Update 1141

On January 11, 2025, Norbert Link will present “Comments on News and Prophecy, January 11, 2025,” and the sermon, titled, “Does the Bible Condemn Animal Cruelty?”

The live services are available, over video and audio, at http://eternalgod.org/live-services/ (12:30 pm Pacific Time; 1:30 pm Mountain Time; 2:30 pm Central Time; 3:30 pm Eastern Time; 8:30 pm Greenwich Mean Time; 9:30 pm Central European Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

Very bad conditions prevail throughout the world. Apart from the incompetence of all politicians, the tax madness and the wars in this world, there is a very specific matter that makes me so upset that anger and a deep sadness over these barbaric acts of humanity towards animals arise in me.

Recently, our Current Events, published on December 27, 2024 (Update 1139), featured a heartbreaking article about Bua Noi, a gorilla in Thailand. I was so devastated by it that I had to cry.

The Sun wrote on December 20:

“[Thailand’s only gorilla] Bua Noi has lived behind bars in [Bangkok] Thailand for most of her life… The gorilla has been caged up [for more than three decades] in the widely criticised Pata Zoo which is located on the sixth and seventh floor above a [desolate and decaying city center shopping mall]. This allows passers-by and shoppers to gaze in at the unloved mammal who is unable to ever leave… A damning report back in 2019 detailed how Bua had been pulling out her hair and anxiously rolling around in her isolated cage. Footage also shows the lonely gorilla looking visibly depressed and staring through the bars of her old cage.”

This is brute force for no reason! This is animal abuse that causes a lot of suffering!

Animal welfare organizations like PETA have desperately tried to free the gorilla in Thailand from this disgusting facility; unfortunately so far without success, because the “owner” only wants to release the gorilla for a horrendous amount of money. I cannot understand how a person owning such a disgusting enclosure can be so heartless to this gorilla, as well as to many other beautiful creatures of God.

The German Animal Protection Act requires us to protect the “life and well-being” of animals: “No one may inflict pain, suffering or harm on an animal without reasonable cause,” Section 1, Principle). Anyone who keeps an animal must, according to this law, ensure that it is fed, cared for and housed in a manner appropriate to the needs of its species (Section 2; 2a). Unfortunately, this does not happen very often in this world, including in Germany.

Animals may have instincts and are unable to reason to the same extent, as God has endowed this quality on humans, but they do have feelings, they have empathy, and they can express their joy beyond measure. A dog, for example, is a friend of humans and can be a true protector. It can also give people joy and make them laugh. And of course, many other animals can do that too.

In our Current Events, published on October 29, 2021 (Update 994), we also read: “Fauci is under fire for allegedly funding experiments where beagle puppies were locked in cages with hungry sandflies that would eat them alive…

“The organization claims that as many as 44 beagle puppies were used as part of the cruel experiment in a Tunisia laboratory. Some of the dogs allegedly had their vocal cords removed to muzzle their barking. ‘Our investigators show that Fauci’s NIH division shipped part of a $375,800 grant to a lab in Tunisia…”

And in the issue of our Current Events, dated February 11, 2022 (Update 1009), we published an article from Life News dated February 4 that stated: “Recently, the University of Pittsburgh continued to defend its gruesome experiments involving implanting aborted babies’ scalps onto rodents and other research with aborted baby body parts…”

There are many more articles about animal abuse in this cruel world. To put it mildly, what is being done to animals is very bad, and we can consider ourselves “lucky”, that there are many animal welfare organizations that take care of these creatures of God, some of them on a voluntary basis. Animals are creatures of God that should be treated with love and respect.

In Genesis 1:20-25 we read: “Then God said, ‘Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.’ So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.’ So the evening and the morning were the fifth day. Then God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind’; and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.”

God saw that everything He had created was good. We would even argue that everything He has created is perfect. Yet humanity cannot comprehend this wonderful creation because Satan the devil, that serpent of old who is the adversary, has brought the entire world under his evil spell and bewitched it. But God sees everything that is happening on this earth, whether it is good or evil!

David already had this knowledge and wrote it down in Psalm 14:2-3: “The LORD looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God. They have all turned aside, They have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, No, not one.”

In Psalm 11:4-6 we read: “The LORD is in His holy temple, The LORD’s throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men. The LORD tests the righteous, But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates. Upon the wicked He will rain coals; Fire and brimstone and a burning wind Shall be the portion of their cup.”

That will be their just reward when Christ returns to this earth, for all these and many more terrible deeds that mankind has done.

Revelation 11:18 shows the following: “The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead [better: the living], that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth.”

Let’s take a look into the future, at what awaits us with Christ in the Millennium and beyond– a world full of peace, with humans unified in peace with the animals, which are to be treated with care and mindfulness, as God intended from the beginning. And let’s look at what the Bible, God’s Word, prophesies for the animals in the future:

“The cow and the bear shall graze; Their young ones shall lie down together; And the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole, And the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:7-9).

“The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, The lion shall eat straw like the ox, And dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,’ Says the LORD” (Isaiah 65:25).

These are firm promises from God for our future, which we proclaim today! The Church of the Eternal God in the USA, the Kirche des Ewigen Gottes in Germany and all their affiliated organizations around the world proclaim exactly this Kingdom of Peace that will be established over the entire earth in the near future. Let us see what Isaiah has written for us today, in Isaiah 52:7-8: “How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’ Your watchmen shall lift up their voices, With their voices they shall sing together; For they shall see eye to eye When the LORD [Christ] brings back Zion [Jerusalem].”

That is exactly what we are doing today. Day by day, week by week, month by month and year by year, we are relentlessly working to make people aware of the desperate state the world is in and why—because man continually breaks God’s law. It is time to wake up and escape the trance of darkness in order to open oneself to God!

Let us all continue to fulfill our duties to become worthy so that when Christ comes, He can say to us: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:23).

Initial translation from the German: Daniel Blasinger

by Norbert Link

We begin with an incredible revival of useless face masks and report on the terror attack in Las Vegas (see our recent StandingWatch program, “Who Was Behind the Terror Attacks in Germany, New Orleans and Las Vegas?”), as well as the resurgence of the Islamic State (IS) and New Jersey’s ongoing mystery drone frenzy (see our recent StandingWatch program, “The DRONES! No Danger? Are You Kidding?”).

