Update 1149

On March 8, 2025, Dave Harris will present the sermonette, titled, “Try Harder,” and Eric Rank will present the sermon, titled, “Why Do You Believe?”

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.

“Going the Distance” is the musical song in the original Rocky movie, and there is quite a lesson to learn from it about determination, endurance and reaching for a goal. The movie and the song are based on an unknown boxer, Rocky Balboa, with aspirations of becoming the boxing champion and what he was willing to put his body through in exercise, diet and determination to reach that goal. Even though he did not gain the title, he showed an inspiring performance of endurance, even when fighting in the ring. 

Our Christian lives are a continual battle to maintain our equilibrium in overcoming Satan and the pulls of the flesh. Thankfully, we have the perfect coach in our corner who gave us the perfect example of overcoming sin, enduring trials and attaining righteousness through obedience.

He never said it would be easy and without trials; but rather, we would be faced with challenges, but He would always be at our side through thick and thin. Hebrews 13:5 tells us:  “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU.’”

These are powerful words of great encouragement since at times, when going through severe trials and tests, we may get the feeling of being abandoned but that is just not the case. Christ is full of love, compassion and mercy.Lamentations 3:32 says: “Though He causes grief, Yet He will show compassion According to the multitude of His mercies.”

He went through trials as a human and always looked to God the Father, and He was always in a good attitude, a good example for us to follow since even though we may ask for God’s merciful intervention, it may not always come as fast as we would like, or not come at all at that time since we may have lessons to learn by the trials we face.

What really helps us through these trials which come upon us is to focus on the end goal and make the effort to attain that goal with the same determination as Rocky Balboa did in the movie Rocky, putting himself through sacrifice and physical pain via training hoping to attain the goal he was focused on.

Our hope is in a future resurrection in the Family of God, a goal attainable if we obey and are faithfully following the example of our leader Jesus Christ Who patiently endured the suffering in His life, including death, on our behalf so we could be with Him in the Kingdom. So let’s not let Him down and let us show Him that we are willing to go the distance.

by Norbert Link

In this edition, we are addressing the clash between Trump, Vance and Zelensky, and the consequences for the ongoing alienation between the USA and Europe, as well as Ukraine, Russia and NATO.

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

Germany Decides on Full, Unlimited Rearmament!

Financial Times wrote on March 4:

“Chancellor-to-be Friedrich Merz has agreed a deal with his likely coalition partner to inject hundreds of billions in extra funding into Germany’s military and infrastructure, in a ‘fiscal sea change’ designed to revive and re-arm Europe’s largest economy…

“A provision would exempt defence spending above 1 per cent of GDP from the ‘debt brake’ that caps government borrowing, allowing Germany to raise an unlimited amount of debt to fund its armed forces and to provide military assistance to Ukraine…

“Germany’s massive fiscal stimulus has also underlined the sense of urgency in Europe, spurred by US President Donald Trump’s threat to unwind the US guarantees that have long underpinned the continent’s security.

“’This is a fiscal sea change for Germany,’ said Holger Schmieding, chief economist at Berenberg. ‘Merz and his coalition-to-be are rising to the occasion’…

“Jana Puglierin, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said: “It is a huge investment in Germany‘s ability to act — and potentially in Europe’s [ability to act] if Germany finds its way back to being a constructive European leader…

“Merz’s deal with the SPD came as the European Commission outlined on Tuesday a joint debt instrument that would enable member states to fund the purchase of military equipment.”

The European military power bloc under Germany’s lead is developing—very rapidly! 

The Clash! 

Piers Morgan wrote that it started with the silly question by Marjorie Tyler Moore’s boyfriend and “conservative commentator” about why Zelensky did not wear a suit, which he indicated was disrespectful. (Elon Musk does not wear one either. Nor did Churchill during war time.) Then Vance jumped in and accused Zelensky of not being grateful to the USA and not having said thank you once (Zelensky thanked the USA at least 33 times in the past. He also started off the meeting with thanking the USA and Donald Trump). Then, Vance talked about diplomacy, and when Zelensky asked what kind of diplomacy, and that a peace deal would have to have security guarantees for Ukraine, Trump lost it. 

