Update 852

On November 24, 2018, Norbert Link will present “Comments on News and Prophecy (November 24, 2018), and Kalon Mitchell will present the sermon, titled, “True Christian Humility.”

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.

Our weekly Updates are filled with important information in an effort to teach, educate, encourage, warn and prepare our readership regarding the soon-coming Kingdom of God. This edition is no exception. The Q&A by Pastor Michael Link addresses America’s Thanksgiving Day and answers the question as to what attitude true Christians should have towards this festival and thanksgiving in general. The Current Events contain numerous news articles showing developments towards the sure fulfillment of biblical prophecy in our time.

Some may not want to read these news articles and our comments as they portray many times an evil world cut off from God and ruled by Satan. They don’t want to hear about “bad news,” not realizing that these prophetic events on which we focus in our Updates are necessary to occur so that Jesus Christ can come back. He clearly showed us that a great tribulation or a global war will happen which will threaten the very survival of mankind. This mass destruction will be inspired by Satan and caused by the unconscionable and irresponsible use of man’s terrible nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. Not many people will survive World War III. That is the bad news.

The good news is that Christ will return to shorten these unique days in man’s history so that some will survive. He also told us that faithful members of His Church will be protected during that time. And He made clear that when He returns, He will banish and imprison Satan, replace all human governments and kingdoms, and rule Himself as “King of kings and Lord of lords.” You and I have the potential of becoming those immortal “kings” and “lords,” assisting Christ to rule this world under Him with righteousness and fair judgment (Psalm 9:7-8).

We are told to pray daily: “Your Kingdom Come.” We are to have a deep longing for that wonderful time which will end all pain and suffering. But we also know that before this can occur, unspeakable suffering will engulf this planet. People will become more and more violent, corrupt, ungodly, haters who are being hated (Matthew 24:10; Titus 3:3), deceivers who are being deceived (2 Timothy 3:13), murderers who will be murdered (1 John 3:15; Matthew 26:52; Revelation 13:10). And because the transgression of God’s Law will increase, the love of God will grow cold in many. Demons will have a field day, and while they are determined to destroy the entire world and all of mankind, God’s people will be their main focus.

How are we, as God’s children, to pray? What attitude are we to have regarding the future? We are told to watch and pray always… so wanting to ignore what is going on is certainly not the right approach towards watching (Luke 21:28-31). It is also not the right approach towards praying. We are to sigh and cry over all the abominations which are happening in our country and around the world (Ezekiel 9:4)… this we can only do if we know what is happening. We are to have a great desire for Christ’s return, but we are warned not to desire the plagues which will occur on the “woeful” Day of the Lord (Amos 5:18; Jeremiah 17:16). We are admonished to be thankful for everything, as this week’s Q&A brings out, but how can we be thankful for the evil that is prophesied to happen? And how can we be thankful for evil rulers and lying politicians who will bring havoc on this earth?

Although Satan rules this world, he can do nothing without God’s permission. God has shown us what He is going to do. He will use a future German or Austrian “king of Assyria” (Isaiah 10:5-6) to invade and conquer the modern descendants of the ancient houses of Israel and Judah (including the USA, the UK, Canada, other English-speaking nations and the state of Israel). Even though we read that Satan will give this evil “king of the North” or the “beast” his power (Revelation 13:4), God allows it to fulfill His purpose… in this context, to punish the modern descendants of the ancient Israelites for their pride and many sins. We can be thankful to God that He is in control.

God allows us to live in this rotten society to test us to see how we act and react. We are sent into this world, but we are not to be of this world. Will we maintain a godly attitude at all times, allowing God to fight our battles, or are we too quick to take matters into our own hands, drawing our “sword” against our persecutors (whether using a literal weapon or spewing out piercing and accusatory words) to pay them back in kind? Are we willing to revenge ourselves, or are we thankful that God allows such opportunities in our lives so that we can react in righteousness, thereby growing toward perfection?

We most certainly are not to pray for the well-being and continuation of this evil world and we are not to love the things in this world. We are not to love the evil deeds of the sinners, but we are to hope and pray that they may accept the gift of repentance which God may offer them. We are not to long for our enemy’s destruction, but we must also realize that God is just and fair, and that He will deal with His enemies if they do not change.

We are to remember that the sinners have to pay–their sins will find them out (Numbers 32:23) and they will reap what they have sown (Galatians 6:7). And for this we can be truly thankful as well—that the evil rule and the deceitful influence of evil sinners will cease (Psalm 104:35). At the same time, we must make certain that we will not fall into the same trap of deception and lose focus, while being more concerned with the world and its sinners than with the preparation of the establishment of God’s Kingdom. Many want to do “good works” in missionary endeavors, but they completely ignore the signs of the times (Matthew 16:2-3). Rather than getting involved in the most important Work on earth—the preaching of the gospel of the Kingdom as a witness to all nations (Matthew 24:14)—they concentrate on “helping the poor” by volunteering their time and effort, especially on Thanksgiving, Christmas and on other occasions, while neglecting the weightier matters of God’s Word. Christ made a very important point when He said to someone who did not want to do what He expected of him: “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead” (Matthew 8:22).

Following Christ means for us, having His mind (Philippians 2:5) and doing what He said (Luke 6:46). He was filled with the desire to finish the Work—the task which God had given to Him as a human being (John 4:34). We must have the same desire and mindset—to finish our Work of preaching the gospel in these perilous times. Knowing this, we can be truly thankful to God, because without the fulfillment of that all-important prophecy, stating that the gospel must first be published among all nations (Mark 13:10, Authorized Version), Christ could not and would not come back and God’s Kingdom would not be restored.

So how thankful are we? How anxious are we for God’s Kingdom to come? How involved are we in His Work? How diligent are we in doing what we must? Are we praying daily for the blessing and success of God’s Work and for God’s ministry and all those who are participating in the momentous task of fulfilling biblical prophecy to be carried out by His Church (Matthew 28:19-20)? Are we watchful of world events which should motivate us to become more conscious of our duties towards God, including our need for prayer, Bible Study, meditation and occasional fasting, our responsibility of giving God His tithe and offerings, and of God’s command to love Him with all our heart and our neighbor as ourselves? If we do this, we fulfill God’s Law and we will not stumble into lawlessness; otherwise, we will be in danger of neglecting “so great a salvation” which has been offered to us (Hebrews 2:3).

by Norbert Link

We focus again on the prophesied European desire to build a real army (please view our recent StandingWatch program, “Coming—A European Empire with a Real Army”; address the perceived need for Europe’s prophesied (final) “revival” in light of alleged American “threats”; and we speak on Europe’s and China’s dissatisfaction with America’s financial power and Europe’s attempts to circumvent US sanctions against Iran.

