Update 1198

On March 7, 2026, Michael Link will present the first split sermon, titled, “Don’t Be Late,”  and Kalon Mitchell will present the second split sermon, titled, “Thoughts We Allow”.

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.

“We’re living in uncertain times.” 

This was a common refrain in news broadcasts 6 years ago when Covid-19 was beginning to spread around the world. At the time, many people were getting sick. Death tolls were in the headlines. Fear was the dominant instrument used in propaganda to bring some semblance of control and order in our society. The confusion sown at the time was pronounced, making it difficult to discern the truth from fiction. Uncertainty abounded. Governments enforced policies affecting numerous people’s lives materially, and mostly in a negative way. Day-to-day life changed for just about everyone on the planet, causing many to not know what to do next. People made all kinds of wild speculations about what the future would hold, but nobody really knew what would happen. The future was not clear.

I raise this memory as an example of what collective uncertainty feels like. When the future is hard to predict, it can be a challenge to know what to do. We face uncertainty today as well. The advent of AI is changing the landscape of how work is done, with many predicting massive job loss and unemployment. Nobody really knows what will happen, but sensational speculations abound. War in the Middle East escalates instability in the region, putting the world’s nations on edge. These are current occurrences at a global scale. Individually, on a personal scale, we deal with uncertainty too. Sudden changes in life circumstances can alter the course of our future in a moment, sometimes at a global scale, and other times individually. Uncertainty is a fact of life. 

What are you going to do?

When faced with a choice for which any decision will lead to an unpredictable outcome, how do you make up your mind about what to do? If AI is taking over the world, threatening to steal your job, what are you going to do about it? When other kinds of calamities in your life disrupt your plans, how do you make decisions?

One way to make decisions is by trying to achieve an outcome, focusing on that goal, and modifying your behavior to reach that outcome. The ends justify the means. This is the approach that fear-mongering promotes. Those who claim to have solutions will say things to the effect of, “If you want this outcome, do this, not that.” They prey upon the fear of uncertainty, making empty promises for the stability of a certain and comfortable outcome. 

However, focusing our efforts to control our outcome is a trap. “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’ But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil” (James 4:13-16). The Bible is clear that we can do nothing to save ourselves. The circumstances of our lives are firmly in the grasp of the living God. He is the One who brings about the outcomes in our lives — not we. To get into a way of thinking that presupposes we can control our outcomes is doomed to cause compound problems. If the outcome is the fixed objective, and our behaviors are the variable that changes, we would be bound to deviate from righteous behavior in submission to God. This is not what God wants.

The Bible instructs us consistently to practice righteousness (compare Matthew 5:6; 1 John 2:29; 1 John 3:7,10). This is the superior way to make decisions. 

When we accept that it is impossible for us to do a good job of controlling the outcomes in our lives, it takes a lot of pressure away. We must trust God to direct our paths, knowing that He is the One who will give us exactly what we need. Our work is to listen to Him, focusing our efforts on being profitable servants to Him. Living this way keeps our behavior as the fixed constant, leaving the outcome as the variable. This places uncertainty into God’s control, not ours. In this way of making decisions, we can be satisfied inherently in doing what is right in the eyes of God. We don’t have to worry about the uncertain future.

When Daniel and his friends were in captivity, they faced life-threatening uncertainty. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego had their lives threatened if they refused to worship the god of Nebuchadnezzar. But rather than try to control the outcome of that situation, compromising their convictions to save their lives, they chose to not waver. “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up’” (Daniel 3:16-18). Note how they submitted to the Will of God, knowing that the outcome of their lives was in His hands. They had faith that holding fast to righteousness would yield the best result. And it did. Following this moment, they were indeed thrown into a burning fiery furnace, but their lives were miraculously saved. 

Uncertainty prevails in our lives. As the time of Jesus Christ’s return draws near, the magnitude of uncertainty will increase even more. Everyone will need to answer the question posed to them, “What are you going to do?” Many in the world will attempt to take matters into their own hands to control their outcome. But this way is corrupt. The right way in the eyes of God is live according to righteousness, directed by virtuous principles. This makes uncertainty powerless in its fight against us, placing God firmly in control.

