compiled by Dave Harris

Several of our members in Southern California were infected with the COVID-19 virus. Hardest hit were Johanna and Norbert Link, but thankfully, all are on the mend. This, of course, affected the work of the Church, and several wrote expressing their concern—here are some comments we received:

• We are praying for you and your wife that you both may have a strong recovery. It was wonderful and uplifting for us here in Milwaukee to have received your reply and see you once again on YouTube. We will continue to pray for you and your wife and not only for you both but for the entire body of GOD’s church. Thank you so much for all that you and the others are doing in the work of our true GOD.

• Thank you for your informative programs. I have noted that there are no new programs.  I know that we are in very turbulent times ,but there are many viewers in my community who I have made aware of your programs, and we are all waiting .  Can you inform your viewers what is the matter Sir.  When can we expect new episodes of STANDINGWATCH?

 We received this follow-up:

… In my social circle we were members of the parent organization the Worldwide Church of GOD.  I was so alarmed to hear that you had contacted the virus, but as I saw and heard you through the link that you provided to me I see that you are a soldier for the Eternal Great God.

• I’m hoping you are well. I was wondering if there will be anymore Standing watch programs? I’ve missed your informed biblical based news.

• I was very glad to see you on Sabbath.  I was concerned and am praying for your  full recovery very soon. 

• Thank you for taking the time to go over the updates today even though you were still sick…That was appreciated! Praying some get called by God this week cause I have a feeling things are going to be bad… 

Will President Biden Unify the Country?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

The USA is divided as never before. President Biden, in his inauguration speech, emphasized the need for unity. But shortly thereafter, he signed 17 sweeping executive orders, undoing much of Trump’s policies. This will do little to create any form of unity with the over 74 million Trump voters. The war of the mass media, being in cahoots with Big Tech and many Democrats, against Trump and his supporters continues.

Both the Republican Party and the Democratic seem to be deeply divided. There will not be any meaningful substantial cooperation between them.

What will 2021 bring, and what can we expect from the Biden Presidency? One thing is certain: Biden will NOT unify the country. 

“Weiss Satan um seine Zukunft?” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Does Satan Know About His Future?”

“Was ist Wahrheit?” is the title of last Sabbath’s German sermonette, presented by Tahir Coban. Title in English: “What is Truth?”

“Freedom of Speech under Attack, Comments on News and Prophecy, January 16, 2021,” is the title of last Sabbath’s sermonette, presented by Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

Banning President Trump and others from certain platforms seems to be just the beginning to control unpopular viewpoints. Even European politicians express disapproval, stating that we “cannot leave it to the American Big Tech to decide how we can and cannot discuss online,” and others warn of the close connection between “private companies becoming the state’s best friends.” In the final analysis, what we are experiencing right now is a threat to true Christianity when Big Tech and others can determine what beliefs are acceptable, and which ones have to be banned. God’s true Church must be aware of this and speak up powerfully for God’s Truth.

“Ready For What’s Coming?” is the title of a split-sermon presented last Sabbath by Kalon Mitchell. Here is a summary:

The Bible predicts what’s coming in our near future. It has predicted with great accuracy events in the past! With this in mind, how ready is each of us? Mentally – Spiritually? We have a little time left. NOW is the time to prepare. Now is the time to do the little daily things to make sure we are ready for the times ahead of Christ’s return.

“Suffer for Salvation,” is the title of a split-sermon presented last Sabbath by Michael Link. Here is a summary:

It is expected that we all go through trials which may also include sicknesses in various forms. What is the purpose of these sufferings and what can we learn from the examples of individuals who went through sicknesses?

compiled by Dave Harris

A Tech Team meeting was conducted on Sunday, January 10, 2021, via SKYPE. Hosted by Eric Rank, we discussed topics covering Internet providers; transmission of Sabbath services; and possible dates for the Ministerial Conference for 2021. In this regard, it appears that we will have to conduct the Conference around the time of Pentecost—due to restrictions in travel and the status of the COVID-19 virus.

“Die Narren und die Toren” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Michael Link. Title in English: “The Fools and the Foolish.”

