Update 1205

On May 9, 2026, Kalon Mitchell will present the sermonette, titled, “Give Your Amen Meaning” and Christoph Sperzel will present the sermon, titled, “With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility.”

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.

Following the news can be somewhat depressing when you read about what is happening in this world and our nations. The war is still going on in Ukraine, with bombs destroying residential buildings which have nothing to do with the war, and innocent men, women and children are killed who are also not involved in the war, but are victims of the senseless killing associated with war. The Iranian regime has killed over 20,000 of its people for protesting and wanting a better life. The Iran war is still dragging on, with no clear goal and no end in sight, and many innocent people have been killed in the process as well. The same can be said about Israel’s continuing war with Lebanon.

The brutality of how North Korea executes people with the use of hammers and other cruel methods, for as little as falling asleep during the leader’s speech, is appalling. A Senator questioned a pro-life activist and asked the woman which method of abortion she preferred, describing four barbaric and evil methods used by abortion clinics too gruesome to describe in this Editorial. It makes one sick to read about their methods of murdering the unborn. Every day you hear about shootings in some major cities where an innocent child was killed in the crossfire of gangs, and seniors are being pushed onto subway railway tracks. An innocent woman was stabbed to death on a subway train, minding her own business and just trying to get to her destination. There are no-go zones in some cities because of the danger of injury or death.

What is this world coming to?

Thankfully, one of the first things Christ will do at His return is to put an end to war by totally crushing the armies gathering around Jerusalem. The only language which this war-adoring world understands is overwhelming godly power. You can read the encouraging outcome in Isaiah 2:4: “He shall judge between the nations, And rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore.”

Children will not be taught from their youth to hate people of other ethnic or national backgrounds they may feel superior to, including the Jews, the Muslims, the Americans, the Russians, the Germans, the Mexicans, the Japanese or the Chinese, just to name a few. They will turn their swords, battleships, tanks, war planes, and missiles into implements of peace. Nuclear bombs will be destroyed or perhaps neutralized, if possible, to put the metal to good use. Arms will be burnt.

In the book of Ezekiel, Far Eastern nations are described to invade the Promised Land shortly after Christ’s return. But Christ will make a swift end to that futile attempt. Ezekiel 39:9 states: “Then those who dwell in the cities of Israel will go out and set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and bucklers, the bows and arrows, the javelins and spears; and they will make fires with them for seven years.”

The bombed cities will be rebuilt. Isaiah 61:4 says: “And they shall rebuild the old ruins, They shall raise up the former desolations, And they shall repair the ruined cities, The desolations of many generations.”

Instead of devising ways to kill people, mankind will use their energies and talents to rebuild the ruins and supply everything needed in houses to be functional for the use of families.

Will the streets be safe? Zechariah 8:3-5 tells us: “Thus says the LORD: ‘I will return to Zion, And dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Jerusalem shall be called the City of Truth, The Mountain of the LORD of hosts, The Holy Mountain.’ “Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Old men and old women shall again sit In the streets of Jerusalem, Each one with his staff in his hand Because of great age. The streets of the city Shall be full of boys and girls Playing in its streets.’”

Quite a contrast from what we see today.

You can understand why it mentions the creation “crying out” for better things to come, as described, figuratively, in Romans 8:19-23:

“For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption [better: sonship], the redemption of our body.”

The creation “groans” for better things, and so do we. We look forward to the return of Christ to put an end to this madness in this evil world ruled by Satan.

Let’s not forget our crucial part in this future process by fervently praying to the Most High God, “Your kingdom come!”—which cannot come soon enough for us and the whole world.

By Norbert Link

In this issue, we address Trump’s transgression of a mandatory law by falsely claiming that the Iran War has ended; speak of Trump’s announcement to withdraw many American troops from Germany and perhaps Spain and Italy, while placing 25% tariffs on European cars and trucks.

We publish articles describing Trump as a “chaos president” as well as a proud master builder (please note in this regard our recent StandingWatch program, titled “God’s Warnings and Task for President Trump”); and we report about the collapse of Spirit Airlines as a devastating blow to Trump.

We also address the end-time atmosphere in Germany and the sudden resurface of former German Federal Minister of Defense Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg.

Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Trump Calls on All Americans to Celebrate the National Sabbath.”

Iran War “Terminated?”

Politico wrote on May 1:

“President Donald Trump notified lawmakers Friday that the Iran war has ‘terminated’ — an effort to quelch the fight over the need for Congress to approve the conflict. The White House laid out its rationale in a letter… as the Middle East conflict reached a 60-day legal deadline under which operations must halt unless lawmakers authorize military force. A ceasefire with Tehran, Trump argued, effectively stops the clock. [It does not.] The missive seeks to head off a growing battle on Capitol Hill, where Trump faces the prospect of losing Republican support as the war stretches into its second month with no clear exit strategy…

“The 1973 War Powers Resolution requires U.S. forces to withdraw from a conflict 60 days after the president notifies Congress, unless lawmakers vote to authorize continued military action. The White House can seek to extend military operations for another 30 days for the purposes of winding down the conflict… Trump’s GOP support for the war could be starting to wane, particularly with a public who largely wants it to end.

“Trump on Thursday derided lawmakers who were pushing for authorization. ‘I don’t think it’s constitutional what they’re asking for,’ he said. ‘These are not patriotic people.’

“Advocates of reining in Trump through the 1973 law contend he is misreading the statute. And they note that despite the ceasefire, the U.S. military is still engaged in a blockade meant to force Tehran’s hand as Trump seeks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, not to mention roughly 50,000 American troops still stationed in the Middle East… Pentagon officials have said American military forces remain on standby to resume attacks on Iran if peace talks break down.”

Of course, Trump is under an obligation to follow that law. His objections are ludicrous, as the Iran war has clearly NOT ENDED. But Congress is too weak and ineffective to force Trump to obey the law.

