The Holy Spirit is invisible to humans, but its actions and effects are plainly revealed. Having a relationship with the Father and with Jesus Christ is only possible when we have received the Holy Spirit—do you understand?
Dave Harris
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
“Is California’s Big Earthquake About to Strike?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
Numerous significant earthquakes occurred this week all over the world, and many of these in countries which are part of the “Ring of Fire.” These tremors have raised concerns that California’s “Big One”—a destructive earthquake of magnitude 8.0 or greater—may be looming. How real is that danger? Scientists, history and biblical prophecy confirm that the distinct possibility of such a devastating earthquake is much more imminent than many may realize.
“Sexualkunde für unsere Kinder,” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Sexual Education for Our Children.”
“Comments on News and Prophecy (August 18, 2018),” a presentation last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:
In this new feature, we are commenting on our age of selfishness; the worst-case chaotic scenario of a “no deal Brexit”; the biblical prophecy of a third temple prior to Christ’s return and the ignorance of those who reject this truth; the reasons for Turkey’s fight with the USA; the future of Romania; military parades and the Millennium; Florida’s red tide; and the autocratic rule of the “dictator pope.” We also address the biblical reasons for ordinations.
“Deception Before Defeat,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Michael Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:
The times we are living in now are very interesting in light of biblical prophecy. What is happening around the world, especially in this nation, should not be ignored, but rather should be a warning to us so that we do not fall into deception.
Here are the dates for the 2018 Fall Holy Days:
Feast of Trumpets—September 10
Day of Atonement—September 19
Feast of Tabernacles—September 24-30
Last Great Day—October 1
What is the basis or reason for ordination?
Ordination, as a practice, is clearly set forth in the Bible. In the Old Testament, Aaron and his sons were chosen by God to serve as priests (Exodus 28:1), and they were specifically ordained for this responsibility:
“Then Moses took some of the anointing oil and some of the blood which was on the altar, and sprinkled it on Aaron, on his garments, on his sons, and on the garments of his sons with him; and he consecrated Aaron, his garments, his sons, and the garments of his sons with him” (Leviticus 8:30).
Quoting from the NASB:
“‘The holy garments of Aaron shall be for his sons after him, that in them they may be anointed and ordained’” (Exodus 29:29).
The priestly responsibility was to serve as God’s representative to the Israelites. Note Malachi 2, verse 7:
“‘For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge, And people should seek the law from his mouth; For he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.’”
The Book of Hebrews speaks of the duties of the High Priest and shows that God commissions this office:
“For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness. Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins. And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.’ As He also says in another place: ‘You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek’” (Hebrews 5:1-6).
In another example, God told Moses to choose Joshua to lead Israel in his place:
“So Moses did as the LORD commanded him. He took Joshua and set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation. And he laid his hands on him and inaugurated him (better: commissioned him, so NIV and RSV), just as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses” (Numbers 27:22-23).
In the New Testament, we note that Jesus Christ, who is the Head of the Church of God (Ephesians 1:22), has established ministerial positions:
“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11).
Speaking of the Church, Paul writes:
“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:27-28).
From the outset, the process of choosing ministers and deacons for particular service in the Church has been the result of careful consideration. Note what is said about how Jesus selected the original apostles:
“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles” (Luke 6:12-13).
Paul and Barnabas were prophets and teachers. They were subsequently ordained to the rank and function of apostles (Acts 14:14) for the particular job they would then fulfill in the Church:
“Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away” (Acts 13:1-3).
Paul specifically acknowledges this ordination for the proclaiming of the gospel, saying, “to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles” (2 Timothy 1:11; compare, also, Romans 11:13).
While the Church of God began in Judea on the Day of Pentecost, the message of the gospel was to be proclaimed to all nations (compare Matthew 24:14; Acts 1:8; 10:44-48; 11:18). Paul addressed the unique responsibilities given in preaching the gospel:
“But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised” (Galatians 2:7-9).
However, neither Peter nor Paul were able to do all of the work their commissions required. They ordained others to help in administering the Church of God. For example, following the establishment of the Church on the Day of Pentecost, it became apparent that more help was needed, as noted in Acts 6, verses 1-7. Likewise, Paul instructed Titus to “appoint elders in every city” (Titus 1:5).
However, this was not done in a random fashion, as Paul continues to explain in his letter to Titus, charging him to appoint or ordain elders:
“…if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict” (Titus 1:6-9; compare, also, 1 Timothy 3:1-13).
Throughout the Church of that day, there was a need for ordained servants, and this is why Jesus Christ gave structured leadership to the Church:
“[F]or the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head–Christ–from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:12-16).
Jesus spoke of the Work which lay before His servants:
“Then He said to them, ‘The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest’” (Luke 10:2).
Finally, consider that God emphatically promises to help those who are ordained in His service, as Jeremiah was told:
“Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.’ Then said I: ‘Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.’ But the LORD said to me: ‘Do not say, “I am a youth,” For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,’ says the LORD” (Jeremiah 1:4-8).