We speak on Biden’s “departing gift” in devaluing once prestigious medals and awards and his moratorium on drilling; devastating wildfires in Los Angeles; and address Trump’s intention to sanction the International Criminal Court (ICC) and to demand NATO member-states to spend 5 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) annually on defense if they want U.S. support. We point out Trump’s statements regarding Canada (after Trudeau’s resignation) as well as Panama and Greenland; and we report on a controversial and possibly unconstitutional law in Florida banning children under the age of 14 from using social media and requiring parental permission for 14- and 15-year-olds to do so.

We address the collapse of the government in Austria which mirrors the collapse of the German government, and focus on Sebastian Kurz and Herbert Kickl.

We publish several articles about the hypocrisy of certain German politicians, while the relationship between the USA and Germany becomes more and more strained, and we conclude with an article about “dangerous” Jens Spahn.

Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “The Hypocrisy of German Politicians and the Media.”

Throughout this section, we have underlined pertinent statements in the quoted articles, for the convenience and quick overview of the reader.

Face Mask Mandates Return!!!!

The Daily Mail wrote on January 2:

“The surge in infections is prompting a return of mask mandates in some states, with a hospital system in Wisconsin this week becoming the latest to reinstate them. Hospitals in parts of California, Illinois, Indiana, and New Jersey have also brought back the rules for staff and visitors. Officials in New York City are urging people to consider wearing a face mask on public transport…

“The unusual surge in norovirus cases may in part be linked to an outbreak in Los Angeles, with at least 80 people sickened after eating raw oysters tainted with norovirus at a restaurant…”

When you thought the nonsense of ineffective face masks had passed…

The Terror Attack in Las Vegas

The Daily Mail wrote on January 2:

“Donald Trump has broken his silence on the Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside his Las Vegas hotel…  He wrote in a post: ‘Our Country is a disaster, a laughing stock all over the World! This is what happens when you have OPEN BORDERS, with weak, ineffective, and virtually nonexistent leadership. 

“‘The DOJ, FBI, and Democrat state and local prosecutors have not done their job. They are incompetent and corrupt, having spent all of their waking hours unlawfully attacking their political opponent, ME, rather than focusing on protecting Americans from the outside and inside violent SCUM that has infiltrated all aspects of our government, and our Nation itself. ‘Democrats should be ashamed of themselves for allowing this to happen to our Country… The USA is breaking down – A violent erosion of Safety, National Security, and Democracy is taking place all across our Nation.’”

If the DOJ, FBI, and Democrat state and local prosecutors are incompetent and corrupt, as Trump says, how COULD we even think for a moment that their investigation and conclusions are in any way reliable and trustworthy?

Everything Is Strange About Trump Hotel Bomber

Report 24 wrote on January 3:

“The story presented to the public about the bombing of the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas could not be stranger or more unbelievable. The 37-year-old military specialist from the Green Berets (Special Operations Command, 10th Special Forces Group), Matthew Livelsberger, drove the vehicle in front of the hotel on January 1, 2025. There he killed himself with a shot in the head, after which the Cybertruck’s cargo – fireworks and gasoline – exploded… Of all people, such a professional is said to have planned and carried out such a botched attack? And he is said to have killed himself with a shot in the head before he even knew whether his attack was successful?…

“… the alleged perpetrator’s uncle, Dean Livelsberger… told The Independent that Matthew’s skills could have reduced the entire hotel to rubble if he had wanted to…

“Three attackers in recent months have an intense relationship with a US Army base, the Fort Bragg Army Military Base. New Orleans mass murderer Shamsud Din Jabbar, who carried out his terror spree on the same day, served at the same facility. And Ryan Routh, who waited in the bushes at the next US President Trump’s golf club with a rifle in his hand in order to assassinate him, is said to have visited this same military base a hundred times. Is it all coincidences?

“Another coincidence is that the New Orleans murder vehicle was rented from the same company as the Cybertruck used in the Las Vegas attack – via the Turo app…

“But how does it fit into the picture that Livelsberger… carried several forms of identification (passport, military ID, credit cards) with him when he committed the crime? Was he planning a stay abroad?… The sources for the clear identification of the dead man in the Cybertruck are unclear. Some sources claim that DNA identification has already been carried out… Many point out that it is extremely strange that the man was burned and charred beyond recognition – to the extent that even his teeth could not be used for identification – but his ID cards survived the inferno of the battery fire….

“The suspected Cybertruck bomber is said to have sent an email on December 31, 2024… in which he claimed that he had been being followed by the FBI or Homeland Security for a week…. Livelsberger further claimed that he had collected material about war crimes committed by US authorities in Afghanistan in 2019. He claimed that he had been involved in targeting for these military strikes; that hundreds of civilians had been killed in one day; that the US government covered up these actions; and that he himself had been involved in the cover-up.”

The Resurgence of IS

The Guardian wrote on January 4:

“The (IS) threat on the US homeland has caused renewed concern… In a rare public acknowledgment, the CIA director, Bill Burns, recently described IS as ‘resurgent’, a description now underscored by political chaos in Syria.

“Since the summer, IS propaganda has steadily called for American targets to be ‘next’… On Rocket.Chat, the chosen encrypted communications platform of IS… one user left a YouTube link on carjacking with the message: ‘For the brothers interested in stealing a car and using it in the next attacks.’… In 2024 alone, at least five plots linked to [Is]– both inspired and directed – have been thwarted within the United States… Manuals and social media posts emanating from IS or its predecessor organization, al-Qaida, have long advised the use of car ramming attacks…

“As far back as 2010, an al-Qaida magazine called on followers to use trucks…  It is unclear if Jabbar was a bona fide IS operative or merely a follower who engaged with the terror group’s vast online archive… Now US law enforcement and intelligence officials face the difficult task of wading through the potential onslaught of copycats or would-be IS supporters who might try to replicate the same type of operation…”

The Mystery Drone Frenzy Continues

The Associated Press wrote on January 3:

“The mystery drone frenzy that seemed to have faded over the holidays may come back with a bang after the New Jersey phenomenon was linked to the Tesla Cybertruck blast at the Trump hotel in Las Vegas. In a Dec. 31 email that the FBI believes was likely written by the Army soldier who died in the Jan. 1 explosion, Matthew Livelsberger, 37, says the drones in New Jersey were being operated by China… He says ‘China has been launching them from the Atlantic from submarines for years, but this activity recently has picked up.’..

