On April 26, 2025, Michael Link will present the first split sermon, titled, “Fall Before Spring” and Norbert Link will present the second split sermon, titled, “Sweet Aroma or Foul Odor–Which?”

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 1901, Guillermo Marconi sent the first wireless telegraphy message from his base at Poldhu on the Cornish Coast in the UK, to a station at Newfoundland in North America. To say the message was short and sweet was an understatement. Marconi received the single letter, S, sent by Morse telegraphy. The age of transatlantic wireless communication had begun, and like all new technologies, the opportunity for misuse had also commenced. The friction between the still new telephonic technology, and space telegraphy was robust throughout the mid-1800’s, with luminaries of the age arguing the superiority of each.

The development of both telephone and telegraph led to strange attempts to use the devices to communicate with those who have died. This unusual interest was stimulated in part by the odd noise on the wires, or wireless that resulted from electromagnetic signals that some during that era mistook for conversations and signals from beyond the veil of the living. Nonsense, of course, yet rather than seeking God, people of the day devoted their time and money to such evil and demonic pursuits.

Interestingly, the common, and internationally agreed-upon telegraphic signal for crisis or emergency was three dots, followed by three longer dashes, and then three dots once again. These dots and dashes translated into what we came to know as SOS—which was designated around the globe as: Save Our Souls. This was the standard for emergency signals from the 1912 Titanic tragedy, all the way to 1999 when a new global maritime signal convention was put in place.

Many nominal Christians waste time on the search for signals and signs from God. Like the sounds on the telegraph system, people see the hand of God in many strange things. As true Christians however, we have the penultimate sign and promise that we can rely on as we consider Luke 2:12: “And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” These simple words are reinforced in Isaiah 9:6: “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

These words in the Gospel according to Luke and the Book of Isaiah are familiar to many, but for true Christians, they evoke emotion and confidence in God’s promise of a boundless future and the coming Kingdom of God. In these verses, God made it clear that He loves us and sent His Son to be our Savior. This should result in our having great confidence that God will fulfill His promises and cause each of us to reciprocate with our obedience and faithfulness.

There is a popular post circulating on social media that pictures three young women enjoying coffee together at an outdoor cafe. The post makes the ridiculous suggestion that if you squint at the photo, you will see the face of Jesus Christ in the space between girls. People from various religions and backgrounds around the world have posted as to how moved they were by this. This sort of foolishness is just what Satan would like to have us focus on and become distracted by. God has no need for ridiculous signs, and this sort of thing is tantamount to idol worship.

In the Old Testament, as God was leading Moses and the Israelites out of captivity, he worked through Moses to care for His people and had chosen Moses to deliver them from the Egyptians. No further signs or signals were necessary, though the people eventually chose evil and sin by turning to symbols and idols to comfort them in the wilderness.

Imagine being a disciple during Christ’s ministry on earth. To walk beside the Son of God each day, and to witness miracles. Still, in the case of the apostle Thomas, he sought one more sign that this indeed was the risen Christ standing before him.

Although we do not see God directly in our daily lives, if He has called us, we can be certain that He is there, even when, or perhaps especially when the situation we may be in is tough.Consider Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

We know that He is there with us because He tells us so in Scripture. We can read many instances in the Bible that begin as follows: This shall be a sign to you. In the case of Jeremiah 44, we read of God’s anger towards those Jews living in Egypt who were worshiping idols and other false Gods. God makes it crystal clear that there is a penalty for such behavior and disobedience to His commandments. He tells His people that their calamity shall be a sign to them of His righteous anger towards them.

Notice the account of this in Jeremiah 44:29: “And this shall be a sign to you, says the LORD, ‘that I will punish you in this place, that you may know that My words will surely stand against you for adversity.”Now, we can also signal our intentions to God. Consider Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”This Scripture illustrates a true Christian’s belief that God’s Word should be the light in our lives. However, the best way to affirm this is to obey Him. The Greek word for obey translates to hearing under authority, or, to listen attentively, and to heed. As Jesus Christ said to His apostles in John 14:15: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”

So let those of us in God’s true Church focus on sending clear signals to God the Father and His Son, by praying, greeting them each morning and each night, and by obeying and repenting when we fail. God assures us that if we do this, we can have a place in His coming Kingdom.

by Norbert Link

We report on the death of Pope Francis; President Trump’s fight with foreign tourists and the court system; Trump’s peace plans for the war between Russia and Ukraine; lost weapons in Afghanistan; and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni’s visit to Washington.

We speak on Turkey’s hostility against Israel; and address Germany’s coming new government and its botched coalition agreement; as well as interesting German personalities, including Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and Jens Spahn.

Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “The Pope Is Dead… Now What?”

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

The Pope Is Dead…

AFP and Barron’s wrote on April 21:

“Pope Francis, who died on Monday aged 88, aroused both fervour and fury within the Church… Here are the main disputes, which set ultra-conservatives within the Catholic Church against the pope. 

“Francis in 2021 signed a decree limiting the use of the Latin Mass, reversing a more flexible edict from 2007 by his predecessor Benedict XVI. The decision provoked incomprehension and anger among part of the clergy and Catholics attached to the so-called ‘Tridentine’ Mass — which is conducted entirely in Latin with the priest facing the altar, like the congregation. Some went so far as to accuse him of preventing them from practicing their faith.

“Pope Francis attracted the wrath of several cardinals, the red-hatted prelates who are supposedly his closest collaborators, but also next in command in the hierarchy of the Church. In 2017, Francis spoke out against unnamed ‘traitors’ who were holding back his institutional reforms. The bad blood was aired in public in 2023, when an Italian journalist named then-recently deceased Australian Cardinal George Pell as the author of an anonymous note attacking Francis. In the note, Pell — previously a close advisor to Francis — described the papacy as a ‘disaster in many respects’ and slammed ‘serious failures’ of diplomacy, particularly regarding the Ukraine war.

“The same year, German Cardinal Gerhard Mueller, former prefect of the powerful Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, published a book in which he railed against Francis’s governance.

He denounced an influential ‘coterie’ around Francis, and criticised the pope’s ‘doctrinal confusion’.

“Francis had a particularly conflictual relationship with Georg Gaenswein, private secretary to his predecessor Benedict XVI. After Benedict’s death in 2022, Gaenswein said Francis had ‘broken’ the retired pope’s heart by limiting the use of the Latin Mass. Francis hit back, saying he regretted that Benedict’s death had been ‘instrumentalized’ by ‘people without ethics, who act for partisan ends’.

“In a rare move in 2023, Francis ousted US Bishop Joseph Strickland, one of his fiercest enemies, who had accused the pope of being lax on abortion and too open towards homosexuals and divorcees. In 2024, it was the turn of ultra-conservative Italian bishop Carlo Maria Vigano, who accused Francis of ‘heresy’ and ‘tyrannical’ behaviour. Vigano, a former ambassador of the Holy See to the United States, was excommunicated — expelled outright — for rejecting the authority of Francis, head of the world’s nearly 1.4 billion Catholics.

“In 2023, the Vatican published a document which paved the way for blessings for same-sex couples, provoking an outcry in the conservative Catholic world, particularly in Africa and the United States. The wave of criticism forced the Vatican to make a ‘clarification’ to defend itself from any doctrinal error, while acknowledging it may be ‘imprudent’ to apply it in certain countries. ‘In their opposition to blessings for same-sex couples, the African bishops are criticising what they call European moral decadence or European Catholicism. They include the pope in that,’ Francois Mabille, director of the Geopolitical Observatory of Religion, told AFP in February 2025.

“The Argentine also irritated far-right Catholics with his calls for migrants to be given welcome in the Old Continent, with some warning Europe could lose its Christian identity.”

He also spoke against Trump’s immigration policy and especially the American-Mexican border, and he seemingly advocated open borders, while at the same time closed access for most immigrants to the Vatican State. He also locked down Vatican City during the coronavirus crisis. “His greatest test came in 2018 when he botched a notorious case of clergy sexual abuse in Chile, and the scandal that festered under his predecessors erupted anew” (The Associated Press, April 21).

He died on “Easter Monday,” apparently of a stroke. It will be interesting to see whether the liberals (referred to in the press as the “reform-oriented group”) or the conservatives (the “traditionalists”) win in electing the new pope by about 120 cardinals. The shenanigans behind the scenes were portrayed quite remarkably in the recent award-winning movie, “Conclave.”  Of course, many critics have attacked and rejected the movie. However, the movie might even be harmless in comparison to what really might be going on behind closed doors. Ultimately, the candidate will emerge who is supposed to enhance the development of biblical prophecy. 

Francis’ Anti-Israel Legacy 

Israel 365 News wrote on April 21: 

“[According to] Cardinal Kevin Farrell, ‘… we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God’… Francis was the first pope from the Society of Jesus (the Jesuit Order), the first from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, and the first pope born or raised outside Europe since the 8th-century Syrian pope Gregory III. Following Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation on 28 February 2013, a papal conclave elected Bergoglio as his successor on 13 March.

“The pope frequently omitted Judaism when discussing other religions. This was clearly expressed in 2021 when Francis became the first pope to visit Iraq. While there, he hosted an inter-religious prayer service at a ziggurat. The structure is an ancient Mesopotamian site built in the 21st century BCE, built on the purported site of the city of Ur, the birthplace of Biblical Abraham. The prayer event was named ‘Prayer for the sons and daughters of Abraham.’  No Jews were invited to the event… 

“In 2019, Francis and Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, signed a statement about Jerusalem, referring to Israel’s capital as Al-Quds Acharif, the Arabic name for Jerusalem… 

“Pope Francis’ anti-Israel/pro-Palestinian agenda has led him into bizarre theological territory that diverges from traditional Catholicism…

“Pope Francis called for an investigation into claims that Israel is carrying out a ‘genocide’ in Gaza… The Vatican supports a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians that would establish an unprecedented militarized Palestinian state inside Israel’s borders that has been ethnically cleansed of Jews, with its capital in an exclusively Muslim Jerusalem… In 2015, just a few days after the Vatican officially recognized the Palestinian state, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas was granted an audience in the Apostolic Palace. After the meeting, Francis gave Abbas a special medallion, representing the angel of peace ‘destroying the bad spirit of war.’ The Pope explained to Abbas that the gift was appropriate since ‘you are an angel of peace.’”

It will be interesting to see whether Pope Francis’ distorted ideas will be adopted or rejected by the new pope.

The Prophecy of the Popes

Daily Mail wrote on April 21, 2025:

“The 12th-century ‘Prophecy of the Popes’ — reportedly uncovered in the Vatican’s secret archives — claims to predict the identity of Francis’ successor and even foretells the return of Christ.

“The document [starts] with Celestine II in 1143 and [ends] with ‘Peter the Roman’ in 2027… Fanning the flames is the eerie fact that there are currently nine frontrunners to succeed Pope Francis — and three of them are named Peter. 

“The renewed interest has also reignited fears about one of the prophecy’s more chilling predictions: that Judgment Day is near… According to the final entry surrounding Peter the Roman, the ‘last pope’ will preside over the Church during a time of great turmoil, culminating in the destruction of Rome and the end of the papacy. ‘In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church there will reign Peter the Roman, who will feed his flock amid many tribulations, after which the seven-hilled city will be destroyed and the dreadful Judge will judge the people. The End,’ the last passage of the book reads…

“Although some scholars have claimed the text is a 16th century forgery, Malachy allegedly wrote Prophecy of the Popes in 1139 after receiving a vision during a visit to Rome…”

If the text is not a forgery, but legit, it would have been written under demonic influence, which can be seen, amongst other things, by the wording “dreadful Judge,” in appliance to Jesus.  We know, of course, that Christ could not possibly come back in 2027; and we also know that demons, even though they may know future events, are lying spirits; so one never knows when they lie or when they tell the truth.

Europe Mainly Catholic

Breitbart wrote on April 21: 

“Much of Europe has, historically, been Catholic and remains officially so… In Paris, the bells of the recently restored Notre Dame rung out 88 times for the Pope’s 88 years of age, and the Eiffel Tower will not be illuminated this evening. In churches throughout Catholic Austria, bells will ring simultaneously for ten minutes this afternoon and football matches planned for today across Italy are cancelled in mourning…

“In a statement Catholic-faith politician Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni said: ‘Pope Francis has returned to the Father’s house… We bid farewell to the Holy Father with hearts full of sorrow, but we know that he is now in the peace of the Lord.’…

“In the United Kingdom Buckingham Palace published a statement from King Charles III [stating] ‘our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased’ by knowing the Pope was able to celebrate Easter before his passing…’”

There is not much difference between the (unbiblical) faith and practices of the Catholic Church and of the Church of England.

Trump’s Fight With (German) Tourists Continues

Newsweek wrote on April 21:

“Two German teenage girls were detained and deported from the United States after arriving in Hawaii without a hotel reservation. The case highlights how minor oversights can trigger severe immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s aggressive border policies.

“International travelers face increased scrutiny under the Trump administration’s stringent immigration policies. This case exemplifies how minor oversights can lead to severe consequences, raising concerns about the treatment of tourists and the potential detrimental effect on international travel to the U.S…

“Maria Lepère and Charlotte Pohl, both recent high school graduates from Rostock, Germany, embarked on a world tour, visiting countries like Thailand and New Zealand… Their journey took an unexpected turn when they arrived in Hawaii without pre-booked accommodations. Immigration officials, suspecting potential unauthorized work intentions due to the lack of hotel reservations, detained them. They arrived in Honolulu on March 18, planning to spend five weeks exploring the islands before continuing to California and then Costa Rica following their graduation. The duo spent several days in a detention facility before being deported, despite holding valid travel documents (through ESTA) and having no prior infractions…

“The teens said they were questioned for several hours at Honolulu Airport before allegedly being subjected to full-body scans and strip searches… They were then dressed in green prison uniforms and placed in a holding cell alongside long-term detainees, some reportedly facing serious criminal charges…

“This incident is not isolated, as reports indicate a rise in detentions of European tourists under the current U.S. administration, including the recent detention of three German nationals by border authorities under Trump’s watch. Meanwhile, Germany has issued travel advisories warning its citizens about the threat of deportation under Trump’s rule. The Foreign Ministry said that neither approval through the U.S. ESTA system nor a U.S. visa means people will be granted entry every time.

“The German Foreign Office is monitoring the situation and may engage in diplomatic discussions with U.S. counterparts to address the treatment of German nationals. Travelers are urged to meticulously plan their trips, including securing accommodations in advance, to mitigate the risk of detention or deportation.”

This is SO crazy and SO alarming!!!

The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Rules Against Trump

The Hill wrote on April 17:

“The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday declined to lift a judge’s order that the Trump administration ‘facilitate’ the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia…  The 4th Circuit declined to put Xinis’s ruling on hold just one day after the administration filed the appeal, a swift order that came without waiting for Abrego Garcia’s lawyers to file their response… ‘we shall not micromanage the efforts of a fine district judge attempting to implement the Supreme Court’s recent decision,’ U.S. Circuit Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson wrote for the unanimous three-judge panel…

“‘The government is asserting a right to stash away residents of this country in foreign prisons without the semblance of due process that is the foundation of our constitutional order,’ he continued. ‘Further, it claims in essence that because it has rid itself of custody that there is nothing that can be done. This should be shocking not only to judges, but to the intuitive sense of liberty that Americans far removed from courthouses still hold dear.’

“Wilkinson, an appointee of former President Reagan, was joined on the panel by U.S. Circuit Judge Robert King, who is an appointee of former President Clinton, and U.S. Circuit Judge Stephanie Thacker, who is an appointee of former President Obama.” 

The Alien Enemies Act of 1798

npr wrote on April 19:

“The act has only been invoked three previous times in U.S. history, most recently during World War II to hold Japanese-American civilians in internment camps. The Trump administration contended it gave them power to swiftly remove immigrants they identified as members of the gang, regardless of their immigration status…” 

What does the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 actually say? Here is the wording: 

“Whenever there is a declared war between the United States and any foreign nation or government, or any invasion or predatory incursion is perpetrated, attempted, or threatened against the territory of the United States by any foreign nation or government, and the President makes public proclamation of the event, all natives, citizens, denizens, or subjects of the hostile nation or government, being of the age of fourteen years and upward, who shall be within the United States and not actually naturalized, shall be liable to be apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed as alien enemies. 

“The President is authorized in any such event, by his proclamation thereof, or other public act, to direct the conduct to be observed on the part of the United States, toward the aliens who become so liable; the manner and degree of the restraint to which they shall be subject and in what cases, and upon what security their residence shall be permitted, and to provide for the removal of those who, not being permitted to reside within the United States, refuse or neglect to depart therefrom; and to establish any other regulations which are found necessary in the premises and for the public safety.” 

Clash Between Trump and the Courts

npr wrote on April 21: 

“In the early hours of Saturday, the U.S. Supreme Court seemed to signal it is losing its patience with the Trump administration. On April 7, the high court clearly said that if the government intends to deport a foreign-born resident, it must notify the individual ‘within a reasonable period of time’ so that the individual has the ability to challenge the removal in court prior to deportation. In the nearly two weeks that followed, however, the Trump administration dragged its feet, avoiding meaningful compliance with the court’s order. Then late Friday afternoon, on Good Friday, the court had a new deportation case on its docket, one that suggested the Trump administration was violating the terms of the earlier order. Racing to the Supreme Court, lawyers for the ACLU told the court that dozens of Venezuelan detainees were about to be deported. They said that the men were notified, in papers written in English, which they didn’t understand, that they were eligible to be deported under the Alien Enemies Act. And, the ACLU said, the men were being loaded on to buses that presumably were going to take them to the airport for deportation. 

“This time the high court acted swiftly, releasing a one-paragraph order so quickly that the court did not even wait for the two dissenters to file their opinion explaining their disagreement. That was not the only extraordinary feature of the court’s order. Although couched in legal terms, the order reeked of mistrust for the government. ‘The government is directed not to remove any member of the putative class [of detainees] from the United States until further order of this court,’ the justices said.

“The court went on to note that the detainees’ case is pending before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and that pending the outcome in that most conservative court, the solicitor general ‘is invited to file a response’ to the still pending application for review by this court ‘as soon as possible.’ In other words, the court was saying to the administration, whether you win in the Fifth Circuit or not, this isn’t over yet…

“Today, with many Republicans terrified of crossing Trump, it is not clear that Donald Trump could do anything to lose his GOP support in Congress. But in a clash with the Supreme Court, he could lose a lot. So too could the court, because it has few tools to actually make a president do something. And if a president succeeds in defying the court, the whole system of government, and of checks and balances, would be in peril. So, are we in a constitutional crisis?…

“But at some point in the not too distant future, the high court may have to confront the president head on… Chief Justice John Roberts, at his confirmation hearing 20 years ago, opined that ‘judges have to have the courage to make the unpopular decisions when they have to,’ including striking down as unconstitutional acts of the executive. ‘That is the judicial oath,’ he said. But he likely never imagined a president as insistently recalcitrant as Trump.”

Trump’s Attack Becomes More Desperate 

Newsmax wrote on April 20:

“President Donald Trump called the opposition [to his immigration procedures, especially in regard to Garcia] ‘despicable,’ ‘un-American,’ and premised on a ‘blatant and dangerous lie.’… ‘Those lying to the American People on behalf of violent criminals have to be held responsible by the Agencies and the Courts.’… 

“Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., criticized Trump and his administration Sunday for talking about sending American citizen criminals to foreign prisons. Kennedy was asked… if he thought the law allowed sending U.S. citizens who were criminals to foreign prisons. ‘No, Ma’am. Nor does it, nor should it, nor should it be considered appropriate or moral. We have our own laws,’ he said. ‘We shouldn’t send prisoners to foreign countries in my judgment.’

“Trump has said he wants to deport some violent criminals who are U.S. citizens to Salvadoran prisons, a move experts said would violate U.S. law.”

Trump’s lack of support for some of his actions seems to bother him very much. 

Supreme Court to Weigh In on Trump’s Plans to Restrict Birthright Citizenship 

USA Today wrote on April 17: 

“The Supreme Court on Thursday said it would weigh in on the Trump administration’s request that it be allowed to broadly enforce its new restrictions on birthright citizenship while the policy is being litigated. The court said it will hear oral arguments on May 15. 

“The [14^th] amendment states that all ‘persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.’ The Trump administration maintains that right was intended to help formerly enslaved people after the Emancipation Proclamation and doesn’t cover children of people who entered the country without proper authorization… 

“Twenty Republican attorneys general backed Trump’s Supreme Court appeal, as did gun rights groups. Attorneys for immigrant rights groups… said Trump’s order violates the plain text of the Constitution, common law history, Supreme Court precedent and more than a century of consistent practice.” 

Losing Faith in the USA 

npr wrote on April 21: 

For decades, the U.S. financial system has been regarded as one of the most stable and powerful in the world. Now, there are fears that something unprecedented may be happening as a result of President Trump’s tariffs: Investors everywhere may be losing their faith in the United States… 

“Stocks, U.S. government bonds, and the dollar are all taking a hit at the same time…” 

US Weapons Left Behind in Afghanistan 

BBC News wrote on April 17: 

“Half a million weapons obtained by the Taliban in Afghanistan have been lost, sold or smuggled to militant groups… with the UN believing that some have fallen into the hands of al-Qaeda affiliates. 

“The Taliban took control of around one million weapons and pieces of military equipment – which had mostly been funded by the US… As the Taliban advanced through Afghanistan in 2021, many Afghan soldiers surrendered or fled, abandoning their weapons and vehicles. Some equipment was simply left behind by US forces… 

“This is very much a political issue, and US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that he will reclaim weapons from Afghanistan. He said that $85bn (£66bn) of advanced weaponry was left there. ‘Afghanistan is one of the biggest sellers of military equipment in the world, you know why? They’re selling the equipment that we left,’ Trump said during his first cabinet meeting of the new administration. ‘I want to look into this. If we need to pay them, that’s fine, but we want our military equipment back.’… 

“Whether Trump will take any action remains to be seen, but, in the meantime, concerns about the spread of weapons in the region and access by militant groups remain unresolved.” 

Meloni in Washington 

Die Welt wrote on April 18: 

“Donald Trump… has alarmed the European Union. And prompted it to undertake previously unthinkable efforts. The EU is now supposed to become a serious global political force… Germany, France, Poland, and Great Britain as the driving forces of a post-Carolingian Europe – this quartet gives hope. But that’s not enough. Because at least one important state is missing from the new alliance: Italy. The country has been almost written off north of the Alps… But that’s unfair. And short-sighted. 

“Unfair because it ignorantly disregards Italy’s historical significance for the formation of Europe. And because Italy was an important founding nation of the European unification process. The contemptuous treatment of Italy is short-sighted because the largest EU state on the Mediterranean coast plays a significant role in the EU’s migration policy.” 

“Italy is needed. Like Donald Trump, Giorgia Meloni is also a nationalist. This is one of the reasons why they are close. Meloni, who wants to play a prominent European role, has been striving to mediate between the EU and the US since Trump’s election as US president… 

“When she was received by the US president at the White House on Thursday evening as the first European head of government, she vigorously countered Trump’s disparaging remarks about President Volodymyr Zelensky with her conviction that Ukraine still deserves Western support. She did, however, agree with Trump in her disdain for all things woke and, like Trump, sees migration as a warning sign for the West.

“The meeting with Trump has not (yet) produced any tangible results. There was a lot of smiling and laughing. But Giorgia Meloni seems wise enough not to allow herself to be expelled from the EU community, even by a fiercely flattering Trump.” 

Italy is indeed an indispensable part of Europe. Not so Great Britain.

Trump’s Peace Proposals

Bild Online published an analysis by Bild deputy editor Paul Ronzheimer on April 24:

“Above all, there is one feeling that characterizes political Kyiv these days: disbelief. The behavior of US President Trump, his threats and insults against the Ukrainian President Zelenskyy – we had almost become accustomed to all of this. But for a long time, no one wanted to believe that Trump really seemed willing to give Russian President Vladimir Putin everything he wanted. But after Trump’s peace plan was confirmed, everything changed…

“It has long been clear to Ukraine: They cannot rely on the US. The other question is: Can Ukraine rely on Europe?…

“Trump has repeatedly announced that he no longer wants to deliver. He wants the deal now. Come what may… It’s not just about the recognition of Crimea, but also about the regions Russia is fighting over in the east and south…

“In fact, that’s Zelensky’s problem: He not only has to negotiate with the US and Russia, but also achieve a result that would be acceptable to the Ukrainian people. Putin, on the other hand, is making maximum demands because he assumes that time is on his side. The calculation: The US will withdraw, stop delivering – and Europe cannot provide what Ukraine needs. The result would be a situation that is even worse for Ukraine than it already is. An absolute dilemma…”

Ultimately, Russia and Ukraine will unite.

Boris Johnson Explodes at Donald Trump

Express wrote on April 24:

“The former Prime Minister has raged against Washington over the treatment of Ukraine in peace proposals… claiming they reward Vladimir Putin in five key ways… Mr Johnson wrote: ‘Putin indiscriminately butchers more Ukrainian civilians, killing and injuring 100 in Kyiv including children. And what is his reward under the latest peace proposals?’

“The former Conservative leader then listed the five ‘rewards’ he believed President Putin was getting from the current US deal.

“He wrote: ‘1, The right to keep sovereign Ukrainian territory he has taken by violence and in breach of international law, 2, The right to control Ukraine’s destiny by forbidding Nato membership, 3, The lifting of sanctions against Russia, 4, An economic partnership with America, 5, The chance to rebuild his armed forces for the next attack in a few short years’ time.’

