A ministerial SKYPE meeting was conducted on Sunday morning, January 17, 2016. Editorial procedures, US Feast location and several other topics were discussed.

“Hohn und Spott für Gott und Sein Volk,” is the title of this week’s German sermon. Title in English: “Scorn and Ridicule for God and His People.”

“Beware of Distractions,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Mike Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

There are many different types of distractions that could keep us from the Kingdom of God, if we are not careful. We need to be aware of what is truly important and what we need to keep our focus on if we want to be counted worthy.

“Have You Seen Satan? the sermon presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Does the Bible tell us whether Satan and demons can make themselves visible to the human eye? Can they materialize and appear as humans, without being recognized as spirit beings? Should you try to contact aliens or the ghosts of deceived loved ones? How can you protect yourself against Satan and his fallen angels? What kind of activities are we to avoid at all costs? Should we stay away from demonic movies and video games, séances, Ouija boards, far-eastern meditation practices, haunted houses, chiropractors who use the Reiki method, and medical hypnosis?

A new Member Letter (January 2016) has been written and sent to our subscribers. In this letter, Pastor Brian Gale notes that thirty years ago, Herbert W. Armstrong died. Mr. Gale reminds us that Mr. Armstrong’s impact and legacy stand as an example for those of us who now continue in the Work of God.

“Germany’s Massive Cover Up of Migrant Violence,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

Hundreds of German women filed complaints against hundreds of refugees and migrants-mainly Syrians and people of foreign North African and Arab origin. These women were molested and sexually abused at New Year’s Eve in Cologne and in other German cities. However, these despicable criminal activities which were apparently planned and coordinated, were intentionally covered up by the German media and governmental agencies. This program will present appalling facts showing that a massive cover-up has been systematically engaged in for quite a while, because of “political correctness.” Angela Merkel’s policy of “welcoming all Syrian migrants” has clearly failed, and the idea that hundreds of thousands of Muslim refugees could be integrated into German society has been labeled as foolish and impossible. The New York Times is asking for Merkel’s resignation; for closing Germany’s borders; and for mass deportations for foreign able-bodied male teenagers and young adults.

SW Talking Points: “Baptême — Une Exigence Pour Le Salut,” is the title of a new StandingWatch Talking Points, presented by Pastor Rene Messier. Here is an English summary of this presentation which offers our new French language booklet on baptism:

Is baptism necessary for salvation? Should you be baptized?  What is acceptable to God: immersion, watering, sprinkling?  Some think it’s not necessary for salvation. This booklet covers all of these details and what is truly acceptable to God.

SW Talking Points: “Biblical Prophecy — From Now Until Forever.” Here is a summary:

Conditions in the world are getting worse and we have been through the worst year for killings by terrorist since 9/11 in 2015 and things are not going to get better in 2016 and beyond. This booklets let’s you know in advance what to expect in the near and distant future so it’s important to read and heed.

“Strafe für unverbesserliche Sünder?” is the title of this week’s German sermon. Title in English: “Punishment for Incorrigible Sinners?”

“Before You Choose,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Christians have the opportunity to make good decisions every time! If, before choosing to do something with real personal impact and permanent lasting effects, we consider our options.

“Purpose,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Science will try to explain the miracle of human life and all existence as a series of random events necessarily determined by all other random events preceding them. Such an explanation is not only nonsense, but it leaves life purposeless. To the contrary, the Bible clearly shows that God works with mankind on different scales to fulfill His great purpose and plan. If you have ever wondered about your true purpose in life, tune in to learn more!

“Ongoing Tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran… Where Will They Lead?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

This program discusses the highly explosive situation in the Middle East, involving Saudi Arabia and Iran… or more precisely, the age-old battle between Sunni and Shiite Muslims. Why is there so much animosity between these two rival branches of Islam? Have we reached a “point of no return,” and are we facing a bloody civil war, leading to the destruction of the Saudi monarchy or the defeat of Iran? Will there be a Mahdi in these end times? Our free booklet, “Middle Eastern and African Nations in Bible Prophecy,” gives you the answers to these puzzling questions.

“Sexualkundeunterricht und Gender-Ideologie,” is the title of this week’s German sermon. Title in English: “Sexual Education and Gender-Ideology.”

“Love of Life,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Robb Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:

We are all tasked with the requirement of being lights to a darkened world. King David shows us through the biblical account of his life that although he was besieged by worldly desires and trials, he overcame and will forever be a light to God’s people.

“Have You Seen God,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:

On the one hand, the Bible says that “no one has seen God at any time,” and, yet, there are other instances in which people are described as having “seen God!” How is this possible?

We are very pleased to announce the translation and publication in French of our booklet on baptism: “Baptême — Une Exigence Pour Le Salut.”

The 2016 Church Conference will be conducted in San Diego, California. Arrival date is April 7^th with departure scheduled for April 13^th.

