Update 1211

On June 20, 2026, Kalon Mitchell will present the sermonette, titled, “Living Life in Reverse,” and Michael Link will give the sermon, titled, “Clean in an Unclean World.”

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.

In Matthew 24, we read about the signs at the end of the age, and in verse 12 is a most interesting observation from Jesus Himself: “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.”

This describes the spiritual and emotional decay of society as God’s Way is laughed to scorn, derided and dismissed as unnecessary by society in general. As evil and hostility increase, people become self-centred, callous, and unloving toward God and others.  And even, more importantly, this warning is directly aimed at the people of God as it says in the following verse: “But he who endures to the end shall be saved,” which is about true Christians, not the world.

Recently, I experienced a very unpleasant side of the society we live in which seems to be full of anger, and one of those areas we have to steer clear of unless it is righteous anger (see Ephesians 4:26, first part: “Be angry, and do not sin….”  But back to the story.  I was parked in a small local car park and heard a commotion behind me. It appears, for a reason I couldn’t ascertain, that a small old lady with a walking stick was using loud, foul, and abusive language of the worst variety at someone in the car parked next to her.   I reversed the car and drove out of that car park thinking how angry she was and what an example she made of herself.   She was very, very angry.

In May 2024, there was an article in the Huffington Post, headlined “It’s Not Just You – This Is Why Everyone Is So Much Angrier These Days.” A paragraph in this article was: “Why we’re all angrier than before,” and it quoted a Gallup Global Emotions Report that “anger around the world has been rising since 2016, with 23% of respondents now feeling angry on any given day.”   And, as we live in the world, this can rub off on us as Church members when we know that anger is a very powerful human emotion that is not inherently sinful, but can easily lead to destructive and damaging behaviour.

In May of 2026, in the UK, a report said that “Drunk and abusive air passengers would be banned from flying under proposals being drawn up by ministers, it can be revealed.  Officials are war-gaming the creation of a national ‘blacklist’ amid soaring ‘air rage’ attacks on plane crews and fellow holidaymakers.”

The British Association of Anger Management wrote that 80% of people believe that Britain is becoming angrier and this anger is spilling out into our professional lives, our daily commute and even our most intimate relationships. 45% of staff regularly lose their temper at work. This could be because of a demanding workload and increasing stress levels or it could be due to the fact that 53% of people have been the victims of bullying at work. Both bullying and increased stress levels have a detrimental effect on anger and the (usually unhealthy) way it is expressed. Not surprisingly, Britain is the top road rage country within the European Union with 80.4% of drivers claiming to have been involved in road rage incidents; another 1 in 4 drivers admit to committing an act of road rage.

Social media also comes in for criticism for encouraging anger.   I recently read that Twitter has often been called the angriest place on the internet!   And most people don’t seem to be happy with their governance, the cost of living and life in general.  That many are unhappy with their government is understandable, but if we are not careful, it can grow into uncontrolled anger.   And when anger is allowed to fester, it can lead to rage and murder!

It is a trait that will be seen increasing as we draw near the time of Jesus Christ’s return to this earth.  In fact, in Revelation 11:18, we read: “The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth.”  Plus, Satan and his demons are at work because they know their time is short as we read in Revelation 12:12: “Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”

In James 1:19-20, we read an instructive piece which we had better implement for our own good: “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

How many of us can truly put our hand up and say that we have never become aggressive and angry?  My hand is certainly not raised and I suspect strongly that any Church member reading this will find themselves in the same position.   However, in what is an increasingly angry society, we read in Proverbs 29:11 that “A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.”

In Ecclesiastes 7:9, we find further wisdom: “Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools.”

We should do everything we can to follow biblical advice so that we don’t become like the world. Rather, we must ensure that we will be in that soon-coming Kingdom of God.

By Norbert Link

We begin with articles describing the horrible state of affairs in a once democratic USA, showing the fulfillment of biblical prophecy that America “has fallen,” and continue with Germany’s and Europe’s fear of Russian invasion and occupation –which WILL occur in the future, according to the Holy Scriptures.

We focus on the “deal” between Trump and Iran which does not seem to solve any of the reasons given by Trump for his unprovoked war; and as a consequence, the overwhelming rejection of this deal by Israelis and others.

Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Trump’s Lost Iran War – an Epic Disaster.”

America the Unfree

The Rutherford Institute wrote on June 10, 2026

“America has become an occupied nation. Not by one invading army, but by many occupying powers: the police state, the surveillance state, the war state, the corporate state, the foreign influence machine, and a ruling class that treats the American people as little more than collateral damage in its pursuit of power, profit and control. We have been policed, surveilled, taxed, indebted, manipulated, censored, tracked, searched, silenced and sold out. Foreign powers are buying up our farmland, buying favor with the Trump family…  dictating national policy…

“The swamp under President Trump has taken on a decidedly foreign flavor: any nation with enough money, leverage or strategic value to enrich the Trump family can now get its hands on a piece of the American pie—all the while, the American people continue to struggle to survive Trump’s self-enrichment schemes, broken promises, endless wars, militarized streets and vanity projects…

“That is how far we have fallen… we now have a Congress that hides government power inside thousand-page defense bills, intelligence authorizations, classified annexes and emergency spending packages. From founders who warned against foreign influence, we now have rulers who auction off access to foreign governments, foreign donors, foreign wars and foreign intelligence interests…”

The USA is controlled and to a large extent owned by foreigners, as the Bible predicted. America has “fallen,” and it will continue to do so.

