We are pleased to announce that during services of the Last Day of Unleavened Bread, Thilo and Anita Hanstein, and Christoph and Monique Sperzel were ordained by Norbert and Michael Link as deacons and deaconesses.

This week, Norbert and Johanna Link, as well as Christoph Sperzel and Anita Hanstein, travelled to Templin (near Berlin) to successfully finalize arrangements for the Feast of Tabernacles 2014. Further announcements will be forthcoming.

“Why is Putin Winning?,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary;

Vladimir Putin is winning, but WHY? Does God tell us in the Bible? WHY do we see increased collaboration between Russia, China, Japan and India? WHY does Putin reassert himself in Afghanistan and Latin America? WHY do most Americans refuse to see the parallels between Putin’s annexation of Crimea and Hitler’s land grab of Sudetenland? WHY do German companies and many Germans express understanding or even support for Putin? WHY is Russia winning in the Middle East?

Mr. Link reported that three persons were baptized following last week’s Sabbath services in Germany.

Norbert and Johanna Link, Michael Link, Thilo and Anita Hanstein, and Christoph and Monique Sperzel met with a German attorney and a notary to sign the constitution and other papers for the purpose of registering the Kirche des Ewigen Gottes in Germany. These documents will now be filed with the government and the tax authorities to obtain legal status and tax exemption.

“Why Do YOU Keep Easter?,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

Where did the celebration of Easter come from? Why did many Christians over the centuries never keep it, including the Reformers and the Puritans, and why don’t some Christians keep it today? How and through whom were Easter customs adopted by the American people? Does the Bible endorse their observance? Our free booklet on “Man’s Holidays and God’s Holy Days” is offered as well.

Norbert and Johanna Link have arrived safely in Germany. Their busy schedule will include Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread with the brethren, confirming a site in Germany for the Feast of Tabernacles, visiting and following up on requests from Europe, registering the Church in Germany and a variety of other activities. Elder Michael Link, Ramona, CA, will join them by the end of this week.

Passover Services will be observed Sunday evening, April 13, after sunset; the following evening (Monday, April 14) is the Night To Be Much Observed, which is the beginning of the First Day of Unleavened Bread (Tuesday, April 15). The last Holy Day of Unleavened Bread will be observed on Monday, April 21. (beginning Sunday at sunset, April 20). We invite our readers to explore the rich library of Q&A’s, Booklets and sermons about God’s Holy Days–available at www.eternalgod.org.

Following the recent prayer requests in respect of Mr Gladstone Chonde, an Elder in Malawi, we have been informed that he died in the early hours of Saturday morning 5th April, 2014. He suffered from severe pneumonia and was 80 years of age. The burial will be on Tuesday at his home village. Your prayers for Alice, his widow, and the rest of the family would be appreciated.

A new Member Letter for the month of April has been written and mailed. This is a joint letter from the ministry in which we summarize highlights from our recent Church Conference, along with emphasizing the importance of preparing for Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread.

“Do Earthquakes Wake You Up?,” is the title of a new StandingWatch Program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

Increased earthquake activities are one of the signs for Christ’s return. Seismologists tell us that in light of recent events, huge earthquakes are to be expected. They are alarmed about major quakes in Southern California, Chile and Yellowstone; conclude that these earthquakes are connected; and point at an earthquake storm with unparalleled devastation in the near future. Are you awake and prepared?

“Why the Days of Unleavened Bread?,” the sermon from last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Through Christ’s death, we can obtain forgiveness of our past sins. But this does not give us the guarantee nor the strength, not to sin again. Still, we are commanded to overcome and to conquer sin on a continuous basis. How is this possible? What is the meaning of the Days of Unleavened Bread for us today? How are they related to freedom from sin? And how are they to be kept?

We have just finished a very successful and highly productive Church Conference, conducted in San Diego, California. Look for more details in our April Member Letter.

Norbert and Johanna Link will travel to Germany on April 7th. Plans are being made for counseling brethren as well as conducting services for Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread along with finalizing organizational arrangements for the Church in Germany. Michael Link will also travel to Germany for Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread and assist with Church functions and organizational arrangements. Several baptisms are anticipated, and Norbert Link is scheduled to officiate at a church wedding on May 1. Norbert and Johanna Link will return to the US on May 5, 2014.

