Update 1175

On September 6, 2025, Norbert Link will present the sermonette, titled, “Comments on News and Prophecy, September 6, 2025,” and the sermon, titled, “God’s Warning to True and False Christians.”

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.

An abundance of options prevails in our lives. To my wife and me, simply choosing something to watch from a streaming video service on Saturday night after the Sabbath has become a chore! I remember when watching something on TV was limited to about half a dozen channels broadcast over the air, and even further limited by the scheduled programming of those stations.  Certainly, we had less to choose from, but it made the process of deciding a whole lot simpler.

“The Paradox of Choice” is the title of a book, published by author Barry Schwartz in 2004. In this book, Schwartz explains how having a multitude of choices in the modern world counterintuitively causes people to be less happy with their decisions. Having too many options turns out to make people less likely to feel that they have made the best decision. Yet still, people gravitate towards shaping their circumstances, so they have the greatest possible set of options to choose from. Ironically, this only works against their best interests. Maybe you can relate.

Adam and Eve began by making a choice that set the course for humankind in the way that many of their descendants would make wrong decisions. They chose the way of worldly wisdom, which is not satisfied with the simplicity of godly wisdom. After eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, their eyes were opened to a multitude of options. The vast majority of those options lead humankind towards the satisfaction of carnal desires, but further and further away from the true joy that comes from turning to God instead.

The book referenced above was written in the past 20 years, being acclaimed for its novel findings about the abundance of choice leading to a life of dissatisfaction. But the Bible revealed this problem thousands of years ago. God warned Adam and Eve that following the path of worldly wisdom, symbolized by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, would result in death (compare Genesis 2:17) and suffering (compare Genesis 3:16-19). The way of life Adam and Eve chose brought about the current state of the world. And so, today we have choices that interminably grow in number. But they will never lead us to find true fulfillment.

Fortunately, there is a better way. And it does not (necessarily) require canceling subscriptions or living off the grid. God’s Holy Spirit gives us the opportunity to choose differently. The options in life that the world offers will only provide worldly experiences. But God, through His Holy Spirit, helps us to understand that the path to a life of truly deep satisfaction is to simply obey God and love the way of life He provides. The abundance of choices available in our lives will continue to be there, but in a life dedicated to God they do not matter. They cannot provide the kind of satisfaction that a life guided by godly wisdom does.

Solomon had tremendous abundance in his life. He had so much wealth that he could have whatever he wanted that money could buy. Yet, it did not give him the satisfaction he sought. It was all a vain pursuit (compare Ecclesiastes 2:9-11). He experienced the paradox of choice as we do today. In his wisdom, he understood the solution to the paradox. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). The simple secret to living a satisfied life is to obey God.

We understand that our joy comes from refusing to participate in the paradox of choice. Simplifying our lives by reducing our options might make it easier to choose a movie to watch, but it may not guide us to abound in the Spirit. The true happiness that God provides comes from putting the power of the Holy Spirit to work, giving us godly discernment to judge righteously. Satisfaction comes from a life well-lived, choosing the path that leads to life resulting from godly obedience and wisdom.

by Norbert Link

We begin with developments pertaining to the Middle East—especially the “two-state solution”, Israel and Gaza, and plans to build the Third Temple—report on further revelations about the Minnesota murders (see our StandingWatch program, Demons Rule This World!); and continue with Trump’s unconstitutional actions towards states, stupid raids and a court decision by an Appeals Court ruling that many of his tariffs are illegal (subject, of course, to a future decision by the US Supreme Court).

We talk about further investigations in the Epstein case; J.D. Vance’s ridiculous accusations against Germany; and the conclusion by a leading Ukrainian commentator that Trump cannot and will not end the Russia-Ukraine war. 

We speak about a meeting between China, Russia, North Korea, India, Iran and other countries; the Wagner group in Africa; and the danger of “mirror life.” 

We conclude with a “strange series of deaths among German AfD candidates” and the expectation of a soon-coming civil war in Europe. 

Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Crazy Science and the End of the World.”

Throughout this section, we have underlined pertinent statements in the quoted articles, for the convenience and quick overview of the reader.  

Shameful European Conduct Towards Israel 

Israel Today wrote on August 29: 

“British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s July 25 statement regarding the recognition of a Palestine state was ‘shameful,’ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during a recent interview… Asked… whether recognition of a Palestine state would ‘encourage Hamas to continue their resistance,’ Netanyahu said, ‘Of course, it does…  They commit the greatest savagery against Jews since the Holocaust, and the prime minister of Britain says, “We’ll reward you with a de facto state,”… which is committed openly to repeating the October 7 massacre over and over and over again.’ 

“Western leaders like to repeat that Israel has a right to defend itself, but ‘they recognize Israel’s right to defend itself as long as Israel doesn’t exercise that right,’ Netanyahu said… The capitulation of leaders of the UK, France and others is a product of weak leadership caving in to distorted media, social media manipulation and radical extremist minorities, the Israeli leader said… Describing as ‘shameful’ the way Western leaders in Britain, France, Canada and New Zealand, ‘buckle under,’ Netanyahu added that 80 years after the Holocaust, European leaders want to ‘give a prize for those who would destroy the one and only Jewish state.’… 

“However, Netanyahu acknowledged that Israel is losing the public relations war… He dismissed as a ‘fraud’ the genocide and starvation accusations. He likened the starving children slander to the blood libel during the Middle Ages claiming Jews killed Christian children. ‘If we wanted to commit genocide, we would have done it in one afternoon,’ he said, noting that Israel has the ‘capacity’ to do so… He said Israel had taken unprecedented steps to protect civilians, issuing millions of warnings to residents in areas where the IDF plans to conduct combat operations, while Hamas forces people to stay, shooting those who try to leave…

“Asked what lessons he wants people to take from history, Netanyahu said that the key lesson Jews have drawn from history is to take threats of annihilation seriously and act before it is too late…” 

Still, the world will hate Israel even more and gang up against it. 