Will Trump Withdraw Support? 

Sunday World wrote on March 1: 

“Zelensky had seen the meeting in the Oval Office as an opportunity to convince the United States not to side with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who ordered the invasion of Ukraine three years ago. [The] meeting with Donald Trump ended in disaster on Friday… 

“Trump has lurched toward Russia since taking over as president, shocking traditional allies in Europe and beyond and leaving Ukraine increasingly vulnerable. Friday’s outburst was the most public display of that shift. 

“Vance stressed the need for diplomacy to resolve the biggest conflict in Europe since World War Two, while Zelensky, with his arms folded, countered that Putin could not be trusted in any talks… Zelensky openly challenged Trump over his softer approach toward Putin, urging him to ‘make no compromises with a killer.’… 

“The head of the Ukrainian armed forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, posted a statement on Telegram affirming that his troops stood by Zelensky and that Ukraine’s strength was in its unity. Anxious Ukrainians following from afar largely rallied around their leader, but fretted about the prospects of continuing flows of U.S. military aid that the country has relied on. 

“In Congress, reaction from Trump’s Republican Party was mixed, while Democrats lambasted his handling of the meeting… 

“The falling out meant that Ukraine and the United States failed to sign a much-vaunted minerals deal that Kyiv hoped would spur Trump to back Ukraine’s war effort, and potentially win support from Republicans in Congress for a new round of aid. The clash also undermined efforts by European leaders to convince Trump to provide security guarantees for Ukraine even if he has refused to deploy U.S. soldiers on Ukrainian soil to maintain peace. Such guarantees are seen as crucial to deter Russia from future aggression. 

“Trump threatened to withdraw U.S. support from Ukraine. ‘You’re either going to make a deal, or we’re out, and if we’re out, you’ll fight it out. I don’t think it’s going to be pretty,’ Trump told Zelensky… 

“Zelensky, who won billions of dollars of U.S. weaponry and moral support from the Biden administration, is facing a sharply different attitude from Trump. Trump wants to quickly wind down the three-year war, improve ties with Russia and recoup money spent to support Ukraine.” 

Reactions to the Trump-Zelensky Clash 

The New York Times wrote on February 28:

“European leaders quickly pledged their continued support for Ukraine on Friday after President Trump’s blistering criticism of Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, in a meeting at the White House.

“Leaders lined up behind Ukraine and praised its embattled president, the statements coming one after the other: from France, Germany, Poland, Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Norway, Finland, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, Belgium, Lithuania, Luxembourg and Ireland. Canadian, Australia and New Zealand…

… many in Europe addressed their statements of encouragement directly to Mr. Zelensky.

“‘Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people,’ Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, said on social media, referring to Mr. Zelensky. ‘Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President.’

“President Emmanuel Macron of France, who had put on a display of friendship with Mr. Trump during a chummy visit to the White House on Monday, said the United States and Europe had been justified in aiding Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years…

“Friedrich Merz said in a statement…  addressed to ‘Dear Volodymyr’ that his country would stand behind Ukraine ‘in good and in testing times… We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war,’ Mr. Merz added, apparently referring to Mr. Trump, who has called Mr. Zelensky a dictator and blamed him for the invasion. The departing German leader, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, said that Ukraine could rely on Germany and the rest of Europe.

“Daniel Fried, a career diplomat under American presidents of both parties who had just returned from a trip to Brussels, said the Oval Office clash had jolted Europe’s capitals, generated a wave of sympathy for Mr. Zelensky and upended a peace process that appeared to be gaining traction. ‘The Europeans are horrified and dismayed,’ Mr. Fried said…

“Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain, a center-left leader who carefully avoided any major disagreements with Mr. Trump during a visit to the White House on Thursday, spoke with Mr. Trump and Mr. Zelensky on Friday, according to the prime minister’s office. Mr. Starmer ‘retains his unwavering support for Ukraine and is playing his part to find a path forward to a lasting peace,’ the office said in a statement…

“The Canadian foreign minister, Mélanie Joly, joined the European leaders in offering words of support for Ukraine… On Saturday morning in Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed the messages of support from Europe. Mr. Albanese said his country was proud to help Ukraine  defend itself against ‘the brutality of Russian aggression.’’

