As a reminder, here are the dates for the upcoming Holy Days: September 5th–Feast of Trumpets; September 14th–Day of Atonement; September 19th through the 25th–Feast of Tabernacles; September 26th–Last Great Day. We will be broadcasting services live in the United States from our location in Vail, Colorado. For further information on our Feast sites in Colorado and Germany, please consult our website: www.eternalgod.org. For additional information on our Feast site in Germany, please also go to http://www.aufpostenstehen.de/wir-uber-uns/laubhuttenfest-2013/

“Nur Berufen oder auch Auserwählt?,” is the title of this week’s new German sermon. In English, the title is, “Just Called or also Chosen?,” and it is based on the sermon given in English by Mr. Norbert Link from Woodburn, Oregon (see below).

“Just Called or also Chosen?,” is now posted–here is a summary:

Only very few are called today to salvation, and only they can truly understand God and His Way of Life. Christ did not come to convert the world in this day and age, and neither does the Church of God have that commission. True Christians have been predestined to be called and chosen now. They are not called because of their good works. Why then do we read that many are called, but few are chosen?

Norbert and Johanna Link, along with Mrs. Margaret Adair, will be visiting the Oregon brethren for Sabbath services on August 3, 2013.

Our newest booklet, “The Ten European Revivals Of The Ancient Roman Empire,” has now been sent to the printer. We anticipate distribution of this publication in September–at the Feast of Tabernacles and then to those on our mailing list.

We are also in the process of printing the German booklet on human suffering (“Human Suffering, Why…and How Much Longer?”). This will be distributed at the German Feast site and mailed to others following the Feast of Tabernacles.

“What Man Should (Not) Do,” is the title of last week’s sermon presented by Norbert Link, and it is now posted. Here is a summary:

The Bible gives us many examples as to how men should and should not act towards their present or future wives. What would you do if you were to find out that your bride had betrayed you? How would you respond if your mate were to ask you to forsake God? How does the Song of Solomon describe the love between husband and wife? Why did God punish Ananias and Sapphira so severely? In what way did Lot, Samson and David sin? Why are we warned not to follow the beast—a man in Europe to arise very soon on the world scene?

“Where is the Throne of David?,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
 
The Bible says much about David and his throne. But does the throne of David really exist today? Will Jesus occupy that very throne when He returns? If so, where is it today, and who is sitting on it?
 
On July 28th, we conducted our monthly ministerial meeting via SKYPE. Of special note was a review by Rene Messier of his recent trip to Kenya to visit brethren and others who have contacted us.

Norbert and Johanna Link, along with Mrs. Margaret Adair, will be visiting the Oregon brethren for Sabbath services on August 3, 2013.

Rene Messier has returned from Kenya and submitted the following report:

“While in Kenya, I had three meetings with several members, prospective members and visitors. On Friday, I met with 9 people. We discussed various topics and I fielded questions.

“On the Sabbath, there were 17 in attendance–13 men, 3 women and one child. We opened our services with three hymns and I gave the opening prayer. I showed the StandingWatch program on hell, gave a sermon about the Sabbath, and closed with prayer.

“We then took a break with tea and coffee and some goodies that I had brought from  Canada—chocolate-covered almonds, wrapped candies and assorted nuts. In the afternoon, I talked about church government and organization; requirements for baptism and commitment to God.  I also answered questions at the end of the session.

“On Sunday morning, I conducted a session on leadership, with three men in attendance.

“All were very friendly. Some of the prospective members had experienced former Worldwide Church of God association or fellowship.”

“Neu! Versammlungen am Sabbat und Gottes Jahresfesten,” is the title of a new German sermon which discusses the requirement of appropriate Church attendance on the Sabbath and the Holy Days, with special focus on the Feast of Tabernacles. The title in English is:  “Assemblies on the Sabbath and God’s Annual Feasts.”

“Is Pope Francis Really Changing the Catholic Church?,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
 
Recent developments within the Catholic Church should not go unnoticed. It appears as if Pope Francis “truly wants to change the Catholic Church,” and some of his decisive actions are of great concern to the “Vatican apparatus.” However, his changes do not address core Catholic teachings, such as the unbiblical beliefs in purgatory, indulgences or dead Catholic “saints” who are supposed to work now miracles from heaven. The Vatican is once again “rocked by scandal,” pertaining to corruption within the Vatican Bank. What does all of this mean in the light of biblical prophecy?

