Update 1122

On August 3, 2024, Michael Link will present the sermonette, titled, “Comfortable With the Uncomfortable“ and Norbert Link will present the sermon, titled, “Why Will God Soon Plague Mankind?”

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.

When we consider the works of God, the whole universe is included in these works. But those God has called out in this age are the ones He is most interested in working with at the present time. A good verse to begin to demonstrate this is Isaiah 64:8, “But now, O LORD, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand.” We are not just His children, but He is working a work in us as a potter works with clay to fashion an object. As we read in that verse, “We are the work of Your [God’s] hand.” Depending on the time frame, the “we” here could be the Old Testament nation of Israel and/or the New Testament Church. God intended the nation of Israel to be an example of a righteous nation to the world. He intends for us to preach the gospel of His soon-coming kingdom as a witness to all nations.

In what is considered to be the oldest book of the Bible, the book of Job, Job recognised that God was working with him personally. He asked and answered the question whether there was life after death. This is mentioned in Job 14:14-15, a verse often used in funeral services. “If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait, Till my change comes. You shall call, and I will answer You; You shall desire the work of Your hands.” Again, Job recognised that he was the work of God’s hands.

So, while God is working with us, He also fully recognises what we are. This is made evident in Psalm 103:13-14, “As a father pities his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” As dust, we can accomplish very little, but our situation is even worse. As we read in Isaiah 64:6, “But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away.”

Jeremiah 17:9 confirms this and shows what our thinking is really like. “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” Because our tendency is toward being deceitful, it can be difficult to recognise our shortcomings. But, of course, the answer is that God knows what we are like, even if we do not recognise it ourselves. Romans 3:23 informs us that all are included in this, none are excluded. “… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Our only hope is the gift from God described in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Even though we have earned death by our very nature and conduct, He still lists characteristics He wants us to aspire to, while understanding that we will fall short at times. Micah 6:8 gives us a concise list of what God is looking for in us. “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?”

So, while we are striving with the help of God to overcome, Jesus Christ has no shame or embarrassment in calling us His brethren, even with all our flaws and sins. This shows His mercy and love toward us, and that He has prepared a future for us to be with Him and His Father forever. Hebrews 2:11 states, “For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren.” Hebrews 2:17 repeats this acknowledgement of us being His brethren. “Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in all things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.” He was made like us to experience life as a human so that He could understand how to be a merciful high priest.

While at this time, God is working with His called-out ones; ultimately, He will include all of mankind in His plan. All will have an opportunity to be a part of His plan to be in His Family. 1 Timothy 2:3-4 tells us, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” God is not exclusive but is working out His plan in a certain order. He is working with His called-out ones first, then He will work with the rest of mankind. He ultimately wants everybody to have the opportunity to be saved and be His children forever. At that time, Jesus Christ will call all of those His brethren who have accepted the opportunity to be saved – those called in the past, those who are called now and in the future, and those who will be called when they are resurrected. Unfortunately, although God desires all men to be saved, not all have or will accept that opportunity. We must make sure we do accept it.

by Norbert Link

We begin with explosive developments in the Middle East which could lead to an all-out war between Israel and its enemies, including Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinian terrorists, the Houthis, AND Iran. We also report on Turkey’s dangerous threats.

We continue with a report stating that the USA is not prepared for a major war; speak on irresponsible conduct by Biden, Newsom, Facebook and Google; point out mutual accusations and threats being exchanged between Russia and Germany; Europe’s march towards dictatorship; turmoil in Venezuela; and we discuss at length the sickening and disgusting 2024 Paris Opening Ceremony.

We address troubling revelations regarding the Republican pick for the Vice Presidency, J.D. Vance, and some cryptic comments by Donald Trump about the next four years.

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

Israel Attacks School in Gaza

Deutsche Welle wrote on July 27:

“An Israeli attack on a school in Gaza has left at least 30 killed and over 100 injured, authorities in the Hamas-run enclave said on Saturday. They said the school was serving as provisional shelter and housing displaced Palestinians. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it attacked the area of the school as it was targeting a ‘camouflaged Hamas command and control compound.’… The IDF said the attack killed ‘Hamas terrorists who were hiding and operating from the compound. It added that the targeted location was used for weapons storage…

“Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris referred to Israel’s latest school strike as ‘a further demonstration of brutal, unconscionable violence… Targeting an area populated with displaced families is inhumane and despicable,’ he said…

“Meanwhile in southern Gaza, the IDF asked Palestinian civilians to evacuate parts of the Khan Younis area including the humanitarian zone there, as it prepares to ‘forcefully operate’ in the region. The IDF said staying in the area has become dangerous, citing ‘significant terrorist activity and rocket fire toward the State of Israel from the southern area of Khan Younis.’ It accused Hamas of embedding ‘terrorist infrastructure’ in the humanitarian zone there.

“The Israeli military said it has made an early warning to civilians ‘to mitigate harm to the civilian population.’ It called on the civilians to ‘temporarily evacuate’ to the al-Mawasi humanitarian zone, saying it has reached out using flyers, media broadcasts, phone calls and text and voice messages.”

Of course, one cannot believe a word the murderous lying terrorist organization Hamas and its agencies are saying. But war breeds more war. Note the next articles.

Hezbollah’s Attack on Israel—Harris and Biden At Fault?

The New York Post wrote on July 27:

“Former President Donald Trump blamed President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for the Hezbollah rocket strike on a soccer field in northern Israel that killed 12 children and teens as he campaigned in Minnesota Saturday night […the rocket was an Iranian-made Falaq-1 rocket. If not fired by Hezbollah, then it could have been fired by Iranian Revolutionary Islamic Corps (IRGC) forces in Lebanon.]  ‘Today’s attack on Israel cannot be forgotten and will go down as another moment in history created by a weak and ineffective United States President and Vice President,’ Trump said…

“Israel has promised to respond to the deadliest attack on the country since Hamas’ Oct. 7 massacre sparking the ongoing war in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu [said:] ‘Hezbollah will pay a heavy price for this that it has not paid so far…’  Israeli authorities said at least 30 rockets were fired from Lebanon toward Israel Saturday… The victims, all between the ages of 10 and 20, were Druze — an ethnoreligious Arab minority that maintains Arabic as their primary language and represents just 1.6% of Israel’s population [Many Druze are Israeli citizens and proudly serve in the IDF]…”

 The New York Post wrote on July 27:

“Foreign Minister Israel Katz discussed the deadly attack with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and declared that ‘Hezbollah crossed all red lines’ and the Jewish state was now ‘facing an all-out war’ with the Lebanese terrorists…. the attack… unfolded hours after an Israeli airstrike on the town of Kfarkela in southern Lebanon… killed four members of the terrorist sect.”

 In a related article, the New York Post wrote on July 27:

“The Mideast is on the cusp of what might become its bloodiest war since Israel’s founding in 1948… Harshly criticizing Israel as [Kamala Harris] did in front of Bibi at the White House might bag November votes – but they are also leading to body bags in Gaza and North Israel. Now, Israeli civilians are paying a heavy price for her words.

