Update 1034

When the Truth Is No Longer the Truth!

by Thilo Hanstein (Germany)

For quite some time now, we have been in the midst of many strange scenarios with the most impossible justifications, so that it sometimes becomes very difficult to distinguish between what is a lie and what is Truth. Satan has actually managed to make God’s Truth barren to most people in this world.

Within a very short time, he has succeeded in confusing people even more, frightening them, and even driving some, if not many, into madness, culminating in suicide.

Whether it concerns the politicians of the world, the BigTech media industry, the pharmaceutical industry with its lobbyists, the judiciary, the court system, or even our circle of acquaintances and friends—far too much deceitful nonsense is being talked about; half-truths are being spread and totalitarian autocratic ideologies are being broadcast and carried out, which simply can no longer make sense for those who want peace.

News is being censored and facts twisted due to the arbitrariness of governments all over the world, and that is, shockingly, supposed to be allowed even according to the Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany.

The LGBT+ madness is becoming more and more unbearable. Pre-school children are indoctrinated to submit to this new way of life and parents have no say in their upbringing. Boys are allowed to wear girls’ clothes, and if a boy feels like a girl, he is allowed to use the girls’ locker room to change clothes there and to shower with them naked. All of this is contrary to God’s Commandments and His Truth—a very frightening and sickening notion that is nothing but painful.

They tried to convince all mankind that multiple vaccinations against the Coronavirus would help people, proclaiming that if you get vaccinated you could not get Covid. We were even told that we would all die if we did not get vaccinated, even though many knew that these vaccinations could be very dangerous for some. If you requested to have an autopsy in regards to someone’s death with the suspicion that it could be the result from the vaccination, it was immediately undermined, and many side effects were “explained” in other ways.

I could never believe it either, until it was explained to me, that the justice system is often not about Truth at all, but about who presents the best arguments. A lawyer tells his client that it might be better to confess to a crime even though he is innocent, so that he can get a lighter sentence and the trial can be ended quickly. Or bribery is practiced with some kind of gifts, be it money or goods. Practically speaking, it is about making a deal, not about actual facts, nor about the Truth.

But let us not think that such situations are new or a present-day invention.

In 1 Samuel 8:1,3, we read: “Now it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel… But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.”

God hates it when there is lying involved in a matter, and when facts are perverted into injustice, or when false compromises are made. Such things are a great abomination to God. God is unmistakable in His statements and judgments.

In Deuteronomy 16:19-20, God tells us: “You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality, nor take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. You shall follow what is altogether just, that you may live and inherit the land which the LORD your God is giving you” (see also Exodus 23:6-8).

God’s command to mankind is obvious, but at the same time, a mystery to those who are not interested in God. But in Isaiah 1:16-17, God speaks very distinct words: “‘Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.”

To declare a lie as Truth is, to put it mildly, very shameful, degrading, humiliating and hurtful as well as devastating to any innocent victim; but for God it is a sin that leads to death if not repented of.

God tells us in Isaiah 5:20-23: “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight! Woe to men mighty at drinking wine, Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink, Who justify the wicked for a bribe, And take away justice from the righteous man!”

Make no mistake thinking that God will overlook such scenarios. We are in the end times where painful labor has begun—like a pregnant woman who will give birth soon.

If we are not attentive and remain vigilant, it could easily happen that we too believe the lie instead of the Truth. Christ was aware of this problem with people, and so He told them: “But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me” (John 8:45). Abraham Lincoln is credited with the following statement: “It is easier to believe a lie that one has heard a thousand times than the truth that one has heard only once.”

This is Satan’s very strategy! We must NEVER underestimate his power! He is very sneaky and tactically very clever in his workings. Peter tells us: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Satan often knows our weaknesses better than we do, and he will attack us where we are weakest because that is where we are most likely to fail.

When we observe world events today, we must not be deceived or influenced by media images or their statements, nor frightened by unjust human laws, nor by the justice system which supports false compromises. God is our strength in the time of trouble, and He has promised that He will help us (see Psalm 37:39).

And so we read in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14:

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.”

Initial Translation by Daniel Blasinger

Current Events

by Norbert Link

We begin with the raid of the FBI on Trump’s property in Florida and show the consequences of this politically motivated and allegedly illegal ill-advised move, while examining who was or might have been “behind” this [please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “The Raid—a Failed Attempt to Stop Trump!”]; continue with statements by Trump during his rallies which are deeply disturbing, even though they are not new at all; Fauci’s ongoing fear mongering regarding COVID, while baselessly blaming the unvaccinated; and Germany’s Health Minister Lauterbach blowing into the same horn producing an uncertain and unpopular sound.

We continue with recession fears in the USA, Britain and Germany; and we focus at length on deeply troubling developments in and pertaining to China. In this regard, please view our recent message, “China on the Warpath—Comments on News and Prophecy, August 6, 2022.”

We address the relationship between China and Japan; the vulnerable military situation in Canada; the shaky relationship between Ukraine and the USA; report on allegations regarding Pope Francis’s retirement;  and conclude with reports on Amsterdam’s nine-day gay parade.

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

Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock

compiled by Dave Harris

“The Raid—a Failed Attempt to Stop Trump!” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

The raid of Trump’s private property in Florida with the obvious attempt to prevent him from running for the office of President in 2024 has backfired. There is clearly an appearance of collusion between Joe Biden, the White House, the FBI and the Justice Department. Many feel that the FBI would have NEVER conducted this highly sensitive raid without the green light from Biden and Co. The raid was conducted under the pretext of discovering classified documents, but has been described by many as an unconstitutional fishing expedition. Republicans, Democrats, Independents and retired FBI agents have condemned the action. While the raid might constitute the biggest debacle for the Biden administration, Republicans have shown their support for Trump who is now clearly viewed as their candidate for the Presidential race in 2024. But more needs to, and is being addressed, in this program. 

“Wird sich der 11. September 2001 wiederholen?” is the title of the new AufPostenStehen Program. It is the German version of our StandingWatch program from last week, titled, “Could There Be Another 9-11?”  

A Tech Team Meeting was conducted via Google Meets on Sunday, August 7, 2022. Hosted by Eric Rank, most of the time was devoted to our current Ad campaign in terms of evaluating cost and topics presented.  Additionally, discussion centered on publishing alternatives to serve as back-ups to YouTube and equipment needs at the Feast.

“Größe braucht Korrektur,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath in Germany by Robert Indlekofer, is now posted. Title in English: “Size Needs Correction.”

“China on the Warpath—Comments on News and Prophecy, August 6, 2022,” the first message presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Was Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban correct with his recent comments about human races? Why are new conditions after COVID shots and Fauci’s misinformation alarming, and why are Germany’s new Corona restrictions so stupid? In what way did Biden’s monumental failure contribute to the terrible situation in Afghanistan; and what did Pelosi’s visit in Taiwan trigger regarding China? Frightening news from China may signal a Chinese military strike on US forces in the region. What would or could the USA do in such a case?

“Why the Book of Ecclesiastes Is Misunderstood,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

The book of Ecclesiastes has many layers. It describes the lives of people under the sun who are cut off from God. To that extent, life is vain and a grasping for the wind. In addition, when Solomon addresses the reader DIRECTLY, he is not talking about people who have turned away from God and who refuse to submit to God. It is important to see the distinction.

