Update 1217

On August 1, 2026, Norbert Link will speak about News and Prophecy and he will give the sermon, titled, “What Christianity Does Not Know About the Holy Spirit.”

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

By Paul Niehoff (Australia)

It can be instructive for us to examine the events regarding the establishment of the Tabernacle in the wilderness and the building of the First and Second Temples. To see the people’s attitudes and understand the response from God in each case. In the case of the building of the Tabernacle and the First Temple, these are defined in the Scriptures as the Work of God. And we will see when we examine the situation around the building of the Second Temple, that this was also commanded by God and so would be considered the Work of God.

When the Tabernacle was being constructed, we read that, “…everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the LORD’s offering for the work of the tabernacle of meeting, for all its service, and for the holy garments” (compare Exodus 35:21). In fact, we read later that they brought more than enough and had to be restrained from bringing any more offerings.

How did God respond to this? In the New Testament, we read that God loves a cheerful giver (see 2 Corinthians 9:7), and these people were obviously cheerful givers. And not just in objects, but those who had the talent, in weaving fine yarn and fabrics.

Next, with the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, the various leaders and people also brought the offerings needed to build and furnish the Temple. And again we read: “Then the people rejoiced, for they had offered willingly, because with a loyal heart they had offered willingly to the LORD; and King David also rejoiced greatly” (compare 1 Chronicles 29:9). Again, God loves a cheerful giver.

However, the Jews who returned from Babylon did not have the same attitude. At least not early on. King Cyrus had provided a permit to build the Second Temple, as we read in 2 Chronicles 36:23, “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the LORD God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah. Who is among you of all His people? May the LORD his God be with him, and let him go up!” Since this was according to God’s command, it is considered His Work.

In the first chapter of the book of Ezra, King Cyrus encouraged those who chose not to go to Jerusalem to provide gold and silver, goods and livestock for the construction of the Temple. King Cyrus himself provided the implements that King Nebuchadnezzar had taken from Solomon’s Temple, to be used in the new Temple as a part of its service.

The Jews who had left the comforts of Babylon came to Jerusalem, a city that had been destroyed, with the object of building the Second Temple of God. But they were soon distracted from the project, as we read in Haggai 1:2, remarking on what Haggai, the LORD’s prophet and messenger, said to the leaders, “Thus speaks the LORD of hosts, saying: ‘This people says, “The time has not come, the time that the LORD’s house should be built.”’”

They were more concerned about building their own homes and paneling them with fine timbers before doing the Work of God. God made the powerful statement twice for emphasis in verses 5 and 7: “Consider your ways!” Then He reminded them that they were not being blessed. They did not have enough to eat or drink or clothe themselves adequately. Also, their income seemed to disappear from a bag with holes. This reminds us of Christ’s words in Matthew 6:31, “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat? or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’” Because God was aware of their needs and would provide them. These three things the people lacked in Jerusalem.

So, under the strong leadership of Haggai, Zerubbabel and Joshua, the people repented and began building the Temple. And from the day they laid the foundation, God began to bless them and told them twice again to consider how God was blessing them (compare Haggai 2:18-19). When they were not doing God’s Work, they were told to consider why God was actually against them, but when they began doing God’s Work, they were to consider that God was blessing them from then on.

This is all interesting reading, but does it have anything to concern us today? Romans 15:4 informs us, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” 1 Corinthians 10:11 also reinforces this, “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.”

While these examples might not have been expressly about the building of the Temples, the principle still applies to us. We can learn from the interaction between God and His people in their good times and their bad times. 

The actual meaning of “consider” is to think about something carefully and deliberately, often before making a decision, judgement or taking action. It is used over a hundred times in the Bible. We should consider that we have been called to do God’s Work and when we do it, we thereby receive God’s blessing. In the three examples mentioned previously of building the Tabernacle and the two Temples, we see that the people were blessed when they did God’s Work willingly, but when they refused, they were cursed until they repented. 

In our case, we are called to do God’s Work although it is not to build a physical building but a spiritual temple, and to assist in preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. We do this by means of our prayers and tithes and offerings. We remember that in the book of Malachi, God condemned the people for robbing Him in tithes and offerings, but also for some other problems they had.

Our task is not only assisting in the preaching of the Gospel. We also have the responsibility to be examples by means of the way we live. We are informed in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

So, we must also consider our ways, not only in assisting in the preaching of the Gospel, but in the way we represent the Family of God by our actions. Do we do it joyfully and willingly, thereby pleasing God? Actually, the term “consider your ways” does not occur as such in the New Testament, but a similar term is used, especially being brought to our attention before Passover. That term is, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith” (see 2 Corinthians 13:5). Are we living a Way of Life that is pleasing to God, or not? If not, then we should repent as the people did in the days of Haggai, and do God’s Work as we have been called to perform it.