We continue with the fear of an economic collapse in the USA; Britain’s political chaos due to a controversial proposed Brexit “deal” between Britain and the EU which is expected to fail; address the uncertain future of Benjamin Netanyahu; and focus on the questionable “friendship” between Germany and Israel, which never really existed in the first place. We also talk about increasing anti-Semitism in Europe and address the debunked “Alternative Temple Theory,” falsely claiming the Second Temple was not built on the Temple Mount. This has of course great consequences for the location of the massive Third Temple which the Bible shows WILL BE BUILT prior to Christ’s Second Coming. For PROOF, please read our free booklet, “The Fall and Rise of the Jewish People.”

We speak on a (temporary) legal defeat for President Trump regarding immigration and the ongoing war between President Trump and the “fake” media which has been famously labeled as “the enemy of the people”; continue with Trump’s highly controversial decision pertaining to Saudi Arabia; the shocking news that half of Americans and over 70 percent of conservatives consider themselves nationalists; report on California’s new perils; and ask the question whether the horrible massacre at Jonestown, Guyana, which occurred 40 years ago, could happen again.

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

A European Army

Euractiv wrote on November 16:

“Both Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron mentioned the idea of creating a real European army around 11 November. This unprecedented convergence of French and German thoughts and words, which incurred the wrath of America, marks a turning point…

“The idea of creating a European army is not a new one. It has been mentioned by various European leaders, who often had Christian Democrat backgrounds… [It] was briefly mentioned by Silvio Berlusconi when he was the Italian prime minister. More recently, Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (European People’s Party) mentioned it at the start of his mandate. He was joined by other leaders from eastern Europe, such as the conservative Czech President Miloš Zeman, former Czech social democrat Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka and even the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

“However, no serving French official has ever raised this idea, in such precise terms… it is no longer a taboo subject. When [Macron] mentions ‘a real European army,’ he does so in this capacity. Therefore, he is not raising the idea of a simple cooperation project…”

How this idea developed and rose to new heights can be seen in this example, as mentioned by the article:

“Even in the midst of a disaster on 16 June 1940, during World War Two, France rejected a plan to have a common army. This was proposed by the British House of Commons at the instigation of Jean Monnet and Winston Churchill.”

Bild Online wrote on November 16:

“German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen recommended an ‘army of Europeans.'” The paper added that von der Leyen is pushing for a “much faster speed” regarding the establishment of a European Army.

An end-time European army is prophesied to occur very soon.

Europe’s Revival

Deutsche Welle wrote on November 18:

“In a speech to the Bundestag to mark Germany’s Day of Mourning for those killed in war, Macron said that Germany and France had overcome 200 years of ‘merciless wars’ to make a ‘lasting peace’… the French leader said only the two neighbors’ partnership, as part of a unified, more sovereign Europe, could help the world avoid sliding into chaos… Urging Europe to take more responsibility for its defense and security, Macron said the continent must not ‘become a plaything of great powers … and must not accept a subordinate role in world politics.'”

There is no lasting peace. The Bible warns: “For when they say ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:3).

France24 wrote on November 18:

“During the speech, Macron urged a European revival to prevent global ‘chaos’. The French president said Sunday that Europe must grow stronger and more sovereign in order to fulfil its duty of bringing stability to global affairs.”

Please read our free booklet: “The Ten European Revivals of the Ancient Roman Empire.”

Europe and Germany Threatened by Trump?

Die Welt added on November 18:

[Macron said in his speech to the Bundestag on Sunday that] “‘the German miracle’ is being manifested by a Germany which has overcome the ‘bloody demons of nationalism’… Others [obviously referring to Donald Trump] are trying to get themselves involved in the European debate in order to keep [Europe] down.’”

However, Macron also said earlier in France that the demons of nationalism are becoming stronger in Europe and elsewhere. It would be naïve and inaccurate to say that nationalism is dead in Germany or Austria.

The paper concluded: “Macron sings again the tune of a strong Europe. This and Trump’s polemics against France, Germany and the EU guarantee that Macron’s message will be heard.”

Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder said the following, according to ntv on November 16: “We cannot allow that we are being treated like an occupied country. When I look at the behavior of the American ambassador in Germany, I have the impression that he understands himself as an officer of an occupation force rather than the ambassador of the USA in a sovereign state.”

In response to President Trump and some extremely conservative European leaders, many Europeans and EU leaders react by supporting politics in opposition to Trump and those who agree with Trump and his views. On the other hand, when Angela Merkel spoke in Strasbourg last week, advocating a European army, some right-wing anti-Europe delegates booed in opposition. We should not forget that not all EU member states need to agree on everything, especially the euro and the creation of a European army. The Bible tells us that it will be ten nations or groups of nations that will emerge as a part of a core Europe, giving their power and authority to a charismatic economic, political and military German or Austrian leader (the “beast”) who will very soon manifest himself on the world scene.

A Two Speed Europe

Euractiv wrote on November 20:

“In Louvain-la-Neuve [Belgium], [Macron] pleaded for a ‘two or three speed Europe’, to allow frontrunners to move towards European integration in the hope that others will follow. ‘The big mistake that we have made in the past five to ten years is that we always want to decide everything at 28, maybe tomorrow at 27 after Brexit. This is not true, this has never worked this way,’ Macron said.

“To illustrate his point, the French President referred to the Schengen area of free movement and the eurozone, as well as to enhanced cooperation on defence, where different EU countries participate. He also suggested that decisions should no longer need the approval of all EU member states: ‘I am in favour of changing the treaties, we reach a point where it must be done. We should not be afraid, but we should also keep in mind that whoever is against can no longer block the others.’