“Mr Johnson, 60, added: ‘As for Ukraine – what do they get after three years of heroic resistance against a brutal and unprovoked invasion? What is their reward for the appalling sacrifices they have made – for the sake, as they have endlessly been told, of freedom and democracy around the world? Apart from the right to share their natural resources with the United States they get nothing. What is there in this deal that can realistically stop a third Russian invasion? Nothing…’

“It comes as President Trump launched an extraordinary attack on the Ukrainian wartime leader after the latter said Ukraine was not prepared to recognise Russian control of the Crimea, a part of Ukraine annexed by the Kremlin in 2014…”Subsequently, in response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine on Thursday, Trump wrote: “I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”

Turkey Greatest Danger to Israel 

The Atlantic wrote on April 19: 

“Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, its would-be sultan, dismantles the country’s secular democracy… While Erdoğan consolidates power at home and prepares to project it abroad, he has set the stage for a clash with Israel. Indeed, Turkey has quickly emerged as perhaps the greatest danger to the Jewish state in the Middle East, escalating the threat of a conflict he won’t be able to avoid… 

“Erdoğan’s grand designs appear to include establishing himself as the Muslim world’s principal champion of anti-Zionism. The president has routinely hosted Hamas leaders for official visits and has referred to the architects of the October 7 attack as a ‘liberation group.’…  In turning against Israel and in favor of Hamas, Erdoğan is riding a wave of anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism that has been rising in Turkey since at least the 1980s, especially on the secular left… 

“The Turkish president has intensified a long-held desire in his country to gain greater distance from the United States and NATO…” 

Merz’s Coalition Deal: ‘Betrayal’ of Germany? 

The Week (UK) wrote on April 20: 

“When the incoming chancellor, Friedrich Merz, won the election in February,  he promised to be bold and brave: to tighten our borders, unshackle our low-growth economy, bolster our defences, and wean us off our dependence on the United States. Last week… the CDU leader unveiled his coalition deal with the SPD – and it was full of the same tired old policies: no military conscription; no social and tax reform; no major migration measures… With war raging in Europe, the far-right on the rise, and the US intent on destroying the global economic order, we need our leaders to be courageous. Instead, we have a ‘coalition of the timid.’… 

“It had barely begun, but the honeymoon is definitely over for Merz… His approval ratings have plunged ten points since the election. The world needs Germany’s new leader to succeed… The stakes are incredibly high… With liberalism, freedom and democracy under threat, it’s a time for ‘giants’ – yet sadly we have no Helmut Kohl, no Gerhard Schröder, no Merkel. All of them have experience of governing during international crises. Our incoming chancellor and his coalition partners do not…” 

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg Suddenly in Favor of Conscription 

ZDF Heute wrote on April 18: 

“[Former Defense Minister] Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg… spoke out… in favor of reintroducing conscription: ‘I was a supporter of conscription and I still am today, if it is properly implemented. We can and should return to that point…’ As Defense Minister, he was responsible for the suspension of conscription in 2011… ‘We were faced with the decision: Can we still fulfill our alliance obligations (…) or can we afford a non-functional conscription?’ 

“We were dealing with a conscription period of ‘only six months’. In six months, you barely learn to distinguish a combine harvester from a tank. At that time, we only recruited 16 percent of young men. We had to fear that conscription would be completely abolished by the Federal Constitutional Court… At the same time, there is a… need to bring a Bundeswehr that has been run down for decades to a level (…) that allows it to act in some form both in the European context and in a tense NATO context…'” 

Spahn on the Rise 

Bild Online wrote on April 20: 

“BILD reported that Merz wants to appoint former Health Minister Jens Spahn as parliamentary group leader. Only the final go-ahead from CSU leader Markus Söder (58) is still missing. According to BILD information, the appointment could officially be made as early as the end of April at the CDU party conference. Or shortly before Merz’s swearing-in as Chancellor on May 6th… 

“The Spahn appointment is causing a stir in the party and parliamentary group – and it is also causing resentment among some… Critics cite the debate Spahn sparked about how to deal with the AfD as an example. He believes: It needs to become more normal… Added to this is the fear of many in the parliamentary group about Spahn’s past as Corona Health Minister, and long-simmering scandals surrounding mask deals… 

“Conservative CSU MPs, who appreciate Spahn’s course on migration policy, for example, are not the only ones satisfied with Spahn’s solution at the parliamentary group’s leadership. According to BILD, a ‘young group’ in the parliamentary group supports Spahn… Merz has already decided on Spahn, as BILD reported. The SPD, but especially the Greens, are barraging criticism of the appointment. The soon-to-be opposition party is targeting Spahn…” 

Die Welt wrote on April 15:

“Jens Spahn (CDU) has sharply criticized the charter flights planned by the outgoing federal government for people from Afghanistan to Germany. ‘I find this fundamentally wrong and presumptuous,’ said Spahn… The caretaker government ‘doesn’t even have a majority in parliament,’ complained the CDU politician. ‘Our coalition agreement states very clearly: The reception programs should end…’ 

“The CDU and SPD agree ‘that these flights must be stopped… We don’t want any more flights from Afghanistan to Germany, but rather fly criminals and threats back to Afghanistan,’ Spahn emphasized.” 

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.

What is the “Oral Law?” When we read of Jesus’s interactions with the Pharisees, we find that they had many laws and procedures that were not mentioned directly in the Law that God inspired Moses to write down. So, did the Pharisees or their predecessors create these, what could be termed oral law, sometime after the close of the Old Testament period?

Actually, the oral law was first mentioned directly in the book of Deuteronomy, and the necessity for oral law arises in the book of Exodus, and it may well be referred to in the book of Genesis, as will be mentioned later. So, what is the oral law, and why was it necessary, and when were parts of it created? In actual fact, there are three basic categories of oral law, each with a different purpose.

What we mean by the term oral law can be described loosely as additions to the written Law, sometimes called the Torah, which are needed if one is to carry out specific commanded activities in the way God intended. In other words, for some of the specific commands that God gave to His people, you could not possibly carry them out as God intended, based on what is written in the text. You have a need for additional instruction if you are to correctly carry out the specific commands in the fashion and manner in which God intended. This is one category of these additions to the written Law.

The second category contains additions to the written Law which are expansions on the intent of specific laws, which enable men to apply that intent to situations, or cases, not specifically mentioned in the text. In this second case, there are specific laws governing a particular type of situation. Then you come up with a situation which is of the same general type but is not specifically addressed, so you look for the intent behind the first judgement, to discern the principle and then you apply that same principle in the new situation which is not specifically mentioned in the text. The reasoning is that God would want the same intent followed in all situations in cases that are of the same category.

Then there is the third category of the oral law. This consists of additions to the written Law which are voluntarily assumed obligations, which then became binding on the people. Category three involves things that the people of their own free will have bound themselves to observe or to do. They were never specifically commanded by God. But the leaders and the people voluntarily assumed the responsibility for doing these things, and thereafter their descendants were bound to continue observing them in the same fashion.

An example of the first category is in Exodus 29:38-42, “Now this is what you shall offer on the altar: two lambs of the first year, day by day continually. One lamb you shall offer in the morning, and the other lamb you shall offer at twilight. With one lamb shall be one-tenth of an ephah of flour mixed with one-fourth of a hin of pressed oil, and one-fourth of a hin of wine as a drink offering. And the other lamb you shall offer at twilight; and you shall offer it with the grain offering and the drink offering, as in the morning, for a sweet aroma, an offering made by fire to the LORD. This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the tabernacle of meeting before the LORD, where I will meet you to speak with you.”

A number of questions arise from this instruction. We know the age of the lambs, and Numbers 28:3 states that the lambs were to be without blemish. Numbers 28:4 states that when we read twilight in Exodus 29, we read evening in Numbers 28, however they are both translated from the same two Hebrew words.  Actually, Young’s literal translation and two other literal translations correctly translate these two words as “between the evenings”; that is between sunset and nightfall. The New King James Bible also says in the margin that “twilight” literally means, “between the two evenings.” The first question to be asked is; who provides the lambs? Are they raised by Levites, or do some local farmers sell them to the priests? Or do volunteers offer them? Does it matter if they are male or a female?

The next question is; who sacrifices them? Is it only the high priest or any priest? And next; were they sacrificed as a whole or in parts? And does it matter what time of day these burnt offerings are made? Morning could be between sunrise and noon and evening might be between noon and sunset. The term evening, as distinguished from twilight, is believed by some to mean late afternoon, but still, how late? However, when literally translated as “between the evenings”, as mentioned above, this strongly indicates the correct time for the offering was just after sunset. When considering these questions, we must remember that the answers are important to God. And He must have informed Aaron through Moses, or Aaron personally, how He wanted these procedures to be carried out.

When we compare this with the instructions regarding the burnt offering in Leviticus 1:10-13, we find that, in this case, the sheep had to be male and cut into various pieces, parts of it washed, and it was to be laid on the altar by the priests, Aaron’s sons, and burnt. If the burnt offering was a bull, according to Leviticus 1:6, the one bringing the offering had to skin the animal. Even the place where the animal was to be killed and what to do with its blood was specified.

Other sacrifices had different requirements for how they were to be carried out. For example, in Leviticus 5:6 we read regarding a trespass offering, “…and he shall bring his trespass offering to the LORD for his sin which he has committed, a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats as a sin offering. So the priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin.”

Further detailed instructions were given for this offering depending on the financial situation of the one bringing it. Actually, for all the sacrifices, God gave very specific instructions as to how they were to be carried out. So we would expect the morning and evening sacrifices to also have more specific instructions than we read in the text. 

We must always remember the example of Nadab and Abihu who did something God had not required. In Leviticus 10:1-2, “Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the LORD, which he had not commanded them. So fire went out from the LORD and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.” Here God shows us that He considers obedience of His laws important especially when carried out by the priests, as we read in Leviticus 10:3. “And Moses said to Aaron, ‘This is what the LORD spoke, saying: “By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people I must be glorified.”’”

Therefore, for the morning and evening sacrifices to be offered in a consistent manner, more instructions were needed, and these would have to have been passed down from the older priests to the younger ones following, learning from them. These instructions would form a part of the oral law.

Another example of the necessity for oral law is found in Deuteronomy 24:1-4. “When a man takes a wife and marries her, and it happens that she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some uncleanness in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, puts it in her hand, and sends her out of his house, when she has departed from his house, and goes and becomes another man’s wife, if the latter husband detests her and writes her a certificate of divorce, puts it in her hand, and sends her out of his house, or if the latter husband dies who took her as his wife, then the former husband who divorced her must not take her back to be his wife after she has been defiled; for that is an abomination before the LORD, and you shall not bring sin on the land which the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance.”

This Law was given in the fortieth year of the wanderings of the children of Israel in the wilderness, just before they were about to enter the Promised Land. And as a functioning society, divorces would have taken place. So, as we read the instruction, what questions arise? The most obvious one, and most important, is what is defined as uncleanness.

In Matthew 1:19, we see the example of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of what he intended to do when Mary was found to be pregnant.  “Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.” He assumed she had committed adultery and that would be considered to be uncleanness.

What else could constitute uncleanness?  Anything that they thought was uncleanness, or were there some specified categories?

This became quite a matter of dispute in the days of Jesus. At this time, there were two schools of Pharisees, Shammai and Hillel. There is some debate over which of the two schools was more liberal than the other, especially regarding matrimonial law, but the more liberal one allowed more reasons for divorce. However, Jesus made clear what God’s Will regarding marriage and divorce was.

You may remember that some of the Pharisees came to Him to ask for what cause could a man put away his wife? Could it be for just any reason that they might think of? Matthew 19:3-9, “The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?’ And He answered and said to them, ‘Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning “made them male and female,” and said, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh”? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.’ They said to Him, ‘Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?’ He said to them, ‘Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.’”

It was a very prominent issue in His day and that’s why they brought it to Him. They weren’t seriously seeking enlightenment. They said this is such a hot issue, with such strong feelings about it, that no matter what He said, it was going to offend people. So, in the days of Moses, what constituted uncleanness had to be defined if it included more than sexual immorality, and not just for any reason, as mentioned in Matthew 19. Also, what does she do with this certificate of divorce? Does she use it to prove that she is legally able to remarry, or is it stored in an official registry with the Levites? Does it have a set format and does the reason for the divorce have to be stated?

The second category of oral law consists of situations that arise that are not mentioned directly in the written law but have similarities. Where questions arose in this type of situation, the people were to go to the priests as is mentioned in Deuteronomy 17:8-11: “If a matter arises which is too hard for you to judge, between degrees of guilt for bloodshed, between one judgement or another, or between one punishment or another, matters of controversy within your gates, then you shall arise and go up to the place which the LORD your God chooses. And you shall come to the priests, the Levites, and to the judge there in those days, and inquire of them; they shall pronounce upon you the sentence of judgement. You shall do according to the sentence which they pronounce upon you in that place which the LORD chooses. And you shall be careful to do according to all that they order you. According to the sentence of the law in which they instruct you, according to the judgement which they tell you, you shall do; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or the left from the sentence which they pronounce upon you.”

A typical example of such a situation could be the instance of a master cutting off his slave’s finger. Would that entitle the slave to receive freedom from slavery? The law specifically states in Exodus 21:26-27, “If a man strikes the eye of his male or female servant, and destroys it, he shall let him go free for the sake of his eye. And if he knocks out the tooth of his male or female servant, he shall let him go free for the sake of his tooth.” This has no mention of a finger, so a judgement has to be made if there is a dispute in the matter. It can be seen from Deuteronomy 17:11, that the priests would instruct the people in these matters so they would know how to judge similar matters in the future.

However, we must remember today that the principle of the oral law still exists in the practice of binding and loosing. The leadership of the ministry today still has the responsibility to make decisions regarding certain practices within the spirit and intent of God’s Law that are not in the written Law.

There is a Law that forbids taking certain items as security for a debt. Deuteronomy 24:6 states, “No man shall take the lower or upper millstone in pledge, for he takes one’s living in pledge.” So, what about a stove used for cooking? Or even some other essential item? Would this also be counted as one’s living? Again, a decision needed to be made about this question.

Now it is interesting, and this has nothing to do with the Biblical period, but in the 18^th century, in the closed Jewish ghettos in Eastern Europe, a question made its way to the Rabbis. Can a man who has lent money to a certain family demand that the wife’s pearls be held as a pledge? Why pearls, you might ask? Because in that closed community, the pearls were the highest and most important part of her adornment. And every man would try to give his wife more than any other kind of jewelry, a quality string of pearls. And she usually would wear them, especially on the Sabbath, as a means of adorning herself to show her delight in the Sabbath. If she suddenly appeared one Sabbath without the pearls, there would be an obvious statement made without having to say it in so many words, that her family was so poor that she had to pawn her pearls. It would be a significant blow to the prestige and status, and the way the family was regarded in the community. So, it was ruled that the man could keep the pearls during the week, but had to return them to her by Friday afternoon for her to wear on the Sabbath, so no one else would know, to avoid embarrassment.

This has similarities to the principle in the Bible, which is mentioned about the man’s garments. Exodus 22:26-27, “If you ever take your neighbor’s garment as a pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down. For that is his only covering, it is his garment for his skin. What will he sleep in? And it will be that when he cries to Me, I will hear, for I am gracious.” This shows that you must give it back to him before nightfall because he needs it at night to cover himself. That was the same rationale that was applied to the pearls. They were applying oral law to situations that were never even dreamt of in the Biblical legislation, to keep the spirit and intent as they understood it.

Jeremiah 17:21-22 would need some determination. “Thus says the LORD: ‘Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the Sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem; nor carry a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath day, nor do any work, but hallow the Sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers.’” The obvious question here is, what constitutes a burden? In Christ’s day, the Pharisees considered any amount of food heavier than a dried fig to be a burden. That was contained in their oral law. Actually, carrying was only one of their thirty-nine activities that were prohibited on the Sabbath. Of course, these thirty-nine activities were broken down into many sub-activities to help the people understand what physical activities would be a cause of breaking the Sabbath commandment. 

We have to understand here that most of their oral law was unbiblical. In Matthew 23, Christ condemns the Scribes and Pharisees because of the additional burdens they placed on the people that God did not require. So we cannot judge our behavior today by their oral law. Regarding the Sabbath, it was wrong, as Christ explains. That also goes for eating without “washed” hands (see below) or for Corban or treating Samaritans as dogs and unclean, or refusing to speak with a woman in public.

Mark 7:6-9 describes what Christ taught about the commandments of men. “He answered and said to them, ‘Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: “This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.’ He said to them, ‘All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.’”

(To Be Continued)

Lead Writer: Paul Niehoff (Australia)

compiled by Dave Harris

“The Pope Is Dead… Now What?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

Pope Francis aroused much anger and fury within the Catholic Church, dividing the Church between the “reform-oriented group” and the “traditionalists.” This program addresses the main disputes and wonders what position the next pope will adopt. We also address a prophecy about popes that gives us food for thought. Will the next pope be the last?

“Der Papst ist tot… was nun?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.

“Unentdeckte Sünde – Der Grund für unsere anhaltenden Probleme?” the Offertory for the Last Day of Unleavened Bread presented by Robert Macher, is now posted. Title in English: “Undiscovered Sin – The Reason For Our Ongoing Problems?”

A new Member Letter (April 2025) has been posted and mailed to our subscribers. Pastor Dave Harris draws a contrast with nominal Christianity and those who have the assurance of being true Christians, adding that we must stay strong and not let down.

“Abraham’s Calling” is the latest video in our Bible Story Series on YouTube.

“The Gift God Really Wants,” the Offertory for the Last Day of Unleavened Bread presented by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted.

“Who Are the Two Witnesses?” the sermon for the Last Day of Unleavened Bread presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:

What does the Bible tell us about the Two Witnesses? Are they Moses and Elijah? Will they possibly be raised from the dead to fulfill their roles as the Two Witnesses? Or are they angels? What about Enoch or John the Baptist? How should we understand the miracles which the Two Witnesses will perform? What will the Two Witnesses preach? When will their resurrection from the dead take place?

On April 19, 2025 (Last Day of Unleavened Bread), Kalon Mitchell will present the Offertory, titled, “The Gift God Really Wants,” and Norbert Link will present the sermon, titled, “Who Are the Two Witnesses?”

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.

When you receive this editorial, the Feast of Unleavened Bread will be drawing to a close. These days picture for us the necessity to be on the lookout for sin and to deal with it before it grows in our lives.

As we have gone through this week and have eaten unleavened bread the entire week, it shows that we want to continue to have a relationship with Christ and we want to avoid sin as sin adversely affects our relationship with God. There is a question that we should ask ourselves as we move out of this period of time: What have we done this week to help ourselves overcome our individual sins or sinful proclivities? What is going to be different for us as we move forward into the coming weeks?

We can use this beginning of the Spring Holy Days to help us springboard into further action!

We have heard in many messages the need to change and grow. It is up to us individually, however, to move forward with our conversion. The Bible makes it clear that coming to conversion is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey. It is the beginning of transformation, not the conclusion. When we become baptized, we step into a new life that is meant to grow, deepen, and mature. As Paul exhorted the Thessalonians, we are to “abound more and more” (1 Thessalonians 4:1). But how exactly can we move forward in our conversion in practical and Spiritual ways?

David was also concerned with this very concept.

In Psalm 139:23-24, he said: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.”

We are so good at self-deception and reasoning that it can be easy to get caught up in doing the wrong things and not see exactly what we need to be seeing, which is why David writes here his need for God to show him and lead him in the right ways!

As we move towards God’s next Holy Day (Pentecost), we should be mindful of continuing to move forward. Here are a few Biblical steps that show how we can grow and use these Feasts of God to their Fullest extent:

1.     Stay Rooted in the Word

1 Peter 2:2 reminds us: “as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.”

The Word of God is our primary source of nourishment. It reshapes our thinking, reveals God’s character, and instructs us in righteousness. Regular reading, studying, and meditating on Scripture is essential if we want to keep moving forward.

2.        Be Devoted to Prayer

Paul urges us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “pray without ceasing.”

Prayer isn’t merely about presenting our needs; it’s about building a relationship. In prayer, we align our hearts with God’s, receive His peace, and gain spiritual insight. As we grow in our prayer life, our faith deepens, and our awareness of God’s presence will become more constant.

3.        Put Off the Old Self, Put On the New Self

Ephesians 4:22-24 teaches: “…that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”

Conversion involves continual repentance. It means turning away from old habits and attitudes and actively embracing a life that reflects Christ.

4.        Walk in the Spirit

Paul writes in Galatians 5:25: “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

The Holy Spirit is our guide in this journey. It convicts, empowers, and leads us toward Christlikeness. Moving forward in conversion requires sensitivity and a willingness to follow His lead daily.

5.        Stay Connected to the Body of Christ

Proverbs 27:17 says: “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”

Community is crucial. The Church provides encouragement, correction, support, and discipleship. Being in regular fellowship with other believers helps us stay grounded and growing.

6.        Embrace Trials as Growth-Opportunities

James 1:2-4 encourages us: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

God uses hardship to shape us, to expose weak spots, and to strengthen our character. Moving forward sometimes happens most powerfully in the furnace of difficulty.

7.        Keep Your Eyes on Christ

Hebrews 12:2 tells us that we must be “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Conversion is not just behavior management; it’s about transformation through proximity to Christ. As we behold Him, we become more like Him.

Conversion is a process of growing in grace, deepening in faith, and becoming more like Jesus. It is not a stagnant state, but a living journey. We move forward in our conversion not only by striving harder, but also, and more importantly, by staying closer to Christ, relying on His Spirit, anchoring ourselves in the Word, and walking in fellowship with others. Let us press on into the fullness of the life God has promised.

by Norbert Link

We report on President Trump’s good wishes for Easter and Passover and show some interesting similarities; analyze the ongoing trade war between the USA and China; the devastating consequences of Trump’s tariffs for the US economy and US customers; and Trump’s inconsistent and confusing messages and directives pertaining to alleged exemptions. We also address investors’ shrinking confidence in the US Dollar.

We speak on new developments in regard to the Russia-Ukraine war—none of them good—America’s alleged intentions pertaining to the Panama Canal; and the Trump administration’s fight with the Associated Press; lawyers and the court system, especially in regard to immigration.

We speak on Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s proclaimed changed opinions on vaccinations; and PETA’s response to new directives regarding animal tests.

We address the frightening unparalleled alienation between the USA and Europe; and we conclude with distressing developments in Germany, especially in regard to censorship and attacks on freedom of expression. Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Europe For War and Against Freedom?”

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

Happy Easter From Donald Trump

Newsmax wrote on April 13:

“President Donald Trump hails ‘Holy Week, 2025’ with a message celebrating Jesus’ resurrection and salvation of sins… ‘Beginning with Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and culminating in the Paschal Triduum, which begins on Holy Thursday with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, followed by Good Friday, and reaching its pinnacle in the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night… we acknowledge that the glory of Easter Sunday cannot come without the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on the cross… On Easter morning, the stone is rolled away, the tomb is empty, and light prevails over darkness — signaling that death does not have the final word.

“This Holy Week, my Administration renews its promise to defend the Christian faith in our schools, military, workplaces, hospitals, and halls of government. We will never waver in safeguarding the right to religious liberty, upholding the dignity of life, and protecting God in our public square… This week, we pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our beloved Nation. We pray that America will remain a beacon of faith, hope, and freedom for the entire world, and we pray to achieve a future that reflects the truth, beauty, and goodness of Christ’s eternal kingdom in Heaven….”

This shows how deeply false Christianity is rooted in the USA, from the very top down. Christ kept the Passover—not the “Lord’s Supper”—on Tuesday evening; He was crucified on Wednesday—not Friday—and He was resurrected Saturday evening before sunset; not Sunday morning. Christ will establish His Kingdom on earth, and He will rule on earth, and we will rule under Him on earth, not in heaven.

Happy Passover From Donald Trump

Breitbart wrote on April 12:

“President Donald Trump issued a Passover message to Jewish families in the United States and to people in Israel, telling them to ‘have a blessed’ Passover holiday. In a video posted to X by the White House account, Trump explained that the story of Exodus ‘is a reminder not only of the enduring strength of the Jewish people,’ but that it also served as an important reminder to put faith ‘in Almighty God no matter what the circumstance’ is…

“‘To all the Jewish families gathering with friends and loved ones this week, have a blessed Passover and may God continue to watch over the Jewish people, the State of Israel, and the United States of America.’”

This year, Passover was held Friday evening, after sunset. The Jews kept it one day too late, on Saturday evening. The story of Exodus does not relate just to the Jews, but to the entire nation of Israel, consisting of twelve tribes—the Jews derived from Judah and are just one tribe of Israel. Many Jews are indeed living in the State of Israel, and many modern descendants of the ancient House of Israel can be found today in the USA. Hence, Trump’s wish that God may watch over the Jewish people, the State of Israel and the USA is quite remarkable from that perspective.

US-China Trade War Escalates

The Associated Press wrote on April 11:

“China announced countermeasures by raising tariffs on U.S. goods from 84% to 125% starting Saturday… Trump’s universal tariffs on China total 145%. When Trump announced Wednesday that China faced 125% tariffs, he did not include a 20% tariff on China tied to its role in fentanyl production… Beijing last week suspended sorghum, poultry and bonemeal imports from some American companies, and put more export controls on rare earth minerals, critical for various technologies…

“Given the size of the two economies, experts fear global economic turmoil…”

The New York Post wrote on April 11:

“US stocks fell on Friday as China struck back at President Trump’s latest tariff with a total 125% tax — further escalating trade tensions between the two nations.”

Can Trump Win the Trade War With China? 

The Telegraph wrote on April 11:

“China has just shown it can defeat America in a trade war. Donald Trump has almost certainly started a battle he cannot win. Free trade is a win-win, so the escalating tariff war between the US and China will be a lose-lose for both parties. Nonetheless, China is more likely to come out on top…

“For a start, the official data suggest that China’s economy grew by about 5 per cent last year. The true figure may well be lower, but a sharp drop in trade with the US alone is unlikely to tip China into recession. Moreover, there are several ways in which Beijing could limit the damage.

“One is simply to reroute more exports to the US via third countries. The US will of course be alert to this and attempt to tighten up the ‘rules of origin’ which determine the tax due on each shipment. But it will be almost impossible to enforce a regime with so many different rates on different goods coming from different countries.

