Update 1207

On May 23, 2026, Thilo Hanstein will present the first split sermon, titled, “Dangerous Ignorance,” and Norbert Link will present the second split sermon, titled, “Faith in God’s Holy Spirit of Power.”

On May 24, 2026, is Pentecost. Frank Bruno will give the offertory, tilted, “2300 Words Offered by Jesus Christ,” and Eric Rank will give the sermon, titled, “Written on a Heart of Flesh”.

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.

There are many different positions in the Church as there are many different positions in life. Are some more important than others, or is there more involved in this question? Some may think they do not have a large part to play, or that they are too weak, or too old, or even too new in the Church to have much significance in the operation of the Church, but they could be very wrong. 

Someone may think that because she is a woman, she is less important, but this can be far from the Truth. Consider that Eve was created to be a help to Adam (Genesis 2:18, 20; Authorized Version), and this could be considered a position of lower importance. However, we read Psalm 33:20, “Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.” The Hebrew for help is the same in both Genesis 2 and Psalm 33. So, when we consider that God is our help, being a help is highly significant, in no way to be looked down on. 

We can look at the example of Moses when he was assisting people who were inquiring of God. He was doing this all day from morning to evening. His father-in-law Jethro gave Moses sound advice which is described in Exodus 18:21-22, “Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you.”

In order for Moses not to be worn out, he needed helpers, so he could concentrate on the more important or difficult things. This is certainly the case in the Church where a minister may not be competent in every physical area, or able to do everything by himself, and a helper is very important so that he can concentrate on preaching. At the beginning of the Worldwide Church of God, Mr. Herbert Armstrong only had his wife, Loma, as a helper, and the two of them did everything required, even addressing envelopes to post the literature they had printed. But as the Church grew, this became impossible; they needed many more helpers to assist in the Work, and God provided those helpers. Without these helpers, the Church could not have grown as it did.

One may think he or she is too old or too young to be of great service, but let us read James 5:16, “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” Age is not a limitation here. And although it reads as man in the New King James Version, we know that from 2 Corinthians 6:18 (“I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty”), that the term man may also include woman. Many translations use person, or even believer in place of man in James 5:16. This concept is explained, in this context, in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” So, the prayers of both men and women can be equally effective.

A newly baptized person can take heart in the parable in Matthew 20:9-15, where those who worked all day received the same reward as those who worked only one hour. The condition for effective prayer is only righteousness and fervency, not length of Church membership.

The apostle Paul sums up this issue in 1 Corinthians 12:13-22, “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free – and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many. If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,’ is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,’ is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased, And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’; nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’ No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.”

From this we see that every member has a part to play in the operation of the Church, and God has determined the appropriate position for each as He pleases. The position may change over time, depending on individual growth or necessity, or even old age, but every member is a necessary part of the body of Christ. All have a part to play, regardless of position.

By Norbert Link 

We begin with what many commentators described as a failed summit between the USA and China, pointing out that key issues were not resolved, especially in regard to Taiwan and Iran.

American ambitions towards Venezuela and Cuba resurfaced; and Europe, as well as some Republicans, reacted with surprise and anger pertaining to the sudden decision to withhold troops from Poland.

We report on Mario Draghi’s presentation with the prestigious Charlemagne Prize; Spain’s push for a European army; and a bill by Russia’s parliament [to be signed by Putin] to expand Putin’s power to invade foreign countries.

We speak on European and Arabic outrageous persecution of the Jewish people, and UK’s religious persecution of Christians.

Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Trump’s Visit to China – What a Debacle!” Trump’s Visit to China – What a Debacle!

Little Success in China—Taiwan THE Big Issue 

Politico wrote on May 15:

“President Donald Trump returns from his two-day summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping with hints of deals but no progress on key issues that vex the U.S.-China relationship…

 “… despite repeated assurances from White House officials that U.S. policy toward Taiwan would not be on the summit agenda, Trump said that the two leaders had discussed U.S. ties to the island at length. Trump told reporters he was willing to reconsider U.S. arms sales to the self-governing island — a key longtime demand of Beijing — despite longstanding U.S. commitments to provide defensive weaponry to deter potential Chinese aggression…

“Whether Trump would revisit arms sales to Taiwan remains uncertain, but he was clear that he does not feel bound by a 1982 pledge former President Ronald Reagan made to the island that it wouldn’t consult with Beijing on weapons sales to Taiwan… Taiwan had emerged as a flashpoint during the meeting, with Xi warning Trump that mishandling of the island, which China considers part of its territory, could lead to ‘clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy.’…

“While Trump appeared willing to bend to Xi’s sensitivities on Taiwan, the Chinese leader offered no indication that he would use his influence to address one of Trump’s key concerns — Iran’s chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz.”

Trump’s position on Taiwan is very troubling, as the following articles document as well.

No Taiwan Commitment

Daily Mail wrote on May 16:

“Donald Trump has warned Taiwan not to declare independence from China following the two-day summit in Beijing this week… But he said he had declined to answer questions about whether the US would intervene to defend the island nation in the event that China invaded. Mr Trump’s warning came despite Taiwan, a democracy, demanding for the US to keep supplying it with weapons to defend itself…

“Mr Trump said he had ‘made no commitment either way’ about the question of sovereignty… 

“However, just hours after Mr Trump’s warning, the island declared itself ‘independent’. Taiwan’s foreign ministry said on Saturday that the island is a ‘sovereign and independent democratic nation, and is not subordinate to the People’s Republic of China’. It also insisted that US arms sales were part of Washington’s security commitment to Taiwan, after Mr Trump flagged that he was considering the issue…

“Under US law, America is required to provide weapons to Taiwan for its defence, but it has been ambiguous on whether US forces would come to the island’s aid in the event of Chinese annexation.”

