He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. Do you?
Dave Harris
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
Our newest booklet, “The Ten Commandments,” has entered a second review cycle in preparation for printing.
“Europe and America–No Longer Friends!” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
Alarming reports from the Munich Security Conference 2020 read like this: “America and the EU live in parallel universes.” “There has never been such a rift before.” “Europe is further away from Washington than ever.” “There will be no return to close trans-Atlantic ties.” At the same time, Europe rediscovers its “need” to become a strong military power in the light of America’s “disengagement” from Europe and its “lack of commitment to Europe.” Where will all of this lead?
“Deutschland in Aufruhr und Chaos,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Germany in Uproar and Chaos.”
“Der Abfall hat schon begonnen,” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “The Falling Away Has Already Begun.”
“Think Like God,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?
“Giving Up for Gain,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Robb Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Some of the wealthiest men in the Bible were called upon to walk away from their monetary comforts in order to pursue a relationship with God. Anything, including money, that engulfs our attention, is a means to drive a wedge between our relationship with God. While God promises to always take care of our “needs”, we must be willing to ignore our “wants” if they draw us away from God.
Initial information about our 2020 Feast sites (US and Germany) is posted on our website along with contact information.
The 2020 Church Conference will be conducted in Escondido, California. Arrival will be Wednesday, March 25, 2020, and departure is scheduled for Monday, March 30, 2020.
Think Like God
Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
A new Member Letter (February 2020) has been written and posted at our website and mailed to our subscribers. Pastor Brian Gale focuses on our need to make longsuffering a part of our everyday life—especially in light of our obedience to God.
Initial information about our 2020 Feast sites (US and Germany) is posted on our website along with contact information.
“Germany in BIG Turmoil,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
We are presently observing a huge political scandal in Germany with terrible prophetic consequences. Suddenly, the very survival of Germany’s “established” mainstream parties is in jeopardy, while political candidates are fighting for Chancellor Angela Merkel’s replacement. Europe is waiting for a new and more decisive German leadership. But do they know what they wish for?
“Wertvolles Wissen,” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Pastor Michael Link. Title in English: “Valuable Knowledge.”
“What do You Love?”, the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is a summary:
All of us have things we love in this life. But what is it that we truly love? The Bible tells us that we are to have a love for the Truth. This Truth includes being mindful and careful of the choices we make. Peace will reside when we make the appropriate choices to truly love God in all of our ways.
“What Does the Bible Reveal about the Third Temple prior to Christ’s Return? Part 2,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:
What will happen when the Jews begin to bring animal sacrifices on the Temple Mount and build the Third Temple there? Which nations and political leaders will support the Jews, and who will fight against them in a nuclear war? How do current events show what will happen soon? The continuation of last week’s sermon brings additional clarity.
The 2020 Church Conference will be conducted in Escondido, California. Arrival will be Wednesday, March 25, 2020, and departure is scheduled for Monday, March 30, 2020.
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
We are sad to announce that after battling cancer, Rainer Ruoff died on February 2, 2020. Mr. Ruoff was a Church of God member who lived in Spain. His funeral will be on February 7th in Spain. Elder Thilo Hanstein, accompanied by his wife Anita, travelled from Germany to conduct the service. Mr. Ruoff is survived by his wife Isabella and daughter Anna, who are also church members, as well as another daughter and a son.
A Tech Team meeting was held over SKYPE last Sunday morning (February 2, 2020). Conducted by Eric Rank, special emphasis was given to improvements in our websites. Future use of cell phones as a backup for live broadcasting was also discussed.
“Watch powerful Germany!” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
Some may think that Germany is currently not that powerful. They would be wrong. This program shows the tremendous German influence in matters such as Brexit and the transition period; military operations and the coming EU Army; and Europe’s hostile stance towards the USA and Israel. It also addresses a brand-new political scandal in Germany and the German Catholic bishops’ fight with Pope Francis. Bible prophecy is marching on.
“Das Coronavirus und prophezeite weltweite Seuchen,” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “The Coronavirus and Prophesied Worldwide Epidemics.”
“Satans Welt,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath in Germany by Christian Mrosek, is now posted. Title in English: “Satan’s World.”
“Brexit and Trump’s Acquittal: Comments on News and Prophecy (February 1, 2020),” the first message presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:
These seemingly unrelated events have something really big in common. What is it, and why is it so important to understand their prophetic significance in the light of God’s Masterplan?
“What Does the Bible Reveal about the Third Temple prior to Christ’s Return?” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:
The building of the Third Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem is about to begin. Some claim that there will be no physical Temple, and that biblical references to the Temple strictly refer to the Church of God. This sermon will show from the Bible why this opinion is incorrect. We will also show who will be involved in the building of the Third Temple, and what will happen when the Temple has been erected.
The 2020 Church Conference will be conducted in Escondido, California. Arrival will be Wednesday, March 25, 2020, and departure is scheduled for Monday, March 30, 2020.
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
“BREXIT DONE! The UK GONE! Was It Inevitable?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
The UK formally leaves the European Union on Friday night, January 31, 2020. HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE. But the UK will enter a hotly contested transition period of 11 months during which the UK will have to continue to obey EU rules and pay money to the EU. Other obligations and restrictions apply as well.
