Jesus made a profound statement to His disciples when He said, “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). What did He mean, and how does that apply to Christians, today? Is it actually possible for us to also overcome the world?
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Dave Harris
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
“Is There Prophetic Meaning to the Death of Pope Benedict? is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
Former Pope Benedict XVI (95) died on December 31, 2022. He became the first pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415 and he was the first German pope in 1,000 years. The Wall Street Journal wrote that “his death, after a decade in retirement, has ended an extraordinary arrangement” with Pope Francis and that Francis “might feel freer to act”, as Pope Emeritus Benedict has been described as a restraining influence on Pope Francis. Others proclaim and “prophesy” that Pope Francis will also resign soon, and another pope will take his place. What does it all mean?
“God the Father Is the Highest,” written by Evangelist Norbert Link, is our newest booklet and has entered the first review cycle in preparation for printing.
“Ist es wirklich notwendig, für das Heil zu leiden?” is the title of this Sabbath’s German split sermon, presented by Michael Link. Title in English: “Is It Really Necessary to Suffer for Salvation?”
“Satan der Schmarotzer,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath in Germany by Johann Schell, is now posted. Title in English: “Satan the Parasite.”
“I Wouldn’t Have Done That,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Brian Gale, is now posted. Here is a summary:
The expression “I wouldn’t have done that” can often be made with the advantage of hindsight. We can sit in judgment when we may not know all the facts or have been in the position that others may have found themselves in.
“True Repentance,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is a summary:
At the heart of Christianity is the doctrine that as human beings we need forgiveness of our sins to obtain salvation, and inherit eternal life. A naïve prescription for becoming forgiven instructs people that all they need to do is to believe in Christ to be saved. While this is a necessary condition for receiving forgiveness, merely believing is not independently sufficient. We need to begin by understanding our sins and turning away from them. This is the act of true repentance.
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
“Europe Against Ukraine and Israel,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
Presently, Europe, and especially Germany, are a mess, but don’t let that fool you. Europe’s real attitude towards Ukraine and the state of Israel are telling, and it will get much worse and dangerous, when decisive leadership will take over the continent.
“Europa gegen die Ukraine und Israel,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This program covers the same topic as described above for StandingWatch.
“Gute Vorsätze für 2023,” this coming Sabbath’s new German sermon by Norbert Link, is now posted. Title in English: “Good Intentions for 2023.”
“Ein Stein des Anstosses,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath in Germany by Mike Richter, is now posted. Title in English: “A Stumbling Block.”
“A Short History of Christmas Observance,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Paul Niehoff, is now posted. Here is a summary:
The celebration of Christmas, as well as being Pagan, has had a long and confusing observance. December the twenty fifth is not the only time it was and is celebrated, and at different times and places, it was banned altogether. God commands us not to keep it.
“Why is Jerusalem Important?”, the sermon presented last Sabbath by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Jerusalem is the most contested city on the planet, and that status will become even more intense in the near future! Few understand that Jerusalem is destined to soon become the capital of the world but that tremendous problems lie still ahead!
Why Is Jerusalem Important?
Jerusalem is the most contested city on the planet, and that status will become even more intense in the near future! Few understand that Jerusalem is destined to soon become the capital of the world but that tremendous problems lie still ahead!
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Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
“The Omnibus Bill—An Insane Way to Run the Country,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
In this program, we address the omnibus bill as an example of the “insane way” of Congress to run the nation; recite a new and up-to-date version of an old Christmas poem; and end with a sincere blessing for all of our viewers.
A new Member Letter (December 2022) has been written and will be sent to our subscribers. Kalon Mitchell writes about the power of God which is available to us and our challenge to choose to use His help as we face the many trials of this life.
“Zugang zu Gott dem Vater (Gott der Vater ist der Höchste, Teil 3),” is the title for this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Access to God (God the Father Is the Highest, Part 3).”