By Norbert Link

The USA and Israel struck Iran on the Sabbath of February 28, 2026. The blatant violation of God’s holy Sabbath is clearly condemned by the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. As some articles point out, the rationale for the strike is not clear at all, even though explanations shift; and neither is Iran’s future. While regime change seems to be one of the declared goals, what kind of regime will Iran have?  If this is developing into a major war, America will not be successful, as America has won no major war since World War II, and it will not win any major war prior to Christ’s return.

Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “The Curse of the Iran War”

We also report on national and international reactions and the possible consequences for the Middle East and the entire world.

In other news, we report on an attack on Pakistan, the situation in Gaza; a possible US “friendly” takeover of Cuba; and Europe’s deadliest war.

We also speak about interesting articles pertaining to AI, Trump’s “internal enemies” and his mortality; California’s insane taxes; birthright citizenship; and censorship of speech in the UK.

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

Major Combat Operation 

The Associated Press wrote on February 28:

“The U.S. and Israel launched a major attack on Iran on Saturday, and President Donald Trump called on the Iranian public to ‘seize control of your destiny’ by rising up against the Islamic leadership that has ruled the nation since 1979. Iran retaliated by firing missiles and drones toward Israel and U.S. military bases in the region… In a video announcing the ‘major combat operations,’ Trump told Iranians that ‘when we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.’ 

“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed that goal, saying, ‘Our joint operation will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands.’ 

“The strikes during the holy fasting month of Ramadan opened a stunning new chapter in U.S. intervention in Iran and marked the second time in eight months that the Trump administration has used military force against the Islamic Republic… 

“The targets included members of Iran’s leadership… Even if Iran’s top leaders were to be killed, regime change is not guaranteed and neither the U.S. nor Israel have articulated a vision for what new leadership would look like… The immediate trigger for Saturday’s strikes appears to be the unsuccessful latest round of nuclear talks. But they also reflect the dramatic changes across the region that have left Iran’s leadership in its weakest position since the Islamic Revolution nearly half a century ago… 

“Iran responded to the latest strikes as it had been threatening to do for months, including by launching missiles and drones targeting Israel as well as strikes targeting U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar... Israel said the operation has been planned for months with the U.S. Trump, in seeking to justify the military action, claimed Iran has continued to develop its nuclear program despite asserting last year the program had been ‘obliterated’ by an earlier round of strikes… The U.S. president said he was aiming to ‘annihilate’ the Iranian navy and destroy regional proxies supported by Tehran. 

“He also called on the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to lay down arms, pledging members would be given immunity, while warning they would face ‘certain death’ if they didn’t… 

“Iran has said it hasn’t enriched uranium since June, but it has blocked international inspectors from visiting the sites America bombed during a 12-day war then. Satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press have shown new activity at two of those sites, suggesting Iran is trying to assess and potentially recover material there. Iran currently has a self-imposed limit on its ballistic missile program, limiting its range to 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles). That puts the entire Middle East and some of Eastern Europe within range… 

“The strikes could rattle global markets, particularly if Iran is able to make the Strait of Hormuz unsafe for commercial traffic. A third of total worldwide oil exports transported by sea passed through the Strait of Hormuz in 2025… 

“Saudi Arabia said in an announcement on state-run media that Iran had targeted its capital and its eastern region in an attack that was repelled. Bahrain said a missile attack targeted the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters in the island kingdom… The Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen vowed to resume attacks on Red Sea shipping routes and on Israel…” 

Iran’s Leaders Dead 

The New York Post wrote on February 28: 

“Iran’s tyrannical Supreme Leader Alio Khamenei was killed Saturday in an unprecedented,  joint military attack by the US and Israel called Operation Epic Fury.  ‘Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,’ Trump declared on his Truth Social about 15 hours after the start of the onslaught… Hours later, Iranian state media confirmed that Khamenei had been ‘martyred.’… 

“The tyrant’s daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law were also killed in the joint military attack, according to Iranian state media, though it’s unclear where they died. Israeli officials told Fox News that more than 40 top Iranian security and regime figures were eliminated in the opening strikes this morning, and as many as 10 high-ranking leaders were killed in the initial strike on Khamenei’s fortified compound.” 

