There are individuals found in end-time prophecies of the Bible who have been identified long before their actual appearance. Entities, both spiritual and physical, will soon emerge in the affairs of this world. We must be watching and ready!
compiled by Dave Harris
“Scandal! How Our Government Wastes Our Money!” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:
First, we experienced a chaotic week on Capitol Hill with ridiculous proposals, resulting in a stopgap funding bill to avoid a shutdown. Then, we were informed about the unbelievable waste of American taxpayers’ money in 2024 for useless and godless projects while the US national debt is steadily climbing. This program lists some examples of “frivolous government spending” while many, also in light of heavy taxes, are struggling to make ends meet.
“Terror in Magdeburg und Deutschlands Zukunft,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Terror in Magdeburg and Germany’s Future.”
A new Member Letter (December 2024) is now posted, and copies have been sent to those on our mailing list (available on request). Dave Harris writes about the prophesied persecution for Christians which lies ahead and for our need to watch and be ready.
“Middle Eastern and African Nations in Bible Prophecy,” has been translated into German (“Die Nationen des Nahen Ostens und Afrikas in der biblischen Prophezeiung”) and sent to graphic designer Shelly Bruno in preparation for printing.
“Totensonntag ein Gedenken im Sinne Gottes?” last Sabbath’s German sermonette presented by Jens Herrmann, is now posted. Title in English: “Sunday of the Dead – A Commemoration in the Spirit of God?”
“The Foundation of Faith,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is the summary:
The Bible describes people as having little faith in God and even great faith in God. WHY is that so? What is the variable?
“Understanding and Overcoming Shame,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is the summary:
Shame describes an emotional state of feeling bad about one’s self. It’s uncomfortable, unpleasant, and can incur lasting damage if left unattended. How are we supposed to understand feelings of shame and the purpose that God intends for those feelings to have? What can we do to move beyond feelings of shame so that we can grow in the way that God expects?
The Bible describes people as having little faith in God and even great faith in God. WHY is that so? What is the variable?
We have published a booklet which deals with the origin and practices of the holiday known as Christmas (“Don’t Keep Christmas”). Secular history also fully documents the many aspects of worship associated with Christmas observance, and one of the most widespread traditions involves that of Christmas trees.
The use of an evergreen tree for religious observance was founded in pagan worship practices. Its origin far predates Christianity. From history.com, “History of Christmas Trees,” we find these comments:
“Long before the advent of Christianity, plants and trees that remained green all year had a special meaning for people in the winter. Just as people today decorate their homes during the festive season with pine, spruce, and fir trees, many ancient peoples hung evergreen boughs over their doors and windows. In many countries it was believed that evergreens would keep away witches, ghosts, evil spirits, and illness…
“Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition—as we now know it—by the 16th century when sources record devout Christians bringing decorated trees into their homes. Some built Christmas pyramids of wood and decorated them with evergreens and candles if wood was scarce…
“Most 19th-century Americans found Christmas trees an oddity. The first records of Christmas trees being cut for display comes from the 1820s in Pennsylvania’s German community, although trees may have been a tradition there even earlier. As early as 1747, Moravian Germans in Pennsylvania had a community tree in the form of a wooden pyramid decorated with candles. But, as late as the 1840s, Christmas trees were seen as pagan symbols and not accepted by most Americans…
“It is not surprising that, like many other festive Christmas customs, the tree was adopted so late in America. New England’s first Puritan leaders viewed Christmas celebrations as unholy. The [pilgrims’] second governor, William Bradford, wrote that he tried hard to stamp out ‘pagan mockery’ of the observance, penalizing any frivolity…
“In 1659, the General Court of Massachusetts enacted a law making any observance of December 25 a penal offense; people were fined for hanging decorations. That stern solemnity continued until the influx of German and Irish immigrants in the 19th century undermined the Puritan legacy.”