Note the next article.

Congress “Deferring” to Trump

ABC News wrote on April 30:

“GOP lawmakers… continue to defer to the White House…. Congress made no attempt at enforcing that requirement, leaving town for a week on Thursday… Trump administration has shown no interest in seeking congressional approval at all….

“The reluctance to defy Trump on the war comes at a politically perilous time for Republicans, with public frustration mounting both over the conflict and its impact on gas prices.”

Congress is not doing Trump and the public any favors with its own severely damaged reputation any favors.

Trump’s Project Freedom– Ceasefire Ended?

The Hill wrote on May 4:

“The fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is under threat of falling apart after President Trump declared that the U.S. would ‘guide’ vessels through the Strait of Hormuz in an effort he called ‘Project Freedom’… In response, Iran’s armed forces said they would not allow passage to American combat forces or commercial ships without their authorization. Tehran’s forces opened fire on U.S. warships and commercial vessels on Monday, U.S. Central Command (Centcom) head Adm. Brad Cooper told reporters. He said American forces returned fire and destroyed six small Iranian boats... [Iran denies this.]

“The situation is threatening to reignite a war that has been paused during the temporary ceasefire and send gas prices even higher. It may also fuel frustration in Congress, after Trump told lawmakers last week the war was over as it passed the 60-day mark.”

The Daily Mail wrote on May 4:

“Trump has today confirmed Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, hours after Tehran launched a series of missile and drone attacks on the UAE. Tehran launched four missiles at a US-backed Middle Eastern ally on Monday, blowing up a major oil port following the President’s move to reopen the Strait. Trump later threatened to ‘blow Iran off the face of the earth’ if US warships and commercial vessels continue to be targeted…”

ABC News reported on May 5:

“President Donald Trump suggested that Iran hasn’t yet violated the ceasefire despite firing shots in the Strait of Hormuz, saying ‘I’ll let you know’ when it is breached. ‘They didn’t shoot the ships that were guarded by us,’ Trump said during an Oval Office event on Tuesday…. ‘Since the ceasefire was announced, Iran has fired at commercial vessels nine times and seized two container ships, and they’ve attacked U.S. forces more than 10 times, all below the threshold of restarting major combat operations at this point,’ Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters Tuesday.”

Zeteo wrote on May 5:

“President Donald Trump claimed hostilities against Iran had been ‘terminated,’ that seems, predictably, anything but the case, as the US, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates attack and counterattack over the Strait of Hormuz.”

Trump called the current situation a “mini war,” while he falsely alleged that America’s “economy is booming.” His terminology is carefully chosen as he tries to avoid abiding by the 60-day deadline of the War Powers Resolution of 1973. But he did not even have to be that concerned as most Republicans in control of Congress have shown no sign of holding Trump to that limit.

Project Freedom on Hold

The Guardian wrote on May 5:

“Donald Trump announced he is pausing ‘Project Freedom’… so he can finalise a deal with Iran, but added that his blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place… The announcement came after military leaders and the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, insisted a ceasefire in the Middle East was still holding and that – while the conflict is not resolved – the initial major US military operation against Iran has concluded. ‘The operation is over. Epic Fury – as the president notified Congress – we’re done with that stage of it,’ Rubio said…

“Trump’s pausing of Project Freedom appeared to run counter to comments from Rubio and the US defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, only hours earlier. In a Pentagon news conference, Hegseth said the US had successfully secured a path through the waterway and that hundreds of commercial ships were lining up to pass through. ‘We know the Iranians are embarrassed by this ​fact. They said they control the strait. They do not,’ he said.

“Rubio later said the US was working to get ships through the strait as a ‘favour to the world … because we’re the only ones that can’… So far, only two merchant ships are known to have passed through the US-guarded route, with hundreds more, carrying up to 23,000 crew members, bottled up in the Persian Gulf.”

ABC News added on May 5:

“Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters at the White House that operation Epic Fury is now over, saying the U.S. is now involved in a ‘defensive’ operation as it seeks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. ‘If they pose a threat to our forces, we’ll shoot down drones, we’ll shoot down missiles. But it’s defensive in nature,’ Rubio said.”

This is such nonsense. But IF operation Epic Fury is over, then America has LOST the war on all fronts… a terrible and humiliating, unparalleled defeat.

Pete Hegseth—Incompetent and Out of His Depth

The Independent wrote on April 30:

“Pete Hegseth is struggling: that much has been clear for a while. When it comes to the Iran war and the updates he is tasked to provide, he’s most comfortable in front of a journalistic audience, where he can yell and berate people for ‘being negative’ any time they ask anything that sounds too much like an actual question…

“But today, pressed calmly and continually by a bipartisan group on strategy and military expenditure, it became extremely obvious how out of his depth Hegseth is….  Asked about the length of the war, he pulled out manufactured outrage, talking about how his generation served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and that was a quagmire, and ‘you stain the troops’ by suggesting this war has been going on too long. ‘Who you cheering for?’ he yelled, adding, ‘Your hatred for President Trump blinds you to the truth of the success of this mission!’ In the quiet, unostentatious room, his words sounded flat, eerie, cult-like. They did not project the power he must’ve hoped that they would…

“Here is a man who cannot answer basic questions about what his decisions mean to the average American taxpayer; a man who is quick to call his fellow Americans adversaries and reluctant to talk specifics; a man who performs shockingly badly under pressure and becomes volatile in high-pressure situations. Just who you want in charge of the Pentagon…. it is, of course… deeply and unrelentingly scary.”

Hegseth should never have been placed in the position of Secretary of Defense or of War.

USA to Withdraw 5,000 Troops From Germany

CBS News wrote on May 1:

“The Pentagon is planning to withdraw about 5,000 American forces from Germany… officials characterized the move as a signal of President Trump’s discontent with the level of assistance that European allies have offered in the U.S.-Iran war. Mr. Trump has publicly criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the leaders of other NATO member states for not getting directly involved in the U.S.’s military campaign against Iran.

