Firstfruits are destined to have a unique role along with Jesus Christ in establishing the government of God during the Millennium. Have you been called to be a part of the Kingdom of God and share in His glory and the gift of eternal life?
Dave Harris
Elements of the Day of Atonement
In both the Old and New Testaments details are presented for observing the Day of Atonement. While there are physical aspects to fulfill, the spiritual applications are profoundly meaningful and important.
What is the Millennium and where is it mentioned in the Bible?
The word, millennium, derives from the Latin mille, meaning thousand. “M” in Roman numerals represents the number 1,000. Over time, “the Millennium” has become a reference to the thousand years mentioned in Revelation 20, verses 2-7. The term “millennium” is not actually found in the Bible. We will use millennium in this Q&A as a parallel designation to the thousand years, as appears below in Revelation 20:2-7:
“(2) He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years;
“(3) and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.
“(4) And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
“(5) But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
“(6) Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.
“(7) Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison…”
Verses 2, 3 and 7 reveal that in the future and for one-thousand years, Satan will be restrained from ruling or influencing the earth; verses 4, 5, and 6 describe those who will be in the first resurrection and given eternal life in God’s Kingdom.
The beginning of the millennial reign of Jesus with His elect (those in the first resurrection) is a major focus point of biblical prophecy. Jesus clearly spoke of this end-time event:
“‘Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other’” (Matthew 24:29-31).
The Apostle Paul wrote of those who would be in the first resurrection when Jesus returns.
“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?” (1 Thessalonians 2:19).
He added the following:
“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).
Again, referencing events surrounding the sounding of the trumpet which heralds the first resurrection, Paul writes:
“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:50-53).
Jesus Christ will return with great power and majesty at the sounding of the seventh trumpet (Revelation 11:15). He will come to Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:4), and those of the first resurrection, called saints, will be with Him (Zechariah 14:5; Jude 14). The Prophet Daniel also wrote of this:
“‘“Then the kingdom and dominion, And the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, Shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And all dominions shall serve and obey Him”’” (Daniel 7:27).
Jesus Christ, along with His elect, will begin the Millennium by stopping those who are destroying the earth (Revelation 11:18). Jesus warned about catastrophic events which would occur just before His return.
“‘For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened’” (Mathew 24:21-22).
Note this prophetic role of Jesus:
“Thus says the LORD: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard You, And in the day of salvation I have helped You; I will preserve You and give You As a covenant to the people, To restore the earth, To cause them to inherit the desolate heritages’” (Isaiah 49:8).
The Millennium will become a time of restoration and rebuilding; of returning the captive people of Israel to their inheritance; a time of world peace through the government of God. Note this marvelous promise from God:
“Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the LORD’S house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, And rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2:2-4).
Jerusalem, troubled and fought over as it is today, will become the world capital during the Millennium when Jesus Christ returns to this world and establishes the Kingdom of God:
“‘Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,’ says the LORD. ‘Many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and they shall become My people. And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you. And the LORD will take possession of Judah as His inheritance in the Holy Land, and will again choose Jerusalem’” (Zechariah 2:10-12).
The following prophecy speaks of Jesus Christ’s rule as the Millennium begins with the establishment of the Kingdom of God:
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this” (Isaiah 9:6-7).
“And the LORD shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be— ‘The LORD is one,’ And His name one” (Zechariah 14:9). And in the last part of Isaiah 11:9, this is said of the millennial rule of God’s government: “…For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea.”
There are other places in the Bible that describe the Millennium, and one of those can be found in God’s Holy Day observances. One example is the Feast of Tabernacles. Here is what God has commanded:
“‘You shall observe the Feast of Tabernacles seven days, when you have gathered from your threshing floor and from your winepress. And you shall rejoice in your feast, you and your son and your daughter, your male servant and your female servant and the Levite, the stranger and the fatherless and the widow, who are within your gates. Seven days you shall keep a sacred feast to the LORD your God in the place which the LORD chooses, because the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you surely rejoice’” (Deuteronomy 16:13-15).
Also, in Leviticus 23, further instructions are given for observing the Feast of Tabernacles:
“‘“You shall dwell in booths for seven days. All who are native Israelites shall dwell in booths, that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God”’” (Leviticus 23:42-43).
While this observance portrays events which have already occurred, it also points to a future time. Israel was led out of Egypt to then enter the land of Canaan—the region in the Middle East that God promised to Abraham and his descendants. This promise is described as “My rest” by God in Psalm 95:11; Hebrews 3:11; 4:3 and 4:5.