It was also reported that at least six US service members have been killed so far. 

Iran’s New Supreme Leader?

The Daily Mail wrote on March 3: 

“Mojtaba Khamenei, the [second] son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly been appointed Iran’s new Supreme Leader.  Mojtaba… has strong links to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) [and the Basij volunteer paramilitary force] and was chosen by Iran’s Assembly of Experts… He has been touted as a possible successor to his father for years… 

“The regime’s 88-person assembly is tasked with appointing, supervising and potentially dismissing the supreme leader.  It met on Tuesday in Qom to find a successor to Ali Khamenei, who was killed on Saturday by joint US-Israeli strikes. Israel and US strikes flattened the building where the assembly met. There was no information on any potential casualties.” 

Other reports claim that he was not appointed yet, but that he is the most likely successor to his father. Trump said that he would view this as the most undesirable outcome.  

Closing Strait of Hormuz? 

Haaretz wrote on February 28: 

“Iran Reportedly Closes Strait of Hormuz, the World’s Most Vital Oil Export Route… The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations agency said it received multiple reports from vessels in the Gulf that they had been notified of the Strait of Hormuz’s closure. There was no immediate confirmation from Iran…” 

The Daily Mail wrote on March 1: 

“Iran claims to have struck British oil tankers with missiles leaving them ‘burning’…  

“Iran has told ships not to pass through the Strait of Hormuz… although a number of Iranian and Chinese vessels have continued to pass through it today.  The halting of shipping in the strait has seen markets brace for a surge in global oil prices.  Motorists in the UK were warned of potential ‘record prices at the pumps’ while economists predicted fragile economies could be pushed ‘closer to recession in a matter of weeks’. The threat of Iranian reprisal attacks saw at least 150 tankers drop anchor as shipping companies refused to sail through the 100-mile passage which is just 24 miles wide.” 

The Times of India reported on March 3: 

“Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, warning that any vessel attempting to pass will be attacked… The threat of closure has already rattled energy markets, with oil prices jumping sharply amid fears of prolonged disruption.” 

Sky News wrote on March 1: 

“By March 1, very few ships were in the strait, and vessels appeared to cluster around large ports on either side of the strait. Maritime activity has been almost brought to a standstill as the US and Iran have traded strikes…” 

MEGA Melts Down Over Iran War 

Daily Beast wrote on February 28: 

“A Trump-authorized strike on Iran took place just hours after JD Vance tried to allay MAGA fears of another conflict without a clear end. President Donald Trump is facing a furious MAGA backlash after embarking on an unauthorized strike in Iran that he admits will kill U.S. citizens [after being urged from parts of his own base not to enter another foreign war.]… 

“The fact that American soldiers could die is set to infuriate the anti-interventionist wing of the Republican Party…. Former Trump ally Marjorie Taylor Greene [wrote]: ‘End of MAGA.’” 

Imminent Threat? 

ABC News wrote on February 28: 

“In making his new case for the strikes, the president is arguing attacks are warranted to ‘defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime’ without providing clear evidence of that. Trump also argued Iranian missiles could ‘soon’ reach the U.S —  but the president has provided no details… 

“Whether the Iranian missile threat was ‘imminent’ — and whether Congress should vote on committing American troops to an extensive military operation — aimed at pursuing such a broad goal of regime change in Iran — will likely dominate the debate when lawmakers return to Washington this week.” 

USA War Against Iran Because of Israel? 