“Harris told Netanyahu she would not be silent. Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran heard her loud and clear and just told her they will not be silent either. In telling Israel she has serious concerns, Harris unwittingly, yet predictably, sent a greenlight to all three Axis of Evil partners that it is open hunting season again on Israel and its civilians throughout the country. Harris naively might have thought her ploy for votes in Michigan would lead to a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. But that ceasefire is not going to happen now and Harris, despite her team’s denials to the contrary, shoulders much of the burden of blame…”

Hezbollah Attack Enabled by Biden and Harris

Newsmax wrote on July 29:

“Hezbollah’s attack on a soccer field in the Golan Heights Saturday was another Iranian-backed mission enabled by the Biden-Harris administration, former Sen. Rick Santorum said… Sunday.  ‘The Biden-Harris administration has funded Iran, lifted sanctions, given them money, tried to become their friend so they could reestablish another nuclear accord with them,’ [he said]. As a result, U.S. policy has empowered Iran with resources to support terrorist organizations in their attacks on Israel, said Santorum. 

“‘As the Iranians always say, there’s two objectives,’ he said. ‘Number one, the great Satan, which is the United States, and the little Satan, which is Israel. Now they’re attacking the little Satan, but their goal is the great Satan’… ‘This is part of a coordinated effort by Iran… These are Iranian rockets. This is Iran funding terrorist organizations in the north, which is Hezbollah, and in the South, which is Hamas, and the Houthis in Yemen.’ And the Hezbollah attack Saturday… was conducted by an Iranian satellite organization, he added. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has more sophisticated weapons than Hamas, and is much better trained, said Santorum. ‘They control Lebanon…’”

America’s politics towards Iran, especially under Obama and Biden, have been incompetent and dangerously irresponsible.

Israel Responds

Aljazeera wrote on July 28:

“The Israeli military said on Sunday its jets bombed weapons depots and infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah in Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon, in Shabriha and Burj al-Shemali near the southern city of Tyre, and the villages of Kfar Kila, Rab el-Thalathine, Khiam and Tayr Harfa.”

Reportedly, Israel’s drones have now also hit, in a deadly attack, areas in southern Lebanon.

Iran Threatens Direct Attack on Israel

ABC wrote on July 31:

“Israel… just announced they had killed a senior Hezbollah leader in Beirut, their targeted response to the Golan Heights rocket attack…”

The New York Post wrote on August 1:

“Top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated Wednesday by a bomb that was smuggled into the Tehran guesthouse where he was staying two months before his arrival… The bomb was hidden inside the guesthouse approximately two months before Haniyeh’s visit… the bomb detonated remotely once it was confirmed Haniyeh was inside the room at around 2 a.m. local time…

“With the revelation that Haniyeh was killed by a remotely detonated bomb, not by an airstrike or drone strike as previously speculated, Iranian officials slammed the assassination as a major security failure…  Iranian officials said the explosion is now a source of tremendous embarrassment for the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps]… While Tehran and Hamas have blamed Israel for the assassination, the Jewish state has remained silent.”

Breitbart wrote on August 1:

“Iran’s so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ has called for a direct attack on Israel…. Many countries have urged their citizens to leave Lebanon, and some U.S. carriers have canceled flights to Israel, in anticipation of a possible war between Israel and Hezbollah, Iran’s terrorist proxy in Lebanon…”

Erdogan Threatens With Invasion

The Times of Israel wrote on July 28:

“Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatens to invade Israel in support of the Palestinians. ‘We must be very strong so that Israel can’t do these things to Palestine,’ says Erdogan, one of the most bitter critics of Israel on the international stage, referring to the war against Hamas in Gaza.

“‘Just as we entered [Nagorno-]Karabakh, just as we entered Libya, we might do the same to them. There is nothing we can’t do. We must only be strong.’’

Just idle talk? We know from the Bible that Turkey will act violently towards Israel.

Erdogan’s History of War

Breitbart wrote on July 29:

“Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, an avowed Islamist and one of the loudest world leaders supporting the Hamas jihadist terror organization, threatened to invade Israel on Sunday… Under Erdogan, Turkey has engaged in foreign interventionism for nearly a decade, sending troops into Syria in 2016 to allegedly ‘end the rule of the tyrant [Bashar] Assad,’ but in reality, attacking U.S.-allied Kurdish groups. Turkey has also been active militarily in neighboring Iraq, similarly targeting Kurdish groups at the time fighting the jihadist Islamic State ‘caliphate.’ In Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Turkey, supplied its popular, relatively affordable Bayraktar drones to its Azeri allies, marking a decisive turn in the conflict that resulted in the completion of the genocide of Armenian Christians in the area.

“Erdogan also announced an invasion of Libya in 2020 to defend the internationally recognized ‘Government of National Accord’ (GNA) from an ongoing siege by Russia-backed warlord Khalifa Haftar. Turkish involvement in the conflict helped the GNA keep control of Tripoli through several attempts at conquest by Haftar, though Libya currently remains fractured and unstable, as neither political force has completely subdued the other.

“Reports on the Turkish president’s comments on Sunday did not clarify if intervention in Israel would be a direct Turkish military action or Erdogan would consider selling Bayraktar drones or other equipment to Hamas, which Ankara enthusiastically supports…

“The Turkish Foreign Ministry supported Erdogan’s remarks with a statement later that day comparing Israel to Nazi Germany and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler… Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz replied to Erdogan in a statement comparing him to another genocidal leader, Iraq’s Saddam Hussein. ‘Erdogan is following in the footsteps of Saddam Hussein by threatening to attack Israel. He should remember what happened there and how it ended’…

“Turkey is widely credited with committing the first genocide in modern history of Armenians, Greeks, Assyrians, and other Christians and non-Turkish people within the territory that ultimately became the Republic of Turkey. Led by the ‘Young Turks,’ the killers exterminated 1.5 million Armenians out of an estimated global population of 2 million. The Turkish government, and Erdogan personally, continue to deny the 1915 genocide to this day… It is illegal to refer to the Armenian genocide as a ‘genocide’ in Turkey…”

“Erdogan… organized a massive rally in October to support the [Hamas] terrorist group’s massacre in Israel that month…”

Erdogan—“Totally Nuts”

JTA wrote on July 29:

“In May, Turkey abruptly canceled all trade with Israel, a potentially costly move that has interrupted a range of markets… Turkey is a member of NATO, the alliance formed after World War II that includes a commitment to the security of the other members. No NATO country is permitted to attack any other, and all are obligated to provide defensive aid in the case of attack by other states.