One British paper wrote: “Could it have worked?… Or was it always doomed to failure?… Was it sheer bad luck and timing?” The Truth is, Brexit was inevitable. It was preordained to happen. The EU-UK cooperation was “doomed to failure.” The Bible says so, but why?
Our newest booklet—which is about the Ten Commandments—has been sent to Phyllis Bourque for initial review. Our newest German booklet on “Lawlessness Will Abound…” is also being prepared.
The 2020 Church Conference will be conducted in Escondido, California. Arrival will be Wednesday, March 25, 2020, and departure is scheduled for Monday, March 30, 2020.
“Angst vor der Zukunft und Vertrauen in Gottes Hilfe,” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Fear of the Future and Trust in God’s Help.”
“China’s Killer Coronavirus – Comments on News and Prophecy (January 25, 2020),” the first message presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:
The Chinese virus has spread from unclean animals to humans, and has reached by now Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Australia, Saudi Arabia, USA, and France. Experts say that Britain is on the brink of an epidemic. Over 56 million Chinese are on lockdown. No vaccine exists at the moment. An ominous warning 3 months ago predicts the death of 60 million people.
“Precious Knowledge,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Michael Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:
How are we supposed to use the precious knowledge that God has given to us? And how are we not supposed to use it?
“Richtiges Bibelstudium” (in English: “Right Bible Study”) was the split sermon presented by Thilo Hanstein last Sabbath.
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
Our newest booklet—which is about the Ten Commandments—has been sent to Phyllis Bourque for initial review.
Our booklet, “And Lawlessness Will Abound…” has been translated into German. We posted the booklet in nine installments on our German website and will now proceed with finalizing it as a German booklet.
The 2020 Church Conference will be conducted in Escondido, California. Arrival will be Wednesday, March 25, 2020, and departure is scheduled for Monday, March 30, 2020.
“China’s Deadly Virus and other Prophetic Events” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
In light of the outbreak of a deadly virus in China, affecting humans all over the globe, why does God place a curse on those who eat or distribute unclean meat for human consumption? Why is Europe so angry with America over the assassination of an Iranian mass murderer, and why the tumult involving the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem? All of this has to do with end-time biblical prophecies, and we can expect their fulfillment in 2020 and beyond, indicating the soon-coming return of Jesus Christ. Please stay tuned for an important announcement at the end of this program.
“Angst vor Menschen?” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. The title in English is: “Fear of People?”
“Das Ausrufezeichen!” is the title of last Sabbath’s German sermonette, presented by Jens Herrmann. Title in English: “The Exclamation Point!”
“Two Popes Fighting Each Other–Comments on News and Prophecy (January 18, 2020),” the first message presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:
If you are tempted to give up because of your problems, don’t! Yes, the world is getting darker, with unparalleled worldwide debt; unusual volcano and earthquake activities; Europe’s stance against Trump; the Middle East in turmoil; loss of moral values, even in Israel; and two popes fighting each other. But all of this only shows how close we are to the return of Jesus Christ.
“The Test Commandment,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Pastor Rene Messier, is now posted. Here is a summary:
This sermon discusses the importance of understanding and of keeping the Sabbath which has been described as the Test Commandment. We will address the Sabbath’s origins, its endurance through times past, at this present time, and its meaning and importance in the future.
Who are you?
We occasionally receive inquiries from people asking about our origins and beliefs. While there are endless claims by various groups that they, alone, are the one and only true Church of God, the question remains—can they prove it?
Jesus, when warning about false prophets, said, “‘by their fruits you will know them’” (Matthew 7:20). The “fruits” of true Christians can be understood as the way of living among those who have received God’s Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25). By contrast, note what Paul writes:
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
Whether or not God is really behind individuals or groups was an issue the early New Testament Church faced. Following the remarkable establishment of the Church of God on the Day of Pentecost (31 A.D.), the apostles of Jesus faced severe persecution from the religious leaders in Judah. One of them, Gamaliel, gave this recommendation as a test to apply regarding the followers of Jesus Christ:
“And he said to them: ‘Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it–lest you even be found to fight against God’” (Acts 5:35-39).
Truly, the Church of God has continued to exist from that time forward. It is even more important to understand that the living Jesus Christ is the head of the Church of God (compare Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:17). In fact, even before His death and resurrection, Jesus promised to build His Church (Matthew 16:18). The record of the New Testament shows that Jesus continues to guide His Church (compare Mark 16:20; Revelation 1:11). And so it is in our time—Jesus preserves His Church!
From our website, www.eternalgod.org, in our Statement of Beliefs, under Doctrinal Foundation, we write:
“The major doctrines of the Church are those, which were taught by Herbert W. Armstrong, derived from the Biblical teachings as followed by God’s faithful servants, and originally established by Jesus Christ through the founding of His Church in the time of His chosen early apostles. Since we are to increase in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, we are committed to review and alter any of our teachings, if and when proven to be wrong by the Bible.”