Brian and Jill Gale are staying following the Conference, and Mr. Gale will conduct Passover services in Ramona, California. Rene and Delia Messier will travel to Oregon for Passover and the beginning of Unleavened Bread. Passover Services will be conducted by the ministry in Fort Collins, Colorado, as well.

“One Nation Under WHAT God?,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

What God are we worshipping? Is it enough to believe in just any “god”? Does the true God of the Bible accept our worship of pagan idols? Does He want us to worship Him as just one Person, or as three Persons in one Person, or as one Person in three hypostases or modes of being? Who and what IS God? Who was and is Jesus Christ? Are the Jews or the Moslems correct, who worship just one God Being, or orthodox Christians, who worship a Trinity, believing that the Holy Spirit is God? Or are they perhaps ALL wrong?

“Warum die Tage der Ungesaeuerten Brote?,” is the title of this week’s German sermon. In Enlish, the title is, “Why the Days of Unleavened Bread?”

“Christ’s New Commandment” is the title of the new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary: Did Christ come to replace the Ten Commandments with a “new” commandment? What IS the new commandment, and most importantly, how can we fulfill it?

Another StandingWatch program has been recorded and will be posted next week. It is titled, “One Nation Under What God?”

All our StandingWatch programs are also broadcast on numerous radio stations. For a complete schedule and list of stations, please go to www.standingwatch.org  and view “StandingWatch Radio.”

Don’t forget to visit us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ChurchoftheEternalGod

Norbert Link’s video-recorded sermon, “Christ’s Parables in the Book of Matthew” has been posted on the Web.

Our new booklet on the ongoing validity of Old Testament laws is being finalized by our Graphic Designer, Shelly Bruno.

The printing of our German booklet, “The Keys to Happy Marriages and Families,” is being completed.

Norbert and Johanna Link will travel to Germany on April 7th of this year. Plans are being made for counseling brethren as well as conducting services for Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread along with finalizing organizational arrangements for the Church in Germany. Michael Link will also travel to Germany for Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread and assist with Church functions and organizational arrangements. Several baptisms are anticipated, and Norbert Link is scheduled to officiate at a church wedding on May 1. Norbert and Johanna Link will return to the US on May 5, 2014.

The 2014 Church Conference will begin Friday, March 28th, and continue through Tuesday, April 1st, in San Diego, California. We contemplate discussing various topics, including, but not limited to, doctrinal and administrative differences between our organizations and other Sabbath-keeping COG groups; the future of the Work in the USA, Canada, the UK and German- and French-speaking areas, including Feast of Tabernacles plans for 2014 and 2015; our Internet and radio presence; writing and printing of new booklets, as well as reprints; and the confirmation of our understanding of certain doctrinal matters, including John 7:37-39 and Matthew 5:19. Your prayers for a successful Conference and the revaluation of God’s Will are greatly appreciated.

Brian and Jill Gale will stay following the Conference, and Mr. Gale will conduct Passover services in Ramona, California. Rene and Delia Messier will be in Oregon for Passover and the beginning of Unleavened Bread. Passover Services will be conducted by the ministry in Fort Collins, Colorado, as well.

We are requesting your ongoing URGENT prayers for a German Feast of Tabernacles site for 2014. All arrangements had been made with an hotel in the Black Forest, but we are now being informed that due to financial difficulties and lack of investors, the hotel ceased operation and cancelled all contracts with their guests. We are looking for a new Feast site in Germany, but this search proves very difficult and extremely time-consuming. One possibility has just opened up in Berlin and is being investigated. Another more remote possibility in Eltville is also being looked at (This is the location where the Church kept the Spring Festival many years ago.). Please pray for God’s intervention and His direction in the matter.

“Christi Gleichnisse vom Reich Gottes, Teil 3,” is the title of this week’s new German sermon. In this final installment of the series about the parables of Jesus Christ, Norbert Link addresses several parables in the book of Luke. Title in English: “Christ’s Parables of the Kingdom of God, Part 3.”