Why do you not baptize by using the words, “I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost”? (Part 1)

Many mistakenly believe that a proper baptism must include these words, as quoted in the Question above, or similar words such as, “I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” and they base that concept on the Scripture in Matthew 28:19, as rendered in the Authorized Version, using the words “Holy Ghost,” or in the New King James Bible, using the words “Holy Spirit.”

But as we will show in this series, the Bible really does not command us to use those words during the baptism ceremony, and there are many reasons for this.

It should be stated at the outset that Trinitarians see clear evidence for their belief in Matthew 28:19. The Ryrie Study Bible comments: “Here is evidence for the trinity: one God (the name) who subsists in three persons (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). Each of the three is distinguished from the other; each possesses all the divine attributes; yet the three are one.“

We know, of course, that the concept of the Trinity is wrong. Even the Ryrie Study Bible continues to state, “This is a mystery which no analogy can explain satisfactorily.” Of course not, because this idea is utter nonsense. But it must be admitted that the passage in Matthew 28:19 could pose a problem which must be properly explained, as we will attempt to do in this series.

To begin with, there is one other passage that has been frequently used to prove the Trinity.  This passage can be found in 1 John 5:7-8, which is translated in the New King James Bible as follows:

“For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.”

We explain this Scripture in our booklet, “Is God a Trinity?”:

“The way this passage is translated in the New King James Bible is considered a proof text by some that the Holy Spirit is a person. But this is not true at all. With that rationale given to verse 7 (‘there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one’), it would follow from verse 8 (‘there are three that bear witness on earth, the Spirit, the water, and the blood, and these three agree as one’), that ‘water’ and ‘blood’ would also have to be persons. But nobody claims that.

“In addition, most scholars agree that the words in verse 7, ‘in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one,’ were later added by the Catholic Church to ‘prove’ the Trinity, and that these words were not in the original writings. Many Bible translations and commentaries state that this particular phrase, referred to as the ‘Comma Joanneum,’ is ‘not contained in the best authorities and constitutes a late addition in the Latin Text’ [Pattloch Bible, Appendix, page 85].

“The Zürcher Bible comments in a footnote that ‘this passage was added in the fourth century in the Latin Text, and only in the 15th century in some Greek Texts.’ The NIV [New International Version] adds in a footnote that this particular phrase is only contained ‘in the late manuscripts of the Latin Bible and that it is not found in any Greek manuscripts before the 16th century.’ Other commentaries point out that these words are clearly a falsification and that they have therefore been correctly omitted, even as a footnote, in many modern translations. So this passage is clearly not proof at all that the Holy Spirit is a separate divine person.”

When turning again to Matthew 28:19, the genuineness of this passage has also been questioned by commentators. Before addressing this question in future installments, we explain in our free booklet, “Is God a Trinity?”, that, in any event, this passage does not teach the Trinity at all:

“As the role of Christ in the baptismal ceremony is mighty important… so also is the role of the Father. It was God the Father who gave His only begotten Son as a sacrifice for us, so that we could have eternal life. Once we repent and believe we are then to be baptized as an outward sign of inner repentance, to ‘bury our old self.’ Once we come out of the watery grave, we are to walk in newness of life. And, this can only be done with the help of God’s Holy Spirit.

“We are to make disciples by baptizing them, and by teaching them to observe all things that Christ commanded. And, we baptize a person ‘in’ or ‘into’ [the Greek word eis can mean ‘in’ or ‘into’] the ‘name’ or ‘possession’ [the Greek word onoma can mean ‘name’ or ‘possession’] of the Father and of the Son who both are present through the Holy Spirit. The entire clause, ‘baptize in the name of,’ in Greek, ‘eis (to) onoma tinos,’ also conveys the meaning of coming under the ‘control’ or ‘authority’ of the Father and of the Son (cp. Strong’s, #3836; and William Arndt and F. Wilbur Gingrich, p. 575). And… it is the Holy Spirit, emanating from the Father and from the Son, by which we have fellowship with the Father and Jesus Christ.

“When we are baptized in, or into, the name or possession of Jesus, we recognize that we are baptized into His death (Rom. 6:3). When we come out of the watery grave, and one of God’s ministers places his hands on our heads and asks God the Father for the Holy Spirit, emanating from both the Father and the Son, we recognize that it is the Holy Spirit of God flowing into us that enables us to walk in newness of life. We also recognize that we are entering, at that very time, the Family of God as begotten, but not yet born, children of God the Father and brothers and sisters of our elder brother Jesus Christ. In that sense, we become the possession or the ‘property’ of the God Family. And all of this is made possible, then, through God’s Holy Spirit, dwelling in us. So rather than teaching the personage of the Holy Spirit, Matt. 28:19 teaches how God makes it possible, through His Spirit in us, to become a part of the Family of God.”

The point here is, we are not the property of a man. We are the property, or possession, of Jesus Christ who has purchased us with His own blood, as Acts 20:28 states, “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”

With these introductory comments, let us begin to show why we do not use Matthew 28:19 as a “formula,” by reviewing how the early apostles baptized the disciples.

The following are selected quotes from our free booklet, “Baptism—a Requirement for Salvation?”: (We recommend, however, that you read the entire booklet for a complete understanding.)

“One of the early baptisms is described in Acts 8:14–17. This passage… summarizes for us the exact ceremony of baptism leading to the gift of the Holy Spirit… ‘Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He [better: it—the Holy Spirit] had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.”

“Notice carefully that they first received or accepted the word of God. They heard the message, accepted it, believed it and repented of their sins. They were then baptized ‘in the name of the Lord.’ Following their baptism, the ministers prayed for them and laid their hands on them to set them apart for the holy purpose of following God and His way of life. It was THEN that they received the Holy Spirit. So we see that baptism in the name of Christ was sufficient. Some have said that this passage just describes the fact that the apostles baptized the people with Christ’s authority. Although certainly included, the Scriptural meaning is more encompassing.

“We must realize that in the phrase, ‘in the name of the Lord,’ the Greek word for ‘in’ is ‘eis,’ and the Greek word for ‘name’ is ‘onoma.’ The Greek word ‘eis’ can mean ‘in’ or ‘into,’ depending on the context. Scriptures such as Matthew 2:23; 18:6; Mark 2:1; 13:16, translate the Greek word ‘eis’ correctly as ‘in.’ Other passages, such as Matthew 2:11, 12 and 13 (AV), correctly translate the Greek word ‘eis’ as ‘into.’

“Additionally, the Greek word for ‘name,’ ‘onoma,’ can also mean, ‘possession.’ It would therefore be accurate to render the phrase, ‘baptism in the name of Christ,’ as ‘baptism into the possession of Christ.’ This phrase not only describes the fact that baptism must be done with Christ’s authority, it also shows the result of baptism—we become Christ’s property because He died for us and bought us with His blood (compare Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 2 Peter 2:1).

“Now notice another revealing passage in Acts 19:1–6: ‘And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said to them, “INTO what then were you baptized?” So they said, “INTO John’s baptism.” Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.’

“These disciples had been baptized into the baptism of John. That baptism was not sufficient to receive the Holy Spirit. John’s baptism was an outward sign of inner repentance, but it did not include the promised gift of the Holy Spirit. Another baptism—baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ—was necessary to receive the Holy Spirit. This passage implies that Christ’s baptism, which He accomplished through His apostles, was different from John’s baptism (compare again John 3:22; 4:1–3). Paul seemed to have known this distinction and that is why he asked the disciples, ‘Into WHAT [baptism] then were you baptized?’