By Norbert Link

We begin with a shameful delivery of the Aachen Peace Prize to an American queer sex shop and point out the hypocritical conduct of big churches towards the AfD and those people voting for the party. We also discuss syncretism within the Catholic Church.

We speak on further frictions between the USA and France and continue with deeply disturbing reports about Israel; the dubious nuclear deal between the USA and Saudi-Arabia; and the demand to know where the money from Venezuela ended up in the US.

We speak on further developments on America’s lost war in Iran; and Trump’s goal to impose tariffs on many countries without any evidence, reason or legitimacy.

We conclude with a horrible example of IRS misconduct against innocent American citizens, and how the American Police State gets away with murder.

Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Fauci’s Responsibility… But Many Others Are Guilty Too!”

The Aachen Peace Prize… a Disgrace

The Aachener Zeitung wrote on July 27:

“Martin Schulz [will] deliver the laudatory speech for Aachen Peace Prize recipients.

“On September 1, the Cologne-based initiative ‘Palestinians and Jews for Peace,’ as well as ‘Unidos MN’ and the team behind the queer sex shop ‘The Smitten Kitten’ from the USA, will be honored in Aachen. A prominent SPD politician from the region will deliver the keynote address.

“Martin Schulz—an SPD politician from Würselen and former President of the European Parliament—will deliver the laudatory speech for the designated recipients of the 2026 Aachen Peace Prize. The Aachen Peace Prize Association made this announcement recently. The award ceremony will take place on Tuesday, September 1, starting at 7 p.m. at the Aula Carolina, Pontstraße 7.”

An American gay sex shop is receiving the Aachen Peace Prize, and the former President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, is delivering the laudatory speech. Truly, Sodom and Gomorrah playing out right before our eyes.

The Churches’ Hypocrisy Regarding the AfD

Nius wrote on July 24:

“The churches do not want people to vote for the AfD. Consequently, two Catholic dioceses have launched a campaign titled ‘With Heart and Conviction for Democracy and Charity.’ The aim is to keep the AfD’s vote share low in the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania state election.

“The dioceses have no quarrel with socialists, proponents of wealth redistribution, or advocates of expropriation. It is only the AfD that the Berlin and Hamburg dioceses are showing the red card. Once again, it is evident: the ‘church-tax church’ is blind in its left eye. It has taken a partisan stance in the undemocratic defensive struggle against the Right. In this regard, one can rely on the church-tax churches: the spiritual realm recedes to the extent that the political realm gains ground…

“Let us be clear: the Diocese of Berlin does not want AfD supporters present at anti-AfD events. It implies that nearly 30 percent of Germans are incapable of reasoned argument and capable only of hateful agitation. This is as stupid as it is vile. Yet, they are still happy to collect church taxes from this very demographic. The Archdiocese of Hamburg is also alarmed. Its territory extends into Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where the AfD is heading toward an election victory. Domradio reports on the efforts to prevent precisely that…

“On Instagram, the Archdiocese of Hamburg states that the campaign’s goal is ‘to encourage people to reflect on their voting decision and to make it responsibly and guided by values.’ This, too, amounts to berating voters. According to this logic, the only voter who decides reflectively, responsibly, and based on values ​​is one who does not cast their vote for the AfD.”

Syncretism in the Catholic Church

LifeSiteNews wrote on July 23:

“The Archdiocese of Los Angeles allowed the performance of a ‘Misa Azteca’ (‘Aztec Mass’) concert, which featured pagan Aztec music, dances, and poetry in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels last month… Joseph Julián González, the composer of the ‘Misa Azteca,’ claimed that the Mass composition was born out of his devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe and recalled how he felt inspired to write it after the ‘Kyrie’ from the High Mass played to an Aztec dance rhythm popped in his head, believing this was ‘divine inspiration.’”

It might have been some kind of “inspiration,” but it was most certainly not “divine.”

Incredibly, the article claimed:

“While the Catholic Church has always sought to bring people of all cultures together, it has also always condemned the concept of syncretism, or the blending of pagan and other non-Catholic rituals, such as Aztec dances, with Catholic practices.”

This statement is 100% wrong, and the ignorance of the writer is mind-boggling. The Catholic church has ALWAYS welcomed syncretism as a way of bringing pagans into the church’s fold.