A new Global Trailer has been presented by Pastor Brian Gale (United Kingdom) in which he brings out highlights from our booklet, “Do We Have an Immortal Soul?” These programs with Pastors Rene Messier (Canada) and Brian Gale (UK) are being shown with intriguing graphics compiled and included by Johanna Link. Please make an effort to watch these meaningful presentations.

“What Putin’s Russia Will Do Next!” is the title of the new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

Vladimir Putin has placed the world on notice as to what he wants to do, but are we listening? The occupation of Crimea is just the beginning. Putin will continue to invade other countries, stating that Kiev is the mother of all Russian cities, and that Russia will always “stand up for the rights of Russians in other countries,” where Russians are being “abused.” Some observers view Putin’s conduct and ambitions as “extremely dangerous for Europe,” and several most likely unpleasant consequences of the Crimea invasion are being discussed, including some “unforeseen” new “constellations.” What does the Bible say about all of this?

Norbert and Johanna Link will travel to Germany on April 7th of this year. Plans are being made for counseling brethren as well as conducting services for Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread along with finalizing organizational arrangements for the Church in Germany. Michael Link will also travel to Germany for Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread and assist with Church functions and organizational arrangements. Several baptisms are anticipated, and Norbert Link will officiate at a church wedding on May 1. Norbert and Johanna Link will return to the US on May 5, 2014.

The 2014 Church Conference will begin Friday, March 28th, and continue through Tuesday, April 1st, in San Diego, California. Brian and Jill Gale will stay following the Conference, and Mr. Gale will conduct Passover services in Ramona, California. Rene and Delia Messier will be in Oregon for Passover and the beginning of Unleavened Bread. Passover Services will be conducted by the ministry in Fort Collins, Colorado, as well.

We are requesting your URGENT prayers for a German Feast of Tabernacles site for 2014. All arrangements had been made with an hotel in the Black Forest, but we are now being informed that due to financial difficulties and lack of investors, the hotel ceased operation and cancelled all contracts with their guests. We are looking for a new Feast site in Germany, but this search proves very difficult. Please pray for God’s speedy intervention and the revelation of His Will in the matter.

“Christi Gleichnisse vom Reich Gottes, Teil 2,” is the title of this week’s new German sermon. In this continuing series about the parables of Jesus Christ, Norbert Link addresses several more parables in the books of Matthew and Mark. Title in English: Christ’s Parables of the Kingdom of God, Part 2.

A new StandingWatch Talking Points program has been presented by Pastor Rene Messier (Canada) in which he brings out highlights from our booklet, “The Ten European Revivals of the Ancient Roman Empire.”

“Is Christ the End of the Law” is the title of the new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

Many will tell you that Christ came to abolish the law of the Ten Commandments. They say that this is what Paul meant when he spoke about Jesus being the end of the law. But is this correct? Why did Christ say that those who transgress the law will not be in God’s Kingdom, and that those are liars who claim to know God, but refuse to keep His commandments? This program gives you true answers from your Bible and rejects carnal arguments which are hostile to God.

A new Member Letter has been written by Norbert Link. In it, Mr. Link announces the publication of our new booklet, “Hidden Secrets in the Bible“–which was mailed in the USA to those who receive our letters. Also, Mr. Link encourages us to look forward to the “spiritual world of splendor and beauty, joy and peace” which God has in store for His children.

Our new German Member Letter (Rundschreiben) with Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread information/schedule was just sent out to our German members and subscribers.

“Die Schlüssel zur glücklichen Ehe und Familie,” one of our German language booklets, has had an order placed for a printing of 700 copies. The English version of this publication is “The Keys to Happy Marriages and Families.”

“Old Testament Laws—Still Valid Today?,” is the title of our newest (39th) English language booklet, written by Evangelist Norbert Link. This booklet has now entered its final review process.

“Christi Gleichnisse vom Reich Gottes,” is the new German sermon for this coming Sabbath. This is a series which begins discussing the parables of Jesus Christ. This sermon addresses several parables in the book of Matthew. Title in English: “Christ’s Parables of the Kingdom of God.”

A new StandingWatch Global Trailer, “Is God a Trinity?,” has been recorded by Pastor Brian Gale (United Kingdom). In addition, Pastor Rene Messier (Canada) has prepared a new StandingWatch Talking Points program, “Should you Fight in War?”