“Sex between Angels and Women?,” is the title of another new StandingWatch program presented by Mr. Link. It will be posted this weekend. Here is a summary for this program:

Many believe that at the time of Noah, angelic beings had sexual intercourse with women and produced giants. Is this the teaching of the Bible? If not, what are the origins of this concept? And how are we to understand the biblical statement in the book of Genesis, chapter 6, that “sons of God” “took wives for themselves” from the “daughters of men” who “bore children to them”?

 As we announced in the last Update, Brian Gale has begun recording audio programs for the UK, promoting our literature and StandingWatch programs. Johanna Link is adding visual components and posting the programs on YouTube. For this purpose, we have opened a local YouTube account in the UK, under the designation globalchurchsw BG

We have so far posted three programs on this local channel, namely “The Gospel of the Kingdom of God” and “The StandingWatch program”; “Have You Been Born Again?’” is the title of the third StandingWatch program presented by Mr. Gale. Further programs will follow.

We have recently learned that Mrs. Win Cartwright died peacefully in her sleep at her home on the 7th July. She lived in North Lincolnshire in England and was in her 103rd year.  Although not a baptized member of the Church of God, she supported her son who was a member of the Global Church of God and who preceded his mother in death in 2009 at the age of 64.

Win, as she liked to be called, was very positive about the church and members and attended weekly local Sabbath services and the Feast of Tabernacles until both the death of Peter and her advancing age precluded her from continuing to do so. She was a very postive and cultured lady who will be missed by her family and friends.

RADIO TIME CHANGE: We are going to move our StandingWatch radio program from 10:45 to 11:00am Saturday on KCNW (Kansas City). The program will begin airing at 11:00am on August 10th. In addition, we will add a play time at 6:00pm every Saturday beginning July 27th.

We discussed at our recent Church Conference the possibility of producing British and Canadian SW “advertising” programs. The first one has been produced, targeting the United Kingdom. In this British StandingWatch presentation, Mr. Brian Gale covers some of the intriguing questions about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God along with offering listeners more information for obtaining our free booklet on this subject. Johanna Link, our Video Production Manager, added visual componets to make this inaugural program very appealing. This program can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCEChFr_Dx4.

Mr. Rene Messier departed for Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday to visit brethren and interested parties in that nation. Mr. Messier will spend several very active days in which he will conduct Sabbath service, hold a leadership meeting, counsel potential candidates for baptism and deal with a series of questions we have received from this area. Once again, we ask that you pray for Mr. Messier.

“Race No Issue in the Zimmerman Case,” is the title of this week’s StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

On July 13, 2013, the jury of six mostly white women found Hispanic George Zimmerman not guilty of murder or manslaughter of black 17-year old teenager Trayvon Martin. The mainstream media had created a nationwide circus and resorted to falsehoods and lies in order to invent a case involving race. Sadly, the real crux of the matter took back stage in view of the hype and hysteria of unsupported allegations of racial profiling. 

“Sex zwischen Engeln und Menschen?,” is the title of this week’s German sermon. In this sermon, Mr. Norbert Link presents information which was also covered in our recent Q&A on alleged sexual intercourse between angels and women (See Update 597).

Rene Messier is preparing to fly to Kenya late next week to visit with our brethren and prospective members. Your prayers for his safety and success will be greatly appreciated.

“Are Your Loved Ones in Hell?,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
 
In a recent TV program, Pat Robertson said that the wicked are suffering in hell fire, and that even Samuel was in the darkness of hell at the time of King Saul. But is this true? Where does the concept of an ever-burning hell come from? What does the Bible mean when it speaks of the lake of fire where the wicked would be cast into? And what is the outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth?

“No More Justice in the Land?,” is the title of another new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link, which will be posted shortly. Here is a summary

Have we reached the prophesied time when we are searching for justice, without finding any? Why this terrible increase of criminal prosecutions of noncriminal acts and innocent people, and why the great erosion of the principle that one must have criminal intent in order to commit a crime? Do Scriptures in Isaiah, Jeremiah and Micah, especially challenging the religious and political leadership of ancient Israel and Judah, have any relevance for us today?

“Das Hohelied Salomos,” is the title of this week’s new German sermon. This sermon discusses the Song of Solomon.