Belgium Too 

The Guardian wrote on September 2: 

“Belgium’s foreign minister, Maxime Prévot, has said his country will recognise a Palestinian state at the UN general assembly later this month… 

“The recognition of Palestine would only be formalised if Hamas releases all remaining Israeli hostages kidnapped in the Hamas-led 7 October attack on southern Israel in 2023 and the militant group ‘no longer has any role in managing Palestine,’ Prévot added.”

Hamas and Palestinian Authority Attack Godly Injunctions 

Israel 365 News wrote on August 28: 

“Ha’arun Nasser al-Din, the Hamas official overseeing Jerusalem affairs, issued a warning against Jews visiting the Temple Mount on the upcoming Rosh Hashanah [Feast of Trumpets], claiming they represented a ‘dangerous escalation’ as part of a broader ‘religious war’ targeting Islamic holy sites [what about Jewish holy sites?]. He urged Palestinians in Jerusalem, Israel, Judea, and Samaria to come to Al-Aqsa Mosque, pray there, and remain present at the site in order, he said, ‘not to abandon it to the settlers.’ 

“It should be remembered that the Hamas-led massacre of Israelis on Oct. 7, 2023, was launched to take place on the Jewish holy day of Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah, which falls on the eighth day of Sukkoth [the Last Great Day following the Feast of Tabernacles.] Dubbed the Al-Aqsa Flood, Hamas and Hezbollah claimed the attack was sparked by the arrival of five red heifers in Israel, which they said would lead to the construction of the Third Jewish Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year [according to Jewish calculations of the civil calendar; not the religious calendar according to which the New Year starts in the spring, the Hebrew month of Nisan or Abib], will begin on Monday, September 22… 

“Similarly, on Monday, the Palestinian Authority condemned attempts by Jewish activist groups to sound the shofar on Jerusalem’s Temple Mount… [They] warned in a statement that the Jewish tradition of sounding the shofar throughout the Hebrew month of Elul is ‘no longer a passing religious ritual, but has become one of the most dangerous tools of the occupation to impose its alleged sovereignty.’ The statement denounced attempts to sound the shofar on the Temple Mount as a ‘direct assault’ on the Al-Aqsa Mosque… [Blowing the shofar on the Feast of Trumpets is pursuant to Old Testament injunctions.]”

One can see how this kind of propaganda may lead to self-fulfilling prophecies. 

Blair, Kushner and Trump on Ending the Gaza Crisis 

The Independent wrote on August 28: 

“President Donald Trump was being briefed Wednesday on ideas for a post-war Gaza by his son-in-law and former Middle East envoy, Jared Kushner, and Tony Blair, the former British prime minister… Kushner and Blair met with the president to discuss what to do with the devastated enclave, which is currently facing a famine after three years of war started by the October 7, 2023 terror attacks by Hamas… 

“Trump has previously suggested an American takeover of the strip using U.S. troops as a way to bring an end to the war and satisfy Israeli demands that neither Hamas nor the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority have any say in Gaza governance… Pressed on what authority would permit the United States to take over Gaza — which is considered occupied territory under international law — Trump replied that he saw the United States taking ‘a long-term ownership position’ that would bring ‘great stability to the Middle East’ region. He also said the US could send troops to Gaza to accomplish this… 

“The comments drew widespread criticism around the world with Saudi Arabia saying it ‘unequivocally rejected’ the forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza… Trump later appeared to back down from his plan to take over Gaza, but on Tuesday his roving special envoy, Steve Witkoff, told Fox News that the administration was formulating a ‘very comprehensive plan’ on ‘the next day’ in Gaza… 

“Meanwhile, a United Nations official told the Associated Press Wednesday that if Israel’s military goes ahead with a planned offensive in Gaza City, then ‘all hope is gone that we’re ever going to see the end to this.’ But Israel says the evacuation of Gaza’s most populated city is ‘inevitable’…” 

Palestinian Leader Abbas Barred From Attending UN General Assembly 

Deutsche Welle wrote on August 30: 

“The United States said it would not allow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to travel to New York next month for a United Nations gathering, where several US allies are set to recognize Palestinian statehood. 

“A State Department official said Abbas and about 80 other Palestinians would be affected by the decision to deny and revoke visas from members of the umbrella Palestine Liberation Organization and the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority. Abbas had planned to attend the annual high-level UN General Assembly, followed by a summit where France, Australia and Canada have pledged to formerly recognize a Palestinian state. The United Kingdom also vowed to recognize Palestinian statehood if Israel does not meet certain conditions by the General Assembly meeting. 

“Abbas’s office said it was astonished by the decision and said it violated the UN ‘headquarters agreement,’ a 1947 accord that requires the US to allow access for foreign diplomats to the UN in New York. The Trump administration, however, has said it can deny visas for security, extremism and foreign policy reasons. The State Department said the PA and PLO had failed to renounce extremism while pushing for ‘unilateral recognition’ of a Palestinian state…. 

“Several European foreign ministers arriving at a European Union meeting in Copenhagen criticized Washington’s decision to block Mahmoud Abbas’s visa… French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot… told reporters that the assembly ‘cannot be subject to any restrictions on access.’ Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said the US move was ‘unacceptable,’ while Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris said the EU should protest the decision ‘in the strongest possible terms.’ Both Spain and Ireland officially recognized Palestinian statehood in 2024… In 1988, the US refused to issue a visa to PLO leader Yasser Arafat, forcing the UN General Assembly to be moved from New York to Geneva so he could address it.” 

The Associated Press added on August 30: 

“Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ office on Saturday urged the U.S. government to reverse its unusual decision to revoke his visa… Abbas has addressed the General Assembly for many years, and generally leads the Palestinian delegation. 