“The U.S. military has a massive presence in Germany dating back to the aftermath of World War II and the Cold War. More than 36,000 active duty troops were assigned to bases throughout Germany as of last December, along with nearly 1,500 reservists and 11,500 civilians. Japan is the only foreign country with a larger presence of U.S. troops. 

“Germany is also home to the headquarters of U.S. European Command and Africa Command, and its Ramstein Air Base is a key hub for U.S. operations.”

ABC News wrote on May 2:

“Sen. Jack Reed, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, sharply criticized the move, calling it a ‘foolish decision,’ in a statement.

“‘Withdrawing thousands of American troops from one of our most important strategic positions in the middle of a war is a serious mistake that will reverberate well beyond this moment,’ Reed said in the statement. ‘Weakening our military footprint in Europe at a time when Russian forces continue to mercilessly attack Ukraine and harass our NATO allies is a priceless gift to Vladimir Putin and suggests American commitments to our allies are dependent on the president’s mood.’”

More Than “Just” 5,000 Troops?

The Guardian wrote on May 3:

“Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw more US troops from Germany after stunning European leaders and some senior members of his own party by last week announcing the withdrawal of 5,000 soldiers from Germany. The move left 30,000 US troops still in the country… But Trump threatened on Saturday that more cuts were coming. ‘We are going to cut way down, and we’re cutting a lot further than 5,000,’ he told reporters on Saturday….

“The Republicans who chair the armed services committees in Congress, Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi and Representative Mike Rogers of Alabama, released a joint statement on Saturday saying they were ‘very concerned’ by the possibility of reducing troops in Germany… Any reduction in troops should be done in coordination with Congress and allies.’

The reduction is supposed to be completed in six to twelve months, according to Die Welt, dated May 3. Nius added on May 3 that American nuclear weapons are also stationed in Germany.

It is anticipated that many GOP members will submit to Trump in this regard as well, even though 62% of the population rejectsTrump’s policies, according to NTV, dated May 3, while 37% give him a positive evaluation. One has to wonder who those 37% are!!!

Withdrawing Troops From Spain and Italy As Well?

The Guardian wrote on May 1:

“Donald Trump also threatened Italy and Spain for not helping to reopen the strait of Hormuz…. Asked late on Thursday whether he would consider pulling US troops out of Italy and Spain, Trump told reporters: ‘Probably … look, why shouldn’t I? Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been horrible, absolutely horrible.’… About 13,000 US military personnel are stationed across seven naval bases in Italy….

“According to the US Defense Manpower Data Center, at the end of last year the US military had 68,000 active-duty military personnel assigned permanently in its overseas bases in Europe… Late last year, in an apparent rebuke to Trump’s threats to downgrade military ties with Europe, the US House approved a defense bill limiting the president’s authority to reduce troop numbers, barring levels on the continent from falling below 76,000 for more than 45 days and blocking the removal of major equipment….

“On 1 April, Trump said he was ‘absolutely without question’ considering withdrawing from Nato because of the European allies’ refusal to take part in the war on Iran and help secure the strait of Hormuz. A US withdrawal would be catastrophic for Europe’s security but is seen as unlikely because of US legislation passed in 2024 that bars a president from leaving Nato without either a two-thirds Senate majority or an act of Congress.”

But Trump may not abide by any of these provisions.

No Anti-Putin Missiles

Bild Online reported on May 2:

“This decision by US President Donald Trump really hurts! Not only is he withdrawing 5,000 American troops from Germany, but he is also canceling the planned deployment of Tomahawk cruise missiles. Defense experts view this development as dangerous to our defensive capabilities against Russia… These long-range precision weapons were originally scheduled to be stationed in West Germany this year. In the event of a defensive conflict, they would have enabled strikes against targets within Russia as well…

“The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces, Henning Otte (57), reacted with concern: ‘The withdrawal of US combat units sends a poor signal regarding Germany’s defensive capabilities. This loss must be compensated for.’ Trump’s decision ‘tears a gap in Germany’s defense architecture.’”

Trump Announces 25 Percent Tariffs on Cars and Trucks

Die Welt reported on May 2:

“Trump announces plans to raise tariffs on cars and trucks from the European Union to 25 percent…

“Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had agreed on a trade deal in July of last year. That agreement established a tariff rate of 15 percent for most goods. However, the status of the agreement was called into question by a Supreme Court ruling in February, which held that Trump lacks the authority to declare an economic emergency in order to impose tariffs on EU goods…

“Should Trump proceed to raise US tariffs as announced, the EU reserves the right to take countermeasures… Bernd Lange, Chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade, has sharply criticized the announced tariffs on European cars. ‘This latest move demonstrates just how unreliable the US side is,’ the SPD politician declared on Friday. ‘This is not how one treats close partners.’ Trump’s conduct is unacceptable. The European Union must now respond with the utmost clarity and determination, from a position of strength, Lange demanded…

“For economist Marcel Fratzscher, the renewed escalation in the trade conflict with the U.S.—triggered by President Donald Trump’s tariff threats—comes as no surprise. ‘For President Trump exploits Germany’s and Europe’s constant yielding as a sign of weakness,’ the President of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) told the news agency Reuters on Friday. ‘It is now coming back to haunt us once again that the European Union, as well as the German government, have repeatedly given in to Trump during this conflict and allowed him to have his way.’”

Vice-Chancellor Klingbeil Criticizes Trump’s Mess

t-online reported on May 1:

“SPD leader and Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil has defended Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) against criticism from the USA. ‘We really don’t need any tips from Donald Trump right now. He should take a look at the mess he has created. He should ensure that serious peace talks are held in Iran immediately,’ said Klingbeil…

“Klingbeil also voiced criticism of Trump’s strategy in Iran. ‘I believe he genuinely thought this would be a matter of two or three days, and then everything would be fine,’ he said. ‘He now bears the responsibility for ensuring that this war in Iran ends quickly,’ said the Federal Minister of Finance. ‘Above all, he must ensure that the burdens resulting from his war do not end up on our doorstep—on workers, consumers, and the economy.’