The article at least admits that much:

“Despite the Church’s clear teaching, syncretism has become common in many Catholic churches across the globe in recent decades.”

As mentioned, the Church has no teaching against syncretism; just the opposite is true.

US Walks Out on France

The Associated Press wrote on July 27:

“U.S. diplomats walked out as their French counterparts were speaking at the United Nations on Monday after America’s close European ally criticized the Trump administration’s human rights record. The surprise move during a U.N. Security Council meeting on Ukraine followed U.S. opposition to giving U.N. human rights chief Volker Tuerk another four-year term. The reappointment on Friday got overwhelming support, including from France.

“The U.S. walkout reflects not only the more strained relations between President Donald Trump and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, but also wider tensions between the U.S. and Europe…

“What sparked the walkout was a social media post Friday from France’s U.N. Mission in Geneva criticizing U.S. opposition to a second term for the U.N. rights chief. The General Assembly voted 144-10 with 13 abstentions in support of Türk, with the U.S. among the ‘no’ votes. ‘The US used to be a beacon of human rights. Not anymore. Today, it stands alongside North Korea, Nicaragua, Mali & Russia, isolated. And the world no longer listens to it,’ the French Mission tweeted.

“Mike Waltz, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., in responding on X, accused France of coddling ‘some of the worst human rights abusers’ and voting ‘for someone who has been lecturing, free, sovereign democracies like the United States, the UK, and Israel, while cozying up to the world’s worst oppressors.’”

And so does Trump, counting dictators such as Erdogan, Xi Jinping, Putin, Kim Jong Un, Mohammed bin Salman (Saudi Arabia), Al Thani (Qatar) and other autocrats as his friends.

Shocking Allegations by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich

LifeSiteNews wrote on July 24:

“Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated Tuesday that Israel has ‘no interest’ entering the ongoing U.S.-Iran confrontation… Israel has chosen to stay out of this renewed bombing campaign despite the U.S. State Department publicly acknowledging the Trump administration had initiated its unprovoked attacks on Iran ‘at the request’ of Israel. Since military hostilities reignited earlier this month, Iranian missiles and drones have struck U.S.-linked targets in several Arab countries but have not hit Israel itself so far.

“Smotrich stressed that Israel’s long-term objective remains weakening the Iranian regime in order to topple its government, a goal he noted does not likely align with U.S. priorities… He argued that undermining Iran’s economy, harming the civilian population, represents the most effective strategy. ‘Currently, inflation in Iran is at 85 percent, food inflation of over 134 percent in a total of four months, and the Iranian rial is trading at an exchange rate of 1.9 million to the dollar – and it’s going up,’ he celebrated.

“While Israel has avoided direct strikes on Iran, reports indicate it is actively supporting the U.S. effort through intelligence sharing and other assistance…

“Smotrich embraces the most radical forms of Zionism that support the deadly suppression or expelling of the native Palestinian people from their lands to create an ever expanding ‘Greater Israel.’ This planned expanse includes not only the internationally recognized Palestinian territories… but [also] parts of Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia… Smotrich has described thwarting any future Palestinian State as ‘my life’s mission.’… On Gaza, Smotrich… asserted in 2024 that it would be ‘right and moral’ to starve the entire population (including 1 million children) in Gaza ‘to death.’

“Currently in Gaza, the Israeli army continues to violate the signed ‘ceasefire’ agreement from last October, expanding its military occupation to around 70% of the territory and attacking the virtually defenseless population almost daily, killing 1,180 (at least 247 children, 191 women) in this timeframe and wounding 3,810.

“Since October 2023, Israel has dropped the equivalent of at least 13 atomic bombs on Gaza, directly killed at least 73,293 Palestinians, including approximately 22,000 children at a confirmed minimum, with at least 173,960 people injured, including over 10,000 children who have lost at least one leg. An additional 10,000 Palestinians are missing and presumed dead and buried under the rubble….”

If these reports and numbers are only remotely correct, the world’s anger with Israel can be understood. Note the next article.

Israel365News wrote on July 24:

“A majority of Americans continue to back Israel over Hamas, but a new Harvard CAPS/Harris poll finds that voters under 25 favor Hamas by a wide margin, and most Democrats say Israel should not be formally defined as a Jewish state.”

The Insanity of Gender Segregation in Israel

Deutsche Welle reported on July 18:

“Bnei Brak, a predominantly ultra-Orthodox city in Israel, plans to introduce separate pedestrian routes for men and women. But fierce criticism appears to have put the project on hold… According to local reports, the Bnei Brak municipality had already started widening sidewalks, erecting barriers and putting up signs that are intended to physically separate male and female pedestrians from one another in the city just east of Tel Aviv. It would have made Bnei Brak the first city in Israel with gender-segregated streets…. Less conservative Israelis fear Bnei Brak could set a precedent that will further strengthen Orthodox hard-liners in society. 