Ice-Cold ICE Agents

The Mirror wrote on June 12:

“Two parents were arrested by ICE agents during a preschool graduation ceremony in Maryland, as multiple children cried through the arrest… Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson… said the arrested individuals had their children in the backseat, who screamed as their parents were ‘ripped from the car.’

“Ferguson said ‘heroic educators’ brought the children inside as the arrests unfolded ‘to try to protect them from these unbelievable and out-of-control federal agents.’ He added that the agents quickly left after taking the parents into custody…. Last month, the City of Baltimore signed an emergency bill prohibiting federal agents from operating and conducting arrests in ‘sensitive locations like public schools.’..

“Mayor Brandon Scott… called it a ‘disturbing incident’ and said, ‘Let me reiterate, this type of enforcement is not welcome in Baltimore… The presence of ICE has not made our city any safer, and in fact has led to greater fear and anxiety, especially for our immigrant neighbors… Schools are places where children should feel safe, where parents should be able to drop off their kids without fear, and where educators should be able to focus on teaching, not where federal agents carry out immigration enforcement actions in front of children.’”

This Gestapo-like conduct of ICE agents is deplorable. God does most certainly not bless a country, calling itself “Christian,” which engages in such despicable behavior.

India Wants German Submarines

Deutsche Welle wrote on June 13:

“A multibillion-dollar submarine deal between India and Germany reflects New Delhi’s push for military self-reliance — and Berlin’s growing interest in the Indo-Pacific. India is moving to strengthen its navy with a new generation of submarines designed in Germany and to be built in India. The deal, worth around $8 billion (€7 billion), is expected to be signed this summer, according to the German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.

“The deal comes as… submarines [are] playing a central role. China’s growing naval reach and Pakistan’s deepening military ties with Beijing are sharpening India’s sense of urgency…. The submarines in question are German-designed Type 214 boats, built by Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, or TKMS…

“[Their] technology [of air-independent propulsion (AIP)] allows them to stay underwater much longer than other conventional submarines — making them harder to detect and better suited for patrols in crowded waters… In a US‑led naval exercise in 2005, a small Swedish AIP submarine slipped through heavy defenses and scored simulated hits on a US aircraft carrier — twice. That seems to be exactly the kind of capability India wants as it modernizes its fleet.”

Later on, India, as part of the Kings of the East, will use these submarines against Germany and Europe.

Putin Is Preparing For War With Europe

Daily Mail wrote on June 12:

“Fears are mounting that Vladimir Putin is preparing for a wider war with Europe… Satellite images have exposed the expansion of dozens of military bases along Russia’s borders with Nato countries. The evidence – released by Denmark’s national broadcaster in cooperation with intelligence services – shows a flurry of construction work has been taking place. New barracks, warehouses and military vehicles have been added over the past two years…

“Intelligence assessments suggest Russia’s Murmansk region, near Finland and Norway, could now accommodate up to 17,000 additional troops within striking distance of neighbouring countries… Another military site near the Estonian border has also amassed significant numbers of vehicles, according to the images. The expansion comes amid wider concerns over Russia’s growing hostility towards the Western alliance.

“The Ministry of Defence has warned Downing Street that Russian aggression towards Nato is now at record levels. Russian jets and drones are said to have violated Nato airspace more last month than at any other point this year, while the total number of incidents in 2026 has already surpassed the whole of 2025…

“Former British military intelligence officer Philip Ingram told The Sun… that Russia was creating the conditions to rapidly rearm and deploy forces towards Nato’s borders once the war in Ukraine eventually comes to an end… Danish Defence Academy analyst Anders Puck Nielsen warned that Russia sees a future confrontation with Europe as increasingly likely… Recent incidents have included Russian submarines being tracked near British undersea cables in the North Atlantic…”

According to the Bible, such a confrontation will occur; in fact, Russia, as part of the Kings of the East, will destroy Europe. Note the next article.

“Germany Must Prepare For War With Russia”

NewsFire wrote on June 11:

“Lieutenant General Christian Freuding, who assumed leadership of the German army in October 2025, stated that Russia is reconstituting its armed forces at a pace that exceeds the requirements of its war in Ukraine…

“German and allied Western intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia may possess the capability to launch a major assault on NATO territory by 2029. Freuding has previously characterized this timeline as arriving almost immediately…

“Moscow has dismissed claims it intends to attack NATO as fabrications, charging Western governments with manufacturing threats to legitimize increased military budgets.”

Of course, Russia denies any ambitions like that. So, Europe feels “compelled” to respond militarily; but it will lead to Europe’s downfall. America’s conduct in this regard will only exacerbate the situation, as the next article shows.