“The Whole World Is on Edge!” is the title of a new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

2015 was a “horrible and depressing year.” This program gives a short overview regarding terrible events in the world, the USA, Europe and the Middle East, and raises the pertinent question as to whether we can expect any better news in 2016. Most commentators and global powers are pessimistic, pointing out that the “whole world is on edge” and comparing it with a sick “patient.” They say that America’s “future course is far from settled,” and while Europe’s “aim must be a joint European army,” many Germans fear that Angela Merkel “is plunging the country into chaos.” Even lying demons are raising their voices about the future of the world, desiring to deceive gullible people. What DOES the future hold?

“Gottes Strafe für unsere Sünden,” is the title of this coming Sabbath’s German sermon. Title in English: “God’s Punishment for Our Sins”

“Spiritual Growth in God’s Church,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

When we want to grow spiritually, we must be faithful in what is least; we must help the least; and we must not despise the day of small things. We must control our thoughts, and we must avoid false ideas and hypocrisy. What God begins, He begins in a small way, so that it can grow and become bigger. Even His Kingdom and His Government must and will grow. God’s Church is small today, a little flock, but it is predestined to grow, if it fulfills its godly commission. Individual Christians must also be partakers of this growth.

“Germany Will Dumbfound the World,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

Most will be caught by utter surprise when developments in Germany will occur in the not-too-distant future, which will affect the entire world. History will repeat itself, and so we should learn from historical mistakes. Especially the incredibly sad US politics and reports of the American mainstream media about the Hitler regime in its early years gives us strong indications as to what will happen again… but next time, the rude awakening will come far too late for most.

A special new StandingWatch program has been recorded by Evangelist Norbert Link. Titled, “The Dark Side of Christmas,” we are promoting this video through several outlets—Facebook, directed emails, our CEG website and press releases. For additional information, please refer to our booklet, “Don’t Keep Christmas!”

“Deutschlands Gerüchteküche,” is the title of this week’s Sabbath sermon. Title in English (approximately): “Germany’s Rumor Mill.”

“You Shall Not Kill!” is the title of last Sabbath’s sermonette, presented by Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

Some teach that the commandment against killing does not include an injunction against killing in war. They say that the Hebrew word for killing means murder, and that killing in war is not murder. But is this correct?

“God’s Unlimited Power,” is the title of last Sabbath’s sermon, presented by Mike Link. Here is a summary:

There is no limit to what God can do. The Bible is full of examples for our admonition to show us just how powerful He is. If we understand that, then there should be no reason to underestimate Him.

A new Member Letter (December 2015) has been written by Pastor Rene Messier. In this letter, Mr. Messier strongly encourages us to get fully engaged in the Work of God and to fulfill the responsibilities God has placed on each one of us. This letter has been mailed to those on our mailing list. If you would like to receive our monthly letters or other of our literature, please contact us with your request.

A special new StandingWatch program has been recorded by Evangelist Norbert Link. Titled, “The Dark Side of Christmas,” we are promoting this video through several outlets—Facebook, directed emails, our CEG website and press releases.

Here is a summary appearing with the program announcement:

Pagan Origins

Did you know that many of the celebrations around Christmas originate in a time long before the birth of Christ? While many people may think they are commemorating Christ’s birth and celebrating the “joy” of the season, they are actually paying homage to pagan customs connected to evil spirits, concepts and figures.

Evil Customs “Christianized”

In this program, we will show you how the traditions surrounding Christmas such as gifts, Santa Claus and the Christmas tree are not only pagan customs that have been adopted by Orthodox Christianity, but how observance of such practices are an abomination to God!

“Gehet Hin in Alle Welt…,” is the title of this week’s new German sermon. Title in English: “Go Into All the World…”

“Go Into All the World…,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Jesus told His disciples to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature”, and He said that “this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” But what exactly does all of this mean?

“The Need for Fasting,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Just like our need for physical food, we also need spiritual food. Fasting is one of the things that helps us to draw close to God to be able to receive this spiritual food. How often then do we actually fast? Do we think that fasting is as important as prayer and Bible study? How should we approach fasting?

A Tech Team meeting was conducted on Sunday morning, December 6, 2015, via SKYPE. Higlights include: resolving issues with our live video broadcast; the Search option for our CEG website has been enhanced; improvements in the stylesheet for printing the Update have been made; social media and marketing schedules were reviewed; and, new design and use elements for StandingWatch were scheduled.

“Did Jesus Keep Hanukkah?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

There is no biblical support for the idea that Christ participated in modern Hanukkah celebrations. The “miracle of the oil” which allegedly lasted for eight days is merely a legend and historically inaccurate. It was apparently adopted from pagan concepts at the time when the Babylonian Talmud was written, long after the Maccabees. But God does not accept our worship if we incorporate elements, which were used by pagans to observe their holidays.