JTA wrote on March 3: 

“Secretary of State Marco Rubio inflamed critics of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran on Monday when he suggested that Israel had pulled the United States into the conflict. ‘We knew that there was going to be an Israeli action, we knew that that would precipitate an attack against American forces, and we knew that if we didn’t preemptively go after them before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties,’ Rubio told reporters in Washington, D.C… 

“The conservative commentator Matt Walsh… shared a video of Rubio’s initial statement and tweeted, ‘So he’s flat out telling us that we’re in a war with Iran because Israel forced our hand. This is basically the worst possible thing he could have said.’… 

“Rubio was not the only prominent voice close to the decision-making table to implicate Israel as a driver of the war plans… Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said the United States had to prepare for war because it knew it would be embroiled if Israel acted alone. ‘Because Israel was determined to act with or without the U.S., our commander in chief and the administration and the officials had a very difficult decision to make,’ he told reporters… 

“The war is placing stress on Trump’s coalition ahead of a midterm election season that is expected to be rocky for the Republicans. The MAGA wing of the party…  appears unlikely to be easily convinced by the Trump administration’s explanations for war….” 

Trump disputed what Rubio and Johnson had claimed, saying that, if anything, he was leading the attack, and Rubio backpedaled, saying he had been “misquoted.” Johnson also waffled on the issue. Johnson also said that the USA is not at war right now with Iran.. a totally ridiculous comment (compare The Independent, dated March 4). 

“Wars and Rumors of Wars” 

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on February 28: 

“This is a major mis-step that could easily turn out very badly as it is a pointless war of choice that could easily escalate to neighboring states and become nuclear if… Navy vessels might also find themselves vulnerable to Iranian missiles. 

“… the grounds for the act of war as elaborated by President Donald Trump are completely fatuous, to include Iranian presumed development of a nuclear weapon and its possession of ballistic missiles that will be able to strike the United States. Both claims are denied by US intelligence and other sources. They are lies…” 

Where Is the Plan? 

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on March 2: 

“It was supposed to be like the Venezuela operation. Quick and painless for the US. Kill the leadership and the long-suffering people would take to the streets and reclaim their country… in real life these regime change operations have never worked. Millions did take to the streets in Iran, but it was to mourn the slain Ayatollah and to reaffirm support for their government… with the Pentagon warning that the operation may go weeks instead of days, we are quickly running out of missiles. 

“Billions of dollars have already been spent on this unprovoked attack, and when the smoke clears – if it does – we may see hundreds of billions or maybe much more having been wasted on yet another Middle East war. Just what President Trump promised he would not do… 

“Launching a military strike during negotiations will have lasting negative effects for the United States. Who would ever trust US diplomacy again if talks are used as a distraction for pre-planned attacks? The Administration is doing its best to spin this unfolding disaster as all going according to plan, but what is the plan? No one knows. Do they know?” 

Trump also said that the war may go on for five more weeks or so, and he does not rule out “boots on the ground.” 

Trump’s Planless Attacks 

The Huffington Post wrote on March 3: 

“From tanking stocks to spiking oil prices to tens of thousands of Americans stranded overseas with no easy way home, the president has unleashed a global mess… In his meeting with [German Chancellor Friedrich] Merz, Trump also acknowledged the lack of a plan for after Iran’s Islamic regime loses control of the country.”

Divided Opposition 

The New York Post wrote on February 28: 

“Rival opposition figures are jockeying for position in a new Iran, in the wake of the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In dueling messages on Saturday, opposition leader Maryam Rajavi and exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi urged Iranians to unite — while making clear they have different visions for the country’s future. 

“Rajavi — president-elect of the Paris-based National Council of Resistance of Iran — called for the overthrow of Iran’s ruling clerical regime and the creation of a democratic republic as conflict… 

“Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last monarch…  also has plans for a democratic transition… In a post on X, Pahlavi described the US action as a ‘humanitarian intervention’ aimed at the regime — not the Iranian people… ‘It is we, the people of Iran, who will finish this task in this final battle…’ 

“The competing appeals highlight a brewing struggle for legitimacy among Iran’s opposition…” 

International Reactions 

Fox News reported on February 28: 

“World leaders reacted swiftly Saturday after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, exposing a deep divide between governments backing the attack on Iran and those warning the attacks risk a wider regional war.” 