“Speaking of efforts to put in place a common European defence, the French President said: ‘We have done more in a year and a half than what has been done since the 1950s.. There could be ‘no idea of a united Europe if in a corner of Europe we say “we cannot protect you, ask someone else,”’ he pleaded. ‘We also need a common foreign policy’, agreed Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel.”

“China and the EU Are Growing Sick of U.S. Financial Power”

Foreign Policy wrote on November 16:

“When it comes to international finance, Washington sets the rules for others to follow… Unable to counteract U.S. sanctions, some countries are pushing for structural changes. The EU is in the lead. China is following, and Japan, South Korea, and India are watching closely.

“European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has argued that the euro should become a global reserve currency to reduce financial dependence on the United States…

“It is no secret that China and Russia are actively looking to exploit the growing divide between London and Washington on sanctions.”

The Bible predicts that even the American-British friendship will cease.

Europe to Conduct Non-Dollar Trade with Iran?

Reuters and the Algemeiner wrote on November 21:

“Iran on Wednesday praised European efforts to maintain business with Tehran despite US sanctions, citing ‘constructive meetings’ with British and French officials in Tehran this week on setting up a way to conduct non-dollar trade… European diplomats said last week British, French and German attempts to establish the SPV [a “Special Purpose Vehicle” trade mechanism] were faltering because no EU country was willing to host it for fear of its banks provoking US penalties, including a ban from US markets.

“… The three big European Union powers and the EU as a whole have reaffirmed their commitment to the nuclear deal, as have Russia and China… The US special envoy for Iran warned last week that European banks and firms who engage in the SPV will be at risk from fresh US sanctions.”

Europe would not tolerate if their banks were to be banned from US markets. They would retaliate for sure, and an economic war would be the consequence.

Stocks Down, Wiping Out Yearly Gains

The Wall Street Journal wrote on November 20:

“Stocks around the world tumbled Tuesday, putting major U.S. indexes at risk of closing below their October lows and wiping out yearly gains. What started as a technology company selloff bled into other corners of the market, as investors dumped shares of everything from retailers to oil-and-gas companies…

“Selling in the European auto sector echoed similar losses in Asia… frosty trading relations between the U.S. and China have left tech stocks vulnerable…”

Crypto Collapse Accelerates, Bitcoin Plunges

Zero Hedge wrote on November 20:

“Having broken below 6k last week, and 5k yesterday, Bitcoin’s collapse is accelerating towards $4,000… the events mark a continuation of the unsettled conditions sparked Nov. 15 when altcoin Bitcoin Cash (BCH) experienced a contentious hard fork, which has since resulted in the emergence of two separate competing chains…

“FundStrat’s Tom Lee told CNBC this morning that he has lowered his forecast for 2018 year-end Bitcoin to $15,000 (though admitted his conviction was low today).”

Chaos in Britain over Brexit Deal

Der Spiegel Online wrote on November 16:

“Some 874 days after the Brexit referendum, Theresa May has reached a deal with the European Union to prevent a hard exit from the bloc. But events of recent days make clear that months of drama in Brussels pales in comparison to the one unfolding in London now…

“Those who believe the deal goes too far and those who believe it doesn’t go far enough are suddenly united in opposition to a prime minister who is growing increasingly isolated… the stage is set for a showdown the likes of which British politics has never seen before…

“More than once in the past weeks, negotiators have found themselves staring into the abyss… But that is nothing compared to the storm brewing on the island, one that might sweep away May… Is disastrous defeat still avoidable?… if the deal falls through… the country would be pushed out of the EU boat without a lifejacket, with unpredictable economic and social consequences…”

Why the Brexit Deal Will Fail

The Week wrote on November 16:

“Theresa May’s government lies in ruins… This was bound to happen. The Brexit negotiations and the referendum that produced them were a farce…  The referendum itself was never supposed to have taken place. It had been promised as part of a cynical ploy by David Cameron… in the event that Conservatives won an outright majority in the 2015 general election… The Tories won their first majority since 1992 and Cameron was forced to keep his word, calling for a vote… When the result was announced, he resigned. He was replaced… by his own home secretary [Theresa May] who supported remaining in Europe while refusing to campaign for this position.

“[She] has presented her country with a deal for which there is no constituency… there is widespread agreement that if approved the deal would put Britain in the worst position imaginable. It would leave the United Kingdom in a kind of limbo, beholden to European laws and facing significant financial obligations to a body in whose deliberations it would no longer have any say. It would be exchanging membership in a supposed confederacy of nations for vassalage.

“This is why the deal is almost certain to fail in Parliament… [May] has already lost.”

£10 Billion More for Brexit Delay

The Guardian wrote on November 17:

“The latest Opinium poll for the Observer on Sunday delivers more bad news for May, with Labour opening up a three-point lead. It shows Tory Leave supporters appear to be deserting May’s party in droves. Compared with a month ago, the Conservatives have dropped five points to 36% while Labour has gained three to stand on 39%…

“May told an EU leaders summit last month that she might ask for a ‘few months’ extra time if that was what was needed to complete an EU-UK trade deal… But on Saturday night Brussels was making clear that if the UK wants an extension of the transition – during which it is tied to the EU economic system but with no say over its rules – it must last at least a further year. A year-long extension would cost about £10bn on top of the £39bn divorce bill already agreed…”

However one wants to slice it, it is prophesied that Britain will leave the EU, and Britain’s future has never looked that grim.

Spain Threatens to Vote No on Brexit Deal over Gibraltar

Deutsche Welle wrote on November 20:

“Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez said that Madrid cannot approve the deal unless changes regarding Gibraltar are made. All 27 remaining EU leaders must approve the 585-page exit…

“The tiny British overseas territory is adjacent to the Spanish mainland, and has long been a point of contention between the UK and Spain… Although 96 percent of Gibraltarians voted to remain in the EU during the Brexit referendum, it is set to leave the bloc when the UK does in 2019… Gibraltar was formally ceded to Britain in 1713 as part of the Treaty of Utrecht

“Spain is the only one of the 27 EU countries to voice opposition to the 585-page draft Brexit deal so far.”

Brexit Deal Reached? Not So Fast!