“Erdogan’s comments represent a stark departure from the expectations of NATO countries, but so far criticism has been muted… The only NATO member so far to condemn Erdogan’s comments was the Netherlands, where the right-wing prime minister Geert Wilders… tweeted that Turkey should be ejected from the alliance, something that has never happened before. ‘Islamofascist Erdogan threatens to invade Israel,’ Wilders said. ‘This guy is totally nuts. Turkey should be kicked out of NATO.’”

Erdogan is a “totally nuts” warmonger and a cruel and ruthless mass murderer. But NATO is too timid to do anything about him. Turkey has the NATO alliance’s second largest military.

Erdogan Is Germany’s “Valuable Friend”!

Bild Online wrote on July 30:

“The Turkish despot Recep Tayyip Erdogan (70) is once again causing outrage with invasion fantasies and hatred against Israel. For [German] Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (68) this is no reason to NOT refer to him as a ‘valuable friend’ (“werter Freund”) anymore…

“BILD asked… Steinmeier whether he intended to change his relationship with Erdogan: After all, in April he called Erdogan a ‘valuable friend’ – and was already receiving criticism back then, as just days before the Hamas boss had visited Erdogan to shake hands with him… In response to BILD’s query, the Federal President’s Office explains that there are ‘fundamental differences’ between the presidents in the Middle East conflict, ‘particularly with regard to Israel’s right to self-defense and the terrorist organization Hamas’. But: Steinmeier is not moving away from the term ‘valuable friend’.”

The Bible prophesies that Turkey will support Europe, under Germany’s leadership, in a military attack on Israel.

Knesset Erupts in Uproar

 i24News wrote on July 24:

“National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir shocked lawmakers during a ‘Return of Israel to the Temple Mount’ conference held Wednesday in the Knesset (Israel’s parliament), declaring that he had prayed at the Temple Mount and that Jewish prayer was allowed on there… The statements upturn the status quo between Israel and its neighbors, Jews and Muslims, and even within the Jewish community. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Ben Gvir is a ‘pyromaniac who is trying to ignite the Middle East.’…

“United Torah Judaism’s Moshe Gafni also condemned Ben Gvir’s statements, stressing that ‘ascending to the Temple Mount is entangled with a serious prohibition of karet punishment,’ referring to a religious punishment [This is a reference to the unbiblical Jewish thinking that the place was polluted and needs to be cleaned through the sacrifice of a red heifer]…

“Yesh Atid’s Mickey Levy, former Israel Police Jerusalem District commander, warned the Knesset plenary: ‘A group of lunatics and messianics will entangle Israel in another war… You are abnormal,’ he added, warning that ‘a third world war will break out. This is a real danger to the people and the State of Israel.’”

The Times of Israel added on July 25:

“Netanyahu’s office quickly countered Ben Gvir’s assertion, releasing a statement declaring that Israel’s policy ‘to maintain the status quo on the Temple Mount has not changed and will not change’… The vague status quo  governing the compound allows Muslims to pray and enter with few restrictions, while non-Muslims, including Jews, can visit only during limited time slots via a single gate, with visibly religious Jews only allowed to walk on a predetermined route, closely accompanied by police. While Jews are not officially allowed to pray, police have increasingly tolerated limited, quiet prayer….”

For now, Israel’s political establishment gives lip services in rejecting Ben Gvir’s statements and actions. This will change.

USA Not Prepared For Major War

Breitbart wrote on July 29:

“A report has found that the United States military is ‘not prepared’ to fight in a major war, as ‘major powers’ — such as Russia and China — have become ‘top threats’ to the U.S., with China ‘outpacing’ the U.S. The report, which the Commission on the National Defense Strategy released in July, reveals that while the U.S. is currently facing some of ‘the most serious and most challenging’ threats since 1945, several problems are preventing the U.S. military from being able to address threats from China or Russia.

“Among the problems preventing the U.S. military from addressing threats… is reportedly the Department of Defense’s (DOD) ‘business practices, byzantine research,’ and its ‘reliance on decades-old military hardware,’ which reflects ‘an era of uncontested military dominance.’ The report adds that ‘such methods’ are ‘not suited to today’s strategic environment.’ The report also notes that the U.S. military has faced ‘recent recruitment shortfalls’ that have led to a decrease in ‘the size of the Army, Air Force, and Navy.’…  ‘The United States last fought a global conflict during World War II, which ended nearly 80 years ago. The nation was last prepared for such a fight during the Cold War, which ended 35 years ago. It is not prepared today.’

“The report notes that ‘the U.S. defense industrial base (DIB) is unable to meet the equipment, technology, and munitions needs of the United States and its allies and partners’…”

According to Bible prophecy, America’s real danger does not come, prior to Christ’s return, from China or Russia, but from an awakening Europe. And it is also prophesied that when Europe is about to attack the USA, Americans will not be willing or able to fight.

“Sacrificing the Supreme Court Not For Democracy, But For the Far Left”

On July 29, the New York Post published the following analysis by Law Professor Jonathan Turley:

“In a failed attempt to save his nomination, Biden offered to ‘reform’ the [Supreme] Court by imposing an 18-year term limit that would jettison the three most senior conservative justices. With only six months left in his presidency, Biden’s efforts are likely to fail, but, unfortunately, could set the stage for activists under a Harris Administration in seeking to change the Court forever… It is no accident that the first three justices who would term limited off the Court are conservatives: Clarence Thomas (after 33 years on the Court), Chief Justice John Roberts (after 19 years), and Justice Samuel Alito (after 18 years)… Moreover, the Framers clearly wanted these positions as lifetime appointments as an added protection against political pressure or influence…

“For more than two centuries, presidents have struggled with the Supreme Court, but none (until now) have attempted to end life tenure on the Court… Now President Biden is leading the mob for changing this institution for the first time since its founding… After sending Thomas, Roberts, and Alito packing, many want to go further and pack the Court itself.

“Democratic leaders such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) have called for outright court packing — a proposal that Vice President Kamala Harris has suggested that she might support… The pledge will be dead on arrival with Congress. What is left is a King Lear-like tragedy of a presidency, betrayed by those closest to him, and wandering the land for continued relevance.  History will show a pitiful figure who offered up the Court as the cost of staying in power, only to lose his candidacy and his legacy.”

A pitiful figure indeed.