The Indiana Express added on February 28:

“Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof reiterated support, stating, ‘The Netherlands supports Ukraine as firmly as ever. Now more than ever.’” 

Deutsche Welle added on February 28:

“EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas also joined in the support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. ‘We will step up our support to Ukraine so that they can continue to fight back the aggressor,’ she wrote in a post on X. Kallas also stressed that ‘the free world needs a new leader’ and that it’s up to Europe ‘to take this challenge.’”

t-online wrote on February 28:

“A peak of arrogance – Donald Trump and J. D. Vance simply kicked Volodymyr Zelensky out. What a bottomless disgrace… The completely wrong film is being shown in Washington today. Because it is not Zelensky, but Putin who is playing with a third world war. It was not Zelensky, whom Trump has repeatedly insulted as a dictator, who started this murderous war, but Putin…

“It was not the Ukrainian president who behaved disrespectfully towards the USA and its famous Oval Office. First and foremost, it was the American Vice President J. D. Vance and President Donald Trump who not only treated Zelensky disgracefully, but also damaged their own office and America’s reputation. What happened in Washington today is a historic disgrace in America’s often glorious history.”

Die Welt wrote on February 28:

“The scandal in the White House has shown Europe that it can no longer rely on the USA under Donald Trump. Not in the defense of Ukraine, but also not in the defense of the values ​​that make up the free West. 

Bild wrote on February 28:

“It was tragically a historic moment in the Oval Office that will bring joy to the Kremlin. A moment that can change the world. And poses huge problems for Europe and Germany. For Vladimir Putin, on the other hand, it was the best day in a long time.

“What Trump and Vance did there has NOTHING to do with the values ​​of the free West… Trump and Vance… didn’t say a word to Putin. Simply unbelievable. The full escalation is the worst outcome that could have happened.” 

ntv wrote on February 28: 

“Roderich Kiesewetter, CDU foreign policy expert: ‘What Donald Trump’s attack on Selenskyj in the Oval Office shows is that Donald Trump has changed sides… The USA is therefore no longer a partner.” 

Bild wrote on March 1: 

“Rzeczspospolita” (Poland): ‘In American history, no US president has ever treated a foreign head of state, let alone an allied country, in this way. […] This shows where the USA, the leader of the free world for decades, has developed under Trump. […] Zelensky made the emperor naked. He showed who Trump really is.’ 

“The Telegraph (UK): ‘Such a display of aggression by the White House towards a Western-oriented head of state, let alone an ally engaged in an existential military struggle, is unprecedented. Trump and Vance were undoubtedly wrong – factually, geopolitically and morally.’ 

“El País (Spain): ‘The exchange of blows, live and in front of journalists, is the impressive symbol of the end of an era. It is a brutal confirmation of the US’s abrupt change of course, both in content and form, compared to the past 80 years.” 

BBC wrote on March 1: 

“The public breakdown also signals a major crisis looming between European members of Nato and the US. 

“There will be many more doubts and questions about the US commitment to European security outside Ukraine. The biggest is whether President Trump would keep the promise his predecessor Harry Truman made in 1949 to treat an attack on a Nato ally as an attack on America. Those concerns are based on what appears to be Trump’s determination to restore a strong relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

“He has put heavy pressure on Ukraine while offering Putin big concessions – that would have to be made by the Ukrainians. The security of Ukraine is coming a poor second – and Europeans are worrying theirs is too. President Zelensky’s refusal to make those concessions has infuriated Trump… Ukrainians believe they are in a war for national survival – and that Putin would break any promise to end the war if he is not deterred.” 

Trump has said that once a peace deal is made, Putin would stick to it. This is naïve and totally unrealistic. 