In Hebrews, Paul explains that the rest of God is His Kingdom by showing that it is something we can enter in the future:
“Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it” (Hebrews 4:1).
“Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience” (Hebrews 4:11).
Paul also shows that the weekly Sabbath is representative of the Millennium in reference to the rest of God:
“For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: ‘And God rested on the seventh day from all His works’; and again in this place: ‘They shall not enter My rest.’
Since therefore it remains that some [must not in original] enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience, again He designates a certain day, saying in David, ‘Today,’ after such a long time, as it has been said: ‘Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts.’For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. There remains therefore a [Sabbath] rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His” (Hebrews 4:4-10).
True Christians anticipate the Millennium as the time when they will enter the Kingdom of God. Christians are “firstfruits” (James 1:18) of salvation. The Bible has many detailed references about what the Millennium will be like, and for those who faithfully observe God’s Holy Days, a deeper understanding will come.
The Church of the Eternal God and its affiliates have provided many Q&As, booklets, sermonettes and sermons which more fully explain topics such as the Millennium, the Sabbath and the Holy Days of God. These can be found on our websites—all of which can be referenced through www.eternalgod.org
Lead Writer: Dave Harris
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
“Our War-Torn World—Will It Ever Change?” is the title of our newest StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:
This world is preparing for war. Mandatory military service for European women; European nuclear weapons against Israel; Russia’s invasion of NATO airspace; Zapad drills and Eastern Sentry operations; Trump’s “change of heart” and a scenario how war between Russia and NATO could break out, while forsaken Taiwan is being occupied by China. And still, God prophecies for us a bright and peaceful future.
“Unsere vom Krieg zerrissene Welt—wird es jemals anders?” is the title of our newest AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.
“AI—Angel of Light or Prince of Darkness?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:
Should you be concerned about AI? Do you know how your child deals with it? Why are ministers of religion naïve—to put it mildly—when they support religious smartphone apps as a “critical tool for those trying to find God.” But whom may they find? Are you aware how chatbots work—and why they could clearly be very dangerous?
“KI—Engel des Lichts oder Fürst der Finsternis?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.”
Our short video, “The Fall and Rise of the Jewish People,” (1 minute, 20 seconds long), has by now received over 505,000 views.
“Gott IST… unsere Bestimmung!” the German translation of our English booklet, “God Is… Our Destiny,” has been forwarded for printing.
“Satan der Teufel,” last Sabbath’s first German split sermon presented by Tahir Coban, is now posted. Title in English: “Satan the Devil.”
“Der Geist der Wahrheit oder der Geist der Lüge – wem dienen Sie?” last Sabbath’s second split German sermon presented by Mike Richter, is now posted. Title in English: “The Spirit of Truth or the Spirit of Lies – Whom Do You Serve?”
“Lauter wie Silber,” the Feast of Trumpets Offertory in Germany presented by Robert Indlekofer, is now posted. Title in English: “Pure as Silver.”
“Von Weisen und Toren,” the Feast of Trumpets sermon presented in Germany by Mario Danisch, is now posted. Title in English: “Of Wise Men and Fools.”
“Worldwide Attacks and Persecution—Comments on News and Prophecy, September 20, 2025,” last Sabbath’s first message presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:
In this program: Mandatory military service for women; nuclear weapons against Israel; Russia’s attack on Poland, Romania and Lithuania; America’s attack on vessels in the Caribbean; Britain’s embarrassing humiliation; annual $100,000.00 fees for H-1B Visas; the government’s threats against nonprofits; and the controversial “indefinite” suspension of Jimmy Kimmel.
“The Illusion of Control,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is the summary:
We often live under the illusion of control, convinced that we can direct our lives by our own will, yet Scripture shows this pursuit always ends in loss, frustration, and even destruction. From Adam and Eve to Job, Esau, and Paul, the Bible reveals that true peace and maturity come not through grasping for control but through surrendering to God’s will. The greatest freedom we can ever know is found not in self-rule, but in faithfully, humbly following the Father’s lead.
“I Do Not Bring Peace,” the Feast of Trumpets Offertory presented by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted.
“Will YOU Hear the Trumpets?” the Feast of Trumpets sermon presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:
What does the Bible say about the seven last trumpets, which are directly related to the annual Feast of Trumpets? Who will hear them? Will YOU hear them, if you are alive by the time when they are blown, whoever and wherever you are? Do the Bible and history give us any hint as how to answer this question?
