The Bible speaks of an unending future being offered to humanity. It is through keeping the Holy Days of God that we can understand His great master plan of salvation—eternal life in the Kingdom of God!
Dave Harris
Why Fasting?
God commands that we fast—specifically on the Day of Atonement. Jesus said that His disciples would fast. There are vitally important reasons for us to so.
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
The 2019 U.S. Festival Brochure, prepared by graphic artist Shelly Bruno, is now posted.
Here are the dates for the Fall Holy Days:
- Feast of Trumpets—September 30, 2019
- Day of Atonement—October 9, 2019
- Feast of Tabernacles—October 14-20, 2019
- Last Great Day—October 21, 2019
“Bombshell News—Coming…The Third Temple and Animal Sacrifices in Israel” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
The mainstream media missed a shocking aspect of Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Yisrael Katz’s speech in front of the 74th session of the UN General Assembly, which has been described as an “absolute bombshell.” Was Katz, a direct descendant of Aaron the priest, advocating and announcing the prophesied building of the Third Temple and the commencement of animal sacrifices?
“Hat Gott SIE vor Ihrer Geburt gekannt?” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Did God Know You Before Your Birth?”
The German sermonette from last Sabbath by Robert Kintzi has also been posted.
“The Only Thing to Fear,” the sermonette present last Sabbath by Frank Bruno, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Obviously the world has become a much more dangerous place in recent years, and the blessings that we’ve enjoyed from God here in the United States and elsewhere will not endure in the face of outright disobedience of God’s Commands. As we move forward we are admonished to be watchful of the signs, and be spiritually prepared for the return of our savior, Jesus Christ. We are also told clearly not to fear as prophecy unfolds, but to focus on our relationship with God for clarity and comfort. In this Sermonette we will cover some of the scriptural foundation of this guidance so as to have a deeper understanding and appreciation for God’s plan.
“Sustaining our Light in Darkness,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Robb Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Christianity, as Jesus exemplified, is a path full of adversity. A world of hatred surrounds and tries to suffocate any light of God’s Truth. We must be resolute in our onward march in becoming perfect, especially when Satanic deceit is so encompassing in all aspects of life. In that light, it is critical that we look to God’s Sabbath and Holy Days for the rest and recharge we are afforded by them.
“A Great Sound!” the sermonette presented during the Morning Services on the Feast of Trumpets by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:
What does sound have to do with the return of Jesus Christ, and what meaning is there for Christians?
“Special,” the sermon presented during the Morning Services on the Feast of Trumpets by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is a summary:
The Israelites, including the spiritual Israelites, are a special people to God called by Him for a special purpose. By following God’s commandments, we maintain this special relationship and guarantee for ourselves a fantastic future.
“Goals in This Life,” the Offertory presented during Afternoon Services on the Feast of Trumpets by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted.
“The Warning of the Watchmen,” the sermon presented during Afternoon Services on the Feast of Trumpets by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:
The Feast of Trumpets reminds us of the Second Coming of Christ at the sound of the last trumpet and our resurrection, change and gathering with Him. But we also think of the terrible events which will occur prior to Christ’s Return. These events are announced symbolically many times in the Bible through the blowing of trumpets.
It is the responsibility of the Church of God to proclaim the coming Kingdom of God and God’s rule over the Earth. This includes warning mankind of imminent trouble. The prophet Ezekiel received from God a warning message for the House of Israel, but it was not meant for the Ezekiel of old and the ancient House of Israel. Rather, it is a warning for the modern House of Israel and for all peoples, as well as for God’s Church, which must proclaim this message today.
A Great Sound
What does sound have to do with the return of Jesus Christ, and what meaning is there for Christians?
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
The 2019 U.S. Festival Brochure, prepared by graphic artist Shelly Bruno, is now posted. Here are the dates for the Fall Holy Days:
- Feast of Trumpets—September 30, 2019
- Day of Atonement—October 9, 2019
- Feast of Tabernacles—October 14-20, 2019
- Last Great Day—October 21, 2019
“Impeaching Donald Trump? No Way—and here Is WHY!” is the title of a StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
During a phone conversation in July of 2019, President Donald Trump spoke with the new leader of Ukraine, Mr. Zelenskiy, about investigating the son of former Vice President Joe Biden. As a consequence, many congressional Democrats are determined to impeach President Trump, alleging a quid pro quo deal, as Trump had withheld money approved by Congress to be given to Ukraine. At the same time, others allege that a quit pro quo existed regarding the dealings between Biden and other Democratic senators and the Ukrainian government, allegedly threatening to withhold aid, unless Ukraine were to act in a particular way. This program discusses the underlying circumstances, as well as the released transcript of the phone conversation and the whistleblower complaint, and shows you why Trump will stay in office and be reelected in 2020.
“Entmutigung, Depression und Selbstmordgedanken… Was kann man tun?” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Discouragement, Depression and Thoughts of Suicide… What Should One Do?”
