Update 1172

On August 16, 2025, Eric Rank will present the sermonette, titled, “God of Peace — Peace of God” and Dave Harris will present the sermon, titled, “Your Christianity–Counterfeit or Real?

The live services are available, over video and audio, at http://eternalgod.org/live-services/ (12:30 pm Pacific Time; 1:30 pm Mountain Time; 2:30 pm Central Time; 3:30 pm Eastern Time; 8:30 pm Greenwich Mean Time; 9:30 pm Central European Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

In Matthew 5, Christ discusses the beatitudes, beginning with the importance of being humble in verse 3.  To be in the Kingdom of God, we MUST have a spirit of humility, also defined as a lowliness of mind, which is an attitude expressed from the heart, not just an outward behavior. One may be able to fool everyone else by putting on an outward show of humility, but still have a heart full of pride and arrogance, along with hypocrisy.  This is very dangerous because God knows everything, and we can’t hide anything from Him.  

The behavior that Christ describes in Matthew 23 about the Pharisees is the opposite of humility, and also the opposite way that Christ lived, for the Pharisees presented themselves hypocritically to be “seen by men” (Matthew 23:1-12).

Christ says that whoever is the greatest should be the servant of the others. If we put ourselves above others, we will be put down. But if we humble ourselves, we will be honored.  We are to conduct ourselves in our lives by being a good example, not just to ourselves, but also to God. That is what we ought to be doing.  We have to be diligent in all we do, diligently keeping God’s Law, for it is our future that is at stake. 

Humbling ourselves is a must, and we are constantly growing in wisdom, learning throughout our lives in how we handle certain situations, especially when it comes to people who have NO knowledge of the Truth.  We may be confronted by people in the world who think they know everything, but they are mistaken (1 Corinthians 8:2). True knowledge is linked to humility and a willingness to learn, by loving God and obeying Him, for He reveals to us our understanding.  

Our humility is put to the challenge when we are confronted by people who assume what they believe is correct, for example, when someone wishes us a Merry Christmas, when someone expects us to congratulate them because they have just joined the military, or that their baby has been baptized, or that God loves us no matter what we do, etc.  Our patience in our responses is also put to the test.  In certain instances, silence is the best response, which can prevent worthless arguments. However, when we do respond, we must be wise in our answers (compare Ecclesiastes 3:7; Proverbs 17:28). Additionally, we should pray to God, and He will guide us (compare Luke 12:11). 

On the other hand, we don’t want to be going around thinking that we know everything either, persuading people to believe what we do, for example, by going door to door, passing out literature at public places where people don’t ask for it, throwing our pearls before swine by giving our precious knowledge away to those who don’t understand and don’t care (compare Matthew 7:6). 

God has a specific requirement from His called-out ones.  Our commission is to preach the gospel through our messages, literature and other material, that is accessible on our websites, where anyone has access to it, and those who have an eye will read the literature that is presented, and those who are interested will contact us for more information. We do our part and God does the rest. 

Moses is mentioned in the Bible as the most humble person, but there were still times when he didn’t do things that God wanted him to do. And because of that, he wasn’t able to enter the Promised Land.  Moses took credit for himself when he struck the rock in the wilderness and water gushed out, and, due to his failure to give glory to God and his doubt that God would provide, he was punished for it (Numbers 20:12).  

However, God was with Moses, and Moses saw firsthand how God intervened time and time again.  Moses should have remembered that, and that there comes a time when God’s patience runs out.  If God has a specific purpose for each of us, which He expects from us, a decision that we also have made to live righteously, to overcome our weaknesses, to come out of the world, then God WILL help us, to be there for us, and He will continue to bless us. 

If we choose to disobey by not overcoming our weaknesses, then the time will come when God will have had enough.  “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:19-20).  

This is serious, brethren!  We need to make sure that this doesn’t happen to us because it has happened to many others in the Church, and it will continue to happen in the Church of God. We must have our priorities straightened out by glorifying God and by putting Him first in our lives with humility and trusting in Him – in ALL things.

by Norbert Link

We speak on President Trump’s tariff and trade war and his controversial claims in this regard; continue with immigration raids and Trump’s “fight” against crime and homelessness in Washington; and address the ongoing disaster of the Russia-Ukraine war and Trump’s attempts to create peace.

We report on developments in Germany due to Chancellor Merz’s unilateral decision to stop sending weapons to Israel. Please view in this regard our recent StandingWatch program, titled, “And Now Also Germany Against Israel.” 

We also report on developments in Israel.

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

Trump Repeats Controversial Claim 

The Independent wrote on August 12: 

“President Donald Trump raged against Goldman Sachs, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and even his former Treasury secretary as he defended his global reciprocal tariffs – and continued to promote claims its countries, not consumers, are footing the bill… It has become a long refrain for the president that others pay tariffs, despite the fact that the cost is typically passed on to consumers. 

“Goldman Sachs released a report last week warning that U.S companies ate 64 percent of tariffs and consumers ate 22 percent of tariffs, which contradicts Trump’s claims about tariffs costing consumers. A Yale Budget Lab study found that Trump’s trade war would cost consumers about 1.8 percent more in the short term and the effective tariff rate would be 18.6 percent, the highest since the Great Depression… 

“Last week, Trump’s massive reciprocal tariffs resumed after he had initially paused them. Earlier this week, Trump said that he would once again pause tariffs on China for 90 days.”   

Trump’s repeated claims that consumers don’t have to pay for the tariffs are demonstrably false. Note the next articles as well. 

Consumers Will Have to Pay! 