Therefore, in like manner, the Church of the Eternal God in the USA and its international affiliates, both have and will ordain people as the need is made apparent to further the Work of God given to His Church.
Lead Writer: Dave Harris
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
“Worldwide Attack on Our Innocent Children,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
This program gives you several abominable examples of the society’s attack on our children and encourages you to counteract such vicious and immoral deceptions, from euthanasia of young children at any age, to late-term abortions in the name of science, to cancer-causing glyphosate in vaccines and children’s food, to harmful e-cigarettes, to promotion of transgender, to sexual child abuse by Catholic priests. None of these examples are in line with the biblical admonition to train up our children in the fear of God and allow them to come to Christ.
“Besiegen Sie Ihre Sucht nach Rauchen, Saufen, Kiffen, Alkoholmissbrauch, illegalen Drogen und Sex!” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Conquer your Addiction with Smoking, Pot, Alcohol Abuse, Illegal Drugs and Sex.”
Our new Member Letter for August, which was written by Kalon Mitchell, has been mailed and it has been posted on the Web.
Our new Feast Flyer for the Feast of Tabernacles in Germany has been posted on the Web. http://www.ewigengottes.de/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/LHF-2018.pdf
“A Few More Things about the Two Witnesses,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Will the two witnesses help in preparing the spiritual temple for Christ’s return? What connection exists between the two witnesses and God’s angels? Why are the two witnesses clothed in sackcloth? Does the Bible tell us where they will operate prior to their death; where they will be killed; and how long they will be dead? Will they work alone, or may others support them? If so, who might those supporters be?
“In the Presence of God,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is a summary:
We all come before God in prayer. But do we ever take the time to think about what that really means? Are we cognizant when we are praying that we are actually coming before God’s throne? How should this affect us and our thinking? How important do we consider the time that we spend with God? What do we expect the outcomes to be?
Here are the dates for the 2018 Fall Holy Days:
Feast of Trumpets—September 10
Day of Atonement—September 19
Feast of Tabernacles—September 24-30
Last Great Day—October 1
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
A new Member Letter (August 2018) has been written by Elder Kalon Mitchell. In this letter we are encouraged to focus on our calling and to be motivated by our part in God’s plan.
“Germany Goes Nuclear?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
Deeply disturbing developments are being discussed by German politicians right now… from reinstating mandatory military service for men and women to creating a nuclear-armed Germany. What was once taboo and unthinkable is now openly debated. The Bible has forewarned for a long time that a militaristic united Europe under German leadership WILL start a nuclear war against former allies.
“Deutschland–eine Nuklearmacht?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link and covering the same material as described above.
“Dieses Geschlecht Wird Nicht Vergehen!” is the title of this week’s German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “This Generation Will Not Pass Away!”
“Against the Odds,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is a summary:
It is a rare event to be called out of the world in this age to be a member of God’s family. Do we consider ourselves to be lucky to be called? Or is there something more than luck involved?
“To Tear or Mend,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Robb Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Solomon once stated “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.” He spoke of the dichotomy of life in very physical terms. This same undulating change is ever present in our spiritual lives, as well—because it is necessary for our spiritual growth.
Here are the dates for the 2018 Fall Holy Days:
Feast of Trumpets—September 10
Day of Atonement—September 19
Feast of Tabernacles—September 24-30
Last Great Day—October 1
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
“Do Banks and the Government Control You?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
According to an article of the Kansas City Star, dated July 27, the “U.S. Department of the Treasury increasingly is urging financial institutions to collect as much information on customers as possible.” As a consequence, banks are asking intrusive and arguably unconstitutional questions of their customers, combined with the threat of freezing or even closing the accounts if those questions are not being answered. According to an article of The Guardian, dated July 19, “an alignment exists between government and financial institutions” with the goal of creating a “cashless society,” thereby adopting the Marxist philosophy of “total governmental control” (Bild Online, July 30). What do these developments mean for you, in the light of biblical prophecy?
“Die Hochzeit des Lammes mit seiner Braut,” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “The Wedding of the Lamb with His Bride.”
“Caught in the Truth,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Robb Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:
It is easy to slide into worldly standards when it comes to the truth. It’s even easier to create your own truth and try to live by it. This is because Satan rules this world today. His influence has turned God’s Truth into a lie and many follow after his deception. We must be found always in the truth if we hope to please God.
“Fight Deception!” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:
If you have studied the New Testament, you know that things seemed to unravel in Christianity as the decades passed. Deception overwhelmed many. We face the same battle—just as Jesus warned! Knowing that even greater deception lies ahead, what are Christians supposed to do?
Here are the dates for the 2018 Fall Holy Days:
Feast of Trumpets—September 10
Day of Atonement—September 19
Feast of Tabernacles—September 24-30
Last Great Day—October 1
Fight Deception!