2025 FALL HOLY DAYS:
October 2 Day of Atonement
October 7-13 Feast of Tabernacles
October 14 Last Great Day
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
“AI—Angel of Light or Prince of Darkness?” is the title of the newest StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:
Should you be concerned about AI? Do you know how your child deals with it? Why are ministers of religion naïve—to put it mildly—when they support religious smartphone apps as a “critical tool for those trying to find God.” But whom may they find? Are you aware how chatbots work—and why they could clearly be very dangerous?“
KI—Engel des Lichts oder Fürst der Finsternis?” is the title of the newest AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topic as described above.
“When Will Governments Be Held Accountable For Their Corona Measures?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:
The governments’ horrific coronavirus measures, with the support of the pharmaceutical industry and the mass media, included dangerous mandatory vaccinations, lockdowns, and other freedom-robbing restrictions. Yet, nowhere does one see them being held accountable. On the contrary, they continue to be protected, and voices are again calling for the same approach in the future. And it’s by no means just about forced vaccinations for coronavirus. Some want to change these conditions, but will they succeed?
“Wann geben die Regierungen Rechenschaft für ihre Corona Maßnahmen?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.
A new Member Letter (September 2025), has been posted and has been mailed to our subscribers. Evangelist Norbert Link writes about the return of Jesus Christ to bring peace to a world that has no peace by banishing Satan and restoring God’s government on the earth.
“Gott IST… unsere Bestimmung!” the German translation of our English booklet, “God Is… Our Destiny,” has entered the first review draft in preparation for printing.
Spanish translations of our booklets, “The Ten Commandments” (“Los Diez Mandamientos”) and “Do We Have an Immortal Soul?” (“¿Tenemos un alma inmortal?”) have been posted on our Spanish webpage https://www.dioseterno.es/
“Klopft Gottes Wahrheit an die Tür?” last Sabbath’s first split sermon in Germany was presented by Jens Herrmann and is now posted. Title in English: “Is God’s Truth Knocking at the Door?”
“The King’s Seer,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted.
“Could Unpunctuality Be Sinful?” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:
Is punctuality important to you? What might being late say about your character? Do you have excuses ready when you’re late? Could your lateness actually sin against God, your fellow human beings, and yourself? Is God ever late? Shouldn’t we also avoid being late?
2025 FALL HOLY DAYS:
September 23 Feast of Trumpets
October 2 Day of Atonement
October 7-13 Feast of Tabernacles
October 14 Last Great Day
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
A Tech Team Meeting was conducted on September 7, 2025. Hosted by Eric Rank, several topics were covered, including ad results for our booklet offerings and website adjustments along with more FOT planning.
“Gott IST… unsere Bestimmung!” the German translation of our booklet, “God Is… Our Destiny,” has been sent to graphic designer Shelly Bruno in preparation for printing.
“The Feast of Trumpets” is the latest video in our Bible Story Series on YouTube.
“Was das “Christentum“ über Christus nicht weiß!” is the title of this Sabbath’s second split sermon in Germany, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English, “ “What ‘Christianity’ Does Not Know About Christ!”
“Nur für Dich,” last Sabbath’s first German split sermon presented by Johann Schell, is now posted. Title in English: “Only for You.”
“Den Herrn allezeit vor Augen – Die Lösung für Angst und Furcht,” last Sabbath’s second German split sermon by Daniel Blasinger, is now posted. Title in English: “Keeping the Lord Always in Mind – The Solution to Anxiety and Fear.”
“Why America is Going Down—Comments on News and Prophecy, September 6, 2025,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:
This program gives many examples of the ongoing downfall of the USA and its deteriorating relationship with friends and allies, as well as frightening conduct by its enemies, notwithstanding wishful thinking and statements to the contrary. There is a reason for that, and God’s Church has a duty to proclaim this reason. This includes the fact that the USA will NOT win a major war anymore, as Herbert W. Armstrong so famously proclaimed.
“God’s Warning to True and False Christians,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:
Are you a true Christian, and if not, how can you become one? On the other hand, what must true Christians guard against to ensure they remain true Christians? The answers to these questions are of utmost importance and will determine your ultimate salvation.
2025 FALL HOLY DAYS:
September 23 Feast of Trumpets
October 2 Day of Atonement
October 7-13 Feast of Tabernacles
October 14 Last Great Day
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
“Crazy Science and the End of the World,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:
Today, new scientific “advances” make it even more possible than ever before to destroy all life on Earth and usher in the end of the world. This program presents two shockingly insane scientific developments and, using a historical example, warns against being unprepared.
