Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock

compiled by Dave Harris

“Israel Is Being Attacked! Where Are Israel’s True Friends?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

On Saturday, October 7, the Last Great Day which followed the Feast of Tabernacles, the murderous and barbaric Terrorist group Hamas attacked, killed, wounded and kidnapped thousands of Jews with the help of Iran.  At first, Western nations voiced strong support for Israel, but this changed quickly. What we are seeing these days is again a worldwide anti-Semitic uprising and slanderous reporting by the mass media, combined with terrible politics of the USA, Europe and Germany. As usual, Israel’s search for true friends is failing miserably. 

During the recent Fall Holy Days, John Amorelli, a longtime faithful member of God’s Church, was ordained as deacon. He and his wife, Louise, live in West Virginia. Also, four faithful and dedicated members in Germany were ordained as deacons:  Marc Völler, Robert Muhr, Cristian Popescu and Robert Indlekofer. In addition, we are very pleased to announce the baptism of two people in Germany:  Petar Babaradic and Tom Lämmchen.

Recent Holy Day sermonettes and sermons are or will be posted at www.eternalgod.org and https://www.ewigengottes.de/

“Jüngste Ereignisse im Nahen Osten, den USA und Deutschland… im Lichte der biblischen Prophezeiung,” was last Sabbath’s first message in Germany by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Recent Events in the Middle East, the USA and Germany… in the Light of Biblical Prophecy.”  

“Wo steh ich heute?” last Sabbath’s first split sermon, presented by Johann Schell in Germany, is now posted.

“Zu den Waffen,” last Sabbath’s second split sermon, presented by Daniel Blasinger in Germany, is now posted.

“Taking Stock,” last Sabbath’s sermonette was presented by Dave Harris. Here is a summary:

Taking stock means to carefully think about something in order to make a decision about what to do next. Regarding the prophetic future, are we prepared?

“Quench the Fiery Darts,” last Sabbath’s sermon was presented by Eric Rank. Here is a summary:

One of the implements of the armor of God is the shield of faith, with which we can “quench the fiery darts of the wicked one.” What can we learn about this valuable tool to help strengthen our defense against Satan?

Taking Stock

Taking stock means to carefully think about something in order to make a decision about what to do next. Regarding the prophetic future, are we prepared?

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FOT: World Rule Begins, Part 2

The beginning of the thousand-year reign of the Kingdom of God over the earth will take place in the midst of unparalleled disaster! Biblical prophecies—warnings of global destruction and near extinction of all life will have taken place! And—Jesus Christ will have returned!

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FOT: World Rule Begins

The beginning of the thousand-year reign of the Kingdom of God over the earth will take place in the midst of unparalleled disaster! Biblical prophecies—warnings of global destruction and near extinction of all life will have taken place! And—Jesus Christ will have returned!

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Give to the Future

Our offerings make it possible to give others an opportunity for salvation while helping to build and sustain the work of preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God.

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The Way of God

The Bible recounts the stories of men and women who have chosen to follow the way of God and of those who didn’t. My focus will be on those who chose life.

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Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock

compiled by Dave Harris

2023 FALL HOLY DAYS: Feast of Trumpets—September 16th; Day of Atonement—September 25th; Feast of Tabernacles—September 30th until October 6th; Last Great Day—October 7th.

A new Member Letter (September 2023) has been posted and mailed to our subscribers. Dave Harris points to the Fall Holy Days reminding us that Christians will comprise those in the First Resurrection who will accompany Jesus Christ when He returns to establish the Kingdom of God on earth.

“Unsere Auferstehung zum Leben,” is the German Trumpet’s sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Our Resurrection to Life.”

“Departing from God—Comments on News and Prophecy—September 9, 2023,” the first message presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

In this program, we discuss astounding recent news which all signify a further departure from God: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Joe Biden telling fairy tales; France at the brink of civil war; American nuclear bombs on European soil; NATO’s collapse; Corona restrictions and the “we will not comply movement”; stiff sentences against the Proud Boys because of “sedition”; funding of the US government is being threatened; the push for President Biden’s impeachment and the GOP reluctance; the Burning Man Festival; England’s Church priests support premarital sex and gay marriage; and gender change of children. 

“Isaiah 58 – A Chapter for Modern Times,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Isaiah 58 is an interesting chapter that speaks about some of the things that Christians need to be doing in their lives. It also talks about things that a Christian should be careful not to do. How exactly does this chapter find relevance in our modern times, seeing that this book was written sometime in the early 700s BC? 

Other People’s Problems

Within families, there aren’t a lot of secrets. Family members know one another pretty well—both each other’s good points and bad; each one’s strengths and each one’s weaknesses.

Invariably, problems arise. Regardless, families most often stand by and offer great support in times of trial. It is rare to hear of a parent renouncing their child even when he or she commits terrible crimes.

Within our spiritual family, the Church of God, we also get to know one  another quite well—the good, the bad, and, yes, even the ugly.