The National Post wrote on August 8: 

“Last Friday, Trump imposed a 35 per cent tariff on Canadian goods not compliant with the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement, adding to existing high duties on steel, aluminum, autos, and copper… Now, those industries must pass increased costs along to U.S. buyers, pushing prices higher on items ranging from groceries and clothing to cars and farm equipment… 

“‘It definitely is indicative of a weakened economy, an economy that’s not acting in a robust fashion. I’ve all along felt like there’s a lag between tariffs and actual economic downturn,’ Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, a Republican, told the press this week, adding that retailers have told him they think they will have to raise prices this fall… Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran also warned this week of rising costs for consumers and businesses…. 

“Earlier this year, Mitch McConnell, a Republican senator from Kentucky, also railed against Trump’s tariffs. ‘With so much at stake globally, the last thing we need is to pick fights with the very friends with whom we should be working with to protect against China’s predatory and unfair trade practices,’ he said in a statement.” 

Most Republicans are afraid to oppose Trump publicly, even though they sense the dangers for the 2026 midterm elections. 

Prices Are Up Because of Tariffs, But…? 

Mediaite wrote on August 10: 

“Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) acknowledged that prices were up as a result of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, yet emphasized that it’s ‘for the good of the country’ in a Saturday appearance on Fox Report With Jon Scott.  

“Host Jon Scott asked the congressman… to explain a Fox poll showing only a 55% approval rating for Trump on the economy. ‘I think a lot of people are seeing higher prices,’ said Norman. ‘Our family’s in the construction business, and we get a lot of our timber from Canada and other countries. Yes, it’s higher. Steel prices are up, but it’s for the good of the country.’ ‘Should we expect high prices for a short time? Yes,’ he continued….” 

How about that twisted “logic”?

The Trade War Isn’t Over 

MSN wrote on August 8: 

“Trump, after saying for months that a trade deal with India was imminent, imposed a 25% levy on the longstanding ally, then doubled it less than a week later. The stated reason was purchases of Russian oil, though he didn’t do the same thing to China, an equally heavy buyer… 

“Japanese media reported that their government’s understanding of tariff calculations appears to be very different than the Trump administration’s understanding… 

“The German finance minister reportedly blasted [the] EU deal and set off for Washington to try to renegotiate parts of it, before any of it was even finalized. The Swiss president also went to Washington to deal with her own surprisingly heavy tariffs, and left empty-handed…

“The bottom line: We’re only approaching the end of the beginning.” 

“Next Blow” Against Switzerland: Trump Imposes Tariffs on Gold Bars 

Focus wrote on August 9: 

“As the ‘Financial Times’ reports, gold bars that weigh more than one kilo will in future be subject to tariffs when imported into the USA. These are also at 39 percent, a previous exception no longer applies. One kilo gold bars is the most traded type of gold and make up the majority of Swiss gold imports into the USA… [Now] additional tariffs amounting to 24 billion dollars would be incurred. 

“The country with a population of nine million lives from exports, the USA is the most important market with an 18 percent share last year… Since Thursday, US tariffs have been higher in Switzerland than in almost any other country… The Swiss tech industry association, Swissmem, speaks of a ‘horror scenario’. ‘If this horrendous tariff burden persists, the Swiss tech industry’s export business to the USA will effectively be dead…'” 

Immigration Raids Continue 

Democracy Now wrote on August 11: 

“… immigration raids and arrests continue to terrorize communities across the United States… 

“In Los Angeles, nurse and community activist Amanda Trebach [a US citizen] was released from federal custody this weekend without criminal charges, after she was violently arrested early Friday morning while recording the operations of federal immigration agents in the area… ICE has faced widespread backlash over the arrest of community advocates who have been swept up while documenting raids, including U.S. citizens.” 

How Trump Fights Crime and Homelessness 

The Associated Press wrote on August 11: 

“Trump said Monday he’s taking over Washington’s police department and activating 800 members of the National Guard in the hopes of reducing crime, even as city officials stressed crime is already falling in the nation’s capital… He said he was declaring a public safety emergency and his administration would be removing homeless encampments… adding he’d also be ‘getting rid of the slums.’… 

“Trump invoked Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act in an executive order to declare a ‘crime emergency’ so his administration could take over the city’s police force… Trump has emphasized the removal of Washington’s homeless population, though it was unclear where the thousands of people would go… Jesse Rabinowitz, [the campaign and communication director for the National Homelessness Law Center and an] advocate for homeless people, called Trump’s plan ‘fascist’ and a ‘waste’ of resources. He said the move wasn’t about safety… ‘If Donald Trump wanted to keep D.C. safe, he would fund housing and support…’ 

“Police statistics show homicides, robberies and burglaries are down this year when compared with this time in 2024. Overall, violent crime is down 26% compared with this time a year ago.” 

Legalizing Medical Marijuana? 

The New York Post wrote on August 9: 

”President Donald Trump  is reportedly eyeing reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, a move that could expand medical marijuana research and ease industry restrictions… Former President Joe Biden was considering such a classification change that would have also made it easier to buy and sell weed before losing last year’s presidential election to Trump… 

“Trump last year backed a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida, which narrowly failed to secure the 60% of voters’ support it needed to pass. Weed has been legal in New York for medical purposes since 2016 and recreational purposes since 2021.” 

The reclassification of medical marijuana has been long overdue.  

Invasion of Flesh-Eating Flies Imminent? 