Newsom Is Destroying California Industry

California Globe reported on July 29:

“A new survey reports 74% of California fast-food restaurant owners said ‘there is an increase in the likelihood of shutting their restaurants down – an increasingly real concept as restaurants continue to shutter,’ the Daily Mail reports. ‘Recent reporting from Business Insider showed how this is already happening, with customer foot traffic around California’s fast food restaurants considerably down.’ This is devastating to the middle class. Owning franchise fast-food restaurants is one way to build wealth…

“Never once has Gov. Gavin Newsom accepted responsibility for killing off California’s businesses with his 3-years of Covid lockdowns, nor with his radical progressive policies behind California’s ridiculously high cost of living – policies he not only supports but signs into law every year. Nor does Newsom acknowledge that in California – once known as the land of opportunity – his $20 per hour fast food minimum wage only serves to create a permanent poverty class…

“Instead of acknowledging that ‘the ones who remain employed will receive higher wage rates, but fewer will be employed,’ Newsom will cause owners of fast food businesses more hardship. And he already has…the governor sent his office minions to harass media outlets including the Globe, who accurately reported on the fast food job losses and business closures. The harassment and demands for retractions and ‘corrections’ continues on social media and in emails. We received an email from Brandon Richards… Deputy Director of Communications in the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom, asking for a retraction or correction and claiming the state has gained jobs since the $20 per hour fast food minimum wage…

“Now we have another recent survey of 200 fast-food companies which found that 89 percent of those eateries polled have already been forced to reduce scheduled hours for their employees, less than a year since it was passed, the Daily Mail reported. This survey comports with college students home for the summer – kids who were gainfully employed throughout high school (except during Newsom’s Covid lockdowns) – who report they can’t find summer jobs, and especially in fast food. ‘California fast-food restaurants have been forced to cut back on employee hours, shut down, or consider moving out of state completely because of Gov. Gavin Newsom‘s new $20-an-hour minimum wage law, a new study has shown,’ the Daily Mail said. Some fast-food restaurants have had to lay off staff completely…  

“Rubio’s Coastal Grill, a Carlsbad-based Mexican food restaurant chain with over 200 stores nationwide, announced that 48 stores in California would close over the weekend because of a large number of rising costs, including employee wages… ‘The rising cost of doing business and the current business climate in California are key factors in the closures,’ Rubio’s said in a statement…

“As if that isn’t damaging enough, Forbes reports, ‘California officials are reportedly considering a further increase to the recently implemented $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers… “

Terrible! Once a prosperous state, California is bankrupt. It has become a “progressive” Woke-infested nightmare, due to the incompetence and ignorance of its leaders.

Facebook, Meta and Google Under Fire for Censorship

The New York Post wrote on July 29:

“Facebook acknowledged that it mistakenly censored the iconic image of former President Donald Trump with his fist raised in the immediate aftermath of the July 13 assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. A post on Mark Zuckerberg’s social media site by a user with the handle End Wokeness that showed the Republican presidential candidate defiantly pumping his fist in the air while blood streams down his face had initially been flagged as misinformation. The user was threatened with being deplatformed.

“However, on Monday, Dani Lever, a spokesperson for the social network’s parent company, Meta, admitted the tech giant made a ‘mistake.’ ‘Yes, this was an error,’ Lever wrote on X in response to conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, who had called out Facebook for not allowing users to share the photo. ‘This fact check was initially applied to a doctored photo showing the secret service agents smiling, and in some cases our systems incorrectly applied that fact check to the real photo.’ Lever added that ‘this has been fixed and we apologize for the mistake.’

“The Meta spokesperson’s clarification did not sit well with X users, including one who remarked: ‘Funny that the ‘errors’ only ever go in one direction. Just coincidence, I guess.’ Another X user wrote: ‘No one believes you.’ ‘Nope, not buying it anymore,’ remarked another X user. Meta has come under fire from Trump supporters after its AI chatbot, Meta AI, referred to the attempted assassination as ‘fictional’ when prompted to provide details about the tragic event…

“Google has also come under fire after users noted that its ‘Autocomplete’ function on its search engine failed to generate results for the Trump attempted assassination when prompted to do so. GOP lawmakers have vowed to investigate Google, which is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. Donald Trump Jr. blasted Google, accusing it of putting its thumb on the scale to favor his father’s opponent, Harris. Trump Jr. said it was ‘intentional election interference.’…

“A Google spokesperson told The Post that there was no ‘manual action taken on these predictions,’ and that its systems include ‘protections’ against Autocomplete predictions ‘associated with political violence’…”

Unfortunately, Facebook and Google have become known for inappropriately censoring or manipulating “undesired” content. The present “explanations” ring more than shallow.

Russia Threatens Germany… and Vice Versa

Deutsche Welle wrote on July 28:

“Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday that Moscow would implement ‘mirror measures’ if the United States goes ahead with its stated plan to deploy advanced missiles within Germany. Washington said earlier this month that it would start stationing longer-range and hypersonic missiles in Germany by 2026 as part of its commitment to NATO… ‘If the US implements such plans, we will consider ourselves free from the previously imposed unilateral moratorium on the deployment of intermediate and shorter-range strike weapons, including increasing the capability of the coastal forces of our navy,’ Putin said at a naval parade in St Petersburg.

“The Russian leader said that preparation for such a move was ‘in its final stage,’ adding that once ready, state, military and industrial targets could be hit within 10 minutes… The US already maintains several military bases in Germany which date back to the Cold War. US missiles are already deployed across Europe, albeit with shorter ranges… Germany’s armed forces defended the plan, saying that Russia had already deployed Iskander missiles — which are capable of carrying nuclear warheads — in Kaliningrad, a Russian enclave sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania. Such intermediate-range missiles would, Germany argued, be able to hit German cities. Last week, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Moscow would not rule out deploying nuclear missiles in response to the US move.”

Ultimately, Germany will lead an attack against Russia, but Russia will retaliate in a terrible fashion.

Prisoner Swap with Russia

Newsmax wrote on August 1:

“Jailed U.S. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and ex-U.S. Marine Paul Whelan were among 26 prisoners from the United States, Russia, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway and Belarus being freed in a major east-west exchange on Thursday, Turkey’s presidency said.”

The Sun added:

“Today’s exchange is one of the largest and most complicated swaps between the West and Russia in history… The German government said it was not an easy decision to release [Russian assassin Vadim] Krasikov, who was serving a life sentence for the murder of a Chechen rebel leader in Berlin.”

 ntv wrote on August 1:

“Murderers against political prisoners. This is how the exchange between Russia and the West can be roughly summarized. Mainly in order to free contract killer Vadim Krasikov, Moscow is also releasing several Germans who were probably often convicted on trumped-up charges… Russia agrees on a large-scale prisoner exchange with several Western countries, including Germany and the USA. The German Rico Krieger, imprisoned in Russia, is released, but Moscow gets the Tiergarten murderer.”

Die Welt wrote on August:

“It is likely to be the ‘largest prisoner exchange since the end of the Cold War’…”

The released Americans include three journalists, including the innocent Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was recently sentenced to 16 years in prison for alleged espionage… a farce that was probably in preparation for the prisoner exchange.

Bild Online wrote:

“We are once again deep in the dark ages of the Cold War. Prisoners must be exchanged with Moscow again. We are releasing a convicted murderer… The Kremlin criminals dictate the terms of the prison deals. In December 2022, the arms dealer Wiktor But was released against the US basketball player Brittney Griner – a hardened criminal against a naive athlete with some hash in her luggage…

“Now this; [Putin] brings his contract killer Wadim Krasikov home to the Russian Empire – the man who murdered on his behalf in Berlin’s Kleiner Tiergarten, sentenced under the rule of law to life imprisonment in Germany. The perverse message sent to the Russian people: Putin is the hero who can do this. That’s how Russia works. That’s where Putin’s interests lie: he saves murderers…

“From now on we are worried about every Western journalist and every German who makes one wrong step in Putin’s empire… Vladimir Putin keeps collecting innocent victims until he can exert enough pressure against the West to get his Shadow Warriors back. Those he sent into his no longer just Cold War against us, against the free world.”