Europe’s Nuclear Expansion

Uncutnews wrote on June 2:

“According to a Financial Times report, the United States is currently considering extending the NATO nuclear sharing system to additional member states. Specifically, this involves… combat aircraft capable of deploying both conventional weapons and US nuclear bombs…

“Poland has repeatedly signaled its readiness to assume a more active role in nuclear sharing. Other Eastern European NATO states are also pushing for a stronger US military presence…

“One fact is particularly noteworthy: Should a direct military confrontation between Russia and NATO ever occur, the hostilities would not take place on American soil. The targets would be in Europe. The presence of American nuclear weapons at European military bases automatically turns these locations into potential targets in the event of a crisis. The further the system is extended eastward, the greater the risk for the countries involved. Washington supplies the weapons—Europe bears the consequences…

“The history of the Cold War demonstrates how quickly misunderstandings, miscalculations, or technical errors can bring the world to the brink of catastrophe. Expanding nuclear capabilities along Russia’s borders may be viewed by strategists as a sign of strength. For many Europeans, however, it likely represents something else entirely: another step toward a more dangerous and unstable future.”

According to the Bible, this unstable future begins with a NUCLEAR European attack on the USA and the UK, resulting in their total destruction, followed by a NUCLEAR war between Russia and Europe.

Britain in Trouble

The Daily Mail wrote on June 14:

“The [afore-mentioned Russian] activity will heighten pressure on Keir Starmer to resolve months of bitter internal wrangling over funding, which triggered the dramatic resignation of Defence Secretary John Healey yesterday…

“Sir Keir has now promoted security minister Dan Jarvis to fill the key Cabinet post, but the Defence Investment Plan remains unfinished. It is meant to lay out how the Government will fill a £28billion shortfall in budgets over the next four years, but it has emerged the Treasury is only offering £10billion of extra funding…”

The UK will be in no position to defend itself against continental Europe.

Putin Calls Trump

Newsmax wrote on June 14:

“Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone Saturday with President Donald Trump to wish him a happy 80th birthday, using the occasion to discuss major international issues, including the war in Ukraine, tensions involving Iran and the future of U.S.-Russia relations. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov…  said Trump was particularly appreciative of the gesture because Putin was the first foreign leader to call and congratulate him on his birthday…

“Analysts also note that if diplomatic progress with Iran leads to adjustments in sanctions regimes or energy markets, Moscow could benefit from improved conditions for oil exports and greater flexibility in global energy trade… According to Ushakov, Trump argued that ending the [Ukraine] war quickly would open the door to a new era in relations between Washington and Moscow… The Kremlin also announced that Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner are expected to return to Russia in the near future for additional discussions…”

Putin knows how to play his cards, while Trump reacts naively when flattered. However, during the G7 meeting, Trump said that Putin should end the war. Some felt that this was a sign that he was turning against Putin. We don’t think so.

From Pharaoh to Erdogan

Israel Today wrote on June 11:

“It is one of the most astonishing phenomena in world history. Few peoples are as small as the Jewish people. Few states are as tiny as Israel. And yet great powers, empires, kings, caliphs, popes, dictators, and presidents have occupied themselves again and again for thousands of years with the same land and the same people. From the pharaohs of Egypt to Haman in Persia, Antiochus, the Romans, the Inquisition, the pogroms of Europe, Hitler, the Soviet Union, and the ayatollahs in Tehran — the same claim resurfaces time and again: that the Jews are a danger [Regarding Pharaoh, the claim was not just directed at the Jews, but at all the tribes of Israel]. That Israel is a danger. That the Jewish state threatens peace, order, or even humanity itself.

“Today we hear similar words once more. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declares that Israel is ‘a threat to all of humanity.’ The Iranian leadership has described Israel for decades as an enemy of the peoples. Ali Khamenei referred to Israel over the years as a ‘cancerous tumor’ and a ‘rabid dog,’ and declared on multiple occasions that Israel must disappear…”

Erdogan is a hateful arch-enemy of Israel, and the Bible predicts some awful conduct by Turkey towards Israel.

More Israeli Control Over Al Aqsa?

MEE (Middle East Eye) wrote on June 4:

“Israeli authorities are seeking to recruit ultranationalists and settlers into police units deployed at Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, according to a report by Haaretz… According to Haaretz, rabbis associated with Temple Mount movements – groups that organise regular incursions into Al-Aqsa and advocate for its destruction – have encouraged their followers to enlist…

“Many Israeli groups advocate the destruction of Al-Aqsa Mosque to build a third temple in its place.”

However, it will happen, a third temple will be built on the Temple Mount prior to Christ’s Return.

Israel Not on Board

The Guardian wrote on June 14:

“Earlier on Sunday, the Israeli military launched strikes on Beirut… Iran’s highest national security body warned later that a response was ‘imminent’… In an earlier Truth Social post, Trump criticized the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, for launching the attack as Washington and Tehran were in the midst of negotiating the deal.

“‘Why did Bibi [Netanyahu] have to do a f… attack?’ Trump told Axios. ‘I was so p… off. I let him know. He has no f… judgement. I let him know that.’ Trump added that he asked Iran not to respond against the Israeli strikes.”