“Let’s notice again the distinction. The disciples were baptized ‘into John’s baptism.’ The Greek word for ‘into’ is ‘eis.’ After they learned of the need of another baptism to receive the Holy Spirit, they were baptized ‘in [or into] the name of the Lord.’ In the Greek, the word for ‘in’ is also ‘eis,’ which can also mean ‘into.’ As they were baptized into John’s baptism, they were now baptized into the name or possession (‘onoma’ in Greek) of Christ, that is, into Christ’s baptism. This passage shows that baptism in, or into, the name of Christ is not only necessary, but is also sufficient, so that the Father will forgive our sins and give us His Holy Spirit.”

Later in the booklet, we point out the following:

“… there is no recorded biblical incident where the early apostles baptized people other than in, or into, the name of Jesus Christ. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, explained this very well in Romans 6:1–4:… ‘What shall we say then? Shall we continue to sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.’

“Paul says that we are baptized into (Greek, ‘eis’) Christ and into His death. As Christ died a physical death, so we die spiritually in baptism. As Christ was literally resurrected from the dead, so we, too, are raised by the Father from the spiritually dead to live in newness of life. This part of the symbolism of baptism—death in the watery grave—clearly compares symbolically only with the death of Christ. Neither the Father nor the Holy Spirit—God’s power—died in any way. Only Christ, as a human being, died. Further, it is Christ’s death that is not only sufficient, but also necessary, for our forgiveness (Matthew 1:21). That is the reason why baptism into any other human being, be it Paul or Moses or John, would not have the effect of granting forgiveness and receiving God’s Holy Spirit. Their death did not, and could not, accomplish what Christ’s death accomplished…

“Let us also read… Colossians 2:11–13: ‘In Him [Christ] you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses.’ When we are baptized into Christ—into His death—our old man dies, and we ‘put on’ Christ—the new man of God. Notice Galatians 3:27, ‘For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.’ Compare, too, Romans 13:14.

“Baptism pictures our death and burial in a watery grave in the same way that Christ died and was buried in a tomb. Baptism also pictures our resurrection from the dead and our leaving the watery grave, just as Christ was resurrected from the dead and left the tomb. Finally, it pictures walking in newness of life as we put on Christ, who is now living in us through His Holy Spirit…

“We read in Acts 2:38 that we must be baptized IN the name of Christ. Peter tells us to ‘Repent, and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’ The Greek word for ‘in’ in this clause (‘in the name of Christ’) is ‘epi.’ The Greek word for ‘name’ is again, ‘onoma.’ Peter tells us, then, that we must be baptized ‘in’ the name, or possession, of Christ and then we will receive the Holy Spirit. After all, it is Christ who baptizes us with the Holy Spirit, as Matthew 3:11 tells us: ‘[Christ] will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’ (Compare, too, Matthew 3:14.)

“We also read in Acts 10:48 that Peter commanded them ‘to be baptized in the name of the Lord.’ The Greek word for ‘in’ within the phrase, ‘in the name of the Lord’ is ‘en.’ We find here a biblical command, through the mouth of Peter, to be baptized ‘in the name of the Lord.’ In the passages in Acts 2:38 and Acts 10:48, discussed above, the additional thought is conveyed that baptism must be done with Christ’s authority. Only then, the Father—through Jesus Christ—will bestow on us the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 15:26; Titus 3:5–6).”

We continue to explain that Matthew 28:19, assuming the passage is genuine, does not, in any event, teach a mandatory “baptismal formula”:

“We have seen from the biblical record that the disciples were baptized in, or into, the name, or possession, of Jesus Christ. There is no biblical example where someone was actually baptized in, or into, the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. We read consistently that disciples were baptized in, or into, Christ, or in, or into, the name of Jesus Christ ONLY.

“We discussed Acts 8:14–17 and Acts 19:1–6 as proof of this assertion. Note that in those passages, the Greek term for ‘in the name of’ reads, ‘eis to onoma tou,’ exactly as it does in Matthew 28:19… The occasional claim that the expression “eis to onoma” only appears in Matthew 28:19, is therefore incorrect…

“If Christ had given His apostles a command in Matthew 28:19 to use a particular ‘formula’ during baptism, then His disciples would have been in flagrant violation of His command, as they never used that ‘formula.’ At least, there is no biblical record that they ever used it. Rather, we find that Paul told the disciples to be baptized in, or into, the name of Christ (compare Acts 19:1–6), not, in or into, the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Remember, though, what happened after the persons came out of the watery grave. The baptizing apostles prayed over them, and they laid hands upon them (compare Acts 8:14–17). We pray to the Father, as Christ instructed us to do (compare Matthew 6:9), so in laying hands on the persons and praying over them, the apostles asked the Father to give those people the Holy Spirit to set them aside from the rest of the world…

“When a minister baptizes us in, or into, the name, or possession, of Jesus Christ, we recognize that we are baptized into Christ’s death. Note that the Bible nowhere states we are baptized into the death of the Father or the Holy Spirit. Such an analogy simply does not fit. It was ONLY Christ who died, and it was ONLY Christ who was resurrected, by the Father, through the Holy Spirit. (Compare again Romans 6:1–13.)

“At the same time, it is also recognized that the Father gave Christ, His only begotten Son, to die for us; that the Father resurrected Christ; that the Father raises us up, spiritually speaking; and that the Father gives us the Holy Spirit. When we come out of the watery grave, God’s minister places his hands on our head and asks God the Father for the Holy Spirit—the same Spirit that emanates from both the Father and the Son. It is this Spirit of God flowing into us that enables us to walk in newness of life. We also recognize that, at that very moment, we enter into the Family of God as begotten—not yet born again—children of God the Father, and brothers and sisters of our elder Brother, Jesus Christ. In that sense, we become the possession, or the ‘property,’ of the God Family (Whatever Christ owns, the Father owns too, and vice versa; compare John 16:15). All of this is made possible, then, through God’s Holy Spirit. So, rather than teaching a particular baptismal formula, Matthew 28:19 teaches how God makes it possible for us, through the Holy Spirit in us, to become part of the Family of God.”

Genuine or not, the concept stated in Matthew 28:19, in referring during the entire baptism ceremony to the role and function of the Father and Jesus Christ, bestowing on the baptized person the gift of the Holy Spirit, is accurate and biblical. On the other hand, to teach that the baptizing minister must say the words, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” is erroneous and unbiblical.  Note, too, that the wording in Matthew 28:19, “baptizing them,” is describing a process during the entire baptismal ceremony, not a particular one-time rendered “formula.”  Christ did NOT say; “You must baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” which is quite in contrast with the requirement stated in passages such as Acts 2:38, where we read, …“let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ…”

Continuing from our booklet, “Baptism—a Requirement for Salvation?”:

“Notice Christ’s words in the parallel account in Mark 16:15–16: ‘And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe [and is not baptized] will be condemned [better translated: judged].”’ There is not even a hint of a baptismal formula here.”

We should also note that Mark 16:15-16 does not include the concept of baptizing someone “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost [or Spirit].” In the following installments, we will explain why this might be the case.