“‘We call upon the American administration to reverse its decision. This decision will only increase tension and escalation,’ Palestinian presidential spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh told The Associated Press in Ramallah on Saturday. He urged other countries to put pressure on the Trump administration to reverse the decision, notably the countries that have organized a high-level conference on Sept. 22 about reviving efforts for a two-state-solution for the Middle East. It is co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia.” 

Demonic Behavior 

New York Post wrote on August 28: 

“Transgender mass shooter Robin Westman confessed that he ‘was tired of being trans’ and wished he ‘never brain-washed’ himself in a manifesto posted online… Westman used to horrify classmates by walking around saying ‘praise Hitler,’ according to a former friend who denounced him as ‘demonic.’… ‘It’s demonic, I’m sorry, it is, she said of her one-time friend’s behavior.”

See our new StandingWatch program from August 27, titled, Demons Rule This World! 

Trump Without Constitutional Authority Towards States 

The Ron Paul Institute published the following article by Judge Andrew P. Napolitano on August 28: 

“‘It is (my) intention to … demand recognition of the distinction between the powers granted to the Federal Government and those reserved to the States or to the people. All of us need to be reminded that the Federal Government did not create the States; the States created the Federal Government’ (President Ronald Reagan, First Inaugural Address, Jan. 20, 1981). 

‘When I heard President Ronald Reagan utter the words above, my heart leapt with joy. I couldn’t imagine a modern-day president recognizing the sovereignty of the states and understanding their role in the creation of the American republic… Oh, how the presidential attitude has changed. 

“Last week, President Donald Trump purported to order the states to reform their policies on bail so as to incorporate a variant of pre-conviction incarceration. He also ordered them to prosecute people for burning their own flags. His own observations have apparently caused him to conclude that bad people — including flag burners — should be picked up off the streets, incarcerated and kept there until trial. In another breath, he referred to the states as ‘agents’ of the federal government… where is his constitutional authority to do so? In a word: NOWHERE… 

“When the first 13 states formed the federal government and when the succeeding 37 joined — some voluntarily and some literally with guns aimed at the heads of state officials — they did so embracing subsidiarity… James Madison, the chief draftsman of the Constitution and the author of the Bill of Rights, insisted that the 10th Amendment declare that the powers not given away to the federal government are retained by the people and the states. Foremost among them is the police power — the power to regulate and enforce laws for the health, safety, welfare and morality of all persons in the states. 

“The federal government is one of limited powers… Madison made it clear, just because a problem is national in its scope does not make it federal in its nature. A national problem is one common to vast areas across America. A federal problem is one the governance of which is articulated and delegated to Congress in the Constitution… This system was crafted to prevent the accumulation of power in Washington…” 

The underlying goal to make America a dictatorship under the President is only too obvious. 

Stupid Raids Endanger America 

MSNBC added on August 31: 

“Authorities in Washington have been fighting the state’s largest wildfire nonstop for almost two months. Since early July, the Bear Gulch Fire has burned nearly 9,000 acres, and officials say it is only 13% contained. In fact, it’s so big that the state has to rely on contract firefighters. But on Wednesday, one group of firefighters who were battling the blaze had to take a three-hour timeout from their work after their camp was raided by Border Patrol officials. Video of the raid shows dozens of fire contractors being lined up and asked to show their IDs. Border Patrol officers ultimately arrested two of the firefighters, whom they believed were in the country illegally… 

“In a statement to NBC News, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said that the arrests followed a criminal investigation into two companies contracted to assist with fighting the fire. On Friday, the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement on X, which said the two men ‘apprehended were NOT firefighters’ but worked in a ‘support role, cutting logs into firewood.’ Adding: ‘The firefighting response remained uninterrupted the entire time.’ 

“According to reporting from The Seattle Times, one of the firefighters told the men they were not allowed to take video of the incident. ‘You risked your life out here to save the community,’ that firefighter told the Times. ‘This is how they treat us.’… As the Times notes, ‘It is unusual for federal border agents to make arrests during the fighting of an active fire, especially in a remote area.’ Earlier this year, Donald Trump rescinded a Biden-era policy that barred immigration enforcement at so-called sensitive locations, which applied to natural disasters…. And now [we see]  raids on camps of firefighters as they literally battle the largest wildfire in the American Northwest. It appears Trump, JD Vance, Stephen Miller and [others] are willing to burn the country to the ground if that’s what it takes, all so they can rule over the ashes.” 

Reuters added on August 31: 

“Two firefighters who were responding to a wildfire in the state of Washington when they were detained by U.S. border agents are being held at an ICE detention center in Tacoma… officials there confirmed they were holding the two people working for companies that had been contracted to help fight the 9,000-acre Bear Gulch fire in the Olympic National Forest… lawyer Stephen Manning said his Portland, Oregon, firm was representing one of those arrested, an Oregon resident Manning said was unlawfully detained. Manning… said the man had come to the United States with his family as a four-year-old about 19 years ago and was awaiting a response to a visa application… 

“ICE officials have criticized the Trump administration’s push for high daily arrest quotes that have led to the detention of thousands of individuals with no criminal record, as well as long-term green card holders, others with legal visas, and even some U.S. citizens, according to Reuters reporting….” 

This is INSANE! 

Court of Appeals: Most Trump Tariffs ILLEGAL! 

CNBC wrote on August 29: 

“A federal appeals court ruled Friday that most of President Donald Trump’s global tariffs are illegal, striking a massive blow to the core of his aggressive trade policy. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, in a 7-4 ruling, held that the law Trump invoked when he granted his most expansive tariffs does not actually grant him the power to impose those levies. ‘The core Congressional power to impose taxes such as tariffs is vested exclusively in the legislative branch by the Constitution,’ the court said. ‘Tariffs are a core Congressional power.’ 