“However, it is also crucial that Europe be economically strong enough ‘that we do not have to let ourselves be blackmailed by anyone,’ said Klingbeil. ‘I do not want us to be dependent on whatever mood Donald Trump happens to be in today or tomorrow.’”

US Surveillance of Europeans

Fodors wrote on April 30:

“Citizens of the European Union do not need to apply for a visa to visit the U.S. The two sides have a visa waiver program in place. Now, however, the U.S. is adding a condition: If the EU wants to continue to enjoy visa-free travel, it needs to give American authorities access to its database…

“This is a highly controversial move in Europe. The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) offers strong protections to residents regarding their data. Businesses must comply with rules about data collection and processing of EU residents. They need to be clear and transparent about data use, and residents have the right to deny or withdraw consent at any time. The U.S., however, does not have such protections in place, and experts are concerned this could lead to mass surveillance…. A member of the European Parliament, Hermida-van der Walle, criticized the proposal calling it blackmail….

“It is possible that criticizing the government or its policies could get travelers barred from entering the country…  experts warn this could create a chilling effect among travelers, who might take their tourist dollars elsewhere.”

Trump—The Chaos President

t-online wrote on May 2:

“Over the past few days, Trump has worked himself into an ever-increasing rage. The trigger for his anger: Friedrich Merz. Trump’s outbursts—flanked by numerous statements from other administration officials, such as his ‘Secretary of War’ Pete Hegseth—culminated finally in a threat from the President directed not only at Spain and Italy, but above all, once again, at Germany. The long-standing specter of a troop withdrawal had suddenly returned….

“Trump’s familiar modus operandi against his chosen adversaries was visibly playing out: First, the personal attacks against Merz. Then, the threats. Then, the economic pressure. On Friday, Trump also announced new punitive tariffs of 25 percent on European automobiles. That alone constituted a very concrete, frontal assault on Germany’s industrial heartland. Shortly thereafter came the security-policy leverage: US troops out of Germany. The lesson intended to be taught is this: Anyone who dares to criticize Trump publicly—and as harshly as Merz did—will be made an example of….

“A simple principle governs Trump’s domestic and foreign policy: Loyalty or reprisals. The mere fact that Germany is not participating militarily in the conflict with Iran was enough to land it in his crosshairs. The fact that Merz then proceeded to lash out against him, too, was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Now, the US President is making an example of the Chancellor. Trump is bullying Merz. Germany is to be the victim…

“Trump’s erratic policies do not merely weaken Germany; they weaken all of Europe. And they benefit Russia. Trump’s often impulsive decisions do not merely sacrifice security on the other side of the Atlantic; they also jeopardize the security of the United States itself. For the United States, Europe is indispensable to maintaining its own global standing—whether in the Middle East or the Arctic, whether against Russia or against China. Trump, however, does not care. He snubs allies whenever it suits him…

“Military capabilities cannot be accelerated by decree. The Trump administration knows this all too well, given its dwindling military stockpiles resulting from the conflict with Iran, or its naval fleet, which is falling further and further behind China…

“Trump remains a ‘chaos president’—fighting on too many fronts with far too little strategy. He spreads himself too thin across the globe: war with Iran, presidential abductions in Venezuela, unlawful sanctions of economic blackmail against Cuba. Yet, he suspends those directed at Russia. He weakens his European allies—and even threatens them territorially, as seen in Greenland—wherever and whenever he can. The US President escalates conflicts everywhere simultaneously, thereby losing control. Ultimately, what is missing is the very thing that made America a global power for decades: trust.”

Trump’s pronouncements that America is respected again is nonsense. Just the opposite is the case.

Trump—a Master Builder Full of Pride

The Atlantic wrote on April 29:

“The tendency to self-aggrandize is as fundamental a feature of Trump as his sculpted hair and overlong red ties. But it has become even more important in setting his priorities and steering his actions as he hurtles through his final term in office. He no longer has to worry about the judgment of voters and can instead focus on what he’s decided really matters: ascending to become one of history’s so-called great men and leaving an enduring—and, in many cases, physical—imprint. The result, at least so far, has cost many lives and billions of dollars, damaged the world economy, strained already fragile alliances, and cratered the president’s standing with the public. But those around him cast his new focus as a liberation…

“Trump’s heightened tendency to view himself as a world-historical figure—capable of brash, misunderstood greatness—has transformed his second term, and not necessarily in a good way. …

“A foreign leader visiting Washington today would find a city under reconstruction, with tower cranes over the White House, a spectacle that recalls Roman Emperor Augustus’s claim that ‘I found Rome a city of bricks and left it a city of marbles.’ There’s the planned remodeling (and recent renaming) of the Kennedy Center, the affixing of his name to the United States Institute of Peace, the attempted seizure of D.C.-municipal golf courses that Trump plans to renovate, the paving over of Jackie Kennedy’s Rose Garden into a Mar-a-Lago-style patio, and the tearing down of the East Wing to make way for the massive ballroom. (That destruction prompted the largest outcry, perhaps because the symbolism was visual, physical, visceral—a wrecking ball laying waste to a cherished pillar of democracy.)

“The proposed ‘Arc de Trump,’ a 250-foot structure modeled after Paris’s Arc de Triomphe, would be taller than any similar structure in world history, and more than twice the height of the Lincoln Memorial, across the river from where it would stand. ‘The GREATEST and MOST BEAUTIFUL Triumphal Arch, anywhere in the World,’ Trump declared three days after announcing the cease-fire with Iran.”

So, when is he going to start building the Third Temple in Jerusalem?