Deal Reached… So They Say!

The Associated Press wrote on June 14:

“The United States and Iran have reached an agreement to end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz… Key mediator Pakistan said the signing will be Friday in Switzerland. Key issues like Iran’s nuclear program are expected to be addressed [over the next 60 days]. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed a deal had been reached and said he had authorized an end to the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz [but see the articles below]…

“Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, confirmed the agreement on state television but said Iran would not start implementing it until it was signed on Friday… Iranian state TV showed a banner asserting: ‘US was forced to sign an agreement to end the war.’…

“‘Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon,’ Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said…

“The deal likely returns the region to a status that existed before the war, but with thousands of people dead and Iran wielding a new source of negotiating pressure with its ability to influence shipping in the strait…

“Of the stated targets by the U.S. and Israel when they launched the war on Feb. 28 with strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Tehran still has a missile program, support for armed proxies in the region like Hezbollah and a stockpile of highly enriched uranium for its nuclear program…

“The emerging deal had been sharply criticized by Israel’s government [see articles below] and by critics in Trump’s own Republican Party. Some said it did not improve on the terms of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal that Trump withdrew the U.S. from during his first term and still describes as ‘bad.’…

“The central question of Iran’s nuclear program remains… Iran has 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium that is enriched up to 60% purity, a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90%, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. Iran has long maintained its nuclear program is peaceful...”

Trump’s declaration that Iran has agreed not to build a nuclear weapon would be meaningless, in any event, as Iran had pronounced that position long before the war started, claiming that its nuclear program was “peaceful,” which is of course highly doubtful.

The fact that the issue of Iran’s nuclear program has not been resolved is confirmed by the following articles as well.  

Fate of Iran’s Nuclear Program Unresolved

The Guardian wrote on June 14:

“By any assessment, the fate of the Iran’s nuclear program – a key rationale given by Trump for the war on Iran – has not been resolved in the latest agreement. The president repeated on Sunday his promise that ‘Iran will never have a nuclear weapon’ but senior Pakistani officials told the Associated Press that nuclear talks would continue over the next 60 days…”

Another unresolved question is the Strait of Hormuz, as the following articles show.

What About the Strait of Hormuz?

Daily Mail wrote on June 14:

”Trump told the New York Times in an interview on Sunday that the agreement with Iran would make the Strait ‘permanently toll free’ and that negotiations to reach a final nuclear accord would begin Friday in Switzerland.  If those details couldn’t be worked out, Trump threatened to resume attacking Iran or make the US ‘the guardian of the Middle East,’ in return for 20 percent of the region’s revenues, the Times said.”

In light of Trump’s ever-changing promises and declarations, the following article is quite revealing:

Iran’s Last Minute Changes

The Daily Mail wrote on June 15:

“Iran has said it will continue to charge fees for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz after a ‘last-minute’ amendment to its ceasefire deal with the US. Over the next 60 days, Tehran will guarantee free passage through the strait, but after the ceasefire extension period is over, ships will be required to pay tolls to cover security, navigation, environmental and insurance services.

“The eleventh-hour change comes despite US President Donald Trump stating the vital waterway, set to reopen on Friday, would remain ‘permanently toll-free’.”

Trump subsequently stated he was not surprised by about Iran’s position regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump’s declared goal of Iran’s regime change has not been reached, and now Trump even falsely claims that he never advocated regime change.

Disagreement on Lebanon

Daily Mail wrote on June 16:

“Donald Trump unleashed a new tirade at Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday as he said that Israel would have ‘been blown up a long time ago’ if he hadn’t intervened… The US President told reporters at the G7 summit in France that Israel’s war with Hezbollah has gone on too long as he urged Mr Netanyahu to be ‘more responsible’ in Lebanon…

“However it appeared that Mr Netanyahu was not heeding the US President’s calls as the Israel Defense Forces confirmed it had undertaken several strikes in Lebanon on Tuesday. The strikes came a day after Israel said its forces would not withdraw from southern Lebanon, saying the deal between Washington and Tehran ‘does not bind us in any way’.

“But Tehran repeated its demand that Israel withdraw from Lebanon as part of the secret peace agreement, which is due to be signed on Friday. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Aragchi said: ‘Without the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories they occupied during this war, the termination of the war will not be complete.’”

If both sides stick to their guns, the deal is off.

The Wall Street Journal wrote on June 15:

“President Trump is touting his latest cease-fire deal with Iran as peace in our time, but the world is more likely to see it as a strategic retreat short of achieving his war aims. To reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Mr. Trump is accepting Iran’s promises merely to negotiate over its nuclear program.”

Disagreement in the Trump Administration

The Jerusalem Post wrote on June 16:

“CIA Director John Ratcliffe warned senior American officials that US intelligence agencies had gathered evidence that raises doubts about Iran’s willingness to make concessions regarding its nuclear program…  

“US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth shared Ratcliffe’s concerns and raised questions about the memorandum of understanding during the meetings. Ratcliff and Rubio… said that based on the intelligence, they doubted Iran would agree to the US’s nuclear demands…

“JD Vance and envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, on the other hand, reportedly advocated for the deal… Trump listened to all opinions, but noted that ‘everyone understands he is the final decision-maker’ on the matter.”

