On August 23, 2025, Dave Harris will present the sermonette, titled, “It Is Possible to Please God!” and Eric Rank will present the sermon, titled, “How Do You Worship?”

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.

Many politicians of this world enjoy a form of political immunity that appears to guarantee them exemption from punishment or impunity. Due to widespread corruption and lobbying, this gives the impression that these rulers can never be held accountable.

As an ordinary citizen, this is difficult to understand. Whether it is the US, the UK, Russia, Ukraine, or Germany, the whole world is corrupt, and pretty much all politicians seem to be concerned with their own advantage or their own position and power, rather than the welfare of the people they swore to uphold when they took office.

At present, one can only shake one’s head at recent Current Events published by the Church of the Eternal God and be deeply distraught about this worldwide political corruption.

Whether it is the affair involving Jeffrey Epstein, which is causing a worldwide uproar, the wars in Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Gaza, Jordan, Iran, Iraq, China, North Korea, and many others – trillions of dollars, euros, and other currencies are being embezzled and senselessly wasted. This embezzlement of taxpayer money not only leads to further tax increases; above all, in God’s eyes, it is nothing less than a serious crime!

But none of those in power take responsibility or care about making a righteous change in their actions, as they all enjoy a certain kind of immunity. In most cases, therefore, no one can be punished for their actions! These are disgusting conditions.

Solomon wrote in Proverbs 29:4: “By justice a king gives stability to the land; but he who imposes heavy taxes ruins it” (New American Bible).

However, the Bible regards goods and money as entrusted to human beings, regardless of whether they come from God or from people. Misuse or waste is considered foolishness and sin, which demand accountability. Read “The Parable of the Unjust Steward” in Luke 16.

Diplomats also enjoy immunity from prosecution in their host country under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. There are several well-known cases of fatal accidents or even intentional acts that fell under this immunity. The diplomats involved were never held accountable in the host country.

For example, the case of Anne Sacoolas – USA/UK (2019):

Anne Sacoolas, the wife of a US diplomat in the UK, caused a traffic accident in Northamptonshire in which 19-year-old Harry Dunn died. She left the country invoking diplomatic immunity. It was not until years later that she was convicted in her absence in the UK, but she did not serve any sentence in the UK.

Or Raymond Davis – USA/Pakistan (2011):

Davis, officially declared a diplomat, shot and killed two men in Lahore, Pakistan. The US invoked diplomatic immunity. Davis was released after paying financial compensation (“diyya,” blood money in Islamic law) and returned to the US without being punished in Pakistan.

These are just two examples of many! This immunity, behind which politicians and diplomats hide, is officially not unlimited. In most countries, it “can” be lifted by parliament if there is a serious suspicion of a criminal offense. However, the problem is often not immunity itself, but corruption, lobbying, and a lack of transparency, which in most cases lead to impunity. And as the saying goes, “Birds of a feather flock together!”

God knew that these abuses would come into the world. The following Bible passages prove it.

David wrote in his Psalms, “No king is saved by the multitude of an army; A mighty man is not delivered by great strength” (Psalm 33:16).

And Isaiah declared, “Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, Who write misfortune, Which they have prescribed To rob the needy of justice, And to take what is right from the poor of My people, That widows may be their prey, And that they may rob the fatherless” (Isaiah 10:1-2).

The time will come when everyone has to give account for their actions – if not in this life, then at the latest at the Great White Throne Judgment.

The Bible, the Word of God, is infallible and absolutely correct. It condemns corruption, abuse of power, and lies in the strongest terms and in fact gives warnings about the consequences. False rulers are often hypocrites and perpetrators of injustice, but the people should look to God, stand up for justice, and not participate in lawlessness.

Micah wrote down what God expects of people: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).

Even if politicians enjoy immunity from prosecution, one thing is as certain as the sun rising every day: There is no immunity before God!

God’s answer for all people is actually no secret, except that most people do not want to know about it, especially today’s politicians.

Paul wrote at least three times that all people will one day have to give an account.

First in Romans 14:10-12; then in 2 Corinthians 5:10; and finally in Hebrews 4:13, where it says: “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

Solomon confirms these words in Ecclesiastes 12:14. And Christ admonishes us in Matthew 12:36: “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.”

It would be an illusion to believe that we will never have to give account for our actions which we commit in this life.

(Initial translation: Daniel Blasinger)

by Norbert Link

We publish articles about Trump’s meeting with Putin in Alaska, and the overwhelmingly negative impression of that meeting [see our StandingWatch program, titled, “The Debacle of Trump’s Meeting with Putin in Alaska”); and continue with Trump’s subsequent better-received meeting with Zelensky and European leaders in Washington.

For further developments regarding the discussions concerning Russia and Ukraine, please note our newest StandingWatch program, titled, “Is There (No) Peace After All?”

We speak on ICE’s unpopular raids on “harmless” immigrants; a warning not to pull the plug on Israel; and mysterious fatalities in the Epstein orbit.

We conclude with a strong movement in Germany to institute compulsory military service.

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

“Boris Johnson: Trump-Putin Summit ‘Most Vomit-Inducing’ Ever” 

Upday.com wrote on August 16: 

“Boris Johnson delivered a scathing assessment of Donald Trump’s Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin, calling it ‘the most vomit-inducing episode in all the tawdry history of international diplomacy.’ The former Prime Minister condemned the red carpet treatment given to the Russian leader during their three-hour meeting… on August 15. 

“Writing in his Daily Mail column, Johnson described his visceral reaction to watching Putin welcomed on American soil. ‘It was emetic to see him applauded on the red carpet,’ he wrote, particularly criticising Putin being invited to ride in Trump’s presidential limousine – a privilege rarely extended to world leaders facing war crimes accusations. 

“The former Prime Minister compared Putin directly to Hitler, arguing the Russian leader’s ‘continual lies, dissimulation and aggression’ mirror the Nazi dictator. Johnson expressed outrage at hearing Trump refer to Putin as ‘the boss’ and describe their ‘fantastic relationship’ while Ukrainian civilians face daily bombardment… 

“The former Prime Minister assessed that Putin fundamentally wants to control Ukraine and make it a vassal state of Moscow… The former Prime Minister challenged European allies to match American leadership on sanctions. ‘This is our continent. We continually demand leadership from America – and yet when we get that leadership we don’t even have the guts to follow suit,’ Johnson wrote.” 

Trump Embarrassed by Fox News 

Express wrote on August 16: 

“US President Donald Trump was embarrassed on Fox News after failing to make a deal with Vladimir Putin… Fox News’ Jacqui Henrich, a senior White House correspondent, called out the President in a live video link to the studio, in a move that is extremely rare for the news channel… 

“She said: ‘It was very unusual, atypical… the way it felt in the room was not good, it did not seem like things went well and it seemed Putin came in and steamrolled, got right into what he wanted to say and said what he wanted to say to the President and then left.’” 

Putin Got Everything… Trump Got Nothing! 

The Independent wrote on August 16: 

“Vladimir Putin wanted to stave off the threat of US sanctions, he wanted to gain more time to prosecute his war against Ukraine, he wanted to end his and Russia’s diplomatic isolation, he wanted to peel the US off from the rest of Europe, he wanted to keep Zelensky as far away from this as far as possible and he wanted to flatter his host, Donald Trump… [Putin] flew back to Moscow having achieved everything he wanted. There are no new sanctions. Donald Trump literally rolled out the red carpet for him and applauded Putin before shaking his hand warmly. The meeting took place on US soil, with all European leaders thousands of miles away…. 

“Steve Witkoff, [Trump’s] special envoy (and a man with zero diplomatic experience), who laid the ground for this summit, has been turning up in Moscow with only his girlfriend for company. At the Kremlin meetings, he has set completely alone opposite the combined might of Putin, foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and key adviser Yuri Ushakov. Witkoff had no note takers, no advisers, and was 100 per cent reliant on a Kremlin translator… 

“Should Ukraine be concerned? Should Europe be concerned about the way this summit has come about and the way it’s unfolded? They’d be stark raving mad not to be.” 

Change of Plans? 

Newsmax wrote on August 17: 

“President Donald Trump has reportedly privately indicated to European leaders he is open to offering U.S. security guarantees to Ukraine — a significant shift in his stance toward America’s role in ending the war. The change in position came after Trump’s high-profile summit in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where Trump sought to push Moscow toward a ceasefire, but according to Trump’s own account, Putin told him he would not stop fighting and demanded that Kyiv cede parts of eastern Ukraine in exchange for freezing the front line elsewhere…

“Despite Trump’s vow to secure a ceasefire at the risk of ‘severe consequences’ to Putin and Russia, the Alaska summit produced no ceasefire agreement and Trump has pivoted toward what he described as a ‘direct path to a peace agreement,’ aligning with Putin’s preference to negotiate final terms rather than interim pauses in fighting.” 

Complete Disappointment 

Deutsche Welle wrote on August 17: 

“A red carpet for Vladimir Putin and no results for Ukraine. The Alaska summit, which many had pinned high hopes on, turned out to be a complete disappointment from the perspective of many Ukrainians….  Oleksandr Kraiev of the Ukrainian Prism think tank told DW: ‘…The war criminal Putin came to the US and shook hands with the leader of the free world.’  According to Kraiev, apart from ‘Trump’s deference toward Putin, there were no final answers to the most important questions.’ He believes that Putin dealt with Trump ‘with surgical precision’ and told him everything Trump wanted to hear. This way, Putin got everything he wanted out of the summit.   

“According to Ivan Us from Ukraine’s Center for Foreign Policy of the National Institute for Strategic Studies, the Russian president never wanted the summit to lead to an end to the war. Instead, Putin’s goal was to legitimize himself and end his international isolation… Judging by discussions among ordinary Ukrainians, what angers them most is the red carpet that was rolled out for Putin at the US military base in Anchorage. Countless angry comments on social media leave little doubt over how this was perceived in Ukraine.” 

The reaction of the German and European press has been devastating. Headlines read like, “The nightmare of the Europeans has become true.” Hypocritical and quite silly comments by European politicians thanking Trump and saying he brought the world closer to peace only contribute to the anger of the German and European people. 

Zelensky Set Up to Fail? 

Express wrote on August 17:

“Donald Trump knows there is zero chance of a workable peace deal…, former defence committee chairman Tobias Ellwood has warned. And the Ukrainian President is being ‘set up to fail’ by his US counterpart, who was himself ‘manipulated’ by Vladimir Putin during their high-profile summit on Friday, the ex-British Army officer claimed. 

“Mr Ellwood said: ‘I see Trump deliberately setting this up to fail so he can then walk away and say, “I tried, they didn’t want to play ball.”’ The former MP… painted a picture of a summit dominated by strategic manoeuvring rather than concrete support for Ukraine.” 

No Security Guarantees? 

Fox News wrote on August 18: 

“The Russian Foreign Ministry roundly rejected the idea of NATO forces serving as peacekeepers in Ukraine, a provision sought by Ukrainian President Voldodymyr Zelensky and his European allies in U.S.-brokered peace talks. 

“‘We confirm the position that has been voiced more than once about our categorical rejection of any scenarios involving the appearance of Ukraine military contingent with the participation of NATO countries (which is fraught with an uncontrolled escalation of the conflict with unpredictable consequences),’ a foreign ministry statement reported by Russian state media outlet Ria read. President Donald Trump already suggested a European-led peacekeeping force to ensure Russia does not invade Ukraine again would be a part of peace talks. Asked if U.S. would contribute forces, Trump said: ‘[Europe is] first line of defense, because they’re there, they’re Europe, but we’re going to help them out also, we’ll be involved…’” 

There are discussions on the Ukrainian, American and European side to guarantee protection “similar to” the one afforded in Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty (which would require NATO membership). Newsmax said on August 18 that “President Donald Trump told Ukraine to give up hopes of getting back annexed Crimea or joining NATO.”  

But even Article 5 is no absolute guarantee of protection for NATO members. It states: 

“The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them . . . shall be considered an attack against them all and consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defence recognised by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking . . . such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area.” 

Brennan Center for Justice wrote on March 4, 2022:

“This language is relatively flexible. It permits each NATO member to decide for itself what action should be taken to address an armed attack on a NATO ally. It does not require any member to respond with military force, although it permits such responses as a matter of international law. A member may decide that instead of responding with force, it will send military equipment to NATO allies or impose sanctions on the aggressor.”

It may also conclude that no actions are necessary at all. 

No American Boots on the Ground 

Newsmax wrote on August 19: 

“President Donald Trump said American soldiers will not be on the ground, as long as he is president, despite pledging participation in Article 5-type security guarantees in a potential Russia-Ukraine peace deal… The ‘coalition of the willing’ – a subset of major NATO countries including France, Germany, and the U.K. – is ready to commit their troops in Ukraine to defend against Russian aggression…” 

Tentatively, a meeting is planned soon [within the next two weeks?] between Zelensky and Putin, suggested by Putin to be held in Moscow, with Trump as mediator. Reportedly, Zelensky rejected the location. According to other reports, Budapest (Hungary) could be chosen as the place for negotiations, or Geneva (Switzerland), which has promised Putin immunity if he travels to the city for peace talks.   

Who Would Send Troops?

Deutsche Welle wrote on August 21:

“‘Germany’s contribution to security guarantees has not yet been determined and this issue will be decided at the political and military levels,’ German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Tuesday. He added that there were still too many uncertainties…

“Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal and the Baltic states have also signaled their willingness to participate in a possible peacekeeping force in Ukraine.

However other European states are more cautious. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk rejects the deployment of Polish soldiers… Hungary and Slovakia are also opposed to the deployment of European troops…

“Austria and Italy are also cautious. Italian Prime minister Giorgia Meloni is particularly skeptical… [and] has so far avoided making any clear commitments….

“In any case, nothing will happen without a prior agreement with Russia. But Moscow has so far categorically rejected the deployment of NATO troops to Ukraine and there is little indication that would change.”

How the Phone Call Came About… 

Focus wrote on August 19: 

“Chancellor Friedrich Merz apparently played a decisive role in Donald Trump interrupting the Ukraine summit on Monday evening to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the phone. As ‘Bild‘ reports, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly told the group about a child who had been abducted to Russia. The child’s parents knew where the child was but had no way of contacting him or bringing him back home. 

“In total, Russia is said to have abducted 19,500 children. Many of them were given up for adoption. Zelensky is also said to have given Trump a letter from his wife, Olena, to Melania Trump, in which she thanked the US President’s wife. A few days earlier, [Melania] had asked Putin in a letter to ‘protect the innocence of children.’ 

“According to the ‘Bild‘ report, Zelensky’s story is said to have deeply affected Trump. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is said to have advised the US President to call Putin immediately and confront him about it. Trump then left the room and, contrary to his plan, spoke to the Kremlin chief on the phone before the end of the summit.” 

Newsmax added on August 19: 

“Trump left the European leaders seated in the Oval Office when he went to another room to privately call Putin at 1 a.m. local time in Russia… [Reportedly, the call lasted 40 minutes.] ‘I didn’t do that in front of them, that would be disrespectful to President Putin,’ Trump said. ‘President Putin wouldn’t talk to the people from Europe – that is part of the problem.’…” 

Merz Challenges Trump 

DPA wrote on August 18: 

“German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday took a hard stance on the need for a ceasefire in Ukraine before a peace deal with Russia can be signed, as European leaders convened in Washington with US President Donald Trump. In a public statement in the White House, alongside Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, Italian Prime Minister Giogia Meloni, Britain’s Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron [as well as Finnish President Alexander Stubb and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte], Merz said that ‘the path is open’ for negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. However, he warned that a trilateral meeting between Trump, Putin and Zelensky should not take place without a ceasefire in force. 

“‘I can’t imagine that the next meeting would take place without a ceasefire,’ Merz said. ‘Let’s try to put pressure on Russia because the credibility of these efforts we are undertaking today are depending on at least a ceasefire from the beginning of the serious negotiations.’ 

“The meeting came days after Trump hosted Putin in Alaska, after which he dropped his long-held calls for an immediate ceasefire in the war.” 

Fox News added on August 18: 

“Trump was asked about the prospect of a pre-deal ceasefire earlier Monday.  ‘I don’t think you’d need a ceasefire. If you look at the six deals that I settled this year, they were all at war – I didn’t do any ceasefires…’”

Trump’s Claims He Ended Six Wars 

The New York Post wrote on August 18: 

“President Trump repeated his frequent claim Monday that he’s ended six wars during his term in office. The White House has claimed that Trump resolved conflicts between the following countries:

“lsrael and Iran less than two months ago, during which the US bombed three of the Islamic Republic’s nuclear sites; Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda; Cambodia and Thailand; India and Pakistan; Serbia and Kosovo; Egypt and Ethiopia. 

“The extent to which Trump played a role in resolving these disputes is debatable. Furthermore, some of the conflicts ended with fragile accords. The peace deal between the DRC and Rwanda, for example, concluded with the involvement of a key Rwanda-backed rebel group. The conflicts between Israel and Iran, as well as India and Pakistan, are frozen rather than resolved.” 

The following article gives more insight. 

Politico wrote on August 18: 

“The list of wars Trump professes to have ended starts with the clash between India and Pakistan last May… India, however, vociferously denies any U.S. involvement in bringing the fighting to a close… Actual peace would mean settling the competing claims over Kashmir, which have resulted in violent clashes and wars between the two nations for decades… And while the active fighting may have ended for now, the underlying conflict very much continues to mark relations between the two countries. 

“Next on Trump’s list of peace deals is the clash between Israel and Iran… Trump’s decision to target core parts of Iran’s nuclear program did clearly play an important role in ending Israel’s bombing strikes and Iran’s counterstrikes. But that’s a far cry from achieving lasting peace. Instead, Iran will now likely intensify its effort to build a nuclear weapon, and Israel has made clear it reserves the right to strike at any time if Iran were to rebuild its nuclear or missile program and air defenses. 