Deutsche Welle wrote on November 22:

“The EU and the UK have reached a deal on their post-Brexit relationship, European Council President Donald Tusk announced on Thursday. The [26-page] text [which is not legally binding] has been agreed to in principle by negotiators, but still requires the endorsement of the 27 remaining EU members…

“The draft on post-Brexit ties and an agreement on exactly how the UK will withdraw from the European Union will be discussed by EU leaders at a special summit on Sunday… both sides have agreed that the post-Brexit transition periodmay be extended from its current end date of December 31, 2020 ‘for up to one or two years.’

“Many observers have said it is unlikely the British Parliament will vote in favor of the Brexit 585-page deal [which would be legally binding] May presented last week…”

Daily Mail added:

“[The 26-page text] has now been sent to EU capitals ahead of a showdown summit on Sunday amid complaints from Spain over Gibraltar and France on fishing. In possible concessions to help Mrs May get the [585-page] deal through the Commons, the 26-page document makes clear that Britain will have an ‘independent trade policy’… The pact confirms that free movement will end… but also states that the UK will not discriminate between nationals from different EU countries. There would be visa free travel for all citizens making short trips, which will be a relief for holidaymakers.”

One of the hotly debated issues is the “backstop.” As the Guardian explained on October 15:

“… the backstop is a device intended to ensure that there will not be a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, even if no formal deal can be reached on trade and security arrangements. It would mean that if there were no workable agreement on such matters, Northern Ireland would stay in the customs union and much of the single market, guaranteeing a friction-free border with the Republic.”

The Sun added on November 20:

“The backstop will see Britain remain in the customs union for as long as necessary until an alternative way of keeping the border open is found.”

In this context, The Sun wrote on November 22:

“Tory rebels today warned Theresa May her Brexit deal has no hope of succeeding… telling [her] that the backstop – which could leave Britain tied to the EU customs union permanently – makes her deal toxic… Former minister Owen Paterson added: ‘As long as the backstop is in existence in a legally binding document, there is a danger that should talks fail the backstop becomes accepted. We would have the horror of falling into a customs union, the horror of having Northern Ireland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom.’

“… The admission that Britain can trade freely around the world while keeping the Irish border open came in a draft trade agreement between the UK and the EU – and represents a big win for the PM… But a number of key issues remain apparently unresolved, with no agreement yet on fishing rights or the status of Gibraltar. And in a worrying sign for Brexiteers, it still states that the final deal will ‘build and improve’ on the customs union which stops Britain cutting trade agreements around the world…

“Andrea Jenkyns said: ‘The British people are not stupid. There will be a backlash if we deliver a deal such as this.’ A source from the European Research Group added: ‘The political declaration is not legally binding, vague, aspirational and little more than a smokescreen to cover up the fact that the permanent relationship is the customs union backstop.’…

“Negotiators have also laid down the law on so-called Level Playing Field provisions, which will see Britain effectively mirror EU legislation in key areas…

“The EU has told Britain it will be shut out from the military aspects of [the satellite-system] Galileo after Brexit, while UK companies will be banned from bidding for contracts on the programme.”

Der Spiegel Online wrote: “In reading this text, one might think that the Brits want to join the EU, rather than leaving it.”

White House Approves Use of Lethal Force for Border Troops

The Daily Beast wrote on November 21:

“The White House late Tuesday authorized U.S. military troops deployed at the Mexican border to use lethal force and conduct law-enforcement operations, Military Times reports… Kelly justified the shift by writing that ‘credible evidence and intelligence’ had suggested the migrants ‘may prompt incidents of violence and disorder.’

“… the president does have the authority… ‘to use military force to suppress insurrection or to enforce federal authority.’”

Not too long ago, a spokesperson for the German right-wing anti-immigration party AfD recommended that German border guards should have authority to shoot at immigrants. This caused an outcry in Germany. Now, authorization to do so was given to American troops at the Mexican border. But where is the outcry in the USA?

Will Benjamin Netanyahu Survive?

voanews reported on November 18:

“Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman’s resignation… left the government with a majority of only one seat in parliament. That put the fate of Netanyahu’s coalition at the mercy of any of its partners, who have seen the four-term prime minister’s popularity take a rare hit in an opinion poll that showed Israelis were unhappy with him over Gaza… Only 17 percent of respondents were happy with Netanyahu’s policy toward Gaza…

“Netanyahu’s re-election chances could also be affected by a series of corruption cases against him in which Israel’s attorney-general is weighing his indictment. An election would complicate promised moves by the United States towards reviving Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts that collapsed in 2014…”

This current crisis occurred because Netanyahu is perceived too liberal and weak in the matter of Gaza. If it comes to new elections, would an even more conservative leadership come to power? What would this do for the political climate in the Middle East? But for now, the fear of early elections might be averted.

JTA wrote on November 19:

“The Israeli prime minister narrowly avoided having to call snap elections after, in a surprise turnaround, Education Minister Naftali Bennett announced that he would stand behind Netanyahu…

“At least three ministers had called for early elections to be held as soon as possible. Interior Minister Arye Deri of the Sephardic Orthodox Shas party backed down on Sunday, and Bennett followed suit the next day… On Sunday, a visibly agitated Netanyahu announced in a televised broadcast that he would personally assume the defense minister position… An unnamed senior government official told the Israeli media that he soon would appoint a foreign minister in an attempt to court allies.

“The government’s four-year term ends in November 2019. Elections are called early if a government ruling coalition falls apart, usually over a crisis, such as the recent Gaza flare-up… Recent governments have not served out their full terms. The last election was in 2015; the one before that was in 2013.”

The False “Alternative Temple Theory” Debunked

Breaking Israel News wrote on November 20:

“A conference is set to be held in Jerusalem in two weeks (on December 5) which will for the first time, educate Christians on the importance of the Temple Mount…

“John Enarson, the Christian Relations Director of Cry for Zion and co-organizer of the conference, explained the focus of the event. ‘The theme of the conference this year is going to be archaeology and the Biblical evidence for the true location of the Temple being on the Temple Mount’… They will present evidence [to] debunk the reoccurring theory among Christians that the Jewish Temples were not located on the Temple Mount… According to [that] theory, both Jewish Temples stood further south in an area now known as Ir David (the City of David). [It] further hypothesizes that the Western Wall and all of the artifacts on the Temple Mount are remains from a massive Roman fort. [The] theory was criticized for having no archaeological basis and for contradicting Temple-era historical accounts, such as that of Josephus Flavius, a first-century Romano-Jewish scholar who cited the Mount as the location of the Second Temple.