Ars Technica wrote on August 8: 

“Texas is gearing up for war as a savage, flesh-eating fly appears poised for a US invasion and is expanding its range of victims…  

“In Colombia, endemic screwworms have apparently grown bolder in their taste for flesh…  it’s unclear why the fly has suddenly emerged in mountain tapirs, which resemble wild pigs with trunks…”

Meeting in Alaska??? 

The Independent wrote on August 9: 

“President Donald Trump is set to meet with Vladimir Putin in Alaska [on August 15]… Critics pointed out that Russia once laid claim to the state of Alaska at the beginning of the 1770s—where they mercilessly exploited Alaskan natives to hunt fur for the Russians—and nationalists have long wanted to take it back. Alaska was purchased from the Russians by the U.S. for a sum of $7.2 million in 1867—the equivalent of between $129 million and $153.5 million today. 

“‘Trump has chosen to host Putin in a part of the former Russian Empire. Wonder if he knows that Russian nationalists claim that losing Alaska, like Ukraine, was a raw deal for Moscow that needs to be corrected,’ said Michael McFaul, a professor of political science at Stanford University and former. U.S. ambassador to Russia. ‘Let’s all hope that Putin doesn’t ask to take Alaska home with him as a souvenir, or Trump might give that away too,’ political commentator David Frum said in a post on X… 

“Trump’s former national security adviser-turned foe, John Bolton, said the move reminded him of a blunder the president allegedly nearly made in his first term. ‘This is not quite as bad as Trump inviting the Taliban to Camp David to talk about the peace negotiations in Afghanistan… it certainly reminds one of that.’… 

“Putin is wanted by the ICC on a warrant dating back to March 2023 for alleged involvement in the abduction of children from Ukraine… At least 19,000 Ukrainian children are thought to have been kidnapped and taken to Russia since the invasion began in February 2022, although Ukrainian officials say the total is probably far higher… Trump has also publicly blamed Zelensky—rather than Putin – for starting the war.” 

Confusion and Incompetence? 

Bild Online wrote on August 9: 

“Guess work [persists] after the agreement on a Ukraine peace summit between US President Donald Trump (79) and Vladimir Putin (72)… in Alaska. On Thursday it looked as if Trump negotiator Steve Witkoff (68) had made progress in his meeting with Putin… 

“According to BILD information, even before the peace summit on August 15, the Kremlin did not deviate from its maximum demand of wanting to completely dominate the five Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson and Crimea before the weapons fall silent. The Russian side only brought ‘sectoral ceasefires’ into play- such as the mutual renunciation of attacks against energy facilities or larger cities behind the front. 

“Under no circumstances, however, does Putin want a halt to Russia’s large-scale offensives along the front – even though the USA had proposed largely lifting sanctions against Russia and concluding new economic agreements in return. Trump even brought up a ‘territorial swap’, which stipulates that Russia would be allowed to keep parts of the occupied Donbas in exchange for giving up additional areas (which the Ukrainian president categorically rejected). 

“And even worse: Trump’s special envoy Witkoff is said to have completely misunderstood some of the Russians’ statements and misinterpreted them as concessions from Putin. He misinterpreted a ‘peaceful withdrawal’ of the Ukrainians from Kherson and Zaporizhzhia demanded by Russia as an offer of a ‘peaceful withdrawal’ of the Russians from these regions… 

“… on Thursday evening [there was] a telephone conference between representatives of the US government – including special envoy Witkoff as well as Foreign Minister Marco Rubio (54) and Vice President JD Vance (41) – and the European partners. As BILD learned, the American side was perceived as chaotic and disunited. This was primarily due to Witkoff, whose statements about his conversation with Putin on Wednesday in the Kremlin were perceived as confusing. He himself appeared overwhelmed and incompetent to the Europeans when he spoke about the territorial issues in Ukraine. 

“Apparently there was also disagreement about how to proceed between Witkoff and Rubio, as the Secretary of State emphasized that the Europeans should be involved in the further process, while Vance and Witkoff only wanted to inform Europe about the results of Trump’s further steps.” 

EU Rejects Putin’s and Trump’s Proposal 

The New York Post wrote on August 9: 

“European officials rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s calls that Ukraine give up territories annexed during the war — instead demanding Saturday an immediate ceasefire from Moscow and NATO membership for Kyiv. The counter-offer demands rock-solid security guarantees for Ukraine — namely the long-coveted membership in NATO for the war-torn country before any territorial concessions… 

“If Putin were to attack a NATO member it would compel all others member countries to respond with military force — under its defense pact — a move that could ignite a global war. The European plan – put forward by the UK, France, Germany and Ukraine — also proposes that any land exchange must be reciprocal. If Ukraine removes troops from some regions, Russia must pull out of others. And a cease-fire agreement would need to be reached before any other steps are taken… 

“‘The future of Ukraine cannot be decided without the Ukrainians who have been fighting for their freedom and security for over three years now,’ French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X…  The Russian ruler had previously called for the total demilitarization of Ukraine and replacement of its current government, as well as more Kyiv-controlled regions to be ceded to Moscow.” 

Zelensky Not on Board 

The New York Times wrote on August 9: 

“President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine on Saturday flatly rejected the idea that Ukraine could cede land to Russia after President Trump suggested that a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia could include ‘some swapping of territories.’ ‘Ukrainians will not gift their land to the occupier,’ Mr. Zelensky said in a video address from his office in Kyiv, several hours after Mr. Trump’s remarks, which appeared to overlook Ukraine’s role in the negotiations. ‘Any decisions made against us, any decisions made without Ukraine, are at the same time decisions against peace,’ Mr. Zelensky said. ‘They will bring nothing. These are dead decisions; they will never work.’… 

“Because Ukraine holds no Russian land, a swap would mean ceding Ukrainian-controlled territory in return for land currently occupied by Russia. But that approach clashes with a widely held view in Ukraine against surrendering territory to end the war, which left Mr. Zelensky little choice but to reject any land concessions.” 