In our booklet, “Don’t Keep Christmas,” we say on pages 23-24:
“Let’s also notice [Jeremiah] 10:2-5: ‘Thus says the Lord: ‘Do not learn the way [Note in the Lamsa Bible: “Religion”] of the Gentiles; do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, for the Gentiles are dismayed at them. For the customs of the peoples are futile; for one cuts a tree from the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the ax. They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with nails and hammers so that it will not topple. They are upright, like a palm tree, and they cannot speak; they must be carried, because they cannot go themselves. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, nor can they do any good.’
“Here we find a description of the Christmas tree. Some have said, however, that [Jeremiah] 10 only talks about a wooden idol that was carved out of a tree, but that it does not refer to decorating a Christmas tree per se. Remember, though, that the pagans believed that their gods ‑ Attis, Osiris, Dionysus ‑ lived as tree spirits in pine trees. They believed that their gods actually changed into those trees, and they carried these sacred trees to a certain place of worship, decorated them, and adored them as deities.”
Most of the world’s claimants to Christianity now fully embrace the many aspects of “keeping Christmas”—including bringing an evergreen tree or its symbolic equivalent into their homes and businesses in the time leading up to December 25th.
Even governments celebrate the selection and decoration of Christmas trees with great public ceremonies, such as tree lighting and gift-giving. Perhaps no other country has so fully adopted this practice as the United States. Now, many non-Christian people embrace Christmas—especially, its frivolity and commercialism.
Catholicism, representing the largest number of adherents to modern Christianity, is the source for the term Christmas, literally meaning, “mass on Christ’s day” (compare britannnica.com).
The Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization founded by an American Catholic priest in 1882, is very active in perpetuating Christmas observance internationally. Note the mission statement concerning their program, “Keep Christ in Christmas”:
“Promote the true spirit of Christmas in homes, schools, parishes and communities. Councils will evangelize society through their faithful acts, celebrations and a variety of activities.
“The Knights of Columbus offers multiple activities that promote Christmas and the season of Advent in their proper context: Journey to the Inn, Spread the Light of Christ, Crèche or Advent Wreath Blessing, and the Christmas Poster Contest. These programs are centered on the example of the Holy Family and the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
“The Keep Christ in Christmas (KCIC) Program brings all KCIC activities together under one umbrella. It encourages councils to prompt their neighbors to shift from a preoccupation with materialism to the light of Christ and the spirit of giving. KCIC activities include whatever efforts best suit the parish and community of a particular council and do not need to originate from the Supreme Council.”
Countless other organizations, both secular and religious, actively support the many aspects of Christmas observance. However, ask someone WHY they observe Christmas or WHY they have a Christmas tree, and the answer centers on emotional aspects such as family time, the “spirit of giving,” or many other self-professed reasons.
Exactly how Jesus Christ fits into all of this, what the relevance of a fir tree is, or whether the commemoration of December 25th finds support in the Word of God concerning what Christians believe and practice, does not pass the test of what is TRUTH!
In fact, God condemns this kind of false worship, and every aspect of Christmas observance is founded on deceptive lies! We have already noted the explicit warning from God in Jeremiah, chapter 10, concerning the use of a tree as idol worship. Note what God states about man-made religious practices:
“‘I hate, I despise your feast days, And I do not savor your sacred assemblies. Though you offer Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them, Nor will I regard your fattened peace offerings. Take away from Me the noise of your songs, For I will not hear the melody of your stringed instruments. But let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream’” (Amos 5:21-24).
One must seriously consider whether the observance of Christmas and the use of all the associated paraphernalia, such as a Christmas tree, as well as the common decoration of houses and Christmas-related “things” or “kitsch” in front yards is something God hates and despises! We realize, of course, that we cannot escape what is going on around us. We can hardly enter a building this time of year where there is no Christmas tree (or, in many cases, a cross for that matter), or, when we enter a shop, never-ending silly Christmas songs (“Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer”) are being played. What we are addressing here is our individual participation in those activities, including decorating or assisting in decorating a Christmas tree.