Reuters wrote on March 1: 

“NORWEGIAN PRIME MINISTER JONAS GAHR STOERE IN STATEMENT TO TV2: ‘What we saw from the White House today is serious and disheartening. Ukraine still needs the US’s support, and Ukraine’s security and future are also important to the US and to Europe. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has strong support in Ukraine, broad support in Europe, and he has led his people through a very demanding and brutal time, under attack from Russia. 

“‘That Trump accuses Zelenskiy of gambling with World War III is deeply unreasonable and a statement I distance myself from. Norway stands with Ukraine in their struggle for freedom. We hope that the Trump administration also understands the importance of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.’ 

“SWISS PRESIDENT KARIN KELLER-SUTTER ON X: ‘Switzerland remains firmly committed to supporting a just and lasting peace, while condemning Russia’s aggression against a sovereign state.’ 

“JOHANN WADEPHUL, DEPUTY OF CONSERVATIVE PARTY-GROUP IN GERMAN PARLIAMENT, THE PARTY OF INCOMING CHANCELLOR FRIEDRICH MERZ, ON X: ‘The scenes from the White House are shocking. How can you stab the president of an invaded country in the back like this? Free Europe will not betray Ukraine!’”

Focus wrote on March 2: 

“After the heated argument in the White House between the USA and Ukraine, the former chairman of the Munich Security Conference, Christoph Heusgen, is counting on a significant strengthening of Europe… Now is Europe’s hour… 

“The former Foreign Minister and Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel… criticized… the US government’s attitude towards Europe and its role in security policy. ‘After more than 80 years, this American government has made the decision… no longer to be a partner for Europe’… ‘For Trump, Europe is no longer a strategic partner, but just a burden… I am sure that he wants to weaken or even destroy Europe, because we are actually quite big.’… 

“Gabriel expressed concern that Trump’s strategy ultimately plays into Vladimir Putin’s hands. ‘For the US President, peace seems to mean leaving Ukraine to Vladimir Putin. And to replace the strength of the law with the right of the strongest…’ This is a wake-up call for Europe. ‘Many Europeans would like to see a Germany finally return to the political stage that is prepared to take the lead together with others,’ said Gabriel.”

Europe in Support of Zelensky… Facing US Challenges 

Deutsche Welle wrote on March 2: 

“Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has joined leaders from the UK, Germany, France and others after a public showdown with Trump sent shockwaves… The London conference opened with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer giving an address… where dozens of world leaders have gathered to discuss Ukraine’s and Europe’s future, especially in the shadow of an increasingly antagonistic administration in the US. ‘We gather here today because this is a once-in-a-generation moment for the security of Europe and we all need to step up,’ Starmer said. He said the leaders will discuss a plan on how to end the war with Ukraine before presenting it to the US… In addition to prime ministers and heads of European states, the guests include Canada’s outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen… 

“Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized his country’s opposition to deploying European peacekeepers to Ukraine… He also praised US President Donald Trump for wanting to end the war, accusing Europe of seeking to continue the conflict… Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stressed that Europe must believe in its power… ‘Europe has an advantage over everyone here,’ Tusk said, adding that with some 2.6 million professional soldiers, Europe has more troops than the US, China or Russia. He also stressed the continent’s combat aircraft and artillery strength. ‘Today in Europe there is a deficit of imagination and courage,’ he said. ‘Europe must understand its strength.’… 

“Alexseev, a professor of political science at San Diego State University,… discussed the pressure European leaders face… ‘Well, I hope that they [European leaders] realize that we’re witnessing a major shift in global politics, that the discussion in the Oval Office was not just a spat between two leaders. It signaled a major realignment of the United States away from Europe, and we can no longer take for granted US security guarantees probably not just for Ukraine, but for NATO as well.’ Alexseev said that since Trump came to office, the US ‘has offered major concessions to Russia but put all the pressure on Ukraine.’ 

“The political science professor argued that Trump was trying to appease Russian President Vladimir Putin, rather than his stated aim of reaching peace [and] that ‘the primary goal for Trump is to rehabilitate Putin and to open the door for lucrative deals with Russia, which right now maybe seem to be hampered by the fact that Russia is under sanctions because it launched this brutal all-out war against Ukraine.’… 

“The officer in charge of Germany’s Field Army, Lieutenant General Harald Gante, said the country needs to reintroduce conscription to meet its defense needs. He told the German news agency dpa that the Bundeswehr cannot rely solely on volunteers… The Bundeswehr is awaiting the government’s decision on reintroducing military service, which was suspended in 2011…” 

Leaving NATO and the UN? 