We have finalized the 2014 Feast of Tabernacles housing assignments based on information from those who have contacted us. Those who have signed up have been informed by us to contact the facility at Hilton Garden Inn Pismo Beach in California to make their individual reservation and confirm their arrangements which we provided to the hotel. If you have not contacted and/or heard from us, but would like to make reservations at the facility (where we will also meet for daily church services) and to take advantage of reduced rates that the hotel contracted with us, you need to contact Norbert Link (Norbert.Link@cox.net) or Johanna Link (Johanna.Link@cox.net ) or Dave Harris (david-harris1@comcast.net ).
 
Our new booklet, “Hidden Secrets in the Bible,” has been received from the printer and will be sent out to our subscribers next week, together with a new member letter to be written by Norbert Link.
 
 “Russia in Biblical Prophecy” is the title of a new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

As Western powers continue to attempt to diffuse the volatile situation regarding Russia, Ukraine and the Crimean Peninsula, what does the Bible have to say about Russia’s and Europe’s prophetic roles in these end times? Is a war prophesied between Russia and the USA prior to Christ’s return? Or do we read about a terrible war involving great nations such as Russia and China, as well as a strong European power bloc? This program as well as our completely free booklets, “Biblical Prophecy—From Now Until Forever”, and “The Ten European Revivals of the Ancient Roman Empire” give you detailed answers from your Bible.

“Wie die Bibel Studieren?,” is the title of this week’s new German sermon. The English title would be: “How to Study the Bible?”

“Does God Have Humor?,” presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted–here is a summary:

Some have a totally wrong concept of God and view Him as an impersonal “Something” without form and shape. That is not the God of the Bible! God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, are a Family, and the members of the God Family are described as personalities, who have feelings, emotions, joy and humor. This sermon gives you examples of the often-overlooked humorous aspects of God’s nature.

“Ukraine in Prophecy,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

Ukraine is in turmoil, with Russia, Europe and the USA all trying to insert their influence. How is it all going to play out? Surprisingly, the Bible has told us thousands of years ago with whom the Ukrainians will ultimately collaborate and fight in war, and who will become their friends and their allies.  Our free booklet, “The Ten European Revivals of the Ancient Roman Empire” gives you further information.

“Die Ukraine in der Prophezeiung,” is the new German AufPostenStehen program which Mr. Link has presented and which convers much of the same information of the English version. These programs highlight information contained in our insightful and timely booklet, “The Ten European Revivals of the Ancient Roman Empire.”

“Hat Gott Humor?,” is the title of this week’s German sermon (Mr. Link will also present the English version this Sabbath). English title: Does God Have Humor? 

Both the sermonette, “Examination and Self-Deception,” and sermon, “Do Good to Those Who Hate You!,” which were delivered by Norbert Link this past Sabbath, have now been posted.

“Should Christians Fight in War?,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:
 
While some Christian authors claim that a Christian must not participate in the wars of this world, many feel the opposite. But who is right? Why are there no records of Christian soldiers prior to A.D. 170, and how did the concept of a righteous war develop? Were the early Paulicians and Waldenses correct when they rejected warfare, or when they later became warrior people? Was the Worldwide Church of God under Herbert Armstrong correct in refusing the participation in war, or is the current renamed group correct in endorsing warfare? Our free booklet, “Should You Fight in War?” gives you the answers.

The press proof for “Hidden Secrets In The Bible” has been approved, and printing has now begun. We anticipate completion within 2 to 3 weeks. This booklet is also now posted on our website, www.eternalgod.org.

A new StandingWatch Talking Points program ( “The Fall and Rise of Britain and America”) has been recorded by Pastor Rene Messier in which he reviews highlights of our booklet. In addition, Pastor Brian Gale has presented a new StandingWatch Talking Points program (“The Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord”) dealing with biblical warnings covered in our booklet. Aided by the video production skills of Johanna Link, these presentations introduce many of our booklets specifically to audiences in Canada and the United Kingdom.

“Tu Gutes Denen, Die Dich Hassen,” is the title of this week’s German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. The title in English: “Do Good to Those who Hate You.”