It continued that Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom supported the strike unconditionally. The European reaction was more reserved. The article continued: 

“French President Emmanuel Macron warned, ‘The outbreak of war between the United States, Israel and Iran carries grave consequences for international peace and security.’ He added, ‘The ongoing escalation is dangerous for all. It must stop,’ and called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. In a joint statement, the leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom also  said they had ‘consistently urged the Iranian regime to end Iran’s nuclear program, curb its ballistic missile program, refrain from its destabilizing activity in the region and our homelands, and to cease the appalling violence and repression against its own people.’ The three governments [called E3] said they ‘did not participate in these strikes,’ but remain ‘in close contact with our international partners, including the United States, Israel, and partners in the region’ [However, Keir Starmer said subsequently that their airplanes are in the sky in the Middle East.] … 

“European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described developments as ‘perilous,’ saying Iran’s ‘ballistic missile and nuclear programmes… pose a serious threat to global security,’ while emphasizing that ‘Protection of civilians and international humanitarian law is a priority.’” 

Other European countries condemned the USA/Israel strike. 

“Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez [of Spain] said, ‘We reject the unilateral military action by the United States and Israel, which represents an escalation and contributes to a more uncertain and hostile international order.’… Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said the strike ‘is not in line with international law.’” 

Finland also stated that the USA/Israel strike was “outside traditional international law.” 

Other countries commented in the same negative way: 

“Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry… ‘strongly condemned the unwarranted attacks against Iran’… A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, wrote on X that Beijing is ‘highly concerned over the military strikes against Iran launched by the U.S. and Israel.’ … Russia sharply criticized the operation [under “peacemaker” Donald Trump.] Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, said, ‘All negotiations with Iran are a cover operation.’” 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Saturday condemned the “unprovoked armed attack” on Iran by the US and Israel. Amazing, since Russia began its unprovoked armed attacks on Ukraine four years ago. 

Putin wrote, according to Fox News on March 1: 

“Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader  Ali Khamenei on Sunday, calling the death, which came amid strikes from Israel and the U.S., a ‘cynical violation’ of norms. Putin made the statement in a letter to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian… ‘”In our country, Ayatollah Khamenei will be remembered as an outstanding statesman who made a huge personal contribution to the development of friendly Russian-Iranian relations,’ [Putin wrote].” 

While Brazil and Lebanon condemned the strike, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, as well as Ukraine, blamed and condemned Iran’s retaliation. 

Also, NPR reported the following on February 28: 

“[UN] Secretary General António Guterres condemned what he described as the ‘use of force’ by the US and Israel, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran, which, he said, ‘undermine international peace and security.’… Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who has been mediating between the U.S. and Iran, says there had been active and serious nuclear talks taking place. In a post on X, he wrote that he was ‘dismayed’ by coordinated Israeli-U.S. attacks on Iran…” 

Newsmax wrote on February 28: 

“Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran violated Iran’s sovereignty… 

“Erdogan said Iran’s attacks on Gulf countries were also unacceptable, and he warned that without restraint and diplomacy the region risked being ‘dragged into a circle of fire.’” 

Pope Condemns Strike 

In “the Letters from Leo,” the following was stated on February 28: 

“… the pontiff views the strikes as ‘immoral, illegal, and a grave threat to the entire human family’… 

Thomson/Reuters wrote on March 1: 

“Pope Leo said on Sunday that he is following events after U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran with ‘deep concern’ and made an impassioned appeal to stop what he called a ‘spiral of violence.’ ‘I address a heartfelt appeal to the parties involved to assume the moral responsibility to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss,’ said the pope. ‘Stability and peace are not built through mutual threats or through weapons … but only through reasonable, genuine, and responsible dialog,’ the pope said.” 

Transatlantic Unity? 

Politico wrote on February 28: 

“The European stance — particularly that of France, Germany and Britain [saying they did not participate in these strikes] — drew a blistering response from U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, underscoring the geopolitical tensions now rippling across the Atlantic. ‘To say I’m disappointed in the joint statement … is an understatement,’ Graham wrote on X, accusing Western Europe of having ‘gone pathetically soft’ and urging European leaders to back efforts to confront the regime in Tehran… 

“The unusually sharp language highlights how the Middle East crisis is fast becoming a real-world stress test of transatlantic unity… Brussels is now shifting into crisis mode… Amid the geopolitical shocks, European officials are bracing for a confrontation that could further strain Western unity in the days and weeks ahead.” 