“The appellate court paused its ruling from taking effect until Oct. 14 in order to give the Trump administration time to ask the Supreme Court to reverse the decision. Trump later Friday attacked the appeals court… ‘If these Tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the Country,’ Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. ‘If allowed to stand, this Decision would literally destroy the United States of America.’…” 

Trump might be right with his assessment, but the irony is: The Bible prophesies that the USA WILL BE destroyed. 

Newsmax added on August 29: 

“The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled Trump wasn’t legally allowed to declare national emergencies and impose import taxes on almost every country on earth, largely upholding a May decision by a specialized federal trade court in New York… The decision complicates Trump’s strategy, which has upended decades of American trade policy. His tariffs — and the at times unpredictable way he’s rolled them out — have shaken global markets, alienated U.S. trading partners and allies and raised fears of higher prices and slower economic growth…

“[A] possibility is that the government might have to refund some of the import taxes that it’s collected, delivering a financial blow to the U.S. Treasury. ‘It would be 1929 all over again, a GREAT DEPRESSION!’ Trump said in a previous post on Truth Social.” 

A great depression of Trump’s making. 

Further Planned Investigations in the Epstein Case 

The Independent wrote on August 30: 

“Jeffrey Epstein’s estate will hand the infamous ‘birthday book’ at the center of President Donald Trump’s defamation case with the Wall Street Journal to Congress, according to the top Democrat on the House committee [Rep. Robert Garcia of California] leading the investigation into the handling of the late sex offender’s case… Garcia… said that Epstein’s estate would comply with the subpoena issued earlier this week by the Republican-led House Oversight Committee and turn over the 2003 book and ‘other documents.’… 

“The birthday book is the subject of a WSJ article… Trump filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit… The House committee hopes to examine [on September 8] the book of messages from friends and associates, which was a gift to Epstein for his 50th birthday, compiled by his confidante, Ghislaine Maxwell. Trump, who denies writing a birthday message to Epstein, has not been accused of any wrongdoing… 

“Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel are expected to testify before Congress on the Trump administration’s handling of the case. Patel is scheduled to give testimony on September 17, while Bondi is scheduled for October 9…” 

This will be interesting. The Epstein case is not going away.  

Ridiculous Allegations by J.D. Vance Against Germany and Politico 

The Straits Times wrote on August 30: 

“The White House lashed out Aug 29 over what it called a ‘foreign influence operation’ by German-owned US news outlet Politico after it criticised the efforts of President Donald Trump’s envoy, Mr Steve Witkoff, in Ukraine negotiations. Vice-President J.D. Vance slammed Politico, bought in 2021 by German media giant Axel Springer [who also owns Bild], over an article that quoted unnamed officials as saying Mr Witkoff’s ‘inexperience shines through’ in his talks with Russia’s Vladimir Putin. 

“‘This story from Politico is journalistic malpractice. But it’s more than that: it’s a foreign influence operation meant to hurt the administration and one of our most effective members,’ Mr Vance said on X. A string of other White House officials made similar attacks, with Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair calling the article a ‘foreign influence operation run through a German-controlled online media outlet’. The officials did not offer evidence of any foreign party or government behind the story [Of course, because there is none.] 

“The attacks came as Berlin and France cast doubt on whether Mr Trump’s Ukraine peace efforts would bear fruit, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz saying the war would last ‘many more months.’ Mr Witkoff is a property tycoon whom Mr Trump has named as his special envoy for peace talks to end the Ukraine and Gaza wars despite having no diplomatic experience.” 

These accusations against Politico and German interference are totally ridiculous. Politico is by far not the only outlet which has pointed out Mr. Wirkoff’s perceived incompetence (we have reported about this in prior Current Events). J.D. Vance has recently made some other questionable comments, such as that Russia has made serious concessions, and that we are close to seeing the end of the war. The evidence proves the opposite.  J.D. Vance also stated that if it should become necessary, he would be ready to be President.   

Because of Trump—Germany and Switzerland Drawing Closer 

ntv wrote on September 2: 

“The high tariffs imposed on Switzerland by US President Donald Trump are bringing the Swiss Confederation and Germany closer together… While EU membership is not on the cards for Switzerland, integration to varying degrees is possible, emphasized [Friedrich Merz]. 

“The Federal President [Karin Keller-Sutter] also pointed out that Switzerland is not even a member of the European Customs Union, but nevertheless wants significantly closer cooperation with Germany and the EU… ‘Switzerland is particularly affected by very high tariffs. We must therefore come together and work together all the more closely in Europe,’ said Merz. He hoped that the ‘exorbitant’ US punitive tariffs for the country can still be avoided… 

“Noting that Switzerland is not only not an EU member but also not a NATO member, Keller-Sutter said that the neutrality is firmly anchored in the Swiss population. However, the Federal Council wants at least the War Material Act to be watered down, which has so far made arms exports and deliveries very difficult.” 

Trump Can’t (Won’t) Stop the War 

Express wrote on August 30: 

“Donald Trump’s muted response to the latest deadly missile and drone strikes on Kyiv has been condemned as a sign of weakness by a leading Ukrainian commentator, who warned that only China’s Xi Jinping now has the power to halt Russia’s war. But Mr Boycheko also believes Russia is now China’s ‘little brother’ with Beijing effectively waging a proxy war on the West. 

“The US President spoke after the massive August 28 raids on Ukraine’s capital that killed at least 23 people, including four children. Russian forces targeted residential areas, a shopping mall, and offices used by the European Union and the British Council in one of the largest bombardments of the war. In comments posted on X and reiterated by aides, Mr Trump said he was ‘not happy’ about the attacks but ‘not surprised,’ describing them as ‘not necessary’ and of ‘very bad timing’… 

“White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt went further, stressing that Mr Trump’s reaction reflected Ukraine’s own drone strikes on Russian oil refineries. The comparison — effectively treating Moscow’s bombardment of civilian areas as equivalent to Kyiv’s targeting of energy infrastructure — has drawn criticism for failing to condemn Russia’s aggression outright. 