“… Despite being definitively debunked by archaeologists and Biblical scholars, the alternate Temple location theory continues to have a strong following within some segments of the Christian community… ‘Jews and Christians approach the Temple Mount from vastly different traditions but we can come together on a House of Prayer for All Nations,’ Enarson said, citing the Prophet Isaiah (56:7:) ‘I will bring them to My sacred mount And let them rejoice in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices Shall be welcome on My mizbayach; For My House shall be called A house of prayer for all peoples.’

“‘Christians believe in the Hebrew Bible and to the extent they take the Biblical accounts of the Temple seriously, they should take the Temple Mount seriously,” [Enarson] said.”

The focus is not only on the Temple Mount, but also on the Temple itself. The Bible shows that a massive third temple will be built on the Temple Mount and animal sacrifices will be given at that temple prior to Christ’s Second Coming.

German-Israeli Friendship?

The Algemeiner wrote on November 17:

“The United States opposed on Friday for the first time an annual draft resolution at the United Nations calling on Israel to rescind its authority over the occupied Golan Heights, drawing praise from Israeli officials… Despite the US opposition, a UN General Assembly committee approved the draft resolution on Friday with 151 votes in favor and 14 abstentions. Only Israel joined the United States in voting no. The General Assembly is due to formally adopt the resolution next month.”

In fact, the UN General Assembly approved on Friday nine anti-Israeli resolutions. Bild Online wrote on November 18: “Germany abstained one time and approved the other eight resolutions, together with countries such as Saudi-Arabia, which were directed against the Jewish state. Is this how the German-Israeli friendship looks like?”

There has never been a true German-Israeli friendship. The Bible prophesies that any resemblance of friendship will soon cease completely, and even though Israel will look to Germany for help, they will not get it.

Anti-Semitism in Europe

 Jewish News Syndicate (JNS) wrote on November 21:

“Manfred Weber, 46, head of the European People’s Party in the European Parliament and a member of the conservative Christian Social Union in Bavaria… has been a delegate in the European Parliament since 2004 and was elected head of the European People’s Party in 2014. If the conservatives continue to maintain their majority in the European Parliament after the coming May elections, Weber will become the parliament’s president.

“In an interview with Israel Hayom… Weber warned of growing anti-Semitism in Europe. ‘The development in recent years is an absolute warning sign,’ he said… ‘In France, the number of violent anti-Semitic incidents rose by an inconceivable 69% in the first nine months of the year. In Britain, there was an increase of around 30%. In Germany, too, people are attacked for being Jews. The growing anti-Semitism makes me uneasy. Not just the public attacks but the ‘relativization’ of anti-Semitism creeping into people’s minds… My demand is that everyone rise up and oppose anti-Semitism… I would not have imagined that in certain countries in the European Union, it would be the left-wing parties that would show tolerance toward open anti-Semitism and implement anti-Israel policy. There is a genuine risk that such parties will enter the European Parliament…’”

President Trump vs. Chief Justice Roberts

ABC wrote on November 21:

“Chief Justice John Roberts rebutted President Donald Trump’s recent criticism that the recent ruling against the administration’s asylum policy on migrants was issued by an ‘Obama judge’. ‘We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges,’ Roberts, who originally responded to the Associated Press, said via a statement issued from the Supreme Court’s press office. ‘What we have is an extraordinary group of dedicated judges doing their level best to do equal right to those appearing before them. That independent judiciary is something we should all be thankful for.’

“The president responded directly to the comments in a pair of tweets Wednesday afternoon. ‘Sorry Chief Justice John Roberts, but you do indeed have “Obama judges,” and they have a much different point of view than the people who are charged with the safety of our country,’ Trump said.  The president returned to the topic on Twitter about an hour later, calling the 9th Circuit a ‘terrible, costly and dangerous disgrace. It has become a dumping ground for certain lawyers looking for easy wins and delays…'”

On Thursday, the President continued his attacks on the 9^th Circuit Court via Twitter.

Judge Bars US From Enforcing Trump Asylum Ban

The Associated Press and Newsmax reported on November 20:

“A federal judge barred the Trump administration from refusing asylum to immigrants who cross the southern border illegally. President Donald Trump issued a proclamation on Nov. 9 that said anyone who crossed the southern border between official ports of entry would be ineligible for asylum. As the first of several caravans of migrants have started arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border, Trump said an asylum ban was necessary to stop what he’s attacked as a national security threat.

“But in his ruling Monday, U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar agreed with legal groups that immediately sued, arguing that U.S. immigration law clearly allows someone to seek asylum even if they enter the country between official ports of entry. ‘Whatever the scope of the President’s authority, he may not rewrite the immigration laws to impose a condition that Congress has expressly forbidden,’ said Tigar, a nominee of former President Barack Obama.

“The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately comment on the ruling, which will remain in effect for one month barring an appeal. In issuing the ban, Trump used the same powers he used last year to impose a travel ban that was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court…

“Tigar’s ruling notes that federal law says someone may seek asylum if they have arrived in the United States, ‘whether or not at a designated port of arrival.’

“… ACLU lawyer Lee Gelernt said that some people seeking asylum cross between official ports because ‘they’re in real danger,’ either in their countries of origin or in Mexico. ‘We don’t condone people entering between ports of entry, but Congress has made the decision that if they do, they still need to be allowed to apply for asylum,’ he said.”

Many legal experts feel that even though the 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals would uphold the decision of the federal judge, the US Supreme Court would overturn it and side with President Trump.

Acosta Reinstated… for Now

The Daily Mail wrote on November 16:

“Judge Timothy Kelly said Friday that Jim Acosta’s free-press rights under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution outweigh ‘the government’s interest in orderly, respectful press conferences.’ He declared in a stinging defeat for the president in his war on ‘fake news’ that the White House failed to give Acosta ‘due process,’ something guaranteed in government proceedings under the Fifth Amendment. And he suggested that the White House exaggerated its contention [being of “questionable accuracy”] that Acosta physically interfered with a female intern last week as she tried to reclaim a press conference microphone.