“The development from Las Vegas comes as the FAA expands drone restrictions over New Jersey. The FAA added 34 locations to its Temporary Flight Restrictions list on Dec. 24 and Dec. 30 for ‘special security reasons.’ The list now has 57 locations… The FBI, which is leading the investigation into the drone sightings, had no comment…

“The additions are of concern to former Pequannock Mayor Ryan Herd who ended 8 years in office on New Year’s Day. The Republican said he believes that interest in drones has ebbed as the public’s attention turned to the holidays and the terrorist incidents in New Orleans and Las Vegas… ‘I think we’ve come a little accustomed to it, so people are seeing it, but they’re not reporting it. Or that’s why they’re not reporting it because it’s kind of a nightly occurrence,’ Herd said…”

The Shocking Story of the Chinese Spy Balloon

National Post wrote on January 6:

“Photographs of the balloon… soon were buzzing around the world. After four days of silence, their images had prompted U.S. military officials to divulge the shocking truth — what those pilots and photographers had spotted was a Chinese surveillance balloon… And it was now floating across some of the most militarily sensitive sites in America — nuclear-missile silos that would be among an enemy’s earliest targets should atomic war ever break out.

“The spy balloon’s slow traverse over Alaska, Western Canada and the continental United States, ending when it was shot down off the coast of South Carolina, riveted the world, sparked heated political debate and touched off a diplomatic uproar… It was quickly followed by the appearance of three more unidentified flying objects over Canada and the United States. That led to the first ever shoot-down by American fighter jets in Canadian airspace, after this country’s aging CF-18 fighters were grounded by freezing rain…

“Questions about why the Chinese balloon was not taken out sooner, or its presence made public earlier, persist… American intelligence agencies warned… in August 2022 that China had in place a program of high-altitude surveillance craft and was deploying the airships around the globe… Later news reports, quoting unnamed American government sources, suggest it had been tracked all the way from the balloon’s launch in Hainan Island, China…

“The balloon’s slow passage over Montana brought it close to Malmstrom Air Force Base and its array of silos, which harbour a major chunk of America’s arsenal of intercontinental ballistic missiles. China admitted it owned the balloon, but insisted it was an errant weather station. No one was convinced…

“U.S. authorities have been largely silent about what was learned from the debris that Navy units picked up in the following hours and days…

“Meanwhile, American jets had earlier destroyed a second balloon over Alaska and dispatched a third above Lake Huron on Feb. 12 near the border between Michigan and Ontario. The RCMP led a search for debris in the mountainous region where the Yukon floater went down, but called it off a week later, the terrain and weather making finding fragments all but impossible…”

Biden’s Departure Gift

Fox News wrote on January 5:

“If President Biden’s goal is to anger as many Americans as possible as he shuffles his way out the door, he’s absolutely exceeding these dubious expectations. Exhibit A is Biden’s (or whoever is running the White House in these waning days) decision to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to election denier Hillary Clinton and George Soros, who has done more damage to the United States as a private citizen for many years than arguably anyone in the country…

“[This] comes not long after Biden gave a blanket pardon to his son, Hunter, after repeatedly promising not to do so. And after he awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal to Liz Cheney and… Bennie Thompson… for their work on the Jan. 6 Committee that barred cross-examination of any handpicked ‘witnesses.’ And for this part, in 2004, Thompson voted against the certification of the 2004 presidential election won by George W. Bush…

“Biden will exit as the most unpopular president we’ve seen in decades. And on his way to the exit, he’s devaluing once-special awards like the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the point they’re as worthless as his word itself…”

Further Biden Sabotage

npr wrote on January 6:

“President Biden is using a decades-old law to block drilling for oil in more than 625 million acres of U.S. ocean — the largest region a president has ever protected using this authority. It’s a move designed to help cement his climate legacy, and one the incoming Trump administration is expected to challenge… the region includes the eastern Gulf of Mexico, where oil companies are interested in expanding when an existing moratorium expires. And all together, the huge swathes of ocean set aside in this move… include more than a third of the offshore U.S. oil and gas that is likely economical to extract…

“The oil industry has objected to the moratorium… Green groups, meanwhile, celebrated the announcement…

“Biden’s move has no expiration date. And courts have previously found that makes the move essentially permanent... Courts found that the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act allows a president to protect waters indefinitely, and doesn’t include any provision for removing that protection…”

Fox News wrote on January 6:

“President-elect Donald Trump said he plans to immediately reverse President Biden’s new ban on offshore drilling along most of the U.S. coastline, but he faces major roadblocks under a 70-year, irrevocable law. Throughout his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump vowed that, if elected, he would expand oil and gas drilling in an effort to bolster American-made energy. However, Biden issued an 11th-hour executive order Monday morning to forestall such actions exactly two weeks before his term ends, announcing a permanent stop to most new oil and gas drilling across U.S. coastal and offshore waters… Trump would need congressional approval to reverse Biden’s decision…

“Biden said that his decision stemmed from his efforts to curb climate change – one of dozens of moves from the Democratic president’s green energy agenda… Trump’s spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, also issued a statement criticizing Biden’s order. ‘This is a disgraceful decision designed to exact political revenge on the American people who gave President Trump a mandate to increase drilling and lower gas prices…’”

Biden’s motives (or of those who run this country) behind this move should be abundantly clear.

The Devastating LA Fires

Deutsche Welle wrote on January 8:

“The Palisades fire, considered the most destructive in Los Angeles’ modern history, is just one of the blazes around Los Angeles. The Eaton fire is raging in Altadena, north of the city, whereas the Hurst fire is near the northern Los Angeles suburb of Sylmar. A fourth fire broke out on Wednesday morning in the San Fernando Valley, known as the Woodley fire.  [There are additional fires burning.]

“Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone… said the fire departments around Los Angeles were not equipped for ‘for this type of disaster.’ ‘There are not enough firefighters in LA county to address four separate fires of this magnitude,’ he added.”

The Sun added:

“Gusty winds and dry conditions have allowed the four major fires – the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and Woodley fires – to spread across multiple cities and neighborhoods in Los Angeles County… The out-of-control flames were named the ‘most destructive in history’ as they continue to grow with 0% containment…

“The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said the Palisades Fire, which began on Monday, was sparked by a backyard fire before strong winds fanned embers to neighboring area.”