“Wie geht es Ihnen?”, last week’s German sermonette presented by Dmitrij Niemann, is now posted. Title in English: “How Are You?”
“What Do You Owe?”, the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Do we as Christians owe anything? If so, who and what do we owe? What does the Bible say about owing?
“Reconciliation with God the Father,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:
When Adam and Eve sinned, they were cut off from God the Father, the Highest in the God Family. In following Adam and Eve’s example, the whole world has been cut off from God. Atonement for our sins and reconciliation with and access to God the Father can only come through the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
The Father Knows
Do you ever have doubts about your prayers to the point you don’t know what to say?
Jesus made an amazing point for us when He taught about how we are to pray, and this is what He said, “‘…For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him’” (Matthew 6:8). He also taught: “‘Therefore do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things’” (Matthew 6:31-32).
God knows what we need, but we still must ask—that is, pray about it:
“‘Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened… If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!’” (Matthew 7:7-8, 11).
Although the Father knows what we need before we ask, we also must believe that He will answer us when we pray. We must learn to rely upon the Father and that requires faith, as Hebrews 11, verse 6, reveals: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Do you want to have great faith? Believe God! Jesus stated, “‘Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them’” (Mark 11:24).
The most vital key for us when we pray is that we always seek God’s Will:
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” (1 John 5:14-15).
Don’t be wishy-washy when you pray! Come before God with confidence, and present your requests in the way that Jesus did. When Jesus struggled with the fact that He was about to die to pay the price for mankind’s sins, He went so far as to ask the Father to release Him from what He knew He was about to suffer: “And He said, ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will’” (Mark 14:36).
We can grow in faith by learning what the Will of the Father is: we can find that in His Word; we can learn the Will of the Father through the Church of God and the Ministry; and, we can come to deeply understand the Will of the Father by receiving His Holy Spirit.
No matter what we face in this life, we can pray about it—completely trusting that the Father knows exactly what we need!
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
“America’s Future Grim and Hopeless” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
A powerful enemy will attack America soon. Most have no idea that this will be happening, and who that enemy is. At the same time, most Americans have lost confidence in their military, and they have virtually no confidence that God will fight their battles.
“Der ‘Putsch’ der Reichsbürger und Nancy Faeser,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link.Title in English: “The ‘Coup’ der Reichsbürger and Nancy Faeser.”
“Gott der Vater ist der Höchste, Teil 2,” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “God the Father Is the Highest, Part 2.”
“Römer 13,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath in Germany by Christian Mrosek is now posted. Title in English: “Romans 13.”
“Attempt to Overthrow the German Government?–Comments on News and Prophecy, December 10, 2022,” the first message presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Was there really an imminent attempt to overthrow the German government? 3,000 police officers were deployed to search over 100 apartments and objects, arresting 25 people, believed to belong to the “Reichsbürger” movement. As more facts about the raid come to light, the narrative of the mass media has reached “such a level of absurdity” that it encourages people to ask critical questions. The reaction of the German government is telling. Germany’s Minister of the Interior “wants to change the disciplinary law in that officials with ‘subversion fantasies’ should in the future have to prove their innocence.” What is REALLY going on in Germany?
“God the Farther Is the Highest, Part 2,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:
In the second and final part of this series, we give additional biblical proof that God the Father is the highest in the Godhead, and we also concentrate on the extremely important role of Jesus Christ as the only Mediator between God and man. We show how Christ acts in this regard, who gives us the Holy Spirit, and what it means to pray to the Father in Christ’s name.
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
A Tech Team meeting was conducted via Google Meets on December 4, 2022. Hosted by Eric Rank, discussions centered on our ongoing ad campaign featuring our booklet, “The Fall and Rise of the Jewish People.” We continue to receive requests from North America, the United Kingdom, Australia and other areas. In fact, we have had to reprint this booklet twice. We also began planning an additional ad offering for another booklet. This coincides with a similar ad campaign directed primarily to European German speakers.