UK Not Part of It 

Daily Mail wrote on March 2: 

“Keir Starmer today insisted he ‘stands by’ his decision to snub Donald Trump’s Iran strikes because they were ‘not thought through’ – despite a brutal rebuke from the US… But in a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Special Relationship, Sir Keir insisted he did not believe in ‘regime change from the skies’…. 

“Sir Keir is bracing for a battering from his own left-wing MPs after conducting a partial U-turn last night, agreeing that American forces can use British bases for ‘defensive’ actions against Iranian retaliation. As he tries to quell the backlash, the PM told the Commons: ‘The use of British bases is limited to the agreed defensive purposes… We are not joining the US-Israeli strikes.’ … 

“Earlier, Mr Trump said he was ‘very disappointed’ with the Labour leader – complaining he ‘took far too long’ to change his mind and permit the strikes. Amid fears over a major blow to the Special Relationship, Mr Trump suggested the initial refusal was unprecedented.” 

On March 3, Trump strongly condemned Starmer again for his stance, saying he is no Churchill, but Starmer doubled down and said he will not be part of a war against Iran. 

Hegseth Attacks Allies 

Daily Mail reported on March 2: 

“Mr Hegseth took aim at the UK’s stance as he hailed Israel as a ‘capable’ partner. ‘Unlike so many of our traditional allies who wring their hands and clutch their pearls, humming and hawing about the use of force,’ he added.” 

He appeared to address Britain, Spain and perhaps other European countries. Trump later confirmed this. 

Iran Can Strike Europe 

The Sun wrote on March 2: 

“Fears over the rogue state’s ability to attack Europe with its lethal arsenal were sparked after an Iranian drone struck a British RAF base in Cyprus… Iran has been steadily building up its long-range missiles… Designed to give Tehran reach even without a modern air force, these include the Shahab-3 with a range of 1,300km, and the Khorramshahr which can reach up to 3,000km.The terrifying range of strikes could impact European nations such as Romania, Hungary and Greece… 

“Iran has also been exporting missiles to proxy states, which would be closer in range to potential targets on US and European soil… 

“In order to protect their nuclear programme, the Iranians developed a whole series of underground bunkers, underground storage and underground manufacturing sites. These are the facilities being targeted by Trump and Israel in the latest wave of strikes… 

“Iran has also developed a sophisticated programme of drones. Shahed suicide drones have a range of up to 2,000km – meaning they could also strike parts of Europe.” 

No Regime Change? 

WABE wrote on March 3: 

“‘This is not a so-called regime-change war, but the regime sure did change, and the world is better off for it,’ Hegseth said. He added that it was ‘no nation-building quagmire, no democracy-building exercise.’” 

This totally contradicts what Trump had said. 

President of Peace 

DNYUZ wrote on March 2: 

“Donald Trump has now ordered more attacks against a greater number of countries than any other president in modern U.S. history… On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly pledged to reduce American military engagements abroad. After assuming office for the second time last January, he modeled himself as the ‘President of Peace’… Trump’s latest assault [on Iran] flies directly in the face of his promises to voters on the campaign trail. ‘I’m not going to start a war. I’m going to stop wars,’ he told the nation in his 2024 election night victory speech… 

“Conservative pundit Tucker Carlson, an otherwise staunch ally of the president, has called ongoing strikes against Iranian targets ‘absolutely disgusting and evil.’” 

According to recent polls, a majority of Americans oppose Trump’s strike on Iran. Most Republicans support it. 