On Sunday, Taiwan’s president said: “Taiwan will not, under pressure, give up national sovereignty and dignity, or its democratic and free way of life.

Even though the law requires it, Trump may not be willing to provide Taiwan with weapons. Note the next article.

Trump Attacks Taiwan

Mediaite wrote on May 16:

“President Donald Trump went on a rant against Taiwan, telling Fox News anchor Bret Baier that they ‘stole our chip industry’ as he was pressed about his private remarks to  China’s President Xi Jinping… ‘

“In one exchange, Baier pressed Trump about whether he will approve a pending arms sale to Taiwan. He asked Trump ‘Should the people of Taiwan feel more or less secure after your meetings with President Xi?’

“Trump insisted they should feel ‘neutral’ — but then went on a riff about Taiwan’s history of ‘stealing our chip industry’…”

Trump’s refusal to answer Baier’s question is telling, and his attack on Taiwan is deeply disturbing.

No Iran Commitment

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on May 16:

“The Beijing circus is over and Donald Trump’s talks with Xi Jinping produced nothing more than some pleasing photo ops and some performative diplomacy with no substantive accomplishments. There was no final communique at the end of Trump’s two days of meetings with Xi Jinping. Instead, we are left to rely on the statements from each government…

“The Chinese readout… said that ‘the two sides discussed the Middle East conflict’ without offering any further details — no mention of the Strait, no mention of tolls, no mention of Iran’s nuclear program, and no acknowledgment of any agreed position on any of those issues…

“The White House is asserting that China agreed Iran can never have a nuclear weapon and opposed Iran’s toll regime… However…, Xi firmly rejected Trump’s request that China apply pressure on Iran and help open the Strait of Hormuz…

“The most telling asymmetry runs in the opposite direction on Taiwan. The White House readout did not mention Taiwan at all, while China centered its entire readout on Xi’s Taiwan warning.”

 China does not seem willing to “help” America on the Iran question.

A New Cold War With China?

Fox News wrote on May 17:

“America and China are increasingly operating within conditions resembling a new Cold War — driven by military power, economic leverage, competing technological ambitions and irreconcilable visions for world order… The headlines following the two-day meeting at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People focused on symbolism, modest trade discussions, and elaborate pageantry. Yet beneath the surface, three realities stood out. Taiwan overshadowed everything. Iran exposed the limits of Chinese cooperation. And Xi himself chose language drawn from ancient Greek warfare to remind Washington of what this rivalry ultimately means…

“Even as Trump emphasized friendship, trade and ‘fantastic deals’ on the return flight to Washington, Xi was framing the relationship in terms of historic rivalry and potential conflict… The summit also demonstrated that Washington and Beijing remain deeply divided over Iran, despite public statements suggesting alignment…

“To his credit, Trump achieved one immediate objective: preventing the summit from deteriorating into open hostility… Americans should resist interpreting the summit’s warm optics as evidence the rivalry is fading… The new Cold War is already here. The summit proved it.”

 Xi was clearly the winner. As was Putin during his controversial meeting with Trump in Alaska.

Pentagon “In Panic” as Trump’s Visit to China Backfires

 Express wrote on May 16:

“Donald Trump’s China visit failed to deliver a breakthrough on one of the most critical parts of the US-China trade war – Beijing’s restrictions on rare earth exports vital to America’s military industry… In fact, Chinese academic Zhang Weiwei has warned Beijing is prepared to tighten controls even further – particularly against the US military…

“The remarks [have] triggered alarm, with geopolitical commentator Furkan Gözükara claiming: ‘The Pentagon is in absolute panic.’ He added: ‘Prof. Zhang Weiwei confirms China has officially cut off all rare earth exports to the US military. He exposes how Washington’s disastrous tech war completely backfired, leaving their weapons manufacturing severely crippled.’

“Rare earth materials are essential for advanced US weapons systems, semiconductors, fighter jets, submarines, missiles, radar systems and precision-guided weapons. A recent Pentagon briefing warned that securing rare earth elements is now a ‘national security imperative,’ highlighting growing concerns over America’s reliance on Chinese-controlled supply chains…

“The ongoing restrictions have already caused shortages across parts of the US aerospace and semiconductor industries, with some critical materials remaining in limited supply despite months of negotiations. Analysts say the standoff demonstrates how China’s control over critical minerals has become one of Beijing’s most powerful weapons in the wider economic conflict with Washington.”

It does not appear that America can win any more on any major issue.

Iran’s Collaboration With China

Newsmax wrote on May 17:

“Iran allowed approximately 30 ships — including several Chinese-linked vessels — to pass through the Strait of Hormuz overnight Thursday into Friday under what Tehran described as ‘Iranian-managed transit protocols,’ according to Iranian state-linked media and statements from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps…

“Iranian officials said the transits were conducted in ‘close coordination’ with China… State-affiliated Tasnim News Agency reported that the arrangement reflected the ‘strategic partnership’ between Tehran and Beijing, while Iranian military officials emphasized that access to the narrow shipping lane remains contingent on Iranian approval….