The Blame Game

The New York Post wrote on January 8:

“As Los Angeles firefighters faced down the most destructive blaze in the city’s history, they ran out of water… The water shortage was the result of years of mismanagement of LA’s water system — including a federal indictment of a leader and high profile resignations — as well as major operational problems that drained reserves too quickly…

“LA residents voiced their outrage over the conditions that allowed the fire… to rage out of control… Adding insult, Democratic Mayor Karen Bass was 7,400 miles away in Africa, and months earlier she had approved an $18 million cut to the fire department… A legacy of terrible fire management by the state of California and Gov. Gavin Newsom also hangs over the smoky skies of LA…

“The failure of LA’s water system comes after years of criticism from President-Elect Donald Trump and others that California’s leaders are not managing their water — or their fire risk properly.

“Trump pinned blame for the water shortage on Democratic Gov. Newsom — who derailed a 2020 Trump admin order redirecting water from the verdant north of the state to parched SoCal.

“Newsom’s excuse, a tiny endangered fish that has already been declared functionally extinct…”

The Sun added on January 8:

“Trump slammed California Governor Gavin Newsom’s policy decisions, which he said are responsible for the ‘apocalyptic’ burning in Los Angeles. ‘Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water, from excess rain and snow melt from the North, to flow daily into many parts of California, including areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way,’ Trump wrote on Truth Social…”

Trump Plans to Sanction the ICC

Israel Today wrote on January 5:

“President-elect Donald Trump plans to implement devastating sanctions against the International Criminal Court in The Hague immediately after taking office… These executive orders could be unveiled as soon as Jan. 21.

“The sanctions package will target both individual ICC personnel, including judges and prosecutors, and the institution as a whole. The administration intends to classify the ICC as an organization threatening US interests, employing designation procedures similar to those used by the State Department for terrorist organizations globally. This designation will trigger severe restrictions on anyone involved with the court’s operations.

“Financial institutions worldwide will be required to terminate relationships with ICC personnel or face US sanctions themselves. Mirroring actions taken against sanctioned Israeli citizens by the outgoing administration, ICC staff will find themselves unable to perform routine banking operations or use credit cards. Their financial activities will be effectively frozen, with exceptions only for essential needs such as food purchases. Furthermore, all US-based assets belonging to ICC employees and the institution will be frozen.”

Facebook Gives In

The Wall Street Journal wrote on January 7:

Meta is ending fact-checking and removing restrictions on speech across Facebook and Instagram, Zuckerberg said… Tuesday, a move he described as an attempt to restore free expression on its platforms.

Trump Demands 5% From Europe

The Hill wrote on December 26:

“Trump is signaling to NATO member-states that they must spend 5 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) annually on defense if they want U.S. support. That is a big ask. As of June 2024, of the 32 NATO countries, eight were still far short of the 2 percent of GDP threshold. Only Poland exceeds 4 percent.

“That may be sufficient in peacetime, but Russia and its Axis of Evil allies are knocking on the door. What’s more, the European continent is already engaged in an active hybrid war with Russia involving espionage, sabotage, cyber-attacks, assassinations and disinformation. Nor is it adequate for what is likely to come in the next decade. The Kremlin is rapidly preparing an even larger kinetic war against Europe…

“Moscow announced in September that it was raising defense spending by 25 percent in 2025, to 6.3 percent of its GDP. That is 1.5 times current U.S. defense spending as a share of GDP, and three times NATO’s present median.

“Russia is on a war footing, but many NATO countries remain in denial of what lies ahead… Canada… currently only spends 1,4 percent of its GDP on defense. Belgium, home to NATO’s headquarters, is even worse, spending only 1.1 percent.

“Consequently, Europe is vulnerable. That goes double if Russia, in its eventual war with NATO, weaponizes European civilians by intentionally attacking hospitals, energy grids, schools and historic cultural sites, as he has all across Ukraine…

“Brussels is estimating that NATO member-states are currently only ‘able to provide less than 5 percent of air defense capacities deemed necessary to protect its members in central and eastern Europe against a full-scale attack.’” 

Trudeau Resigns

Breitbart wrote on January 6:

“Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday as both prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. Trudeau said he will remain as caretaker PM until the Liberal Party selects its new leader…

“Trudeau has been leader of the Liberal Party since 2013 and became prime minister in 2015. He has been under growing pressure to resign after a string of Liberal election defeats, party scandals, and plummeting approval ratings…

“Many members of Trudeau’s own party agreed with the opposition that Trudeau was unsuited to the task of leading Canada in tough negotiations against Trump, who has threatened to increase tariffs against Canadian goods unless its border with America is brought under control.

“The final, fatal blow to Trudeau’s administration came when his deputy prime minister and finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, resigned on December 16. Freeland wrote a scathing letter of resignation that blasted Trudeau for irresponsible spending on ‘costly political gimmicks’ in the face of Trump’s tariff threats.

“Trudeau’s administration thus became the second Western government to collapse as a result of Trump’s election, the first being the leftist ‘Traffic Light Coalition’ government in Germany. Chancellor Olaf Scholz said within hours of the U.S. election results that Trump’s return was a factor in splintering Germany’s ruling coalition.”

The analysis in the last paragraph is clearly untrue. Germany’s incompetent government had been in shambles for months, if not years.

Canada –the 51st State of the USA—Just a Joke?

The New York Post wrote on January 6:

“President-elect Donald Trump fired off more taunts at Canada’s government Monday, repeating his wish for America’s northern neighbor to become its 51st state after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation. ‘Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State. The United States can no longer suffer the massive Trade Deficits and Subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned,’ Trump, 78, wrote on Truth Social.

“‘If Canada merged with the U.S. [sic], there would be no Tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them. Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!’”

Is it just a joke? Maybe not. Note the next article.