Meaning, he will be rightly blamed for a deal which accomplishes nothing.

Trump Failed

On June 16, Michael Posner wrote the following in his newsletter:

“There is no shortage of losers in this diplomatic debacle — America, Israel, Lebanon, the Gulf States, the West in general. But the brave, betrayed Persians are surely the biggest losers. Despite all the bold promises, no one came to liberate them. Despite repeated assurances that help was on the way — that this time, the West was serious about toppling the mullahs — the white knights were a No Show.

“On the contrary…, the Persians have been abandoned. Yet again… for the foreseeable future, the world‘s most evil regime will remain securely in place, and in de facto control of the Straits of Hormuz. They will play that destabilizing card whenever it suits them, especially when Israel is again forced to take on Hezbollah in Lebanon, or Hamas in Gaza, or the Houthis in Yemen…

“The enriched uranium… will stay in Iran. Assurances to Trump notwithstanding, the chance that the IRGC won’t immediately press the restart button on building the bomb is zero. The factories that manufacture ballistic missiles arsenals… [are] being rebuilt as we speak, providing the future shield for Iran’s nuclear program.

“The billions of dollars in sanctioned and frozen Iranian bank assets… will be gradually released… finance[ing] proxy militias in Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Gaza…

“Donald Trump blinked… Too eager to make a deal — any deal… Trump capitulated… America has been humiliated, exposed as a paper tiger…

“Donald Trump… never took the time to justify the war to Americans, to explain exactly why the Islamic Republic is a greater threat to Western civilization than Russia or even China… The fighting spirit is no longer there….

“The war has also driven a spike through the heart of the relationship between Washington and Jerusalem… Growing Republican and Democratic factions are seeking to distance themselves from Israel…”

Sadly, what the article expresses is so true.

“A Serious Strategic Mistake”

Die Welt wrote on June 16:

“Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah, has spoken out against any agreement with Iran that leaves the current leadership in Tehran in power. ‘An agreement with this regime will fail, and we will all have to bear the consequences,’ Pahlavi stated on online platforms on Tuesday. After the regime killed 40,000 Iranians, an agreement would be ‘not only morally unacceptable but also a serious strategic mistake,’ he declared on X. ‘The Iranian people will not accept it.’

“Tehran would never ‘make a genuine peace,’ just as the government had ‘never made peace with its own citizens,’ the 65-year-old explained.”

We agree with Reza Pahlavi.

Superpower Suicide

On June 16, Focus wrote:

“The world is noting with great astonishment that the superpower USA, despite its overwhelming military strength and presence in the Gulf region, is being forced to negotiate with Iran merely on a return to the pre-war status quo in the Strait of Hormuz…. This is a slap in the face for the USA as a global superpower and undermines its status as a guarantor of freedom of navigation. ‘The Iran conflict has left the USA in a weaker position than at the start of the conflict,’ says Rebecca Lissner, a senior fellow at the US think tank Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)….

“‘While the Iran conflict demonstrated the extraordinary military strength of the USA, it simultaneously revealed its inability to translate that strength into anything even remotely resembling a strategic victory over Iran.’… US foreign policy under Trump amounts to ‘superpower suicide’…”

America is indeed committing national suicide.

Mark Levin Rebukes Trump

The Jerusalem Post wrote on June 16:

“Fox News’ major MAGA ally Mark Levin slammed US President Donald Trump over the Iran war peace deal… Levin on X wrote: ‘I have asked for days, why can’t we, the people, see the d… MOU [Memorandum of Understanding]? Not through people briefed by an anonymous person. Honestly, I’ve never seen anything like this. If it is a great outcome for peace, then release it… if you want people to stop speculating about the MOU, release the MOU. Don’t brief a few anointed ones to control the narrative and expect everyone else to sit silently. That’s not how our country works. It’s going to be signed soon. It takes time for people to digest it all once it is released…’

“Levin, a pro-Israel hawk, also slammed the president for lashing out at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Israel attacked Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. ‘In a period of two-months, Israel has gone from a great ally and partner in war, fighting by our side against a horrible enemy that has killed thousands of our people, killed tens of thousands of their own people, and was a dire nuclear threat intent on attacking us, to Israeli PM Netanyahu being a difficult person who should be thanking us for saving his country from Iran and should get our permission if he wants to defend his people from Hezbollah and Iran, and stand down when his country is attacked,’ Levin wrote.”

Trump should think twice when even his most loyal supporters are openly disagreeing with him. An alleged text of the MOU was leaked, but it does not include some of the provisions referred to earlier in the press. Even though, note the next article.

The Sun wrote on June 17:

“Trump reminded world leaders at the G7 summit in France that the memorandum was not complete yet. He said: ‘It’s a memorandum of understanding. And if I don’t like it, we’ll go back to shooting at them, dropping bombs on their head. If I don’t like it, if they don’t behave, we’ll go right back to dropping bombs right smack in the middle of their head, OK?’”