Putin Can’t Be Trusted 

CNN wrote on August 9: 

“The conditions around Friday’s summit so wildly favor Moscow, it is obvious why Putin leapt at the chance, after months of fake negotiation, and it is hard to see how a deal emerges from the bilateral that does not eviscerate Ukraine. Kyiv and its European allies have reacted with understandable horror at the early ideas of Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, that Ukraine cede the remainders of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in exchange for a ceasefire… 

“Europe is also wary of mirroring the failure of former UK Foreign Secretary Neville Chamberlain to stand up to Nazi Germany in 1938 – of the worthlessness of a ‘piece of paper’ signed by a Kremlin that has repeatedly agreed to deals in Ukraine and then simply used the pause to regroup before invading again.” 

Putin Does Not Change 

Newsmax wrote on August 11: 

“Retired U.S. Army Gen. Wesley Clark told Newsmax on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin remains committed to restoring the old Soviet Union — including taking Ukraine, threatening NATO’s eastern flank, and pulling former Soviet states like Georgia and Moldova back under Moscow’s control… Clark compared the situation to 2014, when Russia took Crimea under President Barack Obama, paused, and then struck again in 2022 under President Joe Biden. He said Putin acts when he senses weakness in the White House… 

“Clark stressed that abandoning Ukraine would be a strategic mistake… Clark also noted that European nations have contributed more to Ukraine’s defense than the U.S., pushing back against critics of American spending. He added the U.S. must remain engaged and strong.” 

JD Vance said this week that the USA was done funding the Ukraine war. 

Trump’s Big Blunder 

Express wrote on August 11: 

“Donald Trump was caught in a major blunder as he held a press conference on Monday… talking about his forthcoming meeting with Vladimir Putin, scheduled to take place on Friday in Alaska. ‘It’s embarrassing for me to be up here,’ he told reporters. ‘I’m going to see Putin. I’m going to Russia on Friday.’ The remarks provoked a social media meltdown, with many unable to resist poking fun at the US President over his huge gaffe… 

“One wrote: ‘The so-called president of the United States thinks that Alaska is in Russia. What an ongoing embarrassment!’… [Another wrote:]  ‘Can you imagine a Fortune 500 chairman talking like this and not being relieved before he fell off the podium?’” 

And they [rightly] made fun of Biden’s gaffes… Some have openly wondered whether Trump might be suffering from the beginning stages of dementia. 

Trump Attacks Zelenskyy Again 

Fox News wrote on August 11: 

“President Donald Trump  took aim at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a press event on Monday over his frustration with the Ukrainian leader’s objection to ‘land swapping.’ ‘… I disagree with what he’s done, very, very severely, disagree. This is a war that should have never happened,’ Trump said, reiterating his belief that the Ukrainian president is in part at fault for Russia’s illegal 2022 invasion. 

“‘I was a little bothered by the fact that Zelensky was saying, “Well, I have to get constitutional approval”’, Trump said. ‘I mean, he’s got approval to go into war and kill everybody, but he needs approval to do a land swap, because there’ll be some land swapping going on.’… 

“Zelenskyy – who did not declare war on Russia, as Moscow had already invaded, did declare Martial Law on Feb. 24, 2022 with the approval of Ukraine’s parliament, which gave him presidential powers to mobilize a military response — made clear over the weekend that he objected to Trump’s ‘land swapping’ proposal and has repeatedly said it would require a national referendum under the nation’s constitution–not a unilateral decision by him.” 

Even Fox News had to correct Trump’s claims. 

Ukraine Giving In? 

The Telegraph wrote on August 11: 

“Ukraine could agree to stop fighting and cede territory already held by Russia… Volodymyr Zelensky told European leaders… 

“This would mean freezing the front line where it is and handing Russia de facto control of the territory it occupies in Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson and Crimea.” 

That would be a major defeat for Ukraine and a huge victory for Russia. 

EU Appeals to Trump Not to Give In to Putin 

Deutsche Welle wrote on August 12, 2025: 

“EU leaders have appealed to the US leader to defend European security interests and to give Ukraine a say in any agreement. 

“The appeal, signed by all EU leaders, bar Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, comes after Trump said on Monday that both sides would be forced to cede land to end the ongoing conflict. Ukraine and its allies fear that Trump might make territorial concessions to Putin that are tantamount to rewarding the Russian leader for launching his illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion in February 2022.” 

Britain Worried About EU Demands 

The Telegraph wrote on August 12: 

“British [officials] are increasingly concerned about public comments on the future of Ukraine by the likes of Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz and Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat. 

“They fear that issuing public demands to the US president may backfire and cause him to cut Europe out of talks altogether.” 

The real “worry” might turn out to be the USA/UK against the EU. 

Teleconference Between EU, Zelenskyy and Trump 

Deutsche Welle wrote on August 13: 

“European and Ukrainian leaders have talked with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday afternoon. During a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin following a teleconference with Trump, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that any agreement regarding Ukraine must first include a ceasefire. Merz added that a legal recognition of Russian ownership of Ukraine cannot happen. 

“Meanwhile, Zelenskyy stressed that ‘there can be no discussions about Ukraine without Ukraine’ … Zelenskyy added that his country wants strong security guarantees and that US President Donald Trump supports this. He also said that Trump assured him he would contact him after the meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday to discuss the results and next steps.” 