“A commander with the IRGC reportedly said vessels tied to what Iran considers ‘hostile states’ remain barred from passage.. The latest developments further highlight Washington’s inability to restore completely free navigation through the critical maritime corridor despite repeated U.S. military deployments and international calls for unrestricted access… Analysts say the situation represents a major strategic victory for Tehran…”

Iran’s Threats

On May 20, Newsmax published the following article by AFP:

“Iran warned on Wednesday that the Middle East war would spread far beyond the region if the United States and Israel resumed their attacks, after President Donald Trump threatened to strike again unless a deal is reached… The U.S. leader is himself under pressure, with rising energy costs beginning to bite at home…

“The future of the waterway is a key sticking point in negotiations, but without a deal fears are growing for the global economy as pre-war stockpiles of oil are used up.”

Bounty on Trump?

The Times of India wrote on May 16:

“A major controversy is erupting after reports claimed that Iran’s parliament is reviewing a bill that would reward anyone who assassinates U.S. President Donald Trump. According to Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi, the proposed legislation would require the Iranian government to pay €50 million to any individual or organization carrying out what was described as a ‘religious and ideological mission.’

“Azizi reportedly told Iranian state television that the U.S. president, Israel’s prime minister, and the CENTCOM commander ‘must be targeted and subjected to reciprocal action.’…”

Not Much Time?

The Daily Mail wrote on May 18:

“A revised proposal from Iran to end the conflict in the Middle East has been shared with the US, a Pakistani source said on Monday, as peace talks appeared to remain stalled. ‘We don’t have much time,’ the source said, when asked if it would take time to close gaps, adding that both countries ‘keep changing their goalposts.’ It comes as Donald Trump warned over the weekend that the ‘clock is ticking’ for Iran, adding in a post on Truth Social that Tehran ‘better get moving fast, or there won’t be anything left of them.’”

Trump’s Ongoing Chaotic Reversals

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on May 20:

“Since February 28, 2026, Donald Trump has released 11 statements suggesting the war with Iran was over or that a negotiated deal is close, only it turns out to be a hoax… In his latest whipsaw action, Trump spent the weekend posting images suggesting an attack on Iran was imminent, only to do another of his chaotic reversals…

“‘I have been asked by the Emir of Qatar…,  the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia…, and the President of the United Arab Emirates… to hold off on our planned Military attack of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which was scheduled for tomorrow [Tuesday], in that… a Deal will be made, which will be very acceptable to the United States of America, as well as all Countries in the Middle East, and beyond. This Deal will include, importantly, NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS FOR IRAN!…’”

This attack was allegedly planned in secret, with no one knowing about it. So, how did the Arab Gulf nations know about it? Also, a meeting with Trump’s military advisors was planned for Tuesday as well. Trump said he will delay the attack for a few days… or a week or so…

“Enriched Uranium Must Stay in Iran”

Reuters wrote on May 21:

“Iran’s Supreme Leader has issued a directive that the country’s near-weapons-grade uranium should not be sent abroad, two senior Iranian sources said, hardening Tehran’s stance on one of the main U.S. demands at peace talks.

“Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s order could further frustrate U.S. President Donald Trump and complicate talks on ending the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

“Israeli officials have told Reuters that Trump has assured Israel that Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, needed to make an atomic weapon, will be sent out of Iran and that any peace deal must include a clause on this.  

“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he will not consider the war over until enriched uranium is removed from Iran, Tehran ends its support for proxy militias, and its ballistic missile capabilities are eliminated.”

Trump’s Crazy AI Images

The Huffington Post wrote on May 18:

“Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform on Sunday to post an AI -generated image showing him bombing the Earth, minutes after his pre-taped Bible reading played at a MAGA-friendly prayer event on the National Mall. The image, which Trump unleashed as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) prayed for ‘mercy upon our land’ and ‘mercy upon us for our mistakes,’ shows the president pressing a red button on a control panel while inside some sort of space station or starship orbiting above the planet.

“The visual features Trump surrounded by small, military-like figures seated by the control panel as several screens show massive explosions taking place on the ground.

At least one screen shows a mushroom cloud-like blast alongside the text, ‘TARGET DESTROYED.’ The out-of-this-world image shared by the self-described ‘peace’ president is a kind of fantastical continuation of his recent tendency to post genocidal threats on the platform….”

The Looting of America

On May 19, Reuters published the following article by Paul Krugmann:

“So the Trump administration is creating a $1.776 billion slush fund… to pay off victims of ‘lawfare and weaponization.’ Just to be clear, if you’re a U.S. taxpayer, this action means that almost $1.8 billion of your money will be handed out to whomever a panel appointed by Donald Trump decides to reward. The beneficiaries are likely to include January 6 insurrectionists, as well as Trump, his family, and his allies.

“Few things shock me these days, but this development — in which a Justice Department that works for Trump is paying a vast sum to ‘settle’ a lawsuit brought by Trump himself — is a new nadir in self-dealing, further revealing Trump’s utter contempt for the American people…. the shamelessness of this latest episode of looting takes it to a new level. Until now, we’ve seen a combination of crony capitalism and insider trading…

“Vladimir Putin has obviously stolen billions, but never this brazenly. Even Third World dictators normally try to mask their corruption…”

America’s 51^st State?