“Not long after, in late June, came a comparatively more substantial deal to end the fighting between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Brokered by the U.S. and signed in the Oval Office, the agreement requires Rwanda to withdraw its troops from the DRC within 90 days… But while this deal is, indeed, a real step toward ending the conflict, it’s important to remember that the key lies in its implementation. And on that front, news is much more mixed, as fighting between the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group and the DRC continues unabated — in part because M23 didn’t sign on to the deal. 

“The following month then saw Trump have a hand in securing a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, after violent border clashes had erupted in late July. Facing pressure from China, Malaysia and the promise of trade deals with the U.S., the two countries eventually agreed to stop shooting and halt dispatching more troops to the region. Yet again, the underlying conflict that resulted in these armed clashes remains unresolved. Cambodia and Thailand have been fighting over the demarcation of their border, including for the crucial location of centuries-old Hindu temples along their 800-kilometer frontier, for decades now… 

“Finally, earlier this month, the U.S. president presided over the conclusion of a major agreement ending the war between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Following major clashes over Nagorno-Karabakh — an enclave in Azerbaijan that Armenia had seized in 1992 and Baku regained in 2023 — much of the leg work on this agreement had been completed before Trump took office. But two sticking points remained: A demand from Azerbaijan that Armenia erase any claim to Nagorno-Karabakh from its constitution — which will require a referendum — and a transportation link between two parts of Azerbaijan that runs through Armenian territory. Under Trump, the U.S.-brokered talks did lead to an agreement, including a U.S.-leased roadway connecting the two areas of Azerbaijan — a substantial deal and a real accomplishment. But, again, implementation will be key. 

“Nonetheless, Trump’s boast of ending six wars in six months is a lot less than meets the eye. The fact is, even if he had been completely successful in ending these wars, his record would still be overshadowed by his failure to end the two wars he actually vowed to solve— the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Far from ending them in 24 hours, as he boasted he would do during his reelection campaign, the situation in both has worsened since Trump’s return: In Gaza, the U.S. leader has essentially given the Israeli government a green light to occupy the strip, washing his hands of any effort to secure an end to the fighting. Meanwhile, in Ukraine, he sought to move the peace process forward by meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska — only to come up empty-handed and seemingly more in sync with Moscow than Kyiv…” 

The subsequent meeting in Washington turned out to be much better. However, Trump (and others) keep talking about a land swap… that Ukraine will have to give land to Russia… a demand which Ukraine had continuously rejected. 

Russia and China Demand a Say on Security Guarantees

Daily Mail wrote on August 21:

“Ukraine peace talks were in disarray on Wednesday after Russia effectively demanded Moscow and Beijing get a veto on any security guarantees…

“Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow must be part of the security guarantees. Putin’s man also said these ‘should be provided on an equal basis with the participation of countries such as China, the United States, the UK and France’. Lavrov added: ‘I’m sure in the West they understand that seriously discussing security issues without Russia is a utopia, it’s a road to nowhere.’

“[It would mean] none of the guarantors would be allowed to defend Ukraine from Russia unless they all agreed, including China and Russia.”

Trump’s Confession

 The Daily Mail reported on August 19: 

“President Donald Trump talked about his desire for eternal salvation as he discussed ongoing efforts to negotiate a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine. 

“He invoked the Bible during an interview on Fox & Friends one day after hosting historic meetings at the White House to broker peace between the countries. ‘I want to get to heaven if possible. I’m hearing I’m not doing well. I hear I’m at the bottom of the totem pole,’ Trump said.”

ICE Deportations of the Wrong People Harmful to the US 

The New York Post wrote on August 17: 

“President Donald Trump delivered on his key campaign promise: Securing the border. Yet the only thing falling faster than illegal crossings has been his approval rating on immigration. The problem: Instead of building on his win at the border with more popular arrests of criminal threats inside the country, the administration is going after migrants indiscriminately.  

“Democrats can’t deny it: The border crisis is over. Border Patrol arrests have fallen nearly 90% since December to near-record lows. Nonetheless, only 40% of voters approved of the president’s handling of immigration… while 55% disapproved… Of course, people don’t actually want more illegal immigration. Polls consistently show that the president is the most trusted on the border. Instead, it’s the deportations from within the United States driving the discontent…  

“That doesn’t mean voters back the other side — 84% disagree with Democrats who want to suspend deportations completely… But Trump emphasized that he would prioritize ending ‘sanctuary and protection for dangerous criminals’ — the position of 81% of voters. Unfortunately, most voters don’t believe the president is doing that right now. 

“Even as late as June, voters told CBS News they thought that the president was prioritizing ‘dangerous criminals’ over peaceful immigrants 53%-47%. By mid-July, it was 44%-56% the other way — an 18 point swing in a month. What happened? Voters started to see how the priorities shifted… agents were instructed in late May to focus on ‘quantity over quality’ to meet a 3,000-per-day ‘goal’ set by the White House. ICE was advised to target people looking for work at Home Depot and to raid businesses in industries likely to employ illegal workers. 

“Rather than scooping up violent criminals recklessly sent back to the streets by New York City…, ICE is arresting immigrants who are helping power the Trump economy. Since the White House ordered the change, there has been a dramatic escalation in arrests of people without criminal records. In June, the number of immigrants arrested without criminal convictions was 1,100% higher than it was even in 2017 during the first Trump term: nearly 6,000 per week. 

“Yet there are still half a million illegal immigrants with criminal convictions out there to remove — and ICE should locate them before spending its time and resources on workers. It’s common sense: ICE agents told The Post that the policy was ‘leading them to leave some dangerous criminal illegal migrants on the streets.’   

“Setting aside politics and crime, Trump has already publicly acknowledged there’s an economic downside to these non-criminal deportations. ‘Our aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long-time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace,’ he said in June, referencing farms, hotels, and leisure businesses.  The president is correct. Besides the border, the president’s other primary election issue was inflation. And immigrants reduce inflation — not, as critics claim, by depressing wages for American workers, but by increasing production of goods and services. When supply decreases, prices go up for consumers, as we painfully saw throughout the pandemic… 

“Whatever the immigration politics are, Trump’s midterm success will ultimately depend most on his economic outcomes. Americans re-elected him because they remember his first term before the pandemic as a period of stable wage and job growth — but random mass deportations are both politically unpopular and economically destabilizing. Although the president has promised ‘changes are coming’ on deportations, none have yet occurred….”

In addition, Donald Trump promised to prioritize arrests, detentions and deportations of dangerous criminal illegal migrants. This promise has been clearly broken by Stephen Miller, Kristi Noem, Tom Homan and others. 

Don’t Pull the Plug on Israel 

The Algemeiner wrote on August 15: 

“US Sen. Lindsey Graham delivered a forceful defense of the US-Israel alliance at a South Carolina Republican Party meeting on Wednesday, warning that withdrawing American support for the Jewish state would carry both strategic and spiritual consequences. ‘If America pulls the plug on Israel, God will pull the plug on us,’ Graham told the crowd, framing the alliance as a moral imperative for the US. 

“The South Carolina Republican, a longtime supporter of Israel, criticized the use of the term ‘genocide’ to describe Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, arguing that the label is politically weaponized. ‘If Israel wanted to commit genocide, they could. They have the capability to do that. They choose not to,’ he said. ‘Hamas … would commit genocide in 30 seconds. They just can’t.’ Graham cast Israel as the most reliable ally of the US and emphatically defended the Jewish state as a force for good in the Middle East… 

“While Graham’s comments echoed the staunchly pro-Israel position favored by the Republican Party’s foreign policy establishment, some in the party, such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-SC) have called for greater scrutiny of US backing of Israel… Greene… falsely accused Israel of attempting to eradicate the Palestinian population. Greene, a conservative Republican with an extensive history of antisemitic statements, has recently accused Israel of committing a so-called ‘genocide’ in Gaza… In recent weeks, Greene has established herself as a vocal critic of Israel, breaking ranks with the rest of the Republican party…” 

Unexplained Fatalities in the Epstein Orbit

The Drudge Report referred to the following article by the National Enquirer of August 14:

“Jeffrey Epstein’s mysterious death occurred six years ago this month — but the National Enquirer has discovered 22 people in the sketchy billionaire’s orbit have also died under murky circumstances, fueling fears of a cover-up by powerful figures seeking to erase potential witnesses. From the predator’s alleged victims to house managers, lawyers, accountants, investigative journalists and pimps, the list of unexplained fatalities traces a dark money trail that leads straight to Epstein’s inner circle, sources say… 

“Financier Steven Hoffenberg confessed in a final account before his death to the Enquirer’s Doug Montero that Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted pedophile’s now-imprisoned recruiting madam, were ‘taping’… videos of sleazy VIPs with underage girls for a cabal of deep-state blackmailing power brokers… 

“Epstein’s final cellmate, Efrain ‘Stone’ Reyes, 51, died of COVID in November 2020 just weeks after talking with federal investigators probing the monstrous moneyman’s death. Reyes was transferred out of Epstein’s cell just one day before the bigwig’s death… 

“Three of Epstein’s outspoken accusers also suspiciously perished. Virginia Giuffre, 41, was found dead on April 25 in an apparent suicide, while sex slaves Carolyn Andriano, 36, and Leigh Skye Patrick, 29, died of drug overdoses in May 2023 and May 2017. The three women are not the only dead bodies related to Epstein’s days in West Palm Beach, Fla., where he was accused of abusing and pimping out dozens of young girls. 

“Despite overwhelming evidence of his purported obscene operation, Epstein received a sweetheart deal orchestrated by the feds in 2008 — and was allowed to plead guilty to two state prostitution charges and served only 13 months in a cushy county jail work-release program. 

“Joe Recarey, the Palm Beach Police detective who led the Epstein investigation and pushed officials for justice, died May 25, 2018, after a brief illness at 50. Epstein’s ex-butler Alfredo Rodriguez — who swiped his former boss’ infamous little black book and offered to sell it to an undercover FBI agent — died in December 2014 of mesothelioma at 60, after serving 13 months in federal prison on obstruction charges… 

“Two high-powered attorneys who helped Epstein skate in the West Palm Beach case have also passed away: Kenneth Starr in September 2022 at 76 after surgical complications and Roy Black, 80, who died last month at home… 

“Marvin Minsky, the MIT artificial intelligence pioneer named in Giuffre’s Epstein allegations, suffered a fatal cerebral hemorrhage in January 2016 at 88, while Ronald R. Eppinger Sr., a Miami pimp who was allegedly the first to traffic Giuffre, died at 80 in November 2006. Two investigative journalists chasing the Epstein scandal have also met their end. Former NYPD detective and Epstein book author John Connolly passed away in January 2022 at 78…  Celebrity biographer Wendy Leigh’s body was found beneath her London balcony in May 2016. Her death remains questioned as initial reports suggested suicide, but her agent emphasized the 65-year-old’s optimistic view on life… 

“Jean-Luc Brunel, 75, a French modeling agency boss awaiting trial for allegedly trafficking girls to Epstein, was found hanged inside a Paris prison cell in February 2022. Movie producer Steve Bing, 55, plunged from the 27th floor of his L.A. apartment building in June 2020 after talking to the FBI about Epstein. Mark Middleton, 59, an advisor to former President Bill Clinton with ties to Epstein, was found hanged and shot in Arkansas in May 2022 in what was ruled a suicide. 

“Thomas Bowers, 55, a head of the Deutsche Bank wealth management division that moved money for Epstein, was also found hanged inside his California home in November 2019. Epstein pal and former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson died in his sleep in September 2023 at 75, and physicist Stephen Hawking, who is known to have visited Epstein’s island, passed away in his U.K. home in March 2018 at 76… 

“The Enquirer can also reveal unusual deaths followed Epstein even before he became a household name. The death toll began 40 years ago, when the since-disgraced mogul began working as a trusted financial advisor for tycoon Les Wexner, the L Brands founder and former owner of lingerie company Victoria’s Secret and fashion retailer Abercrombie & Fitch. Epstein’s predecessor at L Brands, 43-year-old lawyer Arthur Shapiro, was gunned down in March 1985 just weeks before he was expected to be questioned by the IRS about illegal tax shelters… Soon after Shapiro’s death, Epstein took over managing Wexner’s finances. FBI documents mention Shapiro’s unsolved murder and the sex peddler’s possible link to prime suspect Berry L. Kessler. Kessler died at age 84 in 2005 inside a Georgia federal prison after being convicted a decade earlier of masterminding two separate murder-for-hire plots unrelated to Shapiro. 

“Now, Ghislaine Maxwell — the only known living Epstein accomplice currently behind bars — was mysteriously transferred from a Florida penitentiary to a minimum-security facility in Texas that has no surveillance cameras or recordings. Maxwell’s brother Ian exclusively tells the Enquirer that his sister is ‘not suicidal,’ and experts believe the deep-state cabal wants to make sure the last remaining witness is silenced. An insider warns, ‘She’s got a bull’s-eye on her back!’” 

Some of the fatalities mentioned above appear to be rather “natural,” given the old age of those who died. Others however do appear somewhat or very suspicious. 

Mandatory Military Service in Germany? 

Politico wrote on August 14: 

“Germany’s grand coalition is headed for a fight over whether the country’s effort to increase the size of its military should include the option of compulsory military service. The conservative Christian Democrats are sparring with the center-left Social Democrats (SPD) within the ruling coalition over the shape of the country’s new military draft law… which is set to be presented in Cabinet on Aug. 27…

“The bill is Defense Minister Boris Pistorius’ attempt to address the Bundeswehr’s chronic personnel shortage without fully reintroducing mandatory conscription, which Germany suspended in 2011. Under the proposal, all draft-age men would be required to register and undergo a screening process, but only a targeted number would be called up for service. Women could volunteer… Crucially, compulsory service would only kick in if parliament votes for it in a separate decision.  

“The Christian Democrats want the law to go further by introducing a mandatory service year, which would include compulsory military service as one option, alongside civilian alternatives like work in hospitals or schools. They also reject the idea of requiring a parliamentary vote to trigger conscription in a crisis, a prerequisite in the legislation… Multiple parliamentary advisers told POLITICO they doubt the bill, as drafted, could win the political backing needed to pass.” 

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.

Even though the Bible records that some in the Old Testament paid God’s tithe before Moses, there are those who claim that there was no obligation to pay the tithe before Moses, and it only became an obligation when the Levitical tithing system was instituted under Moses. They also claim that the tithing system was only instituted for Israel (some even say, the Jews, confusing the house of Israel with the house of Judah), and that any obligation to pay tithe ended at the time when Israel and Judah went into captivity. They say that in any event, there is no tithing obligation for New Testament Christians as Christ came to abolish the commandment to pay tithe.

All of these assumptions are wrong.

We say the following in our free booklet, “Tithing — Today?” 

“One of the ancients who honored God with tithing was righteous Abraham. We are told that Abraham [Abram] gave a tithe of his income to the high priest, Melchizedek. We read in Genesis 14:20 that Abraham gave him ‘a tithe [or one-tenth] of all.’ In the book of Hebrews, it is again mentioned that Abraham gave Melchizedek ‘a tenth of the spoils’ (Hebrews 7:4)…

“So then, why did Abraham give the high priest the tithe? Had Abraham done it before, or was this the first time? And if it was the first time, how did this thought enter his mind?

“The context of both passages in Genesis 14 and Hebrews 7 shows that Abraham practiced tithing as a way of life. We read that Abraham kept God’s ‘charge.’ We also find this statement from God Himself regarding Abraham, that ‘Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws’ (Genesis 26:5). In other words, Abraham was OBEDIENT TO GOD IN EVERYTHING, and that included tithing in accordance with God’s instructions.

“We also read of the patriarch, Jacob, who became obedient to God’s instructions on tithing, as well. When he fled for his life from his brother Esau, God appeared to him in a dream. When Jacob awoke, he made a vow, stating, ‘… of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth [or tithe] to You’ (Genesis 28:22)… Again, how did Jacob know that God required this of him? The obvious answer is that Abraham, his grandfather, and Isaac, his father, had taught him. However, Jacob had not yet begun to tithe, because he had not yet accepted God as his God. Rather, he said, ‘If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, THEN the LORD shall be my God’ (Genesis 28:20–21)…”

We will later come back to the question as to whom Jacob (and Isaac) gave the tithe. In the case of Abraham (Abram), we already read that he gave it to the high priest “Melchizedek.”

We explain in our above-quoted booklet who Melchizedek was.

“We read in Hebrews 7:4–8: ‘Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. And indeed, those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham; but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.’

“Notice, too, Hebrews 7:28: ‘For the law [regulating the collection of tithes through the Levites] appoints as high priests men who have weaknesses, but the word of the oath, which came after the law [pertaining to the Levites], appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.’

“‘Christ, who is a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek’ (verse 17), was none other than Melchizedek Himself. Melchizedek is described as the ‘king of peace,’ without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remain[ing] a priest continually’ (verses 2–3). It is said about Melchizedek that he ‘receives them [tithes], of whom it is witnessed that he LIVES’ (verse 8).

“The ONLY human who has been resurrected from death to ETERNAL LIFE is Jesus Christ… Melchizedek and Jesus Christ are one and the same person! We read that Melchizedek was without beginning—and so was Christ, the Eternal One…”

It was Christ, in the person of Melchizedek, who appeared to Abraham as the priest of the Most High—God the Father—to receive the tithe from Abraham. This was hardly the first, nor the only time, that Abraham had paid the tithe, as we have seen before; nor, that he paid it only on that occasion to Melchizedek.

We read that Melchizedek was called “king of Salem” and “king of righteousness (Hebrews 7:2). He actually ruled in Salem or Jerusalem as the King of Jerusalem and the King of Peace. We do not know for long He ruled there, and when His rule began or ended, but we do know that He ruled as king when He met Abraham, and undoubtedly longer than that. This does not mean that Christ had become a Man of flesh and blood, but He did manifest Himself as a Man.