Die Welt added on August 13: 

“Ukraine is also ready to negotiate territorial issues. However, the so-called contact line [the strip separating the Ukrainian army from Russian-backed fighters] must be the starting point.” 

The Guardian added: 

“Merz says that Trump ‘largely shares’ the European position, and says it was a ‘very good, constructive talk.’… Macron [added that ] US president Donald Trump told European leaders that he ‘wanted to obtain a ceasefire in Ukraine during meeting with Putin.’” 

If Trump “largely shares” the European position, what is it that he does not share? 

Another Proposal? 

The Sun wrote: 

“RUSSIA and the US are considering a West Bank-style occupation of Ukraine to secure a truce, according to reports, as Zelensky and Euro leaders hold emergency talks. 

“The superpowers have discussed using Israel’s occupation of the West Bank as a model for ending the war in Ukraine, sources revealed. This would give Russia military and economic control of the occupied parts of Ukraine, which would run its own governing body.” 

Allegedly, Trump’s special envoy Witkoff supported this proposal. 

Trump’s and Rutte’s Confusion

Deutsche Welle wrote on August 14:

“Trump caused some geographical confusion in the run-up to Friday’s meeting, repeatedly referring to the event set to take place in Alaska as a meeting ‘in Russia’ — even though the US purchased the state from Russia in 1867. Trump then went on to say that he wanted to arrange a ‘land swap’ between Russia and Ukraine. This is a misnomer, however, as Ukraine does not currently control any Russian territory which it could exchange. Its counteroffensive into Russia’s Kursk region, which began in August 2024, is largely over. Ukraine, therefore, has no bargaining chip that would allow it to engage in a land exchange. That’s why Ukraine and its allies fear Trump could be aiming for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia…

“NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte caused a stir on Sunday when he told US broadcaster ABC that a future deal could acknowledge that ‘Russia is controlling de facto, factually some of the territory of Ukraine.’ Would this mean NATO accepting the surrender of Ukrainian territory and thus the redrawing of borders by brute force in its immediate neighborhood? Rutte said the West ‘can never accept that in a legal sense,’ and that only de facto recognition was acceptable.”

Anxiety in Europe

Politico wrote on August 14:

“The prospect of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Alaska meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin is, unsurprisingly, causing Ukrainian and European anxiety to rise. It’s a point that was echoed by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk earlier this week, who noted he harbored ‘many fears’ about Friday’s summit — although he added he had ‘a lot of hope’ as well, presumably to avoid offending Washington…

“[The] European allies… have been hoping to persuade Trump not to agree to anything over Ukraine’s head. But is there really a chance that Trump can overcome what his former Russia czar Fiona Hill identifies as a ‘deferential’ attitude toward Putin? Or will the former KGB apparatchik advance his agenda to subjugate Ukraine, return it to being a Russian vassal and, by doing so, crack an already brittle Western alliance? With all the preconditions for Alaska being set by Russia — and not by Washington — it seems the latter is more likely…

“The problem is, any withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donetsk and Luhansk would be a military disaster for Ukraine. It would be a surrender of the country’s so-called eastern ‘fortress belt,’ where it has dug in and held Russian forces back for more than a decade, and would assist Russia to strike further west whenever Moscow wants. It would essentially be a Munich moment, with Trump brandishing a piece of paper and declaring peace in our time…

“Indeed, few seasoned observers of the Kremlin believe Putin is serious about giving up his ultimate goal of subjugating Ukraine — a nation he doesn’t believe should exist…”

Merz’s Decision on Gaza Not Made Alone? 

t-online wrote on August 10: 

“Merz’s decision, announced on Friday [to stop sending military equipment to Israel which could be used in Gaza], sparked fierce criticism from parts of the CDU and CSU. The CSU accused the Chancellor of failing to involve them. Merz responded: ‘I didn’t make this decision alone, but at the end of the day, it is a decision for which I alone must take responsibility. And I alone am responsible. But I can’t put it to a democratic vote either.'” 

Excuse me? And who supported him in his decision? Jens Spahn, who once again discreetly remains silent in the background? According to Bild Online from August 11, Spahn made dubious statements: “Union parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn (45), Merz’s most important deputy, spoke as cautiously as possible. He called the Chancellor’s decision against Israel ‘justifiable,’ but made it clear: ‘We are doing everything we can to ensure that German-Israeli relations remain intact, and that Germany can resume deliveries as soon as possible…'” 

Really? 

Can You Still Believe Merz? 

Bild Online wrote on August 9: 

“Does Chancellor Merz actually know what he’s done?… People can have different opinions about the war in Gaza and German weapons. But one thing is certain: Chancellor Merz has reversed a position that he has championed for years with more credibility than almost any other politician. As recently as January, Merz promised that with him as Chancellor, Israel would get everything it needed; this was ‘unmistakably clear.’ Judging by his own statements, the Chancellor has now betrayed his foreign policy convictions.. 

“It is unmistakably clear that even Friedrich Merz’s most sacred promises cannot be believed. Doubts about Merz’s credibility have long existed within his own ranks. Economic policymakers believed Merz when he swore off new debt and promised reforms during the election campaign. Ukraine supporters believed Merz when he vowed to deliver Taurus cruise missiles. Conservatives believed Merz would defend their pro-life positions – instead, he unconditionally supported a judicial candidate with a fundamentally different legal assessment of abortion. 