 Breitbart wrote on May 15:

 “President Donald Trump’s Truth Social post depicting Venezuela overlaid with an American flag and labeled the 51st state followed a Fox News report that Trump said he was ‘seriously considering’ such a move.”

 “Acting President” Delcy Rodríguez strongly opposed Trump’s ambitions in this regard.

US Fears Growing Drone Threat From Cuba

Newsmax wrote on May 17:

“Cuba has acquired more than 300 military drones and has discussed potential scenarios involving the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, U.S. military vessels, and Key West, Florida, according to classified intelligence…

“The intelligence reflects growing concern within the Trump administration about advances in drone warfare and the presence of Iranian military advisers in Cuba, according to a senior U.S. official…

“CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Cuba on Thursday and warned Cuban officials against actions viewed as hostile by the United States… Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said during a congressional hearing that the presence of foreign adversaries operating so close to the United States remains a concern.”

Is all of this a pretext for an American invasion of Cuba? In the meantime, China told Trump to stop threatening Cuba. 

American Troops Overstretched

Focus wrote on May 15:

“According to the Navy’s highest-ranking non-commissioned officer, Master Chief Petty Officer John Perryman, current crew deployment models are no longer sufficient to maintain a permanently operational fleet…

“The past wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the fight against terrorism since the 2001 attacks in New York, are still taking their toll on the US military… Troops and equipment are being run down…”

No US Troops for Poland

Politico wrote on May 14:

“Pete Hegseth’s last-minute decision to cancel the deployment of 4,000 troops to Poland caught Pentagon staff and European allies by surprise — the latest example of an abrupt personnel move from the Defense secretary that blindsided both sides of the Atlantic…

“The decision was even more surprising because troops and equipment had already started to arrive in the country. It sent fresh waves of anxiety through European capitals and inside the Pentagon on Thursday about whether such moves could embolden Russia — and which ally might turn into the next target… The move follows Hegseth’s announcement this month that the Pentagon would withdraw 5,000 troops from bases in Germany.”

Trump said that the Pentagon would be “cutting a lot further than 5,000.”

Polish Government Tries to Spin US Decision… Without Success

Politico wrote on May 16:

“Poland, one of the closest U.S. allies in Europe, was blindsided by this week’s surprise decision from Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth to cancel the planned deployment of 4,000 American troops to the country.  The government is now scrambling to respond while insisting that the move doesn’t undermine the country’s security… But there was no disguising that the U.S. move left Poland flat-footed… U.S. actions are confusing Europe…

“Poland, along with Romania and the Baltic countries, is hoping to get some of the troops being withdrawn from Germany, although it is still unclear if they’ll stay in Europe or go home…

“Polish governments have pushed for years to increase the number of U.S. troops in the country — making Hegseth’s decision such a surprise to Warsaw. Krzysztof Bosak, leader of the far-right opposition Confederation party, condemned what he called ‘internal chaos and a loss of credibility on the part of our most important ally,’ telling Polish radio that the unexpected decision ‘doesn’t build credibility’…

“Trump has also questioned the U.S. commitment to NATO’s Article 5 common defense pact and threatened to annex Greenland, a territory of alliance member Denmark. Oana Lungescu, a former NATO spokesperson and senior fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, said [America’s] ‘haphazard and uncoordinated decisions… risk alienating European allies and encouraging Russian President Vladimir Putin.’”

It is hard not to notice the utter confusion within the American government. The question is: what is really behind these strange decisions?

Republicans Not Happy

The Hill wrote on May 15:

“Republican lawmakers on Friday grilled Army leaders over the Pentagon’s seemingly last-minute decision to cancel the temporary deployment of 4,000 troops to Poland, with House Armed Services Committee Chair Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) saying the panel is ‘not happy.’..

“It also came roughly seven months after the U.S. informed allies that it is pulling some American troops from NATO’s eastern flank, including Romania. That plan also angered [Republicans] Rogers and Wicker, who said Congress had not been consulted prior to the decision.”

When does the Pentagon ever “consult” Congress before making wide-ranging decisions?

Mario Draghi Charlamagne Prize Winner

Deutsche Welle wrote on May 14:

“The former head of the European Central Bank Mario Draghi was presented with the prestigious Charlemagne Prize at a ceremony in Aachen, western Germany, on May 14… Draghi is likely mostly remembered as the head of the Frankfurt-based European Central Bank (ECB), who worked to stabilize the eurozone during turbulent times… Draghi tirelessly defended the single currency and became known for saying the ECB would do ‘whatever it takes’ to stop the euro from failing…

“With the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Iran, and strained relations between the US and most of the world, the prize is being seen as a timely reminder that European unity is indispensable…

“For centuries, the small town of Aachen has been used as a symbol of a united Europe. It was from here that Charlemagne (ca. 748-814) ruled the largest empire in western Europe since the fall of Rome, a legacy that later led him to be considered a medieval ‘father of Europe.’ The Charlemagne Prize honors those who strive for European unity in a more modern way.”

Some past recipients would clearly not have fallen under that category.