Do you call yourself a Christian? You can test yourself for proof by comparing your religious practices with what God commands. For instance, do you keep God’s commandment to observe the Sabbath day (Exodus 20:8-11), the seventh day of the week (Genesis 2:2-3), or do you observe Sunday, the first day of the week? Do you keep God’s commanded Holy Days (Leviticus 23), or do you participate in New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Easter and Halloween? Do you falsely worship God through the idolatry of passed-down customs and practices, such as Christmas and the placing of a tree to adorn your home, or do you obey the commandment of God to not do these demonic inspired activities?
Christmas celebrations completely smother society in much of the world. Media, whether in print, in movies, or over the Internet, endlessly promotes “Christmas time.” “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” suddenly becomes the accepted form of greeting as December 25th draws near. But this activity does not bring people closer to God the Father or His Son, Jesus Christ! Rather, this kind of blind worship is forbidden by God:
“And God spoke all these words, saying:‘I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments’” (Exodus 20:1-6).
God very specifically reveals HOW TO WORSHIP HIM. Celebrating Christmas with figurines representing Jesus and His family are an absolute abomination in God’s eyes! Yet, people have become so emotionally transfixed with all things pertaining to Christmas that most would not even consider rejecting the traditions of this holiday and instead investigate the Bible (and history) for the Truth!
The set up and use of Christmas trees in one’s home or business to pay tribute to Jesus Christ is false worship, and it is condemned by God. Then there’s the maddening flurry of purchasing and gift-giving, the drinking parties, the emotional Christmas family gatherings, the seasonal music, including the singing of Christmas carols—everything associated with Christmas observance is wrong in God’s eyes, and it is indeed sin!
As this world struggles to “Keep Christ in Christmas,” will you believe what the Bible reveals, that Christ has NEVER been in Christmas! Will you reject the worthless customs and traditions of Christmas and ask God to reveal His Truth to you? It can be found in the true good news Jesus Christ brought—the gospel of the Kingdom of God!
Lead Writer: Dave Harris
compiled by Dave Harris
“The DRONES! No Danger? Are You Kidding?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:
The many sightings of drones hovering over America and its military bases are no laughing matter, nor are these drones harmless. We are told that they don’t pose a danger to national security, but those assurances don’t ring true. Nor are opinions that they do not come from a foreign “enemy.” Reviewing the available evidence, what conclusions CAN we come to in regard to these drones? And what does this all mean?
“Die DROHNEN! Keine Gefahr? Sie scherzen wohl!” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.
We have posted our first Bible Story short video in German, “Die Schöpfung” (The Creation), on our German YouTube and Aufpostenstehen Website. Created by our members Evelyn Gerz and Andreas Rätz through AI technology, it is the start of a series. We plan to do the same in English shortly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2iE4AgYjKU
“Memorial for Margaret Adair,” was conducted on Sunday, December 15, 2024, and this service is now posted. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI81HalPidw
“Leben Sie mit Christus in himmlischen Regionen?” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Do You Live with Christ in Heavenly Places?”
“Es gibt ein Zu Spät,” last Sabbath’s German sermonette presented by Johann Schell, is now posted. Title in English: “There Is Such a Thing as Too Late.”
“Wir WERDEN gross sein!” last Sabbath’s German sermon presented by Michael Link, is now posted. Title in English: “We Will Be Great!”
“What Does God Require of Us?” is the title of last Sabbath’s first split sermon, presented by Paul Niehoff. Here is the summary:
God has a number of requirements for us to live by, which are stated in many places throughout the Bible. However, there is one verse that summarizes what these requirements are, and that is found in the book of Micah.
“A Sinless Human Life,” is the title of last Sabbath’s second split-sermon, presented by Frank Bruno. Here is the summary:
In this Split Sermon we will consider various scriptures that help us in our study of the sinless human life of Jesus Christ. We understand that Jesus lived a fully human life, yet did so without sinning. This enabled Him to take on the sins of the world and offer salvation for true Christians who believe in Him and obey the commandments of the Father.
compiled by Dave Harris
“Syria’s Terrible Future,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:
The civil war in Syria has never stopped. But most recent events stunned the world. What happened, why, and what is Syria’s future? Many celebrate most current developments, but their celebration might be terribly premature.