“Beijing could also refocus on selling to other markets. Officials in the EU have already raised concern about the prospect of a flood of cheap imports, as Asian producers divert goods that can no longer sell in the US…

“China’s public debt is relatively low – a little above 60 per cent of GDP – and there is plenty of room for it to rise further. China’s inflation is also relatively low. Consumer prices actually fell by 0.1 per cent year-on-year in March…

“The flipside of China’s huge trade surplus is that US businesses and consumers have come to rely on relatively cheap manufactured goods from China, as well as the rest of Asia. These supplies cannot easily be replaced. Indeed, it would be practically impossible to replicate Asia’s low-cost manufacturing model in Ohio, even if this were desirable. Basic economics tells us that the US will always run deficits in goods with countries such as China, and Vietnam…

“The scope for US fiscal and monetary policy to offset a trade shock is more limited too, partly because the public finances are in an even worse state. Some hope that the new tariffs might raise as much as US$700 billion a year for the US Treasury. But this assumes that these tariffs will do little harm to trade, to the wider economy, or to revenues from other taxes. In reality, most of the economic burden of higher US tariffs will be borne by US taxpayers.

“Another flipside of the large US trade deficits is that other countries have accumulated large holdings of US assets. In particular, China is the second largest foreign holder of Treasury securities, after Japan… The upshot is that President Trump has started a war that he almost certainly cannot win…”

The Daily Beast added on April 11:

“China has announced it will tax U.S. products at 125 percent but it won’t go any higher… ‘Given that American goods are no longer marketable in China under the current tariff rates, if the U.S. further raises tariffs on Chinese exports, China will disregard such measures,’ the Ministry of Finance said in a statement.

“The Commerce Ministry said in a separate statement that the numbers no longer had any ‘economic significance’ and were just a ‘tool of bullying and coercion’ that had turned the U.S. into a ‘joke.’… Although it has ruled out new tit-for-tat tariffs, China has taken other measure to strike at U.S. interests. On Wednesday, it cautioned citizens not to travel to the U.S. and warned Chinese students not to study in ‘certain U.S. states,’ according to Bloomberg. On Thursday, it limited the number of U.S. films that can play in Chinese theaters.”

Huge Trump Tariff U-Turn Will Exempt iPhones and Laptops

The Daily Mail reported on April 12:

“President Donald Trump has spared iPhone, laptops and other electronics from his brutal China tariffs in [a] surprise move. The moves gives the likes of Apple and Samsung a major win while Americans dodge massive price hikes. The list of spared items includes smartphones, laptop computers, hard drives, memory chips, and processors – all tech essentials that are rarely made in the United States. [Also, solar cells, memory cards and flat-panel TV displays have all been exempted.]

“Experts say it would take years to ramp up domestic production, if it happens at all. More than 80 percent of all Apple products are made in China — including a staggering 80 percent of iPads and over half of all Mac computers… In the days following Trump’s tariff announcement, Apple saw $640 billion wiped from its market value. But it is not clear if the tariff timeout is permanent…

“Analysts warn that relocating iPhone production to the U.S. would be a monumental task, both logistically and financially. Bank of America Securities analyst Wamsi Mohan estimates that producing the iPhone 16 Pro Max domestically could increase its price by 91 percent, pushing it from $1,199 to approximately $2,300. Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives suggests the cost could soar even higher, potentially reaching $3,500 per unit. 

“In response to the escalating tariffs, Apple has taken swift action to mitigate potential disruptions. The company chartered flights to expedite the shipment of approximately 1.5 million iPhones from India to the U.S., aiming to preempt the impact of the tariffs.”

Do Trump and his administration really know what they are doing? It appears not. Note the next article:

No Exemptions for Electronics

On April 13, The Daily Mail introduced an article with the following headline: “Trump says there will be NO tariff exemptions in dramatic reversal that’ll hit Americans hard.”

The article continued:

“The post on Sunday came after Trump appeared to spare electronics like iPhones and laptops momentarily from his sweeping tariffs, but the prospect of an exemption was short lived. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified on Sunday those products will be part of the tariffs that are still to come…” 

Trump even said that he did not exempt electronics like iPhones or laptops. This is clearly false. On Monday, April 14, he said he is considering a short-term tariff exemption for auto companies. This is getting more and more ridiculous.

Worse Than a Recession

Daily Mail wrote on April 14:

“A hedge fund manager who predicted the 2008 financial crisis warned that a fate even more dire than another recession may be on the horizon… Ray Dalio, the billionaire founder of the world’s largest hedge fund Bridgewater Associates, has expressed deep concern over the American economy in light of Donald Trump’s tariff decisions sending the stock market into a frenzy…. Dalio has spoken extensively on the possibility of America’s economic demise, pointing out that there are other risk factors than the foreign tariffs situation.

“He wrote: ‘Don’t get me wrong, while these tariff announcements are very important developments and we all know that President Trump caused them… [People] are also mostly overlooking the vastly more important forces that are driving just about everything, including the tariffs.’

“One of the key dilemmas he discussed is that ‘monetary/economic order is breaking down‘ because America is in an extreme amount of debt. ‘Also, it should be obvious that the US government debt level and the rate at which the government debt is being added to is unsustainable,’ he asserted.”

Tariff Surcharge

Fox Business wrote on April 12:

“American consumers are noticing a new line on their shopping receipts — a tariff surcharge. The surcharges have been popping up across several industries, impacting nearly everything from prices of clothing to automobile manufacturing.

“Some companies are charging flat fees, while others charge a percentage of the total cost of a given purchase…” 

Investor Confidence Shaken in US Dollar

Business Insider wrote on April 11:

“The euro is increasingly gaining strength against the US dollar. At the end of the week, it rose to $1.13, its highest level in three years… Donald Trump is risking the dollar’s role as the world’s reserve currency, says Deutsche Bank. The euro is becoming an alternative. The consequences would be dramatic. With Trump’s election victory, the US dollar initially appreciated… Economists even expected the euro to fall to parity with the dollar for the first time in ten years, i.e., to one dollar for one euro.

“But… when Trump announced his major tariff package on almost all products and almost all countries in the world at the beginning of April, the mood changed… The dollar lost value. When Trump suddenly suspended most tariffs for 90 days, stocks recovered some of their losses. But the dollar continued to lose value, even faster… This is due to a loss of confidence. The reason is less doubt about the strength of the US economy, but rather about the reliability of US policy and institutions… The globally respected foreign exchange experts at Deutsche Bank Research in London have been warning for days of a dramatic and, above all, lasting dollar crisis…

“On the other hand, Germany’s recent decisions to increase spending on defense and infrastructure have been highly acclaimed internationally and received a very positive response… The euro is increasingly seen as a genuine alternative to the US dollar…

“If the dollar loses its function as a safe haven, this would have enormous consequences for the US’s financial viability. The world’s largest economy has a unique situation: The US is the only country in the world that can afford a gigantic double deficit in both its national budget and its foreign trade. The reason is the exceptional position of the dollar. It ensures that the US receives a steady flow of the new capital it needs…

“The more the dollar loses this role, the smaller the budget deficit the US can still afford without becoming unbalanced… The US’s double deficit [requires] sustained financing from foreign investors. For the US, it will therefore be crucial how foreign investors assess the reliability and risks in the US…

“Statements such as the US claims to ownership of Greenland have already contributed to the destabilization of the dollar…”

We have proclaimed for decades that ultimately, the Euro will become the strongest currency in the world. 

US Economy to Lose Billions as Foreign Tourists Stay Away 

Economic Times wrote on April 14:

“The US economy is set to lose billions of dollars in revenue in 2025 from a pullback in foreign tourism and boycotts of American products, adding to a growing list of headwinds keeping recession risk elevated. Arrivals of non-citizens to the US by plane dropped almost 10% in March from a year earlier… Goldman Sachs Group Inc. estimates in a worst-case scenario, the hit this year from reduced travel and boycotts could total 0.3% of gross domestic product, which would amount to almost $90 billion.

“… many potential visitors are now rethinking their vacation plans amid increased hostility at the border, rising geopolitical frictions and global economic uncertainty… stories of harsh detentions at US airports, ensnaring travelers from countries like France and Germany, started making headlines. Canadians, meanwhile – the largest group of foreign tourists in the US – are choosing to stay put as Trump ramps up attacks on the country’s economy and sovereignty… Canadian flight reservations to the US are down 70% through September versus the same period last year…” 

US Tariffs Stifle German and European Economy

t-online wrote on April 15:

“The US government’s tariff policy caused economic expectations among German financial experts to collapse in April. The ZEW research institute’s sentiment barometer fell by 65.6 points compared to the previous month, to minus 14.0 points… It is the sharpest decline in expectations since the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in 2022….

“‘The erratic upheaval in US trade policy is causing expectations for Germany to collapse,’ commented ZEW President Achim Wambach…. ‘[It] has led to a massive increase in global uncertainty.’… ‘The US tariffs will become a heavy burden for the German economy,’ commented Thomas Gitzel, Chief Economist at VP Bank…. In the eurozone as a whole, expectations also collapsed. They fell by 58.3 points to minus 18.5 points. The assessment of the economic situation worsened by 5.7 points to minus 50.9 points.”

Germany’s and Europe’s anger with the US is growing… 

Misunderstanding Regarding Ukraine Comments?

The Times reported on April 12 on X:

“EXCLUSIVE: President Trump’s envoy to Ukraine [Keith Kellog] has said the country could be partitioned ‘almost like Berlin after World War Two’ as part of a peace deal.”

Kellog responded on X:

“The Times article misrepresents what I said. I was speaking of a post-cease fire resiliency force in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty. In discussions of partitioning, I was referencing areas or zones of responsibility for an allied force (without US troops). I was NOT referring to a partitioning of Ukraine.”

It still sounds like partition.

News on the Russia-Ukraine War

Focus wrote on April 14:

“In a meeting with El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, Trump told reporters on Monday that ‘three people are responsible’ for the ‘millions of deaths’ in Ukraine, adding: ‘Let’s say (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is number one, but let’s say (former US President Joe) Biden, who had no idea what the hell he was doing, is number two, and Zelensky is number three.’ Trump also again falsely accused Zelensky of starting Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. ‘When you start a war, you gotta know that you can win the war, right? You don’t start a war with someone who’s 20 times your size and then hope people give you some missiles’…

“The potential next German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz (CDU), has provoked sharp criticism in Moscow with comments about the possible destruction of the Russian bridge to the annexed Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea. ‘Think twice, Nazi!’ wrote the deputy head of the Russian National Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, on the X platform. The former president was responding to Merz’s comments on the ARD program ‘Caren Miosga.’ In them, the CDU leader not only remained open to the delivery of the Taurus cruise missile to Ukraine. He also stated that the destruction of the Crimean bridge could benefit Ukraine.”

As for the alleged peace talks between Putin and Trump, everything seems to have come to a standstill.

Preparing For the Third Temple

Israel 365 News wrote on April 15:

“Every year before Passover, the Temple movements organize a full-dress practice of the Passover offering, which usually includes an actual lamb slaughtering. The practice is intended to work out any practical details involved in the Temple ritual and to raise awareness of the need to revive the Temple service. A lamb was slaughtered in advance and its proper use in the Temple service was demonstrated.

“This year, the reenactment included, for the first time, musical accompaniment by a corps of Levites. Young Kohanim (Jews descended from Aaron the High Priest) played a prominent role in the reenactment as part of their training for the Third Temple… the police have been increasingly supportive of the reenactment.” 

U.S. Troops to Deploy Near Panama Canal

Tico Times wrote on April 11:

“U.S. troops will be allowed to deploy in areas adjacent to the Panama Canal, according to an agreement signed between the two nations—a significant concession to President Donald Trump, who has been determined to regain control of the strategic interoceanic waterway. The Panamanian government insists these are not military bases…

“Since returning to power in January, Trump has threatened to ‘reclaim’ the maritime route built by the United States, arguing it is under ‘Chinese influence.’ ‘We’re taking back the canal. China has had too much influence (…) together with Panama, we’re kicking them out, sir,’ Hegseth told Trump on Thursday in Washington, briefing him on the agreement and the results of his visit. The three-year agreement, which can be extended, stipulates that the facilities remain the property of the Panamanian state and will be used jointly by the security forces of both countries.

“While visiting Lima on Thursday, Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino stated he rejected the Pentagon’s attempts to include terms like ‘permanent military presence,’ ‘military bases,’ and ‘territorial concessions’ in the agreement. ‘That is simply unacceptable,’ Mulino said, noting that he sent back ‘four versions’ of the agreement drafted by the U.S. Department of Defense for this reason.

“… Amid the tensions, Mulino’s government revealed that the United States removed a phrase recognizing Panama’s ‘inalienable sovereignty over the canal’ from the English version of a joint statement. On Thursday, Panama requested Washington revise the statement to include it…”

This fight is far from over. But the USA won’t take back the Panama Canal.

White House vs. Associated Press

The New York Post wrote on April 8:

“A federal judge ruled Tuesday the White House has to allow the Associated Press to take part in presidential pool coverage, including restoring access to Air Force One and other areas where only certain journalists are allowed to enter to speak to President Trump. DC US District Judge Trevor McFadden— nominated to the federal bench by Trump in 2017 — promptly stayed his own order for five days, giving the administration until Sunday to appeal to a higher court before the ruling takes effect.

“The White House implemented the ban after the AP refused to use the term ‘Gulf of America’ in its coverage after the president renamed the Gulf of Mexico upon taking office Jan. 20… But the court ruled Tuesday that although the White House is not mandated to provide access to every event, it does have the responsibility to allow journalists the same access as similar outlets — even if they disagree with their views…

“Trump’s administration isn’t the first to face accusations of discriminating against outlets based on their content. The Biden White House… [banned] The Post for seven months straight — following bombshell reporting… detailing his involvement in his son and brother’s foreign business relationships. Biden aides at times claimed there was simply no space available — while leaving up to two dozen press seats empty.”  

The Associated Press wrote on April 9:

“The government filed a notice of appeal early Wednesday afternoon on behalf of the three officials sued by the AP — White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, White House chief of staff Susan Wiles and deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich. The one-page notice of appeal gave no other details.”

Discrimination everywhere… As of Monday, April 14, AP was still barred… in violation of the court order.

Trump’s Censorship

Fox News reported on April 16:

“The Associated Press and Reuters released sharply critical statements of the Trump White House this week in response to news that it was cutting traditional wire service slots in the rotating pool. ‘We are deeply disappointed that the administration has chosen to restrict the access of all wire services, whose fast and accurate White House coverage informs billions of people every single day, rather than reinstate The Associated Press to the wire pool,’ AP spokesperson Lauren Easton said, according to reports. ‘The wire services represent thousands of news organizations across the U.S. and the world over,’ Easton added. ‘Our coverage is used by local newspapers and television stations in all 50 states to inform their communities. The administration’s actions continue to disregard the fundamental American freedom to speak without government control or retaliation. This is a grave disservice to the American people.’

“Wire services are outlets like the AP, Reuters and Agence France-Presse that provide news reports to news outlet subscribers. It is common to see AP and other wire service stories reprinted in other publications… In its report about the decision, the AP said it was ‘the latest attempt by the new administration to control coverage of its activities.’ 

“Reuters was also harshly critical of the change. ‘Reuters news coverage reaches billions of people each day, mostly through the thousands of news organizations around the world that subscribe to Reuters services. It is essential to democracy that the public have access to independent, impartial and accurate news about their government. Any steps by the U.S. government to limit access to the President threatens that principle, both for the public and the world’s media,’ a spokesperson told Fox News Digital on Wednesday…

“‘We deeply regret the decision to remove that permanent level of scrutiny and accountability,’ Bloomberg editor-in-chief John Micklethwait said, according to The New York Times…”

Lawyers to Be Intimidated

Detroit Free Press wrote on April 7:

“A lawyer’s spring break trip to the Dominican Republic with his family ended on a troubling note at Detroit Metro Airport on Sunday: He was detained by federal agents, questioned about his clients, and asked to give up his cellphone, he says. But Dearborn attorney Amir Makled [an American citizen], who is representing a pro-Palestinian demonstrator who was arrested at the University of Michigan last year, stood his ground. He didn’t give up his phone…

“What followed was a 90-minute, back-and-forth verbal tussle between Makled and two federal agents, who, he said, ultimately released him without taking his phone, but looked at his contacts list instead. For the 38-year-old civil rights and criminal defense attorney, it was a daunting experience that he says highlights a troubling phenomenon that’s occurring across the United States: Lawyers are getting targeted for handling issues the administration of President Donald Trump disagrees with.

“Makled’s airport experience comes in the wake of a memo that President Donald Trump issued to the U.S. Justice Department last month, in which he directed the agency to seek sanctions against attorneys, alleging they are helping fuel ‘rampant fraud and meritless claims’ in the immigration system.” 

The Justice Department was clearly weaponized under Biden… now it seems to be weaponized under Trump.

“Immigration Judge: US Can Deport Pro-Palestinian Columbia Student Khalil”

Reuters reported on April 11:

“A U.S. immigration judge in Louisiana ruled on Friday that President Donald Trump’s administration can proceed with its deportation case against Columbia University graduate student and Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, who was arrested in New York City last month…

“Khalil, a prominent figure in the pro-Palestinian student protest movement that has roiled Columbia’s New York City campus, was born in a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria, holds Algerian citizenship and became a U.S. lawful permanent resident last year. Khalil’s wife, Noor Abdalla, is a U.S. citizen.

“Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined last month that Khalil should be removed because his presence in the United States has ‘potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences,’ citing a 1952 law called the Immigration and Nationality Act. Khalil and his lawyers have said the Trump administration was targeting him for speech that is protected under the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment including the right to criticize American foreign policy…

“Rubio wrote that Khalil should be removed for his role in ‘antisemitic protests and disruptive activities, which fosters a hostile environment for Jewish students in the United States.’ Rubio’s letter did not accuse Khalil of breaking any laws, but he said that the State Department can revoke the legal status of immigrants even when their beliefs, associations or statements are ‘otherwise lawful.’ 

“Baher Azmy, the legal director of the Center for Constitutional Rights and one of Khalil’s attorneys, told a press briefing on Thursday that Rubio’s letter ‘is a sort of tacky, Soviet-style diktat that’s equal parts empty and chilling.’ Khalil has said criticism of the U.S. government’s support of Israel’s military occupation of Palestinian territories is being wrongly conflated with antisemitism…

“The American immigration court system is run and its judges are appointed by the U.S. Justice Department, separate from the government’s judicial branch.”

Politico added on April 12:

“Immigration Judge Jamee E. Comans said at the conclusion of a hearing in Jena that the government’s contention that Khalil’s presence in the United States posed ‘potentially serious foreign policy consequences’ was enough to satisfy requirements for his deportation.

“Comans said the government had ‘established by clear and convincing evidence that he is removable.’ Lawyers for Khalil are expected to appeal… Federal judges in New York and New Jersey have ordered the government not to deport Khalil while his case plays out in court.”

One can most certainly agree with the outcome of the case in removing a non-American citizen who supports Hamas and preaches hatred against Jews. What is troublesome is the rationale that the Justice Department can, in its discretion, revoke the legal status of any lawful immigrant, including green card holders, even when their beliefs, associations or statements are “otherwise lawful.”

Arrests at Churches and Schools

The Associated Press wrote on April 11:

“A federal judge on Friday sided with the Trump administration in allowing immigration agents to conduct enforcement operations at houses of worship…

“In February, a federal judge in Maryland ruled against the Trump administration in a similar case brought by a coalition of Quakers and other religious groups. U.S. District Judge Theodore Chang’s order in that case was limited to those plaintiffs. A judge in Colorado sided with the administration in another lawsuit over the reversal of a similar policy that had limited immigration arrests at schools.”

The prospect of immigration agents invading churches and schools to carry out arrests is frightening. Only imagine federal agents storming into classrooms during school hours or churches during worship services to arrest immigrants in attendance. Terrible pictures of Germany’s dark past come to mind.

Supreme Court: Garcia Must Be Returned from El Salvador Prison

The Associated Press wrote on April 10:

“The Supreme Court on Thursday said the Trump administration must work to bring back a Maryland man who was mistakenly deported to prison in El Salvador, rejecting the administration’s emergency appeal… U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis had ordered Abrego Garcia, now being held in a notorious Salvadoran prison, returned to the United States by midnight Monday. ‘The order properly requires the Government to “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s release from custody in El Salvador and to ensure that his case is handled as it would have been had he not been improperly sent to El Salvador,’ the court said [unanimously] in an unsigned order with no noted dissents… 

“In Thursday’s case, Chief Justice John Roberts had already pushed back Xinis’ deadline. The justices also said that her order must now be clarified to make sure it doesn’t intrude into executive branch power over foreign affairs, since Abrego Garcia is being held abroad. The court said the Trump administration should also be prepared to share what steps it has taken to try to get him back — and what more it could potentially do…” 

The case was sent back to U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis. Notice what happened next.

Justice Department Keeps Stonewalling 

Politico wrote on April 11:

“An exasperated federal judge commanded the Trump administration Friday to begin providing ‘daily updates’ on whether it is doing anything to comply with her order to return a Maryland man — illegally deported to El Salvador last month — back to the United States. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis scolded the administration for refusing to provide even ‘basic’ details about Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s location, despite her demand for an update by Friday morning… 

“‘I’m asking a very simple question. Where is he?’ Xinis asked Justice Department attorneys at a court hearing. ‘I do not have that information,’ replied Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign. The administration’s stonewalling, which Xinis described as ‘extremely troubling,’ raised the specter that it is defying the order that the judge issued last week and that the Supreme Court largely upheld on Thursday…

“The Trump administration has acknowledged that immigration officials wrongly deported Abrego Garcia to El Salvador on March 15, in violation of a 2019 immigration court order that barred his deportation to that country because of a credible fear of persecution by a local gang. He was taken with other deportees to a notorious anti-terrorism prison in El Salvador.”

In the meantime, Trump said the USA will abide by the Supreme Court’s order. But this did not last long (note next article).The government represented that Garcia is still in El Salvador’s prison but it is up to El Salvador whether or not they will release him. This is such a mess… all caused unnecessarily by overzealous federal officials and the subsequent stonewalling by the Justice Department.

Professor Laurence Tribe Warns!

Breitbart wrote on April 16:

“Left-wing commentator and Harvard Law professor emeritus Laurence Tribe [said] Tuesday: ‘… I have been in school for 50 years studying the constitution, teaching about it. It doesn’t enforce itself. It takes human beings… to take it seriously…’

“He added, ‘It’s not just immigrants, they’re important, but it’s all of us. If the United States government can do what Trump claims and that is just grab people off the street, make claims about them that you never present to a judge, whisk them away to a prison colony in El Salvador, a place notorious for torturing people, for getting them to perform slave labor, if that can happen to Kilmar Abrego Garcia it can happen to anybody… Very few people are standing up…’”

Tribe is very correct in this. He also helped the Worldwide Church of God under Herbert W. Armstrong when it was unlawfully and unconstitutionally invaded and illegally taken over by the Attorney General of the State of California in 1979. 

Garcia has been referred to as an illegal alien; a member of the MS-13 gang; a convicted criminal and a terrorist. None of these accusations are correct or supported by the evidence. Garcia has never been convicted of any crime. There is no credible evidence that he was a member of the MS-13 gang or a terrorist. He was legally allowed to be in the U.S. because a federal immigration judge granted him a legal protective order in 2019 to prevent his removal to El Salvador. Though he entered the U.S. illegally as a teen, the immigration judge’s ruling in late 2019 allowed him to stay in the country legally. However, all these questions should have been decided by the court; not by the government which, in violation of the 2019 protective order, just took him and deported him to El Salvador.

Bad and Deeply Distressing Show of Trump and Bukele 

Daily Mail wrote on April 14: 

“President Donald Trump welcomed El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele to the White House. (Bukele describes himself as the “world’s coolest dictator.”) Trump and… Bukele… defended keeping [Garcia] in a notorious megaprison after the Supreme Court ordered his return to the U.S. Bukele argued he couldn’t return… Garcia… who was mistakenly deported along with dozens of other migrants on March 15, to America… Trump indicated he was open to sending Americans convicted of violent crimes to the notorious El Salvadorian megaprison…”

This is getting worse and worse… 

The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Rules Against Trump

The Hill wrote on April 17:

“The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday declined to lift a judge’s order that the Trump administration ‘facilitate’ the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia…  The 4th Circuit declined to put Xinis’s ruling on hold just one day after the administration filed the appeal, a swift order that came without waiting for Abrego Garcia’s lawyers to file their response… ‘we shall not micromanage the efforts of a fine district judge attempting to implement the Supreme Court’s recent decision,’ U.S. Circuit Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson wrote for the unanimous three-judge panel…

“‘The government is asserting a right to stash away residents of this country in foreign prisons without the semblance of due process that is the foundation of our constitutional order,’ he continued. ‘Further, it claims in essence that because it has rid itself of custody that there is nothing that can be done. This should be shocking not only to judges, but to the intuitive sense of liberty that Americans far removed from courthouses still hold dear.’

“Wilkinson, an appointee of former President Reagan, was joined on the panel by U.S. Circuit Judge Robert King, who is an appointee of former President Clinton, and U.S. Circuit Judge Stephanie Thacker, who is an appointee of former President Obama.” 

This seems to be the correct decision, under the circumstances.

Kennedy Backpedals

CNN wrote on April 12:

“Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. this week made his strongest endorsement yet of the measles vaccine amid an ongoing outbreak that has killed three and infected more than 600 people across the US. But his recent push for people to get vaccinated for measles stands in stark contrast to Kennedy’s years of work against measles vaccines, including suing the state of New York for its vaccine mandates, and making numerous claims that the shot is dangerous and unnecessary.

“Kennedy’s comments on X last Sunday that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, ‘is the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles’ set off vaccine critics who saw the statement as a betrayal of the health secretary’s longtime views on vaccine safety…. Kennedy followed up this Thursday with a Fox News interview, where he told host Martha MacCallum that it is ‘very hard to tell’ whether measles deaths this year could have been averted with vaccinations.”

What double talk! Is there anyone left in the political arena whom you can believe?

PETA Thanks Trump

Breitbart wrote on April 14:

“Animal rights nonprofit group PETA is praising the Trump administration for its work to end animal testing within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)… FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary said drug manufacturers have performed ‘additional animal testing of drugs’ for which they already have had human data ‘for too long.’…

“PETA, which has blasted health officials such as Dr. Anthony Fauci for past animal testing, released a positive statement in response… ‘All animal use, including failed vaccine and other testing on monkeys at the federally-funded primate centers, must end… PETA thanks the Trump administration for modernizing the FDA and helping spare tens of thousands of animals each year from being killed in expensive and archaic laboratory tests,’ the group wrote.”