(To Be Continued)

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

This Week in the News

Witch-Hunt on Trump from Every Angle

The Sun wrote on August 9:

“Sources say the FBI search was part of an investigation into whether he took classified records from the White House to Mar-a-Lago… Law enforcement sources told TMZ that federal agents ‘waited for Trump to leave town’ before conducting the raid. The protocol of an FBI raid like the one conducted on Monday would require federal agents to ‘handcuff the target – if they’re home – until the property is secured,’ the outlet reported citing sources. ‘The target would not be arrested, but rather detained. Once the property was secured, agents would remove the handcuffs, but the target could not reenter the premises until the raid was completed.’

“On Tuesday, the DC Court of Appeals announced that the House Ways and Means Committee could obtain Trump’s tax returns from the IRS in the latest legal blow to the former president.

“… the search comes amid a separate grand jury investigation into efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election…

“Trump’s former Vice President Mike Pence ripped the FBI, saying the raid ‘undermines public confidence’ in the country’s justice system… ‘No former President of the United States has ever been subject to a raid of their personal residence in American history… the appearance of continued partisanship by the Justice Department must be addressed… Attorney General Garland must give a full accounting to the American people as to why this action was taken and he must do so immediately.’”

Of course, Garland has so far refused to say anything which would have been substantial. Republicans and political conservative contenders for the White House like Mike Pence were quick to give their full support for Donald Trump. The political and presumably illegal action of the Justice Department and the FBI will backfire and might constitute the biggest debacle for the Biden administration… much bigger than the Afghanistan catastrophe. It does not appear that Biden and the Democrats will be able to recover from these devastating developments. Note the next articles.

Republicans in Arms in Support of Trump

Florida Politics wrote on August 8:

“The historic spectacle of the FBI raiding the former President’s… Palm Beach estate lit Twitter on fire with outraged Republicans venting about the news. State Republicans argued the raid… is an example of the federal government being weaponized against the administration’s opponents...

“Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio went on something of a Tweetstorm, evoking the political upheaval in his parent’s native country, Cuba. ‘Using government power to persecute political opponents is something we have seen many times from 3rd world Marxist dictatorships. But never before in America,’ Rubio said… U.S. Sen. Rick Scott was making basically the same point as Rubio. ‘The FBI’s raid of Mar-A-Lago is incredibly concerning, especially given the… Biden admin’s history of going after parents and other political opponents. This is 3rd World country stuff…’ [He also wrote:] ‘Biden is playing with fire by using a document dispute to get the Justice Department to persecute a likely future election opponent. Because one day what goes around is going to come around. And then we become Nicaragua under Ortega.’

“Gov. Ron DeSantis was also pessimistic about the historic event… ‘The raid of MAL is another escalation in the weaponization of federal agencies against the Regime’s political opponents, while people like Hunter Biden get treated with kid gloves,’ DeSantis tweeted. ‘Now the Regime is getting another 87K IRS agents to wield against its adversaries? Banana Republic.’

“Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis… demanded additional explanation about the raid from federal officials… ‘This administration has lost its mind. It is corrupt. It is political. They raid a former President, they do nothing about the border or about Hunter…. Pure Banana Republic tactics. Only in dictatorship do they use the power of government to eliminate their enemies.’”

Newsmax added on August 8:

“House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said in a statement[:] ‘The Department of Justice has reached an intolerable state of weaponized politicization.’“

Breitbart published on August 8 numerous comments from conservative newscasters, supporting Trump and accusing the Biden Administration, the FBI and the Justice Department for improper conduct:

“Lou Dobbs: ‘The FBI and the DOJ have ruthlessly violated the Constitution and law in America. Joe Biden and Merrick Garland are no more than Marxist thugs, not public servants. They’re an outrage against decency, judgment, a former President, and the American people.’

“Sebastian Gorka: ‘The FBI is currently raiding President Trump home at Mar-a-Lago. They have declared war on 74 MILLION Americans.’

“Glenn Beck: ‘This is the act of a dictator of a Banana Republic. Republicans NEVER did this to Clinton, although perhaps we should have. With Joe & Hunter Biden paying zero consequence for his actions. This is shameful and MUST STOP. We don’t do this in America. Way over the line… Hillary Clinton acid washed hard drives. TOOK SKIFF only top secret documents home. WILDLY illegal. THEY did NOTHING. The FBI needs to be fumigated. ANY FBI agent who knows about corruption and keeps quiet is just as guilty.’”

Deutsche Welle added on August 10:

“Senator Lindsey Graham… said ‘launching an investigation of a former president this close to an election is beyond problematic,’ while Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, the third-ranking House Republican, called Monday’s events a ‘dark day in American history.’”

Fox News added on August 10:

“Former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino called the FBI raid on former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home a ‘constitutional abomination to our constitutional republic’ and said the personnel involved with the raid should be fired.”

Termination and PROSECUTION may have to include EVERYONE directly or indirectly involved, including Attorney General Merrick Garland, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and any and all “higher-ups,” if they were in any way complicit in this attack on American liberties and freedoms.

What’s Really Behind the Raid?

The New York Post wrote on August 9:

“The court-authorized search… is another unmistakable signal that the Justice Department is trying to build a criminal case against [Trump] arising out of the Capitol riot. Ostensibly, the search relates to a long simmering dispute between the former president and the government over Trump’s potentially illegal retention and mishandling of classified information. But don’t be deceived…

“The ongoing proceedings implicating Trump – in particular, the Justice Department’s investigation and the House January 6 committee probe – seem geared toward undermining his capacity to seek the presidency again in 2024…But a felon is not a disqualification, so even crimes potentially far more serious than mishandling classified information are not a bar to seeking the presidency…

“The Justice Department obviously used the potential classified information as a pretext to obtain a warrant so it could search for what it is really looking for: evidence that would tie Trump to a Capitol riot offense… The Biden Justice Department is under enormous pressure from the Democratic base to indict Trump, and it is straining to deliver. But what it is trying to deliver is a Capitol riot case, not a case of mishandling classified documents.”

This supports the suggestion raised by many that the FBI and others went on a politically and legally problematic fishing expedition. There exists a statute which might be used to bar Trump from running for the Presidency. But as legal scholars point out, only the Constitution declares when someone is barred from running. So any statute going beyond this is unconstitutional and void.

Trump’s Response

Newsmax and Reuters wrote on August 8:

“Former President Donald Trump on Monday said his opponents ‘desperately don’t want me to run for President in 2024’ and will ‘likewise do anything to stop Republicans and Conservatives in the upcoming Midterm Elections.’ That, he said, is why FBI agents raided his Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach, Florida, on Monday even though he said he had been ‘working and cooperating with the relevant Government agencies.’… Trump called the move against a former president ‘dark times for our nation,’ and said the action was no different than Watergate and had turned the United States into a ‘broken third-world country.’

“Trump, who found plenty of support on Monday from political allies, issued a statement reading:

“‘Nothing like this has ever happened to a president of the United States before… Such an assault could only take place in broken, third-world countries. Sadly, America has now become one of those countries, corrupt at a level not seen before. They even broke into my safe!…

“‘Hillary Clinton was allowed to delete and acid wash 33,000 e-mails AFTER they were subpoenaed by Congress. Absolutely nothing has happened to hold her accountable. She even took antique furniture, and other items from the White House.

“I stood up to America’s bureaucratic corruption… the establishment hated it. Now, as they watch my endorsed candidates win big victories, and see my dominance in all polls, they are trying to stop me, and the Republican Party, once more. The lawlessness, political persecution, and witch hunt must be exposed and stopped…’”

Calls for taking up arms and the need for civil war are becoming louder in some circles.