Israel Disappointed

The Jerusalem Post wrote on June 15:

“This morning, senior Israeli officials are left feeling frustrated. There is deep criticism of the US administration and growing concern that a war that began with the stated goal of toppling the Iranian regime may end, at least for now, with that regime intact, stable, and once again benefiting from a flow of financial resources. ‘Help is on the way,’ Netanyahu and Trump told the Iranian people at the outset of the conflict. Yet for the moment, the Iranian public remains on the sidelines. The Ayatollah regime emerges from the war alive, breathing, and still firmly in power…

“National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said in an X/Twitter post that Israel is not bound to US President Donald Trump’s US-Iran ceasefire agreement…  ‘Israel is not subject to the United States, and we are an independent and sovereign nation,’ he said…

“Other Israeli officials took to X on Monday morning to state their positions, including Yair Golan, leader of The Democrats, who criticized Netanyahu for capitulating to a deal he deemed unsatisfactory… ‘Trump signs an agreement that funnels billions to the Ayatollahs’ regime, leaves the nuclear infrastructure intact, preserves the ballistic threat as is, and throws a lifeline to the murderous regime in Tehran,’ he said in harsh criticism of the agreement…

“Benny Gantz, leader of the Blue and White party, said ‘… it is forbidden to agree to restrict Israel’s freedom of action in Lebanon or to a withdrawal that endangers the residents of the north… The emerging agreement with Iran appears to be a strategic failure…’

“Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also posted on X, saying, ‘The agreement with Iran is bad for Israel and for the entire free world. Period.’ He also implied that Israel will have to continue to carry out the war against Iran itself in order to ensure that Iran does not achieve nuclear weapons.’

Netanyahu and Trump Face Broad Disapproval

The Washington Post added on June 15:

“Caught between Trump’s public browbeating and broad discontent at home, Netanyahu faces a challenge like never before over how to navigate the next two months… The mounting pressure on Netanyahu from across the Israeli political spectrum and the Israeli military establishment could place the conflict in Lebanon — and the broader U.S.-Iran peace talks — on a hair trigger and deepen a public split between Israel and the United States that is unlike anything seen in recent years…

“Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israeli troops will stay ‘indefinitely’ in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip…

“In the end, it was those who are close to Netanyahu who lashed out with a bitterness and sense of betrayal rarely seen directed by Israelis toward Trump. In a stunning social media tirade early Monday, Yinon Magal, a former lawmaker and anchor on Channel 14 television who is often described as Netanyahu’s most prominent mouthpiece, lashed out at Trump as a ‘loser,’ Vance as a ‘lowlife,’ and Trump’s special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff as ‘two little Jews … whom Qatar bought for a lot of money and who sold out their brothers in Israel.’

“Amit Segal, another influential right-wing television analyst close to the prime minister, simply offered a quote attributed to Henry Kissinger, per William F. Buckley Jr.: ‘It may be dangerous to be America’s enemy, but to be America’s friend is fatal.’”

Trump might have lost Israel as America’s closest ally…which the Bible also prophesied to happen.

Another U-Turn

Daily Mail wrote on June 17:

“In a stunning departure from decades of established US foreign policy, President Donald Trump revealed that a forthcoming peace agreement with Iran will likely allow the regime to retain its conventional ballistic missiles. Standing before reporters at the G7 meeting in France, the President argued that a complete ban is unrealistic because ‘they got to have some.’ ‘What am I going to do? Am I going to let Saudi Arabia have missiles, but they can’t have them?’ Trump said during the briefing. ‘Missiles aren’t the problem. They hurt a little location, but they don’t blow up the planet.’…

“For months, Rubio centered his argument for military action against Iran on the necessity of neutralizing the nation’s missile capabilities. He labeled the regime’s unwillingness to negotiate regarding its arsenal a ‘big problem’ and an ‘unsustainable threat,’ asserting that Tehran maintained weaponry ‘solely designed to attack America and attack Americans.’

“For generations, every American administration has maintained a strict ‘red line’ against Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities…. Trump broke not only with his predecessors but with his own historical stance by conceding that Iran would likely retain a missile arsenal. His sudden concession that Iran ‘has to have’ them isn’t just a break from establishment bipartisan policy; it’s a U-turn on his own first-term record.”

This is truly irresponsible.

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.

In this final part of this series, we will conclude with a number of further false assumptions that can be made that, when reviewed correctly, will shine a different light on these matters.

FALSE ASSUMPTION No.13

Another false assumption is that the rejection of God’s rule and preferring a human king or ruler guarantees that things will get better.

It is interesting to read in 1 Samuel 8 that Israel demanded a king. In verses 5-8, we read:

“Now it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel. The name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice. Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, and said to him, ‘Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.’”

Samuel was getting older and his sons did not walk in the ways of God.  Here, the Israelites mistakenly believed that having a king would make them stronger than relying on God.  This is also the prevailing view today.  Politicians are elected usually with great rejoicing, only to fail and their replacements go through the same cycle.  To rely on God and follow His ways does not enter their minds, nor does it enter the minds of those who vote for them. As is the case today, what the Israelites did was to reject God’s rule over them.