This is good news that those cruel and inhumane animal “experiments” are to be stopped… hopefully very soon.  

Articles set forth below show German and European perspectives which we may or may not share, but they reflect an unparalleled development of hostility between the USA and the EU and especially Germany, which has been prophesied to occur in these last days.

A Person Is Either a Man or a Woman

npr wrote on April 16:

“Britain’s Supreme Court has ruled that the legal definition of a woman is someone born biologically female. Wednesday’s ruling is the culmination of a long-running legal battle that began in Scotland in 2018. But it has big implications for transgender people across the United Kingdom — at a time when similar legal challenges are underway in the United States after President Trump banned transgender people from military service.

“The court’s five judges issued an 88-page judgment. In it, they say the “concept of sex is binary, a person is either a woman or a man.”

BBC News added on April 16:

“Harry Potter author JK Rowling posted on social media: ‘It took three extraordinary, tenacious Scottish women with an army behind them to get this case heard by the Supreme Court and, in winning, they’ve protected the rights of women and girls across the UK.’” 

Many years and huge legal costs could have been avoided if they had only read Genesis 2:21-25. Ignoring God’s Word was a very expensive and time-consuming exercise where the answer was there all the time in Genesis, chapter 2.

Enemies Everywhere

Focus wrote on April 12:

“We [Germans] are now enemies of the American people. Rapists. Looters. Criminals. That’s what Donald Trump called us on ‘Liberation Day’…

“The president has the Europeans in particular in his sights. Of all those who rip off the American people, they are the worst. Sneaky, devious, and never at a loss for an excuse when confronted. Tariffs are not enough to hold them accountable for the injustice they have suffered.

“On Monday, Trump demanded reparations. For every VW, every BMW, and every Mercedes that rolls on American roads, compensation must be paid… ‘There will be no talks as long as they don’t pay us a lot of money on an annual basis, for the present, but also for the past.’

“If you declare the whole world an enemy, you only have enemies everywhere. That’s inevitable….

“If I were an American, I would be a bit quieter on my next visit to Europe. My advice: whisper when ordering in a restaurant. And in a hotel, pretend you got the address wrong. Or adopt an accent that makes you look British. If there is a need, an Australian will work too…

“The USA dominates the entertainment industry, the oil industry, and the financial industry. In the tech world, its dominance is so overwhelming that practically no cell phone or computer can function without its help. Of the 25 most valuable companies in the world, 23 are from the United States. But on US television, Trump’s Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller is declaring, with a voice trembling with indignation, that not a single American car can be seen on German roads.

“American steaks are supposedly nowhere to be found because American meat is ‘beautiful’ and European meat is ‘weak’… This insight comes from the new Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick. I have no idea when the man was last in Germany. I’d be happy to invite Lutnick to inspect the meat counter at Simmel, the Edeka supermarket around the corner from me. US prime beef can be found there in almost every degree of maturity and cut: Tomahawk, T-bone, or ribeye…

“160 million US citizens have invested their money in the stock market. A friend from Washington told me on the phone that the past few days had cost him $50,000. He’s not alone in his loss…

“It’s going to be lonely. Bookings from Canada have plummeted by 70 percent. Others will also consider whether they want to take the risk of traveling to the US. You don’t know if you’ll even get in – or out again... The only people here who are bravely supporting Trump are the people of the AfD. The AfD still believes Trump is one of their own…”

“The US President Detests the Europeans”

ntv wrote on April 12:

“Three members of the European Parliament traveled to Washington to save transatlantic relations: Bernd Lange, Chairman of the Trade Committee, David McAllister, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Brando Benifei, Chairman of the parliamentary delegation to the US. There, they spoke with high-ranking Republicans to explore how they could still convince US President Donald Trump to cooperate with the Europeans – especially on economic policy.

“A difficult undertaking, given that Trump had repeatedly expressed his disgust with Brussels… ‘Trump hates the EU and its institutions. That’s clear. During my visit to Washington, it became clear: Republicans also hate the European Union,’ says Lange. 

“Not ideal conditions for an amicable agreement. Trump would much rather negotiate with individual European states… ‘But if the 27 EU member states stand together, then we are 450 million compared to 330 million Americans,’ says McAllister…

“No matter how emotionally driven Trump’s actions may be, the EU should never make the mistake of allowing itself to be intimidated by him, as Trump sees this as weakness, says Lange… McAllister agrees: ‘Trump is only impressed by those who show strength and also appear confident.’…”

Tesla a Flop?

t-online wrote on April 12:

“Even in the Republican-dominated US state of Montana, Tesla seems to be met with nothing but hostility: As former Defense Minister Karl Theodor zu Guttenberg… reported, he was repeatedly heckled during his test drive of the Cybertruck… The former CSU politician and current lobbyist attributes these reactions to the unpopularity of Tesla CEO Elon Musk… The driving experience in the Cybertruck does not seem to have compensated Guttenberg for this experience: The vehicle itself is an ‘unbelievably hideous pickup monster.’

“This image problem is also reflected in the company’s business figures. Tesla recorded a 13 percent decline in sales in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year… The latest Tesla model is also increasingly being criticized. The Cybertruck is said to be struggling with significant quality issues. By the end of February, only around 46,100 vehicles were produced – significantly less than the original annual target of 250,000 units. Forbes magazine calls the model the biggest flop in the auto industry in decades.”

“Poor Germany: ‘Coalition Agreement Is Friedrich Merz’s Capitulation Document.'”

The Austrian magazine Report 24 wrote on April 12:

“The coalition agreement reads in places like a left-wing election platform for a surveillance state – from mandatory digital ID and electronic patient records to a ‘ban on lying’ and the automated transfer of data from online platforms to law enforcement agencies, everything that enables total control and persecution of citizens is represented. Meanwhile, all of the Union’s relevant election promises have been scrapped… The AfD views the agreement as a capitulation document. Initial polls show it is now the strongest party in Germany.

“Below you can read the statement by the chairmen of the AfD parliamentary group in the German Bundestag, Alice Weidel, and Tino Chrupalla:

“‘This coalition agreement is Friedrich Merz’s capitulation document. The paper bears throughout the hallmarks of the election loser, the SPD, peppered with nods to the Greens, who will always be at the table in this cabinet.

“‘It is a “business as usual” document that offers no solutions to the major future issues facing our country. There is no departure in sight from the electric car-based planned economy that is ruining our key industry. Energy remains expensive because nuclear energy and cheap gas remain taboo topics. 

“‘Apart from platitudes and announcements, nothing of the boastfully promised “migration turnaround” can be found in the paper… The coalition partners praise themselves for not raising taxes. But they promised tax cuts… But when it comes to debts at the expense of our children and grandchildren, they summon the defeated Bundestag and amend the Basic Law…”

What the AfD is stating here is, sadly, not far off.

Attack on Germany’s “Freedom of Expression” 

Focus wrote on April 12: 

“Journalist David Bendels was sentenced to probation for distributing a distorted image of Nancy Faeser on X… Faeser [currently still the lame-duck Federal Minister of the Interior] had posed with a sign reading ‘We remember’ on the occasion of a memorial day. Bendels, in turn, had replaced the lettering with ‘I hate freedom of expression.’ The court thus considered the offense of defamation under Section 188, Paragraph 2 of the Criminal Code [defaming politicians] to have been fulfilled.

“However, this cannot be said, says FOCUS columnist Jan Fleischhauer. Faeser ‘disregarded press freedom in Germany like no other,’ he said… After all, she tried to ‘shut down a right-wing magazine that didn’t suit her.’ Even during the coronavirus pandemic, as Minister of the Constitution, she had a questionable attitude toward the right to demonstrate. ‘She recommended to citizens they could just stay at home. Why do we even have to take to the streets for these lateral thinker (“Querdenker”) demonstrations? Demonstrating at home would be nice too…’ 

“The fact that the public prosecutor’s office took action in this case at all was due to Faeser’s insistence. ‘In the end, that means: She will go down in history as the Federal Minister of the Interior who took government-critical images on X more seriously than the marches of hardcore anti-Semites on German streets shouting ‘Death to Israel.’ Strangely, she didn’t take action.”

“‘…if satirical images are considered hate and incitement…then freedom of expression is in jeopardy.'” 

It surely is. 

Focus wrote on April 11: 

“Was someone smoking something under their robe? That, at least, would be an explanation… Unfortunately, it’s not a slip-up. In Germany, cases are increasing in which judges and public prosecutors demonstrate an astonishing, indeed astonishingly disturbed, attitude toward freedom of expression.”

Unbelievable Verdict Against an Anti-Coronavirus Protester

Report 24 wrote on April 15: 

“… on the evening of May 1, 2021, a group of around 50 people [gathered] in Tuttlingen… Their goal: to protest against the excessive coronavirus measures. Dressed in black, some with white makeup on their faces, carrying torches and some with flags, the group moved… toward the city center. But… the police [obstructed] their way because the gathering had not been registered… The woman, now 59, had also participated in the demonstration…

“The Tuttlingen District Court had already sentenced her to eight months’ probation. But she rejected the verdict and appealed. She was charged with disturbing the peace, violating the ban on assembly and wearing masks, and carrying a ‘weapon’—a torch. The Rottweil Regional Court has now re-set the sentence: a €7,500 Fine… The verdict is final.

“The verdict shows that the judiciary takes tough action, even years later, when rules are broken – especially when the ‘perpetrators’ are government critics. But given the realization that the measures were excessive and in some cases unconstitutional, the punishment could only further fuel anger against the state. Citizens are demanding an investigation – instead, they are receiving such verdicts. On social media, users are expressing incomprehension.

“It cannot be ruled out that [in] Germany, people will soon end up in prison again because of their political views, even if their statements have nothing to do with incitement. Harsh criticism of the government can nowadays be considered lèse majesté [offense against the dignity of a ruling head of state] … and punished…”

Germany again on the way towards a dictatorship?  

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 part 1 of this Q&A, we discussed the fact that many religions believe that each person has an immortal soul.   Orthodox Christianity, in general, has the same understanding.   But is it true? 

In our booklet “The Theory of Evolution – A Fairy Tale for Adults,” the Spirit in Man is discussed and below are a few selected highlights taken from pages 19-26.   This shows that the Spirit in Man is not the soul.  

“Herbert W. Armstrong… published his findings in a book entitled, ‘The Incredible Human Potential.’ This is what he wrote on pages 74 and 75, ‘Animals are equipped with brain and instinct. But they do not have power to understand and choose moral and spiritual values or to develop perfect spiritual character. Animals have brain, but no intellect—instinct, but no ability to develop holy and Godly character. And that pictures the transcendental DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ANIMAL BRAIN AND HUMAN MIND.

“‘What then can account for the vast difference? Science cannot adequately answer. Some scientists, in the field of research, conclude that, of necessity, there has to be some non-physical component in human brain that does not exist in animal brain….’

“Mr. Armstrong then explains that, according to the Bible, each human being has a non-physical component in his brain, called ‘the spirit in man.’ On page 81 of his book, he points out, ‘[T]his spirit is not the man—only something in the man… This spirit cannot see, hear, or think. The man sees, hears and thinks through his physical brain and the five senses of seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling and feeling. The spirit in man imparts the power of physical intellect to the physical brain, thus forming human mind.

“‘This spirit acts, among other things, as a computer, adding to the brain the psychic and intellectual power. Knowledge received in the brain through the eye, ear and the senses is immediately “programmed’ into the spirit computer. This “computer” gives the brain instant recall of whatever portion of millions of bits of knowledge may be needed in the reasoning process. That is to say that memory is recorded in the human spirit, whether or not it is also recorded in the “gray matter” of the brain. This human spirit also adds to man a spiritual and moral faculty not possessed by animals.’

“Most people know nothing about the existence of the spirit in man—even many religious people—lay persons and theologians alike. When they read passages in the Bible describing the spirit in man, they assume the Bible is talking about the soul. But the soul is not a non-physical component of the human being. The soul, according to the Bible, is totally physical. The Bible does not teach the concept of an immortal soul. Rather, we read in Ezekiel 18:4, ‘The soul who sins shall die.’ The word ‘soul’ in the Bible refers to the living body of both man and animals. In Revelation 16:3, we read that every living soul—both men and beasts—died in the sea. The soul does NOT distinguish man from animals. Rather, the spirit in man is THE distinguishing factor between man and animals. It explains man’s superiority over the animals and totally disproves the concept of evolution. 

“The Bible strongly indicates that God gives the human spirit at the time of conception, and then takes it back at the time of death. We read in Zechariah 12:1, ‘Thus says the Lord who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him.’ Ecclesiastes 12:7 says, ‘Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.’ When the spirit in man leaves a person, that person is dead. James 2:26 says, ‘For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.’

“Jesus Christ Himself, at the time of His death, cried out to the Father to receive His spirit. What exactly did He say? Let’s read in Luke 23:46, ‘And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last.’ When He died, His human spirit returned to God, as we read in Ecclesiastes. 

“Understand though, that when a man dies and his spirit returns to God, that spirit does not continue to live consciously, apart from the body. Rather, God ‘stores’ it, so to speak, in heaven, until He unites it at the time of the resurrection of man with a new spiritual or physical body. The concept that man’s soul is immortal is as wrong as the concept that man’s spirit continues to live consciously after death. Rather, the body—or soul—dies, and the spirit of man returns to God to await a resurrection.

“Note Ecclesiastes 9:4-6, ‘But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope… For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing…Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished…’ And verse 10, ‘Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.’ In other words, there is no conscious activity after a person dies. The spirit does not continue in the realm of consciousness.

“Jesus Christ also made it clear that dead people do not continue to live on. Rather, the dead will have to be brought back to life through a resurrection from the dead. In Matthew 22:31-32, He asked the Sadducees, since they did not believe in the resurrection, ‘But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.’ If the dead persons of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had somehow continued to live consciously after their death, including a conscious existence of their spirit that had returned to God, then Christ’s words to the Sadducees would have been without sense.

“WHY does God give each human being a spirit? The spirit in man records all the human characteristics of the person, as well as his or her outward appearance. At the time of the resurrection, the spirit of the dead person is combined with a new body of the dead person. This means, all the experiences and memories and ideas of the former life are back in the resurrected individual, and the resurrected person will also look the same way he or she did in their former life.

“When a person dies, his body returns to dust. But the spirit of man in him has recorded the appearance of the person, the personality, the personal attributes, and God gives the spirit of that person back into the newly created physical body. 

“Just as the Bible teaches a resurrection to physical life, so it also teaches a resurrection to spiritual life. Those who died after having been counted worthy to enter the Kingdom of God at the time of Christ’s second coming, will have part in a spiritual resurrection, as the Apostle Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-44, ‘But someone will say, “How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?” Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies. And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be… But God gives… a body as He pleases… So also is the [spiritual] resurrection from the dead [to spiritual life]: The body is sown in corruption [flesh and blood], it is raised in incorruption…It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.’ But as with a resurrection to physical life, the resurrection to spiritual life will also incorporate the spirit that was in man and that recorded the person’s characteristics.

“So we see that it is the spirit in man that explains the vast differences in self-awareness, intellect and intelligence between man and animals.”

What you have just read is something that so many simply don’t understand.  Because so many believe in an immortal soul that has to go somewhere when the body dies, Bible verses are interpreted in a way that allows this belief.   As we saw in the previous instalment, many religions are convicted of this and even in mainstream Christianity, it is the prevailing view with the good going to Heaven at death and the evil unbelievers going to Hell being accepted as Biblical Truth, when it isn’t.   And once such error is accepted, then further errors creep in, which is why it is so vital to have the correct understanding that we don’t have an immortal soul.

In part 1 of this Q&A, we mentioned that one writer opined that “the present Heaven is not our final destination, it’s a wonderful place, and it’s understandable that those who have had loved ones die in Christ wonder what life is like for them there. Based on the Bible’s teaching, we know several things: the present Heaven is a real (and possibly physical) place. Those who love Jesus and trust Him for their salvation will be with Him there, together with all who have died in Christ. We will be awake and cognizant.” 

We had explained that this is most certainly not the prevailing view in orthodox Christianity which holds that the good remain forever in Heaven as their final destination. But this writer even thinks that “The Present Heaven May Be a Physical Place.”  He also wrote that “A fundamental article of the Christian faith is that the resurrected Christ now dwells in Heaven. We are told that His resurrected body on Earth was physical and that this same, physical Jesus ascended to Heaven, from where He will one day return to Earth. It seems indisputable, then, to say that there is at least one physical body in the present Heaven. If Christ’s body in the intermediate Heaven has physical properties, it stands to reason that others in Heaven could have physical forms as well, even if only temporary ones.”

To add to the confusion even more, he writes: “Given the consistent physical descriptions of the intermediate Heaven and those who dwell there, it seems possible—though this is certainly debatable—that between our earthly lives and our bodily resurrection God may grant us some temporary physical form that will allow us to function as human beings while in that unnatural state ‘between bodies’ awaiting our bodily resurrection. If so, that would account for the repeated depictions of people now in Heaven occupying physical space, wearing clothes and crowns, carrying branches, and having body parts (for example, Lazarus’s finger in Luke 16:24).”  

As mentioned previously, we address the question about Lazarus and the rich man in our booklet “Do We Have an Immortal Soul?” on pages 31-32: 

The opinion of the writer, as quoted above, is wrong for many reasons. One, there are no physical bodies in heaven, and there never will be. Two, nobody went to heaven except for Jesus Christ, but not in a physical body, but as a Spirit being. 

We said in one of our Q&As: “God also created the third heaven with all its spiritual components, including His throne, His temple, the heavenly Jerusalem, and the heavenly garden or Paradise, because we read that the Father created everything there is through Jesus Christ (John 1:1-3)—the visible and the invisible (Colossians 1:16). We understand, of course, that both the Father and Jesus Christ have always existed; Christ was not created (Hebrews 7:3). So it was the God Family who created everything.”   In view of this information, how could anyone even think that heaven could be physical?

Another disagreement we would have with the concept of going to heaven and that it might even be physical etc, we write in our booklet “Why This Confusion About Life After Death” on pages 8-9 under the heading “Man Can Reach Two Heavens But Not the Third Heaven Where God Dwells” the following:

“As Lewis Brown explains in ‘This Believing World’: ‘In very early times that idea flourished not alone among the Babylonians and Egyptians, but also among the barbaric tribes in and around Greece… these mysteries [came] down from Thrace or across the sea from Egypt and Asia Minor… they declared that for every man, no matter how poor or vicious, there was a place in heaven. All one had to do was to be ‘initiated’ into the secrets of the cult.’

“The Hebrews did not believe that we go to Heaven when we die. Neither did the early Christians. But in time, the concept developed within the Roman Catholic Church that one will be saved and go to Heaven when one has been baptized into the church, including as a little baby. 

“The Bible does not teach this. Much confusion exists because many do not understand that the Bible speaks of more than one heaven. 

“When the Bible speaks of ‘heaven,’ it may refer to any one of three different locations. The first heaven is the atmosphere, surrounding the earth, where birds can fly and clouds move (Genesis 1:20; 27:28). The second heaven is the universe, with all its galaxies, suns, stars and planets (Psalm 8:3). 

“It is possible for man to reach these two heavens—at least, to a limited extent. But man cannot reach the Third Heaven, where God dwells—where His angels live and where His throne is located. It is spiritual, not physical. Physical beings cannot enter it—except in a vision—and we won’t go there after our death, either. 

“According to the biblical testimony, the only Being who entered the Third Heaven after death was Jesus Christ. Others saw the Third Heaven in a vision—such as Daniel (Daniel 7:9), Paul (2 Corinthians 12:2), Stephen (Acts 7:56) or John (Revelation 4:2), but they did not enter the Third Heaven in bodily form, or as spirit beings. 

“Christ said in John 3:13 that no human being—except He Himself—has entered the Third Heaven. The German Luther Bible from 1964 wrote: ‘And no one goes to Heaven except for the One who came down from Heaven, namely the Son of Man…’ (‚Und niemand fährt gen Himmel, denn der vom Himmel herniedergekommen ist, nämlich des Menschen Sohn…‘). 

“Most translations render the passage as, ‘No one has ascended up to heaven…’, but even then, it is at least clear that no one before Christ ever went to the Third Heaven. This means that contrary to popular belief, Elijah and Enoch did NOT enter God’s Third Heaven.”

In Time Magazine in December 2019, author N.T. Wright wrote the following:

“Indeed, for most modern Christians, the idea of ‘going to heaven when you die’ is not simply one belief among others, but the one that seems to give a point to it all.

“But the people who believed in that kind of ‘heaven’ when the New Testament was written were not the early Christians.  They were the ‘Middle Platonists’ — people like Plutarch (a younger contemporary of St Paul who was a philosopher, biographer, essayist and pagan priest in Delphi). To understand what the first followers of Jesus believed about what happens after death, we need to read the New Testament in its own world — the world of Jewish hope, of Roman imperialism and of Greek thought.

“Israel’s scriptures had long promised that God would come back in person to dwell with his people for ever. The early Christians picked this up: ‘The Word became flesh,’ declares John [1:14], ‘and dwelt in our midst.’ The word for ‘dwelt’ means, literally, ‘tabernacled,’ ‘pitched his tent’ — alluding to the wilderness ‘tabernacle’ in the time of Moses and the Temple built by Solomon. Studying the New Testament historically, in its own world (as opposed to squashing and chopping it to fit with our own expectations), shows that the first Christians believed not that they would ‘go to heaven when they died,’ but that, in Jesus, God had come to live with them.

“That was the lens through which they saw the hope of the world. The book of Revelation ends, not with souls going up to heaven, but with the New Jerusalem coming down to earth, so that ‘the dwelling of God is with humans.’”

There is so much confusion in all of this mainstream “understanding” and over many years we have covered all of these issues in our literature and in sermons, where the Bible is clear. In brief, the answer is that if the understanding about the spirit in man was accepted, no one would need to be in heaven, a temporary waiting place, purgatory or any other variation of such an erroneous belief.  And understanding that we do NOT have an immortal soul is basic Truth and understanding right from the Word of God.  If we did have an immortal soul, we couldn’t be destroyed,  and if the “going to hell at death” reasoning was correct, then those going there would be there for eternity which is neither correct nor would it be the act of a loving God.

The correct knowledge about the immortal soul is vital to our understanding about God, His plan of salvation and His love for all His creation.  Incorrect knowledge will lead to further misunderstandings as we have seen in these Q&As.

Material available for further study:

Our booklets pertinent to what has been discussed in these two Q&A’s are:

The Theory of Evolution – A Fairy Tale for Adults?

Do We Have an Immortal Soul?

And in our 79-page-booklet “Why This Confusion About Life After Death,” we cover many topics, a few of which are:

Man Does Not Have an Immortal Soul Which Goes to Heaven

Man Will Not Be Judged at the Moment of His Death

Man Is a Soul Not Has a Soul

Mary, and Everyone Else Who Has Died, Are Still in the Grave

Limbo and Purgatory Are Not Biblical Concepts

Indulgences

The False Concept of Hell

An Ever-Burning Hell-fire; After Death, Is Unbiblical

The Dead Know Nothing

The Spirit in Man

Most People Have No Knowledge About the Existence of the Spirit in Man

and much more, which can be accessed online via this link: https://www.eternalgod.org/why-this-confusion-about-life-after-death/

Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)

compiled by Dave Harris

“Europe For War and Against Freedom?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

In this program, we cover deeply disturbing attacks on liberties and freedoms in Europe, especially in France and Germany, as well as Europe’s “lust for war” and the question whether the euro is becoming an alternative to the US Dollar.

“Europa für Krieg und gegen Freiheit?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. The German program covers the same topics as described above.

“Wer sind die zwei Zeugen?” is the title of this Sabbath’s new German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Who Are the Two Witnesses?”

“The Tower of Babel” is the latest video in our Bible Story Series on YouTube.

“Babylon Berlin,” last Sabbath’s second German split sermon, presented by Manuel Mueller, is now posted. Title in English: “Babylon Berlin.”

“Gottbewusstsein—Erwache aus dem geistigen Schlaf,” last Sabbath’s first German split sermon, presented by Mario Danisch, is now posted. Title in English: “God Consciousness—Awaken from Spiritual Sleep.”

“Einzigartig,” the German Offertory presented on the First Day of Unleavened Bread by Cristian Popescu, is now posted. Title in English: “Unique.”

“Gegen die Welt,” the German sermon presented on the First Day of Unleavened Bread by

Michael Link, is now posted. Title in English: “Against the World.”

“God’s Rubies,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Frank Bruno, is now posted. Here is the summary:

Rubies as gemstones have been prized by kings and craftsmen for many years. Various Scriptures place value on qualities such as wisdom and integrity above that of these gemstones. As true Christians, we will consider how we can be refined by our faith in the Father and Jesus Christ, as rubies are refined by heat and pressure.

“Do We Really Need to Keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread?” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Brian Gale, is now posted. Here is the summary:

The annual festivals pictured events of historic importance to ancient Israel, and today to the true Christian. Recall that when God revealed His weekly Sabbath to the Israelites, it was a sign and a memorial so they would remember that He is the Creator and that they were His people.  And God also gave them the annual festivals for His Church showing the plan of God in eventually delivering the entire world from sin.

“Generosity,” the Offertory presented on the First Day of Unleavened Bread by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is the summary:

The Feast of Unleavened Bread is a commanded Holy Day when God instructs His people to appear with an offering. The offering we give reflects our gratitude and love for God. As we give, we should consider what it reveals about our heart. When done well, our act of giving will delight God and bring us joy as well. Giving from the abundance of our heart pleases God tremendously.

“The Catastrophe of SIN,” the sermon presented on the First Day of Unleavened Bread by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is the summary:

We hear warnings about nuclear war in which it is possible to decimate the population of cities, nations and even this planet. Yet, an even more deadly action is sin, because it always incurs the death penalty. How can mankind escape this tragic end!

2025 SPRING HOLY DAYS:

Passover: April 12 (observed evening before)

Days of Unleavened Bread: April 13-19 (first and last days are Holy Days with live Services being broadcast).