Trump Makes Strong Claims During News Conference

During a lengthy news conference at Mar-o-Lago on January 7, President elect Donald Trump stated the following, as reported by the New York Post on January 7:

“President-elect Donald Trump said Tuesday he plans to order ‘very serious tariffs’ against Canada and Mexico — and that he will rechristen the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America…

“The president-elect spoke as his son, Donald Trump Jr., visited Greenland as part of his attempt to woo the island’s 56,000 residents to break with Denmark and join the United States. ‘People really don’t even know if Denmark has an illegal right to it, but if they do, they should give it up, because we need it for national security,’ Trump said at the press conference… Trump threatened to ‘tariff Denmark at a very high level’ if Copenhagen intervened…

“President-elect Donald Trump said Tuesday he wouldn’t rule out using ‘military force’ to make Greenland and the Panama Canal US territories. ‘No, I can’t assure you on either of those two,’ the incoming president told a reporter asking about the use of military force or economic coercion to acquire the territories.”

Regarding Canada joining the USA, he ruled out military intervention, but said that he would use economic pressure. He also reiterated his demand that Europe needs to pay 5% of their GDP to NATO, and that NATO would be dead without him.

He also said that all hell will break out if Hamas has not released the hostages before his inauguration. Newsmax reported that “Trump brought Middle East special envoy designee Steve Witkoff to the podium to talk about the ongoing negotiations.” Wikoff expressed his confidence that a deal would be reached before January 20.

The news broke during the conference that “U.S. District Aileen Cannon, who presided over the now-dismissed case accusing Trump of illegally holding onto classified documents, directed the Justice Department not to release the report until a federal appeals court rules on a request from Trump’s two former co-defendants in the case” (Newsmax, dated January 7). However, the JD intends to release part of Jack Smith’s report on Trump’s alleged interference and to “undo the results of the 2020 presidential election” (The New York Post, dated January 8).

Greenland a Hot Topic?

Deutsche Welle wrote on January 8:

“German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he discussed Trump’s remarks [regarding Greenland] with other EU leaders, while reiterating that the inviolability of borders is ‘fundamental international law.’… French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot demanded that Trump should not threaten the European Union’s ‘sovereign borders.’… He added that, while he did not believe the US ‘would invade’ Greenland [‘a territory of the European Union’], ‘we have entered an era that is seeing the return of the law of the strongest.’’

Breitbart wrote on January 8:

“European leaders are reacting with alarm as past and future President Donald Trump talks up the importance of the United States acquiring Greenland, the world’s largest island and a strategically valuable if underdeveloped Arctic territory in the North Atlantic…

“Greenland’s relationship with the European Union is relatively complex. It joined the European Community in the 1970s alongside Denmark before it gained partial independence known as home rule. After getting some control over its own affairs, a referendum in Greenland in 1982 voted to leave what would later become the European Union over incompatibility between Brussels rules and Greenland’s domestic interests.

“So while Greenland is not a member of the European Union, it is still an overseas territory of an EU member state, Denmark, and consequently an associate of the bloc. Whether the island could rejoin the EU has been a matter of sporadic discussion for years, but ultimately the reasons for leaving in the first place — the EU is damaging to the national fishing industry — remain fundamentally unchanged.

“…French government spokesman Sophie Primas has also spoken out on the possibility of the United States acquiring Greenland, denouncing it as ‘a form of imperialism’. She told the council of ministers on Wednesday: ‘More than ever, we must, with our European partners, be aware, move away from a form of naivety, protect ourselves, rearm ourselves.’ Unnamed European Union officials are ‘deeply disturbed by Trump’s comments’,  London’s strongly pro-Brussels Financial Times, stating the visit by Donald Trump Junior to Greenland this week has persuaded many the future President really is serious about acquisition, rather than just talking for effect.

“The United States has attempted to buy Greenland twice before, once in the 19th century and again at the end of the Second World War. Beyond its strategic importance in controlling the north Atlantic — denying the sea to Russian submarines, essential in case of war — Greenland is also very rich in minerals.”

Controversial Florida Law Went Into Effect

LifeSiteNews wrote on January 2:

“A Florida law banning children under the age of 14 from using social media went into effect on Wednesday. [It] requires parental permission for 14- and 15-year-olds to use social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok…

“Critics have denounced the law as a civil rights violation, and responses from parents are reportedly mixed… the ‘vast majority’ of parents polled in Florida would rather enforce their children’s social media use themselves.

“A 2023 Gallup poll found that children ages 13 and 14 spend an average of over four hours a day on social media platforms. According to a 2024 Pew Research Center study, 87 percent of children of this age range spend time on YouTube, 55 percent use TikTok, 44 percent use Snapchat, and 43 percent use Instagram.

“Commentators have observed that the law is difficult to enforce…

“‘By banning social media accounts for users under 13, or under 16 without parental consent, the bill requires both teens and parents to reveal their identities to verify their relationship and the parent’s consent,’ the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression wrote in its analysis. ‘In doing so, the provision eliminates anonymity for everyone – adults and minors.’”

It should be indeed the responsibility of the parents to regulate what their children watch. A prohibition for all children under 13 to watch anything on YouTube and other social media seems to be ridiculous and dangerous at the same time. What RIGHT does the state have to get involved in these matters? This is only common practice in dictatorships.

Is Sebastian Kurz Coming?

Bild Online wrote on January 3:

“It would be the political sensation of 2025: If there are new elections in Austria after the failed coalition talks, ex-Chancellor Sebastian Kurz could run as candidate for chancellor! BILD learned from ÖVP circles: Current Chancellor Nehammer [who has in the meantime resigned as Chancellor] would be out of the race in new elections, while Kurz would be a top candidate! An ÖVP insider told BILD: ‘As things stand, we wouldn’t have a chance against the FPÖ in new elections, but with Kurz the race would be open again. Karl Nehammer has completely failed.’

“…Kurz resigned as chancellor in 2021 after there were investigations against him. He was sentenced in the first instance to a suspended sentence of eight months for making false statements, but he has appealed… At the same time, there are further investigations against Kurz, the public prosecutor’s office is investigating the ex-chancellor for breach of trust, corruption and bribery… Despite the investigation, many in the ÖVP believe Kurz would have a chance in new elections against FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl (56)…

“ÖVP insiders speak to BILD that it is currently unclear whether Kurz would actually be willing to run in the end… In fact, it is currently still unclear whether new elections will actually take place…”

Some believe Kurz could play a leading role in Europe. Prophetically speaking, however, it would make “more sense” if Kurz ran FOR and not AGAINST the FPÖ. In any event, Kurz has said that he will not serve under Kickl. What will happen now in Austria? Will FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl take over?