The New York Post wrote on March 2: 

“Elon Musk backed calls for the US to withdraw from NATO and the United Nations after months of badmouthing the two international organizations. ‘I agree,’ Musk, 53, wrote on X in reply late Saturday to MAGA influencer Gunther Eagleman’s suggestion that ‘It’s time to leave NATO and the UN.’ 

“Musk did not elaborate on the specifics of why he wants the US to pull out of NATO and the UN, but the suggestion came after several social media users pointed to Sen. Mike Lee’s (R-Utah) call to pull out of both. Last month, Lee, 53, who has drawn frequent reposts and interactions from Musk on X, introduced legislation alongside other lawmakers to pull out of the UN and decried it as ‘a platform for tyrants and a venue to attack America and her allies.’ On Saturday, Lee publicly suggested that the US pull out of NATO, pointing to Norwegian fuel supplier Haltbakk Bunkers’ announcement that it would stop helping the US Navy refuel in protest of President Trump’s confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday. ‘Europe doesn’t love us,’ Lee chided on X Saturday. ‘Let’s leave NATO.’… 

“Musk is known to have Trump’s ear, serving as a ‘special employee’ at the White House and informal boss of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)… While Musk didn’t delve into his rationale on Saturday, in the past, Musk has argued that the US makes up a disproportionate amount of NATO’s power and has questioned why NATO continued to exist after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Musk has also previously asserted that the US spends too much money on the UN… 

“Trump has publicly demanded NATO allies spend vastly more on defense and accused European nations of taking advantage of America’s military umbrella. Last month, he also cut off funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees and pulled out of the UN Human Rights Council.” 

These comments are interesting in light of the following article. 

Tariffs for Europe 

Newsmax wrote on February 26: 

“President Donald Trump said Wednesday during his first Cabinet meeting that the European Union was formed to take advantage of the United States and that his administration soon will be announcing tariffs of 25% on the 27-nation bloc… 

“‘the European Union was formed in order to screw the United States. I mean, look, let’s be honest, the European Union was formed in order to screw the United States. That’s the purpose of it. And they’ve done a good job of it. But now I’m president.’”

China Ready for “War”!

BBC reported on March 5:

“China has warned the US it is ready to fight ‘any type’ of war after hitting back against President Donald Trump’s mounting trade tariffs.

“The world’s top two economies have edged closer to a trade war after Trump slapped more tariffs on all Chinese goods. China quickly retaliated imposing 10-15% tariffs on US farm products.

“’If war is what the US wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end,’ China’s embassy said on X, reposting a line from a government statement on Tuesday.

“It is some of the strongest rhetoric so far from China since Trump became president and comes as leaders gathered in Beijing for the annual National People’s Congress.”

Trump’s Big Speech

BBC wrote on March 5:

“US President Donald Trump declared “the American Dream is unstoppable’ as he addressed a raucous joint session of Congress for the first time since he returned to power.

“In the longest presidential speech to lawmakers on record, he outlined his vision for his second term, as Republicans applauded a high-octane six weeks that has reshaped domestic and foreign policy.

“Trump was heckled by Democrats and he goaded them in turn during the rowdy primetime address, during which he said his administration was “just getting started”.

“The Republican president has moved to slash the federal workforce and crack down on immigration, while imposing tariffs on the US’s biggest trading partners and shaking up the transatlantic alliance over the war in Ukraine. 

Sadly, President Trump’s vision for America is not the same as prophetic scriptures in the Bible so clearly warn. 