“The Dark Side of Christmas,” is the title of another new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary for this new SW program, which is now posted and which will be promoted starting on December 15.  We will not send out a usual announcement of the program, as this will be done through Facebook ads, etc.:

Christmas is associated with beautiful Christmas trees and shining lights and candles in an attempt to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Light. But there is a very dark side to Christmas. Satan is the prince of darkness, but as the god of this world, he disguises himself as an angel of light. And even though Christmas may appear to be a joyful festival of lights, it is built on an evil and dark foundation which is actually associated with demon worship.

“Gelten Gottes Verheißungen an Abraham für uns Heute?” is the title of this week’s new German sermon. Title in English: “Are God’s Promises to Abraham Valid for Us Today?

“Depth of Field,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Living a Christian life requires that we resolve a paradox. How can we live a successful, spiritual life within a body and world that is necessarily physical? Part of the answer involves understanding how to focus our motivation. Just as the depth of field of a photograph determines what is in focus while many elements are in the frame, we too must ensure our motivations are focused properly.

“Who Will Listen?” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Much is said in the Word of God about people’s refusal to listen to God’s warnings and the consequences of such a heedless attitude!  Christians are sternly warned to listen to God—are we?

Fighting Terrorism and ISIS–But How? is the title of a new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

The mass shootings in San Bernardino must be viewed as the latest terrorist attack in a whole series of never-ending atrocities. Even though ISIS did not claim direct responsibility, they applauded the carefully planned murders of 14 innocent victims as an heroic act. Western citizens and governments, including France, Great Britain and Germany, are prepared to  engage militarily in the war against ISIS, but they are also painfully aware that they cannot rely on America’s leadership. What does the Bible tell us about the immediate future?

A new German AufPostenStehen program was posted as well, covering the same topic.

“Simson und Delila,” is the title of this week’s new German sermon. Title in English: “Samson and Delilah.”

“The Rules of Christianity,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Christianity has rules, but very few people really know or understand them—much less, actually obey them!  The Bible reveals a fundamental key for us to use to obey the rules of Christianity.

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

We live in abundance because of a promise made thousands of years ago to one man. While most have no knowledge of God’s promise, God fulfilled what He said to Abraham, despite the actions of those who benefit so much from it. Even in darkness we are to live and shine to those around us, knowing that even greater promises lie ahead.

A ministerial SKYPE meeting was conducted this past Sunday. Among the things we discussed were baptism requests, speaking and writing assignments, the US Feast location for 2016 and other topics.

“Looking for a Strong Leader,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

Focusing on the migrant crisis and ongoing terrorist attacks, people in the USA and in Europe are looking for a strong leader who will, “by force if necessary,” deal with “these devils who came to kill us.” According to the Bible, a strong leader will arise in Europe, but this will bring about events which many do not expect.

“Ist Gott eine körperlose Masse ohne Form und Gestalt?” is the title of this week’s new German sermon. Title in English: Is God a Bodiless Blob Without Form and Shape?

“Which Path?” the sermonette presented by Kalon Mitchell last Sabbath, is now posted. Here is a summary:

We are told many times in the Bible to stay on the right path. That requires us knowing which path that is. Our choices must be based on how God tells us how to live our lives.

“The Christian in a Political World,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

In light of real or feared terror attacks in Europe, the USA and the Middle East, how is a Christian to deal with this world’s politics? Should Christians participate in governmental elections? Should they financially support “their” political candidate for the highest office? Should they engage in war propaganda or participate in any way in the wars of their country? Are they to pray for the governing authorities, and if so, how and why? Should they even pray for the soon-coming return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Kingdom of God here on earth, since they know that terrible events will have to occur first, which will cause much suffering and pain?

The Member Letter for November was mailed earlier this week. If you would like to be included in these monthly letters from the ministry, just send us your request.

“Coming… A Unified European Army!” is the title of our new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link.

Here is a summary:

For a long time, Europe has been dreaming of a mighty united army, capable of intervening in “trouble spots” and becoming an undefeatable military force. Now, in light of perceived Russian aggression, an unprecedented migrant crisis, and unparalleled terrorist attacks in Europe with ongoing real threats of future attacks, the realization of Europe’s desire for a powerful army and unified military action has drawn nearer than ever before. Also, voices in Germany for military involvement overseas are getting stronger. The Bible says that these are important steps towards the fulfillment of end-time prophecies.

“Der Christ in einer Politischen Welt,” is the title of this week’s new German sermon. The title in English: “A Christian in a Political World.”

“The Power of God,” last week’s sermonette presented by Michael Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Do we comprehend the simplest things we utilize in our daily lives, wondering perhaps to ourselves how these necessary tools are so vital in our lives, such as electricity and the advancements in technology?  Can we also comprehend the power of God?  Can we receive His power?

“Prophetic Consequences of Our Migrant Crisis,” last week’s sermon presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Why do we see such a great migrant crisis in Europe and elsewhere? Why will this crisis become even much bigger? Does sin have anything to do with it? How does God look at mass migrations? What is the future of Syria? How will all of this affect the USA, the UK and the Middle East? Will it lead to a powerful European army under a charismatic leader, bringing about the great tribulation?