“Gender segregation is not unusual in Judaism. Orthodox synagogues have separate areas for men and women and conservative practitioners won’t touch members of the opposite sex, even in greeting. At holiday ceremonies and weddings, Orthodox Jewish men and women typically sit in separate areas….

“The proposed gender segregation on Bnei Brak’s streets originates from the latter issue. That neighborhood is home to banquet halls usually booked for weddings, and local rabbis want guests to be able to arrive already separated by gender….

“Previous attempts to impose gender segregation have been struck down by the country’s Supreme Court. A 2011 ruling said there could be no mandatory segregation on public buses, even those serving predominantly conservative neighborhoods, and that there must be no pressure on women to sit at the back of the bus….

“On Thursday, the Knesset approved a law that essentially permits universities and colleges to offer segregated master’s and doctoral degree programs…. Local universities protested the law ahead of the vote because, they argued, it could undermine academic standards in the fields like medicine and health and actually make it more difficult for women to access highly specialized professions…

“The vote on segregating university courses was one of the last in the current session of the Israeli parliament. The Knesset has been dissolved in order to pave the way for the general election on October 27.”

This is SO crazy and incomprehensible! Even though the Bible seems to indicate that at the time of Christ’s return, gender segregation still exists in synagogues, it does NOT approve of such practice.

Another Red Heifer?

Israel365News wrote on July 23:

“… the National Red Heifer Institute is announcing the birth of a second red heifer [in the herd of Shai Givon, a farmer with the Institute]… Asked how two red heifers could be born so close together, Givon said he sees the timing as more than coincidence…. [it] ‘gives the strong sense that God is pressing us to accelerate the path toward building the Temple. The real question is whether we want to.’…

“The question now, Ben Tzvi said, is whether the Jewish people want the Temple built, and what each person is doing to advance that process speedily in our days. Yehuda Ben Tzvi [is] one of the Institute’s leaders…”

A red heifer is not biblically necessary for the building of the Temple.

Dubious USA-Saudi-Arabia Nuclear Deal

NBC News wrote on July 23:

“President Donald Trump said Thursday that a nuclear deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia requires the kingdom to normalize relations with Israel— a significant condition not previously mentioned as the deal was announced… Trump added that the deal ‘is totally subject to Saudi Arabia joining the very respected and successful Abraham Accords.’..

“An agreement to normalize ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia had previously been a U.S. requirement for any deal allowing the Gulf kingdom to enrich uranium, but Saudi leaders have long insisted that would not be possible without meaningful progress toward a Palestinian state…

“There was no mention of the Abraham Accords when the Energy Department announced the deal on X on Wednesday… The oil-rich kingdom did not mention Trump’s stipulations in its own release about the agreement.. Nuclear enrichment is part of the process of both civil nuclear power generation and, at higher grades of enrichment, the development of nuclear weapons.”

Deluded LGBT Activists

Daily Mail wrote on July 28:

“Across most of the Muslim world, being gay is not a picnic. In Afghanistan , the Taliban imposes the death penalty on anyone convicted of same-sex relations, including public stonings.

“Saudi Arabia and Iran have also executed large numbers of gay people in recent years, including by public stoning – while several other countries, among them tourist favourites such as Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, all keep the death penalty for homosexuality on their statute books.

“When Isis controlled parts of Iraq and Syria during the 2010s, the authorities murdered gay men by throwing them off tall buildings. In Gaza, today, Hamas tortures and executes gay people for ‘moral violations’. (Yet Israel, anathema to many Left-wingers, hosts some of the largest and safest gay pride parades in the world.)…

“So it might seem odd that huge numbers of ‘LGBT’ campaigners have in recent years become bizarrely obsessed with Islam… Last weekend’s atrocity in Berlin should be the moment the ‘LGBTQ’ lobby, and the wider Left, recognise their true enemy: radical Islam, and the issues the West now faces having imported millions of people from distant lands who – to put it mildly – hold different opinions on sexual liberalism.”

Where Is Venezuela’s Money?

The Financial Times wrote on July 23:

“The Trump administration has collected more than $13bn in revenues from Venezuelan oil sales this year, according to FT calculations, but has said almost nothing about what has happened to the money… six months after the US seized control of the funds, economists say the evidence of a recovery in Venezuela is relatively muted — a potential sign that the US has not sent all the revenues back to Caracas.