 Newsmax wrote on August 9:

“President Joe Biden ‘knew all about’ Monday’s raid at Mar-a-Lago, just as he surely knew all about son Hunter Biden’s business deals, former President Donald Trump proclaimed on Tuesday… Trump has been blasting the actions of the Biden administration’s Justice Department as a continuation of efforts to discredit him as a president and potential 2024 candidate for reelection.

“Earlier Tuesday, at a White House press conference, officials insisted Biden had not been briefed on the FBI raid. That, they said, is because he would have had no role in it, with the Justice Department expected to perform its tasks independent of the Oval Office.

“Biden has also repeatedly denied any involvement in, or knowledge of, son Hunter’s business dealings with foreign entities and individuals.

“Democrat and anti-Trump operatives have offered hints, and sometimes more, about wanting to attack Trump with an eye toward blocking a 2024 run. Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., has acknowledged that a goal of the House Jan. 6 Select Committee probing the Capitol attack is to keep Trump from the White House…”

The problem is, Biden has been lying on several occasions. There is clearly an appearance of collusion between the White House and the FBI and the Justice Department. Further concerns were raised when it was revealed that “The federal judge who reportedly signed off on the raid at former President Trump’s …  Mar-a-Lago residence donated thousands of dollars to former President Barack Obama’s presidential campaign and victory fund in 2008” (Fox News, dated August 9).

Dark Days in the USA—While It Is Getting Darker…

The New York Post reported on August 9:

“FBI agents scoured Melania Trump’s wardrobe and spent several hours combing through Donald Trump’s private office, breaking open his safe and rifling through drawers when they raided the former First Family’s Mar-a-Lago home in Florida Monday morning… A source close to the former president expressed concern that FBI agents or DOJ lawyers conducting the search could have ‘planted stuff’ because they would not allow Trump’s attorneys inside the 128-room building to observe the operation, which lasted more than nine hours.

“The raid… extended through the Trump family’s entire 3,000-square-foot private quarters, as well as to a separate office and safe, and a locked basement storage room in which 15 cardboard boxes of material from the White House were stored. The boxes [taken by the FBI] contain documents and mementos from Trump’s presidency, reportedly including [private!] letters from Barack Obama and Kim Jong Un, and other correspondence with world leaders…

“… agents fanned out to search every room, while shocked staff were instructed by Trump’s lawyers to unlock doors and provide the FBI access to every room, including the sumptuous Versailles Master Bedroom, renovated by Melania two years ago. Another group of agents, including a professional safe cracker, moved to a separate part of the enormous 1924 Spanish stucco building to search Trump’s office and safe. The demeanor of the three DOJ lawyers who accompanied the FBI was described by one eyewitness as ‘arrogant’…

“Despite the sweltering 91 degrees temperature Monday, Trump’s lawyers were forbidden by the feds to shelter inside the cool lobby, or to observe the search in any way, but were left outside in the baking sun near a parking lot. The feds instructed Trump’s representatives to switch off the security cameras but they refused.”

If this does not tell us what is happening…

Newsmax wrote on August 9:

“No former president had been raided in the 114-year history of the FBI before Trump, including President Barack Obama, who Trump has alleged was a part of spying on his 2016 presidential campaign against Hillary Clinton.

“Former NYPD Commissioner Bernie Kerik…  issued a warning Tuesday the FBI raid required body cameras, and he issued a call for the House Judiciary Committee and Ranking Member Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, to subpoena those from the raid on Trump…”

“Justice” in America?

Newsmax wrote on August 10:

“The FBI raided former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence as opposed to issuing a subpoena, because they wanted to circumvent Trump’s Fifth Amendment rights – and seize anything they wanted – according to legal expert Alan Dershowitz… Dershowitz… added… a search warrant is easily obtained through a judge, who signs off on them without much justification. ‘For a search warrant, you go to Santa Claus and you say, “Santa, it’s Christmas, give me presents,”’ Dershowitz said. ‘Every judge grants almost every search warrant request, and there is no judicial oversight to speak of for search warrants.’

“Dershowitz’s remarks appear to stamp out allegations from the likes of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who suggested the FBI must have had ‘justification’ to raid Trump’s private residence. Dershowitz argued a search warrant has a very low bar. ‘I’ve been doing this for 60 years, Greta: I don’t remember a case where a judge turned down a search warrant,’ Dershowitz continued. ‘… And, if a judge turns down a search warrant, you just go to another judge and another judge and another judge. You can get to the eighth judge, if seven have been denied, you still get your search warrant.’”

Incredible. This shows how the “justice system” “works.” The Ron Paul Institute is asking the question on August 9 whether America is now a “police state.”

It Will Backfire!

The New York Post reported on August 10:

“The former commander-in-chief told the [Republican Study Committee] he ‘has made up his mind’ about his long-teased run, and ‘enjoyed encouragement’ from them to ‘get the decision out sooner rather than later.’… ‘The Republican Party is bigger and stronger than ever before because of Donald Trump’s leadership,’ insisted the study committee chairman.

“[Rep. Jim] Banks joined others in saying that ‘what happened at Mar-a-Lago unifies Republicans in our outrage… If anything, what the left and the corrupt Biden administration has done will only backfire on them, as they see that the American people stand with President Trump,’ he told Fox. ‘The House GOP is fighting back. We stand united in outrage against the Biden White House and DOJ, and we stand with President Trump.’”

It will backfire indeed. Republicans and even Democrats and Independents take Trump’s side against the irresponsible conduct of those responsible for this raid. In a sense, nothing better could have happened toTrump…

The Days the Truth Died

Paul Craig Roberts, Institute for Political Economy, wrote on August 5:

“The Establishment’s determination to close down narrative-challenger Alex Jones has put Sandy Hook back in the news…

“My search of the IPE archives brought up my articles on other controversial shootings–Las Vegas and Orlando–and the Oklahoma City Bombing.  The common thread in all of these incidents is that the narrative is established the minute the news is reported, and officials and media never vary from the narrative.  As soon as it happens, the government and the media already know what happened.  No investigation ever takes place.  It was the same for President Kennedy’s assassination, his brother’s assassination, 9/11, the Gulf of Tonkin, Saddam Hussein’s weapons of mass destruction, Assad’s use of chemical weapons, the Israeli attack on the USS Liberty, etc.

“Legitimate questions about the narratives are ignored by officials and media who seem to be involved in a conspiracy to bury the truth.  Skeptics, no matter how prominent or fact-based are demonized as ‘conspiracy theorists’ unworthy of attention. Clearly, America no longer has a media watchdog.  America has a propaganda ministry for official narratives. What this tells us should shock every American… truth is hard to find in the American media and the American government.

“In the not distant future, it will become actionable to doubt… the government on the grounds that doubt implies disbelief and disbelief is a crime or proves that you are a foreign agent.  Slander and libel will evolve to apply to media and government as institutions.  As we are so gullible, so trusting, we are going to be reduced to silence or praise.  Silence will bring official suspicion.  Praise of the false narratives will bring career success and rewards…

“Younger people have been indoctrinated in schools that government and media protect blacks, homosexuals, and transgendered from racist, homophobic and transphobic white people who use normality as an illegitimate standard of approval. Sodom and Gomorrah are approved, but not the white family unit.