Europe’s Undemocratic Dictatorship

Hungary Today wrote on July 25:

“This week the European Parliament has opted for its to-date most blatant revolt against the will of some 20 million European voters by excluding the third largest bloc, Patriots for Europe, from all leadership post and working groups. Zero post for the third largest political alliance thanks to European People Party (EPP) leader Manfred Weber’s anti-democratic deal with Europe’s far-left and progressive forces.

“This is a clear violation of the so called d’Hondt method used in proportional representation systems, proudly published on the EP’s own website…. Needless to say, the Parliament had just sold its own rules down the river without even trying to explain why they put a political ‘cordon sanitaire’ around Europe’s conservatives and sovereigntists.”

Europe’s move towards a dictatorship is obvious.

Turmoil in Venezuela

Thomson/Reuters reported on July 30:

“Protests spread around Venezuela and police fired tear gas in the capital Caracas as the opposition said it had voting-tally proof it won a weekend election awarded to long-ruling socialist President Nicolas Maduro. Demonstrations began after the election board, which critics say is in the pocket of a dictatorial government, declared Monday that Maduro had won a third term with 51% of the vote, extending his ‘Chavista’ movement’s quarter-century rule. But the opposition said the 73% of vote tallies to which it has access showed its candidate Edmundo Gonzalez had won by a landslide, with more than twice as many votes as Maduro…

“In Coro, the capital of Falcon state, protesters cheered and danced when they tore down a statue depicting late president Hugo Chavez, Maduro’s mentor who ruled from 1999-2013… Maduro, a 61-year-old former union leader and foreign minister, won election after Chavez’s death in 2013 and was re-elected in 2018. The opposition said both votes were rigged. He has presided over an economic collapse, mass migration, and deteriorating relations with the West including U.S. and EU sanctions that have crippled an already struggling oil industry.

“His Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino warned against allowing a repeat of the ‘terrible situations of 2014, 2017 and 2019’ when waves of anti-government protests led to hundreds of deaths and failed to dislodge Maduro. Independent pollsters called the declaration of Maduro’s victory implausible, and governments in Washington and elsewhere questioned the results and urged a full tabulation of votes. ‘Not even (Maduro) believes the electoral scam he is celebrating,’ said Argentina’s President Javier Milei. Peru ordered Venezuelan diplomats to leave within 72 hours, citing ‘serious and arbitrary decisions made today by the Venezuelan regime.’ But political allies, including Russia and Cuba, backed Maduro…”

Scandalous and Disastrous 2024 Paris Opening Ceremony

Infowars wrote on July 26:

“The 2024 Paris Olympic games kicked off Friday with a bizarre opening ceremony that featured drag queens and strange biblical references many online suggested were intended to insult members of the Christian faith. Things went awry when a group of transvestites and a fat woman posed in the fashion of the Last Supper, the Leonardo da Vinci painting immortalizing Jesus Christ’s last meal with his disciples before his crucifixion…

“The criticism over the skit reached such fever pitch, French European parliament member Marion Maréchal was forced to disavow the performance. ‘To all the Christians of the world who are watching the Paris 2024 ceremony and felt insulted by this drag queen parody of the Last Supper, know that it is not France that is speaking but a left-wing minority ready for any provocation,’ Maréchal wrote Friday on X.”

Breitbart wrote on July 26:

“Further making the Olympics opening ceremonies the ‘gayest ever,’ Parisian Olympics officials also featured an LGBTQ parody of the ‘Last Supper’ along with a woke fashion show featuring gender-bending fashions and transgender models….”

Daily Mail wrote on July 27:

“With critics branding the four-hour show as the ‘worst ever’, viewers reported poor audio caused by the near-torrential rain…  Performances from Lady Gaga and approximately 3,000 dancers, acrobats and actors were hard to hear over the sound of rain…  Gaffes with country names, the mounting of the Olympic flag and bizarre scenes which saw as headless Marie Antoinette singing peppered the display last night…

“But among the various artistic tableaus, named after French values such as freedom, fraternity and equality, it was the last supper-style performance in ‘festivité’ – or party – scene which caused the most controversy. Complete with models, dancers, fashion icons and drag queens from the host nation, the performance took place on a bridge over the capital’s river… At the centre was a woman in front of DJ equipment with a golden halo-style crown, surrounded by several drag queens and dozens of dancers and performers… Among those present was Drag Race icon Nicky Doll…

“Later in the show, the most bizarre moment of the night saw a giant platter bedecked in fake fruits and other foods – with a ‘smurf’ resting among them. The man, dressed in a skintight blue bodysuit that left very little to the imagination, was dressed as the Greek God of wine, festivity and theatre, Dionysus…

“As the South Korean delegation sailed down the Seine River in the French capital, they were introduced with the official name for North Korea…  North Korea was correctly introduced with the country’s official name…

“Another embarrassing gaffe saw the Olympic flag raised upside down…   The only saving grace came at the end of the ceremony with a stunning performance by Canadian Celine Dion. It was her first live public performance since revealing she is living with stiff person syndrome (SPS)…”

All of this is so disgusting. Our societies are SICK. Note the next two articles.

Mission Accomplished?

Fox News wrote on July 28:

“Paris organizers defended the Olympics opening ceremony..  Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps spoke about it on Sunday. ‘Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. (The opening ceremony) tried to celebrate community tolerance,’ Descamps told reporters…  ‘We believe this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offense, we are really sorry.’

 “Another French LGBT leader suggested the ceremony didn’t go far enough. ‘We know in the LGBTQ community in France we are far from what the ceremony showed,’… Inter-LGBT president James Leperlier said. ‘If you saw the opening ceremony last night you’d think it was like that normally, but it’s not. France tried to show what it should be and not what it is.’”

Jill Biden Defends the Ceremony!

Fox News wrote on July 28:

“First lady Jill Biden had high praise for the opening ceremony at the Paris Olympics this weekend…  Biden led the U.S. delegation to the Olympics and called the opening ceremony ‘spectacular’… Biden remarked that the U.S. would have to work hard to top Paris’ opening ceremony when the games are held in Los Angeles in 2028… ‘The rain did not dampen our spirits…. Every step of the way, I was thinking to myself, oh my g…, oh my g…. How are we going to top this?’…

“Several U.S. and world lawmakers denounced the Paris ceremony after drag queens and artists made a spectacle of the Leonardo DaVinci painting, the Last Supper, which depicts the last meal Jesus had with his apostles… ‘Last night’s mockery of the Last Supper was shocking and insulting to Christian people around the world who watched the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games,’ House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said in a post on X. ‘The war on our faith and traditional values knows no bounds today. But we know that truth and virtue will always prevail.’