We say more about Melchizedek in our free booklet “God Is… Our Destiny” (Chapter 19):

“We read in Genesis 14:18–21 that Christ, as Melchizedek, appeared to Abraham, then called Abram, who gave Him the tithe of everything. Hebrews 7 confirms that Melchizedek was indeed Jesus Christ who lived at that time as High Priest among the people (compare verses 3, 8). He had not become a Man, but He lived for a while ‘as’ a man; that is, He manifested Himself as a man. Abram knew who Melchizedek was…

“… later in Genesis 18…, Christ and two angels ‘appeared’ to Abraham as ‘men’ (verse 2) when they were about to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. They ate and spoke with him (Genesis 18:1–15). But this does not mean that they actually WERE men—that is, flesh and blood human beings. They just manifested themselves AS human beings. Abraham knew right away that one of the three was Christ, calling Him ‘My Lord’ in verse 3 (compare also verses 27, 30, 32). The word is Adonai, which Abraham used in reference to God (compare Genesis 15:2). He recognized Christ, having seen Him before when He appeared to Him as Melchizedek. (In passing, the word Adonai is actually a plural word, meaning ‘my lords’; the singular form is adon. This is another proof that Abraham knew that God consists of more than one Person.)…”

When Christ came to this earth as a Man and died for us, the tithing obligation was changed, but not in the sense that it was no longer obligatory to tithe, but in the sense that Levites would no longer collect the tithe; rather, Jesus Christ would receive the tithe again, as He had received it before, prior to Moses, in the Person of Melchizedek. We are told, in the book of Hebrews, that with Christ’s death and resurrection, a change in the ADMINISTRATION of the tithing obligation occurred (compare Hebrews 7:11-12).

As it was prior to Moses, so it is today: God’s tithe, holy to Him, is to be paid directly to Christ. As Christ is the Head of the Body, His Church, God’s tithe must be paid to His Church.

That the obligation to pay God’s tithe did not cease can be seen in the end-time prophecy of the book of Malachi. We say in our above-mentioned booklet “Tithing – Today?”:

“God inspired [Malachi] to record His stirring warning in Malachi 3:8–10: ‘“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, “In what way have we robbed You?” In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,’ Says the LORD of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.’”

“… Although recorded in the Old Testament, the statement refers equally, if not more so, to God’s New Testament Church, as well as to all of mankind just prior to Christ’s return… The entire context of the book of Malachi has to do with OUR immediate future!

“For instance, we read in Malachi 4:1–4: “‘For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,’ Says the LORD of hosts, ‘That will leave them neither root nor branch. But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves. You shall trample the wicked, For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet On the day that I do this,’ Says the LORD of hosts. ‘Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, Which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, With the statutes and judgments.’”

“This is a challenge God extends to us today! Malachi’s prophecies apply to us today AND to our immediate future! The Law of Moses—with its statutes and judgments—includes God’s law to tithe. God says to remember this and to cease from robbing Him—cease neglecting to tithe to Him His HOLY tithe! To those who obey Him, God says in Malachi 3:17: “‘They shall be Mine,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them As a man spares his own son who serves him.’ Then you shall again discern Between the righteous and the wicked, Between the one who serves God And one who does not serve Him.’”

“Jesus Christ confirmed that the tithing law was still in effect at the time of His first coming. While emphasizing that tithing is not an end in itself, He nevertheless endorsed its validity: ‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone’ (Matthew 23:23). Note that Christ talked about ‘paying’ tithes, even confirming that this OUGHT TO BE DONE!”

Returning to Abraham and Jacob, we saw that Abraham paid the tithe directly to Melchizedek. Jacob said that he would pay the tithe if he would be blessed by God. But to WHOM would he pay it? We read in Genesis 28 that he came to Bethel and had a dream in which he saw the LORD (Jesus Christ) and His angels (verses 12-15). The LORD spoke to him in the dream by stating that He was the “LORD God of Abraham and of Isaak” (verse 13) and He promised him protection and that He would bring him back to this place in the future (verse 15). When Jabob woke up, he recognized that “the LORD is in this place and I did not know it” (verse 16). He also said that if I were to come back to his father’s house in peace, then the LORD (Jesus Christ) would be his God, and “of all You give me I surely give a tenth TO YOU” (verses 21-22).

In other words, he promised to pay the tithe to the LORD—apparently in the Person of the High Priest Melchizedek, who was obviously still ruling by that time as the King of Jerusalem. He must have known this, as there was no Levitical priesthood yet, and to state that he would give the tithe to the LORD would make little sense, unless he knew how to do this. He knew that Abraham, his grandfather, had given the tithe to Melchizedek, and apparently also his father Isaac had done so, and so he, Jacob, would do the same.

We find another interesting prophecy in Isaiah 1:26 about Jerusalem or Zion, after Christ has returned to earth, where we read: “I will restore your judges as at the first, And your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city.”

Up until the time of David, Jerusalem was not even in the hands of Israel and Judah, so the reference to righteous judges could hardly be applied to the Jebusites who possessed the city at the time of David which he conquered. Applying this to the time of the Judges or Moses, as some suggest, would make little sense either—at that time, Jerusalem was not ruled or judged by the Israelites.

The Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers points out:

“The city of righteousness… There is possibly an allusive reference to the idea embodied in the [name] of Melchizedek… (Genesis 14:18; Hebrews 7:2) as connected with Jerusalem. So in Jeremiah 33:16 the ideal city, no less than the ideal king, is to be called Jehovah Tsidkenu (‘the LORD our righteousness’).”

So, it appears that the reference in Isaiah 1:26 is to Melchizedek when He ruled Salem or Jersualem, apparently with some of His righteous angels, who could be described as “judges” or “counselors” (compare Daniel 4:13, 17; 1 Kings 22:19-20; Revelation 4:4). And it would have been Melchizedek to whom Abraham, Isaac and Jacob regularly brought their tithe and offerings. But in the future, it will be the born-again members of the God Family who will rule under Christ as judges and priests over angels (Revelation 5:10; 20:4, 6; Hebrews 2:5, 8; 1 Corinthians 6:3), and the people will bring their tithes and offerings to them to be used for righteous purposes.

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

compiled by Dave Harris

“Is There (No) Peace After All?” is the title of the newest StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

The meeting in Washington between Trump, Zelensky, and European leaders was far more promising than the previous meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska. But Russia would now have to play along, which it clearly isn’t. It categorically rejects the security guarantees for Ukraine, proposed by Trump and the Europeans, or combines them with demands that are absolutely laughable. Trump is now seemingly losing his patience with Putin. Where will all this lead?

“Gibt es doch (keinen) Frieden?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same information as described above.

“The Debacle of Trump’s Meeting with Putin in Alaska,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

Why do we say that the meeting was a debacle? Well, what did it accomplish? What was agreed upon? Even though we haven’t heard much about the exact nature of a deal, in an interview subsequent to the meeting, Trump let slip a few things, which were in favor of Russia and which Ukraine would never agree to. But most importantly, what does the BIBLE say about the future of Russia and Ukraine, as well as Europe and the USA?

“Das Debakel von Trumps Treffen mit Putin in Alaska,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same information as described above.

“Gottes Warnung an wahre und falsche Christen,” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “God’s Warning to True and False Christians.”

“Wertschätzung” last Sabbath’s German sermonette by Marc Völler, is now posted. Title in English: “Appreciation,”

“Halte die Treue,” last Sabbath’s German sermon presented by Thilo Hanstein, is now posted. Title in English: “Keep Loyalty.”

“God of Peace — Peace of God,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is the summary:

The world we live in constantly threatens to steal away our peace of mind and peace between one another. God offers us a sure path to experience lasting peace if we have the courage and faith to follow Him. The God of peace provides us with the opportunity to obtain the peace of God.

“Your Christianity–Counterfeit or Real?” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is the summary:

It is the largest of the world’s religions, and 2.4 billion people claim to be Christians! But is this the Christianity of the Bible or a counterfeit? Is your Christian faith real, or have you been deceived?

On August 9, 2025, Norbert Link will present the first message, titled, “Comments on News and Prophecy, August 9, 2025,” and Michael Link will present the sermon, titled, “A Story of Sacrifice.”

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 men and women put themselves forward in political elections, if successful, they take on great responsibility.

The law of the land is already there, and they not only must uphold those laws, but they will be required to enact new laws, if deemed necessary.

Law is vital in any civilised society to avoid anarchy; most people will accept that, although we do hear of elected politicians who break the law and suffer the consequences.   Others just break the law, hoping to get away with their infraction.

When it comes to the Law of God, mainstream Christianity in general dismisses this as not being necessary, since it teaches that Jesus has done it all for us!  How blessed are we in the Church of God to know that we DO have to keep God’s Law!

Law is a vital part of life, whether people like it or not.  

And then there is the law of unintended consequences.

The Tutor2u website gives this definition: “The law of unintended consequences refers to the idea that actions or decisions can have unforeseen and unintended consequences, often in ways that are not immediately apparent. This can occur because complex systems often have multiple interconnected parts, and a change in one part of the system can have ripple effects that are difficult to predict.”   They give a number of examples, two of which are as follows:

1. The minimum wage: A policy to increase the minimum wage may be intended to help low-wage workers, but it could also lead to unintended consequences such as businesses reducing their workforce or raising prices to offset the higher labor costs.
2. Prohibition: The prohibition of alcohol in the United States in the 1920s was intended to reduce crime and social problems, but it had many unintended consequences, including the growth of organized crime and an increase in the consumption of illegal and potentially dangerous alcoholic beverages.

There are many examples on the internet. One was about India’s vultures, and it read as follows:

“In the mid-1990s India’s population of vultures began to die in droves. At first it was thought the animals were being killed off by a mysterious disease, but the culprit was eventually identified as an anti-inflammatory drug called diclofenac that was being administered to sick cattle.

“As the vultures scavenged meals from the cows that didn’t pull through, they consumed small quantities of the drug. A vulture’s stomach acid is capable of dissolving anthrax and cholera bacteria, but the slightest trace of diclofenac causes their kidneys to fail. In a matter of just a few years India’s vulture population plummeted from 40 million to just 100,000 birds.

“In India cattle are raised almost exclusively for dairy rather than meat, so when the beasts die their carcasses are left for scavengers. When the vultures all but disappeared, food was in plentiful supply for the millions of feral dogs that roam India in packs. More dogs meant more humans being bitten, and this in turn led to an increase in fatalities from rabies.

“The Indian Government banned the use of diclofenac in 2006, but the damage may prove to be irreversible. Despite the efforts of conservationists several species of vultures remain critically endangered.”

There were quite a few unintended consequences in that story.  

Bringing this right up-to-date, we read on thewoof.org how recent events in the USA have had such awful unintended circumstances for those animals which cannot look after themselves:

“One of the administration’s executive orders focuses on intensifying immigration enforcement, leading to an uptick in deportations and detentions. This surge has resulted in numerous pets being abandoned or surrendered when their owners are detained or deported.

“Animal shelters, especially in areas with large immigrant populations, are witnessing an influx of these displaced pets, stretching their already limited resources. The Guardian highlights cases where pets are left behind due to sudden deportations, emphasizing the emotional and logistical challenges faced by both the animals and shelter workers.”

Did the Trump administration even consider these consequences in their race to impose draconian measures that have been compared to Nazi Germany in the 1930s?   Probably not, but if they did, it would show how little regard they have for the welfare of God’s creatures.   Galatians 6:7 is clear: “…whatsoever a man sows, that he will also reap.”  Those involved will be held accountable for not only these appalling actions but all the others that are currently being foisted on the human race with no regard for the welfare of some of God’s creatures.

BBC News reported on 12th April 2025 that “An animal sanctuary has said it is bracing itself for ‘another tidal wave of rescue cases’ if Donald Trump’s trade tariffs put extra financial pressure on UK pet owners.

“Woodlands Animal Sanctuary in Holmeswood, Lancashire, said existing cost-of-living pressures had made the past winter much busier than previous years, and that its cattery was full by March.

“The sanctuary said 90% of the animals it had taken in were given up by owners who could no longer afford to keep them or who were facing eviction from their homes.”

There are so many problems in the world today, and decisions taken on another matter, in another country, can have devastating effects elsewhere. 

Animal welfare is just one of them, but it can be heartbreaking to consider that because of the law of unintended consequences, decisions taken about one issue can unexpectedly affect those which completely rely on man for their existence.

There seems to be, so much of the time, very little kindness in the world today, and the treatment of animals is right up there with so many other examples.  Kindness is a godly quality, mentioned many times in the Bible, and one that can be most ignored.   And recent events where people are arrested without regard for the welfare of the animals affected and left behind is just one of so many actions that would come under the law of unintended consequences.

We can learn from this so that when we make decisions, we consider every facet that that decision will bring about.   This is especially true in our spiritual lives which must be of paramount importance.

When Jesus returns and sets up the soon-coming Kingdom of God, decisions will then be made on a godly basis with every consideration taken into account when action is required, and the law of unintended consequences will not be applicable!

by Norbert Link

We begin with Trump’s furious reaction to the new unfavorable job report and continue with his tariffs policy which is backfiring on America; his new (proposed) tariff rates; and an interesting development regarding a pending court decision on the constitutionality of his tariffs. We also report further on the “deal” between the EU and the USA. Please view our recent StandingWatch program, titled,  “US-EU Trade Deal—Biggest Deal Ever Made, or a Disaster?”

We speak on the turmoil in the Middle East (especially related to Palestine; Hamas and Gaza); actions in the Far East; fights between Republicans and Democrats; more discrepancies in the Epstein debacle; and conclude with new discoveries regarding the Shroud of Turin and Canada’s [and America’s] appalling hypocrisy related to their Covid policies; as well as a welcome decision by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

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

Job Report Not to Trump’s Liking 

The Daily Mail wrote on August 1: 

“The president is taking out his frustration on Dr. Erika McEntarfer, the commissioner of labor statistics, who was appointed to the role by former President Joe Biden. He accused her of ‘faking’ jobs numbers before the 2024 election to ‘try and boost Kamala’s chances of victory,’ in a blistering post to Truth Social that did not provide evidence of the stunning accusation… 

“Hiring growth dropped dramatically last month and unemployment ticked up, the latest jobs report released on Friday showed. Non-farm payrolls added 73,000 in July, far lower than the 100,000 expected by analysts. The unemployment rate also ticked up to 4.2 percent. The report also sharply revised down the figures for May and June by a combined 258,000 jobs from the previously released figures. 

“Following the revision June’s total was left at just 14,000 and May’s at 19,000 — effectively flat. Analysts say July’s figure is also likely to be revised lower, possibly into negative territory.

Trump hammered the economist for those revisions, although they are routine in the government’s monthly job reports – sometimes going up, sometimes going down as businesses around the country report on their payrolls. .. The latest figures suggest cracks are in fact starting to show up in the economy, despite a slew of previous better-than-expected economic data released recently… 

“It is just the latest example of Trump demanding that even traditionally independent parts of the government bend to his preferences – although a president who is denied bad information about the unemployment situation would be deprived timely information to change course for their own political benefit.”

“Trump Lies About Labor Statistics Chief” 

The Guardian wrote on August 2: 

“Speaking to reporters on Friday, Donald Trump defended his decision to fire Erika McEntarfer, the commissioner of labor statistics, and falsely accused her of having released reports just before the 2024 election that overstated the number of new jobs created by the Biden-Harris administration. Asked by a reporter, ‘Why did you fire the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics?’ Trump replied: ‘Because I think her numbers were wrong, just like I thought her numbers were wrong before the election.’

“The president then went on to give a wildly inaccurate account of the jobs data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2024. ‘Days before the election, she came out with these beautiful numbers for Kamala, I guess Biden-Kamala, and she came out with these beautiful numbers trying to get somebody else elected,’ Trump said, entirely misrepresenting the jobs report released on 1 November 2024, four days before the election, which in fact showed the US added just 12,000 jobs over the previous month. 

“At the time, the Trump campaign called the jobs report ‘a catastrophe’ that ‘definitively reveals how badly Kamala Harris broke our economy.’ On Friday, however, the president offered a very different account of that report released just nine months ago. ‘Then, right after the election,’ Trump claimed, ‘she had an 8- or 900,000 dollar [sic] massive reduction, said she made a mistake.’ 

“What Trump was misremembering is a Bureau of Labor Statistics announcement, on 21 August 2024, that updated data showed that there had been 818,000 fewer jobs added in the US in the previous year than it had initially estimated. That downward revision was large, but part of an annual process, in which the bureau updates its initial estimates when it gets better data.

“The same day that revision was announced in 2024, Trump [posted] that the Biden-Harris administration had been ‘caught fraudulently manipulating Job Statistics’ and the ‘New Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the Administration PADDED THE NUMBERS with an extra 818,000 Jobs that DO NOT EXIST, AND NEVER DID.’ On Friday, however, Trump repeatedly insisted that the August revision had not come until after the November election…” 

Express wrote on August 2: 

“Pressure inside the White House has risen once again as Donald Trump erupted, sacking the head of the US statistics agency after they released data about the nation’s weakening jobs market… [despite] zero evidence that any data was tampered with…

“His brash move has triggered concerns for bankers and markets around the world, who believe Trump may now interfere in the publishing of financial stats and reports that decide the prices of a wide variety of assets.” 

This will contribute to America’s economic downfall. 

Trump’s Tariffs Policy Backfires 

The New York Post wrote on August 1, 2025: 

“New cracks emerged in the U.S. economy on Friday after the government reported a significant slowdown in job growth, a sign of the serious and accelerating effects of President Trump’s punishing new tariffs... The jobs data offered only the latest indication that Mr. Trump’s policies, particularly his expanding global trade war, had started to put the squeeze on the economy. Tariffs are taxes on imports, paid by U.S. companies purchasing those goods abroad. Other economic data released this week offered fresh evidence that Mr. Trump’s duties had slowed trade and started to send prices higher… 

“Adding to its challenges, the president late Thursday announced a dramatic widening of his trade war, slapping major new tariffs on dozens of countries that take effect on Aug. 7. Switzerland was stunned by a 39 percent tariff, among the highest. Syria, Laos and Myanmar were handed rates of 40 to 41 percent… Earlier in the week, Mr. Trump imposed 50 percent tariffs on Brazil as punishment for its prosecution of Jair Bolsonaro, his ally, who is accused of plotting a coup after he lost the last presidential election.”

New Tariff Rates… For Now! 