“The CDU/CSU, like all other parties, has plenty of experience with watering down political positions. But for a chancellor to single-handedly dismantle the core identity of an entire party and silently go on vacation simply shows how little respect he has for the members of parliament who elected him to office…” 

The days of Merz and the coalition are numbered… 

European Chat Control  

Cointelegraph wrote on August 5: 

“A controversial European Union proposal dubbed ‘Chat Control’ is regaining momentum, with 19 out of 27 EU member states reportedly backing the measure. The plan would mandate that messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram, must scan every message, photo and video sent by users starting in October, even if end-to-end encryption is in place… 

“Denmark reintroduced the proposal on July 1,  the first day of its EU Council presidency. France, once opposed, is now in favor… Belgium, Hungary, Sweden, Italy and Spain are also in favor, while Germany remains undecided. However, if Berlin joins the majority, a qualified council vote could push the plan through by mid-October… A qualified majority in the EU Council is achieved when two conditions are met. First, at least 55 percent of member states, meaning 15 out of 27, must vote in favor. Second, those countries must represent at least 65% of the EU’s total population… 

“The proposal cites the prevention of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) as its justification. However, it would result in… mass surveillance… of messaging and chats and the end of privacy of digital correspondence… Beyond scanning, the package includes mandatory age verification, effectively removing anonymity from messaging platforms… 

“Last month, Telegram founder Pavel Durov warned that France risks societal collapse if it continues down a path of political censorship and regulatory overreach. Durov was arrested in France in August 2024 after being accused of failing to moderate his app to reduce criminality. He also alleged that French intelligence officials approached him earlier this year with requests to censor pro-conservative content ahead of the May 2025 Romanian election, a request he says he refused.” 

Western Propaganda and Hypocrisy 

Israel 365 News wrote on August 8: 

“Recently, Hamas released horrific videos depicting two Israeli hostages… who have now been held in captivity in inhuman conditions for 670 days. One particularly harrowing video shows [one hostage], visibly emaciated, being forced to dig what appears to be his own grave in a Hamas tunnel beneath Gaza. These images evoke painful historical parallels of the Holocaust and the brutal conditions of Nazi concentration camps… 

“The release of these videos followed controversial announcements by world leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, declaring their intention to recognize a Palestinian state. Many critics argue that this political move only emboldens Hamas and other terrorist organizations, offering them a dangerous form of legitimacy and encouragement to continue their atrocities.  Certainly, it does not give them reason to moderate, or release the 50 hostages still held in the hell of Gaza’s tunnels. 

“What’s particularly troubling is the moral inconsistency demonstrated by these purported global leaders… Since the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, numerous graphic images and videos have surfaced: mass murders of Israeli civilians, women raped, burning and beheading of people while alive, and the abduction of women, children, and Holocaust survivors…  What’s alarming is how shamelessly such evidence of brutality is circulated by terrorist groups, confident that the global media—fixated mainly on a one-sided narrative of Palestinian victimhood—will look the other way. Hamas, like the Nazi regime, relies heavily on propaganda to distort reality and rally support… 

“Western societies must wake up. If people genuinely care about the well-being of Palestinians, they must address the root cause of their suffering: the Islamic regime in Iran. It is the regime’s financing, indoctrination, and exporting of radical Islam that fuel movements like Hamas and perpetuate conflict in the region…” 

Trump Clashes With Netanyahu 

Israel 365 News wrote on August 8: 

“The relationship between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, once characterized by unprecedented warmth and mutual admiration, has taken a dramatic turn as the two leaders reportedly engaged in a heated shouting match over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Citing unnamed sources, the report claimed the phone call devolved into a shouting match. While the White House refused to comment, the Prime Minister’s office claimed it was ‘fake news’. 

“According to NBC News, citing unnamed senior U.S. officials, the dramatic phone call occurred on July 28, following a public dispute over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The conflict began when Netanyahu declared at a public event that ‘there is no starvation in Gaza,’ despite widespread reports of hunger and suffering in the Palestinian enclave. Trump publicly contradicted his former ally the following day during a visit to Scotland, stating he was ‘not particularly convinced’ by Netanyahu’s assurance. The president said there was ‘real starvation’ in Gaza, adding pointedly, ‘You can’t fake that.’ He mentioned seeing images of children in Gaza who ‘look very hungry.’ 

“Angered by Trump’s public contradiction, Netanyahu reportedly demanded a phone call with the president. What followed was described by officials as ‘a direct, mostly one-way conversation about the status of humanitarian aid’ with Trump ‘doing most of the talking.’ During the call, Netanyahu maintained that reports of starvation in Gaza had been ‘fabricated’ by Hamas and that hunger was not widespread in the territory. However, Trump interrupted the Israeli leader and began yelling, according to the NBC report. The president insisted that his aides had shown him proof that children in Gaza were starving and that he didn’t want to hear such evidence dismissed as ‘fake.’” 

Maybe, Trump should have consulted first with his Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee. Note the next article. 

Huckabee: Hamas Responsible for “Starvation” 

Breitbart wrote on August 13: 

“U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told Breitbart News on Tuesday that Hamas, not Israel, is to blame for whatever food deprivation is being suffered by Palestinian people in Gaza, because it hoards food aid… Huckabee said that while there was hunger in Gaza, Israel was trying to make sure that Palestinians received food aid. Hamas, however, was more concerned with controlling and profiting from aid — and damaging Israel’s image — than it was in helping the Palestinian people whom it purports to represent. 