“He then referred to the Bible verse [John 1:5], which reads, ‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’”

Jill Biden’s blasphemy in the context of praising the Paris ceremony is quite telling as well. Trump rightly condemned the spectacle.

Gay Artist Director: A Great Pagan Festival

Breitbart wrote on July 29:

“Thomas Jolly, the [openly gay] artistic director of the Olympic Opening Ceremony, denied on Sunday that he was not ‘inspired’ by the Last Supper, despite the striking similarities between the Leonardo da Vinci depiction of the Jesus Christ’s Last Supper with his 12 Apostles and the drag queen tableau shown at the opening of the Paris games… ‘I wanted to do a ceremony that repairs, that reconciles, that reaffirms the values of our Republic,’ Jolly said in comments reported by Le Figaro… ‘I think it was quite clear, there is Dionysus who arrives on this table. He is there, why? Because he is the god of the festival… of wine, and father of Sequana, the goddess connected to the river… The idea was rather to make a great pagan festival linked to the gods of Olympus,’ he said.

“Jolly also claimed that he did not intend to celebrate political violence by showing a decapitated Marie-Antoinette…

“The apparent mockery of the Christian religion drew fierce backlash throughout the world, with Catholic Bishop Robert Barron describing the drag queen scene as ‘gross, flippant mockery’ of a ‘very central moment in Christianity.’ The Bishop of the Diocese of Winona–Rochester added: ‘Would they ever dared mock Islam in a similar way? Would they have ever dreamed of mocking, in this gross, public way, a scene from the Qur’an? We all know the answer.’

“Backlash was also swift in France, with former Culture Secretary Philippe de Villiers declaring: ‘We are committing the suicide of our country in front of the whole world.’”

If THAT was to portray France’s values, then we can only say: Poor France!

JD Vance the Wrong Choice for Trump?

Bild Online wrote on July 28th:

“J.D. Vance (39) is supposed to supply Donald Trump’s (78) campaign with fresh conservative blood. But two weeks after his nomination, the Republican vice-candidate’s past caught up with him and became a problem for his boss – who is reportedly already regretting his choice.

“Reason: Around 90 emails that Vance wrote to a former classmate, a transsexual, and which have now been published by the New York Times. Even though it is known that Vance has changed politically, the emails could become a scandal in the election campaign. In it, Vance wrote, among other things: ‘I hate the police.’ And about Trump he said: ‘A demagogue.’

“The emails date from between 2014 and 2017. At that time, Vance was studying law at the prestigious Yale University. They show: Vance not only radically changed his opinion about Trump, but also once had a transsexual as a close friend. A fact that could cause uncertainty in parts of the Republican Party – after all, Vance is considered a tough conservative there.

 “At the center of the email affair: Sofia Nelson – a transsexual who now works as a lawyer in Detroit. Nelson had a falling out with Vance for political reasons in 2021 and leaked his correspondence to the New York Times.

“Excerpts:

“‘I hate the police,’ Vance wrote in 2014 after an officer shot and killed 18-year-old African-American Michael Brown in Ferguson. And further: ‘When I see how many negative experiences I have had with the police, I can imagine how black boys feel.’

“When Donald Trump announced his candidacy in 2015 and, among other things, attacked Muslim immigrants, Vance wrote to his friend: ‘I am appalled by Trump’s rhetoric. I’ve always believed that people believe in crazy sh…. And there have always been demagogues willing to take advantage of people who believe crazy sh….’

Two months before Trump’s victory in November 2016, Vance wrote, ‘The more white people want to vote for Trump, the more black people will suffer.’

“A little later he confessed to the transgender that he wanted to help Democrat Hillary Clinton (76) in the election campaign and wrote about Trump: ‘He is simply a bad man. A morally reprehensible person.’

“The emails come at a sensitive election campaign phase: Trump’s lead is melting away…

“Trump already regrets his decision for Vance, said Republican analyst Ben Shapiro (40) on TV. And Kamala Harris’ campaign exults: ‘Vance is already a disaster.’ From Vance’s camp, the message so far is: ‘It’s a shame that someone is publicly sharing a decade-old private conversation.’

“Meanwhile, Americans are asking themselves: Is Trump now angry with his eldest son Donald Jr.? He had recommended Vance to him because he had spoken out against aid to Ukraine.”

The real question is, Can someone change THAT MUCH?

The Guardian wrote on July 27:

“Now – days after receiving a rapturous response at the Republican national convention in Milwaukee – JD Vance is being lamented within party circles as a potentially fatal liability in Trump’s quest to recapture the White House… Vance’s poll ratings have been dragged to record lows by a combination of his own past statements resurfacing on social media and embarrassingly awkward performances on the campaign trail. The danger that Vance’s baggage will drag Trump down with him may already be giving the former president buyer’s remorse, commentators believe…

“Vance… was selected because he faithfully reflected the ideological gut instincts of Trump, despite having previously called him ‘America’s Hitler’ and ‘cultural opioid.’… Vance, with his hardline anti-abortion stance and sneering contempt for childless women, may be entirely the wrong partner to help Trump… [In] a 2021 interview with then Fox News host Tucker Carlson, [Vance] derided women without children as ‘childless cat ladies who are miserable in their own lives’…”

Vance confirmed last Friday in an interview that his position in regard to women without children has been substantially correct.

“In Four Years, You Don’t Have to Vote Anymore”

npr wrote on July 27:

“[In his address to Christians at Turning Point Action’s ‘Believers Summit’ in West Palm Beach, Fla.,] Trump… urged Christians to turn out for him ahead of Election Day, calling it the ‘most important election ever.’ He added that if elected, Christian-related concerns will be ‘fixed’ so much so that they would no longer need to be politically engaged. ‘You won’t have to do it anymore. Four more years, you know what? It’ll be fixed, it’ll be fine. You won’t have to vote anymore, my beautiful Christians,’ he said.”

Commentators offered numerous ways of interpreting this statement. According to the Atlantic, “First, Trump could be implying that there won’t be any future elections if he comes to power [declaring] himself ‘president for life”’…  A second and slightly more charitable interpretation of his remarks is that Trump believes his presidency will entrench so many pro-Christian policies into the United States government that no future election could realistically undo his transformation of the country.’ Breitbart added on July 28: “There is, in fact, a third possibility… telling [Christian voters] that if he wins the election he will make voting so secure that their votes will no longer be needed in future to overcome the possibility of cheating by Democrats.”

Of course, there is still another possibility that Trump was “guided” to say these words, perhaps being oblivious himself to the true meaning, that there will be no more elections in four years as the USA might not exist anymore as a nation by that time?