“Mr Boycheko, Founder and CEO of Hope for Ukraine, who now lives in the United States, believes Mr Trump fundamentally misreads both the war and the Russian president’s psychology. He told [Express:] ‘He started this whole journey on the wrong foot. He thought he could come into office, use his personal relationship with Putin, charm him, bribe him, or sweet-talk him into leaving Ukraine. But Putin is not that type of person. Putin has no feelings. He is like a computer.’ [Putin is a “computer” led and directed by demons.] 

“In Mr Boycheko’s view, the drawn-out ‘peace process’ that Mr Trump has promoted, including this summer’s summit with Putin in Alaska, is merely buying Russia time to inflict further damage on Ukraine… 

“Mr Boycheko also urged European powers to assume greater responsibility as US policy drifts. He said: ‘The whole strategy of relying on the United States for your security is a road to nowhere. Britain, Germany and France need to come up with their own plan to help Ukraine, build more drones and weapons themselves, and restructure their militaries to deal with Russia…’ Mr Boycheko also called on Western governments to intensify pressure on Russia’s finances, particularly through sanctions against the ‘shadow fleet’ of ships carrying its oil.” 

Dangerous AI Warfare 

Politico wrote on September 2: 

“… some AI scientists believe the Pentagon has already started down a slippery slope by rushing to deploy the latest generations of AI as a key part of America’s defenses around the world. Driven by worries about fending off China and Russia at the same time, as well as by other global threats, the Defense Department is creating AI-driven defensive systems that in many areas are swiftly becoming autonomous — meaning they can respond on their own, without human input — and move so fast against potential enemies that humans can’t keep up.

“Despite the Pentagon’s official policy that humans will always be in control, the demands of modern warfare — the need for lightning-fast decision-making, coordinating complex swarms of drones, crunching vast amounts of intelligence data and competing against AI-driven systems built by China and Russia — mean that the military is increasingly likely to become dependent on AI. That could prove true even, ultimately, when it comes to the most existential of all decisions: whether to launch nuclear weapons. 

“That fear is compounded by the fact that there is still a fundamental lack of understanding about how AI, particularly the LLMs, actually work. So while the Pentagon is racing to implement new AI programs, experts… are scrambling to decipher the algorithms that give AI its awesome power before humans become so dependent on AI that it will dominate military decision-making even if no one ever formally gives it that much control… Most troubling to experts on AI and nuclear weapons is that it’s getting harder and harder to keep decisions about targeting and escalation for nuclear weapons separate from decisions about conventional weapons…” 

The Wall Street Journal added on September 2: 

“In a new frontier for warfare, Ukraine is using technology to allow groups of drones to communicate and make decisions independent of their operator… On a recent evening, a trio of Ukrainian drones flew under the cover of darkness to a Russian position and decided among themselves exactly when to strike. 

“The assault was an example of how Ukraine is using artificial intelligence to allow groups of drones to coordinate with each other to attack Russian positions, an innovative technology that heralds the future of battle…”

China, Russia and North Korea

NPR wrote on August 29: 

“When North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits China next week for a military parade, he’ll make his debut at a large gathering of foreign leaders, an event with the heads of China, Russia and North Korea all together for the first time. The Sept. 3 parade marks the end of World War II after Japan’s formal surrender to Allied forces… China’s State Council this week published a list of 26 leaders it said would attend that would also include the leaders of Iran, Cuba, Belarus and Serbia. Slovakia is so far the only NATO member on the list. This will also be Kim’s first known visit to China since 2019… South Korean President Lee will not attend the parade, but the government will be represented by Parliamentary Speaker Woo Won-shik…. 

“China and Russia have cooperated in helping North Korea avoid international sanctions imposed because of its nuclear and missile programs. And China and North Korea have helped Russia in different ways with its war in Ukraine…. 

“Chinese media, meanwhile, have focused on… China’s contributions to victory in World War II, officially known in the country as the ‘Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.’ That conflict started with Japan’s invasion of Manchuria in 1931, a decade before Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. Some 35 million Chinese soldiers and civilians were killed or wounded in the conflict, according to official Chinese government figures.” 

Still, even Japan might become part of the Kings of the East. So will India. Note the next article. 

Deutsche Welle wrote on August 31:

“Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi has arrived on his first visit to China in seven years. Modi met with Xi, with the two sides looking forward to improving ties after border tensions. Russian President Vladimir Putin was received with a red carpet welcome. China upgrades relations with Armenia during Xi’s meeting with Armenian PM Pashinyan.” 

The Axis of Evil 

The Sun wrote on September 2: 

“The powerful leaders, often dubbed the ‘Axis of Evil’ due to how they rule over their nations with an iron fist, are seeking to challenge the dominance of the US-led West. All three have an explosive relationship with the rival bloc from China’s constant threats to invade Taiwan by force, Russia’s refusal to end the war in Ukraine and Kim’s worrying nuclear arsenal… 

“Nato chief Mark Rutte has already sounded the alarm saying Russia and China together could light the fuse on World War Three. He laid out a nightmare scenario saying if Beijing seizes Taiwan while Putin strikes eastern European Nato territory then a global war will break out instantly…. Xi and Putin have already caught the eyes of the globe after announcing plans to form a new group to directly rival Nato.” 

Xi also claimed that China and Russia ended World War II, totally ignoring the role of the USA, Great Britain, and other instrumental allies. 