We also follow the admonition given by Peter to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
The Church of the Eternal God (USA); Church of God, a Christian Fellowship (Canada); Kirche des Ewigen Gottes (“Church of the Eternal God”) (Germany); and Global Church of God (United Kingdom) are our established locations—including an Elder in Australia. Our founding in the US was in 2001; in Canada it was 2000; and in the UK it was 1993. Facing the upheaval and destruction of the Worldwide Church of God following the death of Herbert W. Armstrong in January of 1986, many groups were formed to carry forward the doctrines and work of the Church of God.
Not all of these attempts proved to be true to the biblical doctrines once established. As the prophetic record of chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation attest, the Church of God has arisen to powerfully preach the message of Jesus Christ only to then suffer fragmentation as trials and deception set in.
We have much written about the Church at Ephesus, and to this Church Jesus said, “‘Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love’” (Revelation 2:4). In spite of such a spectacular beginning, the fervency for the Truth of God would erode, and Paul warned the brethren, especially the ministry, about this:
“‘Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears’” (Acts 20:28-31).
That first generation of the Church virtually disappeared from history!
The Church of the Eternal God was founded to stand up against compromises with the Word of God. Examining all the messages given to the seven Churches described in Revelation 2 and 3, one admonition has served to give direction to our efforts:
“‘I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name… Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown’” (Revelation 3:8, 10-11).
Our focus is to do the work of the Church of God, and the work which Jesus Christ began–note:
“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).
This is what He has also commissioned His Church to do:
“‘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).
It is notable that the Internet became mainstream for most US households in 2001. Now multiple billions of people all over the earth have access to the Internet. We in the Church of the Eternal God use this opportunity to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God and to provide Sabbath and Holy Day services as well as communicating with our brethren. Additionally, we have established and maintain various websites which publish our booklets, letters and recorded sermonettes and sermons.
Of special focus are the StandingWatch and AufPostenStehen programs which Evangelist Norbert Link presents in both English and German (available on YouTube and our own websites). The tagline for these programs is: “Proclaiming the warnings of prophecy for our times and announcing the good news of the coming Kingdom of God.” We understand that Jesus has also commissioned His Church to watch world events and to include that in our preaching (Matthew 25:13).
Each week we publish an Update containing an Editorial, Q&A, and news of the Work. Also in these Updates are many articles which reflect the News of the Week and which often includes commentary relevant to biblical prophecy. You may subscribe to this FREE Update by visiting our website.
If you would like to find out more about us, please visit our website at www.eternalgod.org. Personal contact information is also provided at this location.
Lead Writer: David Harris
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
A new Member Letter (January 2020) has been written and posted and will soon be mailed to our subscribers. Elder Kalon Mitchell presents strong encouragement to not let despair and frustration overcome us but rather to turn to God’s Word and to God in faith to find the strength we need!
A new video advertisement for our booklet on Zechariah was produced by Pastor Michael Link, titled “The Book of Zechariah–Prophecies for Today.”
“Does Germany Have Nuclear Weapons?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
Many are inclined to deny this question off-hand, but are they correct? And if Germany has or has access to nuclear weapons, what would be the big deal? Would weak Angela Merkel’s far-too-cozy relationship with strong Vladimir Putin and their united rejection of American influence have any significance in this regard? What does God think?
“Prophetic Relevance of the US-Iran Conflict,” is the title of last week’s new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
The murder of an American contractor by an Iranian proxy; the subsequent American assassination of Iran’s General Soleimani; the following Iranian missile attack on two Iraqi bases housing US troops; and the almost simultaneous crash of an Ukrainian airline shortly after taking off from Tehran Airport have shown the world again how an outright war in the Middle East can break out. Threats and counter threats, as well as some news analysis, paint a picture which is very close to prophesied events as revealed in the Bible.
“Prophetische Bedeutung des US-Iran Konfliktes,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This covers the same topic as the StandingWatch program described above.
“War der Apostel Petrus der erste Papst?–Teil 4,” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Was the Apostle Peter the First Pope?–Part 4.”
“Titel: Neues Jahr oder Neuer Mensch?” is the title of last Sabbath’s German sermonette, presented by Robert Kintzi. Title in English: “A new Year or a new Man?”
“The Keystone of the Kingdom,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Frank Bruno, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Over the centuries societies have taken great pride in the structures that their ancestors built and that they themselves build today. In some places construction includes buildings and large developments that cannot sustain themselves without elaborate and costly water, sewer and other necessary infrastructure that will soon be obsolete. There are also groups that seemingly dedicate their construction—the stones, bricks and mortar with rituals and rites that can strike anyone as odd. This is true of even large public projects right here in my home state of Colorado. Rather than focusing on finding ways to serve and honor God the Father, mankind has discovered more ways to establish and honor their own legacies. The community that we as believers await and work towards is of course the coming Kingdom of God—The New Jerusalem, and the Keystone for the Kingdom is of course Jesus Christ. In this Sermonette we will explore scriptures that offer the clarity and the bedrock that our future will be built upon.
“The Work We Do,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Pastor Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:
We work for God. Our job title is servant, and the work we are to accomplish is our part in the work God is doing.
The Work We Do
We work for God. Our job title is servant, and the work we are to accomplish is our part in the work God is doing.