“Die Frucht Freude,” is the title of last Sabbath’s German sermonette, presented by Christoph Sperzel. Title in English: “The Fruit of Joy.”

“And on His Shoulders,” the split sermon presented last Sabbath by Frank Bruno, is now posted. Here is a summary:

That the world is a troubled place is a vast understatement. The condition of many of our major cities is an indication of the failed leadership by human-kind that is now deaf to the Word of God and His Son. People worry about climate change as being irreversible, but never give a thought to the foundation and future of a nation that at one time espoused obedience to God as a primary tenet. The Bible holds the keys to the future of a government and a kingdom that will never end, and whose goodness will be boundless and endless as well. Together in this split-sermon we will refresh our understanding of the promises that God and His Son, Jesus Christ, have laid out in the scriptures for us to read, comprehend and pray for.

“The Comfort of Backsliding,” the split sermon presented last Sabbath by Robb Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:

We are warned throughout the Bible of the perils of rejecting God and returning to our carnality.  This is an attitude that leads to destruction, yet it is an action many who have once professed God follow after.  Our hands must stay firmly gripped on that proverbial plow if we have any hope of weathering the end of days.

compiled by Dave Harris

A new Member Letter (January 2021) has been written and posted, and it has been mailed to our subscribers. Elder Paul Niehoff (Australia) writes about the very encouraging promises of God for the future of His people—something we must keep in mind as we face the growing uncertainty of today’s ills.

“Mein ist die Rache” is the German sermon by Norbert Link for this Sabbath. Title in English: “Vengeance Is Mine.” 

“Sorgt Euch nicht,” is the title of last Sabbath’s German sermonette, presented by Thilo Hanstein. Title in English: “Don’t Worry.”

“What Limits?” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is a summary:

If we believe that “if God is for us, who can be against us,” what kind of limits do we place upon ourselves that limit our growth? What can we do to overcome our limits and achieve our greatest potential?

“The Salvation of God,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:

God has a magnificent plan to save mankind, but very few understand what God is doing or what the process of God’s salvation actually entails. That knowledge is contained in the Bible, and it is the great message the Church of God is proclaiming in preaching about the Kingdom of God.

compiled by Dave Harris

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“Wo liegt das Problem?” is the German sermonette presented last Sabbath by Johann Schell, and is now posted. Title in English: “Where is the Problem?” 

“Finding Hope,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Frank Bruno, is now posted. Here is a summary:

The world today is a very dark place, and there is no leadership capable of fixing it—other than the hand of God and the return of His Son: Jesus Christ. Yet, this world and its creatures were still created by God and if we open our eyes we see His hand everywhere if we are paying attention. We must be vigilant and watch for the signs, but we can also appreciate the majesty of God’s hand in our lives each day. This Sermonette will discuss several scriptures that can make this clear in the ways that mankind cannot. Together we can find the hope we need to remain strong and do what we must.

“The Futility of Anger,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Robb Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Anger is an emotion that few live without. From the beginning of humanity, man has either fought against or allowed to fester this emotional outpouring. Today, as the world winds ever closer to experiencing the wrath and judgement of God, we must, like Christ, temper this emotion in a way that doesn’t lead us towards spiritual destruction.

compiled by Dave Harris

Unsere Ängste Bekämpfen is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Michael Link. Title in English: “Fighting our Fears.”

“Der Bedenkenträger,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath in Germany by Jens Herrmann, is now posted. Title in English: “The Skeptic.”

“Access to Opportunity,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is a summary:

What kind of opportunities do you believe you have access to? How important are the opportunities presented by the world, relative to the opportunity to understand the Truth with the Holy Spirit as your guide? With access to the greatest opportunity known to mankind, what do we need to do to seize it?

“What Does a Christian Do?” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:

A Christian is someone whom God has called, who has repented, been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and who has received the Holy Spirit. Then what?

compiled by Dave Harris

Pastor Rene Messier informed us that he baptized Donald Briard from Saint-Jerome, Quebec, during the past week. Our warm welcome to Mr. Briard!