The New York Post wrote on August 1: 

“Among the notable rates that will be charged at 12:01 a.m. Aug. 7 — rather than on the Friday deadline initially announced by the White House — are 15% for Iceland and Israel, 30% for South Africa, 39% for Switzerland and 20% for Taiwan and Vietnam… 

“The steepest tariff rates will be carried by Syria (41%), Laos and Myanmar (40%), Switzerland (39%) and Iraq and Serbia (35%). The list also denotes a 35% rate on imports from Canada after Trump signed an order upping the current tariff by 10 percentage points.” 

More and more Americans are waking up to the fact that Trump’s economic policies just don’t work and are harmful to America. Note the next article. 

Most Americans Unhappy with Trump 

The Guardian wrote on August 1: 

“Americans are struggling financially, grappling with debt and the rising cost of living, and are blaming the Trump administration and corporate interests for worsening economic outlooks for working families, according to a new poll. Six out of 10 Americans place blame on the Trump administration for driving up their cost of living, according to a poll conducted by Morning Consult for the Century Foundation… 

“Sixty three per cent said Trump had had a negative impact on grocery prices, and 61% said he had had a negative impact on the cost of living. Nearly half, 49%, said the Trump administration had had a negative impact on their finances. Nearly eight out of 10 Americans, including 70% of Republicans, fear that Trump’s tariffs will increase the price of everyday goods. ‘Donald Trump has simultaneously raised prices on everyday goods through a reckless approach to tariffs, a decimation of programs that help Americans afford healthcare, education, food and childcare, and then kneecapping federal regulators who keep banks and other big businesses from swindling consumers,’ said Julie Margetta Morgan, president of the Century Foundation…

“According to the poll, more than six out of 10 Americans said it had become more difficult to find a good paying job, buy a home and afford childcare. More than four out of five Americans, 83% said they were concerned about the cost of groceries, with 46% saying they were very concerned. Some 47% said they were worried about being able to pay their rent or mortgage, 64% said they were worried about affording an unexpected medical expense. 

“About 48% said they believed they would have trouble affording an unexpected $500 bill without borrowing. One in four said it would be ‘very difficult’… Americans also fear things are getting worse economically, with 76% of those polled saying they fear a looming economic recession…” 

These are terrible figures, but sadly, they reflect reality. 

Switzerland Faces Unpredictable Bad-Tempered Trump 

The Guardian wrote on August 4: 

“Switzerland, home to some of the world’s best-known luxury brands, was left stunned after the US president on Friday imposed one of the highest tariff rates [39%] in his global trade reset. Industry associations said tens of thousands of jobs were at risk. 

“Local media had reported that after three months of talks, negotiators believed they had secured a 10% tariff on exports to the US, a key market for Swiss products such as luxury watches, jewelry and chocolate but also machinery and pharmaceuticals. But after a 30-minute call with Keller-Sutter on Thursday evening variously described as ‘bad-tempered’, ‘disastrous’ and ‘badly misjudged’, Trump imposed a levy even higher than the 31% he had announced on his so-called ‘liberation day’ in April… 

“Analysts have said tariffs could still change at any moment because of the unpredictability of the Trump administration…” 

A subsequent meeting between Marco Rubio and Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter in Washington did not result in any changes.

India Not Happy 

Breitbart wrote on August 1: 

“President Donald Trump increased the pressure on [Prime Minister Narendra] Modi on Wednesday by threatening to impose a 25% tariff on Indian imports, plus additional penalties if India continues to do business with Russia… Trump… castigated India for buying the ‘vast majority of their military equipment from Russia,’ and he seemed to accuse the Indians of financing the invasion of Ukraine by purchasing large quantities of Russian oil… 

“In another Truth Social post, Trump appeared to wash his hands of India altogether. ‘I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care,’ he grumbled…” 

The New York Times wrote on August 3:

“Indian officials said on Saturday that they would keep purchasing cheap oil from Russia despite a threat of penalties from President Trump, the latest twist in an issue that New Delhi thought it had settled… 

“India has drastically increased its purchases of Russian oil since the Kremlin invaded Ukraine. Russia is now the source of more than one-third of India’s oil imports — up from less than 1 percent before the war. It brings in about two million barrels of crude oil a day, making it the second largest importer of Russian oil, after China.” 

Newsmax wrote on August 4: 

“President Donald Trump said on Monday he will substantially raise tariffs on India over its purchases of Russian oil. ‘India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine,’ Trump said in a post on Truth Social.”

India will become part of the kings of the East, joining Russia, China and other Far Eastern nations. 

Court of Appeals to Decide on Trump’s Tariffs 

Politico wrote on July 31: 

“Federal appeals court judges on Thursday sharply questioned President Donald Trump’s authority to impose sweeping tariffs on foreign trading partners under an unprecedented use of emergency powers. Several judges of the Washington, D.C.-based Federal Circuit Court of Appeals repeatedly wondered how Trump could justify the broad tariffs using a 1977 law known as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, that presidents have used to set economic sanctions and other penalties on foreign countries — but never previously tariffs… 

“However, the 11 judges vigorously questioned attorneys for the states and the private companies as well… 

“The New York-based U.S. Court of International Trade ruled in May that Trump had exceeded his authority under IEEPA to impose the tariffs and ordered them to be vacated. The Trump administration appealed that ruling to the Federal Circuit, which allowed the government to continue collecting the duties while the case proceeds. The appeals court set a rapid-fire schedule to consider the matter in front of the court’s full 11-member bench, which is made up of eight Democratic appointees, three Republican appointees and no Trump appointees. The lawsuit is expected to end up at the Supreme Court.” 

A decision of the Court of Appeals is expected to be announced in August. 

Focus wrote on August 1: 

“The court could prohibit Trump from pursuing the tariff war. Then the 15 percent tariffs on most goods would also be invalidated [including those against the EU and Germany] … Trump is imposing his tariffs… without parliamentary approval… In parliament, the Republicans hold a narrow majority in both chambers (Senate and House of Representatives). This majority could be enough for Trump to push through his tariffs after all. 

“However, the next elections are scheduled for 2026. Parliament will largely be re-elected. The parliamentarians must already seek re-election. Trump’s tariffs are also rather unpopular among Republican voters. It is possible that some Republican dissidents will oppose Trump… Even if the appeals court rules against Trump, the tariff war is likely to continue to occupy Germany for a long time.” 

Meaning, the relationship between the USA and Germany will continue to deteriorate drastically. 

US-EU Deal Unenforceable 

Politico wrote on July 28: 

“The European Union has admitted it doesn’t have the power to deliver on a promise to invest $600 billion in the United States economy, only hours after making the pledge at landmark trade talks in Scotland. That’s because the cash would come entirely from private sector investment over which Brussels has no authority… ‘It is not something that the EU as a public authority can guarantee. It is something which is based on the intentions of the private companies,’ said one of the senior Commission officials. The Commission has not said it will introduce any incentives to ensure the private sector meets that $600 billion target, nor given a precise timeframe for the investment… 

“The Commission pointed out that the figure would come from private companies, not European taxpayers, contrasting with Japan’s promise to mobilize $550 billion of both public and private investments in the U.S. as part of a recently agreed trade deal.

“But the idea that the private sector can be relied upon to provide that level of investment was met with skepticism… ‘[The EU] is not China, right? So nobody can tell private companies how much they invest in the U.S.’...” 

In addition, all 27 EU member states would have to approve the deal. Some, like France, Hungary and now even Germany have expressed reservations. 

Trump Threatens EU 

The New York Post wrote on August 5: 

“President Trump warned Tuesday that if the European Union fails to deliver on its commitment to invest $600 billion in the US,  he will ramp up tariffs against the 27-nation bloc… ‘Then they pay tariffs of 35%,’ Trump [said] when asked what would happen if the EU doesn’t pony up. ‘They brought down their tariffs, so they paid $600 billion and because of that, I reduced their tariffs from 30% down to 15%,’ the president explained. 

“‘They gave me $600 billion and that’s a gift. … They gave us $600 billion that we can invest in anything we want.’… ‘The details are $600 billion to invest in anything I want. Anything. I can do anything I want with it,’ Trump reiterated when pressed for more specifics…” 

EuroNews wrote on August 5: 

“The European Commission is unable to design and implement investments on behalf of the private sector. The $600 billion has been described by the Commission as an indication based on the executive’s contacts with industry. ‘It’s not something the EU, as a public authority, can guarantee – it’s something based on the intention of private companies,’ a senior official said last week.” 

Euractiv wrote on August 5: 

“An official White House account of the deal also states that the EU has committed to purchase  ‘significant amounts of US military equipment’ – a claim rejected by Brussels.” 

NPR wrote on August 5: 

“Four European countries have agreed to buy $1 billion worth of U.S. weapons and send them to Ukraine… ‘We already have commitments from the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark – over one billion dollars for American weapons that Ukraine will receive…’, Zelenskyy wrote on X.” 

Major Tourist Visa Change 

MSN wrote on August 4: 

“The State Department is proposing a rule requiring some business and tourist visa applicants to post a bond of up to $15,000 to enter the United States, a step critics say could put the process out of reach for many… The new visa bond program will take effect on August 20… 

“Under the plan, U.S. consular officers can require a bond from visa applicants who meet certain criteria. This includes nationals of countries with high visa overstay rates, countries with deficient screening and vetting, and those that offer citizenship-by-investment programs, particularly where citizenship is granted without a residency requirement. Visitors subject to the bond will receive it back upon leaving the U.S., naturalizing as a citizen, or in the event of death. If a traveler overstays, however, the bond may be forfeited and used to help cover the costs associated with their removal… 

“Citizens of countries in the Visa Waiver Program are exempt, and consular officers will retain the discretion to waive the bond on a case-by-case basis… The list of affected countries will be published at least 15 days before the program begins and may be updated with similar notice. In the 2020 version of the pilot, countries such as Afghanistan, Angola, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Congo, Eritrea, Iran, Laos, Liberia, Libya, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen were included.” 

Ex-Obama Officials Face Federal Grand Jury Probe 

The New York Post wrote on August 4: 

“The Justice Department is opening a federal grand jury investigation of former Obama administration officials… including former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, former CIA Director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey… 

“Trump and current DNI Tulsi Gabbard have called for a federal probe into the early days of the Russia collusion probe dubbed ‘Crossfire Hurricane’… The president has accused the former officials of a treasonous and seditious conspiracy to undermine his first-term agenda, which ultimately led to more than two years of leaky investigations before special counsel Robert Mueller turned up no evidence of collusion…

“Treason does not have a statute of limitations, but no American has been convicted of that charge since 1949. It’s possible that prosecutors could develop a novel legal theory to revive seemingly expired charges, as performed by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg last year when he won a 34-count felony conviction against Trump for falsifying business records to conceal 2016 hush money payments.”

Banks Debanked Trump

The New York Post wrote on August 5:

“JPMorgan and Bank of America  ‘debanked’ President Trump for his role in the January 6 Capitol Hill melee following pressure from the Biden administration’s banking regulators and the Federal Reserve… sources at the banks — the largest and second-largest in the US in terms of assets — confirmed… threats from President Joe Biden’s bank regulators that banking the former president’s money put them in danger of falling afoul of rules that prohibit financial institutions from doing business with individuals and companies that present a ‘reputational risk.’…

“Trump himself revealed that he was debanked… He said he was denied services at both institutions sometime after his first term ended in January 2021, just weeks after the storming of the Capitol…  First, he said, he was booted by JPMorgan. ‘I had 100s of millions. I had many, many accounts loaded up with cash. I was loaded up with cash, and they told me, “I’m sorry, sir, we can’t have you. You have 20 days to get out.” I said, “You’ve got to be kidding. I’ve been with you for 35, 40 years.”’ Then he was denied services by Bank of America…. 

“Trump and his regulators have sought to end the practice and he’s issuing an executive order imminently to end politically motivated debanking.”

This is really outrageous. Trump’s executive order would be more than overdue. 

Fight Between Republicans and Democrats Intensifies in Texas 

Texas Tribune wrote on August 4: 

“The Texas House voted Monday afternoon to track down and arrest more than 50 Democratic lawmakers who were not present when the chamber gaveled in. After the 85-6 vote, House Speaker Dustin Burrows said he would immediately sign civil warrants for each of the legislators, empowering the chamber’s sergeant-at-arms and state troopers to arrest and bring them to the Capitol. They will not face civil or criminal charges from the arrests. The warrants apply only within state lines, making them largely symbolic as most of the legislators in question decamped to Illinois, New York and Massachusetts to forestall passage of the GOP’s proposed redraw of Texas’ congressional map… 

“The current congressional map, drawn by a Republican-dominated Legislature in 2021, has netted 25 GOP seats in the last two elections. But after pressure from President Donald Trump’s team, Abbott directed lawmakers to redraw the map during the special legislative session, which started July 21. Last week, the House proposed new congressional lines dividing up existing districts in Austin, Houston and Dallas with the aim of netting five more Republican seats… 

“Rep. Gene Wu, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, said in a statement Sunday, accusing Abbott of ‘using an intentionally racist map to steal the voices of millions of Black and Latino Texans, all to execute a corrupt political deal.’… The departed House members will face fines of $500 for each day that they miss, as well as the threat of reprimand, censure and expulsion, although that would require a two-thirds vote among members.” 

Newsmax wrote on August 6: 

“Defiant [Democratic] House members remaining absent from the Texas Legislature stand to be fined nearly $400,000, according to the state chamber’s rules… A total of 57 Democrats skipped Monday’s session, bringing the penalties to $28,500.” 

CNN wrote on August 5: 

“For a second day in a row the Texas House failed to reach a quorum as dozens of Democrats have left the state in protest over GOP plans to potentially eliminate five Democratic US House seats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections… Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said he would seek court rulings against the Democrats if they don’t return by Friday ‘ensuring that their seats are declared vacant.’…” 

This would be an unprecedented and, legal experts say, likely futile effort requiring individual lawsuits against each member and new elections to fill their seats 

Two US Nuclear Submarines Positioned to Reach Russia 

Express wrote on August 1: 

“The war of words between US President Donald Trump and Dmitry Medvedev, a close ally of Vladimir Putin, escalated on Friday evening. The American leader announced on the platform Truth Social that he had ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned ‘in appropriate regions’ in light of ‘foolish and inflammatory statements’ coming from Russia… It comes after Medvedev warned Mr Trump to remember Russia has Soviet-era nuclear strike capabilities of last resort. That came after Mr Trump told Medvedev to ‘watch his words’… 

“[Medvedev] said Mr Trump should remember how dangerous the fabled ‘Dead Hand’ can be. This was a reference to a secretive Russian command system designed to launch nuclear missiles if Russia’s leadership were to be taken out in an enemy strike.” 

It won’t come to that. No major war between the USA and Russia, let alone a nuclear war, is prophesied in the Bible. But, a nuclear war between Russia and a German-led Europe IS foretold in Scripture. 

Russia and China Begin War Games 

MSN wrote on August 4: 

“Russia and China are staging mock combat drills and other war games in the Sea of Japan in a sign of strengthening military ties. 

“Though pre-planned, the joint naval exercises that began on Sunday came a day after Donald Trump moved US nuclear submarines closer to Russia in response to inflammatory comments from Russia’s former president Dmitry Medvedev.”  

Putin Moves Nuclear Bombers Closer to Europe

Express wrote on August 4: 

“Vladimir Putin has moved at least four heavy Tu-95MS nuclear bombers closer to Europe. 

“The strategic aircraft are often used to bomb Ukraine, and Insider UA says they have been loaded with missiles, leading to a ‘high probability’ of an imminent major attack.” 

“Only 16% of Germans Would ‘Definitely’ Fight for Country” 

Deutsche Welle wrote on August 4: 

“Around one in six Germans say they would join the military in the event of a conflict or a call to arms, a new survey… recorded that 16% of participants said they would ‘definitely’ fight, while another 22% said they would ‘probably’ do so. 

“However, 59% said they would ‘probably not’ or definitely not be willing to defend Germany in the event of an attack… More than one in four respondents (27%) said they considered a military attack on Germany within the next five years to be very or somewhat likely. Meanwhile, 59% of respondents said they felt it was likely that Germany would have to provide military assistance to another NATO member.” 

These results make little sense. But these “opinions” are only temporary anyhow.  

Recognizing Palestine? 

The New York Post wrote on August 1: 

“French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced this week that their countries would unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state. The first problem with that is ‘Palestine’ is a fictional place. There never was any such thing… 

“What happens when a civil war breaks out? Because the prospects are quite high… The French and Brits should recall that the first thing Gazans did when handed a protostate in 2005 was to destroy over 3,000 greenhouses and modern farming systems that American Jews had purchased for $14 million and handed them, gratis. The second thing they did, though, was put Hamas in charge.

“So, will France and Britain support open elections in this new nation?… What if Hamas, or some other iteration of that organization, wins those elections? Will France and Britain recognize such a state?… 

“Is France or Britain going to disarm Hamas? Is France or Britain going to bring back the more than 50 hostages still being held and tortured in Gaza?…” 

Canada has also declared that they want to recognize a Palestinian state. Germany has said that they are supporting a two-state solution. But a two-state solution is fiction. Israel does not want it, and neither do Hamas and the Palestinians. They want a one-state solution—without Israel. 

Hamas Sabotages Humanitarian Supplies 

Nius wrote on August 2: 

“The German government has increased its concern about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius stated that despite ‘initial slight progress’ in providing aid to the population, the emergency remains acute. Of particular concern is the systematic diversion of aid supplies by Hamas and other criminal organizations, which are blocking urgently needed aid for the civilian population. 

“According to German security sources, a significant portion of the aid supplies entering the Gaza Strip are stolen by Hamas and other groups. 50 to 100 percent of the aid is intercepted by armed forces or criminal organizations, according to a security insider. Since May 19, a total of 2,010 trucks carrying aid from the United Nations have entered the Gaza Strip. However, official UN figures show that only 260 of these trucks reached their destination. The majority, approximately 1,753 trucks, were forcibly intercepted by armed forces. These goods then often end up on the black market and do not reach the affected civilian population.” 