Spain For EU Army

MSN wrote on May 15:

“Spain is calling for the creation of a European Union army, amid fears the continent can no longer rely on NATO for military protection…

“Spain has been one of the most vocal opponents of the US in Europe…

“The US president has… suggested he could withdraw US troops from bases in Spain, and would even try to suspend Spain from NATO over Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez’s refusal to support Trump’s war in Iran…”

A European army is coming.

Putin to Be Given Power to Invade Foreign Countries

The Jerusalem Post wrote on May 15:

“Russia’s parliament approved a bill on Wednesday to expand President Vladimir Putin’s power to invade foreign countries. If approved, the bill would let the Kremlin send troops abroad to “protect” Russian citizens who are facing arrest, detention, or any other form of perceived persecution…. Putin now has 14 days to sign the bill into law.

“Moscow has previously justified its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 by claiming that it was protecting Russian-speaking regions of the country, including Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. Russia still demands the reinstatement of the Russian language and the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine as part of any peace agreement.

“Officials from the European Union have expressed concern that Putin will initiate a conflict with Europe within the next year or two to test the United States’ commitment to NATO… In December, Putin said that Russia was ready for war with Europe.”

Russia’s threatening conduct towards Europe is not being overlooked.

“Netanyahu ‘Blunder’ Threatens US-Backed Israel-UAE Alliance”

Fox News wrote on May 17:

“The U.S.-brokered alliance designed to counter Iran in the Middle East is showing signs of strain amid tensions between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, an analyst says, as the possibility of a broader conflict with Tehran intensified Sunday.

“The friction first surfaced May 13 after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he held a ‘historic breakthrough’ meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a ‘secret visit’ to Al Ain near the Oman border. The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a swift denial following the announcement…

“[Nathan] Sachs… said Netanyahu’s UAE meeting claim ‘seems like a diplomatic blunder because it embarrasses the UAE… This was an odd move to make since the UAE has been a close partner of Israel, even during this war… Either Netanyahu didn’t think, or he was thinking about something else — domestic politics. It would not be the first time he did that.’”

EU and Arab Persecution of Jews Continues

Israel 365 News wrote on May 14:

“The nations that herded Jews into ghettoes, expelled them from their cities, and handed them over to Nazi death camps have now found a new cause: sanctioning Jews for the crime of living in Judea and Samaria. On Monday, the foreign ministers of all 27 European Union member states convened in Brussels and reached a political agreement to impose sanctions on Israeli settler leaders and organizations, equating them, in the same diplomatic breath, with Hamas terrorists.

“The sanctions themselves consist of two specific measures: an asset freeze and a travel ban. An asset freeze means any funds or economic resources owned or controlled by the sanctioned individuals or organizations within EU jurisdiction are locked; banks in EU member states cannot process transactions for them, and any property or holdings in Europe cannot be accessed or transferred. A travel ban means the sanctioned individuals are barred from entering or transiting through any of the 27 EU member states…

“Meanwhile, the EU has for years funneled millions of euros into illegal Arab construction in Area C,  land that, under the Oslo Accords, remains under full Israeli civil and security control. 

“The EU sanctioning Jews for living in Judea and Samaria takes on a particularly sharp edge when set against what the Arab world has done and continues to do regarding Jews within its own borders. As of 2024, Algeria, Bangladesh, Brunei, Iran, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Pakistan, Syria, and Yemen all imposed outright bans on Israeli nationals, including Israeli Arabs… They are official state prohibitions on the entry of Jews holding Israeli passports, and in some cases, extended to anyone whose passport shows evidence of travel to Israel. Dual nationals are also affected, as many nations extend the ban to anyone entering with an Israeli passport, regardless of additional citizenship…

“The reason Jews no longer live in significant numbers in Arab nations is not a mystery… More than 850,000 Jews were forced to leave their homes in Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, Morocco, and several other Arab countries in the twenty years following the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. These were not refugees fleeing a war zone. These were doctors, lawyers, engineers, merchants: communities rooted in those lands for centuries, in some cases millennia, predating the Arab conquest of the region entirely.

“… In Syria, real estate purchase was prohibited to Jews in 1947, and Jews began to be discharged from public service positions. In Egypt, a long process of discrimination in the public service began in 1929, and by 1945-1948, Jews were excluded from public service entirely. From Morocco to Iraq, governments established laws meant to ostracize and disenfranchise their Jewish communities… property and assets were confiscated; Jews were arrested on suspicion of espionage based on trumped-up charges. In Iraq, it was worse than expulsion: in 1969, nine Iraqi Jews who had chosen to stay in the country after the mass flight of the early 1950s were convicted and executed behind closed doors…”

Horrible.  And the “civilized” world has been standing idly by.

Religious Persecution in the UK

Fox News wrote on May 17:

“A 66-year-old U.K. pastor [was] arrested while street preaching in London… Maile is a gospel singer and the senior pastor of Oasis City Church in Watford, England, a town outside London. For 45 years, the New Zealand native has preached and performed mission work globally. He told Fox News Digital that he often performs famous songs with lyrics altered to convey a Christian message… Maile [was] approached and handcuffed behind his back by Hertfordshire Constabulary officers… A female police officer appeared to mockingly respond, ‘In the name of Jesus, get in the car.’…

“Maile said he was detained for 12 hours without his phone and was not allowed to use the restroom. Police initially told Maile he was under arrest for assaulting a teenager, a charge Maile denied and which was later dropped. Maile remains under investigation for an alleged public order offense…

“Police said he was released on bail while an investigation into the public order offense continues and ‘the conduct of the officers was reviewed and it was deemed no further action was necessary.’..