Trump: After Iran We’ll Take Over Cuba

The Telegraph wrote on May 2:

“US president suggests Cuban government would ‘give up’ if his warships appeared near Havana. Donald Trump has warned that American forces could ‘almost immediately take over Cuba on the way back from Iran…”

Some said Trump was joking or partly joking, but his actions towards Cuba so far are no joke. His ambition to take over Cuba is far too obvious. Vox asked the question on May 1: ”Trump says Cuba is ‘next.’ What does that mean? The island may be next in the administration’s crosshairs after Venezuela and Iran…”

Spirit Airlines Folds… Blow to Trump

Reuters wrote on May 2:

“Bankrupt discount carrier Spirit Airlines ceased operations on Saturday, the industry’s first casualty linked to the Iran war, after failing to secure creditor support for a U.S. government bailout plan. The collapse of the carrier following a doubling in jet fuel prices during the two-month-old Iran war will cost ‌thousands of jobs. It is a blow to President Donald Trump, who had proposed $500 million to save Spirit despite opposition from some of his closest advisers and many Republicans in Congress.

“No U.S. ‌carrier of Spirit’s size – it accounted for 5% of U.S. flights at one point – has liquidated in two decades. Spirit helped keep fares lower in markets where it competed against major carriers… Spirit’s collapse highlights the unintended consequences of the Iran war launched by Washington.”

The Associated Press added on May 2:

“The airline said on its website that all flights have been canceled and customer service is no longer available. Some passengers arrived Saturday for flights and were stunned to find them canceled, while workers learned overnight they were out of jobs…

“U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Saturday that Spirit had a reserve fund set up for customers who bought directly from the airline to get refunds. People who bought from third-party vendors like travel agents would have to seek refunds from them.”

Other airlines are in danger of collapsing as well. For example, in late April, Lufthansa announced that they are permanently withdrawing 27 aircraft belonging to its subsidiary CityLine from service due to rising jet fuel prices and ongoing labor disputes. Lufthansa (including SWISS, Austrian, Brussels, and ITA Airways) also cancelled approximately 20,000, or 1% of its capacity, in short-haul flights across key European hubs (Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, Brussels, and Rome) until October 2026.

Trump Proclaims National Sabbath

chabad.org wrote on May 4:

“For the first time in American history, a sitting president has called on the nation to observe a Shabbat… President Donald Trump designated the period from sundown Friday, May 15, through nightfall Saturday, May 16, as a national Shabbat, dubbed ‘Shabbat 250.’ ‘In special honor of 250 glorious years of American independence and on the weekend of Rededicate 250 — a national jubilee of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving — Jewish Americans are encouraged to observe a national Sabbath,’ the President wrote.

“‘From sundown on May 15 to nightfall on May 16, friends, families, and communities of all backgrounds may come together in gratitude for our great Nation. This day will recognize the sacred Jewish tradition of setting aside time for rest, reflection, and gratitude to the Almighty.’”

Trump also wrote the following in his proclamation:

“I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month.  I call upon Americans to celebrate the heritage and contributions of Jewish Americans and to observe this month with appropriate programs, activities, and ceremonies.  I further call on all Americans to celebrate their faith and freedom throughout this year, during this month, and especially on Shabbat to celebrate our 250th year.”

It was pointed out that the move sent shockwaves through Jewish and Christian communities alike and that it is impossible to ignore the personal dimension behind the proclamation, as Trump’s daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner are shomer Shabbat — fully Shabbat-observant Orthodox Jews.

Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Trump Calls on All Americans to Celebrate the National Sabbath.”

Trump Keeps Attacking Pope Leo

The Guardian wrote on May 5:

“Donald Trump has issued a fresh verbal attack against Pope Leo XIV, accusing the pontiff of ‘endangering a lot of Catholics’ because ‘he thinks it’s fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon’…

“Leo has never said that Iran should have nuclear weapons, but has repeatedly opposed the war on the country and the subsequent escalation of the conflict in Lebanon and the wider Middle East, calling for ceasefires and dialogue.”

Pope Leo Indirectly Accuses Trump of Lying

Der Tagesspiegel reported on May 5:

“Pope Leo XIV has responded to the latest attacks by US President Donald Trump. ‘If anyone wishes to criticize me for proclaiming the Gospel, let them do so truthfully,’ the head of the Church told journalists on Tuesday evening in Castel Gandolfo.

“The Church has spoken out against all nuclear weapons for years—of this there is no doubt—Leo XIV stated, addressing Trump’s renewed assertion that the Pope would find it acceptable for Iran to possess a nuclear weapon.”

End-Times Atmosphere in Germany

Apollo News wrote on May 1st:

“These are the signs of the end times—signs that have become unmistakable in political Berlin these days. The verdict that Friedrich Merz simply isn’t up to the task—that is, the task of governing—has by now become almost indisputable, even within CDU circles. The Chancellor, meanwhile—just days before his anniversary in office—is left with nothing but a bunker mentality.

“Merz is now largely isolated. It has always been this way—at least during his tenure as parliamentary group leader—that Merz kept his distance from many people, rarely let anyone get close, and had few intimate confidants. A handicap at the start of his chancellorship, this has since evolved into a fatal paralysis for his government. By now, Merz appears to have no one left whom he trusts—and, apparently, no one left to tell him what the actual situation is.

“The man sitting in the Chancellery seems utterly detached from—and insulated against—reality. While his government is going up in flames, the ‘Great Reform Chancellor’ continues to announce one reform initiative after another, speaking of plans and projects that, outside the confines of his own mind, have long since died. His orders are merely words cast to the wind…

“It is an open secret in Berlin that the general consensus is: this coalition will fall apart sooner or later. Yet the fact that this sentiment is now being voiced so publicly serves as an ominous sign. The days of this coalition truly seem numbered.”