But it’s easy to blame Israel for this as well. Anti-Semitism is in high gear. 

Prayer on the Temple Mount 

BBC News wrote on August 4: 

“Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has visited the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem and prayed there, violating a decades-old arrangement covering one of the most sensitive sites in the Middle East. Photos and videos of his visit show Ben-Gvir leading Jewish prayers at the compound, which is known by Jews as the Temple Mount, in occupied East Jerusalem. Praying at the site breaks a long-time arrangement that allows Jews to visit the site but not pray. 

“The Israeli prime minister’s office released a statement saying there had been no change to Israel’s policy of maintaining the status quo agreement that allows only Muslim worship there. Jordan, custodian of the site, called Ben-Gvir’s latest visit ‘an unacceptable provocation’. Hamas called it ‘a deepening of the ongoing aggressions against our Palestinian people’, while a spokesperson for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said the visit ‘crossed all red lines’. 

“The site is the holiest place for Jews because it was the site of two Biblical temples. It is the third holiest place for Muslims, who believe it was where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. It was captured by Israel from Jordan in the 1967 Middle East war… Palestinians… complain that in recent years Jewish visitors have often been seen praying without being stopped by Israeli police. The Waqf, the Islamic endowment which runs the site, said Ben-Gvir was among 1,250 Jews who ascended the compound on Sunday morning. Ben-Gvir, an ultra-nationalist who as national security minister oversees the police, has visited the site before, but the Times of Israel reported this was the first time that he openly prayed at the site. He was flanked by police officers while entering and touring the compound. 

“In a statement at the site, Ben-Gvir said ‘horror’ video of hostages recently released by Hamas, in which they appear emaciated, were aimed at putting pressure on Israel, and called for the hostages’ return. The minister also repeated his call for Israel to occupy the whole of the Gaza Strip (so is Netanyahu) and to encourage what he described as ‘voluntary emigration’ of Palestinians from the territory…” 

Why is it that Muslims are allowed to pray on the Temple Mount, but Jews are not?

More Discrepancies in the Epstein Tale 

The Daily Beast wrote on August 1: 

“A mystery third person was spotted on camera in jailhouse footage from Jeffrey Epstein’s final night alive, a CBS News investigation has revealed. The person, who was not identified or even mentioned in a Department of Justice investigative report, is seen entering a common area near where Epstein’s cell was located just after 4 a.m. on Aug. 10, 2019, two hours before he was found dead. 

“A CBS analysis of footage determined that the guards on duty, Tova Noel and Michael Thomas, did not unlock a door to let the unknown person into the Special Housing Unit within the Metropolitan Correctional Center. That reportedly contradicts what Noel told the DOJ, when she said that the opening of the door to the area ‘requires a physical key.’ Without the key, which was supposedly only accessible to Noel and Thomas, it is unclear how the mystery person entered the unit. 

“Footage released by the government this month comes from a security camera that did not have a visual on the entire common area for Epstein’s unit. It recorded the guard’s desk, which was a floor below where Epstein was held, and only a sliver of the staircase that led to the convicted sex offender’s cell block. The limited footage is extremely grainy, making it challenging to analyze movements in the area. 

“CBS notes that the lone security camera with footage—the DOJ says other cameras were broadcast live to a security center, but their footage was lost—did not capture enough of the staircase leading to Epstein’s cell block to say definitively that the mystery person did not approach it. ‘There is no way to know from the video if it indeed was possible for someone to enter the unit and climb the stairs to Epstein’s cell without being seen,’ the network reported…

“White House officials from the administrations of both Joe Biden and Donald Trump have said that all evidence points to Epstein’s cause of death being a suicide. Still, debate over whether the alleged sex trafficker died via suicide or was murdered—as his brother, Mark, and many MAGA figures believe—has been widely debated. The CBS analysis includes the expertise of video forensics specialists. They said they saw multiple issues with the government’s conclusions about what went down on Epstein’s final night alive. Among the reported ‘discrepancies’ was a mysterious ‘orange shape’ that was recorded ascending the stairs to where Epstein’s cell was located… 

“Despite the guards on duty being required to check on Epstein every half-hour, as he was on suicide watch and temporarily did not have a cell-mate, the DOJ said no guards checked on him that night. His body was found at breakfast the next morning…” 

at.com reported on August 1: 

“President Donald Trump’s name [as well as the names of other prominent public figures were] redacted ‘numerous times’ in the Jeffrey Epstein files by an FBI team determining which information potentially could be released to the public, according to an explosive report published Friday.” 

It was also revealed that the redaction took place before it was announced that “no further disclosure” of the Epstein files “would be appropriate or warranted” (Common Dreams, August 1). 

Newsmax wrote on August 6: 

“Maxwell… reportedly told Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche during their interview last month that President Donald Trump never did anything inappropriate in her presence… Maxwell, who is serving 20 years in prison after being convicted of sexually trafficking minors, further said nothing that could be considered harmful to the president…” 

Her attempt to get a pardon or at least leniency is obvious. 

Kennedy Bans Mercury in Vaccines 

Breitbart wrote on August 2: 

“Robert F. Kennedy Jr…. confirmed the move on Saturday, blasting federal health agencies for allowing a known neurotoxin to be injected into pregnant women and children for decades… Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that thimerosal, a mercury based preservative still found in flu shots given to children and pregnant women, has now been fully banned in the United States… 

“A… study found that this highly toxic mercury remains in the brain for over 27 years. Kennedy cited a CDC-funded 2017 study linking flu shots during pregnancy to miscarriage, which found the odds of miscarriage within 28 days were 7.7 times higher for women who received the vaccine. He also referenced a 2017 study… that reported an elevated risk of autism spectrum disorders in children whose mothers received a flu shot during the first trimester…

“Despite intense pressure and smears from the pharmaceutical industry and its media allies—many of whom labeled him an ‘anti-vaxxer’—Kennedy never backed down. ‘I’ve spent 20 years trying to get mercury out of vaccines,’ he declared… 

“Kennedy framed the decision as the beginning of a reform movement to restore public trust in federal health agencies… He called on global health bodies, particularly the World Health Organization and GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, to end the use of mercury-based preservatives in vaccines administered to babies in developing countries… 

“The call comes just weeks after the Gates Foundation pledged $1.6 billion to GAVI, a global vaccine initiative that says it helps immunize children in poor countries. Gates [is] a longtime vaccine advocate and former associate of Jeffrey Epstein…” 

A good and much needed decision by Kennedy. 

Shroud of Turin Was Not Laid on Jesus’ Body 

The Daily Mail reported on August 1: 

“For centuries, devout Christians have flocked to the Italian city of Turin to pay their respects to one of the most famous relics in the world. The Shroud of Turin is a piece of linen, measuring 14ft 5in by 3ft 7in, that bears a faint image of the front and back of a man. Many believe that this image was created when Jesus was wrapped in the venerated shroud shortly after his death on the cross 2,000 years ago. 

“However, according to a new study, the Shroud of Turin was never laid on Jesus’ body. Brazilian 3D designer and researcher Cicero Moraes, an expert in reconstructing historical faces, says that the shroud is nothing more than a ‘masterpiece of Christian art’. Mr Moraes used digital modelling software to examine how cloth drapes over the human body compared to a low, flat sculpture of a body. These results… show that the shroud’s distinctive pattern could only have been produced by a sculpture.” 

Canada’s Shameful and Appalling Hypocrisy 

The New York Post wrote on August 2: 

“According to Canada’s top prosecutors, the only thing worse than tyranny is ‘mischief.’  And the worst possible ‘mischief’ is objecting to tyranny. 

“In a sentencing hearing earlier this week, the Canadian government sought a ludicrous eight-year sentence for Chris Barber, one of the leaders of the Covid ‘Freedom Convoy’ protest that riled Ottawa in early 2022. For another leader, Tamara Lich, the Crown asked for an outlandish seven years. 

“In April, a court ruled that Barbers and Lich were not guilty of obstructing police or intimidation during the demonstrations. But they were convicted of ‘mischief’ — in part because the truckers in the 40-mile convoy honked their horns to protest some of the most oppressive Covid mandates in the world… From the start of the pandemic, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acted as if Covid entitled him to absolute power. Anyone who refused to get the approved Covid vaccines was castigated as a public enemy…. Banks were authorized to freeze the personal accounts of anyone suspected of donating to the truckers.  

“The Covid vaccines were catastrophically failing to prevent infections at the same time Trudeau dropped an iron fist on anti-vax protestors. Almost 90% of Canadian adults had been vaccinated by the start of 2022 as Covid cases were soaring… Even though he was vaxxed and boosted, Trudeau himself came down with Covid during the trucker protest. Trudeau pretended that no Canadian had a right not to get injected because he personally proclaimed that the Covid vaccine was safe. But the rushed approval process ignored potential adverse side effects. 

“In January 2024, Canadian federal judge Richard Mosley ruled that Trudeau’s use of the Emergencies Act had been unreasonable, illegal and unconstitutional. Trudeau’s regulations ‘criminalized the attendance of every single person at those protests regardless of their actions.’  The judge slammed ‘the absence of any objective standard’ for freezing bank accounts, but the court decision provided no relief for any of the victims whose bank accounts were unjustifiably seized or whose freedom and privacy was shredded. 

“America saw similar absolute immunity for politicians who fueled fear and fabricated emergencies to seize absolute power, including New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s disastrous decree forcing nursing homes to accept Covid patients, President Joe Biden’s illegal vaccine mandate for large private companies and Covid Czar Tony Fauci’s presidential pardon for sending U.S. tax dollars to the Wuhan Institute of Virology that killed 7 million people worldwide…” 

Appalling, shameful, disgusting, despicable. You name it. 

 Acknowledgement and Disclaimer:

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

If God gave me something great – whatever we imagine to be great; whether it be a wife or a husband, a lot of money, a house, or a position in the Church or at work –, then I would give it my best! We may have said this before or thought it. I would be ready for more. I would love to serve God with something significant.

But Jesus draws our attention to an important connection. In Luke 16:10, he says, “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.”

Jesus is referring to the principle of faithfulness here. And He makes it clear that faithfulness does not begin with big, admirable tasks. It begins with the small things, in the hidden places, in everyday life.

The very little things are the small moments in our lives that seem insignificant: how we handle our money, how we talk about people when they are not present, how we manage our time, whether we keep our promises, whether we pray, whether we keep the temple of our body clean. It is often the inconspicuous decisions that say a lot about our character.

God does not look at the outward size of a task, but at the attitude of the heart with which we approach it. The question isn’t: How great is what we do? But rather, are we faithful in it? Jesus says that our behavior in small things reflects our inner state.

Those who are unjust in small things, that is, careless, complacent, dishonest, will also be so in big things. Conversely, those who prove themselves faithful in small things show that they are also ready for greater responsibility.

In Luke 19:17, Jesus emphasizes this principle again. In the parable of the talents, the Lord says to his servant: “… ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’”

In Matthew 25:21, Jesus also calls out to the faithful servant in the parable: “… ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’”

This means that being faithful in small things is not insignificant, but preparation – the door to greater blessings, greater responsibility, and greater impact. God tests our hearts through small things. They are not unimportant; they are crucial.

This is also evident in Proverbs 28:20, which says, “A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.” Faithfulness bears fruit in the long run. On the other hand, those who are only interested in quick profits or outward success are easily tempted. God honors the faithful heart.

But we live in a world where often only the big things count – big projects, big visibility. However, in God’s Kingdom, things work differently. There, it is not size alone that matters, but character. Not influence, but integrity. Not applause, but faithfulness.

Paul also addresses this topic. In 1 Corinthians 4:2, he writes: “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”

When God entrusts people with tasks, reliability is His most important criterion. It is not how spectacularly someone acts, but how faithfully they use and pass on what has been entrusted to them.

That is why it is dangerous to say: Once I am given a big task, I will take it seriously. Because our behavior in small things will be repeated in big things. Those who are careless, imprecise or complacent today will be so tomorrow, only with greater responsibility and greater impact.

If we want to serve God, it starts today with small decisions. Am I reliable in my everyday life? Am I honest in small things, friendly to people? Romans 12:18 says: “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

Faithfulness is also shown in not giving up when immediate results are not visible. Paul encourages Christians in Galatians 6:9 with the words: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

This means that there will be a harvest, but it will come later. Faithfulness is the way to get there.

We should also serve God in our everyday lives and at work. Paul writes in Colossians 3:23-24:

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”

This shows that when we go to work in the morning and do our best, remain honest, and take responsibility, we honor God.

God sees into our hearts. Psalm 101:6 says:

“My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, That they may dwell with me; He who walks in a perfect way, He shall serve me.”

God is looking for faithful Christians; people He can rely on, who serve with dedication in small tasks.

An example of such a person is Hanani in Nehemiah 7:2: “[T]hat I gave the charge of Jerusalem to my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the leader of the citadel, for he was a faithful man and feared God more than many.”

That is why Nehemiah appointed him over Jerusalem; not because he was the most talented person, but because he was a faithful man.

Finally, the book of Revelation describes a great promise from God to faithful people. In Revelation 2:10, we read: “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” What a promise! Faithfulness has eternal value. Those who remain faithful to God, even in difficult times, in trials, in seemingly unimportant situations, will ultimately be rewarded by God Himself.

All these Bible passages show that faithfulness in small things is not a side issue. It is crucial for our spiritual growth, for our witness, for our calling. God does not call us first to do great things, but He wants us to follow Him faithfully, day after day.

And it is there, in faithfulness to the little things, that the way opens up for what God has in store for us.

Faithfulness in small things is so important because it reveals our heart and character. Those who are faithful in small things—such as in their use of money, time, words, or a promise—prove that they are also ready for greater tasks.

Great deeds impress people. But faithfulness in small things impresses God.

Lead Writer: Christoph Sperzel (Germany)

Initial translation: Daniel Blasinger

compiled by Dave Harris

“Die Geschichte des Opfers” is the title of this Sabbath’s first German split sermon, presented by Michael Link. Title in English: “A Story of Sacrifice.”

“Könnte Ihre Unpünktlichkeit Sünde sein?” is the title of this Sabbath’s second German split sermon presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Could Your Unpunctuality Be Sinful?”

“Kontrollieren Sie Ihre Gedanken” last Sabbath’s German sermonette presented by Dmitrij Niemann, is now posted. Title in English: “Control Your Thoughts.”

“William Tyndale,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Paul Niehoff, is now posted. Here is the summary:

God has raised up many people to do the work He required. One of them used to translate much of the Bible into English from the original languages was William Tyndale, a Catholic priest whose aim was to enable the common people to read God’s Word in their native language. Because of doing this, he was put to death.

“Beyond the Basics of Obedience,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is the summary:

The 10 Commandments are the basics in the laws of God. They are the cornerstones for any true practicing Christian. Yet, Christ goes on to tell us that the 10 Commandments are not enough in terms of going above and beyond. What does that mean and what does that look like?

On August 2, 2025, Paul Niehoff will present the sermonette, titled, “William Tyndale,” and Kalon Mitchell will present the sermon, titled, “Beyond the Basics of Obedience.”

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.

Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong’s favorite Scripture was Psalm 133:1-3, which reads:

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing—Life forevermore.”

We cannot have this kind of unity unless we are like-minded; that is, think alike and being on the same page.

Paul gave us this admonition in Philippians 2:5: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…”

When the mind of Christ is internalized in our minds, there is harmony. The competition is gone and the focus is turned to accomplishing the task given to us by God. The spotlight is not on us but on Christ and our Creator God, with the desire to fulfill His Will in our lives.

It’s not just the mind of Christ in our minds, but the mind of the Father also.

In John 17:19-24, Christ says this in His prayer to God the Father:

“And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;  that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:  I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.”

It is really incredible that God and Christ live in our minds through the Holy Spirit, but to what end?

Their Spirit in us does not force their Will upon us, since we are free moral agents. What They do is to influence our thinking to make proper judgments and decisions. They also open our minds to spiritual truths and spiritual understanding of Scripture—not just the understanding of what is written in the physical sense, but a deeper spiritual understanding of the intent of Scripture, which is a tremendous blessing, allowing us to grow in biblical knowledge.

In order to maintain this status, we have to be faithful in the study and meditation of the Word of God, lest we forget through neglect. We must make certain that this close relationship with God is maintained.

This knowledge should act as a catalyst to be zealous in our study and meditation of God’s Word, the Bible.

Flesh and blood cannot enter the Kingdom of God, as we read in 1 Corinthians 15:50-53: “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”

The only thing moving forward into the Kingdom is our minds preserved by our human spirit which, combined with the Holy Spirit of God which had been bestowed on us, will be placed in a new spiritual body given to us by God. Let us ensure we remain faithful to the end to receive eternal life in God’s Family.

by Norbert Link

We begin with developments in the Middle East with special emphasis on anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian movements; and speak on the costs of tariffs and a (proposed) deal between the USA and the EU.

Please view in this regard our in-depth analysis of this situation with many articles not quoted in these Current Events in our new StandingWatch program, titled, “US-EU Trade Deal—Biggest Deal Ever Made, or a Disaster?” 

We continue with Obama’s “big lie”; veterans’ opposition to the deployment of Marines to assist ICE; the question as to whether ICE raids will backfire; FCC’s suspicious approval of an eight billion dollar merger; and the possible underlying reasons for the termination of former ABC News reporter Terry Moran.

We continue with legal challenges to Trump’s order to do away with birthright citizenship; the fact that more and more Americans are leaving the USA; the question as to Trump’s successor; Trump’s art of detraction (which might or might not help in the Epstein case); speculation that a new conflict might soon be “manufactured”; and Jay Leno’s advice for late-night comedians.

We speak on Ukraine’s perceived descent into a corrupt dictatorship; and conclude with strong criticism regarding Britain’s Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

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

France to Recognize Palestinian State 

JTA wrote on July 25: 

“President Emmanuel Macron says France plans to recognize a Palestinian state during his appearance at the United Nations’ General Assembly in September. The move is ‘consistent with [France’s] historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East,’ Macron wrote… The announcement — which appeared in French, English, Arabic and Hebrew — came as a surprise after Macron backed out of a meeting with Saudi Arabia next week, delayed from June, at which Palestinian statehood was expected to be discussed. 