Samuel was told by God to heed the voice of the people (verse 7) but they were warned about what would happen by God’s servant in the rest of the chapter. They refused to obey his voice, and the rest, as they say, is history!

God chose Saul as king, but he did not remain faithful to God.  On the collector.com website, we read: 

“King Saul was the first king of Israel and, unfortunately, also the first to show that God’s warnings against a monarch in Israel were justified.

“King Saul was the first king of Israel, appointed by the prophet Samuel. Israel insisted on being like surrounding nations by having a monarch. Though he was physically strong and attractive, he was from the least of the tribes of Israel. Initially, he was a humble and spiritual man, but during his reign, he became jealous, arrogant, and progressively more disobedient to God. Many years passed between the time God informed Saul that he would lose his kingship and when he ended his own life.”

Many think today that in voting for a political leader, they are fulfilling God’s Will. Nothing could be further from the Truth. In fact, when they do this, they act like ancient Israel did, in rejecting God’s rule over them. 

The people made the false assumption that a king was the answer, mistakenly believing that having a king would make them stronger than relying on God. 

It did not!

FALSE ASSUMPTION No.14

Interestingly, the prophet Samuel was also guilty of making a false assumption.   Saul was rejected as king, as we read in 1 Samuel 15:22-23: “So Samuel said: ‘Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king.’”

In the following chapter, Samuel was sent by God to Bethlehem, as we read in 1 Samuel 16:1:

“Now the LORD said to Samuel, ‘How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.’” The elders of the town trembled at his coming and following God’s instruction, he said that he had come to sacrifice. This was true, but it was not the only or even the main reason. God had sent him to anoint the next king. But Samuel did not lie when he did not mention this. One does not have to say everything one knows, but what one does say must be true. 

We read further in verses 5-7:

^“And he said, ‘Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.’ Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons, and invited them to the sacrifice. So it was, when they came, that he looked at Eliab and said, ‘Surely the LORD’s anointed is before Him!’ But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’”  

Samuel looked at the outward appearance but God looked at the heart and Eliab, and the rest of the sons of Jesse were rejected, except for David, who was keeping the sheep. He was the chosen one, as we know, and even Samuel the prophet made a false assumption in thinking, initially, that Eliab might be the one.

As we read in Isaiah 55:8-9: “‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,’ says the LORD. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.’”

Again we see that even Samuel the prophet made a false assumption. One has to be careful not to judge a person or a matter according to the outward appearance. (John 7:24).

FALSE ASSUMPTION No.15

We can make false assumptions by thinking that socialism or communism (Marxism) is the solution to our problems. 

We recently covered Acts 2:44-45 in a Q&A asking if this was a biblical example of socialism.  https://www.eternalgod.org/isnt-acts-244-45-a-biblical-example-of-socialism/ There have been those who may have used this as an example of communism/socialism. However, this passage describes a temporary situation that arose after the extraordinary events on the day of Pentecost, and no other examples exist in the New Testament which might be used to suggest that socialism is a system which God upholds. In fact, no human system is righteous, but compared with all other existing systems, democracy has been described as the least of all evils. But it cannot solve our problems either. Only Christ’s righteous rule on this earth will bring lasting peace, prosperity and equality for all. 

But it is certainly one matter that can mislead those who carelessly read this account in Acts 2:44-45 and make false assumptions.

FURTHER FALSE ASSUMPTIONS

The Topical Encyclopedia states that “in the biblical narrative, assumptions often lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and spiritual pitfalls. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the dangers of making assumptions without seeking divine guidance or understanding the full context.”

They also give further examples of making false assumptions which are very well worth reviewing.

Old Testament Examples

“1. Joshua and the Gibeonites: In Joshua 9, the Israelites are deceived by the Gibeonites, who pretend to be from a distant land. Joshua and the leaders of Israel assume their account is true and make a covenant with them without seeking the LORD’s counsel. ‘So the men examined their provisions and did not consult the LORD” (Joshua 9:14). This assumption leads to an alliance that was contrary to God’s command.

“2. Eli and Hannah: In 1 Samuel 1, Eli the priest sees Hannah praying silently and assumes she is drunk. ‘How long will you be drunk?’ he said. ‘Put away your wine!’ (1 Samuel 1:14). Eli’s assumption is incorrect, as Hannah is deeply distressed and praying earnestly to the LORD. This incident underscores the danger of judging based on appearances.

New Testament Examples

“1. Jesus and the Pharisees: The Pharisees often make assumptions about Jesus, questioning His authority and actions. In Matthew 12:24, they assume that Jesus casts out demons by the power of Beelzebub. Jesus refutes their assumption, explaining that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand (Matthew 12:25-26).

“2. Peter and the Gentiles: In Acts 10, Peter initially assumes that associating with Gentiles is unlawful. However, God reveals to him through a vision that he should not call any person impure or unclean. ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean’ (Acts 10:15). This assumption is corrected by divine revelation, leading to the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Church.

“3. Paul and the Corinthians: In 1 Corinthians 4:5, Paul warns against making premature judgments. ‘Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes’  (1 Corinthians 4:5). Paul cautions the Corinthians against assuming they fully understand God’s purposes or the motives of others.”