“The Christian Legal Centre called the arrest ‘deeply troubling.’ ‘A peaceful, Christian preacher was treated like a serious criminal for expressing his Christian beliefs and that Islam is a false religion in a public place,’ said Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre. ‘The footage raises fundamental questions about whether policing in this country is now criminalizing Christianity…’’

No question about it.

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.

It can be relatively easy to read, misread, misunderstand or take a different view of almost anything where an individual may feel that his or her opinion is the right one.  However, when we talk about the Bible, there is a clear statement in Deuteronomy 4:2 where we read: 

“You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.”

What must also be uppermost in our minds is that Satan will try his best to confuse and redirect the people of God away from the Truth.  His influence is everywhere to be seen.  He is described in the Bible in Ephesians 2:1-2 as follows:

“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience…”

We also read in 2 Corinthians 4:4: 

“… whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” 

Satan is currently the god of this world and his influence is apparent for those with eyes to see.  One of Satan’s key roles is to tempt humans to sin. In John 8:44, we read that “he is a liar and the father of it.”  1 Peter 5:8 tells us that he is “like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

He is truly a hugely significant enemy of God, His people and His ways.

Biblehub.com has this to say about man’s adversary:

“The Bible depicts Satan as an intelligent, active being, focused on deceit, temptation, and opposition to God’s purposes. Though he possesses real power, this power remains limited by God’s sovereign will. From Eden’s garden to Christ’s victory at the cross and the promise of his future judgment, Scripture consistently affirms that Satan’s role is that of a defeated foe whose end is certain. Believers are called to stand firm, relying on divine truth and power rather than living in fear.”

We all grow up in different ways but the one factor that affects most of us is the teaching we received from our parents.   What they say is taken as fact when, in fact, it may not be.   But such is the influence that parents have, that beliefs and understanding are instilled in us from a very early age.   Of course, some parents can be negligent in these ways, and their children will form their ideas and ways via school, their peers and social media.

Aristotle is credited with the saying, “Give me a child until he is 7 and I will show you the man,” which is very similar to the biblical injunction found in Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” Training in the right ways from a very early age will produce much better persons than those who receive little or no correct training. 

We say the following in our free booklet, “The Keys to Happy Marriages and Families”

“We read in Proverbs 22:6, ‘Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.’ The Ryrie Study Bible comments, ‘[It says,] in the way he should go. Lit. according to his way, i.e., the child’s habits and interests. The instruction must take into account his individuality and inclinations, and be in keeping with his degree of physical and mental development.’ 

“Our children grow up too quickly. We give them hardly any time to play and to enjoy their childhood. We don’t let them pursue their interests as children, but want them to be young men or young women far too early. This is especially true in the entertainment industry, but this wrong concept has permeated our entire society and thinking. It is customary in the U.S. and in many other Western nations to place a child at the age of five, or even younger, in a preschool for the convenience of the parents. Many educators warn against such practice, saying that this is far too early to be separated from parents.

“When we look at our societies, especially in the Western world, we find a totally different way of life than what God intended. We read about the kind of family life that God intended, where the father would be present and available to teach his son or his daughter. But in our modern world, the father is basically gone all day, working somewhere away from home.

“In addition, children are being handed over to preschools at an early age, thereby being separated further from the benevolent teachings of their Christian parents. And when, on top of it, young mothers go to work and place their kids in day care centers, then even the last remaining positive influence of the Christian parents on their children has been abolished as well.”

In addition, we state the following in our Q&A, “Why do so many children of Godly parents depart from God’s Way of Life, even though Proverbs 22:6 says that they will not depart from it when they are old?” 

“In light of the fact that the Bible emphasizes individual responsibility, it must be concluded that Proverbs 22:6 does not intend to impress the idea that the righteous teaching of parents will automatically lead to the conversion of a child. It is true, of course, that parents are to teach their children about God and His Way of Life (Deuteronomy 11:18-19). But this does not mean that converted parents can bring about the conversion of their children…

“Proverbs 22:6 does not contain an unconditional promise that the training of a righteous parent will bring about the conversion of his or her children. The chances may be greatly increased, but the actual calling to conversion and salvation is still subject to God’s Will and the child’s reaction in the matter. But what an unspeakable joy and blessing it is when righteous parents see their children follow them in their paths of righteousness.”

In this series of Q&As, we will see how much Satan has influenced humanity with wrong thinking and understanding.   Many, if not all of the false assumptions addressed, should not be particularly new to long-time Church of God members but may seem strange to those who may be new to the Truth that the Bible has to offer.

And so, let us look at a number of examples.

FALSE ASSUMPTION No. 1:

Most people, if asked about where the Bible begins historically, would say Genesis 1:1, if they knew anything about God’s Word at all in this secular age. On the face of it, few would argue with that because it is about the creation of the heavens and the earth. Who could disagree with that, as in the very first chapter and the first verse in the Bible, we read: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

However, there are verses that precede these events as we read in the book of John.  In John 1:1-3, the Bible reveals that:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.”

Who was the Word referred to here?   Verse 14 reveals the answer:

^“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

This obviously refers to Jesus Christ, and we read further in Colossians 1:15-17:

^“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.”