“While Kelly ordered the White House to let Acosta back in the building, he said Trump and his spokespeople aren’t obligated to call on him during press conferences or let him ask questions. He also said the White House isn’t under any obligation to host reporters at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but it also can’t play favorites…

“There was near-unanimity in the political press corps’ backing of CNN, with more than a dozen news outlets signaling they would formally submit a supportive brief to Judge Kelly… Kelly, a Trump appointee, emphasized that his ruling was temporary, saying: ‘I have not determined that the First Amendment was violated here.’… But Kelly… noted that the government’s attorneys couldn’t tell him on Wednesday who had made the final decision to yank Acosta’s credentials, an indication that no formal process was involved…”

Trump’s war with the media, especially news outlets which he describes as “fake news” and “enemy of the people,” will continue and is bound to become more and more ugly.

The Huffington Post wrote on November 20:

“The White House announced Monday that it would [permanently] restore the press pass of CNN reporter Jim Acosta, leading the network to drop its pending lawsuit against the administration… provided he and all other journalists abide by ‘new rules’ sent out by the White House.”

Insofar, CNN wrote on November 19:

“The White House press corps… has not agreed to any new set of rules governing presidential press conferences. And Trump rarely holds press conferences anyway. The letter asserts that reporters may ask ‘a single question’ at a press conference. Follow-ups will only be permitted ‘at the discretion of the President or other White House officials.’ And reporters must ‘physically surrender’ the microphone, when directed [and they will face the revocation of their passes for not respecting the rules.]

“In practice, many reporters asked follow-up questions at the November 7 press conference. And that’s not going to change any time soon. ‘For as long as there have been White House press conferences, White House reporters have asked follow-up questions. We fully expect this tradition will continue,’ the association said. It remains to be seen if the rules are just cover for the administration’s loss to CNN in court. At the same time, the White House’s move could create a chilling effect among reporters.”

USA Will Stand by Saudi Arabia… No Matter What!

The Huffington Post wrote on November 20:

“The United States will continue to back Saudi Arabia even if Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) ordered the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, President Donald Trump announced Tuesday in a bizarre statement…”

Excerpts from Trump’s statement are quoted below:

“After my heavily negotiated trip to Saudi Arabia last year, the Kingdom agreed to spend and invest $450 billion in the United States. This is a record amount of money. It will create hundreds of thousands of jobs, tremendous economic development, and much additional wealth for the United States…

“King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman vigorously deny any knowledge of the planning or execution of the murder of Mr. Khashoggi… it could very well be that the Crown Prince had knowledge of this tragic event – maybe he did and maybe he didn’t! That being said, we may never know all of the facts surrounding the murder of Mr. Jamal Khashoggi.

“In any case, our relationship is with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia… The United States intends to remain a steadfast partner of Saudi Arabia… As President of the United States I intend to ensure that, in a very dangerous world, America is pursuing its national interests and vigorously contesting countries that wish to do us harm. Very simply it is called America First!”

President Trump’s announcement prompted severe criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike.

Haaretz reported on November 19:

“The German government says it has halted previously approved arms exports to Saudi Arabia amid the fallout from the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi… Germany said a month ago it wouldn’t approve any new weapons exports to Saudi Arabia, but left open what would happen with already approved contracts.”

Negative Reaction to Trump’s Stance on Saudi Arabia

The Guardian wrote on November 20:

“The 649-word statement appears to be a presidential act of defiance against the CIA, which has reportedly concluded that the Saudi prince ordered the killing, and the Senate, which is considering bipartisan legislation that would suspend weapons sales to Saudi Arabia among other punitive measures. He told reporters at the White House that the CIA ‘didn’t make a determination’ on the murder, and that they had ‘nothing definitive’ on its perpetrator. The claim is contradicted by multiple reports that the intelligence agency has concluded that Prince Mohammed ordered the hit on the former Saudi insider who had become a persistent critic… As he has in the past with Vladimir Putin, Trump put official denials of wrongdoing from Riyadh on a par with US intelligence assessments.

“… The president acknowledged that that Congress might have another view and the strength of congressional opinion soon became apparent when Republican senator Lindsey Graham – otherwise a fervent Trump fan – issuing a statement predicting ‘strong bipartisan support for serious sanctions against Saudi Arabia, including appropriate members of the royal family, for this barbaric act which defied all civilized norms.’ The South Carolina senator added: ‘While Saudi Arabia is a strategic ally, the behavior of the crown prince – in multiple ways – has shown disrespect for the relationship and made him, in my view, beyond toxic.’…

“[Trump’s] statement made a series of false or unsubstantiated claims, suggesting that Riyadh is buying $110bn in US weapons. The actual total of offers since Trump took office is less than $15bn, and the value of actual signed contracts is significantly lower than that. A new independent report found that US arms sales to Saudi Arabia account for fewer than 20,000 US jobs a year – less than a 20th of the employment boost Donald Trump has claimed…

“Trump’s enthusiastic support for Riyadh coincides with a drive by the crown prince to rehabilitate himself on the world stage. The Argentinian government confirmed to the Guardian on Tuesday that he is on the list of attendees at the G20 summit at the end of the month in Buenos Aires. Also on the guest list is Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has condemned Riyadh for the murder and whose government has put out a steady stream of leaks from the investigation, pointing towards Saudi government culpability at the highest levels…”

The Guardian added on November 21:

“On Wednesday, Numan Kurtulmuş, the deputy chairman of [Turkey’s] President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s AK party, dismissed Trump’s assessment. ‘Yesterday’s statement is a comic statement,’ he [said]. ‘It is not possible for an intelligence agency such as the CIA, which even knows the colour of the fur on the cat walking around the Saudi consulate’s garden … to not know who gave this order,’ he said. ‘This is not credible either for US public opinion or the world public opinion.’”

On the other hand, the Turkish government is continuing its brutal fight against journalists and other critics of that dictatorial regime.

The Week wrote on November 21:

“The Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday ordered an investigation into Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s role in the murder of U.S.-based Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi after President Trump acknowledged that bin Salman may have ‘had knowledge’ about the plot, but declined to take further action against Saudi Arabia in response.”