Wagner Group in Africa 

The Sun wrote on August 30: 

“THOUSANDS of miles from Ukraine’s bloody frontline, Vladimir Putin is quietly waging a brutal second war in the desert… From Mali to the Central African Republic and across the Sahel, Russia has rechristened its notorious Wagner group to form a new Kremlin-controlled paramilitary force – the Africa Corps… But the tyrant is also thought to be using the dark operations as a strategic ‘conveyor belt’ to train Russian troops for his meat-grinder war in Ukraine… 

“For years, Russia’s infamous Wagner Group was used as proxy by the Kremlin to battle rebels and armed groups abroad in brutal military operations. But their chief… –  a former ally of Putin – was wiped out in a fireball crash in 2023 following an extraordinary failed coup. With a much tighter grip from the Kremlin, Wagner reinvented itself as Africa Corps – with goals to shore up military leaders, extract gold and undermine Western influence… The mercenaries have a strong foothold in the Sahel, Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali – along with ‘interest’ in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire…” 

The Danger of Mirror Life 

Neoscope wrote on August 27: 

“It’s a technology that doesn’t even exist yet, but its effects could be so drastically destructive that scientists in the field are calling for it to be banned now, before it’s too late. We’re talking, of course, about ‘mirror life’ — synthetic organisms that quite literally turn natural biology on its head… 

“Mirror lifeforms contain DNA structures that are the mirror image to all known organisms. In all life on Earth, the DNA double helix is right-handed, meaning its strands, a sugar-phosphate backbone, twist to the right… The opposite is the case for proteins, the building blocks of cells, which are left-handed. 

“… So what happens when humans engineer a synthetic organism where its DNA twists to the left, while its proteins twist to the right? The scary thing is that we can’t say for sure — but many biologists fear the worst. In December, a group of leading figures in the field… published a massive technical report warning that the consequences of mirror life ‘could be globally disastrous,’ possibly even wiping out all life if the new organisms prove pathogenic to existing life, like us humans… 

“Most scientists agree that the technology is at least a decade away, perhaps three. But their sense of urgency in preventing it is palpable…” 

The Bible warns that no flesh would be saved alive if Christ was not to come back to shorten these days.

Strange Series of Deaths Among AfD Candidates 

Report 24 wrote on August 30: 

“The statistics don’t really support such a ‘coincidence.’ Shortly before the local elections on September 14, four promising candidates between the ages of 59 and 72 died – suddenly and unexpectedly. What they had in common: They were candidates for the Alternative for Germany (AfD), which the established, unified party in Germany fears and [it] does not want any changes to the political structure… 

“The background to this is a mood in the country that is the fault of the established, unified party [talking about all the “established” parties, such as CDU, SPD, FDP or the Green.] For example, the party had ensured that completely innocent AfD candidates were excluded from elections, most recently Joachim Paul of the mayoral election in Ludwigshafen am Rhein and Uwe Detert’s election in Lage. [This makes] it increasingly clear that the German population is only being fooled into believing in their right to democratic participation… 

“Equally part of the depressing overall picture is the tragic death of a doctor who dared to criticize former Green Party leader Habeck. The 76-year-old critical physician Wolfgang Conzelmann was tied up and suffocated—in other words, murdered. A connection to his political statements cannot be ruled out. One should also not forget that the authorities largely give the thugs and terrorist groups of the so-called ‘Antifa‘ a free hand in Germany. 

“And so it is hardly surprising that many questions have arisen surrounding the deaths of four AfD candidates for the upcoming local elections in North Rhine-Westphalia. From a purely mathematical and statistical perspective, such a cluster of deaths is extremely unlikely and difficult to explain as coincidence… 

“Stefan Berendes ran for city council in Bad Lippspringe. He was 59 years old at the time of his death. Wolfgang Seitz ran as a direct candidate for the Wesel district council in Rheinberg. He was also 59 years old. He is said to have died on August 16. Ralph Klaus Norbert Lange, 66 or 67 years old, ran for city council in Blomberg. Wolfgang Klinger ran for city council in Schwerte; he was 71 or 72 years old. The date of death is given as August 19, 2025. 

“No public information on the causes of death is currently available. Deaths among candidates from other parties running for election are unknown, which raises even more questions, at least in the mathematical and statistical field, about the deaths of the four AfD candidates.”

Elon Musk posted the following comments on X on August 30:  “Either Germany votes AfD or it is the end of Germany.” 

More Deaths 

Report 24 added on September 2: 

“Now two more AfD politicians have died: René Herford and Patrick Tietze. Both were reserve list candidates. Herford is said to have died of kidney failure and reportedly suffered from a pre-existing liver condition. Tietze is said to have committed suicide… 

“The fact that now… six politicians from the successful (and also promising in these elections) opposition party have died is certainly something to think about. No other party is being agitated and incited against as much as the AfD.” 

Subsequently, another AfD candidate died “of natural causes.”

Civil War in Europe 

Report 24 wrote on August 28: 

“Europe is no longer a haven of security. Its peoples and societies are deeply divided, trust in state institutions is in free fall, the economic foundation is crumbling… The risk factors for civil war have long been present; the only question is when the spark will ignite.” 

“The parallels to Yugoslavia in the 1990s are unmistakable. There, too, people lived in a deceptive normality until shortly before the escalation. Public life still functioned, people still went to work, and the cafes were still full. Until suddenly, nothing was normal anymore, and neighbors who had lived side by side for decades became enemies. Anyone who claims today that something like this could never happen in Paris, Brussels, or Berlin is falling prey to the same… dangerous self-deception that things will stay as they are – just because they are so used to it. 