“Syriens schreckliche Zukunft,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This program covers the same topic as described above in English.
The memorial service for Margaret Adair will take place on Sunday, December 15, 2024. It will begin promptly at 12:45pm at Escondido Columbus Club Hall, 515 W. Valley Pkwy, Escondido CA 92025. Please contact Johanna.Link@cox.net if you want to attend.
“Die wahre Liebe,” last Sabbath’s first split-sermon in Germany was presented by Christoph Sperzel and is now posted. Title in English: “True Love.”
“Sei ein Tempel,” last Sabbath’s second split-sermon in Germany was presented by Thilo Hanstein and is now posted. Title in English: “Be a Temple.”
“Reading Right Over Things,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Brian Gale, is now posted. Here is the summary:
It is much more beneficial to our spiritual well-being if we read, think through, and understand the Scriptures we are reading which is obvious, but can be forgotten or neglected. In addition, using a number of assorted Bible aids we will really profit from greater understanding and all the effort will be very worthwhile.
“Salvation of the World,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:
Did Christ come to save this world? Or are we talking about a completely different world? Didn’t Christ call us out of this evil world? Is this world being judged today? And if not, when will this be the case? Could this be related to the resurrections? And why does the Bible speak of the resurrection of the just and of the unjust, as well as the resurrection to everlasting life, to judgment and to everlasting contempt or condemnation?
compiled by Dave Harris
“What Jesus REALLY Looked Like,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:
A non-religious publication wrote in a recent article that “experts say that every image you’ve seen of Jesus is almost certainly inaccurate.” It then explains what Jesus did look like—something which the Church of God has been teaching for almost a century. In this program, we quote from the article and make additional comments, and we offer in a short video at the end of this program a free booklet on the Jesus of the Bible. We also point out that, apart from the question as to what Jesus looked like, the important question arises as to how He lived while here on earth, what He stood for, and what He taught.
“Wie Jesus WIRKLICH aussah,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same material as described above.
The memorial service for Margaret Adair will take place on Sunday, December 15, 2024. It will begin promptly at 12:45pm at Escondido Columbus Club Hall, 515 W. Valley Pkwy, Escondido CA 92025. Please contact Johanna.Link@cox.net if you want to attend.
A Tech Meeting was conducted on December 1, 2024. Hosted by Eric Rank, we reviewed booklet ad campaigns which are ongoing in English and German. 2025 Feast plans were discussed and new advertising sources were presented.
We have created a new WhatsApp channel that you can subscribe to receive information and publications from our church. Click on the link to follow us on WhatsApp.
“Ist man als wahrer Christ einsam?”, last Sabbath’s German sermonette presented by Patrick Flück, is now posted. Title in English: “Are You Lonely as A True Christian?”
“Walk the Talk,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted.
“We WILL Be Great,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Michael Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:
What must we do in this life to become something that this world can’t even comprehend? God has given us a gift of understanding and all the tools necessary to be what He wants us to be. What is our role and what will it take to fulfill His plan for us?
compiled by Dave Harris
The memorial service for Margaret Adair will take place on Sunday, December 15, 2024. It will begin promptly at 12:45pm at Escondido Columbus Club Hall, 515 W. Valley Pkwy, Escondido CA 92025. Please contact Johanna.Link@cox.net if you want to attend.
“Jesus Christus—unser alleiniger Heiland,” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Jesus Christ—Our Only Savior.”
“Die Hoffnung in uns,” last Sabbath’s first split-sermon presented by Robert Muhr, is now posted. Title in English: “The Hope Within Us.”
“Wach endlich auf, Juda!” last Sabbath’s second split-sermon presented by Marc Völler, is now posted. Title in English: “Finally Wake Up, Judah!”