These passages show that God the Father created everything, including angels and spiritual things, as well as animals and humans, through Jesus Christ. The “Word” in John 1:1 is a reference to Jesus Christ, while “God” in the same passage refers to God the Father. Both were in existence “in the beginning.” Many may be surprised by that, but it is there in black and white in the Word of God. However, we must add that neither God the Father nor His Son, Jesus Christ, had a beginning.   Human beings may be able to understand eternity with things going on indefinitely and forever, but God hasn’t given the human mind the capacity to fully understand that neither the Father nor the Son had a beginning; that they have always existed. Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers observes that “The Mosaic conception of ‘beginning’ is marked by the first creative act… John places himself at the same starting point of time, but before he speaks of any creation he asserts the pre-existence of the Creator. In this ‘beginning’ there already ‘was’ the Word.” In addition, as we saw, in this “beginning” there already “was” God—God the Father.

Based on his information, any assumption that the first chapter of Genesis is the beginning of all things is false. 

FALSE ASSUMPTION No. 2:

Whenever we see pictures of Jesus in paintings or in a movie, He is always shown as having long hair and a beard.   He is often shown to have feminine features and a sorrowful look.   But He couldn’t have had long hair because we read in 1 Corinthians 11:14, the following: “Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him?”

The bibleanalysis.org website observes that “The image of Jesus Christ with long hair and a beard is a familiar and iconic representation in Western art and popular culture. This depiction of Jesus has been ingrained in the collective imagination and has become a widely accepted and recognizable symbol of the Christian faith. But where did the idea that Jesus had long hair and a beard come from?

“One possible source for the portrayal of Jesus with long hair and a beard is the influence of classical Greco-Roman art and culture. During the early centuries of Christianity, artists and sculptors drew inspiration from the artistic traditions of the ancient world, where long hair and beards were commonly associated with wisdom, divinity, and authority. Greek and Roman gods and philosophers were often depicted with flowing locks and beards, signifying their status and spiritual significance.

“The early Christian artists and theologians in the Byzantine Empire and medieval Europe created images of Jesus that reflected the aesthetic and cultural norms of their time. The visual representation of Jesus as a compassionate and merciful figure, adorned with a halo, flowing robes, and long hair and beard, became a predominant iconographic tradition that has endured for centuries.”

It is interesting that in Ezekiel 44:20, we read about the laws governing priests when entering God’s sanctuary:

“They shall neither shave their heads nor let their hair grow long, but they shall keep their hair well trimmed.”

Of course, we realise the concept of a Nazarite vow when someone voluntarily took a vow to abstain from drinking wine and when he refused to have his hair cut, to drink wine or eat grapes or to have contact with corpses for a specified period.  And we also know that Samson was a Nazarite from birth for a specific reason.  It appears that Samuel and John the Baptist were under a Nazarite vow as well. But apart from these situations, it is a sin for a man to have long hair! (In passing, the Nazarite vow has no longer any application for us today.)

Shunsalon.com opines: “Catholic answers to this question often emphasize that the focus should be on Jesus’ teachings and mission rather than physical appearance, though the enduring image of long-haired Jesus remains deeply ingrained in religious iconography and popular imagination.”

Jesus did not have long hair, nor was He under a Nazarite vow. We state the following in chapter 8 of our free booklet, “Do You Know the Jesus of the Bible?”:

“Jesus, however, was not a Nazarite. He grew up in the city of Nazareth and was therefore called a ‘Nazarene’ (Matthew 2:23) — which is of course quite different from being a Nazarite…. Christ was not a Nazarite, because He did many things, which were prohibited for Nazarites. Those who took the vow of a Nazirite did not cut their hair, but they were also prohibited from drinking any wine or touching a dead body (Numbers 6:4–6). Christ, however, did drink wine (Luke 22:14–18; Matthew 11:19), and He did touch dead bodies (Luke 8:51–55). If Christ had been a Nazirite, He would have broken His vow and thereby violated one of God’s laws. But He said that He had kept His Father’s commandments (John 15:10), including all ritual laws still in force and effect at His time, and we read that He never sinned…”

It is interesting that the religious people of Jesus’ time had to pay 30 pieces of silver to Judas for him to identify who Jesus was. He certainly didn’t stand out from the crowd. But He would have, if He had been wearing long hair. In our booklet, “Do You Know the Jesus of the Bible?”, we state the following:

“Christ was a Jew, and He looked like an ordinary Jewish man, without special beauty in appearance (compare Isaiah 53:2). He was able to escape on occasion, by mingling with the crowd and going ‘through the midst of them’ (Luke 4:30; John 8:59). Apart from the Bible, archeology and history also confirm as well that the Jews at the time of Christ did not wear long hair… Christ, therefore, did not either; otherwise, He would have stood out in a crowd and a special identification through Judas (who identified Him by kissing Him) would not have been necessary.

“Recently, Israeli and British forensic anthropologists and computer programmers got together to create Christ’s face featured in ‘Popular Mechanics,’ a 1.2 million-circulation magazine… They… determined that Christ did not wear long hair. Other experts agree with that conclusion.

