God has promised something–eternal life! We have been called to receive eternal life and all will have a chance to enter God’s Kingdom and the gift of eternal life. This Last Great Day of the Feast pictures that future time.
Dave Harris
FOT: Our Very Best
Are we doing our very best in serving the Father and Jesus Christ—just as others have done?
FOT: Nations during the Millennium
The Joy Before Us
How often do any of us experience feelings of great pleasure and happiness? What events in our lives lead to this kind of joy? Certainly, joy seems hard to come by in our day-to-day living. There is much that dampens or even obliterates our opportunity to live joyful lives.
Yet, joy is characteristic of God. It is part of the fruit of His Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Thus it follows that we who have God’s Spirit should also have this godly attribute. Of course, not everything we experience brings joy, but we also know with certainty that we have hope beyond our present circumstances—the promise of salvation.
Following the return of seventy disciples sent by Jesus to proclaim the gospel, they told of how even demons were subject to them. While this was important, Jesus pointed to something greater:
“‘Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven’” (Luke 10:20).
This prospect was what Jesus Himself focused on. It was what enabled Him to rise above the trials of the moment. Note:
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls” (Hebrews 12:1-3).
Jesus prayed for His disciples, asking the Father: “‘But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves’” (John 17:13). In His prayer, Jesus added: “‘I do not pray for these alone [the disciples alive at that time], but also for those who will believe in Me through their word’” (John 17:20).
And so it is that we, today, live with this same hope—the joy that is set before us!
We will once again be attending the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day festivals of God. Indeed, we are appearing before God to, among other things, look forward to God’s glorious Kingdom being established on the earth. Consider how God wants us to celebrate this time:
“‘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’” (Deuteronomy 16:13-14).
As the Church of God has understood and practiced, we also rejoice in the Feast based on God’s instructions. We stay in temporary dwellings during this time—memorializing what Israel did when God brought them out of Egypt (Leviticus 23:42-43). We also look forward to the future time in which the modern Houses of Israel and Judah will be brought back into the land God has given to them, for they will be returning from a yet future captivity:
“And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (Isaiah 35:10).
As we at times struggle to find joy in our lives, let’s look forward with great anticipation and joy to what Jesus promised: “‘Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom’” (Luke 12:32).
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
Here are the dates for the Fall Holy Days;
- Day of Atonement… September 28, 2020
- Feast of Tabernacles… October 3-9, 2020
- Last Great Day… October 10, 2020
We are pleased to announce the marriage of Anna Ruoff and Michael Link on September 24, 2020, in Escondido, California. The ceremony was conducted by Norbert Link. Congratulations!
“Satan Rules This World—Does He Rule You?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
Satan has been very busy. Many are falling for his evil devices. But God requires of us that we love and obey Him in everything. Through governmental restrictions under his influence, Satan is using the same tactic as he did when deceiving Eve in the Garden of Eden. Eve fell for it, and Adam followed his wife, convincing themselves that a “little” disobedience did not really matter. Far too many of God’s people are following today Adam and Eve’s bad example. Don’t you be one of them!
“Rechtfertigt unsere Angst Ungehorsam gegen Gott?” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Does our Fear Justify Disobedience towards God?”
“Dankbarkeit,” the sermonette presented on the Feast of Trumpets by Dmitrij Niemanns is now posted. Title in English: “Thankfulness.”
“Soldier On,” the morning sermonette presented by Eric Rank on the Feast of Trumpets, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Being a Christian inherently involves conflict with the world, which increasingly rejects God. In the battle we fight against evil, what do we need to do to assure our victory?
“We Must Be Ready!” the morning sermon presented by Dave Harris on the Feast of Trumpets, is now posted. Here is a summary:
The world is not watching, nor is it prepared for what is about to happen! A time of overwhelming trouble and dreadful tribulation approaches, but who understands this? Do you and will you be among the very few who are ready?
“Christian Paradigm,” the afternoon Offertory presented by Kalon Mitchell on the Feast of Trumpets, is now posted. Here is a summary:
How often do we do the same things, over and over? How often do we think that we know what’s best? God challenges us to change. God challenges us to think and act as He thinks and acts. The choice is ours and the question is what will we do?
“God’s Message Must Be Preached Today,” the afternoon sermon presented by Norbert Link on the Feast of Trumpets, is now posted. Here is a summary:
The Feast of Trumpets (on September 19, 2020) has much symbolic meaning for us. It includes a message of God for the end time, which must be proclaimed today by His watchful servants in blowing trumpets loudly and clearly. And the message will be proclaimed! In addition to serious warnings, it includes the good news of the return of Jesus Christ; the coming rule of God on earth; and our entrance into God’s eternal Kingdom.
The YouTube channel for the Church of the Eternal God presents past videos for StandingWatch programs along with sermonettes, sermons and promotional videos. These are also available on our website: www.eternalgod.org.
We Must Be Ready
The world is not watching, nor is it prepared for what is about to happen! A time of overwhelming trouble and dreadful tribulation approaches, but who understands this? Do you and will you be among the very few who are ready?