The Topical Encyclopedia then goes on to give some theological insights and practical applications as follows:

“The Bible teaches that assumptions can lead to false judgments and hinder spiritual growth. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises believers to trust in the LORD and not lean on their own understanding. ‘Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight’… This passage encourages seeking God’s wisdom rather than relying on human assumptions.

“James 1:19-20 further instructs believers to be ‘quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger’…, emphasizing the importance of understanding before forming conclusions. Assumptions often arise from a lack of listening and a rush to judgment.

“Practical Applications:

“Believers are called to exercise discernment and humility, recognizing the limitations of human understanding. Prayer and seeking God’s guidance are essential in avoiding the pitfalls of assumptions. By relying on the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of Scripture, Christians can navigate complex situations with grace and truth.

“In relationships, assumptions can lead to conflict and division. Ephesians 4:2-3 encourages believers to ‘be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love’… This attitude fosters unity and understanding, counteracting the negative effects of assumptions.

“Ultimately, the dangers of assumptions remind believers of the need for reliance on God, careful listening, and a commitment to truth.”

We should also take note of the false assumption that the Bible contains “hate speech.” 

Dated January 31, 2024 and taken from the website “The Voice of the Martyrs,” we read:

“Lawsuits in the Western world have challenged the Bible as hate speech for decades. In 2013, a lawsuit attempted to show that Bible verses commonly understood to forbid homosexual relationships were, in fact, hate speech. The lawsuit failed as have most attempts to legally classify Scripture in hate speech in the West…”

However, we see that the movement towards attacking the Bible by demeaning and mischaracterizing its commands as “hate speech” is growing. 

It is interesting that the Bible, the written Word of God, is accused of hate speech because it condemns unnatural sexual behaviour. That behavioral condemnation has been there for thousands of years in the Word of God and then the particularly aggressive LGBT+ group expect the Truth to now be condemned because of their current lifestyle.  The Bible contains condemnation of ALL non-godly types of behavior and stands firm because it is the instruction from the One who created all things and who knows best.

One other area that we need to be keenly aware of is that, after receiving a prayer request and not hearing anything further, all must be well.   Perhaps it is, but perhaps it may not be.  We can often say that no news is good news.   But that is making an assumption which could be a false one.  It is much better to ask and ascertain the facts, than jumping to a conclusion.

CONCLUSION

We must be aware of false assumptions which can lead to further problems and difficulties including the law of unintended consequences.   This is particularly important when it comes to biblical understanding and spiritual matters.   One error can lead to another which can become a real problem.   It is best not to make false assumptions in the first place because the consequences can lead us off the path towards the Kingdom of God.

Also, making some false assumptions without really knowing the full facts can diminish what God has done and the mighty miracles that are beyond the understanding of man.

It has been remarked before that the word assume is made up of (humorously) ass, u/me – making asses of us if we assume any matter without being aware of the facts!   Humorous, but having a great deal of Truth in it.

If we are making an assumption, or assumptions about someone else, while ignoring our own condition and mistakes, we may be doing them and us a disservice! It could lead to judging others and justifying our own wrong behavior which we are told not to do in Matthew 7:3-5: 

“And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

This last scriptural reference above is a key to us removing any hypocrisy that we have been guilty of, and to avoid making false assumptions which are not helpful as we strive to be accounted worthy to be born-again members of the Family of God at the return of Jesus Christ.

Lead Writers: Brian Gale and Norbert Link

Compiled by Norbert Link

“Trump’s Lost Iran War – an Epic Disaster” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

A memorandum of understanding was signed by America and Iran. But key issues are still to be discussed for the next 60 days, if not longer. Trump’s and Netanyahu’s attacks on Iran were officially named “Operation Epic Fury”. Many critics called it “Operation Epic Disaster”. Were they right? Did America win this war? This program shows that Trump is the big loser.

“Trumps verlorener Iran Krieg – eine epische Katastrophe“ is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topic as described above.

Frank Bruno’s sermonette, titled “Honor The Father,”  has been posted.

Here is a summary:

In this world, we are flooded with messages, ads, and human-centered holidays. With the “Hallmark Father’s Day” holiday observed on Sunday, June 21^st, it is a good time to present a refresher for a subject we should know well as true Christians: How we are to honor our Creator, our Father in heaven. We will consider several Scriptures and key points in this sermonette that can get us back on or keep us on track to demonstrate our love for the Father and Jesus Christ.

Eric Rank’s sermon, titled, “The Simplicity In Christ”, has been posted.

Here is a summary:

So much of the world is confused about what Christianity is. Biases, assumptions, and fallacies hide the simple Truth that Jesus Christ brought to the world through His ministry. We will reveal the magnificent and beautiful plan of God contained in the Bible to break down the confusion that gets in the way of understanding Christ. 

Our latest promo video has been posted, featuring our booklet “Human Suffering, Why…and How Much Longer?”

Robert Muhr’s German sermonette from last Sabbath has been posted. It was titled:  “Unseren Goliath besiegen‘. (Title in English: “Conquering our Goliath.“)