Trump Repeats Controversial Claim

The Guardian wrote on July 30:

“Donald Trump on Monday repeated his weekend remarks to Christian summit attendees that they would never need to vote again if he returns to the presidency in November. But, after being asked repeatedly on Fox News to clarify what he meant, the Republican former president denied threatening to permanently stay in office beyond his second – and constitutionally mandated final – four-year term…

“‘That statement is very simple, I said, “Vote for me, you’re not gonna have to do it ever again,’” Trump told Ingraham. ‘… Christians are not known as a big voting group, they don’t vote. And I’m explaining that to them. You never vote. This time, vote. I’ll straighten out the country, you won’t have to vote any more, I won’t need your vote any more, you can go back to not voting… Christians do not vote well. They vote in very small percentages. Why? I don’t know. Maybe they’re disappointed in things that are happening…’

“Ingraham pressed the former president, asking him, ‘But you will leave office after four years?’ Trump responded, ‘Of course.’”

While Trump tried to explain what he did not mean with his claim, he never really explained what he DID mean.

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer

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

We read in Hebrews 12:1, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”  The New International Version states it this way:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”  

Even though the author of the Book of Hebrews is not clear, this book has been traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul.  Nevertheless, the writings were Godly-inspired and are still in force and effect today, as Jesus is described in the next verse as the “author or originator” and the “finisher or perfecter” of our faith, and all who profess faith in Him are urged to do two things:

First, we are to remove or put off any burden that keeps us from attaining the likeness of Christ, especially sin, because sin ensnares us and we become slaves to sin when we commit unrighteousness. Second, we are to persevere with patience, enduring all things until we grow and mature in the faith. James reminds us in James 1:2-3 that the trials we suffer test our faith and thereby strengthen us through patience which leads us to maturity.  Hebrews 12:1 is reminding us to persevere through those trials, knowing that, by God’s faithfulness in us as we have faith in Him, we won’t be overwhelmed by them but we should be able to overcome them (1 Corinthians 10:13).

So who is the “cloud of witnesses,” and how is it that it “surrounds” us? 

Gotquestions.org answers this question in the following way:  “To understand this, we need to look at the previous chapter, as evidenced by the word therefore beginning chapter 12. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the rest of the Old Testament believers looked forward with faith to the coming of the Messiah. The author of Hebrews illustrates this eloquently in chapter 11 and then ends the chapter by telling us that the forefathers had faith to guide and direct them, but God had something better planned. Then he begins chapter 12 with a reference to these faithful men and women who paved the way for us. What the Old Testament believers looked forward to in faith—the Messiah—we look back to, having seen the fulfillment of all the prophecies concerning His first coming.

“We are surrounded by the saints of the past in a unique way. It’s not that the faithful who have gone before us are spectators to the race we run. Rather, it is a figurative representation and means that we ought to act as if they were in sight and cheering us on to the same victory in the life of faith that they obtained. We are to be inspired by the godly examples these saints set during their lives. These are those whose past lives of faith encourage others to live that way, too…”

They conclude by saying this:

“That the cloud is referred to as ‘great’ indicates that millions of believers have gone before us, each bearing witness to the life of faith we now live.”

Other commentaries state something similar in this regard. Barnes Notes on the Bible says: “The phrase, ‘a cloud of witnesses,’ means many witnesses, or a number so great that they seem to be a cloud.”

Gill’s Exposition of the Bible seems to agree to an extent, stating this:

“… and more especially for their number, being like a thick cloud, and so many, that they compass about on every side, and are instructive every way.”

However, it is doubtful that the term “so great a cloud of witnesses” wants to convey the existence of millions of Old Testament saints. The Greek word for “cloud” is nephos. It is only used in Hebrews 12:1. It seems to describe a “cloud,” or “clouds,” or a “nebula.” The Greek word for “so great” is “tosoutos” and describes a quantity. It is used in Matthew 15:33 for “so great a multitude,” consisting of four thousand men, besides women and children (verse 38). Even though it refers to several thousands of people, it clearly does not describe millions.

Jude 14-15 states that Jesus Christ comes “with ten thousands of His saints to execute judgment…” It is doubtful that Jude is referring here to converted Christians. It is more likely that the reference is to Christ who is returning with His angels (compare Benson Commentary: “Or holy ones, namely, angels, with legions of whom his descent for the purpose here mentioned will be attended.”)

Barnes Notes on the Bible adds: “The word ‘saints’ we now apply commonly… to Christians. The original word is, however, applicable to all who are ‘holy,’ angels as well as men. The common representation in the Scriptures is, that he would come attended by the angels…”

We read in Deuteronomy 33:2 that Moses used similar terminology as Jude, stating, “The LORD came from Sinai, And dawned on them from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran, And He came with ten thousands of saints; From His right hand Came a fiery law for them.” A better translation of “saints’ is “holy ones,” referring to angels (compare Ryrie Study Bible). Apparently, the reference is to Christ’s coming to the Israelites to proclaim the Ten Commandments. A similar reference is in Daniel 7:10, referring to God and His heavenly court of angels.

The Bible does not show that millions of people in Old Testament times received the Holy Spirit. Rather, it appears that their number was limited, and that only few, by comparison, were called by God to salvation in Old Testament times. Compare, for example, our Q&A, “Will Only Few Be Saved?” explaining in detail the biblical use of the word “many,” which must always be viewed in context. 

Still, Hebrews 12:1 says that we are surrounded by a great cloud of Old Testament saints or by many witnesses, if we understand this terminology correctly.

The Barnes Notes on the Bible commentary explains Hebrews 12:1 in this way:

“Seeing we also are encompassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses – The apostle represents those to whom he had referred in the previous chapter, as looking on to witness the efforts which Christians make, and the manner in which they live. There is an allusion here, doubtless, to the ancient games. A great multitude of spectators usually occupied the circular seats in the amphitheater, from which they could easily behold the combatants.”

This could be seen in the way Paul describes those running in a race in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. 

Continuing:

“In like manner, the apostle represents Christians as encompassed with the multitude of worthies to whom he had referred in the previous chapter. It cannot be fairly inferred from this that he means to say that all those ancient worthies were actually looking at the conduct of Christians, and saw their conflicts. It is a figurative representation, such as is common, and means that we ought to act as if they were in sight, and cheered us on…”

Gills Exposition of the Bible explains the “great cloud of witnesses” as “the Old Testament saints, the instances of whose faith and patience are produced in the preceding chapter: these, some of them, were martyrs in the sense in which that word is commonly used; they suffered in the cause, and for the sake of true religion; and they all bore a noble testimony of God, and for him; and they received a testimony from him; and will be hereafter witnesses for, or against us, to whom they are examples of the above graces: and these may be compared to a ‘cloud’, for the comfortable and reviving doctrines which they dropped; and for their refreshing examples in the heat of persecution; and for their guidance and direction in the ways of God… Hence the following things are inferred and urged:”

“Let us lay aside every weight; or burden; every sin, which is a weight and burden to a sensible sinner, and is a hinderance in running the Christian race; not only indwelling sin, but every actual transgression, and therefore to be laid aside; as a burden, it should be laid on Christ; as a sin, it should be abstained from, and put off, with respect to the former conversation: also worldly cares, riches, and honours, when immoderately pursued, are a weight depressing the mind to the earth, and a great hinderance in the work and service of God, and therefore to be laid aside; not that they are to be entirely rejected, and not cared for and used, but the heart should not be set upon them, or be over anxious about them.”