“The announcement is largely symbolic. But it is a powerful symbol, coming as France and other allies have grown frustrated with Israel’s war in Gaza and alarmed by the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding there. France is by far the largest and most influential country to recognize a Palestinian state. It also has the largest Jewish population of any country to have done so. [And it is the only known nuclear power in Europe besides the UK.] 

“Israeli officials panned Macron’s announcement. ‘Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became,’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. ‘A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launchpad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it.’ 

“U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement that the United States ‘strongly rejects’ Macron’s move. ‘This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace,’ Rubio wrote… ‘It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th.’ 

“Hamas praised Macron’s move as ‘a positive step in the right direction’… Spain, Norway and Ireland all announced last year they would recognize a Palestinian state, joining roughly 140 other countries that had already done so…”

Trump responded to reporters, “What he says doesn’t matter… that statement doesn’t carry weight.” Germany said it has no plans to recognize Palestinian statehood in the short term. 

Newsmax added on July 25: 

“U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee ridiculed the plan, noting on X that ‘Macron’s unilateral “declaration” of a “Palestinian” state didn’t say WHERE it would be. I can now exclusively disclose that France will offer the French Riviera & the new nation will be called”’Franc-en-Stine”.’ 

“In another post, he wrote: ‘How clever! If Macron can just “declare” the existence of a state perhaps the UK can “declare” France a British colony!’… [Or, perhaps, France could declare Britain a French colony—based on prophecy, this would be more likely to happen.] 

“Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry also commended Macron’s announcement as ‘historic’ and called on other countries to his example.” 

Breitbart added on July 25: 

“[Israel’s immigration minister] said that Jews in France are no longer safe and should emigrate to Israel. Many have done so already in recent years, fleeing antisemitism.” 

Sooner or later, the whole world will turn against Israel in favor of the Palestinians. 

Canada and Great Britain to Recognize Palestinian State

MSN wrote on July 31:

“Canada has joined France and Britain in announcing plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September as international pressure builds on Israel over the ongoing starvation crisis and war in Gaza. The move leaves the United States increasingly isolated from some of its closest allies on the issue of Israel and how it has conducted its military campaign. US President Donald Trump blasted Canada’s decision, threatening to derail ongoing trade talks with Ottawa.”

Catholic Church Shows Its True Colors 

LifeSiteNews wrote on July 25: 

“The announcement [of France to recognize a Palestinian state] comes on the heels of France — along with 27 other western nations — issuing a joint statement condemning Israel for its ‘drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians’ in Gaza while calling for ‘an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire’ to end its genocidal war…

“In a phone call last week with Abbas, Pope Leo XIV echoed the demand for immediate humanitarian aid to be admitted into the Gaza Strip to feed the starving population while condemning the use of indiscriminate force against civilians and Israel’s U.S. -backed plan to ethnically cleanse the native Palestinian population. 

“He then recalled with the Palestinian president, ‘the auspicious 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Palestine, signed on 26 June 2015’ said the Holy See’s statement.

“This commemoration marked one of the milestones in a long list of public expressions of support for the Palestinian cause from Catholic prelates in the Holy Land, the Holy See, and around the world. The unanimous and constant voice of these spiritual leaders has demanded an end to the ‘sin’ of Israel’s ongoing illegal 58-year military occupation of internationally recognized Palestinian territory, which is seen as the ‘root’ aggression of the seemingly perennial conflict.” 

No Ceasefire 

Newsmax wrote on July 25: 

“President Donald Trump accused Hamas on Friday of not wanting to reach a ceasefire deal in Gaza… After U.S. and Israeli negotiators quit indirect talks with Hamas in Qatar, Trump said that ‘it was too bad. Hamas didn’t really want to make a deal. I think they want to die.’… 

“Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that ‘together with our U.S. allies, we are now considering alternative options to bring our hostages home, end Hamas’s terror rule, and secure lasting peace.’’

Of course, one cannot trust or “negotiate” with terrorists.

Israel Halts Attacks on Gaza 

The Guardian wrote on July 27: 

“Israel has said it will halt military operations each day for 10 hours in three areas of Gaza and allow aid to come in through new corridors as it seeks to quell international fury… The pause would be repeated every day from 10am to 8pm local time until further notice and Israel would continue fighting in other areas of Gaza… 

“Israel said the measures were designed to improve the humanitarian situation and ‘refute the false claim of deliberate starvation in the Gaza Strip’, releasing footage of an overnight aid airdrop, that included flour, sugar and canned food. Jordan and the United Arab Emirates also carried out airdrops on Sunday afternoon. 

“Israel also said it would establish humanitarian corridors to allow the UN to deliver food and medicine to Gaza…”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on July 29 that the UK will recognize a Palestinian state if Israel does not agree to a Gaza ceasefire. 

Worldwide Persecution of the Jews and the Jewish State 

Israel Today wrote on July 25: 

“Over the past few days, anti-Israel and anti-Jewish feeling has been ratcheted up into an absolute frenzy… On the Greek island of Rhodes, a mob armed with knives attacked a group of Jewish teenagers. About 50 French Jewish children, returning from a summer camp in Spain, were thrown off a flight at Valencia airport after the children sang Hebrew songs, and their tour leader was arrested and thrown to the ground. 

“The BBC’s obsession with demonizing and delegitimizing Israel has reached pathological proportions. This week, it gave pride of place on its flagship radio show Today to ever-more twisted accusations and blood libels casting Israel as an evil and murderous state, including the claim by a British surgeon working in Gaza that the Israel Defense Forces were playing a game in shooting Gazan boys in the food queues by targeting a different part of their body every day. 

“The broadcasting behemoth could scarcely contain its excitement as reporters and interviewees joined in chorusing that ‘a reckoning was coming’ with the imminent end of the war in Gaza, after which Israel’s ‘war crimes’ would be revealed, and the case for declaring a Palestine state was therefore now overwhelming…

“This week, the media published distressing pictures of skeletal children as evidence of starvation in Gaza. But the adults in these pictures were all conspicuously well-fed… 

“There may be increasing hunger in Gaza, but to blame Israel for this is grotesque… 950 trucks have been stuck inside Gaza because the United Nations and its agencies are refusing to distribute the food and other aid they are carrying… That’s because it’s working hand-in-glove with Hamas, which is determined to cause deaths from starvation as a weapon of war, just as it’s used Gaza’s civilians as human shields and cannon fodder…” 

Sadly, the worldwide hatred against Jews and the state of Israel will continue. 

Why a Third Temple? 

Israel 365 News wrote on July 29: 

“This time of year, the Jewish people take on many additional practices to mourn the destruction of the Temple.  Judaism places a tremendous amount of emphasis on having a Temple… 

“When the Jewish nation builds the Temple, God’s presence (“Shechinah”), as it were, rests within it… The return of the Shechinah is promised in the third Temple… the Temple unites the entire nation… At its core, building a Temple is a mitzvah (commandment or good deed). Moreover, it enables the Jewish people to fulfill many additional mitzvot. Over one-third of the 613 mitzvot are dependent on the existence of the Temple… 

“…the Torah emphasizes that the Temple service provides atonement for the sins of both individuals and the nation… The Temple was intended as a spiritual center not just for Jews, but for all nations… 

“The Temple’s rebuilding is central to numerous prophecies… When prophecies are fulfilled, they sanctify God’s name by affirming the truth of His messengers…

“Without the Temple, we risk losing sight of our higher purpose, placing too much value on human achievements while neglecting the divine connection that gives life its deepest meaning. The Temple is not just a building; it is the bridge between heaven and earth, the place where the infinite touches the finite, and where humanity can truly feel the presence of God.” 

A third temple will be built prior to Christ’s return, but it will be polluted by the “man of sin,” sitting in the temple of God and proclaiming to be God.

The Costs of Tariffs

 ABC News wrote on July 25: 

“President Donald Trump’s tariffs cost German auto giant Volkswagen about $1.5 billion over the first half of 2025, the company said on Friday. Sales in North America plunged 16% due primarily to U.S. tariffs, said Volkswagen, which owns a host of brands including Audi, Lamborghini and Porsche. 

“The company warned of further ‘challenges’ that will arise from ‘an environment of political uncertainty, expanding trade restrictions and geopolitical tensions,’ among other factors.

Volkswagen marks the latest in a string of major carmakers to announce billions in tariff-related losses. 

“General Motors on Tuesday said tariffs on cars and auto parts drove $1.1 billion in losses over three months ending in June. A day earlier, Jeep maker Stellantis said it expects to have suffered $2.7 billion in losses over the first half of 2025 due in part to U.S. tariffs. 

“Electric-vehicle maker Tesla this week reported a roughly $3 billion drop in revenue over three months ending in June when compared to the same period a year earlier. In a statement on Wednesday, Tesla touted a ‘strong balance sheet’ but acknowledged a ‘sustained uncertain macroeconomic environment resulting from shifting tariffs.’ 

“Tariffs of 25% on vehicles imported into the United States went into effect on April 2. The auto tariffs, which apply to cars and auto parts, threaten to raise costs for carmakers that often oversee an intricate supply chain snaked between the U.S., Mexico, Canada and beyond… 

“A trade agreement struck between the U.S. and Japan this week dropped auto tariffs from the universal level of 25% to 15%, putting foreign carmakers in other countries at a disadvantage…” 

Trade Deal Between USA and EU? 

Deutsche Welle wrote on July 27: 

“The United States and the European Union on Sunday reached a trade deal, ending a months-long standoff… ‘We are agreeing that the tariff straight across, for automobiles and everything else, will be a straight across tariff of 15%,’ according to Trump. Currently, most EU goods face a 10% tariff, with levies of 25% on cars and car parts [as well as on semiconductors and pharmaceutical goods]. But the rate would not apply to steel and aluminum, which are being taxed at 50%.

“Trump also said the bloc had agreed to purchase ‘$750 billion (€638 billion) worth of energy’ from the US, as well as $600 billion more in additional investments. ‘Purchases of US energy products will diversify our sources of supply and contribute to Europe’s energy security. We will replace Russian gas and oil by significant purchases of US LNG, oil and nuclear fuels,’ von der Leyen told reporters… 

“The 15% rate is the same as the one announced with Japan earlier this week. But it marks a significant compromise, especially given that von der Leyen offered a ‘zero-for-zero tariffs for industrial goods’ when talks began. Still, the EU chief said they agreed ‘zero-for-zero tariffs on a number of strategic products’ including aircraft and aircraft parts, some chemicals, and certain agricultural products. 

“The trade pact will need to be approved by all 27 member states.” 

That will still have to be seen… 

American Blackmail and European Weakness 

ntv wrote on July 27: 

“It was already clear in advance that imports from the EU to the US would be subject to significantly higher tariffs than before the start of Trump’s second term. .. The EU Commission… considers the tariffs unjustified and doubts their compatibility with the rules of the World Trade Organization. That the EU is now accepting a compromise is due to the fact that many member states consider the risks of an escalation of the trade dispute to be more significant than higher tariffs…” 

“That the automotive sector, as well as the steel and aluminum industries, had already suffered from high tariffs in recent months also played a role. The EU’s negotiating position was also weakened by Europe’s dependence on US military capabilities. There were fears that Trump could once again question the NATO pledge of assistance in the event of an escalation of the trade dispute. Given the threats posed by Russia, this was seen as a major risk, especially in eastern EU states. 

“In the economic sphere, however, the EU could have put considerable pressure on the US with retaliatory tariffs…” 

Europe won’t forget this American blackmail and coercion… 

Please view in this regard our in-depth analysis of this situation with many articles not quoted in these Current Events in our new StandingWatch program, titled, “US-EU Trade Deal—Biggest Deal Ever Made, or a Disaster?” 

In addition, please note this article:

Macron Attacks Trade Deal

Express wrote on July 30:

“Emmanuel Macron has ripped into the European Union in an extraordinary rant. The French President fumed at Brussels for failing to agree a better trade tariffs deal with US President Donald Trump.  He said Europe ‘does not see itself sufficiently’ as a global power…

“‘To be free, you have to be feared. We have not been feared enough. There is a greater urgency than ever to accelerate the European agenda for sovereignty and competitiveness.’”

Much Worse Than Imagined—Obama’s “Big Lie” 

Fox News wrote on July 24: 

“Lies and lying people comprise the sorry epitaph of Barack Obama’s presidency. The Big Lie was that then-candidate Donald Trump colluded with Russia to rig the 2016 presidential election. It derived from a phony dossier commissioned and financed by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that Obama’s national security team happily peddled to destroy his successor… 

“The Russia hoax took off like a rocket. It crash-landed on Wednesday, July 23, when Tulsi Gabbard, the director of National Intelligence, accused Obama, Brennan and others of engineering the false intelligence… Newly declassified documents show that a December 8, 2016, draft of Obama’s Presidential Daily Briefing (PDB) debunked the notion of Russian electoral meddling to help Trump. But… FBI Director James Comey and his cohorts reportedly scuttled it… 

“The next day Obama convened a highly confidential meeting at the White House. The president ordered his intelligence cronies to expedite a new ICA that would reverse the PDB’s conclusion and energize the collusion fiction. With his marching orders in hand, Brennan immediately went to work on it… Other intel agencies that typically contribute to the assessment were deliberately excluded to stifle dissent. Evidence shows that Brennan then selected a handful of sycophants — with only one principal drafter — to craft the entire ICA that bore little resemblance to the truth and established facts. On January 6, 2017, the rushed-to-completion ICA was produced… 

“Obama’s dirty fingerprints were all over the cooked-up intelligence claiming that Moscow helped Trump in some grand collusion conspiracy. On Wednesday, Gabbard held a news conference to lift the veil of secrecy and malevolence. She leveled the following broadside: ‘President Obama, Hillary Clinton, John Brennan, James Clapper, James Comey and others, including their mouthpieces in the media, knowingly lied as they repeated the contrived narrative that was created in this January 2017 intelligence community assessment with high confidence, as though it were fact.’… As ‘irrefutable proof,’ she unlocked the 2020 report of the House Intelligence Committee that had never before been seen publicly, thanks to the machinations of then-Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., who buried it as classified in a limited-access vault at CIA headquarters… 

“The heretofore hidden House Intelligence report reveals how Russian intelligence ‘possessed DNC communications that in 2016 Clinton was suffering from “intensified psycho-emotional problems, including uncontrolled fits of anger, aggression, and cheerfulness.” Clinton was placed on a daily regimen of “heavy tranquilizers” and while afraid of losing, she remained “obsessed with a thirst for power.”’ Obama and Democrat Party bosses apparently knew all about Clinton’s mental instability and found it ‘extraordinarily alarming.’… 

“In sending a criminal referral for possible prosecution to the Justice Department, Gabbard stated, ‘The evidence that we have found and that we have released directly point to President Obama leading the manufacturing of this intelligence assessment.’… Obama denies any wrongdoing. But he should thank Trump for winning the recent landmark Supreme Court decision that provides all presidents with immunity. Ironically, the former president can now hide behind its broad protections. However, no such shield extends to others involved.   

‘It is folly to predict at this stage what prosecutions, if any, the future may hold. But the stain of corruption is already embedded in the epitaph of Obama’s presidency.”

See our recent StandingWatch program on lying politicians, titled, “Politicians, Wars and the Lies of This World” 

Veterans Oppose Deployment of Marines to Assist ICE 

Click Orlando wrote on July 24: 

“Local veterans are speaking out against the deployment of 200 Marines to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Florida… 

“Alexander McCoy, a Marine Corps veteran who served six years as an embassy guard in the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe, expressed his unease about the deployment. ‘The U.S. military is for fighting America’s enemies and if we’re using them here in the United States, the implication is that Americans are enemies,’ McCoy said. In response, McCoy drafted an open letter denouncing the use of Marines in ICE operations, stating, ‘We swore an oath to the Constitution, and the law makes clear what the U.S. military is for and not for. Using Marines to participate in ICE operations on U.S. soil dishonors that oath.’… 

“Since issuing the letter, over 200 veterans have added their names in support. Among them is Doug Jackson, a fellow Marine and infantryman who deployed to Iraq in 2007. ‘Marines train for war or they’re going to war, so this is not a mission that Marines want or are trained for,’ Jackson said. He emphasized that opposition is not limited to ‘hysterical, far-left people on the news,’ but represents a genuine concern among service members.” 

Will ICE Raids Backfire?

Politico wrote on July 26: 

“President Donald Trump and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller set a goal of deporting 1 million undocumented immigrants each year — a staggering number that would require a massive expansion of immigration enforcement. Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ delivered just that, throwing roughly $170 billion to the administration’s immigration restriction program, including $45 billion for new detention centers and $30 billion to hire 10,000 new ICE officers. ICE will now become the largest law enforcement agency in the country. 

“Anti-immigration hardliners view it as a major victory. But as ICE transforms into a massive, un-uniformed, masked domestic army — one that critics fear will have carte blanche to arrest, detain and deport persons without cause or due process, whether they enjoy legal status or not — there’s reason to believe it could backfire. Think what you will of the administration’s immigration agenda, but there is little denying that mass deportations on the scale that Trump and Miller envision will necessarily require brute displays of force that may shock the public conscience, even among people who theoretically support the broader goals… 

“The political backlash remains to be seen. It’s not impossible to imagine blue states and cities enacting variations on Personal Liberty Laws, setting off a collision between federal and local authorities… 

“More ominous, still, is the potential for violent reaction. In a country as heavily armed as the United States, where many states allow gunowners to use lethal force when they believe their property or lives to be at stake, it is not impossible to imagine [violent] riots. The protests that rocked Los Angeles this year, while largely disciplined and peaceful, devolved into instances of violence as police clashed with protesters… As the administration’s raids intensify and spread…, the potential for violence will only increase.” 

FCC Approves 8 Billion Dollar Merger 

CNN wrote on July 25: 

“The pending merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media was formally approved by the Trump administration on Thursday, concluding months of regulatory uncertainty. FCC commissioners voted 2-1 along party lines to give the $8 billion deal a green light. The approval means that Skydance CEO David Ellison can complete the deal and take control of Paramount in the coming weeks. 