Trump’s Surreal AI-Generated Video Depicts Gaza As A Luxury Resort Destination 

Forbes wrote on February 26: 

“President Donald Trump has shared an AI-generated video showing a transformed Gaza Strip featuring golden Trump statues, luxury beachfront developments and bearded belly dancers… The AI-generated clip… begins with scenes of destruction before transitioning to a reimagined Gaza featuring Dubai-style skyscrapers, luxury hotels and pristine beaches, before numerous surreal elements are portrayed. These include a towering golden statue of Trump, children carrying golden Trump balloons, buildings emblazoned with ‘Trump Gaza,’ and Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lounging poolside with cocktails. 

“Elon Musk… also appears several times in the video, eating on a beach and throwing dollar bills into the air as apparent Tesla vehicles drive through the streets. Throughout the video, a song plays with the lyrics: ‘Donald’s coming to set you free, bringing the light for all to see, no more tunnels, no more fear, Trump Gaza’s finally here. Trump Gaza shining bright, golden future a brand new light. Feast and dance the deal is done, Trump Gaza number one.’… 

“The video release follows Trump’s Febr. 4 announcement of a controversial plan for Gaza, where he stated that ‘The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it, too. We’ll own it.’ Trump described his vision as turning Gaza into ‘the Riviera of the Middle East’ and his plan would reportedly involve relocating Gaza’s approximately 2 million Palestinian residents to neighboring countries…

“The surreal video has garnered widespread criticism, with even Truth Social users responding with mixed reactions. Direct quotes from commenters include: ‘I hate this. I love our president, but this is horrible,’ and ‘I don’t think that’s funny or cool. Sorry. Am I missing something??? I hope it’s a joke, a bad joke.’ Another user commented: ‘You’re doing great Mr President. But don’t let it get to your head. God put you in that position for His Glory, not yours.” 

The golden statue of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3 comes to mind. 

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.

These are very interesting questions and the only place that we can find this information is in the Word of God, the Bible.

The spiritual realm is a fascinating subject.   Physical can’t see spirit.  Our physical life now, however long or short, will be a fraction of our life as a Spirit-born member of God’s Family if we make it into the Kingdom of God.

In an article entitled “What Science Can’t Discover About the Human Mind”, Mr Herbert W Armstrong (1892-1986), former leader of the now defunct Worldwide Church of God, wrote that “God has had to plan to bridge the gap between MATTER (of which MAN is now wholly composed) and SPIRIT (which God now is, and man must become).   The body that comes in the (first) resurrection is not the same body that was flesh and blood in this human lifetime. God does not turn flesh and blood matter INTO Spirit. The flesh and blood physical body, after death, decomposes and decays, but the spirit that was IN that body, like the sculptor’s mold, preserves all the form and shape, the memory, and the character INTACT. And that mold, being spirit does not change — even though the resurrection may take place thousands of years after death.”

 

In his book “Beyond the Cosmos,” author Hugh Ross states on page 15 that “Since birth we have lived in the four dimensions of length, width, height and time.   We will continue to reside there until the day of our physical death.”  On page 19, we read: “With the help of supercomputers, mathematicians have designed realms with as many as a million dimensions of space.  On page 20, we further read: “Physicists have just uncovered strong evidence that extra dimensions do indeed exist.  Yet predating these physics discoveries by more than nineteen hundred years are the words of the prophets and apostles who penned the sixty-six books of the Bible.  These ancients described phenomena – such as the creation event, miracles, [and] Jesus’ post-resurrection capacities…  – that require the existence of extra dimensions or the functional equivalent of extra dimensions.”  

We quote these comments to show how incredible the future will be when the physical will be but a fleeting moment of history and everything will then become spiritual.   As Spirit beings, the people of God will understand all of this information, and much more as the sons and daughters of God.

Therefore, we will have a look at the spiritual world now and see how magnificent it is.   This should encourage and motivate us about the future that is set before us and show us how much greater it will be than that which we enjoy today, and much greater than we can understand at this time.   It is exciting to think about all of this and to pray for God’s Kingdom to come – and soon!

There are three heavens and we have written before, for instance in our Q&A https://www.eternalgod.org/q-a-3756/, about these as follows:

“The Bible does indeed reveal the existence of ‘three’ heavens. While the first two heavens are ‘physical’ in nature, the third heaven is composed of spirit — it is referred to in Scripture as God’s dwelling place.