How do we operate within that spectrum? Regardless of the relationship, the goal should be one emphasizing this foundational approach:

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

We probably have all heard someone say about another that they were there for them when they needed them the most. Paul wrote:

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2).

But it isn’t just the big problems other people have for which they need our help. Life is made up of many, many little things and that includes problems—challenges which might go easier with another person’s help.

Let’s make it a point to do what we can when the opportunity and the need arises to serve, remembering that we, too, can fall into that category of being the other person—with a problem!

You report on political matters–is that really biblical?

Indeed, we do watch and report on world affairs, but unlike the myriad of other news sources available, our focus is to reveal how prophecies of the Bible are being fulfilled, today!

The word “political” can simply mean, “of or relating to government,” and it is this meaning which applies to the true gospel. Astounding as it may seem, the gospel of the Kingdom of God is a far-reaching political statement emphatically proclaimed by Jesus Christ:

“Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel’” (Mark 1:14-15; also, compare Matthew 4:23).

Gospel is the English word translated from the Greek, euaggelion, meaning, “good news.” Jesus spoke about a future government which would be established by God when He sends Him back to rule the earth. In this context, Jesus taught that we should anticipate this good news:

“‘In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven’” (Matthew 6:9-10).

Moreover, the Church of God has been commissioned to carry forward the very same message that Jesus brought. It includes an announcement about the end of this world’s governments under the invisible influence of Satan the Devil (compare John 14:30; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 5:19). Jesus came and qualified to be the future ruler of the world by overcoming Satan, and He announced this:

“‘These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world’” (John 16:33).

Adding: “‘Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out’” (John 12:31).

The change of government over the earth has not yet happened; however, it will, and the Church of God fulfills a unique role as representatives of the Kingdom of God:

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Before Jesus ascended to Heaven, He gave these instructions to His disciples:

“‘…Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned’” (Mark 16:15-16).

Preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God has led and will continue to lead some few to God’s promise of SALVATION in this day and age; however, not all will believe! Most people will reject God’s message now, but in addition to announcing the coming government of God on earth, the Church of God must accomplish another aspect in its commission—to WARN:

“‘And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come’” (Matthew 24:14).

Jesus said that His servants would confront the political forces of this world:

“‘But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you’” (Matthew 10:17-20).

Facing shipwreck, the Apostle Paul was told by an angel of God that he and his companions would be saved. The angel further stated, “‘“Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar…”’” (Acts 27:24).

In Matthew 24, Jesus revealed the world conditions His disciples would face just before His return at the end of this age. He spoke of deception and false prophets, wars, famines, pestilences and earthquakes—along with persecution. Additionally, He said that we should “‘watch’” and “‘be ready’” (Matthew 24:42, 44).

We are doing just that by reporting on events as they develop in fulfillment of Christ’s warning! We are doing so in great detail through our booklets, weekly Updates, StandingWatch and AufPostenStehen programs presented by Evangelist Norbert Link, sermons and sermonettes—all available on our websites: www.eternalgod.org; www.churchofgodacf.ca; www.globalchurchofgod.co.uk; www.aufpostenstehen.de.

The Church of God also has an additional responsibility to serve as a “WATCHMAN” to proclaim the prophetic messages for our time (compare Ezekiel 33:7)!

Jesus referred to the prophecy of Daniel as an end-time event (Matthew 24:15), and Daniel himself quoted a prophecy being fulfilled which was made by Jeremiah (Daniel 9:2).

Many of the prophecies given to the prophets found in the Old Testament did not apply to their lifetime. In fact, those prophets, at times, did not even understand, as Daniel said:

Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, ‘My lord, what shall be the end of these things?’ And he said, ‘Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand’” (Daniel 12:8-10).

The ”wise” who understand will be watching world events in the light of biblical prophecies. The Book of Revelation is addressed to servants of God, that is, the Church of God:

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near” (Revelation 1:1-3).

Those things revealed in both the Book of Revelation and other biblical prophecies deal with people—including their political and religious leaders; the rise and fall of nations and empires is addressed; the evil influence of demonic, spiritual wickedness is identified; and even catastrophic occurrences on earth and the powers of heaven are foretold.

“Political” has another meaning. It can be defined as “relating to the ideas or strategies of a particular party or group in politics.” In other words, it can refer to involvement in politics and especially party politics where there is infighting and the picking of one side or person over another. A third meaning of “political” is, “interested in or active in politics.”

That is not the role of the Church of God, nor should it be the role of individual Christians! However, God does instruct His servants to, “‘Cry aloud, spare not; Lift up your voice like a trumpet; Tell My people their transgression, And the house of Jacob their sins.’”

Doing all that this entails is BIBLICAL, indeed!

The Church of God is not commissioned to fix this world’s political structure; rather, the Church is announcing the NEW government which Jesus Christ will bring to the earth—the KINGDOM OF GOD!  

Lead Writer: Dave Harris

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