Trump Anointed by Christ to Bring About Armageddon 

The Mirror wrote on March 3: 

“… a fresh report found that hundreds of U.S. troops across dozens of units and installations have submitted complaints to the non-profit watchdog, the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF), since the attack about combat unit commanders providing Christian reasoning for the war, during which at least [six] U.S. troops have already been killed… 

“Non-commissioned officers (NCO) who attended a briefing Monday told the MRFF that a combat-unit commander ‘urged us to tell our troops that this was “all part of God’s divine plan” and he specifically referenced numerous citations out of the Book of Revelation referring to Armageddon and the imminent return of Jesus Christ.’

“The commander also argued that Trump [was] ‘anointed by Jesus to light the signal fire in Iran to cause Armageddon and mark his return to Earth’ and that the Iran war is part of God’s plan, the NCO claimed. 

“The remarks were submitted in more than 110 complaints about commanders across all military branches, including more than 40 units across 30 military installations.” 

“The Toothless Fighter” 

In regard to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to Washington this week, Welt Online wrote on March 3: 

“Friedrich Merz disapproves of Donald Trump’s actions in Iran and beyond – but the Washington visit confirms the new European powerlessness in world politics.” 

Trump dominated during the press conference, and Merz got hardly a word in. But he did not seem to mind. 

Attack on Pakistan 

India TV reported on February 27: 

“Afghan Taliban forces launched a bold counteroffensive against Pakistan, striking high-value military targets just six kilometers from the Prime Minister’s Office…, using precision airstrikes on specialized ‘Atomic’ facilities, resulting in heavy casualties and escalating the border war to the heart of Pakistan’s capital… 

“The airstrikes came as direct payback for Pakistan’s overnight Operation… on Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia, which killed over 130 Taliban fighters and destroyed vital assets like a Nangarhar ammo depot.” 

Gaza War Not Over? 

LifeSiteNews wrote on February 27: 

“Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, stated that the international community applies different standards to Israel’s military actions in Gaza compared with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine… the cardinal observed that many in the region express deep anger toward international institutions such as the UN or U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed ‘Board of Peace,’ [and] that with Gazans there was significant consternation and frustration across the region ‘because the international community won’t allow Russia to do in Ukraine what it allows Israel to do in Palestine’… noting his nearly 40 years living in the Holy Land… 

“He emphasized that ‘the war, from a political and social point of view, is not concluded,’ and that ‘the hatred this war has created is profound,’ making discussions of reconstruction challenging.” 

Friendly Takeover of Cuba? 

USA Today wrote on February 27: 

“President Donald Trump said the U.S. could have a ‘friendly takeover of Cuba’ as fuel shortages squeeze Havana’s authoritarian government in the wake of the U.S. military raid that captured the leader of nearby Venezuela… 

“Trump has called on Cuban leaders to ‘make a deal’ and said Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who’s Cuban American,  is engaging at ‘a very high level’ with Havana.” 

The Guardian added on February 27: 

“The president’s comments come as relations between the two countries have sunk to one of their lowest points in an often bitter 67-year history… 

“Pressure from Washington… prompted Venezuela to cut off oil exports to Cuba. The US has imposed an oil blockade on the island, strangling what was left of the island’s already [perilous] economy.”

Trump had made very clear which countries he wanted or wants to become part of the USA. In addition to Venezuela, he has been desirous of taking over Cuba, Greenland, Mexico, Canada, Panama and Colombia. 

Europe’s Deadliest War 

Le Monde wrote on February 26: 

“Between 500,000 and 600,000 deaths, both military and civilian. That is the approximate toll, four years after Vladimir Putin decided to launch the invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. 

“The war has become the deadliest bloodshed in Europe since World War II, far surpassing the wars in Yugoslavia. If war-disabled people are included, the total nears 2 million people… However, this is only an estimate, as both Ukraine and Russia have classified their military losses.” 

A terrible statistic… and still no end in sight. 

Don’t Use AI to Write Sermons 

The Independent wrote on February 27: 

“Pope Leo XIV has urged Catholic priests to resist the ‘temptation’ to use artificial intelligence to write sermons…. During the meeting, the pope told listeners that giving a ‘homily is to share faith,’ before arguing that artificial intelligence ‘will never be able to share faith.’… 

“The 70-year-old also took aim at social media platforms and asked members of the clergy to be mindful about chasing ‘likes’ and ‘followers’ through an ‘illusion on the internet, on TikTok.” 