“Can we believe that there is a future for freedom in America when Democrats, media, CIA, FBI, and NSA can create a narrative of President Donald Trump as a Russian agent? Can we believe that there is a future for freedom in America when the same collection of schemers can create a show trial of the President of the United States planning a coup by a couple of hundred unarmed supporters seizing the government of the United States by walking around in the Capitol and sitting in Nancy Pelosi’s chair?…”

This was even written BEFORE the outrageous raid on Trump’s property in Florida.

On the other hand, we should not forget some of the outrageous ideas Trump supports. Note the next articles.

Trump: Death Penalty for Drug Dealers

In his rallies, including the most recent rally on August 5, 2022, Trump is pleading for the death penalty for drug dealers. His stance is not new; note the following article by The Washington Post from February 15, 2019:

“President Trump spoke fondly again on Friday about the practice — popular among some anti-Democratic leaders — of executing drug traffickers. Speaking at the White House to announce that he was declaring a national emergency to secure funding to build his long-promised border wall, Trump digressed to speak about a recent conversation he had with Chinese President Xi Jinping. ‘Their criminal list — a drug dealer gets a thing called the death penalty,’ he said of China… ‘When I asked President Xi, I said, “You have a drug problem?” “No no no.”… Why? Death penalty,’ Trump said, imitating someone who speaks broken English. “We give death penalty to people who sell drugs. End of problem.”’ [Trump repeats this conversation continuously during his recent rallies.]

“Human rights experts said Trump’s regular praise for Xi is concerning and misleading… While Trump claimed he was told that China does not have a drug problem, that does not appear to be the case. According to China Daily, a state-run newspaper, police in China solved ‘140,000 criminal cases related to drugs in 2016, arrested 168,000 suspected drug users, seized 82.1 tons of drugs and destroyed 438 drug labs.’ And the outlet noted that there were 2.5 million known drug addicts in China by the end of 2017.’…

“China does execute people in some cases for drug trafficking, distribution and manufacturing but that its legal processes would not pass muster in the United States… There’s no due process… Everything about every death penalty case in China would fail the tests we have here for a fair trial…”

The death penalty for drug dealers, following China’s example, is a terrible idea which would not fly in the USA. And what about mothers who abort their children? Is Trump, who was at one time “pro-choice,” suggesting that they should get the death penalty too?

Trump: End Chain Migration

In his rallies, including the most recent rally on August 5, 2022,Trump is pleading for ending chain migration. His stance is not new; note the following article by Vox, dated January 30, 2018:

“[President Donald Trump is] talking more — a lot more — about how ‘chain migration’ is bad for the United States. ‘Ending chain migration’ has become one of the four pillars that the White House demands be part of any bill to protect the 690,000 young unauthorized immigrants affected by Trump’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program [commonly referred to as the “Dreamers”]. The White House’s own proposal suggests doing this by preventing all US citizens from sponsoring parents, siblings or adult children to settle in the US — a radical change from current law….”

We should point out that legal chain migration is a long, cumbersome and expensive process. Many would not qualify. Trump does not seem to know much about how chain migration really works. We should also point out that Trump’s own parents-in-law were able to settle in the USA because of chain migration. Ending chain migration is another one of Trump’s terrible ideas.

Fauci at it Again

The Ron Paul Institute republished on August 5 the following article by the Dossier:

“This week, Anthony Fauci has been making the media rounds warning of a severe winter of death and illness for the unvaccinated. Once more, he has warned of a heavy toll for those who refuse experimental gene injections that have been fraudulently represented as the cure to the coronavirus… Fauci recently had a bad bout with COVID-19, despite taking four Pfizer injections and two full courses of Pfizer oral pills…

“Last year, Fauci warned of a brutal winter for those who decided not to get injected with the gene juice… President Biden infamously declared a coming ‘winter of death and severe illness for the unvaccinated.’ Of course, that 2021 winter of death and severe illness never came to fruition, and neither will the 2022 winter projection, to the devastation of the people in charge… Americans are largely tuning out the Big Pharma-Government Health seasonal mRNA sales drive.”

One of Trump’s colossal blunders was not to fire Fauci. We cannot expect Biden to do so, of course.

In fact, Fauci has become somewhat of a mentor for other “health experts”… with disastrous consequences. Note the next articles regarding COVID restrictions in Germany.

Germany’s COVID Chaos

Deutsche Welle wrote on August 5:

“German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has tested positive for the coronavirus and is isolating at home… Lauterbach… has received four doses of the COVID vaccine… On Wednesday, the German government announced basic COVID measures… The most notable national plan, the compulsory wearing of face masks on long-distance trains and airplanes, will remain in place… A negative COVID-19 test will also be required from October until early April for many people to secure entry to hospitals, nursing homes and similar institutions…

“Germany’s 16 states are largely left to implement their own rules from among a range of options… State governments could decide to require masks on local public transport, in schools for students, or at indoor events, for example… The government also plans a vaccination drive in the coming months…”

 Lauterbach does not seem to have too much confidence in these vaccines, as he is now taking the corona pill “Paxlovid” to avoid complications, even though his symptoms are allegedly “mild.” So did Biden after he came down with COVID the first time in July, but subsequently he came down with it again, and has been tested positive for 7 consecutive days including Friday. We are being told that his symptoms were mild. He has now been tested negative, as of Saturday.

German doctors warn against Paxlovid. According to t-online, dated August 6, the medication causes side-effects such as high blood pressure, diarrhea and muscle pain, and should only be taken after diligent medical consultation. The article also points out that it is unknown why Corona returns after taking Paxlovid.

That’s Enough, Herr Lauterbach!

The mass German tabloid, Bild Online, wrote on August 5:

“Germany is back in the Corona crisis. But not because of the virus, but because of the rules…

“The threatening rule chaos is homemade. While other countries (e.g. Switzerland, Austria, France) rely on freedom instead of measures, Health Minister Lauterbach and Justice Minister Buschmann are sending Germany back to arbitrary rule.

“Masks are compulsory in schools even though children almost never get sick? Vaccinations every 3 months to avoid wearing an FFP2 mask in the restaurant? It has nothing to do with health protection.

“Karl Lauterbach calls this the ‘incentive for vaccination’. But that is nothing more than vaccination pressure. Many people who have supported all Corona measures in the past will say: That’s enough!”

But will Lauterbach and Justice Minister Marco Buschmann (FDP) listen to these appeals? That is hardly to be expected. Their goal of fearmongering and pressuring those who do not agree with their unscientific opinions is very obvious.

Recession Is Still Looming…

Breitbart wrote on August 5:

“The U.S. economy added 528,000 jobs in July and the unemployment rate fell to 3.5 percent… The July figures and the upward revisions to June’s gains are likely to spark concerns over inflation persisting at very high levels. Particularly with economic output contracting, adding demand in the form of additional workers and higher wages is likely to push prices up.”

The Associated Press added on August 5:

“The economic backdrop is troubling: Gross domestic product — the broadest measure of economic output — fell in both the first and second quarters; consecutive GDP drops is one definition of a recession. And inflation is roaring at a 40-year high… History isn’t entirely reassuring: The unemployment rate was even lower — 3.5% — when an 11-month recession began in December 1969…

“Economist House at Wells Fargo expects employers to keep adding jobs for a few months. But rising interest rates, she said, will gradually choke off economic growth… ‘Our expectation is that the U.S. economy will slip into recession, probably at the start of the year.’”