Handelsblatt wrote on January 5:

“The plan to deny the FPÖ the chancellorship has probably failed. The conservatives are in a shambles and will have to make do without their hopeful Sebastian Kurz for the time being… It is completely unclear who will maneuver through the coming weeks as Chancellor… After his appointment with the Federal President on Monday, Herbert Kickl is in the driver’s seat, whose strategy of waiting has fully worked out…”

The right-wing FPÖ has been compared with Germany’s right-wing AfD, for allegedly pursuing a similar agenda.

Germany in Fear

Deutsche Welle wrote on January 6:

“Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen on Monday tasked Herbert Kickl, the leader of the far-right Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), with the formation of a new government. Van der Bellen’s offer came after Chancellor Karl Nehammer handed in his resignation on Saturday over the collapse of coalition talks that had excluded the FPÖ.

“Kickl’s party won the Austrian parliamentary election in September taking 28.8% of the vote and beating outgoing Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s conservative Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) into second place. However, Van der Bellen had tasked Nehammer with putting together a new government because no other party was willing to work with Kickl.

“On Sunday, Van der Bellen said a ‘new situation’ had emerged, noting that ‘voices within the People’s Party that rule out working with… Kickl have become significantly quieter.’..

“In Germany, conservative Christian Democrat (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz has categorically ruled out any similar cooperation with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). AfD party leader Alice Weidel said the so-called ‘firewall’ erected by Merz will not last. Voters do not want coalitions ‘in which left-wing parties again set the tone,’ even when there is a common majority made up of the conservatives and the AfD.’”

Barron’s wrote on January 6:

“German politicians said Monday the prospect of Austria’s far right coming to power was a ‘warning’ for Berlin’s own fractured politics while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) cheered events in Vienna.”

The German “established” parties fear that the situation in Austria could repeat itself in Germany, meaning the AfD WILL have to be involved.

“Horror Message”: Schallenberg Becomes Interim Chancellor

orf.at wrote on January 8:

“Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) will lead the [Austrian] government from Friday. On this day, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen will entrust him with the continuation of the administration of the Federal Chancellery and with the chairmanship of the interim federal government… This step is necessary after the resignation of Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) following the failure of the government negotiations between the ÖVP and SPÖ and NEOS. For Schallenberg, who will also remain foreign minister, this is his second term as head of government. After Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) withdrew, he served as Chancellor for almost two months in 2021…

“If there is an FPÖ-ÖVP coalition, Schallenberg no longer wants to be available as foreign minister… [He] had already stated earlier that he would not be a member of a federal government under the leadership of FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl…”

Report 24 added on January 8:

“The anticipation of a possible chancellorship of FPÖ boss Herbert Kickl is currently massively dampened… Of all people, the unpopular Corona agitator Schallenberg, whose family brought Freemasonry to the country, [will] lead the government from now on… He was allowed to do so during the Corona period After [Kurz’s] resignation. He played the role of Federal Chancellor for a short time, from October 11 to December 6, 2021. Back then, he coldly told the population, ‘We will have to tighten the reins for unvaccinated people!‘… During the Corona period, Schallenberg behaved as the best pharmaceutical representative in the country… It is now clear that the government also knew that the vaccination would not work against transmission and disease… In fact, it was clear from the outset that the negative side effects occurred 25 times more often than any protective effect against ‘severe disease’ – which is also highly questionable…

“Assuming that the People’s Party continues to turn out to be an organ of globalism that is not loyal to [agreements], then after a few weeks of negotiations the FPÖ will have no choice but to request new elections… It is to be feared that Austria will suffer under the thumb [of] Schallenberg… We have already received many letters from readers warning that Austria’s approval of international treaties such as the WHO pandemic treaty will also fall during this Schallenberg period. It is likely that the ardent globalist will willingly sign any treaty that comes from the WHO, the United Nations and the World Economic Forum. Report24 editor-in-chief Florian Machl warned in several interviews that people should not rejoice too soon after Nehammer’s resignation. Now everyone can see why.”

A Lot of Things Are Wrong in Germany!

Bild Online wrote on January 3:

“If you had told me a few years ago that almost 40 injured police officers and 400 arrests on New Year’s Eve in Berlin alone wouldn’t trigger a major political debate – I wouldn’t have thought it possible…

“People notice that something is wrong when there are street battles and attacks on emergency doctors on a happy day like New Year’s Eve. When Christmas markets have to be protected with concrete barriers. When a visit to the outdoor pool is no longer possible without bag searches and security teams. If you no longer feel safe in the city center or on the bus.

“People are smarter than some politicians and authorities believe who… don’t want to say what many of these problems have to do with… [that is, with] certain young men who came to Germany illegally and in large numbers from Islamist-influenced countries – and they have a different relationship to violence, to women, Jews, homosexuals and obviously also to our state…

“But the bitterest thing is not the violence itself, but the feeling that it has no consequences… How do our police officers feel, who arrest dozens of criminals who are not even officially allowed to be in the country, but who are always released?… “

Just like in the USA…

J.D. Vance Chimes In

Die Welt wrote on January 3:

“The German-American relationship is being put to the test again. Because now the designated US Vice President J. D. Vance is also polarizing with a statement about the AfD… ‘The American media slander the AfD as a kind of Nazi light. In fact, the AfD enjoys greatest popularity in the same areas of Germany that offered the greatest resistance to the Nazis.’ However, he left it open which areas Vance meant by this.

“Under the posting, a discussion developed about the truth of the statement. One user commented: ‘This is misinformation that is easy to refute.’ Other users wrote that it was exactly the other way around…”

The sad truth is that there was not much resistance to the Nazis anywhere in the first place.

The Hypocrisy of German Politicians

The Berliner Zeitung wrote on December 30, 2024:

“After Elon Musk’s guest article in the Welt am Sonntag, the capital’s political media complex exploded in convulsions of hatred: it was illegal interference, resistance had to be offered, he had to be put in his place. ‘Musk is trying to do nothing other than Putin,’ claims SPD chairman Klingbeil. Many newspapers and politicians make themselves ridiculous with such statements.