“Jens Spahn: The Indestructible”

Welt Online wrote on May 5:

“Jens Spahn has been confirmed as Chairman of the Union parliamentary group. His position of power has been strengthened; the CDU politician can now present himself with greater confidence vis-à-vis Federal Chancellor Merz. But just how loyal is Spahn?…

“One year after he took office, the members of the larger governing parliamentary group confirmed the 45-year-old CDU politician in his post by a large majority, securing his tenure until the end of the legislative term. A group spokesperson reported the result as 86.5 percent…. Spahn’s tenure had gotten off to a rocky start… After those difficult initial months, however, Spahn has found his footing; his support within the parliamentary group is now considered stable.”

ntv wrote on May 5:

“Many viewed the post of parliamentary group leader merely as a stepping stone on the way to the top—to the Chancellery. Whether he will ever succeed in reaching that goal remains an open question. He is not exactly popular, in any case…”

The Survivor

Bild Online wrote on May 5:

“You have to give Jens Spahn (45, CDU) credit for one thing: He is a political survivor unlike almost anyone before him. No matter what happens—one person survives it: HE. Mask deals, COVID-related failures, COVID fundraising dinners, shady villa financing, a botched judicial election, coup plots by his own party members, a sugar tax despite a party congress veto… Political crashes look different. So do electoral rebukes….

“The man—widely rumored to harbor ambitions for the chancellorship—is unlikely to ever become the darling of the German public. He has, however, just displaced the Chancellor—from the very last spot in the Bild politician rankings.”

Jens Spahn Is Unpopular and Controversial—Yet Untouchable

Wirtschaftswoche wrote on May 5:

“The CDU parliamentary group leader was controversial within his own party, is detested by his political opponents, and is unpopular among the general public. Now, he has been re-elected. How did he manage that?… Spahn was considered a precarious candidate—a man playing for his own advantage; a liability. Today, there is no longer any talk of that…

“Merkel was always adept at pushing critics to the sidelines—at marginalizing them. Yet with Spahn, she never succeeded… Not even within the Union itself does anyone believe that his political ambitions end with the office of parliamentary group leader.”

Guttenberg and the Bilderbergers

Apolut wrote on April 23:

“It is the 72nd Bilderberg meeting… 57 of the 128 participants had already attended the previous year in Stockholm… Back at Bilderberg for the first time: Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, former Federal Minister of Defense—who resigned in 2011 due to plagiarism—and who has since been based in New York and Washington as the head of Spitzberg Partners—a consulting and investment firm operating in the transatlantic defense and technology sectors—a transatlantic networker with CSU roots and a Washington base…

“On November 22, 2019, Wolfgang Effenberger wrote in WORLD ECONOMY under the headline ‘US War Against Rival China’: ‘For the “Deep State” in the USA, the slick, model student Guttenberg thus appears to be the right man to lead Germany into war in accordance with US directives, and to sell this war to the public as a “fight against evil.” Germany would then, once again, end up being the culprit.’”…

“Today, Guttenberg is no longer a politician, but rather a transatlantic networker with direct access to Washington and Berlin. His invitation is therefore explained, first and foremost, by his professional role: He is one of the few Germans who are simultaneously deeply embedded within the American establishment and who still command respect within the German CDU/CSU sphere…”

“Guttenberg understands both sides—a quality that makes him valuable in a year when the relationship between the U.S. and Europe is under considerable strain due to Trump… Guttenberg has repeatedly ruled out a return to politics in recent times—most recently in 2022 in an interview with Stern. Yet such statements have a well-known half-life in political history.

“Guttenberg’s profile fits more precisely than ever: transatlantically connected, media-savvy, and imbued with the aura of a fallen hero who deserves a second chance.

“… Bilderberg does not invite tourists. Thus, he is likely being kept in reserve as an option—not as a designated successor, but as someone being signaled that the door remains open should the time come. This is the classic function of Bilderberg: not to make decisions, but to pave the way for possibilities.”

Elections in England… a Massacre

On May 2, broadcaster Andrew Neil wrote in the Daily Mail:

“The only unknown about next Thursday’s elections is whether it will be a terrible day for Labour or a truly historic awful one. My money is on the latter… the local election results in England will be a massacre… I see no salvation in the new, so-called insurgent parties…

“In a democracy we get the political system we deserve… the prospect of a national revival remains as far away as ever.”

This is true for Britain, as it is true for America.

Royal Navy Warship Crisis Deepens 

The Daily Mail wrote on May 4:

“The Royal Navy’s fleet of frigates was reduced to just five today after the withdrawal of HMS Iron Duke – while the Army has ‘no money to buy weapons’… The warship is to be retired due to technical issues just three years after a £103million refit.”

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.

Abram was tested when God told him, as related in Genesis 12:1, “Now the LORD had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house To a land that I will show you.” And Abram obeyed. Genesis 12:4 states: “So Abram departed as the LORD had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.” Although this is not stated as a test, Hebrews 11:8 informs us that, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” This would certainly have been a test to Abram, but God tested him more severely when He asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. Genesis 22:1-2 reads: “Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then He said, ‘Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.’”

After it was obvious that Abraham would pass the test, God said, in Genesis 22:11-12, “But the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, ‘Abraham, Abraham!’ So he said, ‘Here I am.’ And He said, ‘Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.’” This shows us that God did not know for sure whether Abraham would obey God in this matter until Abraham passed the test. On the other hand, God knew that Abraham would command his children and his household after him to keep the Way of God to do righteousness and justice (compare Genesis 18:19; Authorized Version).

Of course, these were not the only two tests that God put on Abraham during his life. The Jewish commentators enumerate a number of other tests that Abraham faced and passed during his lifetime.