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
Here are the dates for the Fall Holy Days;
- Feast of Trumpets… September 19, 2020
- Day of Atonement… September 28, 2020
- Feast of Tabernacles… October 3-9, 2020
- Last Great Day… October 10, 2020
A new Member Letter (September 2020) has been written by Norbert Link, which will be posted and sent to our mailing list. This letter previews the coming fall Holy Days pointing to the destructive role of Satan as he relentlessly attacks God’s people and the promise of the return of Jesus Christ to put an end to all rebellion against God.
“Satan Rules This World—Does He Rule You?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
Satan has been very busy. Many are falling for his evil devices. But God requires of us that we love and obey Him in everything. Through governmental restrictions under his influence, Satan is using the same tactic as he did when deceiving Eve in the Garden of Eden. Eve fell for it, and Adam followed his wife, convincing themselves that a “little” disobedience did not really matter. Far too many of God’s people are following today Adam and Eve’s bad example. Don’t you be one of them!
A Tech Team Meeting was conducted over SKYPE on Sunday, September 13, 2020. Hosted by Eric Rank, topics included completion and posting of a new Spanish language booklet, technical support for services during the Feast of Tabernacles, sermon titles and outlines for the Feast and support issues regarding images for publications.
“Gottes Botschaft muss heute verkündigt werden!” is the title of a new German sermon for the Feast of Trumpets, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “God’s Message Must Be Preached Today!”
“Verantwortung & Segen,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath in Germany by Daniel Blasinger, is now posted. Title in English: “Responsibility and Blessing.”
“A False Witness,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:
We are not to bear false witness, but do we by allowing our thoughts to be influenced by false accusations?
“What Counsel Do We Live By?” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Robb Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:
It isn’t enough in God’s eyes that we simply rely on our own intuitions as a means of drawing closer to Him. Self-will and self-determination alienate us from the Father. Through the hierarchy of the Church, as initiated and led by Christ, we have a bridge to grow in the knowledge of God the Father.
The YouTube channel for the Church of the Eternal God presents past videos for StandingWatch programs along with sermonettes, sermons and promotional videos. These are also available on our website: www.eternalgod.org. Please also note new literature posted on our German and Spanish websites.
A False Witness
We are not to bear false witness, but do we by allowing our thoughts to be influenced by false accusations?
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
Here are the dates for the Fall Holy Days;
- Feast of Trumpets… September 19, 2020
- Day of Atonement… September 28, 2020
- Feast of Tabernacles… October 3-9, 2020
- Last Great Day… October 10, 2020
“Europe’s Threats Get Louder and Its Actions More Worrisome!” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
The EU is destined to become a most powerful political and even military bloc, and its most recent threats against other countries and its actions are becoming more and more frightening and worrisome. This program discusses Europe’s threats against the USA, the UK and prospective EU member states, as well as French and German military ambitions in view of the ongoing demise of NATO. Biblical prophecy IS marching on.
“Verleugnet die Dreieinigkeitslehre Jesus Christus?” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Does the Teaching of the Trinity Deny Jesus Christ?”
“Welcher Maßstab ist der richtige?”, the German sermonette presented last Sabbath by Mike Richter, is now posted. Title in English: “What Standard Is Correct?”
“We Know!” but Do We… Really?” is the title of last Sabbath’s sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
In his first letter, John rejects the false teaching of Gnosticism. Even today, God’s Church must fight against the spirit of antichrist. Converted Christians know the Truth, while growing more and more in right knowledge and understanding.
The YouTube channel for the Church of the Eternal God presents past videos for StandingWatch programs along with sermonettes, sermons and promotional videos. These are also available on our website: www.eternalgod.org.
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
“Is Germany again on Its Way to a Dictatorship?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
Are the huge protests in Berlin against coronavirus restrictions; the incorrect national and international reporting in the “mainstream” media; and the “outrage” of Germany’s government about the “storming” of the Reichstag showing signs of the development of a totalitarian dictatorship in Germany? This program will show that the “official” reporting of the events has been terribly deceiving, and what REALLY happened in Berlin last Saturday.
“Globale Corona-Restriktionen—Regiert die Angst?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Global Corona-Restrictions —Does Fear Rule?”
“Lehnt das orthodoxe Christentum Jesus Christus ab?” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Does Orthodox Christianity Reject Jesus Christ?”
“Der tägliche Blick in den Spiegel,” is the title of last Sabbath’s German sermonette, presented by Robert Macher. Title in English: “The Daily Look in the Mirror.”
“The Falling Away IS HERE—Comments on News and Prophecy (August 29, 2020),” is the title of last Sabbath’s first message, presented by Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
Looking at the ongoing fulfillment of biblical prophecy right now, the question becomes more and more critical for you as to whether you will keep the Feast of Tabernacles at the place where God has chosen to “put His name.” And, whether you will keep it in the way which God has prescribed and ordered by God. If you are not, or if you compromise in any way, maybe because of fear, you are in danger of departing from the Truth and the living God—slowly perhaps, but surely.
“Internal Healing,” is the title of last Sabbath’s sermon, presented by Rene Messier. Here is a summary:
We need to be healed internally as well as physically. This might require repenting and drawing closer to God by using the tools available to us. Especially asking for help is very important .
The YouTube channel for the Church of the Eternal God presents past videos for StandingWatch programs along with sermonettes, sermons and promotional videos. These are also available on our website: www.eternalgod.org.