“Washington has given diverging accounts of what it is doing with the money, ranging from an executive order describing its own role as ‘custodial’ to President Donald Trump saying the US was ‘making a lot of money’ from Venezuelan oil. US lawmakers from both parties are starting to pressure the administration to explain where it has gone and what it is doing to prevent corruption around its allocation….

“Shortly after the January raid, President Trump said the revenues ‘will be controlled by me.’” 

“The fate of Venezuela’s oil money has become even more pressing in the aftermath of the two devastating earthquakes on June 24. The UN estimates the cost of damage to buildings and infrastructure alone will be $37bn.”

Fishy indeed…

US Bans Foreign-Made Humanoid Robots

Deutsche Welle wrote on July 29:

“The United States has announced a ban on the import of foreign-made humanoid and quadruped robots in a move which will likely exclude Chinese manufacturers from the US market and could strain tensions between Washington and Beijing…

“Currently…, US robot exports remain in their hundreds while Unitree and AGIBOT, two of China’s biggest advanced robotics companies, each shipped more than 5,000 humanoid robots in 2025 alone. Beyond the industrial market effects, the FCC ban could also have diplomatic consequences…

“The US has already banned imports of Chinese-made drones and is considering restrictions on Chinese open-source artificial intelligence (AI) models, citing cybersecurity concerns including espionage, surveillance and data collection.”

More Threats, Violence and Attacks

Fox News wrote on July 26:

“Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said Sunday that Tehran would maintain its support for Hezbollah as a strategic policy in a letter to the terror group’s secretary-general, while declaring there was no path forward except ‘jihad and resistance.’…

“Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi accused Ukraine of attacking an Iranian commercial vessel and killing a sailor, warning Sunday that the incident “cannot go unanswered.”

Newsmax wrote on July 29:

“Iran launched a barrage of missiles at American forces in the Middle East early Wednesday as the U.S. partnered with Saudi Arabia to strike Tehran-backed militias in neighboring Iraq, killing at least 20 fighters.

“The flare-up on multiple fronts… raised the risk of a return to all-out war. It also underscored the difficulty of winding down a five-month conflict that has jolted the world economy and is unpopular among Americans. The fighting was also likely to add to concerns that the U.S. is further drawing down already diminished stockpiles of sophisticated munitions needed to defend its bases and allies…. The renewed hostilities sent oil prices spiking…”

Trump’s reaction was telling, but his threats become more and more empty hyperbole. The New York Post wrote on July 29:

“President Trump vowed Wednesday to ‘beat the f–king s–t out of’ Iran in response to a surprise missile attack by the Islamic Republic targeting US troops stationed in Jordan… Still, despite the plans for additional retaliation, Trump added that negotiations with Iran will continue.”  

A North America Air Filter Barrier?

Daily Mail wrote on July 26:

“President Donald Trump has doubled down on his threat to build an air filter barrier between the United States and Canada… The president on Monday imposed a 50 percent tariff on Canada over wildfire smoke which has been choking US cities.

“A Trump administration official said the US president had also requested that his aides look into additional tariffs on Canada after accusing the country of ‘coming in and poisoning our air.’”

Punitive Tariffs on Lettuce?

Bild Online reported on July 25:

“US President Donald Trump (80) has announced high tariffs against Mexico due to a wave of diarrhea in the US. US health authorities traced the illnesses in nine states to a parasite found in lettuce from Mexico…

“However, the cause of the illnesses has not been conclusively proven. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to suspect chopped iceberg lettuce from a Mexican supplier as the source of the parasite—even though test results have not yet confirmed this.”

More Tariffs

In the latest attempt to circumvent Congress, Trump imposed new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on goods from more than 80 countries, including China, Canada, and the 27 European Union member states. The trumped-up, crazy justification is a violation of forced labor laws—something which Trump never even dreamed of before. And is Trump imposing those tariffs because of humanitarian reasons to force those countries to abide by these alleged labor law violations? Of course not!

The Guardian wrote on July 23 that the new tariffs are most likely illegal, and if they are challenged in court, they will be overturned. It also said:

“The New York Federal Reserve estimated that 90% of the economic burden imposed by tariffs was passed on to US consumers and businesses…  72% of Americans believe tariffs have had a negative impact on consumers, including 64% of Republican voters.”