Another very interesting and instructive test was given to Moses after the children of Israel made a golden calf when it appeared to them that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain. Exodus 32:7-10 reads, “And the LORD said to Moses, ‘Go, get down! For your people whom you brought out of the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves. They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them. They have made themselves a molded calf, and worshiped it and sacrificed to it, and said, “This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!”’ And the LORD said to Moses, ‘I have seen this people, and indeed it is a stiff-necked people! Now therefore, let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them. And I will make of you a great nation.’” So, Moses was being offered the honor and glory of being the progenitor of his own great nation. For many this would be a very great test, but the answer Moses gave, and the reason behind it, is very instructive. In fact, it may explain, in part, the comment God said about Moses later in the book of Numbers.

Here is the response Moses gave to God. Exodus 32:11-13 states, “Then Moses pleaded with the LORD his God, and said: ‘LORD, why does Your wrath burn hot against Your people whom You have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians speak, and say, “He brought them out to harm them, to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from Your fierce wrath, and relent from this harm to Your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants, to whom You swore by Your own self, and said to them, “I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven; and all this land that I have spoken of I give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.”’”

Here we see that Moses was far more concerned about God’s reputation amongst the Egyptians than he was about his own glory. Moses continued to plead for God’s people as is mentioned in Exodus 32:31-33, “Then Moses returned to the LORD and said, ‘Oh, these people have committed a great sin, and have made for themselves a god of gold! Yet now, if You will forgive their sin—but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.’ And the LORD said to Moses, ‘Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book.’” Moses here was willing to give up his eternal life if God would not forgive His people of their great sin.

When we read of the comment that God made about Moses in Numbers 12:3, “(Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.)”, this could at least partly be because Moses was willing to give up his own future, both as a progenitor of a nation, and, even, if possible, his own eternal life, in order to maintain God’s reputation and His forgiveness of His people.

A similar episode occurred when the people refused to listen to Joshua and Caleb after they had spied out the land. This is written in Numbers 14:11-20, “Then the LORD said to Moses: ‘How long will these people reject Me? And how long will they not believe Me, with all the signs which I have performed among them? I will strike them with the pestilence and disinherit them, and I will make of you a nation greater and mightier than they.’ And Moses said to the LORD: ‘Then the Egyptians will hear it, for by Your might You brought these people up from among them, and they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land. They have heard that You, LORD, are among these people; that You, LORD, are seen face to face and Your cloud stands above them, and You go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and in a pillar of fire by night. Now if you kill these people as one man, then the nations which have heard of Your fame will speak, saying, “Because the LORD was not able to bring this people to the land which He swore to give them, therefore He killed them in the wilderness.” And now, I pray, let the power of my Lord be great, just as You have spoken, saying, “The LORD is long suffering and abundant in mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He by no means clears the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation.” Pardon the iniquity of this people, I pray, according to the greatness of Your mercy, just as You have forgiven the people, from Egypt even until now.’ Then the LORD said: ‘I have pardoned, according to your word…’”

Again, Moses was concerned about the reputation of God and pleaded for His people rather than desiring his own glory. At his request, God pardoned them and did not destroy them at that time, and did not make a new nation under Moses. But as a punishment, they were not allowed to go into the Promised Land because of their refusal to obey.

These examples show that God did not know ahead of time how the Israelites would behave.

Another example would be the evil conduct of mankind before the Flood. When God saw the wickedness on earth, He was very sorry that He had made man and He was grieved in His heart (Genesis 6:6-7). His reaction was similar when He spoke about the horrible crimes of the Israelites sacrificing their own children. He said that such an action did not even come into His heart (Jeremiah 7:31; 19:5). Following Abraham’s plea, Christ sent His two angels to Sodom to ascertain whether ten righteous people could be found in the city. As we know, not even ten righteous people lived there.

In general, we can say that God has decided not to know whether someone will commit the unpardonable sin. This includes those people whom God calls in this day and age, because if He knew that they would fail and inherit eternal death, He would not call them now for salvation. Instead, He would wait until the Second Resurrection to call them when it would be easier to qualify, since Satan won’t be around anymore to deceive them, and living conditions would be so much more pleasant. But the reward for those in the First Resurrection will be so much greater.

Coming now to David, there is an interesting Psalm written by him revealing what God knew about him. Psalm 139:1-4, “O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thoughts afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.” Continuing in Psalm 139:13-16, “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in your book they were all written. The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.” This shows that God knew David intimately and personally.

And yet, even with God knowing all this about David, he still asked God to search him, to find out more about him that God did not already know. Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” This phrase could also be understood, that David was asking God to reveal to him sins about himself, which he, David, had not realized.

There were other examples where David was tested, like when he had the opportunity to allow Abishai to kill Saul, David refused to let him and instead trusted God to provide the right outcome. 1 Samuel 26:8-11 states: “Then Abishai said to David, ‘God has delivered your enemy into your hand this day. Now therefore, please, let me strike him at once with the spear, right to the earth; and I will not have to strike him a second time!’ But David said to Abishai, ‘Do not destroy him; for who can stretch out his hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?’ David said furthermore, ‘As the LORD lives, the LORD shall strike him, or his day shall come to die, or he shall go out to battle and perish. The LORD forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed. But please, take now the spear and the jug of water that are by his head, and let us go.’”

Some of his tests he failed, but when his sin was pointed out to him, he repented deeply. Before David was anointed king, God stated in 1 Samuel 13:14, “But now your [Saul’s] kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.” This was long before David was made king.

It is interesting that God chose two kings to reign over Israel and were both offered royal lineages if they would obey Him. While He did not want to know whether Saul would rebel against Him, He was confident that David would obey Him. But when God has a specific purpose for individuals in mind, He causes people to fulfill them, and in that way “knows” their future to an extent. Examples were Cyrus, Josiah and even Pharaoh in Egypt, as Moses said to him in Exodus 9:16, “But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.”

The first king of Israel to be mentioned that God had chosen was Saul. God had originally intended Saul to begin a kingly line. But Saul disobeyed and offered a burnt sacrifice, which he, not being a priest, was not allowed to offer. Samuel told him, as is written in 1 Samuel 13:13-14, “And Samuel said to Saul, ‘You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you. For now the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.’”