“German politicians, journalists and activists are constantly interfering unabashedly in the American election campaign… A few months ago, Klingbeil declared on the radio: ‘We want Kamala Harris in the White House.’…

“Anyone who sees this hypocrisy realizes that it’s not about interference or ‘democracy’: it’s about the political interests of parties and the media… The hatred of Musk largely stems from the fact that these blatant contradictions are becoming visible on X today…

“The ideologues and followers in parties and editorial offices feel their power dwindling due to social media. Lies, contradictions and dishonesty that were previously kept secret are becoming unavoidable. The duped react with angry gaffes and requests for censorship. Such publications must be ‘prevented’…

“Many Musk critics are not concerned with freedom of expression or democracy or the rule of law. It’s about making certain opinions taboo and shouting down their representatives… In the end, the Musk incident is just another twitch of a dying system… ‘Kill the messenger!’ is the motto of many reactions to Musk. But the message cannot be killed…”

Olaf Scholz also made a name for himself for his “election interference” for Macron when he campaigned for him and against LePen (see Bild Online, December 31: “He himself campaigned for Macron. Wasn’t that election interference, Mr. Scholz?”).

A Serious Strain?

 ntv wrote on January 1:

“The SPD parliamentary group leader in the German Bundestag, Rolf Mützenich, warned that Musk’s failures could lead to a serious strain on German-American relations. He accused the billionaire of crossing ‘the line between friendly states’ with his comments.

“Mützenich called on the federal government to clarify after Trump took office in January ‘whether the repeated disrespect, defamation and interference in the election campaign were also expressed in the name of the new US government’.”

Musk called Olaf Scholz a fool and President Steinmeier an anti-democratic tyrant.

Censorship in the German Newspaper Forest

MSN published an article around January 1 with the headline: “Habeck’s desire for state control of opinion is totalitarian.” This article is “no longer available.” The article stated:

“It is an absolute given and a journalistic achievement in the world that Musk was given the opportunity to publish his position in a commentary. Only enemies of the free state criticize this. The appropriate reaction in a fundamental rights state is not to criticize the publication. Because this is criticism of freedom of expression itself. You react by publishing your opposing position. This is democratic discourse. Media, especially the public ones, which behave in a servile and secure manner close to the state, do not serve freedom of expression and freedom of the press. They are their antagonists.

“It is the lowest point of journalism when you do not take a position against an opinion with all the argumentative conviction you have, but rather when you want to deny your ideological opponent the right to express himself at all. How can one, especially as a journalist, even think of criticizing the publication of an article that does not violate any laws but enjoys the protection of our Basic Law? That’s not the only thing that distinguishes Elon Musk from his German critics. They can all express themselves freely on X more than on other platforms–a  privilege that they use intensively against him who grants it to them, but they do not want to grant this privilege to him.

“It is pure fear of many political and media actors… fear of Trump, Musk, Milei, but even more of loss of power…”

Europe to Muzzle Elon Musk?

Apollo News wrote on January 7:

“After the US tech billionaire made explicitly positive comments about the AfD, EU MPs are now calling on the European Commission to subject Platform X to strict regulations. The reason given is suspected violations of EU law. In reality, however, it is more about redefining the limits of freedom of expression in Europe.

“According to the Handelsblatt, the corresponding application states that Musk’s ‘personal interference in the German federal election campaign, his soon-to-be key position in the US government and his power to influence the political agenda in Germany via algorithm control on Platform X’ are threats.

“This would pose nothing less than a ‘systemic risk’ for Germany and the European Union as such. For this reason, the applicants are demanding ‘urgent interim measures from the Commission to protect the federal election’. The EU parliamentarians plan to submit their request for the regulation of Platform X to the EU Commission next Friday. A broad majority is expected in the EU Parliament for the motion.

“Support for the initiative comes particularly from the Greens and the SPD. The MEP Alexandra Geese (Greens) told the Handelsblatt: ‘The Commission must urgently order emergency measures against X’… Geese receives support from Katharina Barley (SPD). She explains: ‘During the federal election, the EU must look closely at what is happening on platforms like X, Facebook and Instagram.’ Elon Musk has nothing less in his sights than [fighting] liberal democracy. The US billionaire wants to weaken the existing cornerstones of the free-democratic basic order. ‘We won’t allow that,’ continued MEP Barley.”

Report 24 added on January 8:

“The EU Commission wants to muzzle Elon Musk because of his planned interview with Alice Weidel [AfD]… Commission spokesman Thomas Regnier announced… that they will closely examine how Musk’s Platform will promote the interview. They rely on the on the ‘Digital Services Act’ – the bureaucratic masterpiece that is supposed to protect freedom of expression. The same freedom of expression that is now apparently being restricted because a billionaire dares to speak to a democratically elected opposition leader.

“The commission seriously warns against ‘above-average visibility’ of the interview. With his over 200 million followers, Musk naturally has an enormous reach – regardless of whether he tweets about electric cars, Mars rockets or German politics. What’s more: Most of his followers aren’t even people from Germany, so you couldn’t really speak of any real potential election influence…

“The whole farce reveals the increasing nervousness of the political establishment in view of the upcoming new elections [in Germany]…”

Jens Spahn—a Real Danger!

TAZ wrote on January:

“Many see the CDU member as a real danger.

“Jens Spahn, 44, has been a member of the Bundestag for 22 years and was Parliamentary State Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Federal Minister of Health. The pandemic briefly made the conservative ‘Münsterlander’ [coming from the area of Münsterland in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany] with a negative image the most popular politician in Germany. Since the Union’s defeat in the last federal election, he has no longer held a particularly prominent position. But for months you can’t get past Spahn… [his] main thing is to get attention. Someone [Spahn] gets into position.

“For Spahn, the question is whether he will become part of the new federal government. And to remain one of the players for the time afterwards… Legal foundations can ultimately be changed if one creates the political majorities… The right to asylum, as regulated in the Basic Law and in international agreements, would be perdu…

“Thomas Biebricher, a politics professor from Frankfurt, is an expert on European conservatism… ‘Jens Spahn is one of the most dangerous people in the CDU orbit,’ says Biebricher on the phone. Spahn is rhetorically gifted, willing to make populist statements, has a certain unscrupulousness – and… great ambition. ‘One can imagine that Jens Spahn would be willing to transform Christian democracy into something that is no longer Christian democracy.’