How the IRS Persecutes Innocent Americans

The Washington Times wrote on July 24:

“A 76-year-old Tennessee farmer, Wilson Perry Kirby, mistakenly received a $20,000 refund from the IRS in 2022, and when he tried to return it, the IRS wouldn’t let him. So he hired a tax expert to take care of the matter. But that didn’t work, either. Instead, the IRS charged him interest and took his entire 2025 tax refund amount as payment — as payment for the $20,000 the IRS mistakenly sent him in 2022 and subsequently refused to take back… This is why Americans hate the IRS…..

“Someone within the IRS knew Kirby’s accountant tried to return the $20,000. Yet someone within the IRS — more likely, a group of somebodies — made the decision to refuse the return of money; refused to acknowledge the bureaucratic error; and instead, chose to criminally, wickedly, deceptively seize Kirby’s 2025 refund monies. Someone within the IRS offices knew the IRS had made a mistake, but rather than fix the mistake, decided to persecute an innocent American individual. This isn’t just a bureaucratic nightmare.

“This is a jail-able offense.”

“Someone within the IRS needs to pay the consequences for this persecution, and those consequences should include fines, fees, firing and imprisonment.”

The entire IRS needs to be fired. It is a nuisance and completely incompetent. Some prominent politicians have asked for the abolishment of the IRS—with good reasons—but have not been successful at all.

The National Enquirer added on July 23:

“Kirby’s exhausted every avenue for help. ‘I’ve tried the president, governor, mayor. They don’t mind asking you to vote for them, but when you need help you can’t get ahold of nobody,’ he said… the IRS letters never stopped. A notice sent in early July demanded he pay up to $4,300 in interest on money he says he never spent, threatening property seizure if he didn’t comply. The agency had already confiscated his $1,800 refund earlier this year.”

The Daily Mail wrote on July 23:

“Honest widower, 76, alerted IRS after they accidentally sent him $20k refund he wasn’t owed… now its idiot staff are ruining his finances and threatening to seize his farm…”

The arrogance of the IRS is abominable. According to some reports, there are literally thousands upon thousands of cases pending which are being mishandled by the IRS, where taxpayers are deprived of money they are entitled to. But a reckoning of such misconduct will come!

How to Get Away With Murder in the US

The Rutherford Institute wrote on July 22:

“Having burned through billions of dollars and depleted critical munitions stockpiles, the Pentagon is running out of money… Once again, the government is looking to the American people for a taxpayer-funded bailout—this time to the tune of $67 billion (caused largely by the Iran war). Nor is the $67 billion emergency infusion the end of it. Trump’s fiscal year 2027 budget calls for an unprecedented $1.5 trillion in national-defense spending—a staggering increase…

“The Iran war is not merely another example of government waste, although the cost is already staggering… This is government without accountability… American service members are dying in a war that is not making America safer, no matter what Trump insists to the contrary…

“Under Trump, the buck stops nowhere. No one in power pays a personal price. No one admits fault. No one resigns. No one is prosecuted. No one is held accountable. Likewise, in the American Police State, those in power are protected. Those without power bear the consequences. And the machinery of government moves on without accountability… that is how the American Police State gets away with murder.”

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 the contents or accuracy of the selected articles, but they are published for the purpose of pointing to worldwide developments in the light of biblical end-time prophecy and godly instruction. Our own comments are provided in italics.

It is interesting that there are so many phrases in everyday use that can be found in the Bible.   Many may use these phrases without even thinking about where they came from and many may be atheists or agnostics anyway.   Some who may never have even opened the pages of the Bible may be surprised how many phrases contained in the Word of God have become everyday phrases in our society.

In one internet forum, a contributor observed that “In general the bible is ignored by modern society. It is ignored largely because people think its moral standards and helpful counsel is hopelessly out of date. Most people want to live their lives without anyone telling them what to do, or what not to do. That has not changed since the Garden of Eden.”   These are just some of the reasons why some never read or consult the Word of God.

With the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI), so much information has now become even more available at the touch of a button.   An AI overview acknowledges that there are, therefore, challenges and considerations as follows:

Accuracy and Verification: AI models can produce incorrect information (hallucinations), necessitating human verification, particularly when dealing with complex or niche topics.

Information Overload: Despite the ability to summarize, the sheer volume of information generated can become a “knowledge epidemic”.

Over-reliance: Increased reliance on AI for quick answers may hinder the development of in-depth critical thinking skills.

We have to be careful when looking at their overviews on everything, as they may just be quoting from one source or several sources, which might be incorrect or totally wrong.  However, in the case of phrases in the Bible that have become normal in society today, it can be simple to compare with or check with the Bible itself.

Therefore, in this new series, we will be giving just some of so many examples of phrases from the Bible that are part and parcel of our everyday language.   These are readily available on the internet but many may not even have thought about the connection between language from centuries ago, which was translated into English and which has become part and parcel of the way we speak today.