“He explained:  ‘The simple truth is, Hamas is the one responsible for the starvation, to the degree that there is starvation. I point out that if you look at the people from Hamas, they aren’t starving. These are well-fed people. I even said to Piers Morgan last night on an interview with him, I said, you know, there may be starvation going on in Gaza, but it’s not Hamas. These people don’t need food… I’ll tell you, who’s starving: the [Israeli] hostages are starving. And it really ticks me off when these European leaders like [France’s Emmanuel] Macron and [the UK’s Keir] Starmer, you know, they’re putting all this pressure on Israel to drop food in for people in Gaza, and I want them to maybe put a little pressure on Hamas to start feeding the hostages, and tell them to stop making these hostages dig their own graves, which I find revolting and disgusting. And where’s the condemnation for that?  

“‘If there’s hunger in Gaza, and I believe there is — I’ll be the first to say I think that in pockets, not everywhere, but in pockets, there’s hunger. But the reason is twofold. One, Hamas prevents people from getting to the feeding sites and shoots some of them — and I heard that from the Gazans themselves — but a lot of the food that goes into Gaza is stolen and looted by Hamas, who put it in warehouses, and then they turn around and sell it to people on the black market. Last year, Hamas made $500 million — that’s half a billion dollars — selling the relief food, the humanitarian food. By the United Nations’ own numbers… 88% of the food that they send into Gaza is stolen or looted. I think about that. 88% — that’s a 12% effective success rate and an 88% failure rate.’ 

“Huckabee also faulted the United Nations (UN) for worsening the problem, and effectively helping Hamas: 

“‘… They take billions of dollars of money, and I watch what they do with it, and it’s disgusting, and there should be accountability for it, and I don’t think the US should continue to fund some of these programs and projects they have, as ineffective as they are…’” 

Huckabee has always been a “straight shooter.” His words should not be dismissed or rejected.  

Israel Kills Al Jazeera’s Reporters 

Deutsche Welle wrote on August 11: 

“Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera’s reporter Anas al-Sharif and four of his colleagues were killed on Sunday in an Israeli strike near Shifa Hospital in eastern Gaza City… The Israeli military has claimed that al-Sharif headed a Hamas cell, an allegation Al Jazeera has rejected… Gaza health officials and Al Jazeera said the journalists were killed when an Israeli missile hit a tent near the hospital. An official at Shifa said two other people were also killed… 

“Al-Sharif had worked as a prominent correspondent for Al Jazeera and was previously part of a photography team for the Reuters news agency that won the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Photography for coverage of the Israel-Hamas war. He was described by the network as ‘one of Gaza’s bravest journalists’ and a vital voice in reporting on the war. His coverage often included interviews with residents directly affected by the fighting, as well as footage from sites immediately after Israeli strikes…

“Germany has pressed Israel for a full and transparent explanation over the killing of Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza, ‘Israel is now expected, from our perspective, to explain itself in the most transparent and comprehensible manner possible,’ a spokesperson for the German Foreign Office told the German press agency dpa, while calling the killing of media workers ‘absolutely unacceptable’ under international humanitarian law.”  

The Frankfurter Allgemeine wrote on August 11:

“The German government has called on the Israeli government to explain the killing of six journalists in the Gaza Strip. This is absolutely inadmissible under international humanitarian law, said a spokesperson for the Federal Foreign Office. The fact that the case is not clear-cut can be seen in the spokesperson’s postscript: ‘If it happens as it has now, then it is up to the party carrying out such a killing to clearly explain why it was necessary.’ Israel must explain ‘in the most transparent and comprehensible manner possible’ how it can justify the targeted killing of journalists.

“Israel, however, has already done so, according to its own opinion. Al-Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif was not a journalist, but the leader of a Hamas terrorist cell, the Israeli army announced. Intelligence information and documents found in Gaza prove that al-Sharif was responsible for rocket attacks on Israeli civilians and soldiers…

“From a distance, the case is as difficult to assess as the situation in the Gaza Strip itself, which is why one should be cautious about jumping to conclusions…

“Was Anas al-Sharif a journalist or a terrorist? The question of who acts as a neutral reporter and who as a propagandist in Gaza has been raised ever since the Hamas massacre of October 7, 2023, when ‘journalists’ were on the scene, and people wondered how that could be, why they spread Hamas’s terror cheers unfiltered and helped lay the foundation for Hamas propaganda that this was a just liberation struggle…”

Developments like these will only lead to further international outrage towards the state of Israel.

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.

Passion is described as an emotion, an intense desire or enthusiasm about something.  This can be positive, like a strong desire for God or righteous actions, or negative, like sinful desires or uncontrolled anger. In the New King James Bible, “passion” is used in Romans 7:5 and Galatians 5:24 to describe bodily desires or affections that can lead to sin. In Colossians 3:5, “passion” is mentioned alongside other negative desires, suggesting it refers to inappropriate cravings or lustful appetites.

Different translations of the Bible may use slightly different wording. For example, some translations might use “lust” or “inordinate affection” instead of “passion” in certain verses. In other contexts, “passion” can refer to zeal or fervor, like the desire to see God’s house cleansed (John 2:17).

The meaning of passion as a strong emotion can also be associated with love. It is more than just being happy or excited, but it could be something that we are eager or zealous, energetic, or spirited about; hence, a true passion.  When it comes to each one of us personally, we may be passionate about something in our own different way, things that we love and are enthusiastic about.  Can people around us recognize what our passions are?  Is the love for God’s Law and the Truth our true passion?

David is a great example of someone in the Bible who had a passion for God’s Law, which he elaborates on in Psalm 119 (which he wrote according to tradition) by seeking God “with the whole heart,” delighting in His commandments with devotion, Godly fear, and righteousness.