“The atmosphere or the ‘first heaven’ — the air that surrounds the earth — refers to the space where the birds fly, the clouds and the wind roam, and from which the dew comes. We read in Genesis 1:20: ‘…let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.’ We also read, in Genesis 27:28, that God promises to give ‘the dew of heaven.’ Finally, we are told in Deuteronomy 33:28, that Jacob’s ‘Heavens shall also drop dew.’

“The physical universe, which is beyond this earth’s atmosphere, can be described as the ‘second heaven.’ It represents the space where we find the sun, the moon, the stars, and all the other planets that God has created. We read, in Genesis 1:14-17, that God referred to sun and moon as ‘lights in the firmament of the heavens’ (verses 14, 15), and that He ‘set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth’ (verse 17). David pondered, in Psalm 8:3, over God’s ‘heavens, the work of Your fingers,’ and he especially continued to talk about ‘the moon and the stars, which You have ordained.’

“In addition to these two physical ‘heavens,’ we find that the Bible speaks about another heaven, a heaven composed of spirit — the third heaven, where God lives. No human being has ever ascended to this heaven (compare John 3:13) — the only one who went to this heaven after His resurrection was Jesus Christ. We are specifically told that David did not ascend to heaven (Acts 2:34).’”

So, let us now look at the Heaven of God’s Throne and so much more.  We will explore WHERE it is, WHO and WHO IS NOT in heaven, WHAT is in heaven.

One commentator opined that “I believe that heaven cannot thoroughly be explained, even by the Scriptures, for it must be too wonderful for words and it must be too indescribable to relate to by word pictures.”   It would be difficult to disagree with that assertion!

So, where is the Heaven of God’s Throne?    

In Isaiah 14:13, we read about Lucifer’s attempted coup d’etat, the most audacious but ridiculous attempt at a take-over bid in the history of the universe!  But this verse does reveal a geographical location of the third heaven: “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north” (Authorized Version).

This reveals that it is in the north of the earth and the word ascend means to go or move upward, to rise.   This is confirmed when we read that Jesus came down from heaven (cp John 3:13 and many other verses particularly in John 6 which are quoted further on in this Q&A.  Therefore, it must be in the north.

There are many verses in the Bible where heaven is shown as in the north. Psalm 75:6-7 (Authorized Version) states: “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.” Promotion or “exaltation” comes from the north, where God’s throne is. 

The Bible does not give other information about this location, geographically, but the location is immaterial anyway because, as it is spiritual, it can’t be seen by man.

Let us look WHO and WHO is not in heaven.

It is interesting to read about those spiritual beings who inhabit that wonderful spiritual place.

Wikipedia gives the following insight into the 3^rd heaven: “A third concept of Heaven, also called shămei hashamayim (שׁמי השׁמים or ‘Heaven of Heavens’), is mentioned in such passages as Genesis 28:12, Deuteronomy 10:14 and 1 Kings 8:27 as a distinctly spiritual realm containing (or being traveled by) angels and God.”

We know, of course, that God the Father and Jesus Christ are in heaven.   Let us review just a few of so many verses in the Bible that refer to this.

Psalm 11:4: “The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD’s throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men.”

Psalm 115:3: “But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases.”

Isaiah 66:1: “Thus says the LORD, Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest?”

In the model prayer given by Jesus as recorded in Matthew 6:9, Jesus opens with the phrase “Our Father in heaven.”

In John 3:12, we read: “If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?” Jesus knew about heavenly things because He had come down from there.

In John 6, Jesus refers to Himself as the bread which came down from heaven (see verses 33, 41, 48, 50, 51, 58).

Hebrews 8:1: “Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,”

Mark 16:19: “So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.”

Revelation 3:21: “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.”

 And then there are the angelic beings.   