“On the one hand, Spahn is valued for his hard work and perseverance; some people admire his good networking and willingness to address even uncomfortable things. When he comes, the hall is full. Spahn, opponents also say, is an exceptional political talent…

“But there are also doubts about his loyalty. [There is] discomfort with his strong ambition. Because he likes to put himself in front of others who then have to clean up after him…

“Spahn [carries] some baggage around with him. The expensive mask purchases from the beginning of the pandemic, for example, because of which the federal government is now threatened with 2.3 billion euros in back payments. The purchase of his villa in Berlin for several million euros together with his husband, the financing of which raised questions…

“Spahn definitely wants to govern…”

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer:

These Current Events are compiled and commented on by Norbert Link. We gratefully acknowledge the many contributions of news articles from our readership. The publication of articles in this section is not to be viewed as an endorsement or approval as to contents or accuracy of the selected articles, but they are published for the purpose of pointing at worldwide developments in the light of biblical end-time prophecy and godly instruction. Our own comments are provided in italics.

We receive inquiries asking if we have an established congregation close to the person who is writing. This is usually the result of someone watching us over the Internet or responding to our published written materials. Our response is typically no, we don’t.

Then how can someone continue to follow up with their initial interest in what the Church of the Eternal God and its affiliates are teaching?

Becoming a part of the Church of God starts when God calls a person and gives him or her understanding about His Truth. Jesus Christ said: “‘No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day’” (John 6:44).

Being called out of this world and its societies really does present challenges. Jesus gave this powerful admonition to those who would agree to follow Him:

“‘Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to “set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law”; and “a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.” He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it’” (Matthew 10:34-39).

Jesus further stated, “‘So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple’” (Luke 14:33). This concluding statement by Jesus followed His parable showing that a person must “count the cost” to be His disciple. He also said, “‘Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it’” (Matthew 7:14).

Once a person is called by God, finding association with others is plainly taught in the Bible. For that purpose, Jesus promised to build His Church and that it would not be destroyed (compare Matthew 16:18). The Church of God was founded in 31 A. D., on the Day of Pentecost, and it has continued to exist to the present time. However, the Church has at times been small in numbers, while at other times, it has had congregations in various countries. Revelation, chapters 2 and 3, provides a history of the Church from its beginning until the time of Jesus Christ’s return.

Seven Church “eras” are depicted in these two chapters of Revelation, and it is obvious that Jesus leads them with His instruction to overcome various problems and sins and to persevere in the Truth of God. Some of the Church generations proved themselves more faithful than others.

And so, today, we find that the Church of God has suffered difficulties through the teaching of wrong and compromised doctrines along with weak and self-seeking leadership. The New Testament records similar issues very early in the first generation of the Church. Still, there are those who seek to faithfully carry forward the Work of the Church of God.

With this overview, let’s consider the question of finding fellowship. With whom are we supposed to fellowship? The Apostle John gives this answer:

“[T]hat which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 3:3).

The Apostle Paul confirms this teaching:

“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9).

We can see by these Scriptures that our fellowship begins with and is with God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ! That fellowship includes other members and those who are being called by God. John adds something very important in this regard:

“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:5-7).

The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, a younger, fellow minister, with this admonition, “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16).

As we seek fellowship with fellow believers, what must be our foundational priority is the Truth of God as found in His Word. Compromised doctrines will lead us into darkness, and while we may find fellowship, it will not be with God the Father or Jesus Christ!

Still, what if an individual finds him- or herself in an isolated circumstance and not near to a congregation or even to a single other person? The first thing to realize is that he or she is not alone. God and Jesus Christ watch over those being called to salvation! We can study and meditate on God’s Word and through prayer find growth in our fellowship with God and Jesus Christ. (That is something we should do no matter how few or how many brethren may be around us.)

The Church of the Eternal God and its affiliates provide live-streaming Sabbath Services with a Chat Room option and boundless resources on our various websites. We present weekly Updates and StandingWatch and AufPostenStehen videos featuring world events in light of prophetic fulfillment.

Members do find opportunities for fellowship during the Feast of Tabernacles, and that is even true for those who cannot physically attend these services through the use of video streaming over the Internet.

We strive to do everything possible to fulfill the instruction given to indeed assemble together—especially as the return of Jesus Christ draws near. Incredible facilities have now been given to the people of God to both preach the good news of the Kingdom of God and to support those God is calling.

Take advantage of the many ways that we can all fellowship, and do so “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).

Lead Writer: Dave Harris

compiled by Dave Harris

“The Hypocrisy of German Politicians and the Media” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

While the world is watching with horror the terrible deadly wildfires in Los Angeles, another wildfire is burning in Germany which most people don’t even recognize as such. Many Germans realize that “a lot of things are wrong in Germany,” but hypocritical politicians are afraid to address the causes and are fighting instead for their survival by opposing whoever stands in their way, including Elon Musk, the right-wing AfD and Musk’s interview with AfD’s Alice Weidel. But this ridiculous approach will backfire.

“Die Heuchelei deutscher Politiker und der Medien” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topic as described above. 

A Tech Team Meeting was conducted on January 5, 2025. Hosted by Eric Rank, topics discussed included testing a new advertising platform for our booklets. Additional printing of the booklet, “The Fall and Rise of the Jewish People,” was decided. We had participants from the U.S., Canada, and Germany.

The German translation of our booklet on Middle Eastern and African Nations in Bible Prophecy was sent to our printer in Germany.

An order for reprinting our booklet, “The Fall and Rise of the Jewish People,” was sent to our printer in Germany.

We have begun to produce and post a new series, in German, titled “Biblische Geschichte” (covering the biblical story).  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2iE4AgYjKU ; and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vBmRdg4X6k; and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OU6pVrRlrg 

We are planning to produce the same videos in English.

“Reise durch die Kirchengeschichte,” last Sabbath’s German sermonette presented by Tahir Coban, is now posted. Title in English: “Journey Through Church History.”

“False Miracles,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Michael Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:

How do we discern the difference between true and false miracles? However, we shouldn’t be seeking after miracles but after the truth. What is the Truth?

“Pursuing the Presence of God,” last Sabbath’s sermon by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is the summary:

Each of us are called by God – and yet, what is our response to this calling? Is it just to accept it and that is it – or is there more that is part of our responsibility? Are we required to be pursuing God? If so, how?