On April 12, 2025, Frank Bruno will present the sermonette, titled, “God’s Rubies,” and Brian Gale will present the sermon, titled, “Do We Really Need to Keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread?”

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.

FIRST DAY OF UNLEAVENED BREAD: On April 13, 2025, Eric Rank will present the Offertory and Dave Harris will present the sermon, titled, “The Catastrophe of Sin,” live services will be broadcast at times as described above.

God has not called us to a social club, but to work! We are not called to be independent, but to be part of the one body. We have a common work to do, a spiritual Work, as Christ says in John 6:27: “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”

This Work consists of believing in Christ, doing the things He said, fulfilling the commission He gave us.

The world engages in works that will pass away. Many succeed in this world, but what they have accumulated will be destroyed. They are not called to do God’s Work.

But you and I are called to do God’s Work. Our work will never pass away. We can help others to recognize God’s Ways. We can help others to change their lives through repentance and obedience to God. This kind of work bears fruit that will never pass away.

We must work now, because our work here will soon come to an end. There is a Work to be completed now. Let us not neglect this Work and think we can leave it to others.

We read that one of God’s servants in the time of the apostles was sick and close to death because of the Work of Christ (Philippians 2:25-30).

Christ showed us by example what we should do. At the age of 12, He told His parents that He had to be about His Father’s business (Luke 2:49).

He had a Work to do, and He got it done. He came to do the Will of God who sent Him, and to finish His Work (John 4:34).

Today, He is still working through us. The harvest is now ripe. We read in John 4:35, “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!”

And yet sometimes we may want to say: “I will do my part later. I will work next year or in a few months.”

Christ told us not to delay our duties. God wants us to do the Work He has given us now, so that we can all rejoice together, as it says in verse 36: “And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.”

Are we really doing our part? Are we faithful in what God has called us to do? Are we faithful in prayer? Are we an example and a light to others?

We should completely and unequivocally surrender our lives to God, without attaching any conditions. Let us be willing to serve God, even if it is only a small task that He entrusts to us. Let us encourage others to walk in God’s ways.

Let us prepare ourselves for the days ahead and work on ourselves to remove the blemishes, the old leaven from our homes and from our bodies.

1 Corinthians 5:7: “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.”

Initial translation from German: Damiel Blasinger

by Norbert Link

We report on the ongoing global economic upheaval due to President Trump’s tariffs policies which, if they go wrong, will have devastating consequences for the world AND the USA. We are addressing, what seem to be, further violations of the Trump administration in the area of immigration and publish articles dealing with the speculation that Trump might stay in office beyond ending his second term.

We are addressing Europe’s “lust for war”; closed borders between Austria and Hungary; and the success of Germany’s AfD and Friedrich Merz’s continuing struggles.

We conclude with interesting articles on robots and the stars. Please view in this context our new StandingWatch program, titled, “The Glory of God in Our Time.” 

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

Trump Gives In

The conservative German paper, Die Welt, wrote on April 9:

“US President Donald Trump is defusing the trade war and suspending certain tariffs for 90 days. Except for China. The People’s Republic is to pay even higher rates in the future… Because Beijing showed a ‘lack of respect,’ according to Trump, he increased the tariff on the country from 104 to 125 percent [The White House said that in reality, the new tariffs on China are 145 percent]…

“With this, Trump has done what he and his staff have vehemently ruled out in recent days: giving in. As recently as Tuesday, his spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt insisted that the president was definitely not considering the issue of pausing the tariffs. But Trump had no other choice….

“The fact that the entire global economy was threatening to slide into the abyss in the meantime didn’t bother him. ‘Stay cool,’ he wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday morning, in view of the stock prices that had been plummeting for days… But in the days since, it became clear that this calculation would not work… In the afternoon, Trump confirmed that the bond market had partly influenced his decision… Financial markets reacted with great relief to Trump’s withdrawal on Wednesday. Just seconds after Trump’s announcement, prices skyrocketed…

“But there is no lasting all-clear in the trade war…”

Indeed. On Thursday, the US stock markets again recorded significant losses.

Conservative Fox Moderator and Business Senior Correspondent Charles Gasparini said on April 9 in Fox News’ “America Reports”:

“I mean, let’s be clear what happened, who capitulated here, and why? And, you know, I don’t want to say this, because I am a patriot, I’m an American, but it is the White House who capitulated based on everything I hear, and all of my sources. And the reason why is because of the bond market and what happened last night… 

“Japan was dumping bonds because they believed this was not a great place to do business. That forced their hands. Now, what you can say, I think, legitimately here is, Trump decided to take the win… but make no mistake about it, Peter Navarro was talking, as of yesterday, about not taking the win, and now they did. And it’s all because of the bond market… he had no choice, he had no choice. Unfortunately, no choice….  the gun was at his head. What happened last night was very bad.”

 The “Daily Beast” added on April 9:

“Fox hosts John Roberts and Sandra Smith tried to highlight Trump’s ‘art of the deal’ mantra when discussing the pause, which came after Trump and his administration vowed to keep the tariffs in place as countries approached him to negotiate. But in multiple appearances on Wednesday, Fox Business correspondent Charles Gasparino had to force his Fox colleagues to face the music….

‘To tell you right now that Donald Trump outsmarted the world,’ Gasparino said. ‘Trust me, I’m an American, I support my president, but that’s not really what happened here.’

“Gasparino highlighted how, despite the administration’s claims that 75 countries have approached the White House to negotiate, it hadn’t actually struck any deals… And they paused it anyway.’”

 Of course, without Trump’s “tariffs war,” there would not even be an incentive for all these countries to try to strike a deal. But even if they are “forced” to do this, they won’t love the USA because of that. Especially in light of his comment that they are all kissing his…

The conservative German magazine Focus wrote on April 10:

Trump Is Playing Monopoly

“It’s economically fascinating what Donald Trump is doing to the world right now. He’s reducing everyone to mere pawns. It’s not about approving of it, but one has to think about what’s happening here… Trump has achieved several things with his tweet [of the 90-day tariff pause]: The ten percent tariffs for the United States are being received as a relief, and the stock markets [were] cheering. He’s also passing the buck to China because China doesn’t respect global markets. What a move.

“Trump… realized that they can’t take on China and the entire world at the same time. That’s why they’ve decided to prioritize the trade war with China…

“What few see clearly: Trump is playing Monopoly with the world… The power of Trump’s words is currently gigantic. His words are worth billions on the markets… And no one should believe that everything will be okay now… A trade war is not off the table – and the markets hate uncertainty.

“But how things continue is in one man’s hands. Only one man.”

We are setting forth below the prior developments leading up to the events on April 9.

China Heats Up Trade War With Trump Tariffs Retaliation 

The New York Post wrote on April 4: 

“Wall Street faces another brutal beating on Friday as stocks plunged after China unveiled stiff retaliatory taxes… threatening a global trade war. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down nearly 1,000 points shortly after the opening bell — a day after suffering a 1,679 drop, its worst session since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020… The White House urged investors to stick behind Trump’s policies. ‘To anyone on Wall Street this morning, I would say trust in President Trump,’ press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in an interview on CNN… ‘this is indeed a national emergency… and it’s about time we have a president who actually does something about it.’ 

“China’s finance ministry on Friday said it will impose a 34% levy on all US imports starting on April 10 — the day after Trump’s reciprocal tariff totaling 54% goes into effect The White House had already hit Chinese exports with a 20% levy earlier this year before Trump announced he was hiking that duty by 34% on Wednesday…

“Bank stocks in the United States dropped further on Friday… Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup all fell around 5% each…” 

China Panicking? 

Deutsche Welle reported on April 4; 

“President Trump continued to post on social media, this time taking a crack at China after it announced it would impose 34% retaliatory tariffs against the US in response to the 34% tariffs Trump announced earlier in the week. ‘China played it wrong, they panicked — the one thing they cannot afford to do!’ he wrote, again in all caps, on his social media platform. In another all-caps post, he wrote his polices would ‘never change.’” 

Daily Mail wrote on April 8: 

“Donald Trump is threatening a 104 percent tariff on China after the country refused to lift its retaliatory tariff on the U.S… China blasted Trump’s tariffs as ‘blackmail’ and vowed to ‘fight to the end.’”

After it was announced on Tuesday that the USA will begin collecting steep levies on imported goods from China, starting Wednesday, stocks fell again worldwide. This marks the third day with colossal losses. This trend seemed to continue on Day 4. 

CNBC wrote on April 9: 

“China has pushed back again on U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies by hiking its levies on U.S. imports to [84 %]… starting April 10… “

Japan Faces National Crisis 

Deutsche Wele also stated on April 4; 

“Tokyo’s stock market looks set to be suffering its worst week in years after the announcement of sweeping tariffs [24%] by the Trump administration. Japan is one of the US’ major trade partners as well as a historically important ally in the Pacific region, however, this was not enough to spare it from Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariff announcement on Thursday… 

“Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba described the tariffs as a ‘national crisis.’”

 Tariffs Against Israel!

JTA wrote on April 2: 

“The United States will impose 17% tariffs on goods imported from Israel under a sweeping new tariffs system… Many imports from the United States have not been taxed under a 1985 free trade agreement. Attempting to avert Trump’s targeting, the Israeli government on Tuesday abolished all tariffs on U.S. goods. It was not immediately clear whether Trump would adjust the tariffs on Israeli goods as a result…

“The decision could raise prices on consumer goods including kosher food and Judaica that are produced in Israel. Israel is also a major exporter of technology, precious stones and medical supplies, sending products valued at more than $22 billion to the United States in 2024.

“Trump argues that the tariffs are needed to reclaim money and respect that other countries have taken from the United States. His critics, including most mainstream economists, say they will wreak havoc on the global economy and translate largely into higher prices for U.S. consumers.”

His tariffs against Israel (!) are really short-sighted, to say the very least.

JTA wrote on April 8:

“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finished his visit to Washington, D.C., without any public commitment by President Donald Trump to roll back the 17% tariff he is imposing on Israeli goods. Asked during a press conference with Netanyahu on Monday whether he planned to adjust the tariff, Trump demurred. ‘Maybe not,’ Trump said… 

“And, after weeks during which the Gaza takeover proposal appeared to have receded, Trump brought it back… ‘It’s an incredible piece of important real estate… having a peace force like the United States there controlling and owning the Gaza Strip would be a good thing.’”

It’s Going to Be Expensive For Germany and the EU 

Bild Online wrote on April 3:

“US President Donald Trump’s tariff plans threaten to be expensive for Germany. According to calculations by the employer-friendly Cologne Institute for Economic Research (IW), the damage could total around €200 billion over Trump’s four-year term in office… For the European Union, the damage could amount to around €750 billion.

“…Emmanuel Macron [is calling] for investments in the US to be suspended for the time being… Macron described the US tariffs as ‘brutal and useless’… Europe must act ‘reactively, united, and organized’…” 

“In response to Trump’s tariffs, Canada is imposing 25 percent import duties on certain US vehicles… [Canada’s prime minister said:] “The US is ‘no longer a friendly partner,’ Canada will defend its interests.”

Worst Economic Error in a Century

The Economist wrote on April 3:

“Donald Trump has committed the most profound, harmful and unnecessary economic error in the modern era. Almost everything he said—on history, economics and the technicalities of trade—was utterly deluded.”

Terminate the Trump Tariffs Before It’s Too Late

Fox News published the following article by Republican Governor from Kentucky, Rand Paul, dated April 4:

“If you think eggs are expensive, just wait until the new tariffs hit cars. Goldman Sachs estimates tariffs on imported vehicles could raise prices by $5,000 to $15,000. That’s because tariffs are taxes on foreign imports that are paid by American consumers. These tariffs apply to almost every conceivable product. As a result, energy will be more expensive, and gas prices in some parts of the country could see as much as a 70-cent increase in the cost per gallon. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the building of a single-family home could become up to $10,000 more expensive because of the tariffs. With the tariffs on aluminum, even beer and hard seltzer are likely to increase in price.

“Unfortunately, these tax increases are on top of the taxes you have already paid when tariffs were imposed during the first Trump administration. The Tax Foundation calculated that tariffs between 2018 and 2023 imposed an additional $1,753 in costs on American families. Now that the tariffs apply to even more products, the tax increases are poised to be even higher this time. The Peterson Institute predicts tariffs could annually cost families $1,200 a year, while Yale’s Budget Lab estimates the tariffs would cost the average American family $4,200 annually… 

“Recently, the Secretary of Agriculture indicated the administration was preparing programs to mitigate ‘economic catastrophes’ for farmers harmed by tariffs—a clear admission that tariffs hurt Americans. The first Trump administration authorized $28 billion in farmer bailouts to offset financial losses caused by tariffs…

“Republicans would be wise to rediscover their principles and oppose new and high taxes.  The truth is that tariffs are taxes. They don’t punish foreign governments; they punish American families. When we tax imports, we raise the price of everything from groceries to smartphones, washing machines, and every other conceivable product… It’s time to terminate the tariffs.”

In the Long Run, We Are All Dead

The Huffington Post wrote on April 3:

“[Republican Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana] wasn’t concerned enough about President Donald Trump’s steep international tariffs to vote against them Wednesday… but did scold staunch supporters of the policy with a dire warning to multiple outlets. ‘In the long run, we’re all dead,’ he said…. ‘Short run matters, too. Nobody knows what the impact of these tariffs is going to be on the economy…’

“[He] added that he’s heard both favorable and disastrous assessments on the tariffs from economists in Washington, D.C., but said even ‘late-night psychic hotlines’ are more accurate in their predictions — and slammed blind supporters of the policy….” 

Ted Cruz Warns 

t-online wrote on April 5:

“The tariffs imposed by Donald Trump could have serious consequences for the Republicans, according to Republican Senator Ted Cruz. ‘If we enter a recession—especially a severe one—then 2026 would most likely be a political bloodbath’ [In one and a half years, during the midterm elections, a third of the Senate and the entire House of Representatives will be up for reelection]… In his view, an economic downturn threatens a loss of the majority in the House of Representatives—possibly even in the Senate…

“Cruz declared that because of the tariff package, this week could go down in history as ‘the most consequential in all four years’ of Trump’s second term. There is ‘the potential for positive developments’ but also ‘enormous risks’… He himself is ‘not a fan of tariffs.'”

J.D. Vance was also against them four years ago. Now he’s suddenly in favor of them. On the other hand, Bernie Sanders was for tariffs in the past. Now he is against them.

U.S. Stock Market Has Wiped Out $9.6 Trillion Since Inauguration Day 

Market Watch wrote on April 4: 

“U.S. stocks have had a rough go of it since President Donald Trump was sworn into office for his second term in January… 

“Since Jan. 17, the Friday before Inauguration Day, the U.S. stock market has seen $9.6 trillion in value erased, according to data from FactSet and Dow Jones Market Data. Of those losses, $5 trillion has been erased just over the past two days — the largest two-day loss on record.”

Global Recession Likely 

Daily Mail wrote on April 4: 

“Nearly £175 billion has been wiped off the UK stock market in just a week – hammering the pensions and savings of millions. As the market meltdown triggered by Donald Trump’s trade war accelerated, the FTSE 100 suffered its sharpest drop since the outbreak of the pandemic…

“As global markets took a £4.4 trillion hit this week, Wall Street giant JP Morgan warned: ‘There will be blood.’ The investment bank said the chances of a global recession have spiked… to 60 per cent…”

Trump: “It’s Going Very Well.”

Daily Mail wrote on April 4:

“Wall Street had its worst day since the height of the Covid crash after President Donald Trump’s tariffs sparked fears of a US and global recession. Trump seems unfazed. Asked about tumbling stocks on Thursday as he boarded Air Force One to attend a golf dinner in Miami — as the Dow Jones was down 1,400 points — Trump said: ‘I think it is going very well.’…

“Trillions of dollars was wiped off the value of US stocks — a blow that will also hit ordinary Americans whose retirement savings, including 401(K) are tied to the market…

“On Thursday morning,  Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick dismissed the possibility of exemptions for certain countries under the new US tariffs… Lutnick also warned that other nations would be making a mistake if they retaliated with their own tariffs against the U.S…” 

Daily Mail added on April 4:

“Wall Street has had its worst two-day wipeout in history – with $6.6 trillion wiped off the value of US stocks (marking the biggest two-day loss of shareholder value ever recorded). After plunging yesterday, stocks crashed again on Friday as it looks increasingly likely that President Donald Trump’s tariffs will cause a global recession (If it does, stock prices will likely come down even more than they have already)… So far there have been few, if any, winners in financial markets from the trade war.”

Musk Against Tariffs

The New York Post wrote on April 6:

“Elon Musk appeared to split from the Trump administration on tariffs overnight — as he lashed out at trade adviser Peter Navarro and said he hoped for a ‘zero tariff situation’ between the US and Europe… The Tesla and SpaceX guru made very public swipes Saturday against Navarro, who is widely seen as one of the top architects of Trump’s tariff regime…

“Navarro hit back at Musk, chiding that [he “doesn’t understand” the situation and that “he sells cars” and that] he’s merely “protecting his own interests as any business person would do.”

NBC News added on April 6:

“‘I hope it is agreed that both Europe and the United States should move, ideally, in my view, to a zero-tariff situation, effectively creating a free trade zone between Europe and North America,” Musk  [said]… ‘So that has certainly been my advice to the president.’”

The New York Post wrote on April 8:

“Billionaire Elon Musk escalated his attacks against Navarro on Tuesday… ‘Navarro is truly a moron. What he says here is demonstrably false,’ Musk wrote on X, adding in a subsequent post… ‘Tesla has the most American-made cars. Navarro is dumber than a sack of bricks.’… 

“Musk has refrained from criticizing Trump directly, but his dissatisfaction with the tariffs has been apparent… As the stark market has nosedived amid the onslaught of tariffs, Musk’s personal net worth has also sunk nearly $50 billion over the past two weeks.”

German Economics Minister Robert Habeck, on Musk’s proposal, said: This idea is ridiculous and utter nonsense. 

EU Retaliates 

ntv wrote on April 8: 

“US President Donald Trump has rejected an EU proposal to reduce tariffs on industrial goods to zero as insufficient. Asked whether the proposal was sufficient for Trump to reconsider the tariffs, he replied: ‘No, it is not.’”

CNBC wrote on April 9:

“The European Union on Wednesday voted to approve its first set of retaliatory measures to counter tariffs imposed by the U.S…. duties [will] start being collected from April 15…. the tariffs target a wide range of goods, including poultry, grains, clothing and metals.”

Due to Trump’s turnaround, the EU has put any retaliatory tariffs on hold.

Stock Market Crash Continues

Focus wrote on April 7: 

“The stock market crash continues at an accelerated pace at the start of the week. Following the slump in Asia [Bild Online: “Stocks in Hong Kong plunged 13.2 percent – the worst day since 1997“], the DAX [Germany’s leading index] followed suit in the morning, and the US stock markets in the afternoon… The White House dismissed the CNBC report that Trump was considering a tariff pause with China as ‘fake news.’ Subsequently, the stock markets collapsed again completely.” 

Trump Undeterred 

The Associated Press responded on April 7: 

“Trump faces mounting pressure in the financial markets and from business leaders to backtrack on his tariff ambitions, yet he has shown no signs of reversing course or finding a message to calm panicked markets. The White House said Monday that Trump would veto a Senate bill that would mandate congressional approval for new tariffs…” 

The Case of the Man Mistakenly Deported to El Salvador Prison

The Associated Press wrote on April 4: 

“A federal judge [Paula Xinis] on Friday ordered the Trump administration to arrange for the return of a Maryland man to the United States after he was mistakenly deported to a notorious El Salvador prison. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement expelled Kilmar Abrego Garcia last month…

“The White House has cast Kilmar Abrego Garcia, 29, as an MS 13 gang member and assert that U.S. courts lack jurisdiction over the matter because the Salvadoran national is no longer in the U.S. Abrego Garcia’s attorneys have countered that there is no evidence he was in MS-13. The allegation is based on a confidential informant’s claim in 2019 that Abrego Garcia was a member of a chapter in New York, where he has never lived. 

“Abrego Garcia’s mistaken deportation, described by the White House as an ‘administrative error,’ has outraged many…  Abrego Garcia had a permit from the Department of Homeland Security to legally work in the U.S., his attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg said… In 2019, a U.S. immigration judge granted him protection from deportation to El Salvador because he was likely to face gang persecution. He was released and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement did not appeal the decision or try to deport him to another country. 

“Abrego Garcia later married Vasquez Sura [a US citizen]. The couple are parents to their son [a five-year-old son with disabilities] and her two children from a previous relationship.”

Newsweek reported that the judge ordering Garcia’s return “had seen no evidence he was a member of the MS-13 gang.” She said the case involved “an issue of ‘outright illegality’ on the government’s part” and ordered the return “no later than 11.59 p.m. on Monday, April 7th.” 

Deutsche Welle added: 

“The US government’s lawyer said that while there’s ‘no dispute’ that the man should not have been deported, the administration argued it has no legal authority to bring him back to the US.

“The Salvadorian man’s lawyers rejected this claim. ‘They put him there, they can bring him back,’ a member of his legal team said in a statement. Judge Xinis agreed. ‘Why can’t the US get [him] back?’ she asked. 

“The lawyer representing the US government saying he had asked the administration that question but had not received an answer that he found satisfactory. The ruling was the latest legal setback for the Trump administration’s deportation policies…” 

npr added: 

“‘From the moment he was seized, it was unconstitutional,’ Judge Xinis said during the hearing. ‘If there isn’t a document, a warrant, a statement of probable cause, then there is no basis to have seized him in the first place. That’s how I’m looking at it,’ the judge said… ‘In a court of law when someone is accused of membership in such a violent and predatory organization, it comes in the form of an indictment, a complaint, a criminal proceeding that then has robust process, so we can assess facts…’” 

It was claimed by JD Vance and others that Garcia “was a convicted MS-13 gang member.” According to Austin American Statesman, dated April 3, “Court records and interviews with legal experts agree that Abrego-Garcia has never been convicted of a crime in the U.S., gang-related or otherwise… Vance appears to be referring to two denials of bond requests in which immigration courts used allegations [by a confidential informant in 2019, mentioned above] that Abrego-Garcia was in a gang as a reason for their denial. Abrego-Garcia’s team denies that he’s a gang member and — he has never been put on trial for or convicted of criminal charges.’

Austin American-Statesman concluded in regard to Vance’s statement: “We rate the statement False.”

Judge Paula Xinis is clearly correct, and her order seems to be the only fair, acceptable and legal order in this deeply distressing case. Still, Chief Justice Roberts, in a hard-to understand decision, paused the deadline for the return of Garcia to give the parties more time to address their view points in writing. In the meantime, Garcia, who might very well be innocent, stays in the notorious prison in El Salvador.

Justice Department Places Immigration Attorney on Leave 

MSN wrote on April 6: 

“The Justice Department suspended a veteran lawyer after he said in court that officials mistakenly deported a man to prison in his home country of El Salvador and conceded that he did not know the legal basis for the expulsion. Erez Reuveni had worked at the Justice Department for nearly 15 years, most recently as the acting deputy director of the Office of Immigration Litigation…” 

ABC News added on April 6: 

“‘At my direction, every Department of Justice attorney is required to zealously advocate on behalf of the United States,’ Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement on Saturday. ‘Any attorney who fails to abide by this direction will face consequences.’… August Flentje, who was Reuveni’s supervisor, was placed on administrative leave Saturday by officials at Main Justice for ‘failure to supervise a subordinate’…”

So, what was Reuveni supposed to do in order to “zealously advocate on behalf of the United States”? Lie to the court? 

US Supreme Court Decides For Trump in Immigration Case 

npr wrote on April 8: 

“The U.S. Supreme Court [allowed] the administration to continue deporting what it says are Venezuelan gang members. The vote was 5-to-4, with conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett joining the three liberals in dissent. At issue in the case was the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, a controversial law invoked only three times in U.S. history, always during wartime, which allows for the detention and deportation of foreign nationals from countries actively invading the United States. The Trump administration argued that the law applied to Venezuelan gang members who were deemed to be invading the nation [by arguing that the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua is a ‘hybrid criminal state.’]

“In an unsigned opinion Monday night, the court’s conservative majority didn’t rule on that question. But it gave the Trump administration all it needed to continue with the deportations, with one caveat. It said that from here on in, the alleged gang members need to be given notice of deportation, and the opportunity to contest the deportation. The court, however, said there is only one way to do that. And that is by challenging their detentions on a case-by-case basis… In practice it means that an imprisoned individual has the right to challenge his detention or deportation, but only for himself, and only, the court said, in the places where deportees were being detained. In this case, the named plaintiffs were being held in Texas, a state, where, as the dissenters observed, judges are not likely to be sympathetic.” 

Breitbart added on April 7: 

“While the ruling from the Supreme Court is a win for President Donald Trump and his administration, it was described as ‘narrow and focused on the proper venue for the cases, rather than on the administration’s use of a centuries-old law to justify its decision’ to deport suspected illegal alien gang members, according to the New York Times. Per the outlet, in a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court justices found that ‘the migrants had improperly challenged their deportations in Washington, D.C.,’ when they should have challenged them in Texas, ‘where they were being held.’

“The justices did not address the question of whether the Trump administration improperly categorized the Venezuelans as deportable under the Alien Enemies Act…”

pbs agreed, adding on April 8: 

“The Supreme Court’s ruling did not address the constitutionality of the act or the migrants’ claim that they don’t fall within the category of people who can be deported under the law.”

Still, this very ambiguous decision raises more questions than it answers.

Persecution of Germans in the USA? 

Die Welt wrote on April 4: 

“In the USA, the number of cases of foreign nationals being detained upon entry is increasing. Even a Green Card no longer seems to protect the holder from US authorities, as the case of Fabian Schmidt shows… 

“According to his relatives, a German citizen living in the USA has been in US deportation detention for four weeks. Fabian Schmidt, who lives in the state of New Hampshire, was detained at the Boston airport upon entry on March 7 and is now in a detention center in the state of Rhode Island… 

“The background to the case is unclear. According to his mother, Schmidt has been living in the USA since 2007 and, with his so-called Green Card, has unlimited residency, which largely equates him with US citizens. He accuses the authorities of mistreating him. Among other things, he was shouted at during questioning at the airport and forced to undress. He became ill while in custody and was taken to a hospital, where he was confined to a bed… He shared a deportation prison with criminals who had ‘committed heinous crimes’… 

“The background to the US authorities’ actions could be an old drug offense. According to his mother, Schmidt’s questioning repeatedly revolved around a cannabis offense from almost ten years ago. The case was dismissed. 