Europe’s Attack on Religious Freedom and the Coming Great Tribulation,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary: 

This program addresses another European attack on religious freedom, this time mainly directed at Jews and Muslims, but with wide-ranging consequences for all religions, including true and nominal Christianity. We talk about the permission granted by Europe’s highest court to prohibit ritual slaughter of animals, but the implication of the decision is not limited to that aspect, but it is much broader and much more frightening. It also sets the stage for prophesied events leading to the terrible Great Tribulation described in the Bible.

“Warum verurteilt die Bibel die Sklaverei nicht ausdrücklich?” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: Why Doesn’t the Bible Condemn Slavery Explicitly?”

“Fürchte Dich nicht!” is the title of last Sabbath’s German sermonette, presented by Robert Kintzi. Title in English: “Do Not Be Afraid!”

We received the following comments from a viewer of our StandingWatch program, “Should You Get Vaccinated Against Coronavirus?” 

“Thank you for the videos, we and several others have been watching them regularly.  We need our shepherds issuing warnings and trying to protect the flock.  So thank you for the effort you put into these.  My husband and I grew up in WCG.  Things are progressing now at such speed, everyday new developments and further alignments are occurring.  It’s hard to keep up with everything.  What a blessing to know God’s truth!”  

Another viewer wrote:

“You’re StandingWatch programs, booklets and the services that the Church gives us on [the] Sabbath have opened up my heart to the words of the Bible and God’s law”.

Another viewer wrote:

“I want to thank you for your continuing dedication to His truth and I pray that you will be protected and upheld by His mighty angels. Thank you for your continuing presentation of the truth! By the way you are right Pres. Trump did win; it just needs a little ‘adjusting’ for it to be ‘official.’ But I wonder if all those who think he is their ‘savior’ will be glad after they see what is in store for them… “

“Are We Afraid of the Truth or Opposing Viewpoints?” the first message presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Here are some of the topics discussed in this presentation: The Hunter Biden scandal; the Supreme Court’s denial to hear the Texas case because of “lack of standing”; the attack on free speech; and the German government’s fight against opponents of Coronavirus restrictions and lockdowns. What do all of these topics have in common?

“What’s Right in Their Eyes,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Scripture introduces us to the concept of right and wrong—what is based on God’s Word and what isn’t. Oftentimes the Bible captures stories of what was happening so many years ago. Do those stories we read about have anything to do with the time we find ourselves living in at this juncture of history? Are we guilty of choosing wrong over right? Can we discern if we are or if we are not?

compiled by Dave Harris

A new Member Letter (December 2020) has been written and posted with copies being sent to those on our mailing list. In this letter, Pastor Brian Gale points to the quest for power by so many in society, but notes that many have corrupted and abused power once it is attained. In addition, he draws a contrast to the spiritual power the people of God will receive in the Kingdom of God.

Should You Get Vaccinated Against Coronavirus?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

This must be your decision, based on your individual circumstances and conviction. But your decision should require proper investigation, inquiry and knowledge; it should be an informed decision and not just based on emotion. This program will discuss much of what has been reported about the vaccines and their morality, safety and side effects… and again, you must ascertain for yourself, as best as you can, as to whether those reports are factual or not.

“Muss sich ein Christ alles gefallen lassen?” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Does a Christian Have to Put Up with Everything?”

“Sodom und Gomorra,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath in Germany by Manuel Mueller, is now posted. Title in English: “Sodom and Gomorrah.”

“America in Crisis—Voter Fraud, Lockdowns and Harmful Vaccinations,” the first message presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

The evidence of voter fraud in the last Presidential election is mounting, while the mass media is unwilling to admit this fact, thereby “damaging trust in America’s democracy.” Lockdowns are on the rise again, even though it has been claimed that they do not work… and that they destroy the physical and spiritual wellbeing of many thousands of people. The new COVID-19 vaccines will produce side-effects which some medical experts declare as being normal, while others call the vaccines a crime against humanity, as they will allegedly cause genetic defects, due to genetic manipulation.  We are also speaking about the assassination of Iran’s leading scientist and discuss why this happened now… and who might have been behind it.