Barnes Notes on the Bible further explains that the usual meaning of weight or burden references here to “the runners in the games who were careful not to encumber themselves with anything that was heavy. Hence, their clothes were so made as not to impede their running, and hence, they were careful in their training not to overburden themselves with food, and in every way to remove what would be an impediment or hindrance.

“As applied to Christians it means that they should remove all which would obstruct their progress in the Christian course. Thus, it is fair to apply it to whatever would be an impediment in our efforts to win the crown of life. It is not the same thing in all persons. In one it may be pride; in another vanity; in another worldliness; in another a violent and almost ungovernable temper; in another a corrupt imagination; in another a heavy, leaden, insensible heart; in another some improper and unholy attachment. Whatever it may be, we are exhorted to lay it aside…”

Referring to the “sin which so easily ensnares us,” it is sin that is easily committed.  Gills Exposition of the Bible further explains that it could also mean “either the corruption of nature in general, which is always present, and puts upon doing evil, and hinders all the good it can; or rather some particular sin, as what is commonly called a man’s constitution sin, or what he is most inclined to, and is most easily drawn into the commission of; or it may be the sin of unbelief is intended, that being opposite to the grace of faith, the apostle had been commending, in the preceding chapter, and he here exhorts to; and is a sin which easily insinuates itself, and prevails, and that sometimes under the notion of a virtue, as if it would be immodest, or presumptuous to believe; the arguments for it are apt to be readily and quickly embraced; but as every weight, so every sin may be designed.. The allusion seems to be to runners in a race, who throw off everything that encumbers, drop whatsoever is ponderous and weighty, run in light garments, and lay aside long ones, which entangle and hinder in running, as appears from the next clause, or inference.”

We are admonished to run with endurance or patience (Authorized Version) the race that is set before us.  Barnes Notes on the Bible explains, “The word rendered ‘patience’ rather means in this place, perseverance. We are to run the race without allowing ourselves to be hindered by any obstructions, and without giving out or fainting in the way.”  

Gills Exposition elaborates further, stating that “the stadium, or race plot, in which the Christian race is run, is this world; the prize run for is the heavenly glory; the mark to direct in it, is Christ; many are the runners, yet none but the overcomers have the prize; which being held by Christ, is given to them: this race is ‘set before’ the saints; that is, by God; the way in which they are to run is marked out by him in his word; the troubles they shall meet with in it are appointed for them by him, in his counsels and purposes; the mark to direct them is set before them in the Gospel, even Jesus, the author and finisher of faith, whom they are to look unto; the length of their race is fixed for them, or how far, and how long they shall run; and the prize is determined for them, and will be given them, and which is held out for their encouragement, to have respect unto: and it becomes all the saints, and belongs to each, and every one of them, to ‘run’ this race; which includes both doing and suffering for Christ; it is a motion forward, a pressing towards the mark for the prize, a going from strength to strength, from one degree of grace to another; and to it swiftness and agility are necessary; and when it is performed aright, it is with readiness, willingness, and cheerfulness: it requires strength and courage, and a removal of all impediments, and should be done ‘with patience’; which is very necessary, because of the many exercises in the way; and because of the length of the race; and on account of the prize to be enjoyed, which is very desirable: the examples of the saints, and especially Christ, the forerunner, should move and animate unto it.”

We are to be encouraged by the example of the many who have run the same race before us, who have succeeded and overcome in faith as we read about in Hebrews 11, and we are to follow their examples so we can persevere as they did, to the end.

As we read in verse 2 of Hebrews 12, we are to look unto Jesus, to imitate Him, as a further encouragement to do this and to look to His perfect sinless life; to His patience and perseverance in trials; to what He endured in order to obtain the crown, and to his final success and triumph.  He is our ultimate example who set aside His divinity to come into sinful flesh, lived His human life as an example for us by overcoming sin in the flesh and dying for us so that each one of us could obtain forgiveness, providing we repent of our sins and accept His Sacrifice. Once we repent of our sins, turn to God, and accept forgiveness for our sins by claiming Christ’s Sacrifice, we are NOT to turn back and start sinning again. 

As we are to follow the examples of the “cloud of witnesses” who have been victorious in their race, WE also have God the Father and Jesus Christ as our witness as they observe our lives, hoping that we will live righteously, for Their purpose is also to see us qualify, to inherit eternal life and to be in Their Family.

Lead Writer: Michael Link

compiled by Dave Harris

“The Coup to Oust Joe Biden,” a new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:

In spite of his and the White House’s and his family’s assurances to the contrary, Biden surprised everyone when he announced on Sunday, July 21, his abrupt decision to drop out of the 2024 race and to endorse Kamala Harris (even though Jill Biden was allegedly totally opposed to such an endorsement). While Harris was quick to complete her “takeover” of the Democratic Party by obtaining the support of enough delegates for her nomination, Obama, Pelosi and other influential Democrats refused initially to endorse her.  But subsequently, they did—Obama as late as Friday, July 26, even though it is claimed that he had been furious about Biden’s endorsement of Harris who he allegedly feels to be incompetent and unable to beat Trump. This program describes in detail the coup by the “trinity” of Obama, Pelosi and Schumer to get rid of Biden, the cover-up by the White House and Kamala Harris of Biden’s failing health, the Democrats’ “crocodile tears,” and the reported allegation that Harris is “a far-left authoritarian demagogue.”  

“Gottlosigkeit und Perversion in unserer Endzeit-Gesellschaft,” this Sabbath’s new German sermon presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Title in English: “Godlessness and Perversion in our End-time-Society.”

“Auf dem Weg hin zu 1939,” last Sabbath’s German sermonette by Marc Voeller, is now posted. Title in English: “On the way to 1939.”

“The Cruel God of the Old Testament?” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:

Many believe that God the Father is cruel and harsh, but Jesus Christ is the merciful and the loving Son of God who must intrigue the Father on our behalf so that He is less angry with us. This belief is based on the idea that the Father was the angry God of the Old Testament who did terrible things to the people, while Christ, the innocent Lamb, is our loving Mediator to beg the Father to show love to us. Why are these ideas totally wrong? And what DOES the Bible say about God’s love and punishment?

“Seek,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Rene Messier, is now posted. Here is the summary:

This sermon looks at biblical examples of the practical use of the word SEEK.  Some examples show immediate positive outcomes, some long-term positive outcomes, while others do not reflect such immediate or long-term positive outcomes.