“Verstehen Sie das Evangelium?,” is the title of the new German AufPostenStehen program which also includes Michael Link’s newly added German introduction and conclusion (as also is being done in the English StandingWatch programs). It’s title in English:  “Do You Understand the Gospel?” This presentation promotes our new printed German booklet on the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.

Our new German booklet on the Book of Revelation, “DIE MYSTERIEN IM BUCH DER OFFENBARUNG!,” has been posted on our German Website, “AufPostenStehen.”

A new German letter was sent to all German speaking members and co-workers and those who are interested in CEG. In the letter an update was given on activities in the German Work–included raising the potential of conducting Sabbath services in a hotel each week (so far, we are meeting there twice a month); information about further printings and postings of German booklets and the activity schedule for the Feast were presented (the purchase of additional translation equipment, due to anticipated climbing attendance at the Feast has become a necessity); and activities in the English-speaking Work reported. We also posted information on our Feast site in the Black Forest on our German Website.

The July Member/Co-Worker Letter, written by Mr. Brian Gale, is now posted.

The final text of our new English booklet, “The Ten Revivals of the Roman Empire,” has been forwarded to our graphics designer, Shelly Bruno, for completion.

Our monthly Ministerial Meeting was conducted on Sunday, June 30, 2013, via SKYPE. In addition, a Tech Team Meeting was also conducted later the same day, also utilizing SKYPE.

The member letter for the month of July has been written by Brian Gale. In the letter, Mr. Gale addresses true leadership and our high calling.

Norbert and Johanna Link, along with Mrs. Margaret Adair, are planning to visit the Oregon brethren for Sabbath services on August 3, 2013.

“Not Just For Men,” the sermon given by Mr. Norbert Link, has been posted. Here is a summary: Who created marriage? How should a marriage function? What is the role of the husband? How is a man to conduct himself towards women in general? How did Christ behave in that regard? Was Jesus married? Will He marry His bride when He returns? Who is His bride?

“Männer—Wie Man (Nicht) Handeln Soll!,” is the title of this week’s German sermon. The title in English is, “Men—How (Not) To Behave!”

“Why Approval of Same-Sex Marriages?,” is the new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

The recent change of public opinion regarding same-sex or gay marriages caps “one of the fastest civil rights shifts in US history” (Time). As late as “2010, a majority of Americans opposed them” (New York Times). “12 years ago, gay marriages did not exist anywhere in the world” (Der Spiegel). Why this rapid shift? After all, “only three per cent of America’s population is homosexual” (Canada Free Press). Why are Catholic Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Baptist Minister Mike Huckabee or Jewish Orthodox Rabbi Yoel Schoenfeld in the minority, when they state that marriage is biblically defined as an exclusive lifelong union between one man and one woman? Why does Rush Limbaugh feel that the gay marriage movement cannot be stopped, and why does Fox moderator Bill O’Reilly scorn at those who use arguments from the Bible to speak out against same-sex marriages? Is the destruction of “American Babylon” inevitable, and can only the arrival of the Messiah help us?

We are saddened to report the death of Mr. Ralph Sage, a member of the San Diego, California, congregation of the Church of the Eternal God. Mr. Sage died during the evening of June 22, 2013, following a lingering illness.

“Egypt, Syria and Iran in Bible Prophecy'” is the title of a new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
 
Egypt is in turmoil again. The Economist describes Iran as “a more dangerous place than it ever was before,” and adds that Syria has become “a client of Iran.” Does the Bible tell us what is in store for these and other countries? Indeed, it does. We give the biblical evidence in our free booklet, “Middle Eastern and African Nations in Bible Prophecy.” We offer proof for the accuracy of our statements, such as: “The king of the north will rule over Egypt.” “Syria will fall in the next world war. Damascus will be destroyed and the Syrian people will go into captivity.” “Iran will participate in fighting against the state of Israel… Iran will form an alliance with… Russia.” And much more. In the program, we are offering a free copy of our booklet, “Middle Eastern and African Nations in Bible Prophecy.”

Our most popular StandingWatch program, “When Will Russia Attack Israel?” has by now been seen by over 139,000 viewers.

“Neu! Nicht nur für Maenner,” is the title of this week’s German sermon. The title in English would be, “Not Just for Men.”

“Werden Sie Gott sein?,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program presented by Mr. Link. This APS program “advertises” our new German booklet on “The Gospel of the Kingdom of God” and gives some excerpts from the booklet about our potential of becoming a God being. The title in English is, “Will You Be God?”