“That Which is Certain,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Michael Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

In these times of uncertainty, it is difficult to predict what exactly will occur and how much time we in fact have left.  However, God is very clear about what He promises and what will certainly come to pass in the near future, which is why it is vital that we remain close to God.

compiled by Dave Harris

“Wollen wir Gott wirklich in allem folgen?” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Do We Really Want to Follow God in Everything?”

“Werden unsere Gebete bei Gott Gehör finden?” is the title of a split sermon presented last Sabbath in Germany by Christoph Sperzel. Title in English: “Will Our Prayers be Heard by God?”

“Beherrsche Deinen Unmut,” is the title of a split sermon presented last Sabbath in Germany by Thilo Hanstein. Title in English: “Control Your Displeasure.”

“Expose the Many Lies to My People!” the first message presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

This world is in Satan’s clutches. The Church’s responsibility is to announce as a witness the soon-coming rule of Christ on and over this earth, and, in the meantime, to cry aloud and show the people their sins. As sin is the transgression of the law, the Church must preach love towards God and love towards neighbor.  We do not love God if we practice false worship, and we do not love neighbor if we lie to him. This presentation exposes lies by scientists and the mass media in many different areas—the lie of evolution; lies in connection with the coronavirus and man-made climate change; and lies pertaining to the US election, including the false designation of Joe Biden as President-elect and the denial of voter fraud.

“Draw Close to God,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Rene Messier, is now posted. Here is a summary:

This sermon points out the importance of utilizing the tools God has given us to maintain a close relationship with Him, as we enter a difficult time in human history just prior to the great tribulation.

compiled by Dave Harris

“Are You Prepared for Civil War?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

We are facing numerous challenges, all of which can lead or have already led to violence, but the outcome may not only be civil unrest, but also civil war. This program discusses some of the current challenges, from the contested US election and racism to coronavirus restrictions, which, taken together, are turning the US into a “powder-keg” and creating a perfect storm; and it presents an astonishing and frightening lesson from history. Are you prepared for what might be coming very soon?

“Die Last, die wir tragen,” is the title of last Sabbath’s German sermonette, presented by Daniel Blasinger. Title in English: “The Burden We Carry.”

“What Does Matthew 28:19 Prove?” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Baptizing “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” is a flagrantly false practice. All other references in the New Testament for how to baptize a person use only “the name of Jesus Christ.” The Word of God does not contradict itself!

“Be Of Good Cheer,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is a summary: On several occasions, Jesus Christ offered encouragement to His disciples as they faced obstacles and uncertainty. What can we learn from those events recorded in the Bible to find encouragement and strength in our lives in this age?

compiled by Dave Harris

“Germany’s March to Dictatorship and its Corona Chancellor,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary: 

A new law in Germany regarding the coronavirus, granting the government and its health minister, Jens Spahn, unilateral powers to restrict fundamental rights of liberty and freedom, as guaranteed in the German Constitution, has caused many to compare it with the Enabling Act of 1933 which paved the way for Adolf Hitler’s dictatorship. But Germany’s new law is only the last step so far in a series of developments which are deeply troubling. 

“Deutschlands Marsch in die Diktatur und sein Corona-Kanzler,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This program addresses the same material presented in English–as described above.

“Hatte Salomo jemals den heiligen Geist Gottes?” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Did Solomon Ever Have God’s Holy Spirit?”

“Taking God to Work,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Frank Bruno, is now posted. Here is a summary:

As this world continues its spiral, members of God’s Church must remember that a relationship with God and with Jesus Christ must not end with the Sabbath. In order to be sure we are following His Commandments, we must rely on Him as we face challenges in our work life as well. In this sermonette we will explore Scriptures that help us to honor Him and reflect our faith in our work and all that we do.

“Maintain the Grit to Succeed,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Robb Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Too often we become stuck in a rut of spiritual complacency. Understanding and practicing the necessities in our relationship with God can become rote. It takes a concerted effect to grow and not just sustain our connection with God.  We must always be learning and increasing in wisdom and in so doing, our lights will continue to shine brightly.