“The ingredients for the big bang are already in place. A majority society that feels increasingly marginalized and is forbidden from any self-assertion [by being accused to be] ‘right-wing extremist’… A political establishment that sees mass immigration not as a problem, but as a ‘project’ for social transformation. And an economy driven to the brink of collapse by debt, deindustrialization, and centrally planned energy fantasies… 

“The question of ‘critical mass’ is particularly important. Studies… show that it takes no more than around 3.5 to 5 percent of a population to bring about a revolution or profound change – if this part acts decisively enough. Applied to the European Union and individual states, this means: Even a relatively small but radicalized minority can destroy the fragile balance. In an age when entire cities have already developed parallel societies (some with no-go zones), this is no longer a theoretical threat… 

“Trust in parliaments, governments, and the media regularly reaches historic lows in surveys… While the broad public still believes in the fairytale of the ‘European peace project,’ reality is gradually being determined by the conditions that, according to conflict research, make civil wars almost inevitable. Anyone who ignores this development is not only engaging in self-deception, but is endangering the survival of their own society. Europe is no longer a safe continent. The question is not whether conflicts will escalate, but when and where they will begin.” 

The Bible warns us that devastating developments will occur suddenly. 

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.

From time to time, we are faced with the question of how men and women should wear their hair, especially in church services. Some new people who get in contact with us feel that a woman must wear a veil in services, and especially during the opening or closing prayer. Others feel that a man can wear shoulder-length long hair, or he can do so by wearing it as a ponytail. Then, teens and young adults, and/or their parents, often may not know what hair length and hairstyle is appropriate for them.

We have previously addressed the issue of proper hair length in Q&As. Before extensively quoting from them, a word of caution, which we set forth in regard to proper dress in chapter 12 of our free booklet, “How Can Young People Cope With Life?”, but which would equally apply to the question of proper hair length:

“It may sometimes be difficult to strike a proper balance as to what is appropriate and inappropriate clothing. There may be a tendency to set forth detailed rules and ‘descriptions’ of what is supposedly allowed and prohibited, thereby creating what could be described as a ‘yard-stick’ approach. In this chapter, we will NOT do this, but rather, we will set forth suggestions, recommendations, guidelines and principles, while avoiding to create teachings, perhaps based on human traditions (like the Pharisees did), which the Bible does not contain…

“We need to keep in mind that we must NEVER condemn or judge self-righteously our spiritual brother and sister and their children for what is being worn (compare James 4:11–12; 2:1–4, 13). If a matter needs to be addressed on an individual basis, the ministry will do so. We are all learning to become more and more perfect in the eyes of God, and to increase in stature with people, and this process requires time and patience. As a general principle regarding proper clothing, we need to reflect God’s standards at all times, when appearing in public.”

As we said, these principles apply equally to proper hair length for men and women.

Let us reiterate first our long-standing teaching on proper hair length for women and the issue of whether they are supposed to wear a veil in services.

In our Q&A from May 31, 2003, titled, “Would you please explain 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 (instructing men to wear short hair, and women to wear long hair)…?”, we said this:

“In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul sets forth the timeless principles of proper hairstyle and hair length for men and women. After explaining in 1 Corinthians 11:3 that the Head of Christ is God the Father, the Head of a man is Christ, and the head of the woman (wife) is the man (husband), Paul continues: ‘… (verse 5) But every woman who prays or prophecies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. (verse 6) For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered. (verse 7)… (verse 10) For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels… (verse 13) Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?… (verse 15) But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering.’

“The context of the Scripture discusses the length of hair — not the wearing of a veil or of a hat… We read that a woman should wear long hair, which is given to her ‘as a covering’ or, as some translations render this, ‘as a veil.’”

We would like to mention that, even though Paul is addressing the situation between husband and wife here, the issue of hair length and hairstyle would equally apply, in principle, to unmarried women, teenage girls, and young adults as well. Even though there is no prohibition to wear a hat, for example, in church services for a “fashion style” statement, it would be wrong if it were done with the erroneous belief that God commands it and that the woman would sin if she were to pray without wearing a hat or a veil. (The same applies to someone who refrains from eating clean meat, but does so believing that God commands him or her not to do it.)

To continue with quoting from our above-mentioned Q&A:

“The Church of the Eternal God and its sister churches are not going to engage in a ‘yard-stick religion’ of defining and regulating how long and how short hair should be worn. However, the following Biblical principles are helpful:

“We read that a woman should have ‘long hair’ as a covering, as distinguished from an ‘uncovered’ head, a ‘shaved’ head, or a ‘shorn’ head. A ‘shorn’ head pictures very short hair. One might think of the analogy of a ‘shorn’ sheep… A ‘shaved’ head describes a bald head. In contrast, a woman should wear ‘long hair,’ showing that she accepts the authority of her husband over her, ‘because of the angels.’ The thought is conveyed here that a wife cannot rely on angelic protection, if she shows through her conduct that she does not accept the God-given authority of her husband over her. (This is not to say, however, that a husband should ever abuse his authority. Our free booklet, ‘The Keys to Happy Marriages and Families,’ explains the God-ordained husband-and-wife-relationship in much detail)…”

“We are… to follow the clear principles given in 1 Corinthians 11 — that a woman should not wear her hair as to look like a man, and a man should not wear his hair as to look like a woman. If one cannot tell, by just looking at hairstyles and hair lengths, whether a person is a male or a female, then the clear guidelines set forth in 1 Corinthians 11 have not been followed.”

To add to this and to reemphasize, a man is under the authority of God. So is a wife, but she is also under the authority of her husband. Her long hair symbolizes that. To wear hair which does not “cover” her head, or shaved or shorn hair would violate the command, symbolically, to be under her husband’s authority.

What is too short and too long can be difficult for some to determine. If in doubt, consult the ministry for advice.

A thumbnail approach would be:

When you look at a man and based on his hair length or hairstyle, he looks like a woman with long hair, or one cannot determine his gender, and if you look at a woman and based on her hairstyle or hair length, she looks like a man with short hair, or one cannot determine her gender, then we have crossed the line.

Also, hairstyle goes hand in hand with long or short hair. That too should reflect and reveal a gender.

We added the following in a Q&A from May 1, 2009, titled, “What are the biblical principles regarding hair length and dress for men and women?” 