CNBC wrote on August 5:

“There is no historical precedent to indicate that an economy in recession can produce 528,000 jobs in a month, as the U.S. did during July. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a recession ahead, and, ironically enough, it is the labor market’s phenomenal resiliency that could pose the biggest danger. The Federal Reserve’s rate tightening to address inflation poses a recession threat into 2023.”

On the other hand, Politico wrote on August 5:

“It’s the fastest pace of jobs growth since February as the labor market continues to defy fears that the economy is heading into a recession.”

In Britain too…

Breitbart wrote on August 5:

“The Bank of England has warned that the British economy is heading into a protracted recession as it raised interest rates to fight inflation amid fears of 13 or 15 per cent inflation by the end of year…. the highest level since the 2008 financial crisis. The central bank raised the rates in the hopes of mitigating the expected increases to inflation, which it now forecasts as hitting 13.3 per cent this year, a four decade high. It is now expected that at the end of the year, the British economy will sink into a recession that will last for at least five quarters…”

… and in Germany…

Deutsche Welle wrote on August 7:

“For the fifth month in a row, German factories received fewer orders for their products. In June, orders fell 0.4% compared with May. Though a minor decline at first glance, that adds up to a 5.6% decrease for the second quarter of 2022. Because of the bottlenecks in global supply chains, German industries still have a high order backlog, but not enough to protect them from the upcoming economic hardship, Commerzbank chief economist Jörg Krämer told DW. ‘The risk of a recession is increasing,’ Krämer said….

“The current high inflation rates continue to erode consumer purchasing power… There is also great uncertainty as to what additional costs might arise from the high energy prices caused by the war in Ukraine and the gas levy… Additionally, the global economy is suffering, affecting overseas markets. In the United States, one of the most important sales destinations for German industry, inflation rates are so high that the Federal Reserve is raising interest rates much faster than the European Central Bank, pushing people and businesses to spend less….

“A recession seems inevitable… That could push at least parts of German industry to relocate their production abroad — to places where energy is cheaper and produced domestically…”

These are not good signs for the economic prosperity of Germany. It would take a strong and dictatorial Führer with drastic measures to turn this trend around, but it would have terrible consequences for Germany and the entire world.

Snickers Gives in to China

Bild Online wrote on August 5:

“One of the most successful chocolate bars collapses in front of the Chinese dictatorship!

“The US candy company Mars Wrigley (including Snickers, Twix) apologized on Friday for a Snickers ad in which Chinese social media users said that Taiwan was a country… Unbelievable (and inedible): The American bar -Giant posted an apology on its account… and said the relevant content had been changed. The former Snickers slogan ‘When you get hungry’ would have to be rephrased: ‘When you get cowardly’…”

The correct slogan is: “You’re not you when you’re hungry“, to be changed to, “You’re not you when you’re a coward.”

China on the Warpath

Breitbart wrote on August 5:

“The ambassador for Communist China to France said on Monday that the people of Taiwan will need to be ‘re-educated’ after the democratic island nation is ‘reunified’ with the mainland.”

Deutsche Welle wrote on August 5:

“The Chinese Communist Party says that self-ruled, democratic Taiwan is part of its territory and has promised to one day take it, if necessary by force. As such, Beijing objects to foreign governments having formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. While the US does not have such relations with Taipei, it remains its most important military and political backer. .. Pelosi said on Friday that the US would ‘not allow’ China to isolate Taiwan…

“Taiwan’s defence ministry on Friday said a total of 68 Chinese military aircraft and 13 navy ships were conducting missions in the Taiwan Strait. Some, they said, had crossed an official buffer separating the two sides. The ministry described the move as ‘damaging the status quo’.”

The Guardian added on August 5 that “Japan’s prime minister also called for an immediate halt to the exercises after his government said at least five missiles landed within its exclusive economic zone.”

The Sun wrote on August 6:

“CHINA boasted it has rehearsed sinking US aircraft carriers using hypersonic missiles as part of a massive war games amid simmering tensions over Taiwan… Warships, warplanes and missiles have all been moved towards the island for the massive Chinese war games – which in effect blockaded Taiwan.

“Beijing’s state run media bragged the drills showed how China could attack the island by first unleashing a wave of rocket strikes across the Taiwan Strait. And it then boasted missile launches showed how the Communist forces could also strike any ‘foreign’ aircraft carriers that may attempt to ‘intervene from the Philippine Sea’. Hypersonic missiles such as the DF-17 could be used, it claimed…

“The ‘foreign’ ships being referred to is clearly a barb at the US – with aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and her strike group just days ago operating in the Philippine Sea. Chinese state media described the ship as ‘retreating’ as she started to sail back towards its home port in Japan.”

The Sun wrote on August 5, 2022:

“Oriana Skylar Mastro, a fellow at Stanford University and a former China analyst at the Pentagon,… explained that Beijing now believes it also has to fight the US if it is to fulfil its… goal of invading Taiwan and ‘reuniting’ with the mainland. And Mastro believes the most likely way such a conflict would play out is with a Pearl Harbor-style attack on US forces in the region. It would be designed to try and knock out US forces so they could not react to stop China gaining a foothold in Taiwan… And it has always been unclear if Washington would intervene militarily should China attack Taiwan, despite a recent vow from US President Joe Biden.

“Mastro is one of the world’s leading authorities on the Chinese military and its thinking… Mastro is not the only expert to have suggest that the US could face another ‘Pearl Harbor’ over Taiwan… Brands and Beckley warn the ‘most worrying’ scenario would see Beijing attempt to launch a ‘surprise missile attack’ on American forces in Asia… they warn ‘by the time the [US] was ready to fight, the war might effectively be over’…. The massive assault would then be followed by cyberattacks and anti-satellite operations to try [to] sow chaos and stop any effective response by Taiwan and the US…

“Taiwan is feared to be a major flashpoint between Washington and Beijing — with a potentially invasion potentially forcing the US to either abandon the island or face full scale war with China… state controlled media has been turning up the heat on the rhetoric, referring to the drills as ‘rehearsals for the reunification operation.’”

The Bible does not indicate any full-fledged war between China and the USA prior to Christ’s return. This does not rule out a scenario as described above.

It Gets More Complicated

The Washington Post wrote on August 5:

“The fallout over House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan escalated sharply Friday as China reacted angrily to having its ambassador [Qin] summoned to the White House, said it would cancel or suspend dialogue with the United States on several issues and sanctioned Pelosi and her family…

“The fast-moving events have forced President Biden to manage potentially volatile confrontations between the United States and two other world powers. Even as tensions bubble between the United States and China over Pelosi’s trip, Biden is striving to keep Beijing from aiding Russia in its scorched-earth war against Ukraine...”