“In recent months, there have been several other cases, including those involving German citizens, who were arrested upon entering the US. In some cases, the victims were held in deportation centers for days or weeks.” 

Many feel that this is perhaps Trump’s revenge against Germans and Europeans for allegedly mistreating the US in economic matters. 

Trump’s Popularity in the Rocks 

On April 3, Bild Online published the following commentary by Franz Josef Wagner in his daily column, entitled “Dear Trump-America”: 

“… as if in a religious ceremony, your president raises the plaque of punitive tariffs. This happened in the Rose Garden of the White House. In front of him are men and women on folding chairs, all silent with reverent faces. The high priest speaks.

“What an America Trump has created after 70 days in office. A student who wrote a critical article is arrested on the street, professors are considered enemies. 

“If I were French, I would demand the Statue of Liberty back. The French gave it to the Americans in 1886. Because America was a land of open arms. The statue stands on Liberty Island, the island of freedom. 

“We see Trump with his still peroxide-blonde hair. He is an old angel. Which makes one despair: Why isn’t the other, good America standing up? Hemingway would have stood up, Gary Cooper. In the White House Rose Garden, a proven liar is acting like the master of the world. Wake up, my old America.”

A Third Term?

npr wrote on March 31: 

“President Trump has once again floated the idea of testing the Constitution’s presidential term limits by seeking a third term… The 22^nd Amendment prohibits a person from being elected U.S. president more than twice… But some legal experts point to plausible strategies for attempting end runs around the 22nd Amendment under unusual scenarios… 

“Republican Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee introduced a joint resolution to propose a change to the Constitution so that a person could be elected president three times if they had not been previously elected to two consecutive terms… 

“A 1999 Minnesota Law Review article called ‘The Twice and Future President’ explains that a twice-elected president could become vice president and then — if the current president were to be removed from office, resign or die — return as commander-in-chief. The federal government sanctioned record of interpretations of the Constitution also points to the possibility of a former two-term president serving as speaker of the House of Representatives or as another federal officer who could become president… 

“All of these hypothetical situations get around a key word in the 22nd Amendment’s restriction — ‘elected.’ Bruce Peabody, one of the law review article’s co-authors, who is now a professor of government and politics at Fairleigh Dickinson University, says Congress chose that term after considering proposals that would have made a twice-elected president not eligible to ‘hold’ the office again…Their word choice, however, has given rise to what Brian Kalt — a law professor at Michigan State University who wrote about a hypothetical two-term president getting nominated to run for vice president in Constitutional Cliffhangers: A Legal Guide for Presidents and Their Enemies — calls a loophole in the 22nd Amendment’s two-term limit… 

“… a lawyer could try to argue that being a ‘natural born’ citizen, at least 35 years old and a resident within the U.S. for at least 14 years are the only presidential eligibility requirements specified in the Constitution, says Stephen Gillers, a professor emeritus at New York University School of Law, who proposed in 2004 that Clinton run for vice president… 

“A more straightforward possibility that some constitutional scholars have not ruled out is Trump running for a third term as president regardless of what the 22nd Amendment says… Any attempt at a third Trump administration would likely spark lawsuits that end up before the U.S. Supreme Court. And in this polarized political environment, it’s difficult to predict how the court’s conservative supermajority would rule, says Aziz Huq, a constitutional law professor at the University of Chicago Law School… ‘The court has ways of ducking the 22nd Amendment question. And if the court ducks the question, then it would be up to other actors — whether in the states, for example, in the process of nominations and primary votes or Congress at the moment at which it determines who won the Electoral College — to decide on whether the 22nd Amendment had the force of law,’ Huq says.”

But all of this may be moot, if Trump has something else in mind. Note the next article. 

What Could Trump’s Plan Be? 

ntv wrote on April 4: 

“US President Trump’s course contradicts all experience and expert opinions. But what if it’s just part of a completely different plan? Then it would suddenly make a lot of sense… 

“Donald Trump’s tariff war is absurd to the point of being self-destructive in every respect. In every respect except one… Trump’s tariffs will drive up prices for everyone. People will become poorer, they will be able to buy less. Only if they absolutely have to will, they accept the higher prices that come with the tariffs… 

“Will it prevent those affected from expressing their displeasure at the ballot box? Not in the long run, at least not the swing voters who voted for Trump last time. In short: Economically and politically, what Donald Trump is doing right now makes absolutely no sense… 

“But what if one questions the most self-evident of all premises: that there will ever be free and fair elections in the US again? Elections in which anyone could express their displeasure with Trump? What if part of the plan is to cancel upcoming elections until further notice under one pretext or another – so that Donald Trump no longer has to consider the voters? 

“Then everything he does suddenly makes a lot more sense. And to become accustomed to a state that is far removed from democracy and even democratic is already underway. It is no coincidence that Trump has so far ruled almost exclusively by presidential decree, and both houses of parliament are not consulted, decide nothing, and have no say. It is no coincidence that Trump bases large parts of his decrees on formal legal grounds, declaring thematic or regional emergencies or states of emergency, including tariffs… 

“And escalation could mean: instigating a war on the borders of the United States that could allow him to declare elections impossible or illegal until further notice… that would be a fabricated war, a fabricated reason. But Donald Trump also fabricated the reasons for his tariff war. For example, he accused Canada of flooding vast quantities of fentanyl into the US. In fact, a blatant lie. Regardless. Many kings needed a war to remain king for as long as possible.” 

Trump said before, the 2024 elections would be the last ones. 

Putin the Laughing Third 

t-online wrote on April 6: 

“So far, Putin has been playing [with] the US President… not much has happened so far, and Trump is left empty-handed… 

“Putin is currently the laughing third. On the one hand, there are no tariffs on his war-torn economy, but last year Russia exported goods worth a total of three billion dollars to the US. A large portion of this was fertilizer and metals. On the other hand, if Trump’s economic policy leads the United States into a recession, the debate will erupt again by summer at the latest as to whether the Americans even want to spend any more money on supporting Ukraine.” 

When China Takes Taiwan

Daily Mail wrote on April 5: 

“A successful Chinese invasion and annexation of Taiwan presupposes one of two seismic events – a total defeat of the US military in the Indo-Pacific theatre, or Washington abruptly abandoning a decades-long security partnership with Taipei.  

“Both scenarios would be catastrophic for America, and by extension, Western interests in the highly strategic region… an American defeat, or refusal to uphold its security commitments to Taiwan in the face of a Chinese attack, would dispel any notion that the US remains the world’s dominant political and military power. National populations in Japan and South Korea, let alone Philippines, Indonesia and elsewhere would likely shift their opinion in favour of China due to the massive shift in power this would entail…” 

EU Wants to Fight Musk 

Breitbart wrote on April 4: 

“EU regulators are gearing up to impose massive fines exceeding $1 billion on Elon Musk’s X for alleged violations of a landmark law aimed at censoring online discussions… 

“The decision to impose such hefty fines comes as EU regulators weigh the risks of further antagonizing Musk and U.S. President Donald Trump amid ongoing trans-Atlantic disputes concerning trade, tariffs, and the war in Ukraine. The fine, expected to be announced this summer, would be the first issued under the Digital Services Act, a law designed to compel social media companies to censor their services… Musk has been critical of European policies and is expected to contest any regulation… 

“The law has become a point of contention in the trans-Atlantic debate about free speech, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance comparing EU regulation to digital censorship… The European Union’s aggressive stance on regulating American tech giants is not limited to X. Regulators are also expected to announce penalties against Meta and Apple for violating the Digital Markets Act…” 

Europe’s Lust For War Explodes 

Report 24 wrote on April 4, 2025: 

“Europe appears to be losing its mind. A new wave of war obsession has swept the continent’s political elites, driving them into a dangerous frenzy reminiscent of the darkest chapters of the 20th century… 

“The European leadership has spiraled into a militaristic hysteria that lacks any strategic rationality. Instead of diplomacy and a prudent security architecture, politicians are opting for rearmament at any cost – a course that not only plunders state coffers but also undermines the continent’s democratic foundations. Germany, in particular, stands out: Here, terms like ‘belligerence’ are thrown around as if the lessons of history have been forgotten… 

“Politicians and self-proclaimed ‘military experts’ are outdoing each other in belligerent tones. Last week, Germans were told on television that the coming summer would be their last in peace – after which a Russian attack [would occur], disguised as maneuvers in Belarus… The term ‘Kriegstüchtigkeit’ – the ability to be good at war – is being used excessively by German officials. A retired brigadier general recently had to point out that this represents a dangerous departure from the previous concept of ‘defensive capability’… At the same time, calls are being made for the reintroduction of conscription – including for women – accompanied by complaints that German youth are too effeminate for combat… 

“The consequences of this course are already being felt – and they are hitting citizens hard. In Germany, the Bundestag is loosening the debt brake in the Basic Law to finance rearmament… On March 6, the EU member states approved a loan of 150 billion euros for defense purposes, even though the EU Treaty expressly prohibits military spending. The member states are to raise a further 650 billion…” 

Austria’s Borders Are Closed 

Report 24 wrote on April 5: 

“There is an invisible divide in the European Union: Hungary and Slovakia, two countries that often politically oppose the Brussels mainstream, are repeatedly exposed to pressure. Now Austria has introduced border controls with both neighbors – officially because of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). But the timing and the political situation raise questions: Is this a protection against an animal disease or a means of disciplining dissenters?… 

“Since March 2025, Hungary and Slovakia have reported outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, a highly contagious animal disease. Austria reacted promptly: from April 5, 2025, 24 smaller border crossings were closed… But the measures – including mobile controls and a ban on imports of animals and meat – coincide with political tensions, such as Hungary’s and Slovakia’s stance on aid to Ukraine. Critics are asking why the disease, after decades of absence, is flaring up now in ‘unadapted’ countries…

“Media like Heute (April 2, 2025) report that the closure of border crossings should apply until May 20, 2025, while large crossings like Nickelsdorf will remain open but will be controlled… [The] FPÖ criticizes: ‘This is reminiscent of Corona panic’ (April 3, 2025)…

“The EU preaches open borders, but resorts to controls when it is opportune. Austria’s measures, supported by the armed forces (April 4, 2025), risk exacerbating tensions with its eastern neighbors…” 

Hungary’s and Slovakia’s Foot-and-Mouth Disease 

EuroNews wrote on April 6: 

The foot-and-mouth disease… which poses no danger to humans, mostly affects cattle and other cloven-hoofed animals like swine, sheep and goats. Infected animals experience fever and mouth blisters as part of the symptoms of the disease. Outbreaks often lead to trade restrictions and culls of some livestock.” 

Express added on April 6: 

“Human contraction is very rare and usually occurs through direct contact with infected animals, and there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission.” 

CDU vs. AfD 

Bild Online wrote on April 6: 

“In our current Sunday poll, the CDU/CSU and AfD are tied for the first time at 24 percent! And I can’t find anyone who disagrees when I say: The far-right squad of Weidel, Chrupalla, and Höcke will soon overtake the Merz and Söder CDU/CSU…  

“Donald Trump is implementing his dangerous and destructive campaign promises against the rest of the world. Friedrich Merz is abandoning his campaign promises even before he takes office. I wish it were the other way around: Merz would keep his promises and Trump wouldn’t.” 

Further Calls for Conscription 

ntv wrote on April 6: 

“The president of the German Reservist Association, Patrick Sensburg, is… calling for a mass army for the Bundeswehr… ‘[This] would require 300,000 to 350,000 soldiers… Without conscription, we would fail to achieve our self-imposed goals and would lose a war… 

“‘Anyone who fails to credibly convey the Bundeswehr’s [situation that] it only has three days of ammunition or too few soldiers will not achieve a deterrent effect…”

Coalition Agreement in Place in Germany 

Die Welt wrote on April 9: 

“A key relief measure for war refugees from Ukraine is to be reversed. They will no longer receive citizen’s allowance in the future… The coalition partners want to introduce a new, initially voluntary military service model. The conditions for military registration and monitoring should be created this year.” 

Now: AfD Most Supported Party in Germany

Breitbart wrote on April 10:

“The… Alternative for Germany (AfD) has topped a national poll for the first time in the party’s history, as support for the incoming government continues to slide.

“According to the Ipsos survey, 25 per cent of the public now back the populist anti-mass migration party [AfD], an increase of three points over last month. Conversely, the formerly Merkel-led establishment ‘conservative’ Union (CDU) saw its support fall by five points over the past month to 24 per cent…

“The lengthy coalition negotiations, which finally concluded on Wednesday, have not only seen support for the Union decline but also clearly shaken public confidence in Merz… The EU-US Forum think tank commented: ‘After getting power, the CDU abandoned the very promises that got them elected. Now, the AfD is leading in Germany for the first time ever — and it’s no coincidence. The people want their country back.’”

Scandalous Judgment in Germany Censoring Free Speech 

Breitbart wrote on April 9: 

“Germany has been accused of violating basic Western values yet again, as a news editor in Germany faces a hefty fine and a seven month prison sentence for posting a meme mocking the government’s ‘hatred’ of free speech. 

“The Bamberg district court in Bavaria sentenced Deutschland-Kurier editor David Bendels this week to seven months in prison on probation and a fine of nearly sixty per cent of his annual income, or 210 ‘daily rates’, for posting an image on social media of Interior Minister Nancy Faeser holding an altered sign. The common meme tactic of changing the words on signs held by politicians for satirical purposes was used to make Faeser’s sign read: ‘I hate freedom of speech’. 

“Bendels was initially convicted in November, and the ruling was confirmed on Monday, finding that he had committed ‘defamation directed against people in political life,’ Die Welt reported on Tuesday… 

“The ruling has… been criticised by opposition political figures [and legal experts], with the influential regional leader of the populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Thuringia, Björn Höcke saying: ‘German politicians… made Germany a laughingstock of the world. They armor themselves and attack freedom of speech again and again, ending our constitutional democracy. We have been warned by Donald Trump and Elon Musk: The enemies of freedom are found within the EU-governments!’…” 

Robots Are Coming… 

Archive Today wrote on April 4: 

“Artificial intelligence is already driving cars, writing essays and even writing computer code. Now, humanoids, machines built to look like humans and powered by A.I., are poised to move into our homes… 

“Investors have poured $7.2 billion into more than 50 start-ups since 2015… The humanoid frenzy reached a new peak last year, when investments topped $1.6 billion. And that did not include the billions that Elon Musk and Tesla, his electric car company, are pumping into Optimus, a humanoid they began building in 2021.” 

Indy 100 wrote on April 2: 

“Elon Musk is no stranger to a wild idea, but his latest remarks have sparked concern – as he thinks robots could soon outnumber humans… Tela vows to produce 10,000 of the [humanoid] robots by the end of 2025, having launched the first version in 2021. ‘Long-term, I think there will be more… the ratio of humanoid robots will be more than one to one. There might be two humanoid robots or more, maybe 10, for every one human’, Musk said in a video confirming their mass production would be coming. ‘Which means there will be well in excess of 10 billion humanoid robots’… 

“Optimus is described as ‘a general-purpose robotic assistant designed to perform tasks that are repetitive, dangerous, or undesirable for humans. Powered by advanced AI, it can walk, climb stairs, lift and carry objects, as well as manipulate items autonomously… Everything we’ve developed for our cars — the batteries, power electronics, advanced motors, gearboxes, the software, AI inference computer — it all actually applies to a humanoid robot.’ 

“He’s previously disclosed that soon, ordinary people will be able to own their own Optimus, starting at $20,000-$30,000….” 

The military will undoubtedly be interested in having humanoid robots at their disposal which carry out “dangerous” tasks. The prophecy that 200 million “of the army of the horsemen” will attack from the Far East comes to mind (Revelation 9:16). Commentaries suggest that the riders on those “horses” are evidently not merely human hosts. 

The Stars… and Time Travel Into the Past? 

Daily Mail wrote on April 5: 

“When you look up at the stars, you’re looking at suns from other solar systems, most of which have their own set of planets orbiting around them. The most distant stars are located billions of light years away – meaning the light from them has been travelling for billions of years to reach our eyes… So when we see a star in the sky, we are actually seeing a snapshot of what it looked like thousands of years ago, not how it is now.  

“Essentially, by looking up at the stars we are transporting ourselves thousands of years into the distant past. And it may seem unbelievable, but because a star’s light has been travelling for such a long time, by the time it reaches us that star may not even exist anymore…

“Stars are giant balls of hot gas – mostly hydrogen, with some helium and small amounts of other elements. Every star has its own life cycle, ranging from a few million to trillions of years.   Astronomers estimate that the universe could contain up to one septillion stars (a one followed by 24 zeros). Our Milky Way alone contains more than 100 billion, including our most well-studied star, the sun.  

“Just like we can only see objects because light has reflected off them, we can only see stars because light has traveled from them, through the vast galaxy and into our eyes… As an example, a bright star called Deneb can be seen in the constellation of Cygnus, a prominent cross-shaped constellation in the northern sky. Deneb is an estimated 2,600 light years away, meaning its light has travelled for 2,600 years to reach us. When light from Deneb started its journey, it was the 6th century BC – around the same time the Roman monarchy was overthrown and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were built.  

“Another star system visible to the naked eye, Eta Carinae (made up of two stars in orbit around each other), which is 7,500 light years away… Earendel, the farthest star ever detected, is 28 billion light years away – although due to a quirk of our ever-expanding universe its light has travelled for 13 billion years to reach us.  Detected by the Hubble Space Telescope in 2022, Earendel is ‘surely long gone’, because a star’s typical lifetime is much less than this…”

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.

On the Britannica website we read the following:

“Human beings seem always to have had some notion of a shadowy double that survives the death of the body. But the idea of the soul as a mental entity, with intellectual and moral qualities, interacting with a physical organism but capable of continuing after its dissolution, derives in Western thought from Plato and entered into Judaism during approximately the last century before the Common Era and thence into Christianity. In Jewish and Christian thinking it has existed in tension with the idea of the resurrection of the person conceived as an indissoluble psychophysical unity. Christian thought gradually settled into a pattern that required both of these apparently divergent ideas. At death the soul is separated from the body and exists in a conscious or unconscious disembodied state. But on the future Day of Judgement souls will be re-embodied (whether in their former but now transfigured earthly bodies or in new resurrection bodies) and will live eternally in the heavenly kingdom.”

This is one of several “explanations” of our future in heaven. It is by far not the only one, as we will discuss below in more detail.

However, we can see from this information how the thinking of pagan philosophers can infiltrate Christianity and then it can become a cornerstone belief of orthodox Christianity. Just like the Trinity, for example.   But because of this supposedly Biblical belief, we should be able to readily see how this can then lead on to other errors.

We read in Matthew 7:24-27 what Jesus had to say about getting the foundations right:

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

We have proved time and again that, at death, we don’t go to either heaven (for the good) or hell (for the evil).  However, many Christian writers and theologians seem to think otherwise.   For example, one well-known author of many Christian books wrote the following:

“When a Christian dies he enters what theologians call the ‘intermediate state,’ a transitional period between life on Earth and the future resurrection to life on the New Earth. Usually when we talk about ‘Heaven,’ we mean the place that Christians go when they die. When we tell our children ‘Grandma’s now in Heaven,’ we’re referring to what I prefer to call the present Heaven (the word intermediate sometimes confuses people).

“The present Heaven is a temporary lodging, a waiting place (a delightful one!) until the return of Christ and our bodily resurrection. The eternal Heaven, the New Earth, is our true home, the place where we will live forever with our Lord and each other. The great redemptive promises of God will find their ultimate fulfillment on the New Earth, not in the present Heaven. 

“Though the present Heaven is not our final destination, it’s a wonderful place, and it’s understandable that those who have had loved ones die in Christ wonder what life is like for them there. Based on the Bible’s teaching, we know several things: the present Heaven is a real (and possibly physical) place. Those who love Jesus and trust Him for their salvation will be with Him there, together with all who have died in Christ. We will be awake and cognizant. And because we will be with Jesus, it is ‘better by far’ than our present existence.”

By believing this concept, then other beliefs have to be “bent out of shape” to fit in with this foundational error!

However, this explanation is not the standard one in orthodox Christianity, nor is it the most accepted one. The author combines false “Christian” concepts with some correct Scriptures about the heavenly Jerusalem coming down to earth, but he totally misunderstands and misinterprets those passages as well. 

When researching our final destination in Christian thinking on the Internet, this is what we are told:

“In many religious traditions, including Christianity, the concept of ‘Heaven’ suggests an eternal abode, a place where believers reside with God forever…  For the Christian faith, Heaven is: an eternity in the presence of God. the ultimate aim for all Christians in order for their soul to be reunited with God and united with Christ.” 

According to this common view, a new Jerusalem on earth does not even come into play. 

Why do many come to the conclusion that we go to heaven (or hell) when we die?   The answer is that they believe that man is an immortal soul.

In an article “Death in Different Religions” we read the religious hodgepodge that man has created over the course of the last 6,000 years in relation to life after death.   Here are some snippets of information from this article:

“Christianity

“Most Christians believe in the resurrection of Jesus and the existence of the afterlife. Many believe that moral decisions that we make on Earth determine whether we go to Heaven or Hell. Catholics believe that before we reach Heaven, we must first pass through Purgatory, a place where we must purify our sins. Catholics also believe that praying for the deceased can help them get into Heaven from Purgatory.”   We covered this approach in our booklet “Why This Confusion About Life After Death.”

“Islam

“Muslims believe that after our physical death on Earth, our soul lives on and goes to the Angel of Death to wait for Judgement Day. The Qur’an teaches that on the day of judgement, the righteous will go to Jannat (Paradise) and the sinners will go to Jahannam (Hell).

“Judaism

“Judaism is ambiguous about what happens when we die. While Jews tend to focus more on their life on Earth, most Jewish people believe in an afterlife, and it can come in many forms. Some Jews believe in reincarnation, while others believe in the World to Come, which is similar to Heaven. 

“Buddhism

“Buddhists believe that when we die, we are reincarnated into another body. After death and before rebirth, each person passes through the state called Bardo, which can be a time of great insight and liberation. For Buddhists, the ultimate goal is to break out of the cycle of reincarnation by attaining Nirvana, an end to suffering. In order to reach such a state of enlightenment, Buddhists believe we must meditate and purify our minds. 

“Hinduism

“Hindus share similar beliefs with Buddhists when it comes to death and the afterlife. They also believe in reincarnation, and believe that we can be reborn not only into humans, but also into animals, plants, or even insects. 

Further religions, like most of the ones quoted above seem to believe in an immortal soul.   For example:

Native American Spirituality – Many tribes believe in a spirit world or an afterlife where the souls of the deceased reside.

African Traditional Religions – Ancestors play a significant role, and there is a belief in the continuation of life after death.

Zoroastrianism – The soul is judged after death and sent to either heaven or hell based on its deeds in life.

Bahá’í Faith – The Bahá’í Faith teaches the concept of the soul’s journey through different spiritual realms after death.  The afterlife is seen as a continuation of the soul’s progress towards spiritual perfection.

And so, such a belief seems to permeate so many religions.   When the apostle Peter addressed the Sanhedrin, as recorded in Acts 4:10-12, he stated:

“… let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Verse 12 shows that true Christianity is a unique faith with only salvation available through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.   No other faiths count. True Christianity is exclusive – the Bible says so!

Therefore, if other faiths believe in an immortal soul, it is irrelevant.  However, much of mainstream Christianity does not understand that we do not have an immortal soul and that can lead to further misunderstanding and error, and is a serious problem.

We will now quote from our booklet “Do We Have an Immortal Soul?” as follows:

Introduction – page 1:

“What happens to us when we die? Does our soul continue to live on, while our body decays in the grave? Do the souls of bad people continuously burn in hell fire for all eternity? Do the souls of good people ascend to heaven at the time of death—or do they go to a place called limbo or purgatory, if they were not quite as good? If the answer to these questions is ‘yes,’ then why do we need to be resurrected from the dead—or do we? Do humans possess immortality within themselves? If you are seeking to understand the truth on this subject, then the answers can be found in God’s Word, the Bible.”

“Some Reject the Concept of an Immortal Soul – page 5:

“We have briefly noted the many different concepts that man has held regarding the immortality of the soul, and there is, indeed, an astounding array of false ideas and misconceptions about this subject. But despite the strong universal influence, there have been some down through history who did not believe in any of these concepts. For example, Arnobius, a Catholic writer, spoke against those who held the ‘extravagant opinion of themselves that souls are immortal.’ (Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. VI, p. 440).

“Also, at the time of the Reformation, William Tyndale put it quite succinctly when he wrote, ‘In putting departed souls in heaven, hell or purgatory, you destroy the arguments wherewith Christ and Paul prove the resurrection… The true faith putteth the resurrection; the heathen philosophers, denying that, did put that souls did ever live…If the soul be in heaven, tell me what cause is there for the resurrection?’

“Another Reformer who questioned the immortality of the soul was Martin Luther. He declared that the Bible did not teach the immortality of the soul, and he suggested that the soul died with the body, and that God would hereafter raise both the one and the other. He wrote in 1522, ‘It is probable, in my opinion, that… indeed the dead sleep in utter insensibility till the day of judgment… On what authority can it be said that the souls of the dead may not sleep… in the same way that the living pass in profound slumber the interval between their downlying at night and their uprising in the morning?’ (Michelet, Life of Luther, p. 133).

“While most Protestants today have long forgotten these words of Martin Luther, some Christian groups today still do not teach the immortality of the soul. The Seventh-Day Adventists, for example, do not believe that the soul of a dead person continues to live a conscious life. The Sabbath-keeping Church of God organizations, likewise, universally reject the concept of an immortal soul.”