We will also give examples which are not found in the Bible per se, but which are close and express biblical principles, and we will quote examples which are not in the Bible and even contradict biblical teaching, even though some people think that they are in God’s Word.

The blind leading the blind

It describes a situation where a person ignorant of a given subject gets advice and help from someone just as ignorant (Wikipedia). If things are not going well or according to plan, criticising leadership in government, mainstream churches, large corporations and businesses can become the norm and a regular habit.

We could apply this saying to many leaders in the world today as they do not consult the Word of God in their decision making.   We only have to look at the sorry mess the world is in to see how bad decision making has been.   Jesus was talking about the spiritual leaders of His time which is so applicable to so many spiritual leaders today!

In Matthew 15:14, Christ warns us: “Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.”

Christ’s warning applies likewise, and perhaps even more so, to the many incompetent political leaders in this world.

Escaping by the skin of your teeth

When we have a narrow escape by just avoiding whatever danger there was and by the slimmest of margins, we can say that we escaped by the skin of our teeth. It may describe a situation where failure was expected or highly likely, and the success was extremely close, almost not happening, and it could happen in many situations in which we may find ourselves.

In Job 19:20, Job exclaims: “My bone clings to my skin and to my flesh; I have escaped by the skin of my teeth.”

A fly in the ointment 

Today, we use this expression in any situation that may cause a problem with someone’s plan(s). Solomon speaks of the stench of a fly in a perfumer’s oil,contrasting it to a small problem that spoils something valuable.  It can also be an expression for a hitch in a plan, especially one that was not at first apparent.

In Ecclesiastes 10:1, King Solomon writes: “Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment, And cause it to give off a foul odor; So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor.”

A stumbling block

The first mention of stumbling blocks in the Bible is in Leviticus 19:14, where the admonition was not to put a stumbling block in front of the blind.   Wikipediaobserves: “…a stumbling stone or tripwire; anything that makes someone trip and fall. This figuratively means ‘something that causes someone to lose faith in Jesus’.  Of course, today, with the Bible being seen as outdated or irrelevant, many will just see a stumbling block in everyday terms in their own lives such as an obstacle, hindrance, or barrier that prevents progress, agreement, or action.   It is certainly a phrase commonly used by many.  But the Bible speaks about not putting stumbling blocks in front of those new to the faith.

In Romans 14:13, Paul cautions and encourages us: “Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.”

A drop in the bucket

This is quite a common saying that implies that something is small or insignificant.   It is a tiny amount compared with what is needed or expected.  It is trivial, a pittance, that on its own is unlikely to make any difference.   An example would be where a government is sending tons of food to a poor country but, on its own, that would be just a drop in the bucket compared to what is needed.  Of course, if many nations did the same, it could start to become significant.

It refers to something very insignificant, without making a tremendous difference. This is how the nations are in the eyes of God. They can try to usurp God’s plan and reject Him; it will all come to nothing. Isaiah 40:15 reads: “Behold, the nations are as a drop in a bucket, And are counted as the small dust on the scales. Look, He lifts up the isles as a very little thing.”

The writing is on the wall

It is an idiom indicating that there are clear, inescapable signs of imminent failure, misfortune or downfall and that, unless some unforeseen circumstances arise, the inevitable will happen.

Certain events seem to lead inevitably to a specific outcome. When you see something that predicts an obvious conclusion, you might say the writing is on the wall.

The phrase ironically describes a situation that wasn’t so obvious at the time. No one knew what the writing on the wall in Daniel 5 meant, until God gave Daniel the interpretation that the kingdom would be taken away from the king (Daniel 5:25-28).

In Daniel 5:5, we read about Belshazzar’s Feast: “In the same hour the fingers of a man’s hand appeared and wrote opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace; and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.”

A leopard cannot change its spots

Of course, it is biologically impossible for a leopard to change its spots.   Ginger software observes that “the phrase ‘a leopard never changes its spots’ means that it’s impossible for one to change their character, even if they will try very hard. The expression may also be used to explain the idea that no one can change their innate nature.”

People can get stuck in their ways and cannot change, just like a leopard can’t change its spots. It’s something we can say that means a person’s character, especially if it is bad, will not change, even if they pretend that it will.   Of course, when someone is called by God to His Way of Life, they should change a great deal; nevertheless, they are still subject to the pulls of the flesh and the constant barrage of negative broadcasting from Satan and his demons. And, of course, only a tiny fraction of the world’s population are being called to God’s Way of Life today.