“Probleme bei LVF” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermonette, presented by Michael Link. Title in English: “Problems with PFT.”
“Comments on News and Prophecy ( September 21, 2019),” the message presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Netanyahu is fighting for his political survival; while the USA is wavering in its response to Iran’s perceived attack on Saudi Arabia. Europe blames President Trump for the current escalation. We also discuss China’s and Russia’s influence in Iran; Europe’s revival of the Roman Empire and its coming destruction in a nuclear war; Russia’s ongoing persecution of the Jehovah’s Witnesses; the future of Italy’s ultra-right politician Matteo Salvini and the growing popularity of Germany’s ultra-right AfD party; America’s mistrust in the press; the blackface nonsense; and Trump’s attempts to instigate an Ukrainian investigation of Joe’s Biden’s son Hunter.
“A Time for Everything,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Michael Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Everything has its time as Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 talks about. How can we apply each of these verses in our physical and spiritual lives?
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
Here are the dates for the Fall Holy Days:
- Feast of Trumpets—September 30, 2019
- Day of Atonement—October 9, 2019
- Feast of Tabernacles—October 14-20, 2019
- Last Great Day—October 21, 2019
The new Member Letter (September 2019), written by Elder Eric Rank, has been posted and mailed to our subscribers.
“Our Scandalous Corrupt Abortion Industry,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
This program will discuss an appalling and disturbing legal case in California, involving our corrupt abortion industry. This example could be looked upon as exposing a conspiracy between governmental agencies, politicians and abortionists in an attempt to protect the illegal trafficking of body parts of aborted babies, while persecuting and trying to silence those who expose such abominable practices.
“Unsere ungerechte Welt–unsere Wirtschaftssysteme,” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Our Unrighteous World–Our Economic Systems.”
“Warum unvermeidlicher Streit?” the sermonette presented last Sabbath in Germany by Thilo Hanstein, is now posted.
“Lack and Limitation,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Often times throughout our Christian life we can run into situations which stop us from growing or moving forward. When we encounter these situations we need to understand that there is a way out and a way forward. When we are not growing we are limiting how God can work in our lives. We need to continually remember that it is through our own lack and limitations that God either works in and through us, or He can’t. The choice is entirely ours.
“Our Unrighteous School- and Education- Systems,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:
What is the origin of our modern education- and school- systems? Do they help us to understand the Truth? What does the Bible tell us about human wisdom, ethics and philosophy? What are some of the many wrong concepts which our children are being taught in school? What can parents do to counteract the oftentimes devastating influence which our children experience in school?
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
A new Member Letter (September 2019) has been written. In this letter, Elder Eric Rank writes about preparation for the Fall Holy Days. Along with our opportunity to appear before God with rejoicing, he cautions against Satan’s influence in trying to discourage us.
“Suicide—Why… and How to Prevent It?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
Suicide rates are on the rise; especially in rural counties of the USA. This week has been declared as the “National Suicide Prevention Week,” to bring awareness to the warning signs of suicide. But what are they? What drives a person to wanting to commit this final act? Discouragement and depression are leading causes of suicide, but why do people become depressed? Why is suicide so useless? Why is it never a solution? What can you do if you know of a person in danger… or if you yourself are that person?
“Unsere ungerechte Welt — unsere Schul- und Bildungssysteme,” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Our Unrighteous World–Our School- and Education-Systems.”
“Alles gehört Gott!” is the title of last Sabbath’s German sermonette, presented by Elder Christoph Sperzel. Title in English: “Everything Belongs to God.”
“Conquering the Storm,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Robb Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:
The judgement of mankind is going to come upon the world like a thief in the night. Putting off our spiritual growth for another day will lull us into a state of unpreparedness. We must make it a daily goal to be spiritually ready for these tumultuous times ahead.
“The Law is Spiritual,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Are you a spiritual person? Is that even possible? If it is, then how can that be achieved?
How should we apply the 8th Commandment?
As presented in Exodus 20, verse 15, the commandment stipulates, “‘You shall not steal.’” The meaning of the word “steal” is “to take (the property of another or others) without permission or right, especially secretly or by force” (dictionary.com).
God instructed Moses how stealing should be dealt with among the people of Israel. Even though the detailed penalties of restoration, as described in that law, are no longer in force today, the principles most certainly apply.
“‘If a person sins and commits a trespass against the LORD by lying to his neighbor about what was delivered to him for safekeeping, or about a pledge, or about a robbery, or if he has extorted from his neighbor, or if he has found what was lost and lies concerning it, and swears falsely–in any one of these things that a man may do in which he sins: then it shall be, because he has sinned and is guilty, that he shall restore what he has stolen, or the thing which he has extorted, or what was delivered to him for safekeeping, or the lost thing which he found, or all that about which he has sworn falsely. He shall restore its full value, add one-fifth more to it, and give it to whomever it belongs, on the day of his trespass offering” (Leviticus 6:2-5).