“Without Deceit,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Paul Niehoff, is now posted. Here is the summary:
God has given us instructions to remove deceit from our lives reminding us that that is a characteristic of Satan. Jesus Christ praised Nathanael for being without deceit and the one- hundred and forty-four thousand in the book of Revelation are also described as being without deceit. Only those without deceit can be trusted to live God’s way forever.
“Jesus Christ—Our Savior,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:
The Bible tells us that we can ONLY be saved through Jesus Christ; that there is no salvation in any other. This means that we CANNOT be saved through any other means or name or religion. But in order to be saved, we must believe and follow the true Jesus Christ of the Bible. A belief in a false Jesus will not save us. What does this mean exactly? What must we believe, and what must we reject?
How do we become stronger and stronger in faith? Certainly, we must; but even having faith in our time seems outside our control. We can read about others in the pages of the Bible who were noted for having great faith, but can we also attain that key attribute?
We are challenged by a very crucial requirement as we follow Jesus Christ: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
We see then, first, that we must believe that God is real! That takes faith, because we can’t see Him, for He is a spirit (John 4:24). Yet, we do learn about God through His written Word and the Creation He has made—things we can see and understand. Since that is true, then can we learn more about Him and be strengthened in our faith?
Second, to strengthen our faith as Christians—begotten children of God—we have access to God the Father through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). We can have our prayers answered and, when that happens, our faith can grow. In every aspect of our life, we can seek to walk in righteousness before God, which simply means obeying Him. The more we become obedient sons and daughters of our Father in heaven, the more we will grow in faith.
God has all the answers to anything we could possibly imagine or ever need! Have we grown in faith to the extent that we believe this? Do we truly face all our challenges based on this kind of resolute and unshakeable faith?
Being called by God in this life should allow us to reflect and consider the many times when our faith has been tested. When we fellowship as members of the body of Christ (the Church of God), we share our stories of faith with others. We should also be able to see personal growth and how, with the power of God’s Holy Spirit, we are being strengthened in faith.
Having the kind of faith that will please God is, indeed, the hard work of salvation! Let’s remember that we aren’t alone when it all seems too great a challenge to have faith for the moment. Consider the example of a father who sought to have his son healed. Jesus said, “‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes’” (Mark 9:23).
I think the father’s response hits home for all of us: “‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief’” (Mark 9:24).
He did find the help he needed, as Jesus did help and healed his son. We, too, can be strengthened in faith by God. In matters small or great, ask for God’s help—fully trusting that He will!
compiled by Dave Harris
A memorial service for Margaret Adair will be held on Sunday, December 15. The exact time and location will be announced soon. If you are interested in attending, please contact Johanna.Link@cox.net.
“So Close to World War III,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:
Nuclear World War III is coming, but not in the way most suspect. Still, the terrible recent developments involving the war between Russia and Ukraine – and the conduct of Western nations, including the USA and Britain – have brought the “spectre of a nuclear holocaust ever closer” (Daily Mail, November 19). And what can we say about “Biden’s Missile Crisis?,” as Democratic author Dennis J. Kucinich described it?
“Dem Dritten Weltkrieg sehr nahe!” 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 has been written by Michael Link and will be posted and sent out soon. The letter includes reports on the Feast sites in 2024 in the USA and Germany and encourages all of us to grow in faith and to rely on God in everything.
“Die letzten Worte Jesu am Kreuz,” last Sabbath’s German sermonette by Tahir Coban, is now posted. Title in English: “The Last Words of Jesus on the Cross.”
“A Mind to Work,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is the summary:
Even when facing opposition, we can be confident that God’s work is worth doing. In the story of Nehemiah, the Jews rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem facing ridicule and adversity. Through their perseverance, dedication, and unwavering focus, they succeeded. What can we learn from their example that can help us succeed in our endeavors?
“Why Are There Preachers?” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is the summary:
Are preachers chosen by God, or can just anyone—man, woman or child—decide on their own to preach? Do preachers have a specific message to proclaim, and does God give extra power to His preachers? Also, will those who preach be held accountable for what they teach? Do Christians really need preachers?