The booklet then goes through a thorough study of the word “soul”, on pages 6-24, coming to the conclusion that:

“When we die, we go to the grave. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says to you that you won’t do anything ‘in the grave, whither thou goest.’ Now notice Psalm 94:17, ‘Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul [‘nephesh’] had almost dwelt in silence.’ In other words, unless God would have helped, the soul would have died and gone to the grave.

“Again, we see that the person and the soul of the person are one and the same. Both go to the grave, where there is silence and total lack of consciousness or activity. In other words, both die. That is why the Bible describes death consistently as a dreamless sleep [cp. John 11:11–14; Daniel 12:2; Matthew 27:52; 2 Samuel 7:12; 1 Kings 2:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:15–17]. God must awaken us out of that sleep of death in order for us to live again—and God will do so at the resurrection of the dead.

“The Grave is a Place of Silence and Unconsciousness – pages 24-25:

“The grave is described as a place of silence, without any activity, thought, or consciousness. The dead do not even remember God their Creator. Psalm 6:5 points out, ‘For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave [‘sheol’] who shall give thee thanks?’”

Of course, some will immediately point to Lazarus and the rich man to prove their point and this is addressed on pages 29-32 of the booklet.

On page 40 we read “The Truth About Immortality” – “Ultimately and inescapably, God’s Word proves that eternal life is a gift of God, and that physical mankind does not possess an immortal soul. The deceptive and false doctrine of inherent ‘immortality’ has held countless millions in a state of confusion, false hopes, and tormented fear.” 

In simple terms, the Bible clearly shows that man is a soul; not, that he has a soul.

The information in the booklet mentioned above can be accessed with the following link: https://www.eternalgod.org/booklet-675/

(To be continued)

Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)

compiled by Dave Harris

“The Glory of God in Our Time,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

God’s glory is revealed in the creation of the magnificent universe. AND, in His prophecies for our time—even in connection with developments which we might not even think of. This program evaluates both mind-boggling aspects.

“Die Herrlichkeit Gottes in unserer Zeit,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program presented by Norbert Link. This program covers the same subject as described above.

Michael and Anna Link have travelled to Germany in preparation for observing the Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread with the brethren.

A Tech Team Meeting was held on April 6, 2025. Hosted by Eric Rank, we reviewed our ad campaigns that we’ve been running, with focus on the new campaign we started in Germany last month. We also took some time to talk about our live broadcasts (we’ve had some static noise problems in CO) and last but not least, we discussed arrangements for our Passover services.

“Die Heiligen Schriften der Bibel: Entstehung und Überlieferung – Das Alte Testament,” last Sabbath’s German sermonette presented by Tahir Coban, is now posted. Title in English: “The Holy Scriptures of the Bible: Origin and Tradition – The Old Testament.”

“The Promises of God,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted.

“What Christ’s Blood Achieves,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:

How is the shed blood of Christ fundamentally different from the blood of animal sacrifices in the Old Testament? What was the purpose of animal sacrifices and the blood of the Passover lamb? How was all of this misunderstood by Israel? Can we, by consuming wine as a symbol of Christ’s blood, make the same mistake? This sermon will show that Christ’s shed blood is necessary for our salvation and why it is so precious and priceless.

“The Days of Unleavened Bread” is the latest video in our Bible Study Series on YouTube. 

2025 SPRING HOLY DAYS:

Passover: April 12 (observed evening before)

Days of Unleavened Bread: April 13-19 (first and last days are Holy Days with live Services being broadcast).

On April 5, 2025, Kalon Mitchell will present the sermonette, titled, “The Promises of God,” and Norbert Link will present the sermon, titled, “What Christ’s Blood Achieves.”

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.

When Israel was in the desert following their escape from slavery in Egypt, their lives began to take a new course. God released them from bondage and set them free. He chose Israel as a special people, giving them the opportunity to learn about the laws of God and discover the blessings that come from obedience. God looked at the big picture in this monumental act, knowing that the release from physical slavery was necessary for Israel to begin their journey towards spiritual freedom and growth.

Even though the Israelites cried out to God, asking Him to release them from slavery, they still found reason to complain when He finally emancipated them. They experienced miracles on their left, right and all around them! God opened the Red Sea to lead them away from the danger of the Egyptian army. God provided them with manna from heaven to feed them when they were hungry. He gave them water to drink from a rock when they were thirsty. He led them on a path of safety through the wilderness by a pillar of fire and a cloud of smoke. It was so obvious and clear that God was in their lives, blessing them on their journey, but it was not enough for them.

The question to ask is, why? Why couldn’t Israel see the mighty hand of God in their lives? Why couldn’t they see the big picture of what God was doing for them? The answer is that they had hardened hearts, mired in the world, swept away with the deceptive pleasures it promulgates. The words of the Bible instruct us to note how wrong this way of thinking is and to be different. “‘Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness, Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, And saw My works forty years. Therefore I was angry with that generation, And said, “They always go astray in their heart, And they have not known My ways.” So I swore in My wrath, “They shall not enter My rest.”’ Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:8-12).

Though Israel was free from bondage, drawn to God to follow Him, they were still stuck in the world. Their focus was not on God, but rather, on the physical comforts they craved. “But they sinned even more against Him By rebelling against the Most High in the wilderness. And they tested God in their heart By asking for the food of their fancy. Yes, they spoke against God: They said, ‘Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?’” (Psalm 78:17-19). They failed to appreciate what God was doing for them. Instead, all they could think about was their physical condition, and how they wanted more and more and more. But that which really mattered – their relationship with God – they completely neglected.

We have a lot that we can learn by considering the hard hearts of ancient Israel. It’s easy to judge their actions from the lens of hindsight, but we are not that much different. We have the same carnal nature as they did. However, we live in an age in which it is exponentially more difficult to keep our focus because we have so many more sensational distractions to entice our human desires!  If we are not vigilant, we may find ourselves following in the same hard-hearted pattern of living as ancient Israel.

Seeing this, it is prudent to turn our questioning inward. Do we see the mighty hand of God working in our lives? If there was a Scripture written about us, would it say the same kinds of things that the Bible says about ancient Israel? Would it say that we complained about not having our physical comforts given to us? Would it say that we failed to appreciate the spiritual gifts that God abundantly provides? I hope that what God sees in us is much better than that.

We have a tremendous opportunity to be saved from death that awaits us all, but we will only receive it if we overcome the world through Jesus Christ. That means that we must take stock of what matters in our lives and honestly evaluate whether we are investing ourselves virtuously. Do we care too much about what we can collect in this physical life? Do we let those things control our emotions and corrupt our values? I hope not, because we have something so much better to live for.

Just as God led Israel out of the bondage of Egypt, He leads us out of the slavery of sin. This fact is just as miraculous in our lives now as it was for Israel then. This is what should guide us and give us hope, because this is what matters.

by Norbert Link

We address the concern that the USA will not defend Europe in case of an attack, and Trump’s unequivocal announcement that America will “get” Greenland… no matter how.

We report about major escalations in the global tariff war; and speak on “disagreements” between Putin and Trump over Ukraine.

We continue with Trump’s immigration policy and quote articles speaking about attacks on due process and real dangers for legal residents and even American citizens.

We address events in and pertaining to Turkey, Iran, Israel and Syria; report on troubling developments in France; and conclude with the unprecedented mysterious deaths of millions of bees and the devastating earthquake in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma).

Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “USA vs. EU… Wars Begin With Words!” and our new message, titled “Trump’s Problems with Immigration and Tariffs — Comments on News and Prophecy, March 29, 2025.” 

Please view also our new StandingWatch program, titled,  “Trump’s Tariffs Set the World on Fire.”

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

USA Might Not Defend Europe 

The Mirror wrote on March 30: 

“A confidential Pentagon document suggests the United States may not come to Europe’s aid in the event of a Russian attack. The leaked internal memo from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is said to prioritise deterring China’s ambitions over Taiwan and bolstering defense measures on U.S. soil…. 

“The memo outlines Hegseth’s stance that America is unlikely to offer significant support to Europe against Russian aggression. It highlights an expectation for NATO allies to assume the primary role in defending their territory. The United States, the guidance suggests, will provide nuclear deterrence against Russia but will only commit forces that are not essential for homeland security or missions related to China. 

“The document underscores the importance of increased defense contributions from European nations, stating that this ‘will also ensure NATO can reliably deter or defeat Russian aggression even if deterrence fails and the United States is already engaged in, or must withhold forces to deter, a primary conflict in another region.’ 

“The latest memo aligns the Pentagon’s strategy with President Trump’s global security concerns, particularly highlighting undefined threats from the ‘near abroad’. In the document, Trump insists that U.S. forces must be ‘ready to defend American interests wherever they might be threatened in our hemisphere, from Greenland, to the Panama Canal, to Cape Horn.’” 

Trump: “We’ll Get Greenland, 100 Percent!” 

Daily Mail wrote on March 28: 

“‘We need Greenland,’ Trump said in the Oval Office. ‘Very importantly, for international security, we have to have Greenland. It’s not a question of, “Do you think we can do without it?” We can’t.’… ‘If you look at Greenland right now, if you look at the waterways, you have Chinese and Russian ships all over the place, and we’re not going to be able to do that. We’re not relying on Denmark or anybody else to take care of that situation.’ 

“He added: ‘And we’re not talking about peace for the United States. We’re talking about world peace. We’re talking about international security. And right now you look at it, you have warships all over the place going through, right along Greenland.’ He said the United States was ‘not going to let that happen.’” 

The Associated Press wrote on March 30: 

“‘We’ll get Greenland. Yeah, 100%,’ Trump told NBC News in an interview. He added there is a ‘good possibility that we could do it without military force’ but ‘I don’t take anything off the table’ … Trump also said ‘I don’t care’… what message it would send to Russian President Vladimir Putin…

“The reaction by members of Greenland’s parliament and residents has rendered that unlikely, with anger erupting over the Trump administration’s attempts to annex the vast Arctic island. .. And Greenlandic lawmakers on Thursday agreed to form a new government, banding together to resist Trump’s overtures.” 

Vance in Greenland 

The U.S. Sun wrote on March 28: 

“Vance said that Denmark has failed to secure the region as it was 30,40 years ago… ‘Our European allies have not kept up with the pace in military spending, and Denmark has failed to keep our troops and its own people safe… It is far better to come under the US security umbrella than the Danish security umbrella…’ 

“The VP then added that America needs to lead in the Arctic region security and protect its interests. But he failed to rule out military force to take over Greenland… [even though he said he did not think military force was ever going to be necessary]. 

“Trump says Europe needs to understand his interest in Greenland. He said that Greenland is ‘very important for the peace of the world.’ Trump added: ‘I think the European Union understands it, and if they don’t – we’re going to have to explain it.’” 

Newsmax added on March 28: “Vance said the U.S. has ‘no option’ but to take a significant position to ensure the security of Greenland.” 

Denmark Rejects Vance’s Tone 

Deutsche Welle wrote on March 29: 

“Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen expressed his dissatisfaction over the ‘tone’ of US Vice President JD Vance’s comments that Copenhagen had not done enough for Greenland. ‘We are open to criticisms, but let me be completely honest, we do not appreciate the tone in which it’s being delivered,’ Rasmussen said on X. ‘This is not how you speak to your close allies…’ 

“Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also hit back at Vance in a statement, as she referred to Danish combat deployments alongside US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. ‘For many years, we have stood by the Americans in very difficult situations,’ Frederiksen said. ‘The vice president’s reference to Denmark is not accurate.’” 

Greenland’s new Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen contradicted Trump, saying: “The US will not get Greenland.”

Trump Prepares for Major Escalation in Tariffs War 

Newsmax wrote on March 29: 

“President Donald Trump is urging senior advisers to take a more aggressive stance on tariffs as the administration prepares for a major escalation in its global trade war… 

“Despite calls from allies on Wall Street and Capitol Hill to adopt a more measured approach, Trump has been pushing for sweeping trade actions aimed at reshaping the U.S. economy… Trump has expressed regret over not implementing broader tariffs during his first term and has blamed advisers for persuading him to pull back…” 

Do Tariffs Work?

Express wrote on March 29:

“US stocks on Wall Street fell on Friday amid growing concerns among consumers and investors about… Trump [who] said the latest tariffs would come into effect on April 2, with charges on businesses importing vehicles starting over the next days. Taxes on spare parts are set to start in May or later…

“Trump’s new tariffs could potentially hit every single American with an extra $2000 (£1545) in annual costs… Mexico is the top supplier of cars to the US, followed by South Korea, Japan, Canada and Germany.” 

Trump Threatens U.S. Automakers 

Newsmax wrote on March 28: 

“President Donald Trump told the CEOs of some of the most prominent car manufacturers they better not raise their prices due to tariffs, The Wall Street Journal reported. Trump said the White House would look unfavorably on the move, causing some of them to fear they would face retribution if they increased prices, sources told the Journal… 

“Automakers and industry suppliers have said they will have to raise prices due to tariffs and that bringing back manufacturing to the U.S. could take years, the Journal reported… Vehicle prices could rise 11% to 12% to offset the tariffs, Morgan Stanley analysts said… 

“An executive at one of the automakers told the Journal they were baffled by the desire to both impose tariffs — but also tell car companies they couldn’t raise prices. ‘The math would tell you that’s going to cost us multibillions of dollars,’ an auto executive said. ‘So who pays for that?’” 

These tariffs HURT America. It’s not just the cars manufactured overseas… it also includes auto parts, many of which are being imported to US automakers to be used in manufacturing cars in the USA. Obviously, automakers will have to raise prices to survive… meaning, the consumers suffer from these tariffs. 

Trump Denies Threatening U.S. Automakers 

The Huffington Post wrote on March 30: 

“In an interview with NBC News,… the president also pushed back against reporting in The Wall Street Journal, that he had pressured CEOs not to raise prices. ‘No, I never said that. I couldn’t care less if they raise prices, because people are going to start buying American-made cars.’ 

“If the cost of tariffs are fully passed to consumers, the average price on imported vehicles could spike by $12,500…” 

The New York Post added on March 30: 

“A Trump aide later clarified that the president’s comments brushing aside price hikes were specific to foreign-made vehicles… 

“‘Absolutely, they’re permanent, sure,’ [Trump] added…‘The world has been ripping off the United States for the last 40 years and more. And all we’re doing is being fair, and frankly, I’m being very generous.’ Still, Trump indicated that there may be some wiggle room, particularly on the timeframe for implementing the tariffs ‘only if people are willing to give us something of great value,’ adding that ‘otherwise, there’s no room for negotiation.’” 

Even so. The American people won’t be happy to hear that Trump does not care whether US automakers will raise prices, because of his planned 25% tariffs on auto imports. 

Biggest Tax Rise to Crush Economy 

The Telegraph wrote on March 31: 

“Trump is plotting the biggest tax rise in global history. 

“… the White House appears to be planning steep new tariffs, imposed on all of the US’s trading partners. On Fox News, Peter Navarro, one of the key backers of the tariff policy, suggested that levies on auto imports should raise $100 billion a year for the federal government. More significantly, he estimated that across the board tariffs would collect $600 billion annually.. 

“Some of the burden might be absorbed by foreign companies…  By far most likely, however, is that much of the increased cost will be passed onto consumers in the form of higher prices. Either they will be forced to pay more for imported goods, or prices may rise in general because US companies have less of an incentive to improve productivity thanks to the protections afforded by that tariff wall. 

“… the president is imposing tariffs, while at the same time talking vaguely about taxes that might or might not be reduced at some point in the future. That is not even close to an acceptable way to run the administration. So Trump is about to impose a huge tax rise, and the blunt truth is that like any other tax rise it will crush the American economy.” 

Trump’s New Tariffs on Liberation Day 

The Associated Press wrote on April 2: 

“President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday a 10% baseline tax on imports from all countries and higher tariff rates on dozens of nations that run trade surpluses with the United States, threatening to upend much of the architecture of the global economy and, critics say, risking broader trade wars. 

“Trump held up a chart while speaking at the White House, showing the United States would charge a 34% tax on imports from China, a 20% tax on imports from the European Union, 25% on South Korea, 24% on Japan and 32% on Taiwan. 

“The president described a global trade system that the United States helped to build after World War II, saying ‘our country has been looted, pillaged, raped, plundered’ by other nations.

Trump declared a national economic emergency to launch the tariffs, expected to produce hundreds of billions in annual revenues. 

“He has promised that factory jobs will return back to the United States as a result of the taxes, but his policies risk a sudden economic slowdown as consumers and businesses could face sharp price hikes on autos, clothes and other goods. ‘Taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years,’ Trump said in remarks at the White House. ‘But it is not going to happen anymore.’… 

“The president’s higher rates would hit foreign entities that sell more goods to the United States than they buy, meaning the tariffs could stay in place for some time as the administration expects other nations to lower their tariffs and other barriers to trade that it says have led to a $1.2 trillion trade imbalance last year.”

The New York Post added on April 2: 

“The new 10% baseline [tax]… will take effect Saturday. Specific reciprocal duties will take effect April 9 — including a 20% duty on the European Union, 24% on Japan and 17% on Israel… The tariffs announcement coincided with the Wednesday adoption of 25% tariffs on most Canadian and Mexican goods, as well as a 25% tariff on all foreign made cars and auto parts to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday.” 

Focus wrote on April 2: 

“It is the most aggressive and momentous step in the US President’s trade policy to date. This hits the European Union hard and is likely to have a significant impact on the global economy. A trade war with the European Union now seems inevitable.” 

“Putin Calls to Remove Zelenskyy, ‘Finish Off’ Ukrainian Troops” 

AFP wrote on March 28: 

“Russian President Vladimir Putin called Friday for a ‘transitional administration’ to be put in place in Ukraine and vowed his army would ‘finish off’ Ukrainian troops, in hardline remarks as President Donald Trump pushes for a ceasefire… The renewed call to essentially topple Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy was the latest demonstration of Putin’s long-standing desire to install a more Moscow-friendly regime in Kyiv… 

“In the first days of the offensive, Putin issued a public call for Ukraine’s generals to topple Zelenskyy, whom Putin has repeatedly denigrated, without providing any evidence, as a neo-Nazi and drug addict. Moscow has also repeatedly questioned Zelenskyy’s ‘legitimacy’ as Ukrainian president, after his initial five-year mandate ended in May 2024. Under Ukrainian law, elections are suspended during times of major military conflict, and Zelenskyy’s domestic opponents have all said elections should not be held until after the conflict. Putin, in power for 25 years and repeatedly elected in votes with no competition, has throughout the conflict accused Ukraine of not being a democracy. 

“Putin also called for his troops to press their advantage on the battlefield and step up their attacks, even as he says Moscow has halted its strikes on Ukrainian energy targets. ‘I was saying not so long ago: “We will finish them off.” There are reasons to believe that we will finish them off,’ Putin said. ‘We are gradually, not as fast as some would like, but nevertheless persistently and confidently moving toward achieving all the goals stated at the beginning of the special operation,’ the Kremlin leader added, using his term for the offensive… 

“Ukraine’s state oil and gas operator, Naftogaz, said that Russia attacked its facilities overnight and Zelenskyy on Thursday called on Washington to ‘react’ to the ongoing strikes. Russia’s defense ministry accused Ukraine of firing rockets and more than a dozen drones at its energy infrastructure over the past 24 hours. The Ukrainian Air Force said Russia had launched 163 drones at the country in its latest aerial attack, with regional officials reporting fires at infrastructure and agricultural sites in the south of the country… 

“Zelenskyy met in Paris on Thursday with Ukraine’s key European backers in a bid to strike a unified position of support against Trump’s overhaul of U.S. policy on Ukraine. But he said after the talks he had ‘many questions’ and ‘few answers’ over discussions led by France and Britain on a possible European troop deployment as part of any wider ceasefire or peace deal.” 

Russia Threatens With Bloodbath 

Breitbart wrote on March 28: 

“Coalition of the willing leaders are meeting in Paris to discuss supporting Ukraine but Moscow continues its bid to undermine these attempts, accusing France and Britain of provoking ‘direct military confrontation’ between NATO and the Russian Federation. Governments of over 30 nations and entities… [discussed] sustaining military and economic support for Ukraine. Also on the table is the suggestion of security guarantees for Ukraine and even, as frequently discussed by the United Kingdom and France, the possibility of European peacekeepers in Ukraine to monitor any agreement achieved by the Trump talks… 

“Russia, meanwhile, which clearly would not benefit from a ceasefire being guaranteed by NATO troops on Ukrainian soil… has long agitated against such notions… with the spokesman for the Russian Foreign Minister Maria Zakharova warning of bloody violence if Europe tries…” 

Attempts to End the War Futile?

The New York Post published the following opinion piece on March 28: 

“With every passing day, the Trump administration’s effort to bring about an end to the war in Ukraine through a real estate-like deal, swapping land for peace, looks increasingly futile. No amount of flattery or concessions to Russia can change the fact that… Putin is not interested simply in establishing control over some contested territories, supposedly populated by Russian speakers. 

“He wants to end Ukraine’s existence as an independent nation.. it should not be difficult for President Trump to see that he is dealing with an untrustworthy, bad-faith actor who must be stopped and deterred — not accommodated or befriended. Yet, accommodation seems to be a preferred route for many in the administration… 

“Russian authorities have abducted between 20,000 and 35,000 Ukrainian children to Russia, changing their names and dates of birth, indoctrinating them, and recruiting teenage boys into the Russian military… He is interested in turning Ukraine into an integral part of Russia, or its appendage — an obedient Belarus-like statelet under an autocratic pro-Kremlin leadership. Hence the insistence, unfortunately embraced by some in the US administration, on an early election or a replacement of…  Zelensky with a ‘transitional administration,’ as Putin put it on Friday.” 

Trump Angry With Putin 

NBC News wrote on March 30: 

“President Donald Trump said he was ‘very angry’ and ‘pissed off’ when Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized [the] credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s leadership, adding that the comments [and the ceasefire talks] were ‘not going in the right location… If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault — which it might not be — but if I think it was Russia’s fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia… That would be that if you buy oil from Russia, you can’t do business in the United States… ‘There will be a 25% tariff on all oil, a 25- to 50-point tariff on all oil’… noting that the tariffs on Russia would come within a month without a ceasefire deal. Trump said Putin knows he is angry, but noted that he has ‘a very good relationship with him’ and ‘the anger dissipates quickly … if he does the right thing.’…” 

The New York Post added on March 30: 

“Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has since accused Trump of seeking an ‘illusory peace’ with Putin, warning the president that bowing to Moscow’s demands only ‘shreds America’s credibility, leaves Ukraine under threat, weakens our alliances and emboldens our enemies.’” 

Putin wants to unify Russia and Ukraine. To him, Ukrainians are Russians. No US brokered ceasefire or peace treaty will defeat his goals. 

Hillary Clinton Speaks Out 

Politico wrote on March 28: 

“Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has an assessment of her one-time presidential rival’s administration’s handling of sensitive information…  ‘It’s not the hypocrisy that bothers me; it’s the stupidity. We’re all shocked — shocked! — that President Trump and his team don’t actually care about protecting classified information or federal record retention laws,’ she wrote… 

“‘What’s much worse is that top Trump administration officials put our troops in jeopardy by sharing military plans on a commercial messaging app and unwittingly invited a journalist into the chat. That’s dangerous. And it’s just dumb.’” 

It would be advisable for hypocritical Hillary Clinton to be very quiet, giving her criminal history of illegally destroying thousands of emails on her server, including classified ones.

The War on Due Process 

The Rutherford Institute wrote on March 27: 

“The war on due process is here. No trials. No hearings. No rights. Just indefinite detention and secret deportations. This is the fate that awaits every one of us, not just immigrants (legal or otherwise), if the government’s war on the Constitution remains unchecked. 

“More than two decades after the U.S. government in its post-9/11 frenzy transported individuals, some of whom had not been charged let alone convicted of a crime, to CIA black sites (secret detention centers located outside the U.S. authorized to torture detainees) as a means of sidestepping legal protocols, the Trump Administration is using extraordinary rendition to make those on its so-called ‘enemies list’ disappear. 

“The first round of arrests and deportations to a mega-prison in El Salvador supposedly targeted members of the infamous Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Carried out with little evidence and without court hearings or due process, these roundups reportedly may also have swept up individuals with no apparent connection to gang activity apart from common tattoos (firearms, trains, dice, roses, tigers and jaguars) and other circumstantial evidence. 

“In a particularly Kafkaesque explanation for why some of the Venezuelan migrants who have no criminal records were targeted for arrest and deportation, government lawyers argued in court that that their lack of a criminal record is in itself cause for concern… 

“The most egregious of these incidents involve college students, scientists and doctors, all of them legal permanent residents of the U.S. who, while never having been charged with a crime, are accused of threatening national security by taking part in anti-war protests over the growing death toll in Gaza as a result of the Israeli-Hamas war, or sympathizing with the Palestinians, or being associated with someone who might sympathize with the Palestinians. 

“When merely exercising one’s right to criticize the government in word, deed or thought is equated to an act of domestic terrorism, we are all in trouble… American citizens could very well be next in line for this kind of treatment… suddenly, everything that challenges the government’s authority becomes a national security threat and every dispute a national emergency… Make no mistake: while immigrants, illegal and legal alike, have largely been the first victims of the Trump administration’s efforts to circumvent the Constitution in order to make them disappear, it’s our very freedoms that are being made to disappear… 

“What good are rights if the president is empowered to nullify them whenever he wants? For that matter, what good is a government that betrays its own citizens? History has shown us that when governments operate without checks and balances, tyranny follows. The question is not whether mass arrests and indefinite detentions could be expanded to American citizens—it’s how long before they are… if we accept that a president can unilaterally decide who is a threat without oversight, then we have already lost the freedoms that define us as a nation.” 

Frightening.. but most certainly not impossible… 

Supreme Court to Intervene in AEA Matter? 

The Guardian wrote on March 28: 

“The Trump administration on Friday asked the US supreme court to intervene to allow the government to continue to deport immigrants using the obscure Alien Enemies Act. The request came one day after a federal appeals court upheld a Washington DC federal judge’s temporary block on immigrant expulsions via a wartime act that allows the administration to bypass normal due process, for example by allowing people a court hearing before shipping them out of the US. 