Shocking! Half of American Voters Claim to be Nationalists

Breitbart wrote on November 16:

“About half of all likely American voters share President Trump’s nationalist worldview that the interests of the United States and its citizens should be put ahead of the interests of the globe. In a new Rasmussen Reports poll, about 50 percent of likely voters said when there are international problems, they are most interested in finding a solution that benefits the U.S. and American citizens rather than a solution that is better for the world…

“The poll reveals that not only do half of Americans share Trump’s nationalist worldview, but the vast majority of GOP voters and conservatives do as well. More than 75 percent of Republicans said the interests of Americans should come before the interests of the world, while 74 percent of conservatives said the same.

“Even a significant number of Democrats and Independent voters favor nationalism… Among Democrats, more than 30 percent said the U.S. should be put first…, while 44 percent of Independent voters agreed.”

Nationalism is absolutely wrong and violates God’s law of love towards others. Since God will not and cannot bless a country which blatantly transgresses His Word, America’s future looks more and more devastating.

Jonestown… Could It Happen Again?

Breitbart wrote on November 18:

“This Sunday marks the 40th anniversary of the massacre at Jonestown, where more than 900 American transplants ‘drank the Kool-Aid’ in the largest loss of civilian life in U.S. history until 9/11… whether Jim Jones murdered his followers or they killed themselves voluntarily remains a debated question with strong arguments on both sides.”

The Washington Post wrote on November 18:

“Charles Krause, a former Washington Post foreign correspondent, survived the 1978 Jonestown massacre. [He said in an interview:]

“‘These people followed someone who led them to destruction. They believed in this guy. He lied to them. He cheated. He was involved with the sexual abuse of boys and girls in his temple. He took their money. He really enslaved them. And then he betrayed them, and then he led them to their deaths. I wish we had learned to be more cautious about following people who promise things and then betray the trust that people have given them.

“‘… there is the potential for it to happen again. It has happened again a number of times. We’ve had Waco, and we’ve had other incidents where it’s not as many people, but it’s the same sort of situation. I feel strongly that we need to be more skeptical about political or religious leaders who promise things, who seem to be hypocritical, who talk the talk but don’t walk the walk.”

This warning is relevant. Political and religious leaders might promise us all kinds of things, and they might even seemingly deliver on some of their promises. As a consequence, we might be taken in by them emotionally and thereby lose our objective perspective.

California’s New Perils

CNN reported on November 20:

“First, the good news: Heavy rain expected this week won’t just drench Northern California’s Camp Fire. It could also snuff out the risk of new wildfires for the rest of the year. Now the bad news: Flash flooding, mudslides and rivers of debris could hit cities already devastated by the wildfire…  it could also make conditions treacherous for firefighters battling the Camp Fire, which has charred more than 151,000 acres and was only 70% contained as of Tuesday.

“The inferno has already killed 79 people and destroyed 12,900 homes. And with hundreds of residents still unaccounted for, authorities fear the death toll could rise… with heavy rain on the way, searchers feel a greater sense of urgency in finding the remains of Camp Fire victims.”

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.

The word “thanksgiving” is mentioned several times throughout the Bible. Depending on which Bible translation is being used, in the Authorized Version or the King James Version, it is mentioned 30 times; 32 times in the NIV (New International Version); and 38 times in the ESV (English Standard Version), just to give a few examples. Of course, there are many more Scriptures throughout the Bible where the theme of “giving thanks” or “thankfulness” is mentioned. 

The history of the American Thanksgiving Day is quite interesting as it contains origins of religious traditions, similar in ways to what the Bible alludes when referring to God’s annual Fall Holy Days. According to Wikipedia, “Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday celebrated on various dates in Canada, the United States, some of the Caribbean islands and Liberia. It began as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year. Similarly named festival holidays occur in Germany and Japan [as well as other countries like the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, India, Australia, and the Philippines].”

In this Q&A, we are only concentrating on the celebration of the American Thanksgiving Day and, in passing, of the Canadian Thanksgiving Day. The comments herein may or may not apply to Thanksgiving Day celebration in other countries, which might have incorporated pagan customs in association with the original worship of pagan gods and goddesses.

Continuing with the above-quoted article:

“Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October in Canada and on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States, and around the same part of the year in other places. Although Thanksgiving has historical roots in religious and cultural traditions, it has long been celebrated as a secular holiday as well.

“Prayers of thanks and special thanksgiving ceremonies are common among almost all religions after harvests and at other times. The Thanksgiving holiday’s history in North America is rooted in English traditions dating from the Protestant Reformation. It also has aspects of a harvest festival, even though the harvest in New England occurs well before the late-November date on which the modern Thanksgiving holiday is celebrated.

“In the English tradition, days of thanksgiving and special thanksgiving religious services became important during the English Reformation in the reign of Henry VII and in reaction to the large number of religious holidays on the Catholic calendar. Before 1536 there were 95 Church holidays, plus 52 Sundays, when people were required to attend church and forego work and sometimes pay for expensive celebrations. The 1536 reforms reduced the number of Church holidays to 27, but some Puritans wished to completely eliminate all Church holidays, including Christmas and Easter. The holidays were to be replaced by specially called Days of Fasting or Days of Thanksgiving, in response to events that the Puritans viewed as acts of special providence. Unexpected disasters or threats of judgment from on high called for Days of Fasting. Special blessings, viewed as coming from God, called for Days of Thanksgiving. For example, Days of Fasting were called on account of drought in 1611, floods in 1613, and plagues in 1604 and 1622. Days of Thanksgiving were called following the victory over the Spanish Armada in 1588 and following the deliverance of Queen Anne in 1705.”

When focusing on Canada, “According to some historians, the first celebration of Thanksgiving in North America occurred during the 1578 voyage of Martin Frobisher from England in search of the Northwest Passage. Other researchers, however, state that ‘there is no compelling narrative of the origins of the Canadian Thanksgiving day.’

“The origins of Canadian Thanksgiving are also sometimes traced to the French settlers who came to New France in the 17th century, who celebrated their successful harvests. The French settlers in the area typically had feasts at the end of the harvest season and continued throughout the winter season, even sharing food with the indigenous peoples of the area. As settlers arrived in Nova Scotia from New England after 1700, late autumn Thanksgiving celebrations became commonplace. New immigrants into the country—such as the Irish, Scottish, and Germans—also added their own traditions to the harvest celebrations. Most of the US aspects of Thanksgiving (such as the turkey) were incorporated when United Empire Loyalists began to flee from the United States during the American Revolution and settled in Canada.”