The famous saying can be found in Jeremiah 13:23: “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or a leopard its spots?”

Salt of the earth

If someone is referred to as the “salt of the earth,” they are deemed to be a good person. You can count on them. They are dependable and honest. It describes humble, straightforward individuals who possess good values and are dependable. At least, that’s how the phrase is often used today.

Jesus said His followers were to be the salt of the earth. This means that they had to have high standards.

He tells us in Matthew 5:13: “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”

Wolves in sheep’s clothing

This idiom today is, in the world, about those who appear harmless, kind, or trustworthy but are actually dangerous, deceitful, or malicious. With many scams that are rife in our current society, this is a particularly important saying to keep in mind.

In a religious situation, this can refer specifically to those who claim to be literal “prophets,” or leaders. It also applies, in general, to those who make false religious claims. A true Church of God member who “rightly divides the word of truth” (compare 2 Timothy 2:15) and carefully studies the Bible will be able to identify false prophets. 

In Matthew 7:15-16, Christ warns us: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.  You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?’

Oh you of little faith 

This is a phrase that many can use in a secular setting as a friendly or cordial good-natured approach to another who may doubt what has been promised, or an expected conclusion or consequence. Jesus used this phrase a number of times to His disciples as a means and expression of encouragement at a time when they may have been going through trials and problems that tested their faith. But He also reminded them that they had to allow their faith to grow to master tremendous challenges. Please see Matthew 6:30: “Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?”

Also note Matthew 8:26, 16:8 and Luke 12:28.

A man after my own heart

People say this all the time, referring to someone they admire. In 1 Samuel 13:14, God said this about David, as He recognized his willing heart to repent.

If you’re without sin, cast the first stone

Christ used this somewhat identical phrase when He told the self-righteous scribes and Pharisees who accused the woman caught in adultery and who wanted to trick Him. The direct saying was, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first” (John 8:7).

In the twinkling of an eye 

It describes a very brief moment. Paul uses it to show the tremendously fast change from mortal to immortal when Christ returns. “… we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). Even science fiction writers like Brian Aldiss used this term as the title of one of His books.

The truth will set you free

In general terms, we should recognize that it is always safer to tell the Truth than to resort to a lie, because sin will find us out, and unrepentant liars will end up in the Lake of Fire. Christ used this phrase in John 8:32 for His disciples in this context: “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Free from error and deception.

He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword

Not an exact quote, but close. Christ told Peter to put his sword away when he was willing to defend Christ against those who wanted to arrest and kill Him. He said: “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). The warning is repeated in Revelation 13:10: … he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword.”

(To Be Continued)

Lead Writers: Brian Gale (United Kingdom) and Norbert Link

Compiled by Norbert Link

“Fauci’s Responsibility… But Many Others Are Guilty Too!” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary: 

Anthony Fauci was questioned this week about Corona, but refused to give answers. However, he was not the only one who was greatly responsible for the terrible restrictions imposed on the people during that time—and the push by both administrations for measures which were questionable at best. But the corona hysteria is not over yet, because it is big business for Pharma. And so are many other “methods” when it comes to “treatment” of sicknesses. What is lacking in this country is faith in God’s mighty power and His justice.

“Faucis Verantwortung… doch auch viele andere sind schuldig!” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.

Kalon Mitchell’s sermonette has been posted, titled, “How Much Fruit Are You Bearing?” 

Here is a summary:

Spiritual growth can feel vague and hard to track. This sermonette examines what Christ teaches about pruning and bearing fruit in John 15, and asks whether our own growth is something we can actually see and measure, week by week.

Michael Link’s sermon has been posted, titled, “Forging Ahead.” 

Here is a summary:

By using the analogy of chess and focusing on the pawn, we can see throughout the Bible how God chose “regular common” individuals to fulfill His purpose. At first glance, the pawn is considered the weakest piece, and it is only able to move forward; however, its significance increases as it reaches the other side of the chessboard, becoming more valuable by reaching its full potential. Just like us, we have a similar goal in life as we move forward, learning from mistakes along the way, so we can ultimately reach our goal of eternal life.

Michael Link’s German sermon for this Sabbath has been posted. It is titled, “Brot vom Himmel.” (“Bread From Heaven.”)

Christoph Sperzel’s first German split sermon has been posted, titled, “Die richtige oder wahre Beständigkeit.“ (“The Right and True Constancy.“)

Thilo Hanstein’s second German split sermon has been posted, titled, “Wahrheit—ein nebensächlicher Wert?“ (“Truth—a Value of Secondary Importance?”)