“Gott der Vater ist der Höchste,” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “God the Father Is the Highest.”
“Wie ein Mann gegen die Welt,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath in Germany by Marc Voeller, is now posted. Title in English: “Like One Man Against the World.”
“Erst denken, dann handeln,” the sermon presented last Sabbath in Germany by Michael Link, is now posted. Title in English: “First Think, Then Act.”
“Will the Church of God Fight in War?—Comments on News and Prophecy, December 3, 2022,” is the title of a message presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
In addition to discussing the deeper significance of the bi-partisan passing of a law by Congress and President Biden’s signing the same, prohibiting railroad unions to strike, we address the biblical warning for Laodicean Christians not to fight in war, while emphasizing the fact that many will do just that.
“Our Unique Talents,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Michael Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Each one of us is blessed with unique talents which God has given us to use. There are examples in the Bible of individuals who had specific talents for God’s purpose.
“Shepherds and Sheep,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Why does the Bible use Shepherds and Sheep extensively throughout its pages? What can we learn by studying what it says about these creatures and the people who were to tend them? How can we learn to become better in both regards so that God can use us perfectly in all ways?
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
“Europe and USA on Collision Course,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
Europe is accusing the USA of profiting from the war between Russia and Ukraine, while exploiting the EU. There are also fears of a new trade war because of America’s new Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) which allegedly unfairly discriminates against EU firms. What does this all mean?
“Europa und USA auf Kollisionskurs,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This program covers the same topic as described above.
“Erst denken, dann handeln” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Michael Link. Title in English: “Think First, Then Act.”
“Gottes Hilfe bei Problemen?” is the title of last Sabbath’s German sermonette, presented by Andreas Raetz. Title in English: “God’s Help with Problems.”
“Unsere Gedanken spiegeln unser Leben,” is the title of last Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Thilo Hanstein. Title in English: “Our Thoughts Reflect Our Lives.”
“War and the Railroad Strike—Comments on News and Prophecy, November 26, 2022,” is the title of the first message presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
Was it ever God’s intent that humans should resort to violence and fight in war? What did the Church of God under Herbert W. Armstrong teach on this issue? Is a railroad strike inevitable, beginning in early December? What would such a strike do to our economy? Would Congress have to intervene? If so, what would the reaction be of labor unions and left-wing Democrats? What can we learn from the history of prior railroad strikes?
“God the Father Is the Highest,” is the title of last Sabbath’s sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
There is a tendency in many churches to either under- or overemphasize the role and position of God the Father and of Jesus Christ. It is of tremendous importance that you understand the truth in this regard, as it is revealed in the pages of your Bible. This sermon will show that God is a Family and a Hierarchy, and this means, God the Father and Jesus Christ are NOT equal in authority.
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
“Why Mass Murder in Colorado’s Gay Nightclub?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
Another terrible mass murder has been committed in Colorado Springs when a 22-year-old man went into a gay nightclub with a long gun and killed five people. How could this happen? What could have been done to prevent this heinous crime? How can we make sure those mass murders won’t happen again? What do we know about the childhood of the murderer? And could our society’s approach towards violence have any role to play in this? What does GOD tell us what the only true solution is?
“Gottes Gnade—Verpflichtung zum Gehorsam,” is the title of last Sabbath’s German sermonette, presented by Daniel Blasinger. Title in English: “God’s Grace—Commitment to Obedience.”
“Quiet Quitting Christianity,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Quiet Quitting is a relatively new term in the marketplace that describes individuals who do just enough to get by. As Christians, do we fall into this category? If we do, how do we reverse and do better?
“Thoughtful Action,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Michael Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:
How do we react when we are in a situation where we would feel offended by what the other person may do or say? Do others feel offended by things that we may do or say, even if the things that we are doing are right in God’s eyes? What did Jesus Christ do when He was on this earth and faced with these same kinds of situations? Was He being offensive in any way and how did He take offense?