In the United States, “Thanksgiving proclamations were made mostly by church leaders in New England up until 1682, and then by both state and church leaders until after the American Revolution. During the revolutionary period, political influences affected the issuance of Thanksgiving proclamations. Various proclamations were made by royal governors, John Hancock, General George Washington, and the Continental Congress, each giving thanks to God for events favorable to their causes. As President of the United States, George Washington proclaimed the first nationwide thanksgiving celebration in America marking November 26, 1789, ‘as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favours of Almighty God.’”

Other nations celebrate this day in their own unique way with their own customs (some, if not many, originated from pagan worship practices). However, when giving thanks to our Creator is emphasized, without mixing this with inappropriate religious pagan customs, it is in a stark contrast to pagan holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and Halloween, for example. For more information, please read our free booklet, “Is That in the Bible? Man’s Holidays and God’s Holy Days,” and especially the chapter on Thanksgiving Day (pages 36-39).

The American Thanksgiving Day is a holiday specifically based on biblical principles and commands, although not directly mentioned in Scripture. Neither are the Feast of Purim and the Feast of Dedication which are based on events being described in the book of Esther (compare Esther 9:17-32) and the (apocryphal) books of First and Second Maccabees (compare also John 10:22-42), but it has been understood by God’s Church that especially for the Jewish community, it is not wrong to observe these days.

Thanksgiving Day is a day which can be spent with family and friends, honoring and thanking God for the bountiful blessings He provides.

We have much to be thankful for, but we must not forget whom we need to thank. It is God the Father whom we need to thank every single day through Jesus Christ for everything He has done for us and there are several ways in which we can thank Him.

We thank Him through Prayer. We thank God for all that we have. Colossians 4:2 tells us that we must pray earnestly and be vigilant with prayer. We shouldn’t underestimate the power of prayer. We all go through problems and sometimes we may not have the answers we are looking for, but one thing is for sure: God has the answer and He will reveal it to us in due time. It is quite normal to be frustrated if an answer does not come right away and since we are human, we may allow worry and doubt to creep in, but God tells us in James 1:6 that we should ask in faith without doubting. Also, every time we pray, we give thanks to God, no matter what the situation is. Who else knows better than God Himself about the tests that we go through, for it is also He who tests us continuously to see how we respond: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). 

We shouldn’t take anything for granted. We give a prayer at the beginning and end of each church service.  Even Jesus Christ prayed to His Father before He preached, in Mark 1:35-39. 

God has a plan for each and every one of us. He knows everything that goes on; what we do and what we think about, even before we think it. And if we want to be close to God, it is vital that we pray ALWAYS because prayer defines our relationship with God. This is where we have a private conversation with our Father (just as Jesus did when He prayed to His Father), by giving Him thanks and letting Him know what is on our minds, but we also have to be careful for what we pray and how we pray. The Bible instructs us the way we should pray in the example of the model prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, and in many other ways throughout the Scriptures (For more information on Prayer, please read our free booklet on “Teach Us to Pray”).

We wouldn’t even be here and everything we have wouldn’t even exist if it wasn’t for God. We have all been blessed throughout our lives, with all that we have done and experienced. Being called by God to the Truth is definitely a huge blessing, and those who have chosen to live His Way of Life have an advantage over the rest of the world.  

Because of these blessings, there is yet another way we show God that we are thankful for what He has done for us. Those of us who know the Truth and have the knowledge of God’s plan, also offer Him thanks through our tithes and offerings. It is a blessing that we can observe the Sabbath and the Holy Days, which all picture His plan. God made them all, and He requires of us to pay Him back 10% from the increase that we make, and we do it with thanksgiving. Hebrews 13:15-16 says: “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” God is pleased when we are giving and helping others.

David understood how God’s plan worked and how God was working with him.David showed his thankfulness towards God in Psalms 116:16-17 by offering a sacrifice of thanksgiving: “O LORD, truly I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have loosed my bonds. I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, And will call upon the name of the LORD.”

Focusing on the church services on the Sabbath day, we thank God during the opening and closing prayers and we also show Him our appreciation by singing to Him with hymns, with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30 says, “I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving.” And in Psalm 95:2 it says, “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.” Further in Psalm 100:1-5, “Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise.Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.”  Also in Psalm 147:7, “Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving.” We thank God through the singing of His Word.  

As we can see through the history of how the national day of Thanksgiving came about and also the many examples throughout the Bible which address the spirit of “thanksgiving,” there is no reason why this day can’t be celebrated by us with our families and friends. We have so much to be thankful for and we should not forget what God has done for us and what He continues to do for us. We have to give thanks to God always for and in everything (Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18). We should continue to be thankful always, especially towards God since it is He to whom we owe our lives. 

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen” (Revelations 7:12).

Lead Writer: Michael Link

compiled by Dave Harris

“Kommt Christus wirklich bald zurück?” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Does Christ Really Come Back Soon?”

“Finding our Way Through Faith,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Frank Bruno, is now posted. Here is a summary:

In our daily lives we encounter various forms of technology mapping and signage that attempt to point the way. The intent is to assist in our not getting lost, or, to help us find our way once we are lost. There is even a sub-specialty in the architecture and design world dealing with the challenges of Way-Finding. Places such as Hospitals, Airports, Cities, universities, and even Zoos, all rely on clever strategies to set destinations apart—we don’t want to get lost! There are even simple steps we can take in the midst of a wilderness to determine the correct pathway. What about our spiritual path? Are we secure that we are not slowly becoming off-track and lost in our lives?  Can we even recognize the signs? This Sermonette—Finding our Way Through Faith, is intended to offer several key scriptural citations upon which we may rely to connect or reconnect with God. As is the case in our physical lives, our confidence grows when we know we are heading in the right direction.

“Paul’s Final Instructions,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Robb Harris, is now posted. Here is a summary:

The epistles written to Timothy and Titus at the end of Paul’s life serve as a hands-on instruction in Christianity.  These three books, often referred to as the “Pastoral Epistles”, expressed the love and care Paul had for the church, even as his life waned.  Their practical approach can serve us today as we each walk that narrow path towards salvation