“The key for falling within the guidelines instituted by God in His Word is for men to avoid having female type hairstyles and for women to maintain a proper length to serve as a covering and as an unmistakable woman-like appearance… A man should look like a man, and a woman should look like a woman. The difference should be recognizable based on outward appearance. When the length or style of hair, all by itself, does not allow to make that determination, then the particular hairstyle or hair length would need to be modified… Our hairstyle should be ‘normal.’ It should be viewed by the overwhelming majority of society as ‘acceptable,’ rather than as outlandish…”

Addressing now in particular the hair length and hairstyle for men, we said the following in our Q&A from May 31, 2003, “Would you please explain 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 (instructing men to wear short hair, and women to wear long hair)…?”,   

“Paul continues: ‘(verse 4) Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. (verse 5)… For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God… (verse 14) Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him?…”

“… we are told that a man is not to wear ‘long hair,’ and that even nature teaches us that wearing long hear is a ‘dishonor’ to a man. The Greek word for ‘dishonor’ is ‘atimia.’… Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance points out that ‘atimia’ can describe a comparative indignity or disgrace (under No. 819). The related word, ‘atimos,’ can describe something ‘less honorable [comparative degree]’ (under No. 820)…

“… the Old Testament permitted a man on special occasions to wear long hair. This exception is set forth in Numbers 6, known as ‘the Law of the Nazarite.’ Men were permitted to make a temporary ‘Nazarite vow’ to God. During the time of their vow, a Nazarite was not to cut his hair, but let ‘the locks of the hair of his head grow’ (verse 5). In addition, he was not to touch a dead person, eat any fresh grapes or raisins, or drink anything made from grapes, including wine. This law was inseparably connected with the ritual law of sacrifices: At the end of the separation, the Nazarite had to bring several offerings, and he had to go through additional rituals before the priest.

“The long hair of the Nazarite vow reflected, in physical terms, the willingness of the person to be under authority — under the authority of God. Sometimes, certain people were consecrated from their birth as Nazarites, to be separated to God throughout their lives. Famous examples are Samson (Judges 13:5,7); Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11); and — perhaps — John the Baptist (Luke 1:15; Luke 7:33)… 

“… these vows ceased within the church when the temple was destroyed, as the purification ceremonies could not be carried out any longer. Today, the rules and regulations pertaining to a Nazarite vow are no longer of any consequence for us…”

We might want to add here that Paul’s comments that it is a shame for a man to wear long hair, as only a Nazarite was allowed to do so. A man wearing long hair today would appropriate to himself the example of a Nazarite without being one. It would be shameful and quite frankly dishonorable to God to do so today. Just as an aside, Jesus was not a Nazarite, as the Q&As mentioned herein prove as well, and therefore didn’t have long hair. We would also like to add that our statements about hair length and hairstyle of men would equally apply to teens and young adults.

We added the following comments in our Q&A from May 1, 2009, titled, “What are the biblical principles regarding hair length and dress for men and women?” 

“God permits differences in length of hair, and we note that varieties occur in hair color and texture among people. Some men will wear very short hair while others will have fuller styles; the same might be true, to an extent, for women. The key for falling within the guidelines instituted by God in His Word is for men to avoid having female type hairstyles and for women to maintain a proper length to serve as a covering and as an unmistakable woman-like appearance…

“In reviewing hair length and hairstyle of men and women, we conclude, based on biblical principles, that one should be able to determine the gender of a person at first sight. To put it bluntly: A man should look like a man, and a woman should look like a woman. The difference should be recognizable based on outward appearance. When the length or style of hair, all by itself, does not allow to make that determination, then the particular hairstyle or hair length would need to be modified.

“In addition, we must consider more of what God specifically instructs concerning how we ought to wear our hair… During the Hippie-culture of the 1960s, young men would wear long hair, but this was never accepted by the majority of our Western society… Today, a man with long hair is normally looked upon as ‘different.’ The types of hairstyle propagated today by the MTV generation, with hair sticking out like that of a porcupine, or uncombed, giving a sloppy appearance, or hair which is just too long for a man, is simply not in line with how a Christian man should appear in public…”

It may be so that today, certain hair lengths and hairstyles in our “liberal” societies might be “accepted” which would have been rejected in times past. On the other hand, in certain cultures and in medieval times, long hair for men was accepted and even advocated. But we cannot go by those “rules,” which come and go, but need to have a sound mind, based on God’s instructions.

Again, if in doubt, consult your minister.

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

compiled by Dave Harris

“Crazy Science and the End of the World,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

Today, new scientific “advances” make it even more possible than ever before to destroy all life on Earth and usher in the end of the world. This program presents two shockingly insane scientific developments and, using a historical example, warns against being unprepared.

“Verrückte Wissenschaft und das Ende der Welt,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This program covers the same information as presented above.

“Sind Kindertaufen im Einklang mit Gottes Wort?” last Sabbath’s German sermonette presented by Dominik Kaltenegger, is now posted. Title in English: “Are Infant Baptisms in Accordance with God’s Word?”

“Family Rules – Sag, ich liebe Dich,” last Sabbath’s German sermon presented by Christoph Sperzel, is now posted. Title in English: “Family Rules — Say I Love You.”

“I Don’t Want to,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Rene Messier, is now posted. Here is the summary:

“I don’t want to” is a saying which you should eradicate from your mind when you deal with sin and repentance.

“The Period of the Judges,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Paul Niehoff, is now posted. Here is the summary:

When we read through the book of Judges, we might think that this book is just an historical record of the Children of Israel occupying the promised land and the obstacles they faced. However, when analyzed, their experiences could be a warning to us not to do what they did that aroused God’s anger against them.

2025 FALL HOLY DAYS:

September 23   Feast of Trumpets

October 2           Day of Atonement

October 7-13     Feast of Tabernacles

October 14         Last Great Day