If you have studied the New Testament, you know that things seemed to unravel in Christianity as the decades passed. Deception overwhelmed many. We face the same battle—just as Jesus warned! Knowing that even greater deception lies ahead, what are Christians supposed to do?
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
Here are the dates for the 2018 Fall Holy Days:
Feast of Trumpets—September 10
Day of Atonement—September 19
Feast of Tabernacles—September 24-30
Last Great Day—October 1
“Ancient and Modern Beliefs in the Third Temple,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
A German Christian map from the 15th century was recently presented to the public by the National Library of Israel, picturing what appears to be the building of the Third Temple in Jerusalem with Christian involvement. This year’s celebration of the Jewish festival of Tisha B’Av, commemorating the destruction of the two Holy Temples, prompted a strong reaction of the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, asking for foreign powers to intervene. This program will show you how all of this is related and points at events prophesied in the Bible, and why they indicate the soon-coming return of Christ to establish God’s Government on earth.
“Kann man die Wiederkunft Christi anhand der Zahlen in Offenbarung und Daniel berechnen?” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Can One Calculate the Return of Christ in Light of the Numbers in Revelation and Daniel?”
“Preparation and Consistency,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is a summary:
We have to continually prepare in our lives, both in the physical and in the spiritual realms. Our preparation will determine our outcome in both. But it is not enough to just decide to prepare, we must have an outcome, a desire or a goal that we are fixated on and consistently driving towards. It is not enough to just casually want it. Rather it must become our purpose, our driving goal and desire, anything less does us and others around us a disservice.
“The Two Witnesses and Christ’s Return,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Who are the two witnesses? When will they begin and when will they end their work of preaching the gospel and proclaiming the last warning message? What will happen during their activity? When will Christ return? Could our life have any influence on the time of His Second Coming, by either delaying or accelerating it?
Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock
compiled by Dave Harris
“Could America Be Attacked Soon?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
Preposterous? Unimaginable? Don’t dismiss this possibility out of hand, because the BIBLE tells you that it IS going to happen! Recent events give unmistakable signs for those who understand God’s Holy Word. Will you ignore them or even scoff at them, at your own peril? Will you belong to those who will be caught unawares, when the day of destruction overtakes the USA and other countries like a thief in the night?
“Die zwei Zeugen und Christi Wiederkehr,” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “The two Witnesses and Christ’s Return.”
“Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians,” is the title of a new Global Trailer, presented by Pastor Brian Gale. Here is a summary:
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the most comprehensive letters written by Paul to explain to us the nature of God and God’s great plan and purpose for His creation, especially the future of mankind. Sadly, it has been greatly misunderstood by almost everyone who reads it.
“Truth or Legend?” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Michael Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:
How do we know that the Bible is true and that the many stories within this book are in fact the truth? Is there proof? Do we believe the Bible and how can we truly understand it?
“The Prophet Elijah in the Past, the Present and the Future, Part 2,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:
Why did Elijah ask for fire from heaven to consume the soldiers of King Ahaziah? How are we to understand Elijah’s ascension to heaven? What connection exists between Elijah and John the Baptist? What is the explanation for Christ’s transfiguration on the mount when He spoke to Moses and Elijah who appeared in glory? Finally, what do biblical passages mean to tell us about the coming of Elijah just prior to Christ’s return?
Too Much of a Good Thing?
We wouldn’t say we have too much love for God or our neighbor, nor say that we are way too zealous in serving God or that our faith is far too strong. In fact, we would all very likely admit to wanting much more of such good things as these.
Nevertheless, some good things might actually be too much if we aren’t careful!
There is a deeply profound lesson for all of us in the example of the young man who had great wealth and who asked Jesus what good thing he should do to have eternal life (compare Matthew 19:16-22). What Jesus told him required an abrupt reshaping of his life—and he was unwilling to go that far. Riches and the lack of commitment stood in his way to eternal life.
When the children of Israel were about to enter the land which God had promised, they were sternly cautioned to beware when abundant blessings came to them (compare Deuteronomy 8). Here is God’s warning:
“‘Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the LORD your God, and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish. As the nations which the LORD destroys before you, so you shall perish, because you would not be obedient to the voice of the LORD your God’” (Deuteronomy 8:19-20).
We must be very careful to not suffer the same kind of fate. We live in a time of remarkable and unparalleled abundance—so much so, we might get caught up in pursuing things that will not last. Things which are not eternal! Most of us don’t have great wealth, but we can become self-satisfied with our circumstances and lose our true focus. Jesus left this message for us—for those who understand the gospel of the Kingdom of God:
“‘Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful’” (Matthew 13:22).
My title is a phrase we have probably all heard. We get its meaning by experience. We know that too much dessert, for example, is just too much of a good thing (compare also Proverbs 25:16; 25:27). It takes understanding to balance the use of things. And so it is when it comes to our daily living as Christians in this world.
There is, however, something which lies ahead which will never be too much of a good thing, and that is eternal life in the Kingdom of God.