“The usually lengthy merger review process was pockmarked by allegations of political interference stemming from President Trump’s scathing criticism of Paramount’s CBS News division… the current and future owners of Paramount had made ‘over $36 Million Dollars’ in commitments to him.

“One part is publicly known: On July 1, Paramount agreed to pay $16 million toward Trump’s future presidential library to resolve the president’s legally dubious lawsuit against CBS News… [That’s an understatement. The lawsuit was frivolous from the outset, with no chance of success.] 

“Trump said the future owners of Paramount had also promised millions of dollars worth of public service announcements, which is how he arrived at the $36 million figure…” 

This does not sound too good… 

Why Veteran Journalist Terry Moran Lost His Job 

The Huffington Post wrote on July 25: 

“Former ABC News reporter Terry Moran isn’t letting up on his ‘vicious’ criticism of Stephen Miller more than a month after his ‘world-class hater’ post about Donald Trump and his senior White House aide led to his abrupt exit at the network. Moran… referred to old clips of Miller while arguing that he’s been ‘spitting the same kind of venom and lies’ as he has in the Trump administration. 

“In one video, a 17-year-old Miller said that the torture of Iraqis during the Iraq War is the ‘way to go’ because it’s a ‘celebration of human life and dignity.’ ‘The cruelty is the point,’ said Moran of Miller… ‘Trump sees him as essentially putting kind of some intellectual gloss on his own gut instincts and they work together to bludgeon the country with almost a disheartening and depressing level of cruelty and falsehood every day.’… Moran argued that Miller ‘clearly sees lying as a way of exerting power’… 

“His post [in June]… led to swift outrage from top White House officials, including Vice President JD Vance. He was subsequently suspended by ABC News, which called the post a ‘clear violation’ of the network’s policies. The network would later announce that his contract would not be renewed.”  

Birthright Citizenship—Court of Appeals Rules Against Trump 

Daily Mail wrote on July 24: 

“A federal appeals court delivered a blow to Donald Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship, deeming it unconstitutional… The ruling from a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals comes after Trump’s plan was also blocked by a federal judge in New Hampshire. It brings the issue one step closer to coming back quickly before the Supreme Court… The 2-1 ruling keeps in place a decision from U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour in Seattle, who blocked Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship… 

“The Supreme Court has…  restricted the power of lower court judges to issue orders that affect the whole country, known as nationwide injunctions. But the 9th Circuit majority found that the case fell under one of the exceptions left open by the justices [a class-action lawsuit]. The case was filed by a group of states who argued that they need a nationwide order to prevent the problems that would be caused by birthright citizenship only being the law in half of the country… 

“Judge Patrick Bumatay, who was appointed by Trump, dissented. He found that the states don’t have the legal right, or standing, to sue… Bumatay did not weigh in on whether ending birthright citizenship would be constitutional.” 

Further Birthright Decisions Against Trump 

The Associated Press wrote on July 25: 

“A federal judge on Friday blocked the Trump administration from ending birthright citizenship… 

“U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin [US District Court, District of Massachusetts], joining another district court as well as an appellate panel of judges, found that a nationwide injunction granted to more than a dozen states remains in force under an exception to the Supreme Court ruling. That decision restricted the power of lower-court judges to issue nationwide injunctions…. Sorokin said a patchwork approach to the birthright order would not protect the states in part because a substantial number of people move between states.” 

More and More US Citizens Fleeing USA 

Deutsche Welle wrote on July 27: 

“An increasing number of Americans are choosing to leave the United States due to what they perceive as a growing atmosphere of hostility, particularly toward marginalized groups. 

“Traditionally, Mexico has been a popular destination for retirees and digital nomads from the US, but now it’s also attracting individuals who feel threatened because of their political beliefs, sexual orientation or human rights work… For many, Mexico represents not just a geographical escape, but a refuge from what they see as an increasingly intolerant and repressive environment in the United States.’ 

What a terrible development in the “land of the brave and the free.” 

Succeeding Trump? 

The Hill wrote on July 25: 

“… it’s no longer absurdly premature to start talking about succession. And… there are three leading contenders. 

“Vice President JD Vance — seemingly the obvious successor — is clearly positioning himself as heir apparent to Trumpism 2.0: similar themes, better vocabulary, a little more polish and (crucially) a future. 

“Tucker Carlson now also seems to be testing out what it would look like to actually run for office. And Donald Trump Jr. is lurking around the perimeter; the assumption is that his name will carry him somewhere, though it’s not clear where (or even if) anyone would follow him… 

“For the first time in nearly a decade, the right is confronting a future without a clear standard-bearer. And every would-be successor faces the same paradox: To win Trump’s base, you have to sound like Trump. But the more you sound like Trump, the more you remind people you’re not him… 

“Of course, Trump isn’t gone yet. Republicans… could still hold on to Congress in November [although this might be rather doubtful]. Maybe Trump can ultimately find a way to outrun the Epstein controversy and set the terms for the next four years. And, regardless, he could also play a vital role in picking (or sabotaging) whoever inherits his mantle. 

“But that doesn’t change the fact that his era is already ending. The spell is finally starting to wear off. And somewhere, just beneath the surface, it feels like the scramble for 2028 has already begun. The question isn’t whether someone can pick up the torch. It’s whether that person can prevent the flame from being extinguished entirely.” 

Trump will stay in power as long as he is needed to fulfill biblical prophecy. And that might even mean, beyond 2028… 

Trump’s Art of Detraction…Failing or Not? 

Reuters wrote on July 26: 

“President Donald Trump’s super powers as a public figure have long included the ability to redirect, evade and deny. But the Republican’s well-worn methods of changing the subject when a tough topic stings politically are not working as his White House fends off persistent unrest from his usually loyal base about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his associates. Trump has scolded reporters, claimed ignorance and offered distractions in an effort to quash questions about Epstein and the suspicions still swirling around the disgraced financier’s case years after his 2019 death in prison. The demand for answers has only grown… the president’s right-leaning base… has long believed the government was covering up Epstein’s ties to the rich and powerful. 

“A Reuters/Ipsos poll this month showed most Americans think Trump’s administration is hiding information about Epstein… 

“Trump has weathered tougher periods before, and his conservative base, despite its frustration over the files, is largely pleased with Trump’s work on immigration and the economy. In a July Reuters/Ipsos poll, 56% of Republican respondents favored the administration’s immigration workplace raids, while 24% were opposed and 20% unsure….” 

It’s truly shocking how ANYONE can support those raids… 

The Truth According to Trump 

The Huffington Post wrote on July 28: 

“‘You ought to be speaking about Bill Clinton, who went to the island 28 times,’ Trump told reporters [just before leaving for Scotland], referring to the notorious private island where Epstein ran an underage sex trafficking ring. ‘I never went to the island.’… The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that Bondi informed Trump on May he was named multiple times in Epstein’s case documents. On Friday, Trump denied ever being briefed on his name appearing in the Epstein files… 

“Both Trump and Clinton’s names appeared on flight logs from Epstein’s private jets…” 

If not to Epstein’s island, where did Trump go on Epstein’s planes? Flight logs reflect that Trump flew on Epstein’s planes at least eight times. Trump also denied a report by the Wall Street Journal that he allegedly wrote and sent a racy X-rated birthday card to Epstein. He sued the WSJ over this report. As a public figure, he would have to prove that the WSJ had “actual malice”—that they knew that their report was false or that they acted with reckless disregard for the truth. The WSJ has maintained that their report is true. Trump’s lawsuit does not seem to have any chance of success. Also note the next article: 

The Guardian wrote on July 29: 

“Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday that Jeffrey Epstein…’stole’ Virginia Giuffre and other young female staffers whom he hired away from the president’s Mar-a-Lago country club… 

“Senior White House aides have repeatedly suggested in recent weeks that Trump broke with Epstein in about 2004 and expelled him from the Mar-a-Lago club for inappropriate behavior of a sexual nature… [Virginia Giuffre] was hired away from the Mar-a-Lago spa by Epstein’s accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell in 2000, when she was 16… but two years later, Trump spoke highly of Epstein to a reporter.” 

Originally, it was claimed that Trump and Epstein severed their relationship in 2004 over a business deal. Trump and the White House need to get their stories straight.

King Charles Concerned That President Trump Will Break Protocol 

Express wrote on July 28: 

“King Charles is allegedly ‘very concerned’ that US President Donald Trump could launch into a massive rant about immigration during his second state visit to the UK in September…  It comes shortly after the US president sent Prime Minister Keir Starmer ‘advice’ about the ongoing small boat crisis.

“While on a private visit to Scotland, Mr Trump warned the Prime Minister that those coming across on dinghies are ‘bad people’, but praised efforts to end crossings. Meanwhile, after arriving in Scotland on Friday, the US politician made headlines after he declared that illegal migration is a ‘horrible invasion’ that is ‘killing Europe.’  

“Now, civil servants have issued warnings that he could break protocol and make politicised comments during his visit to England in a few weeks… ‘He will be appalled by what Trump said on Friday, which seems to be entirely driven by his domestic agenda, and will be very concerned about the possibility of a repeat of Trump’s outburst in September.’…

“… aides fear the US president might give an impromptu interview to the media with political statements, which could put the monarch in a difficult position. They said: ‘If Trump starts sounding off about the evils of immigration to the cameras while the King is standing next to him, the King would find that hard to take.’”

With Trump, everything is possible. 

“Get Ready For a Big Foreign Crisis” 

The Future of Freedom Foundation published the following article on July 22: 

“With President Trump’s MAGA supporters in full rebellion over his refusal to release all the records relating to the Jeffrey Epstein pedophilia investigation, get ready for a big crisis in foreign affairs designed to distract attention from the Epstein scandal. 

“It certainly wouldn’t be the first time a ruler engaged in such a strategy. In fact, it’s a time-honored way to get people to set aside their rebellion and instead ‘rally ’round the flag.’ Consider the immortal words of James Madison, the father of the Constitution: ‘The means of defense against foreign danger have been always the instruments of tyranny at home. Among the Romans it was a standing maxim to excite a war, whenever a revolt was apprehended.’ 

“Madison was saying that in the old Roman Empire the populace would periodically go into rebellion mode, rebelling against things like exorbitant taxation or monetary debasement at the hands of their rulers. Whenever that would happen, the emperor would simply instigate a war against some scary foreign enemy, which would stir up both fear and patriotism within the populace. People would forget their rebellion in order to be kept safe from the new official enemy with which they were now at war… 

“What might U.S. officials do this time to distract people away from Jeffrey Epstein? The Ukraine-Russia war provides an excellent opportunity to do that. All that needs to be done is furnish Ukraine with long-range missiles that are used to attack Moscow, St. Petersburg, or other big Russian cities. In that case, Russia will be tempted to strike at NATO countries that are providing such missiles… What better way to create a diversion away from Jeffrey Epstein than producing the prospect of all-out nuclear war between the United States and Russia? 

“Of course, there is also China… Ginning up a crisis with nuclear-armed China, say over Taiwan, would be another excellent way to cause people to stop thinking about Epstein. 

“There is also, of course, nuclear-armed North Korea. As we learned in the first Trump administration, it is fairly easy to stir up a crisis with that communist regime. Even if North Korea might not be able to strike the U.S. with its nuclear missiles, it can certainly strike South Korea and Japan. Would that prospect be enough to get people’s minds off Jeffrey Epstein?… 

“Needless to say, Iran is always available whenever a scary official enemy and a big foreign-policy crisis is needed. All that needs to be done is to proclaim that Iran is still producing nuclear weapons and plans to use them against Israel or the United States… A big, scary official enemy and another big foreign crisis that would easily cause all those MAGA people to forget Jeffrey Epstein. 

“One thing is certain: Given the fact that Epstein obviously had very wealthy and very powerful clients — and, more important, given the very real likelihood that Epstein had connections to either Israeli or U.S. intelligence or both — there is no reasonable possibility that Trump is going to order the release of all the federal investigative files in the Epstein case. Will his MAGA supporters simply accept the inevitable and give up? If they don’t, then everyone should prepare himself for the prospect of a big foreign crisis in the near future.” 

The real irony is this: Some of the scenarios described in the article are not only imagined and in need of “creation” by the USA, but they are already very real. This includes an escalation of the Ukraine-Russia war; China’s anticipated invasion of Taiwan; North Korean attacks on South Korea; and Iran’s continuation of the production of nuclear weapons. Another crisis is of course the situation in the Middle East, involving Israel, Hamas and the Gaza Strip. 

Jay Leno’s Advice For Late-Night Comedians 

Fox News wrote on July 27:

“Jay Leno reflected on why he always kept his jokes politically balanced while hosting ‘The Tonight Show’ for over two decades. The 75-year-old comedian recently sat down for an interview with David Trulio, the president and CEO of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, during which he was questioned about his approach to political humor… 

“‘It was fun to me when I got hate letters [like] “Dear Mr. Leno, you and your Republican friends” and “Well, Mr. Leno, I hope you and your Democratic buddies are happy” — over the same joke,’ Leno recalled. ‘And I go, “Well, that’s good,”’ he said. ‘That’s how you get a whole audience.’ 

“Leno went on to note how late-night comedy has changed amid the current divisive political landscape. ‘Now you have to be content with half the audience because you have [to] give your opinion,’ Leno said… ‘I don’t understand why you would alienate one particular group… I like to think that people come to a comedy show to kind of get away from the things, you know, the pressures of life, whatever it might be… 

“‘And I love political humor… but it’s just what happens when people wind up cozying too much to one side or the other… Funny is funny… It’s funny when someone who’s not….when you make fun of their side and they laugh at it, you know, that’s kind of what I do… why shoot for just half an audience all the time? You know, why not try to get the whole [audience]…’” 

Good advice, which applies to left-wing and right-wing “comedians.” 

Ukraine a Corrupt Dictatorship? 

Politico wrote on July 24: 

“As a democratic state, Ukraine is under assault from two sources. Its first and most obvious adversary is Moscow, which has long wanted to return the country to the days of being a Kremlin plaything, a mere Russian satellite. But arguably there’s another insidious and corrosive adversary from within — the country’s own semi-autocratic leadership. This is what opposition lawmakers and civil society activists have been arguing for months, as Ukraine’s presidential administration has been grabbing more power, weakening other governing and regional institutions — including the country’s parliament — while also intimidating critics in a bid to silence them with hue-and-cry campaigns or by labeling them as Russian stooges. 

“They say the extent of this democratic backsliding became clearer this week after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gutted Ukraine’s two key anti-corruption agencies which had been zeroing in on top government officials. The move prompted the first country-wide street protests since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. 

“In Kyiv, hundreds of protesters gathered near the presidential complex while crowds of veterans, active-duty soldiers and civilians gathered in dozens of other towns… Despite the rallies, Zelenskyy approved the new law, which will hand substantial authority over the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) to the politically appointed prosecutor general… 

“With public and EU pressure mounting on Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian leader appeared to offer a concession Wednesday night, saying in his regular evening address that he will advance new legislation responding to protest demands that will ensure ‘all the norms for the independence of anti-corruption institutions will be in place.’ What he meant remains unclear and hasn’t quelled public anger over a law he signed in such haste.  

“The two agencies in question came into being in 2015 at the insistence of the EU and other international partners, including the administration of then-U.S. President Barack Obama. Washington and Brussels wanted to see Ukraine genuinely combat its deep-rooted and endemic corruption problem, and pressed for the establishment of anti-graft bodies independent of the government, ones that would be powerful enough to probe wrongdoing by top officials and those with political connections. 

“But Law No. 12414, which Zelenskyy quickly signed after it was rushed through the Verkhovna Rada with almost unprecedented haste, now strips both NABU and SAP of that independence. Instead, it grants the prosecutor general’s office the power to issue orders to these agencies and reassign cases to their own prosecutor, in effect dismantling the safeguards that protect those bodies from undue political meddling… 

“For months [EU officials and diplomats have] been complaining bitterly — though always in private — about the Ukrainian president’s democratic backsliding. They’ve been unhappy with the purges and reshuffles that have seen the departure of more independent-minded ministers and officials from government… 

“Posting on social media before the new law’s approval, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said the situation would hurt Ukraine’s accession negotiations. ‘Independent bodies like NABU & SAPO are essential for Ukraine’s EU path,’ she wrote. Meanwhile, the ambassadors of G7 nations in Kyiv issued a joint statement expressing their ‘serious concerns.’… 

“So why are EU officials only now publicly expressing their worries about this monopolization of power? In part it’s because the move on the anti-corruption agencies was so blatant. According to both public record and anti-graft officials who spoke to POLITICO on condition of anonymity, NABU had opened probes into the dealings of presidential office insiders and ministers. Added to which, the presidential administration had started going after anti-corruption activists like Vitaly Shabunin, head of the Anti-Corruption Action Center NGO. Shabunin warned on social media: ‘Zelensky’s prosecutor general will stop investigations against all the president’s friends.’ 

“The fierceness of the public response likely caught the EU’s attention as well. The Kyiv Independent, an English-language media outlet read closely in Brussels, headlined its sharply critical editorial: ‘Zelensky just betrayed Ukraine’s democracy.’” 

The Kyiv Independent also wrote on July 25: 

“Lawmakers, experts, and activists say that over the past week, Ukraine has made a leap towards authoritarianism and lawlessness.” 

Huge Earthquake Off Russia

Reuters wrote on July 30:

“The 8.8 magnitude quake off Russia that triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific occurred on what is known as a “megathrust fault”, where the denser Pacific Plate is sliding underneath the lighter North American Plate, scientists said. The Pacific Plate has been on the move, making the Kamchatka Peninsula area off Russia’s Far East coast where it struck especially vulnerable to such tremors…

“With its epicentre near the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, it was the biggest earthquake since the devastating Tohuku event in 2011… The 8.8 magnitude event on Wednesday came less than two weeks after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake in the same area, which has now been identified as a ‘foreshock’.”