Deutsche Welle wrote on August 5:

“German foreign policy faces a dilemma: China is Germany’s most important trading partner. If Berlin took a clear stand against Chinese efforts to retake Taiwan, this could risk serious conflict, above all in economic terms. Yet if Germany keeps quiet, the country undermines its claims to have a ‘values-based’ foreign policy. Either way, it is difficult for Berlin to stay out of the growing conflict between China and the United States…

“Germany does not officially recognize Taiwan as an independent state; rather, Taiwan is considered part of China. There are no high-level contacts. The ‘One China’ policy stipulates there is only one Chinese government: in Beijing. Most of the international community abides by this concept, including Germany and the US. Taiwan has never officially declared itself independent… Despite the One China policy, Germany and Taiwan maintain close relations…. Germany is Taiwan’s largest trading partner in Europe, to the tune of  €22 billion ($22 billion) worth of trade in 2021. However, trade volume with China dwarfs that relationship by a factor of 12…

“‘Even if there is no military confrontation, the Europeans and especially… Germans will be the ones to suffer from the decoupling from the Chinese economy that Washington is now pushing,’ said Josef Braml, a political scientist. ‘Should Trump or a similar China hawk enter the White House in 2024, Braml thinks the EU will need greater strategic sovereignty. That would include a stronger political and military union…  If we don’t succeed in this, we will become collateral damage in a major confrontation between the US and China,’ Braml said.”

Bild Online wrote on August 5:

“”The G7 had expressed concern and stressed that there was no reason to use a visit [by Pelosi] as a pretext for ‘aggressive military activity’. In Beijing, ambassadors from EU countries and Japan, as well as EU representatives, were summoned to the Foreign Ministry, where they were handed a formal protest against the G7 statement. Germany currently holds the presidency of the G7.

“Further irritations with Beijing are expected from a long-planned visit by the Human Rights Committee of the Bundestag to Taiwan. The trip should take place between October 22nd and 30th and also go to Japan and the Chinese special administrative region of Hong Kong… MEPs from all six parliamentary groups are expected to take part in the trip.”

The Bible prophesies a major nuclear war between Europe and Far Eastern nations, including China, prior to Christ’s return.

China and Japan… a Troubled Relationship

Foreign Policy wrote on August 8:

“China’s… extensive military action is bringing a new sense of urgency to heighten Japan’s defense capability, substantially raise the defense budget, and, potentially, institute new rules that would for the first time allow preemptive military steps if Japan is at risk…

“Japanese analysts saw China’s actions as a direct warning, especially in relation to Japan’s hosting of more than 50,000 U.S. service personnel, the largest offshore deployment of U.S. forces in the world. ‘The purpose of those kind of threatening [actions] is … make Japan recognize that if Japan cooperates with the United States to contain China or to block China conducting the unification operation of Taiwan, then Japan must be involved in the war, must be damaged by the Chinese military operation,’ Bonji Ohara, a senior fellow at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, [said]…

“Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida… has promised a significant increase in Japan’s defense spending. Japan’s military… is one of the largest and considered among the most capable in the world, but the spending level has been unofficially capped…

“The Chinese action also serves as something of a vindication for former Prime Minister Taro Aso, who said a year ago when he was a deputy prime minister that an attack on Taiwan would represent a threat to Japan. The remarks were criticized at the time, but the recent Chinese military actions show that his analysis was correct. More controversially, he also said that ‘if that is the case, Japan and the U.S. must defend Taiwan together.’

“Japan has long-term ties to Taiwan, formerly a Japanese colony. China-Japan tensions are not new…”

Japan was an ally to Germany in WW II against China. This scenario could repeat itself, or China and Japan will finally unite—as Russia and Ukraine will do.

Canada’s Weak Military Condition

National Post wrote on August 8:

“For the first time in eight years, Canadian warships are not involved in either of two NATO naval task forces charged with patrolling European waters and defending against Russian threats… Canada… is struggling with a shrinking fleet of aging ships and a lack of trained sailors…

“While Canada has 12 frigates…, the navy’s maintenance and training requirements mean only a handful are available to deploy at any given time. Canada used to also have three destroyers, but those vessels were retired in 2014.

“The navy, like the rest of the military, is also facing a severe shortage of personnel.”

All of this is to be expected from a radical left-wing government.

Relationship Between USA and Ukraine in Turmoil?

Head Topics Deutschland wrote on August 3:

“The New York Times makes a remarkable revelation: the White House’s relationship with the Ukrainian president appears to be at turmoil. The story does not appear to be mere conjecture by the columnist…

“At the beginning of June, US intelligence officials complained that Kyiv had not given them enough information about what was happening in the country. ‘How much do we really know about how Ukraine is doing?’ Beth Sanner, a former senior intelligence official, told the NYT at the time: ‘Can you find a person who will tell you with confidence how many troops Ukraine has lost, how many pieces of equipment has Ukraine lost?‘”

In the New York Times article of June 8, 2022 , it was also stated:

“Some European agencies say it will be difficult if not impossible for Ukraine to reclaim the land that Russia has taken since it invaded in February, but U.S. intelligence agencies are less pessimistic, officials said. Still, there are cracks in Ukraine’s defenses, and questions about the state of Ukraine’s military forces and strategy in the Donbas have created an incomplete picture for the United States.”

Three Popes?

The Guardian wrote on August 5:

“Almost a decade has passed since Pope Benedict XVI became the first pontiff for 600 years to retire rather than die in office. The idea of two popes – one serving and one emeritus – intrigued some and troubled others… But three popes? That prospect was raised by Pope Francis last weekend when he told reporters on his return to Rome after a penitential visit to Canada that the ‘door is open’ to his retirement. It would not be a catastrophe, he said. His comments… were not the first time Francis has hinted at retirement.

“Almost as soon as he was elected, in March 2013 at the age of 76, Francis began alluding to a time when he would no longer be pope – either because of death or retirement. His health… has deteriorated in recent years…

“On stepping down, Benedict took the title of pope emeritus. He has continued to wear the incumbent’s traditional white cassock, and lives within the Vatican at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery. Francis has already indicated that he would take the title of emeritus bishop of Rome, live quietly outside the Vatican, and eschew the papal white robes…

“The existence of two popes has not always been easy. [Papal biographer Austen] Ivereigh said: ‘When the emeritus pontificate was created, effectively as a new institution, the fear was it would be confusing, it could act as a focus of opposition or contrast with the existing pope… There have been many instances where the pope emeritus has effectively been manipulated in the service of traditionalist agendas. It creates a sense there is a rivalry.’…”

There have been incidents in the Catholic Church where there have been two rival popes, each with his own following, cardinals, and administrative offices. This Western or Great Schism took place from 1378 to 1417, with one pope residing in Rome and the other in Avignon, and it was never officially announced by the Catholic Church as to who of the two rival popes was the “official pope.”  To end the schism, cardinals from both movements elected a third pope, Alexander V. Finally, the Roman pope, Gregor XII, and the Avignon pope, Benedict XIII, were replaced by Martin V in 1417, ending the schism.  

Huge Pride Canal Parade in Amsterdam

 AP wrote on August 6:

“Hundreds of thousands of spectators lined Amsterdam’s historic canals Saturday to celebrate Canal Parade, a flotilla of 80 brightly decorated boats packed with partying and singing people waving rainbow flags, balloons and umbrellas. The boats representing rights groups, bars, clothing brands and even the Dutch military made their way slowly through the waterways in a resumption of the hugely popular LGBTQ Pride event after two years canceled amid the COVID-19 pandemic….

“Spectators were packed several people deep along canals and on bridges to watch the 25th version of the parade that was the the highlight of a nine-day pride event in the Dutch capital.”

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.

Quo Vadis—Where Are You Going? / Europe’s Rise and Fall

On August 13, 2022, Frank Bruno will present the sermonette, titled, “Quo Vadis—Where Are You Going?” and Norbert Link will present the sermon, titled, “Europe’s Rise and Fall.”

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.

©2024 Church of the Eternal God