“Friday’s emergency request claims that the federal court’s order temporarily blocking the removal of Venezuelans forces the US to ‘harbor individuals whom national-security officials have identified as members of a foreign terrorist organization bent upon grievously harming Americans’. 

“Trump’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act has spurred a legal battle between the executive and judiciary branches of the US federal government. ‘We will urge the supreme court to preserve the status quo to give the courts time to hear this case, so that more individuals are not sent off to a notorious foreign prison without any process, based on an unprecedented and unlawful use of a wartime authority,’ said Lee Gelernt in a statement on Friday afternoon. Gelernt is the deputy director of the ACLU’s immigrants’ rights project and lead counsel in the case… 

“On 15 March, Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act, a wartime statute allowing the government to expel foreign nationals considered to be enemies to the US. When invoking the act, Trump, without proof, claimed that the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua had ‘infiltrated’ the US at the behest of the Venezuelan government. A US intelligence document accessed by the New York Times contradicts Trump’s claim about the Venezuelan government’s ties to the gang… Family members of many of the deported Venezuelan migrants deny the alleged gang ties…” 

Normally, the US Supreme Court does not get involved in hearing a case which only involves, at that state, temporary procedures, such as TROs or preliminary injunctions. But in this case, it could be different. And then the question arises, what will the court do? Just based on the known facts and analyzing the law, the court would have to rule against the Trump administration. But we will see.

More Venezuelan Gang Members Deported to El Salvador 

Fox News wrote on March 31: 

“The U.S. military transferred a group of 17 alleged members of Tren de Aragua to El Salvador from Guantanamo Bay on Sunday night… All the individuals transferred were either citizens of Venezuela or El Salvador. Some have criminal charges pending, while most have been convicted… These removals were done via Title 8, not the Alien Enemies Act, and all the individuals had deportation orders or final orders of removal… meaning the Trump administration did not violate a federal judge’s order halting the deportations… 

“El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele…  addressed the recent transfer in a statement on X, saying the 17 individuals are ‘confirmed murderers and high-profile offenders, including six child rapists.’” 

What Green-Card and Visa Holders Should Know Before Traveling Abroad 

npr wrote on March 29: 

“Traveling or returning to the U.S. from abroad has become increasingly risky for some — even for people with valid visas and green cards… Earlier this month, for example, Brown University urged its international staff and students to postpone any plans to travel outside the U.S. ‘out of an abundance of caution.’ Canada, along with several countries in Europe, including Denmark, Ireland and Germany, have also updated their travel guidance  for the U.S., urging their citizens to strictly adhere to U.S. entry rules or risk detention. 

“In a statement to NPR, Hilton Beckham, assistant commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), said, ‘Green card holders who have not broken any U.S. laws, committed application fraud, or failed to apply for a re-entry permit after a long period of travel have nothing to fear about entering and exiting the country.’ 

“In a recent case earlier this month, 34-year-old electrical engineer Fabian Schmidt, a green-card holder originally from Germany, was taken to immigration detention from Logan International Airport in Boston over a decade-old misdemeanor charge for marijuana possession… 

“CBP officers can ask travelers to unlock their cell phones, give laptop passwords or hand over digital cameras. U.S. citizens and green-card holders can’t be turned away simply because they refuse, but visa holders can… 

“If a traveler’s electronic device gets confiscated, the ACLU suggests asking for the officers’ names, badge numbers and which agency they work for. It also advises that travelers should call the agency to request a receipt documenting that a personal item was taken away. According to the ACLU, travelers who are asked to undergo further inspection at the airport are not entitled to an attorney… it’s still useful to have an immigration attorney’s contact information on hand… [or] to have a friend who can be quickly reached if there’s trouble entering the U.S. 

“So if it looks like you’re going to be questioned by the border people, you can text a friend [if even allowed to do this] saying, ‘I’m being pulled into secondary inspection, contact my immigration lawyer,’ ” 

Only Four Permits in LA 

Fox News wrote on March 28: 

“Los Angeles has only approved four permits to rebuild homes destroyed or damaged during the January wildfires in the wealthy enclave of Pacific Palisades that charred some 7,000 homes… Three of the permits were for one to repair a damaged home and two for full rebuilds… The first permit was issued on March 5, less than two months after the Palisades fire swept through the Pacific Palisades and the surrounding area… 

“The first few permits issued have been touted by Mayor Karen Bass as a milestone in the city’s recovery, but local leaders and residents have criticized the slow permitting process…” 

On or about January 24, 2025, Trump told Bass to waive all building restrictions and let those affected by the fires begin to rebuild within 10 days. Bass seemed to agree to this in front of the cameras. She obviously lied. 

Trump Threatens Iran 

NBC News wrote on March 30: 

“Trump threatened ‘bombing’ and ‘secondary tariffs’ on Iran if the country did not make a deal with the U.S. to ensure it did not develop a nuclear weapon… ‘It will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before.’… “ 

Fox News added on March 30: 

“Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian… noted that in Iran’s response [rejecting direct negotiations with the U.S], indirect negotiations with the Trump administration were still possible…. Fox News Digital has previously reported that European intelligence agencies believe Iran is working toward testing an atomic weapon, and sought illicit technology for its nuclear weapons program.” 

America’s and Europe’s Shameful Deafening Silence 

Bloomberg wrote on March 28: 

“Ekrem Imamoglu, the Turkish opposition figure whose detention this month triggered mass protests and a market selloff, criticized Western leaders for their muted response to his arrest. In a piece published in The New York Times on Friday morning, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main political rival accused the US and Europe of prioritizing geopolitical interests over democratic values. ‘Their silence is deafening,’ Imamoglu wrote of world governments. ‘Washington merely expressed ‘concerns regarding recent arrests and protests’ in Turkey. With few exceptions, European leaders have failed to offer a strong response.’… 

“Erdogan doubts leaders in places such as France and Germany want a dispute over Turkey’s democracy. US President Donald Trump, for his part, called Erdogan a ‘good leader’ this week. Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul, said the lack of international condemnation of Erdogan is helping ensure Turkey’s shift toward authoritarianism…. 

“Germany’s outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz said last week that Imamoglu’s detention was ‘depressing,’ but other European leaders have largely refrained from issuing similar statements. The UK government hasn’t commented on the deportation of a BBC journalist on Thursday. 

“Since Imamoglu’s arrest, Turkish authorities have detained nearly 1,900 people, including students and activists, and have cracked down on media coverage. Local news channels, online broadcasters, and YouTubers are the target of penalties and investigations. Imamoglu’s lawyer was also detained, state-run Anadolu reported on Friday.” 

The deafening silence of the USA and Europe is indeed shameful. To call dictator and brutal autocrat Erdogan a good leader is astonishing. 

Erdogan Calls For Destruction of Israel 

Fox News wrote on March 31: 

“The Jerusalem Post reported that Erdoğan said [during a prayer service to mark the end of Ramadan]: ‘May Allah, for the sake of his name “Al-Qahhar,” destroy and devastate Zionist Israel.’ His call for the annihilation of the Jewish state has drawn fierce condemnation, particularly from Israeli officials. 

“In response to his remarks, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated on X, ‘The dictator Erdogan revealed his antisemitic face,’ adding that ‘Erdogan is dangerous to the region, as well as to his own people, as has been proven in recent days,’ Sa’ar referred to the widespread protests in Turkey and added, ‘Let’s hope NATO members understand how dangerous he is, and not before it’s too late.’: 

FDD added on March 31: 

“Erdogan… also prayed for ‘mercy upon the martyrs’ of Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and a ‘speedy recovery’ for their wounded terrorists.” 

Israel Strikes Beirut 

Deutsche Welle reported on March 28: 

“Israel carried out a strike on Beirut, the Lebanese capital, for the first time since the ceasefire that ended the Israel-Hezbollah war in November. The attack on Friday targeted a building in Beirut’s southern suburbs and was in response to rocket fire from its northern neighbor, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. The IDF said it wanted to destroy a drone storage facility belonging to the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah… Israel also bombarded Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon on Friday, the Israeli military said. 

“Speaking alongside Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who was visiting Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron said the strike on Beirut was ‘unacceptable,’ adding that such attacks ‘play into the hands of Hezbollah.’… Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, however, said the Lebanese government bore direct responsibility for the attack and warned, ‘If there is no quiet in Kiryat Shmona and the Galilee communities, there will be no quiet in Beirut either.’” 

The Many Challenges of the Trump Administration

The Jerusalem Post wrote on March 30: 

“… the Trump doctrine of getting deals in Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran all face hurdles. In addition, the decision to use force against the Houthis could be a test for what comes next. If the Houthis are not deterred, then will Iran be deterred?… the US airstrikes have not yet prevented Houthi attacks on Israel… 

“… This is why April is so important for the Trump doctrine in the region. The bombing campaign on the Houthis, the Gaza ceasefire, the Iran talks, and the Russia talks are all up in the air. The administration is juggling many things. Some of these deals are connected. Iran backs Russia. Iran backs Hamas. Iran and Qatar have an amicable relationship. Qatar hosts Hamas. Russia has not condemned October 7… 

“The US also has forces at Tanf Garrison in Syria near the Jordan-Iraq border. This means the US has an interest in the new Syrian government. The new government in Damascus also has ramifications for Lebanon… Israel has made it clear it will not tolerate any threats from Lebanon or Syria. Israel has stepped up bombing in both Lebanon and Syria. Turkey wants to back the new Syrian government. Some people think this sets up a potential clash between Israel and Turkey. The Trump administration will not want that to happen. This means that there is much to discuss regarding Syria…” 

“The Deification of Donald Trump” 

Following this headline, Die Welt wrote on March 27: 

“Donald Trump has only been in office for two months, and several politicians are demanding special tributes: his portrait on Mount Rushmore, on the $100 bill, and on a new banknote. A well-known airport is also to be renamed. This has never happened before in US history…”

A Third Term for Trump? 

The New York Post wrote on March 31: 

“President Trump said he’s ‘not joking’ about serving a third term in the White House — and thinks there’s a loophole to make it happen… Trump claimed that ‘there are methods which you could do it,’ including having Vice President JD Vance, 40, run for president with Trump as his vice president. Vance would then resign to allow Trump to regain the top job. ‘But there are others too,’ Trump said, without elaboration… 

“Trump explained he’s interested in serving as president until 2033 because ‘I like working.’… Trump, the second president in US history to serve non-consecutive terms, is set to be the oldest-ever commander-in-chief when he completes his second term in January 2029 at age 82 years and seven months — beating out former President Joe Biden, who left office in January at age 82 years and two months. He would be nearing age 87 at the end of a hypothetical third term… 

“A small handful of leaders have led major Western democracies well into old age. West Germany’s Chancellor Konrad Adenauer was 87 when he resigned in 1963 — after 14 years in power — and is historically well regarded for his accomplishments in rebuilding his country from the aftermath of World War II….” 

JD Vance Vindicated: Scandalous Judgment Against Le Pen 

Breitbart wrote on March 31: 

“Vice President JD Vance was correct in warning of attacks on democracy and liberty in Europe, supporters claimed, as populist National Rally leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running in the French presidential election. Just weeks after JD Vance left globalists stunned in Europe after excoriating them for undermining freedom of speech and the democratic will of their citizens, many have claimed that he was proven right on Monday as a Paris court banned the leading populist candidate to replace President Emmanuel Macron in the 2027 election. 

“The court found National Rally leader and three-time former presidential candidate Marine Le Pen guilty of embezzlement for allegedly using public funds for her party in the European Parliament on political activities in France. In addition to sentencing Le Pen to four years in prison, which will likely be served in some form of house arrest [with an electronic tag], and a 100,000 euro fine, the court controversially agreed with prosecutors to ban her from running in any election for five years.

“The ruling even banned her from seeking political office during the appeal process, meaning Le Pen may be blocked from the 2027 presidential election, which she currently stands as the undisputed frontrunner… 

“Following the ruling to ban Le Pen from running in the upcoming presidential election, which came just weeks after a court in Romania blocked populist frontrunner Călin Georgescu from running in the presidential election in the EU nation, Vance’s remarks were pointed to as being prophetic. 

“Donald Trump Jr. said: ‘France is sending Le Pen to jail and barring her from running?! Are they just trying to prove JD Vance was right about everything?’ 

“Human Events Senior Editor Jack Posobiec said Vice President Vance had ‘predicted’ the encroachment against democratic values in Europe, adding that his address in Munich ‘was the most important political speech of the 21st century’. The Bruges Group, a leading Eurosceptic think tank in Britain, remarked: ‘Events in France today confirm that JD Vance was right in everything he said at the Munich Security Conference. The democratic backsliding and open lawfare in the EU threatens freedom in Europe.’” 

Judgment Decried 

Breitbart wrote on March 31: 

“Political allies have decried the ruling, accusing the court of interfering in the French democratic process and depriving citizens of the right to choose their own leader. The former leader of the Republicains, who sided with Le Pen’s party in last year’s legislative elections, Eric Ciotti said that ‘the democratic destiny of our nation confiscated by an unworthy judicial cabal. This is not a simple malfunction, it is a system of power capture that systematically excludes any candidate too far to the right who is capable of winning.’ 

“Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whose party sits in coalition with Le Pen’s National Rally in the European Parliament, said in a statement of solidarity: ‘I am Marine!’ in a reference to the ‘Je Suis Charlie’ slogan following the terror attack on the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. 

“Italian Deputy PM and longtime ally Matteo Salvini said: ‘Those who fear the judgment of voters often seek reassurance from the courts. In Paris, they have condemned Marine Le Pen and would like to remove her from political life. A bad situation that is also being observed in other countries such as Romania. What is happening against Marine Le Pen is a declaration of war from Brussels, at a time when the belligerent impulses of Von der Leyen and Macron are terrifying. We are not intimidated, we are not stopped: full speed ahead, my friend!’ 

“Le Pen’s deputy and likely successor, Jordan Bardella, said: ‘Today, it is not only Marine Le Pen who is being unjustly condemned: it is French democracy that is being executed.’” 

Politico added on March 31: 

“‘I am shocked by the incredible tough verdict against Marine Le Pen,’ fumed Dutch far-right chief Wilders, whose party won a national election in November 2023, helping tilt the Netherlands to the right. ‘I support and believe in her for the full 100% and I trust she will win the appeal and become President of France.’ 

“In Spain, far-right Vox party chief Santiago Abascal said: ‘They will not succeed in silencing the voice of the French people.’ 

“Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage said Le Pen has been ‘cancelled’ on what he describes as ‘a very trumped-up charge’…” 

The Guardian added on March 31: 

“In the US… Musk, a close adviser to the US president, said: ‘When the radical left can’t win via democratic vote, they abuse the legal system to jail their opponents. This is their standard playbook throughout the world.’ He added: ‘This will backfire, like the legal attacks against President Trump.’ 

“Trump himself said the conviction and ban from running for office was a ‘very big deal’ adding, ‘that sounds like this country, that sounds very much like this country,’ in an apparent reference to legal cases that he himself faced before he took office.” 

“Millions of Bees Are Mysteriously Dying – and Now Donald Trump Is Coming Along” 

Following this headline, Focus wrote on March 28: 

“Researchers in the US are alarmed: Millions of honeybees are dying for no apparent reason. But the discovery mission is stalling – President Trump has fired the researchers. The consequences for agriculture are fatal. 

“It is a sad record currently being reported from the US: More than two-thirds of the bee population in the US died over the winter. Those most affected are commercial beekeepers, whose livelihoods depend on bees… 

“The fact that up to one-fifth of a bee colony dies over the winter months is actually normal – and important to keep the colony alive. But the sheer number of entire hives that have now died shocks even experienced observers… 

“A classic symptom of this disorder is that the foragers, which provide food for the queen bee and her larvae, simply don’t return to the hive and disappear… The cause of the deaths is unknown… 

“European honey bees are vital not only here, but also in the USA: They pollinate more than half of the cultivated fruits such as apples, berries, melons, cherries, and pumpkins – thus keeping the plants alive… The honey harvest is also suffering massive losses due to the bee deaths. According to the research project’s estimates, the damage this winter alone amounted to around $139 million, and the price of honey in the USA rose by about five percent. Bad news for Americans, who have already had to endure sharply rising food prices recently.” 

Devastating Earthquake in Myanmar 

npr wrote on March 30: 

“Emergency aid has streamed into Southeast Asia in the two days since a massive earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand. Relief efforts are focused on Myanmar, where the estimated death toll rose to (at least 1,700) by Sunday afternoon (with at least 300 people having been reported missing). 

“The number of dead from Friday’s 7.7 magnitude quake (followed minutes later by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock) is expected to increase, while the number of injured was at 3,408… The earthquake’s epicenter was near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city with 1.5 million people. In neighboring Thailand, the death toll rose to (18). 

“While food, medicine and other vital supplies have reached Myanmar, a report issued Saturday by the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said rescue efforts have been hampered by a severe shortage of medical supplies including trauma kits, blood bags, anesthetics, assistive devices, essential medicine and tents to house health workers. ‘We fear it may be weeks before we understand the full extent of destruction caused by this earthquake,’ said Mohammed Riyas, the IRC’s Myanmar director.” 

The Guardian added on March 30: 

“Red Cross officials have warned that Myanmar faces a humanitarian crisis… ‘What we’re seeing here in Myanmar is a level of devastation that hasn’t been seen over a century in Asia,’ the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) wrote…” 

Deutsche Welle added on March 30:

“Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government, which coordinates the popular struggle against the ruling military, announced a unilateral partial ceasefire to facilitate earthquake relief efforts.”

Myanmar was formerly known as Burma. On January 4, 1948, Burma achieved independence from Britain. It has historically maintained a non-aligned foreign policy, but in recent years, it has deepened its relationships with Russia and China. Russia is a key ally, providing military support, including fighter jets used against ethnic minority groups allied with pro-democracy forces. 

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer:

These Current Events are compiled and commented on by Norbert Link. We gratefully acknowledge the many contributions of news articles from our readership. The publication of articles in this section is not to be viewed as an endorsement or approval as to contents or accuracy of the selected articles, but they are published for the purpose of pointing at worldwide developments in the light of biblical end-time prophecy and godly instruction. Our own comments are provided in italics.

It is a good question to ask.

Why do we keep this particular celebration?   Mainstream Christianity doesn’t even keep the weekly Sabbath or annual Holy Days which we do, and this particular celebration would also be rather strange to them.

We read in Exodus 12:40-42:

^“Now the sojourn of the children of Israel who lived in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years.  And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years—on that very same day—it came to pass that all the armies of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt. It is a night of solemn observance to the LORD for bringing them out of the land of Egypt. This is that night of the LORD, a solemn observance for all the children of Israel throughout their generations.”

Deuteronomy 16:1 adds:

“Observe the month of Abib, and keep the Passover to the LORD your God, for in the month of Abib the LORD your God brought you out of Egypt by night.”

It was during the Passover night—the night of the 14th day of the month—that the death angel passed over the Israelites who were in their houses (hence the name “Passover”), while killing the firstborn of the Egyptian households (Exodus 12:6–13). But it was on the 15th day, “on the day after the Passover” that the Israelites went out of Egypt, and it is on that day (at the beginning of the 15th day of the first month) that Church members celebrate the Night to Be Much Observed—“a night of solemn observance to the LORD”—when they gather together for an evening meal.

The Night to Be Much Observed is the start of the Days of Unleavened Bread.   We know that leaven “puffs” things up and that is something that true Christians must eliminate from their lives which is a physical reminder for us to remove spiritual sin from our lives.

Rudyard Kipling, a famous English poet wrote:

“I keep six honest serving-men (They taught me all I knew);

“Their names are What and Why and When And How and Where and Who.”

So, let us ask these questions about this celebration. We know about preparing for, and taking the Passover, and then getting rid of any leavened products and not eating them for seven days, but do we really think about the Night to Be Much Observed which occurs on the 15^th Abib – which begins this year with Saturday evening, 12^th April 2025.

And so, looking at these 6 questions and answering them, enables us to come up with all of the necessary explanations.   The first question is:

WHAT:

• It is a time when Church members celebrate the Night to Be Much Observed—“a night of solemn observance to the LORD”—when they gather together for an evening meal.
• Even those who may keep the Passover at the correct time, may overlook the need to keep this “night of solemn observance” as we read in Exodus 12:42.

WHY:

• First of all, because it is an instruction from God.
• For true Christians, the Night to Be Much Observed is a time when we can rejoice, thanking God for His calling and acknowledge His marvellous intervention in our lives where we have been led out of the spiritual bondage to this world, out of “spiritual Egypt” and the spiritual exodus by Church members from their slavery of sin (Exodus 12:42).
• While we are not fleeing from the enemy of the Egyptian Pharaoh and nation, we are fleeing an even greater threat today with Satan and his demons who have influenced every society around the world, and who want to destroy us spiritually so that we will not be able to enjoy what God has promised us for being faithful to Him and His Way – that of eternal life in His Kingdom.
• On this night, the people of God can reflect on our wonderful calling which will end, subject to being faithful to the end of our lives (cf Matthew 24:13), in being a part of God’s Kingdom in the Family of God.   Jesus prayed, as recorded in John 17:9-11: “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.”

WHEN:

• At the beginning of the 15th day of the first month – the night AFTER the PASSOVER – this is when Church members celebrate the Night to Be Much Observed—“a night of solemn observance to the LORD”—when they gather together for an evening meal.
• We read further in Numbers 33:3: “They departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the day after the Passover the children of Israel went out with boldness in the sight of all the Egyptians.”
• By keeping this at the correct time, we can concentrate on our ongoing “exodus” from this world where we can anticipate the soon-coming Kingdom of God when we will rule and reign in the Family of God.
• As this evening is also the start of the Days of Unleavened Bread, it is appropriate to commemorate this with a Sabbath-type meal as it is an occasion to appreciate the understanding that God has given us about the “Night to Be Much Observed” which the world has no understanding at all.

HOW:

• In previous generations, when there were larger congregations, the Night to Be Much Observed was usually held by having a number of different locations in the homes of members but this has changed in recent years in many cases where groups are now much smaller.
• We should, we must, keep this celebration in a respectful way—not just turning up for a meal with our conversation being just about everyday matters.   What happened all those many years ago has profound implications for us today.   This is not just a meal but a look back at a time when our forebears were looking to escape from Egypt – which is synonymous with us looking to escape from sin today when it surrounds us all the time.

WHERE:

• As stated above, in previous generations, the Night to Be Much Observed was more often celebrated in the homes of church members in small groups, but in more recent times, in many cases an alternative arrangement has been that of using a restaurant particularly where a private room can be made available.
• It should be noted that as this is also the start of a Holy Day, the first Day of Unleavened Bread, dress should be appropriate for the occasion, not a casual approach of jeans, shorts or other attire that are used for leisurely occasions.   It is a special evening and one to be kept and honoured in a proper way.

WHO:

• The Night to Be Much Observed has been kept by Church of God members in modern times. The following rendition is taken from the Authorized Version as translated in Exodus 12:42: “It is a night to be much observed (“Shim-moor,” meaning night watch, watching, vigil) unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations.”
• Of course, children and others in the family who may not be baptised members may participate in and keep this celebration, unlike the Passover which must only be kept by properly baptised members.
• The Church of God continues to keep this beginning part of the first Day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread—after sundown, which marks the start of the time God has established for His people to keep. Exodus 13, verses 3 through 10, explicitly casts God’s instructions as an ongoing regulation for those who seek to obey Him—note, in particular, verse 10: “You shall therefore keep this ordinance in its season from year to year.”

As is the case for all the Holy Days (which includes the weekly Sabbath), the Church of God meets together to worship God, to be taught and to fellowship. Christians are warned to carefully maintain the practice of meeting together on a regular basis: “…not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).

This is another way, by obeying what was told to the ancient Israelites, that we can celebrate a time as per God’s instructions and help and encourage others as we look forward to the soon-coming Kingdom of God.

Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)

compiled by Dave Harris

“Trump’s Tariffs Set the World on Fire,” is the title of the newest StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

Even before April 2, drastic tariffs had been imposed by Trump on certain nations. On “Liberation Day,” these tariffs were largely increased for virtually ALL countries. What have been the reactions so far, and what might the consequences be? Most importantly, what does God tell us in His Word, the Holy Bible?

“Trumps Zölle setzen die Welt in Brand,” is the title of the newest AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topic as described above.

“USA vs. EU… Wars Begin With Words!” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

Voices in Europe are describing the USA as their enemy. The USA describes the EU as “freeloaders” which has harmed and abused America. We are discussing the Chat Group fiasco; immigration and punitive tariffs, without taking ANY position as to who may be right or wrong, while showing that wars begin indeed with words.

“USA gegen EU… Kriege beginnen mit Worten!” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topic as described above.

“Was Christi Blut bewirkt,” this Sabbath’s German sermon, will be presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “What Christ’s Blood Achieves.”

“Entscheide Dich für die bessere Seite,” the first split sermon presented last Sabbath in Germany by Christoph Sperzel is now posted. Title in English: “Choose the Better Side.”

“Trump’s Problems with Immigration and Tariffs — Comments on News and Prophecy, March 29, 2025,” the first message presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:

In light of most recent developments in the USA, foreign tourists, as well as legal temporary or permanent residents (“Green card holders”), are concerned as never before. Also, why is the application of the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) of 1978 extremely problematic? Will Trump’s tariffs, together with his warnings for American automakers, damage the economy? In other news, we discuss J.D. Vance’s visit to Greenland; the dictatorship of Turkey’s PM Erdogan; Putin’s unacceptable demands; and LA Mayor Bass’s failure to issue building permits to fire victims, contrary to what she has promised.

“The Coming False Prophet,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:

The false prophet who will perform lying signs and wonders! Who will be possessed! Who will stand in the temple of God and claim to be God! Who will lead a large religious organization! Who is this person, and with what other name is he designated in the Bible? What organization will he lead, and how is it described in the Bible? What is the abomination of desolation, and what other abominations will there be in Jerusalem?

“Passover – Then and Now” is the latest video published in our Bible Stories series on YouTube.

2025 SPRING HOLY DAYS:

Passover: April 12 (observed the evening before)

Days of Unleavened Bread: April 13-19 (first and last days are Holy Days with live Services being broadcast).