Radioactive Animals

The Independent wrote on July 30:

“A terrifying discovery was made at a nuclear facility in South Carolina: radioactive wasps…

“There are other examples of nuclear activity affecting the animal world, from German forests and Japanese mountains to the Enewetak Atoll between Australia and Hawaii. Large parts of the radioactive contamination across the world came after superpowers conducted tests as they raced to create devastating weapons during the 20th century. For instance, the U.S. tested nuclear weapons on Enewetak Atoll between 1948 and 1958, leading to sea turtles becoming radioactive in the surrounding waters. After the test, the U.S. buried the waste in a concrete tomb that has started to leak…

“Wild boars in the forests of Bavaria, at times, have high levels of radiation, with scientists long believing that it stemmed from the 1986 nuclear meltdown in Chernobyl, Ukraine. However…, 68 percent of the contamination in boars in the area stemmed from global nuclear testing. The boars became contaminated after eating truffles, which had absorbed radiation from nuclear fallout that had settled in the ground.

“Norwegian reindeer were contaminated after Chernobyl, after the fallout was blown northwest, later falling as rain…. Europe is heavily contaminated by Chernobyl…”

And so man continues to destroy the environment, including the animal world. 

Britain EU’s Cash Cow? 

Express wrote on July 25: 

“Eurocrats are preparing to treat Britain as a ‘cash cow’ under a controversial £130 billion EU defence fund, with a Brussels insider claiming the bloc sees Sir Keir Starmer as a ‘pushover’ rather than a genuine partner. The warning comes as the Prime Minister prepares to negotiate UK participation in the Security and Action for Europe (SAFE) fund—part of the EU’s wider £700 billion effort to rearm itself… 

“The SAFE fund, expected to launch formally this summer, will offer low-interest loans to member states for joint procurement of weapons, ammunition, and defence systems. While British companies would theoretically be eligible to bid for contracts, the EU has made it clear that access will not come free—and that non-member countries like the UK will have to pay for the privilege. Under the proposed terms, any British firm awarded a SAFE-backed contract would trigger an obligation for the UK Government to contribute an equivalent share back into the fund. 

“That contribution would effectively subsidise the rest of the scheme without granting Britain… any voting rights over how the money is spent. Frank Furedi, Executive Director of the think tank MCC Brussels, warned: ‘EU powerbrokers see Starmer as a pushover—desperate for approval and ready to sell out British interests to curry favour in Brussels. They view the UK not as a partner, but as a cash cow—ripe for exploitation… And they’re counting on him to hand over billions just for the “honour” of joining their EU Defence Fund, plugging their financial holes at Britain’s taxpayer’s expense.’” 

Starmer’s wish to return to the EU will not work out… 

Friedrich Merz’s Fateful Summer 

Nius wrote on July 25: 

“… the problems of the Merz government… could plunge the entire country into a [dramatic] crisis because the CDU/CSU and SPD lack a common project, speak different political languages, and have to compete with each other almost daily. 

“And yet, Friedrich Merz’s popularity ratings… at an all-time low (32 percent satisfied, 64 percent dissatisfied) are the smallest of the problems. Less than a hundred days after the change of government, the CDU/CSU and AfD are hovering around the 25 percent mark in the polls, the SPD is sinking toward the 10 percent mark, and there is little indication that things will improve anytime soon. It is Friedrich Merz’s fateful summer!… 

“Merz is running up billions in debt, but wants to prohibit the EU from doing the same. Merz’s billions for Ukraine and the arms purchases from the US for Kyiv are not easy to explain everywhere in the country and are only moderately popular… 

“Merz’s perception that if this government fails to deliver and convince the people of the centrist parties, future majorities without the AfD might no longer be possible, and the country might be headed for a bleak future, may be shared or not… The fact is… that the potential of those who could imagine voting for the AfD has grown continuously in recent years and is currently measured at 33 percent… 

“In a remarkable in-depth analysis, Allensbach head Renate Köcher recently showed that reservations about Alice Weidel’s [AfD] party are also diminishing because more and more people in their circles know AfD supporters and do not perceive them as a threat. 80 percent of AfD voters, Köcher writes, do so to send a protest signal that they are dissatisfied with the current political course. 

“But precisely on this, the government of Friedrich Merz, due to its internal paralysis and external distancing from the AfD, cannot send a political signal and persuade protest voters to change their minds… 

“The Merz government’s classic 100-day deadline expires, according to the German Press Agency, exactly on August 13th, the day the Wall was built. Some believe the ‘firewall’ could become for the Union what the inner-German Wall was for the GDR…”

Germany’s current coalition government is doomed… sooner or later…

 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 the first part of this Q&A, we ascertained that the fundamental idea of Christian universalism is that ALL human beings will eventually receive salvation.   We looked at a number of biblical references which refute this assertion, and we will now continue to show from the pages of the Bible, that this belief is void of any Scriptural approval.

Universalism seems to ignore the fact that some will commit the unpardonable sin. In our free booklet “Do We Have an Immortal Soul?” we find this information:

“What is the Unpardonable Sin?

“From other Scriptures we know that there are at least two ways in which the unpardonable sin can be committed.

“Jesus warns us in Mark 3:28–29, not to ‘blaspheme’ the Holy Spirit, regardless of whether we are converted or not. If we do, we reject the only power that can convert and change us. And if we continue with that course of action of resisting God and refusing to repent, then we might reach a point when it will become impossible for us to repent. We will then have made the final, irrevocable decision never to repent and to change. Such an attitude will lead to actual hate and resentment for God and His way. You see, if we don’t want to repent, God will not grant us repentance. And without repentance, there can be no forgiveness. That is why a sin which we refuse to repent of, will not be forgiven.

“In addition, converted people who have received the gift of God’s Holy Spirit, can commit the unpardonable sin, if and when they later fall away and irrevocably reject God’s way of life (cp. Hebrews 6:4–6; Hebrews 10:26–29).”

We have already seen how wrong this “Universalist” concept is and how it can lead on to, or incorporate, other false ideas which we will now address.

The mainstream Christian teaching of going to heaven and hell is mentioned in the context of universalism.   In our Q&A entitled, “Do the Wicked Go to Hell?”, the first paragraph states that: “The concept that the wicked go to an ever-burning hell after their death is nowhere taught in Scripture. In fact, the Bible does not even teach the existence of an ever-burning hell, torturing wicked souls of departed ones for their evil deeds.”

In a further Q&A, “Would you please explain Revelation 14:11? Does this Scripture teach that the wicked will be forever tormented in hell fire?,” we read the following:

“The unrepentant wicked will ultimately be burned up. That will happen after the Millennium and the Great White Throne Judgment. However, the passage in Revelation 14:11 does not address that time period. It merely serves as a forerunner and a warning. Most people who will worship the false political and religious system of Babylon, as well as its human representatives, won’t fully comprehend what they will be doing — they will not commit the unpardonable sin leading to the second death, from which there will be no resurrection (Revelation 20:14-15; 21:8). Rather, God will bring them back to life in a Second Resurrection, when the gravity of their wrong conduct will be revealed to them, and when they will be given an opportunity to repent and accept God’s Way of Life.”

In another Q&A, entitled “What are the biblical proofs that we do not go to heaven when we die?”, we read:

“The idea that we will go to heaven after death is an entirely unbiblical concept. It is derived from paganism.  

“The biblical understanding is not complicated, but pure and simple, and very easy to comprehend: When a man dies, he is dead, but he will live again through the resurrection from the dead. Until then, he will sleep a dreamless sleep, without any consciousness. He will not go to heaven when he dies, nor will he suffer in a purgatory or ‘hell.’ Rather, he is asleep, until Christ awakes him out of his sleep. And He will, because as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all will be made alive (1 Corinthians 15:22).” 

Now let us briefly address the Lake of Fire.  In our Q&A, “Will There Be Punishment in the Third Resurrection? (Part 1)”, we read:

“Sadly, there are those who have had their opportunity. They have committed the ‘unpardonable sin.’ They knew and understood perfectly well that they had to submit to Christ, but they refused to do so. They became bitter, hateful, resentful and malicious. They made the unchangeable decision NEVER to repent. If a person has reached that stage that he CANNOT repent, because he has made the final decision NOT to WANT to repent, then God will not force repentance on such a person. God grants repentance, but a person must want to receive it. A person, though, who maliciously rejects Christ would only continue to live in misery and pain–and that is why God will save such a person from eternal misery, by DESTROYING him or her in a lake of fire.

“The Third Resurrection describes those sinners who have made the final and irrevocable decision to rebel against God. They have refused to ever obey God, and they have developed a hostile attitude towards Him, filled with hatred and contempt, which prevents them from ever repenting of their terrible sinful conduct and nature. They will be raised to physical life to be burned up and destroyed in the lake of fire.”

It is impossible to refute Revelation 21:8 which reads: “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”   The wicked will be destroyed.

We say in our Q&A, “Do the wicked go to hell?”

“It is true that the New Testament speaks about a fiery place, which is translated in some English Bibles as, ‘hell.’ The Greek word for this place is ‘gehenna.’ It does not, however, describe an ever-burning hell, as commonly understood by many… Please note the following excerpts from our free booklet, “Do You Have an Immortal Soul?”, addressing the concept of a fiery hell:

“The word ‘gehenna’ and the very concept of it are derived from the Valley of Hinnom outside Jerusalem in which the corpses of dead people, mainly criminals, would be burned up. It is another expression for the ‘lake of fire’ in Revelation 20:15, in which all who have acted wickedly, and who have refused to repent, will be thrown into, to be burned up or ‘devoured.’ (Remember that Hebrews 10:27… tells us that the wicked wait for God’s fiery indignation that will ‘devour’ them.). That is the ‘hell’ or the ‘gehenna’ fire that Christ is talking about…-‘the second death’ from which there will be no resurrection.

“Those who sin deliberately, willfully and maliciously, God will resurrect to physical life [please note that they were dead — not in heaven, hell, limbo or purgatory — and that they had to be brought back from death to physical life] to throw them-their physical body and their soul or their ‘life’-into ‘gehenna’ or the lake of fire (Revelation 20:13-15; 21:8). They won’t burn there forever-rather, they will be burned up. They are the ‘chaff,’ that will be ‘burned up’ with unquenchable fire (Matthew 3:12)-that is, no human can quench it. Notice that this fire will ultimately even burn up or bring to dissolution ‘heaven and earth,’ so that a ‘new heaven and a new earth’ can be created by God (2 Peter 3:10-13).

“The wicked, such as the rich man in Christ’s parable in Luke 16, will not burn forever and ever, for all eternity, in an everlasting hell fire, but they will be ‘burned up’ (cp. again Matthew 3:12). The Greek word for ‘burned up’ is ‘katakaio’-conveying the meaning that nothing of what is burned up will remain. We read in Revelation 18:8 that modern Babylon ‘shall be utterly burned with fire.’ The word for ‘utterly burned’ is, again, ‘katakaio’ in the Greek. And we are told that ‘that great city Babylon [will] be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.’ (Revelation 18:21).

“In the same way, the wicked, such as the rich man in Luke 16, that are [brought back to life from the dead and then] thrown into ‘gehenna’ or the lake of fire [called the SECOND death!], will be ‘burnt up’-they ‘shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up… that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.’ (Malachi 4:1). They will become ashes under the feet of the righteous (Malachi 4:3); it will be as if they had never existed (Obadiah 16).”

In Romans 11:26-27 we read the following: “And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins.”

If all of Israel, every last one, was going to be saved, all of the Scriptures that we’ve looked at would be null and void and that cannot be so, as the Scripture cannot be broken or contain contradictions (John 10:35).

The statement that “all Israel” will be saved must not be misunderstood. We say the following in our Q&A, “I have heard it said that the Biblical terms “all” or “every” [such as, “every person” or “every thing”] do not necessarily have to mean, “without any exception.” Is this correct?”:

“… the concept that Christ is the Savior of ALL men does not rule out the fact that some will NOT be saved. Here, the word ‘ALL’ is NOT used in an all-inclusive sense. Some WILL commit the unpardonable sin and be destroyed and burned up in the lake of fire (Hebrews 6:4-8; Revelation 20:13-15). Still, we read that ‘ALL Israel will be saved’ (Romans 11:26). As stated, this might give the impression that every last Israelite will inherit salvation. But this is not true, as there will be some who will reject salvation. For instance, Christ warned the Pharisees that they were walking on very thin ice, heading towards committing the unpardonable sin (compare Mark 3:28-30 and Matthew 9:34).

“Paul continues in Romans 11:32 that God, in His dealings with Israel, ‘has committed them ALL to disobedience, that He might have mercy on ALL.’ In both cases, the word ‘all’ is not used to teach all-inclusiveness, without any exceptions. Not every last Israelite will repent, and not every Israelite–even at the time of Paul–was disobedient. The early Church of God consisted at first exclusively of Israelites who had become obedient to the faith.

“We also read in Romans 14:11 that ‘EVERY tongue shall confess’ to God. But again, this does not include every last person, as some will not confess to God, but instead, they will be destroyed in the lake of fire–they will die the second death–in utter rebellion to God.

“There are additional examples where the words ‘all’ or ‘every’ are not to be understood in an all-inclusive sense…

“In Matthew 23:3, Christ told the Jews to ‘obey ALL’ (Authorized Version) what the scribes and Pharisees commanded them to do. In Ephesians 5:24, Paul says that women are to be submissive to their husbands in EVERYTHING. And Peter says in 1 Peter 2:13 that we are to submit ourselves to EVERY ordinance of man. However, these passages are not all-inclusive and allow–yes, DEMAND–an exception. This exception is found in Acts 5:27-32, where Peter makes it clear that we must obey God rather than man, and that we must DISOBEY man if we would otherwise disobey God.

“We also read that the gospel of the Kingdom of God will be preached in all the world as a witness, and then the end will come (Matthew 24:14). This does not mean that every last person on earth will hear the gospel just prior to Christ’s return. There will be those alive at the beginning of the Millennium who never heard Christ’s gospel message (compare Isaiah 66:19). This is why Matthew 24:14 must be read together with Scriptures such as Mark 13:10 and Luke 24:47, stating that the gospel will be preached “among” all nations…

“In Luke 6:30, Christ tells us that we are to give to EVERYONE who asks of us and wants to borrow from us. Again, this is not an all-inclusive command, as Paul says, for example, that we must work to make a living, and if we are unwilling to work, we should not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). So, Christ was not telling us that we must give to just EVERYONE who wants to eat, even though he is unwilling to work…

“Finally, we read in 1 Timothy 4:1-5 that ‘EVERY creature of God’ is good for food. Some use this passage to claim that we are therefore no longer obligated to refrain from eating UNCLEAN meat. However, we also read in Genesis 9:3 that ‘EVERY moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you ALL things, even as the green herbs.’ It goes without saying that we must not eat POISONOUS green herbs–even though ‘all things’ were given to us for food–and we therefore must not eat meat which was not created for food (Compare again 1 Timothy 4:4, stating that those who believe and know the truth of God’s Word, as revealed in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, understand WHICH animals God has created FOR FOOD). We see, therefore, that these passages are not all-inclusive, but must be understood in context.

When Paul speaks about the concept that “all Israel shall be saved,” he does not mean, every last one of the Israelites. Matthew Poole’s Commentary agrees, stating: “all Israel is not meant every individual Israelite, but many, or (it may be) the greatest part of them. So ‘all’ is to be taken in Scripture: see John 6:45; 1 Timothy 2:6, and elsewhere.”

In conclusion, the belief in universalism is not taught in the Bible.   We have looked at the fact that our behavior now does matter for those who have been called and chosen by God.   We have reviewed the unpardonable sin and have also looked very briefly at the fact that people don’t go to heaven or hell when they die and why the Lake of Fire is necessary.  

There are also many Scriptures about not staying with our calling until the end and that we have to be careful that no one takes our crown.   Matthew 24:13 quite simply states: “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”

None of the information given in this Q&A gives even the slightest impression that universalism – that of all people being eventually saved – is an accurate statement that the Bible teaches.  Quite the reverse, and this teaching should be completely rejected.  And the further danger is that it can lead to further incorrect biblical understanding.

The apostle Paul wrote: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Finally, we read in James 1:12: “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

Universalism is yet another deceptive offshoot of mainstream Christianity and runs contrary to the teachings of the Word of God!

Lead Writers: Brian Gale (United Kingdom) and Norbert Link

compiled by Dave Harris

“US-EU Trade Deal—Biggest Deal Ever Made, or a Disaster?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

Why the contradictory opinions? What exactly was agreed to? Did Trump “eat von der Leyen for breakfast”? Did she “sell out and betray the Europeans”? Will the deal bring the EU and the USA closer together or damage the relationship even further? What are the consequences for Europe? Will the deal negatively affect US customers?

“USA-EU Deal—der größte Deal aller Zeiten, oder eine Katastrophe?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers similar topics as described above.

We are pleased to announce that Mr. Ralph Leaf who lives in Washington was baptized by Rene Messier on Sunday, July 27. As Mr. Leaf is unable to travel, Mr. Messier drove to Washington to conduct the baptism in a hotel pool, close to Mr. Leaf’s home. Mr. Leaf is in his seventies. He has been married for almost 40 years. He is a retired attorney and accountant.

“Jacob Serves for Rachel” is the latest video in our Bible Story Series on YouTube.

“Laufen Sie vor Gott davon?” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Are You Running Away from God?”

“Die Kraft des heiligen Geistes,” last Sabbath’s first German split sermon presented by Mike Richter, is now posted. Title in English: “The power of the Holy Spirit.”

“Dekade der Extreme – Im Epizentrum,” last Sabbath’s second German split sermon presented by Manuel Müller, is now posted. Title in English: “Decade of Extremes – At the Epicenter.”

“Are You Running Away From God?” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:

The Bible contains many examples of righteous and unrighteous people who were willing to run away from God—at least temporarily in some cases. Why did they do it? Some corrected their mistake; others did not. What can we learn from their example, and why is it so dangerous to walk away from God, even in seemingly little things? Why is it critical to return to Him quickly and promptly when we recognize what we are doing?