God’s regret is stated in 1 Samuel 15:11, “‘I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.’ And it grieved Samuel, and he cried out to the LORD all night.” This example shows that God did not know that Saul would directly disobey Him, and it follows that God did not know what Saul would do in the future.

Other people whose future God knows about are the beast and the false prophet. They will be thrown into a [not: the] lake of fire (which does not mean that they will have committed the unpardonable sin. They will be resurrected in the Second Resurrection.) Jesus also knew from the beginning that Judas would betray Him (John 6:64). God knew way ahead of time events which would take place, as described in detail in the book of Daniel, and He also knows what will happen in the future, as described in the Book of Revelation. He knows that most will not repent when He pours out His plagues, but some will.

Also, God knows or knew the future of some who would make it into the Kingdom. Jesus said about the apostles that they would rule the twelve tribes of Israel in His Kingdom (Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:28-30). God knows that the two witnesses will not fail Him. God knew that Jesus Christ would not sin; otherwise, the prophecies about His rule in the Kingdom of God could not come to pass.

After king David and king Solomon, God chose Jeroboam to be king over Israel. God offered Jeroboam a sure house with the same promise He gave to David. The story begins in 1 Kings 11:29-31: “Now it happened at that time, when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite met him on the way; and he had clothed himself with a new garment, and the two were alone in the field. Then Ahijah took hold of the new garment that was on him, and tore it into twelve pieces. And he said to Jeroboam, ‘Take for yourself ten pieces, for thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: “Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and will give ten tribes to you…”’” Continuing in 1 Kings 11:37-38, “So I will take you, and you shall reign over all your heart desires, and you shall be king over Israel. Then it shall be, if you heed all that I command you, walk in My ways, and do what is right in My sight, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as My servant David did, then I will be with you and build for you an enduring house, as I built for David, and will give Israel to you.”

This conditional promise, based on obedience, shows that when God made it, He did not know or better, He did not want to know, if Jeroboam would obey or not. The word “if” shows that this promise was conditional. We look back knowing that Jeroboam did not obey, and the results are revealed in 1 Kings 14:6-11. Jeroboam’s wife had disguised herself as another woman, and went to Ahijah to inquire about a sick son. Ahijah, who at that time was blind, gave her the bad news. “And so it was, when Ahijah heard the sound of her footsteps as she came through the door, he said, ‘Come in, wife of Jeroboam. Why do you pretend to be another person? For I have been sent to you with bad news. Go, tell Jeroboam, “Thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘Because I exalted you from among the people, and made you ruler over My people Israel, and tore the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it to you; and yet you have not been as My servant David, who kept My commandments and who followed Me with all his heart, to do only what was right in My eyes; but you have done more evil than all who were before you, for you have gone and made for yourself other gods and molded images to provoke Me to anger, and have cast Me behind your back—therefore behold! I will bring disaster on the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam every male of Israel, bond and free; I will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as one takes away refuse until it is all gone. The dogs shall eat whoever belongs to Jeroboam and dies in the city, and the birds of the air shall eat whoever dies in the field; for the LORD has spoken!’”’”

So, as a conclusion regarding the question as to whether God knows what we will do in the future, He knows us intimately and has a good idea what we will do based on our past actions. However, our future is not predestined such that we have no choice in the matter. With God’s help, it is possible for us to repent of sin, and change.

In chapters 2 and 3 in the book of Revelation, the expression, “he or him who overcomes” is used seven times. This again shows us that our future in God’s Kingdom is dependent on our overcoming. Even though our calling is predestined, our future is conditional on our actions. Even though, Paul stated under godly inspiration that he was confident and quite sure that we will make it into His Kingdom (Philippians 1:6).

Yes, God knows everything there is to know, from the minutest detail to the whole universe and beyond, including the spiritual creation, things we have no comprehension of whatsoever. But He is still learning about those He is calling by testing and trying us, and watching our actions to see whether we will obey Him or not, as was shown in the few examples listed above.

God needs to test and try us to make sure that we will not rebel like Satan did, but that we will be able to live harmoniously with God forever in His Kingdom.

Lead Writers: Paul Niehoff (Australia) and Norbert Link

compiled by Dave Harris

“Trump Calls on All Americans to Celebrate the National Sabbath,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

For the first time in American history, a sitting president has called on the nation to observe a Sabbath. What exactly did President Trump say, and how does this correspond with the teaching of the Bible? What does it show in the light of biblical prophecy?

“Alle Amerikaner sollen laut Trump den nationalen Sabbat halten,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.

“Glaube an Gottes Führung und Leitung,” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Faith in God’s Guidance and Direction.”

We posted last week’s German sermonette from Daniel Blasinger, titled, “Between the Lines: Moses Before Pharaoh”. Zwischen den Zeilen: Mose vor dem Pharao.

Last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Frank Bruno, “Where Do You Belong?”, is now posted. 

Here is the summary:

A sense of belonging is important, as we work to fit in with an organization or on our job. However, we also know we must be careful with whom we align ourselves.  In this Sermonette, we will consider Scriptures and examples that can assist us as we contend with life, work, school, and family challenges, without compromising our primary relationship with God.

“Jesus Christ’s Marriage,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Eric Rank, is now posted. 

Here is the summary:

Marriage is the most intimate and committed kind of relationship that we humanly experience. The Bible uses betrothal and marriage as a model for us to understand Jesus Christ’s relationship with Israel and the Church of God. Seeing that the Church of God is considered to be the betrothed bride of Christ, how does this understanding affect our lives?

“The Birth and Rescue of Moses” is the latest video in our Bible Story Series on YouTube. 

This year’s Church conference is scheduled to take place in California from Thursday, May 14, through Friday, May 15.