“On February 24, 2004, Reuters wrote: ‘… Jesus didn’t have long hair, said physical anthropologist Joe Zias, who has studied hundreds of skeletons found in archeological digs in Jerusalem.’ [He also mentioned:] ‘Jewish men back in antiquity did not have long hair.’ ‘The Jewish texts ridiculed long hair as something Roman or Greek,’ said New York University’s Lawrence Schiffman. Along with extensive writings from the period, experts also point to a frieze on Rome’s Arch of Titus, erected after Jerusalem was captured in AD 70 to celebrate the victory, which shows Jewish men with short hair taken into captivity…’”

It appears from the biblical description in Isaiah 53:2 that Jesus was an ordinary looking man, not particularly handsome, probably had a beard (compare Isaiah 50:6), but someone who would certainly have charisma (personal magnetism and charm) to be followed, listened to, fed at times, with many being healed.

As one writer opined: “The real Jesus epitomised what God would look like as a man – well-groomed but not affected, well dressed but not clothes-conscious, clean but not antiseptic, dignified but not distinguished.”

We don’t have any pictures of Jesus to see what He looked like. The Shroud of Turin has been used many times to try to show what Jesus may have looked like but today very few, if any, believe this to be true. The Independent wrote in August of 2025:

“A newly uncovered medieval document is the earliest known to suggest that the Shroud of Turin, widely believed to have been used to wrap Jesus’ crucified body, is not authentic. The findings, published in the Journal of Medieval History, add evidence that even in the Middle Ages, people knew that the Shroud was fake. In the document, medieval theologian Nicole Oresme rejected the Shroud as authentic, with the future bishop claiming it as a ‘clear’ and ‘patent’ fake that was the result of deceptions by ‘clergy men.’”

A further headline in the Independent headlined “628-year-old fake news: Scientists prove Turin Shroud not genuine (again).”

However, as the Smithsonian magazine recently reported on April 9, 2026, “new evidence” in the form of plant, animal and human DNA was allegedly discovered “showing” that the cloth was “genuine.’ This is utter nonsense. The article shows convincingly that that “evidence” is not compelling, pointing out that “radiocarbon dating suggests the shroud was made sometime between 1260 and 1390—more than a millennium after Jesus was said to have been crucified.”

We conclude chapter 8 of the above-mentioned booklet, “Do You Know the Jesus of the Bible?”, with the following cautionary remarks:

“In any event, Paul tells us that we are not to ‘know’ Christ ‘according to the flesh.’ We read in 2 Corinthians 5:16 (Phillips translation): ‘… even though we knew Christ as a man, we do not know him like that any longer.’

“It is dangerous to focus on images and pictures of Christ, including portrayals of Christ by actors in movies, and think that in some way those portrayals may accurately represent how Christ might have looked. We are to focus on Christ as He is now—a powerful Spirit being! To get a correct portrayal of Christ’s present appearance, please read Revelation 1:14–16. Christ has white hair, as white as wool or snow, and His eyes are like flames of fire, while His face shines like the sun in full strength! THAT is the Jesus Christ of the Bible—God the Son—who is worthy of worship!”

Again, everyone should beware of making false assumptions about Jesus’ appearance.

(To be continued)

Lead Writers: Brian Gale and Norbert Link

Compiled by Norbert Link

Dave Harris, long-time Pastor, writer and Editorial Team member of the Church of the Eternal God, died on May 15, 2026, after a short stay in the hospital. He maintained a strong will to live as he was dedicated to his family and his work for the Church—in fact, he packed sermon notes to work on at the hospital! With this same strength and clarity, he decided the prognosis of living with medical support was not what he wanted, and this decision allowed him to secure his crown in faith. Through all of this he was clear that God was in charge. We are looking forward to meeting him again in the first resurrection. 

“Trump’s Visit to China – What a Debacle!” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

Trump’s two-day summit with Xi Jinping produced nothing for Trump. Major issues were not discussed or if they were, no agreement was reached. This includes Taiwan and Trump’s alarming position in this regard, as well as Iran’s ongoing collaboration with China; but also other major and essential issues vital for the USA. Trump’s chaotic reversals of his announced intentions question his credibility, and Iran responds with ridicule and dangerous threats. A peace deal between the USA and Iran seems to be nowhere in sight.  

“Trumps China Besuch – was für ein Debakel!“ is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.

Norbert Link’s German sermon for Pentecost,  “Glaube an Gottes heiligen Geist der Kraft” (“Faith in God’s Holy Spirit of Power”) has been posted. 

We posted last week’s first German split sermon from Dmitrij Niemann, titled  “Achten Sie auf Ihre Zunge” (“Pay Attention to Your Tongue”).

We posted last week’s first German split sermon from Robert Indlekofer, titled “Der Betrug der Liebe–Bedürfnis oder Gehorsam“ (“The Deception of Love—Need or Obedience”).

Last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Michael Link, titled, “The Work Will Go On,” is now posted.

Here is the summary:

God has given us a responsibility to fulfill. What does He expect of us, and what reward does He promise those who zealously commit themselves to this task?

”Faith in God’s Guidance and Direction,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. 

Here is the summary:

Are we convinced of God’s guidance and direction in our lives? What is this faith based on? What does the Bible tell us about God’s guidance through many examples? Is it possible that we experience God’s direction in unexpected ways—without initially becoming aware of it or being able to “see” it? Does God sometimes make use of His angels to encourage us? What do God’s guidance and intervention look like within a Christian marriage?