“Verrückte Wissenschaft und das Ende der Welt,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This program covers the same information as presented above.
“Sind Kindertaufen im Einklang mit Gottes Wort?” last Sabbath’s German sermonette presented by Dominik Kaltenegger, is now posted. Title in English: “Are Infant Baptisms in Accordance with God’s Word?”
“Family Rules – Sag, ich liebe Dich,” last Sabbath’s German sermon presented by Christoph Sperzel, is now posted. Title in English: “Family Rules — Say I Love You.”
“I Don’t Want to,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Rene Messier, is now posted. Here is the summary:
“I don’t want to” is a saying which you should eradicate from your mind when you deal with sin and repentance.
“The Period of the Judges,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Paul Niehoff, is now posted. Here is the summary:
When we read through the book of Judges, we might think that this book is just an historical record of the Children of Israel occupying the promised land and the obstacles they faced. However, when analyzed, their experiences could be a warning to us not to do what they did that aroused God’s anger against them.
2025 FALL HOLY DAYS:
September 23 Feast of Trumpets
October 2 Day of Atonement
October 7-13 Feast of Tabernacles
October 14 Last Great Day
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
“Demons Rule This World!” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:
If you are still not convinced of the Truth of this statement, this program will give you several examples of absolutely demonic behavior—from today’s murder of innocent Catholic schoolchildren in Minnesota, the horrific developments in Russia regarding innocent children and Putin’s questioning the spirits, to the White House Faith Office.
“Dämonen beherrschen diese Welt!” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.
“Die Bedeutung der Tierwelt für uns heute, morgen und in Zukunft,” last Sabbath’s German sermonette presented by Patrick Flueck, is now posted. Title in English: “The Significance of the Animal World for Us Today, Tomorrow and the the Future.”
“It Is Possible to Please God!” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is the summary:
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, did please God, and we have His tremendous example to follow in order to attain eternal life in the Kingdom of God.
“How Do You Worship?” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is the summary:
Worship is such a basic function of Christianity that we rarely consider what it means and how to do it. What are the examples of worship in the Bible that we can learn from? As converted Christians, how does God want us to worship Him?
2025 FALL HOLY DAYS:
September 23 Feast of Trumpets
October 2 Day of Atonement
October 7-13 Feast of Tabernacles
October 14 Last Great Day
It Is Possible to Please God!
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, did please God, and we have His tremendous example to follow in order to attain eternal life in the Kingdom of God.
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
“Is There (No) Peace After All?” is the title of the newest StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:
The meeting in Washington between Trump, Zelensky, and European leaders was far more promising than the previous meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska. But Russia would now have to play along, which it clearly isn’t. It categorically rejects the security guarantees for Ukraine, proposed by Trump and the Europeans, or combines them with demands that are absolutely laughable. Trump is now seemingly losing his patience with Putin. Where will all this lead?
“Gibt es doch (keinen) Frieden?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same information as described above.
“The Debacle of Trump’s Meeting with Putin in Alaska,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:
Why do we say that the meeting was a debacle? Well, what did it accomplish? What was agreed upon? Even though we haven’t heard much about the exact nature of a deal, in an interview subsequent to the meeting, Trump let slip a few things, which were in favor of Russia and which Ukraine would never agree to. But most importantly, what does the BIBLE say about the future of Russia and Ukraine, as well as Europe and the USA?
“Das Debakel von Trumps Treffen mit Putin in Alaska,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same information as described above.
“Gottes Warnung an wahre und falsche Christen,” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “God’s Warning to True and False Christians.”
“Wertschätzung” last Sabbath’s German sermonette by Marc Völler, is now posted. Title in English: “Appreciation,”
“Halte die Treue,” last Sabbath’s German sermon presented by Thilo Hanstein, is now posted. Title in English: “Keep Loyalty.”
“God of Peace — Peace of God,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is the summary:
The world we live in constantly threatens to steal away our peace of mind and peace between one another. God offers us a sure path to experience lasting peace if we have the courage and faith to follow Him. The God of peace provides us with the opportunity to obtain the peace of God.
“Your Christianity–Counterfeit or Real?” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is the summary:
It is the largest of the world’s religions, and 2.4 billion people claim to be Christians! But is this the Christianity of the Bible or a counterfeit? Is your Christian faith real, or have you been deceived?