lockdowns? Is the US Army descending into a “hollow force”? Why do we need to wake up when Germans are extremely unhappy with their entire political system; when the country is in deep financial trouble; and when fear of war is widespread among German soldiers? And while Germany is hesitant to supply more arms to Ukraine, brutal mobilization by Ukraine military recruitment officers; the suffering of staggering losses; and the apparent failure of Ukraine’s counteroffensive give pause for alarm.
“Europe’s War with America, Britain, Israel and Russia,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:
The soon-coming Great Tribulation includes the destruction and occupation of America, Great Britain and the State of Israel in a nuclear World War III. What is meant with the “abomination of desolation” which will be placed in the Third Temple? When will the prophesied war between Europe and Russia occur? And what IS the sign of Christ’s coming and the end of the world?
We would like to announce the wedding of Church members Charpantidis Kiriakos and Manuela Young, which took place last Sunday in Germany. The marriage ceremony was performed by Christoph Sperzel.
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
“Does Netanyahu Secretly Prepare for the Third Temple?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
It is claimed that projects are going on behind the scenes, apparently revealing that Netanyahu and his government are secretly planning to build the anticipated Third Temple. What are those projects, and how credible are the reports about Netanyahu’s and his coalition government’s real intentions, given the fact that he has been quite inconsistent, ambiguous and evasive on the issue when addressing the public.
“Arbeitet Netanyahu im Geheimen am Bau des Dritten Tempels?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German language program discusses the same topic as the English program described above.
A Tech Team Meeting was held on August 6, 2023, via Google Meets. Hosted by Eric Rank, topics covered included: advertising results for both English and German booklets; purchase of domain names for French and Spanish sites; inclusion of a “Youth Forum” for the Update when submissions are available; technical difficulties in live broadcasting and Feast preparations.
“Die Schöpfung ist logisch,” last Sabbath’s sermonette in Germany by Manuel Giermann, is now posted. Title in English: “Creation is Logical. ”
“Beware the Company You Keep,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Brian Gale, is now posted. Here is a summary:
The importance of keeping good company cannot be over-emphasized, and good and true friends can help us in achieving our goal of making it into the Kingdom of God. We must always keep in mind that “evil company corrupts good habits.”
“Our Self-Destruction Is Imminent!” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:
The Bible warns that the insane behavior of warring powers would lead to the total annihilation of mankind so that no one would survive the coming World War III, if Christ were not to intervene at the last moment to stop such insanity. How can this madness of seduced and seducing warmongers even happen? Christ describes in detail in the Mount of Olives prophecy how the phases of events will unfold and when the end of the world and Christ’s return will come. In the first part of this new series, we look at the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and the Great Tribulation, with special emphasis on false Christianity and its unbiblical teachings, the persecution of true Christians, and how they will be protected from the terrible events to come.
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
“Is America Doomed? The Biden and Trump Scandals!” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
Hunter Biden’s sweetheart plea deal and its somewhat hidden immunity clause fall apart. More criminal charges against Trump in the Mar-o-Lago documents case are brought one day later. Hunter’s business partner Devon Archer testifies in Congress about Joe Biden’s conduct in regard to Hunter and Hunter’s foreign business associates. One day later, criminal charges are brought in an indictment pertaining to 2020 election events. Did special counsel Jack Smith open a Pandora’s box, and if so, why and how? Could Smith be indicted himself? Legal experts and scholars such as George Washington University Professor Jonathan Turley and Harvard University Professor Alan Dershowitz rip the indictment apart on constitutional and other grounds. Are we doomed? Many feel that we are!
“Russlands Krieg mit Deutschland,” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Russia’s War with Germany.”
Our new German booklet, “Aufstieg und Fall von Deutschland und Europa,” which is a translation of our English booklet, “The Rise and Fall of Germany and Europe,” has been sent to our printer. It has also been posted on our Website.
“Was ist Gottes Wort?” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented in Germany by Tahir Coban, is now posted. Title in English: “What is God’s Word?”
“In Despair,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Life can get pretty hard. We can learn from the examples in the Bible of those who groaned in despair because of their dire circumstances. By hanging on in faith that God will see us through even the most difficult situations, we will be able to overcome, even when things seem hopeless.
“The Power of Love,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Imagine, for a moment, a world in which love was the basis for all human interactions! God has planned for this, and He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to lay the foundation for just such a world!