Our most popular German AufPostenStehen program, “Die Tuerkei in der Prophezeiung,” (“Turkey in Prophecy”), has by now been seen by almost 55,000 viewers.

Rene Messier is preparing to fly to Kenya in July to visit with our brethren and prospective members. Your prayers are appreciated.

The German version of our English booklet, “Is That in the Bible? The Mysteries of the Book of Revelation,” has been translated and has been sent to our graphic artist, Shelly Bruno, to finalize for posting.

The new booklet on the Ten Revivals of the Ancient Roman Empire, written by Evangelist Norbert Link, has entered its second review cycle. We anticipate publishing this revealing booklet later this summer.

“Nicht Nur Für Frauen!,” is the title of this week’s German sermon. In English, the title is “Not Just for Women.”

“Syria, Iran and Turkey… What’s Next?,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

Events in Syria, Iran and Turkey—as well as the entire Middle East and Africa—are of significance and importance in the light of biblical prophecies. But only very few know where they are leading. Is America’s decision to send arms to Syrian rebels a wise move, or will it only cause more problems? Will Iran’s new leader bring about real change for the country and the world? Even if he wanted to do this, could he? And why are demonstrating Turks outraged with their leader? Is it just about some trees in a park—or is the cause much deeper? And what does it all mean?

The cut-off date for hotel reservations using our special discount pricing at our 2013 Feast of Tabernacles site in Vail, Colorado, will be this Monday. If you are planning to attend and have not already made reservations, you should do so immediately. For further information, please go to www.eternalgod.org/feasts.

Our new booklet on the “Ten European Revivals of the Ancient Roman Empire” has entered the first review cycle.

We received this week from our local German printer copies of our German booklet, “Das Evangelium vom Reich Gottes” (“The Gospel of the Kingdom of God”).

Our new monthly German newsletter was emailed to our German-speaking members, prospective members and friends. In the letter, Norbert Link reports on developments in the German work and comments on the Obama scandals, the biblically significant developments in Syria, Iran and Turkey, and the natural catastrophes in Europe and the USA. If you speak German and would like to receive a copy of our monthly newsletter via email, please let us know.

“Neu! Der Brief an die Hebräer, Teil 7,” it the title of the German sermon which concludes our series on the letter to the Hebrews. It covers chapters 12 and 13. Title in English: “New! The Letter to the Hebrews, Part 7.”

“Neu: Änderung durch den Heiligen Geist,” is the title of this week’s German sermon. This covers how Christians can make real change through the power of God’s Holy Spirit.

“Prism Spying and its Consequences,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

Could the controversial worldwide Prism spy activities of the US government contribute to a military confrontation between America and Europe, and could this have any relevance for the return of Jesus Christ in the not-too-distant future? Before you shake your head in unbelief, listen to this program.

Our cut-off date for hotel reservations at our 2013 Feast of Tabernacles site in Vail, Colorado, is fast approaching. If you are planning to attend and have not already made reservations, you should do so immediately. For further information, please go to www.eternalgod.org/feasts.

A new StandingWatch program  has been posted on the Web, titled, “How Your Government Is Spying on YOU!”

Here is a summary: On June 5, the British paper, The Guardian, published an unbelievable story, showing the incredible intrusion of the American government into the privacy of the lives of potentially every American citizen-including YOU! George Orwell’s 1984 comes to mind, but reality is much worse, and it has been going on for many years. The American mainstream media has been conspicuously silent about the most recent development-as they have been about many other scandals. Most people don’t care anyhow; others think foolishly that a change in administration will make things better. They fail to forget who is really the god of this world-including the USA-and that the true God will intervene soon to make an end to man’s terrible misrule.

“Not Just For Women,” is the title of the Sabbath sermon given by Evangelist Norbert Link this past week. Here is a summary: What are the biblical principles for a good relationship between husband and wife? Wives can have a tremendously positive or negative influence on their husbands, and vice versa. In this sermon, we will discuss bad and good examples of marital behavior, by consulting the Bible and recent Church history. We will show how just one converted partner can make a difference, and how a Christian marriage should look.

The June Member Letter has been written by Dave Harris in which he discusses the vital meaning of the Word of God in each of our lives. This letter will be mailed out Friday.