He also had a passion for building God a temple, but due to his punishment for sin, only his son, Solomon, would be able to do it.  “…I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made preparations to build it. But God said to me, ‘You shall not build a house for My name, because you have been a man of war and have shed blood.’ …He has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.  Now He said to me, ‘It is your son Solomon who shall build My house and My courts; for I have chosen him to be My son, and I will be his Father. Moreover I will establish his kingdom forever, if he is steadfast to observe My commandments and My judgments, as it is this day” (1 Chronicles 28:2-7).

David’s advice to Solomon is explained in the following verses 9-10 and in verse 20: “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong, and do it… Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.”

To put it in another perspective, husbands and wives should have a passion for each other (compare Ephesians 5:25-33), as they are both one, “just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her” (verse 25).

In the Song of Solomon, the husband and wife (future and present) have a passion for each other.  Full of metaphors and imagery, it also pictures Israel as God’s betrothed bride and the Church as the bride of Christ (Hosea 2:19-20).  Humanly speaking, our highest fulfillment should be the love we have for each other and especially for our spouse.  That same love should be reflected in our spiritual life, in showing our love towards God’s people and Christ’s love for the church. Christ requires, “that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another”(John 13:34-35).

The Jews in Babylon had a passion to return to Jerusalem. After 70 years of exile, God fulfilled His promise to return His people from captivity to the land of promise (Ezra 2:1-2).  The first six chapters have to do with the rebuilding of the temple, led by Zerubbabel, the first return from Babylon, and how Satan interfered by stopping the work for 15 years. God encouraged His people to continue the work of God, and the temple was completed in chapter six.  They kept the Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread with joy (Ezra 6:19-22).

The second return was with Ezra, described in chapters 7-10, and he was determined to help strengthen the spiritual condition of the people.  His passion to seek God obediently is expressed in verse 10 of chapter 7.  The third and final return to Jerusalem from Babylon was with Nehemiah.  He prayed for his people in Nehemiah, chapter 1.  He was sent to Judah and encouraged his people to rebuild the wall in Jerusalem, despite opposition from enemies.  He continued to do God’s Will and put it all in His hands (6:15-16).  He brought captives back, and yet he still had to work with the people and teach them. The task to reestablish and reform the people of God within the rebuilt wall demanded years of his godly life and leadership, just like we need to be reminded continuously what God’s purpose and plan are all about.

As we are also to be faithful servants to our Father, our talents can be used wisely, if we are truly passionate about our task and responsibility, as the parable of the talents explains in Matthew 25:14-29.

Another great example is that of Paul, who had an unwavering passion for God’s Law, proven also through all the sufferings he endured for Christ’s sake (2 Corinthians 11:24-28).

God is very passionate about His plan for mankind. Christ was driven by His task, where He said that He came to fulfill the Work, and as He was dying on the cross, He said that it (His Work, given to Him) was finished (John 19:30).  

Passion could also refer to suffering, particularly the suffering of Jesus.  Gotquestions.org states that “The word passion is from the Latin pati, which simply means ‘to endure’ or ‘to suffer.’ The term passion of Christ has taken on a technical or semi-technical meaning in theology, referring to the time from Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane to His death on the cross—the time of His greatest suffering.”

In the book of Isaiah, much is said about God’s passion for His plan, especially in chapters 46 and 48.  Isaiah 53 talks about the “passion” of Christ through all the suffering He had to endure when He was on this earth, for our sake, so WE can be saved.  He offered up His life so that we can live for righteousness, but only after repentance (1 Peter 2:24).  

We read in Isaiah 53:3-12, in the New International Version:

“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering… Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted,  yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away…  For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence,  nor was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

The Bible concludes with the wonderful plan that God has in store for all of mankind, something that He is truly passionate about, where John describes a vision of “a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’ Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’ And He said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son’” (Revelation 21:1-7).

There is indeed much revealed in the Bible about passion with its various descriptions. As God has the right kind of passion for His ultimate plan for us, we ought to strive continuously and passionately to improve in strength, zealousness, diligence, love, patience, and in overcoming until Christ returns.

Lead Writer: Michael Link

compiled by Dave Harris

“And Now Also Germany Against Israel!” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

Due to its recent history, Germany had been anxious to portray itself as a strong supporter of Israel. But not any longer. The German government has joined the chorus of condemnatory and accusatory voices against Israel. It began with Germany’s support of a fictitious two-state solution and an inaccurate portrayal of the Gaza tragedy; and has now reached its climax in Chancellor Merz’s controversial announcement that Germany would no longer export military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza. What does the Bible say about Israel and all those nations which are ganging up against it?

“Und jetzt auch Deutschland gegen Israel!” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This program covers the same topic as described above.

A new Member Letter (August 2025) has been posted and mailed to our subscribers. Pastor Eric Rank reflects on living a godly life and encouraging us to hold on to the crown given to Christians as we continue to walk in the way of God.

“The Curse of Taxes,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:

Christ told us to pay our taxes—to give Caesar what is Caesar’s. Paul repeats this and even says that tax collectors are “God’s ministers.” These statements must not be misunderstood. Even though we are to be subject to the powers over us, the concept of taxes is a curse. It is quite different from our obligation to pay God’s tithe.  The Bible includes many warnings for governments who overtax the people. It also shows the blessing of tax relief.

“A Story of Sacrifice,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Michael Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:

A young man is sent out into the world by his poor parents to seek a better way of life, only to find himself in many trials and tests, until he develops a change of heart by saving the ones he loves.  Within this story, there are many symbolic principles in relation to the Bible which can be applied personally and/or spiritually in our lives.