On page 3 of our booklet “Angels, Demons and the Spirit World,” the question is asked: “How Many Angels Exist?” and the answer reads as follows:

“Man has no comprehension of how many angels exist. The revealed number is indeed mind-boggling. In Revelation 5:11, the number of angels that had assembled before the throne of God is given as ‘…ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.’ Hebrews 12:22 goes even further: ‘But you have come to… an innumerable company of angels.’ The Greek word for ‘innumerable’ is ‘anarithmethos,’ literally meaning, ‘unnumbered’ or ‘without number.’ Certainly, God knows how many angels He created but for man, angels are ‘without number.’”

Let us, from the same booklet on page 4, read about them having their own names:

“As individual beings with feelings and emotions, and with their own language, God also knows them by individual names. The Bible reveals two angelic names to us—Michael and Gabriel. It also talks about a third angel—Lucifer—who became Satan the devil. It appears, however, that all of the other angels have God-given names too. In Hebrews 1:4, we are told that Christ ‘…obtained a more excellent name than they,’ and Ephesians 1:21, in comparing Christ with the angelic world, states that Christ was seated at the right hand of God the Father, …far above…every name that is named.’ (Compare, too, Philippians 2:9.)”

Then on page 7, we read about the different orders of angels:

“There seem to exist different orders, categories or ranks of angels, with varying degrees of power and authority. When describing the angelic world, Colossians 1:16 speaks about ‘…thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.’ Ephesians 1:20–21 refers to angels as ‘…principality and power and might and dominion.’ In Ephesians 3:10, angels are identified as ‘…principalities and powers in the heavenly places,’ and 1 Peter 3:22 describes the created world of spirit beings as ‘…angels and authorities and powers.’

“In light of these Scriptures, the Swiss Zürcher Bible does refer to ranks among the angels. The Ryrie Study Bible states in an annotation to Ephesians 1:21: ‘These words (i.e., principality, and power, and might, and dominion) in rabbinical thought of the time, described different orders of angels.’

“As will become clearer in the remainder of this booklet, angels have been given varying degrees of power and glory. All of them are powerful and glorious, but not to the same extent. Revelation 5:2 speaks about a ‘strong angel.’ Revelation 10:1 and 18:21 describe ‘mighty’ angels. Revelation 18:1 introduces an angel ‘…coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory.’  Other Scriptures imply that specific angels were given special powers over fire (Revelation 14:18) and water (Revelation 16:5).

“The following brief overview will summarize the varying orders or categories of angels, as revealed in Scripture.”

We then read about them on pages 6-10:

• Archangels
• Seraphim
• Cherubim
• Four Living Creatures
• The twenty-four Elders
• The seven Spirits of God
• The Remaining Angels 

In heaven, there are God the Father, Jesus Christ the Word, and innumerable angels.   

(To be continued)

Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)

compiled by Dave Harris

A Tech Team Meeting was conducted on March 2, 2025. Hosted by Eric Rank, we reviewed our advertising results, video presentations, website status along with some miscellaneous topics.

“Cain and Abel – The First Murder” is the latest video published in our Bible Stories series on YouTube.

“Das korrupte wirtschaftliche System Europas” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link.  Title in English: “The Corrupt Economic System of Europe.”

“Wie uns das Lob näher zu Gott bringt,” last Sabbath’s first split sermon in Germany was presented by Marc Völler. Title in English: “How Praise Brings Us Closer to God.”

“Wo ist sein Hut?” last Sabbath’s second split sermon in Germany was presented by Johann Schell. Title in English: “Where Is His Hat?”

“In All Honesty,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Michael Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:

The term “in all honesty” is frequently used to emphasize truthfulness and sincerity in an attempt to soften the impact by diminishing the harshness and not trying to be malicious. However, we shouldn’t use this term loosely; we should be honest at all times. There is also a fine line between an honest mistake and a blatant mistake, and when we do make a mistake, how can we rectify it?

“Europe’s Corrupt Economic System,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:

In the book of Revelation, ungodly modern Babylon is described not only as a European political, military and religious system, but also as an economic power. Other passages in the Old Testament give us further information about this worldwide economic system in which true Christians must have no part.

2025 SPRING HOLY DAYS:

Passover: April 12 (observed the evening before)

Days of Unleavened Bread: April 13-19 (first and last days are Holy Days with live Services being broadcasted).