That which belongs to another is to be carefully respected, and God’s commandment to not steal has detailed application even to the point of paying others for their work without delay:
“‘You shall not cheat your neighbor, nor rob him. The wages of him who is hired shall not remain with you all night until morning’” (Leviticus 19:13; compare Deuteronomy 24:14-15; James 5:4).
God’s commandment especially focuses on those who steal as a way of life. Those who use false weights and dishonest scales are condemned as thieves (compare Leviticus 19:35-36; Deuteronomy 25:13-15; Proverbs 11:1; 16:11; 20:10; Hosea 12: 7: Amos 8:5; Micah 6:11). Concerning the future government of God during the thousand-year reign of Christ on and over the earth, a prophecy in the Book of Ezekiel reveals that “honest scales” will be used (Ezekiel 45:10).
As a prerequisite for baptism, John the Baptist taught that those who have authority over others—especially their livelihood—should only do what was authorized:
“Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, ‘Teacher, what shall we do?’ And he said to them, ‘Collect no more than what is appointed for you.’ Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, ‘And what shall we do?’ So he said to them, ‘Do not intimidate (margin: shake down for money) anyone (the Authorized Version says: “Do violence to no man”) or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages” (Luke 3:12-14).
Jesus specifically included the commandment, “you shall not steal,” in His teaching (compare Matthew 19:18). Furthermore, He magnified applying the laws of God. Not only are we to not steal in the literal sense, but we must not allow ourselves to conceive of such actions:
“‘But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man…’” (Matthew 15:18-20).
Some of the strongest reactions of Jesus during His ministry was against the pollution of the Temple by those who cheated, that is, stole from the people:
“Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said to them, ‘It is written, “My house shall be called a house of prayer,” but you have made it a “den of thieves”’” (Matthew 21:12-13).
The Benson commentary includes the following annotation:
“A harbour of wicked men; a place where traffic is carried on by persons of the most infamous character, who live by deceit and oppression, and practise the vilest extortion, even in the house of the most righteous and blessed God.”
Judas, one of the original twelve apostles and the one who betrayed Jesus, was a known thief.
“Then one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, ‘Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?’ This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it” (John 12:4-6).
Interestingly, we note that Judas’ position among the disciples was that of handling the money (John 13:29). Like so many who compromise God’s law, he corrupted himself in many ways—including being willing to take money to treacherously betray Jesus.
Paul strongly cautions Christians and includes those who steal among those who will not enter the Kingdom of God:
“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
Paul taught that one must repent of stealing:
“Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need” (Ephesians 4:28).
In this regard, we have the example of the rich tax collector who responded to meeting Jesus by renouncing his former practices:
“Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold’” (Luke 19:8).
Stealing brings about penalties and it is an important responsibility for parents of young children to teach them the difference between what is theirs and what belongs to others. Teaching that stealing is wrong is foundational to developing righteous character.
It is also important for all to understand that we must not steal from God. Indeed, the actions of Adam and Eve when they ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3:6) was, among other things, an act of stealing from God since the tree belonged to God and He had forbidden them to eat from it. Because of this disobedience, they incurred the death penalty. Chapter 7 of the book of Joshua recounts the sin of Achan who stole what God had forbidden to be taken by any of Israel (Joshua 6:18). Achan and his family were stoned for his disobedience.
The commandment, “you shall not steal,” has been flagrantly ignored by individuals and nations throughout human history. The consequences have been devastating for mankind as so many examples in the Word of God show. If it were possible to stop all stealing, consider what obeying just that one commandment would mean, and what if all of God’s commandments were kept?
Each of us can and must examine our own lives to see if we are guilty of stealing—a good starting point is to ask if we are stealing from God. It is His question to us:
“‘Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, “In what way have we robbed You?” In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,’ Says the LORD of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it’” (Malachi 3:8-10).
Lead Writer: Dave Harris
The Law Is Spiritual
Are you a spiritual person? Is that even possible? If it is, then how can that be achieved?
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
“How Did the Second World War REALLY Start–Any Lessons Learned?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
The Second World War was supposed to end all wars. It did not. We have heard that it started when Germany invaded Poland. But this is by no means the entire story. Pertinent facts are being conveniently overlooked. This program reveals what really happened, and warns about the prophesied truth as to what we can expect to occur in the near future.
“Unsere ungerechte Welt — unsere Religionen,” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Title in English: “Our Unrighteous World–Our Religions.”
“Kapitulation,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath in Germany by Thilo Hanstein, is now posted.
“What’s the Difference?” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:
The measure of man since his creation by God had been based on those who serve God and those who don’t.
“Growth,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is a summary:
God does not call people out of the world to become true Christians because they have done something themselves to become worthy. But rather, He calls people to become Christians because of their potential. Spiritual growth is an ongoing endeavor that never ends in the life of a Christian.