He is right. 

Insane California Taxes 

The New York Post wrote on February 26: 

“Higher taxes, Californians are told, will improve education, reduce traffic, and even fight climate change. But they never do. Instead, we face more and more taxes, like an insanely tall layer cake on some crazed reality-TV cooking show…. 

“It’s rare that a tax in California is ever repealed, reduced or allowed to expire. The last major tax cut was Proposition 13 — nearly 50 years ago… California has the nation’s highest poverty rate, when the cost of living is considered.” 

California is one of the most expensive and highest-taxed states of the USA, due in large part to incompetent governmental rule. 

Censorship of Freedom of Speech in the UK 

Fox News wrote on February 27: 

“Podcaster Joe Rogan and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. marveled at how the United Kingdom has become one of the countries most infamous for cracking down on freedom of speech… RFK Jr. argued that the modern Democratic Party, which he left in 2023, had become increasingly pro-censorship… 

“RFK Jr. and Rogan were both aghast at how online censorship had seemed to become normalized in both the United States over the past decade [and] across the Atlantic. ‘And then you look at what’s happening in England now, you know, with people going to jail for Twitter posts,’ RFK Jr. said… Rogan agreed, citing a report, ‘12,000 in the last year.’ ‘And then this, where the Magna Carta was, you know, written,’ RFK Jr. lamented. ‘Now it’s just a dictatorship.’… [The] Magna Carta became a cornerstone of English law and later inspired the Founding Fathers as they shaped the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights… 

“‘It’s the Soviet system. It’s like Kafka,’ RFK Jr. warned, referring to Franz Kafka’s famous dystopian novel ‘The Trial,’ in which the main character is arrested and prosecuted by a mysterious authority, but he is never clearly told what crime he is accused of. Rogan shared his shock at how quickly social media arrests in the U.K. have spiked in recent years, usually over criticism of mass immigration. He argued that the British government, rather than solving the crimes that have been caused as a result of mass migration, are instead punishing people for complaining.” 

They could have mentioned continental Europe as well. 

Catholic Bishops for Birthright Citizenship 

LifeSiteNews wrote on February 27: 

“The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is attacking President Donald Trump’s efforts to end birthright citizenship as ‘immoral’ [and that it would] ‘“deny the dignity of the human person and harm innocent children.’… 

“‘The intended and unintended effects of [Trump’s] Executive Order are immoral and contrary to the Catholic Church’s fundamental beliefs and teachings regarding the life and dignity of human persons, the treatment of vulnerable people – particularly migrants and children – and family unity,’ the bishops wrote. ‘The Conference is saddened by the “climate of fear and anxiety” and the “vilification of immigrants” that is all too common in the rhetoric concerning immigration policy.’” 

Trump on Internal Enemies and Mortality 

Newsbreak wrote on February 28: 

“President Donald Trump signaled a deepening sense of isolation and personal vulnerability this week, suggesting in back-to-back public appearances that members of his own Cabinet may be eyeing his office while explicitly acknowledging his own mortality…. Trump claimed that many…  believe they are better suited for the presidency… ‘I don’t know how long I’ll be around,’ Trump told the audience. ‘I got a lot of people gunning for me, don’t I?” 

“..  the remark underscores a president increasingly preoccupied with the physical and political ‘knives’ he perceives to be closing in… As the 2026 political calendar intensifies, the President’s focus on ‘internal enemies’ may complicate administration stability.” 

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 last three Q&As, we covered Paul’s first and parts of his second missionary journeys. We discussed his experiences in Athens where most rejected his teachings. He then departed from there and went to Corinth. He arrived there about 50 AD.

Corinth was an extremely evil city, filled with temple prostitutes who “served” during the day in the temple of Aphrodite, the goddess of “love,” and would come down in the evening for their sexual activities. Some of those problems of the Corinthians were carried into the church which Paul would establish (see 1 Corinthians 5:1-2), and Paul later wrote two letters to the Corinthian church, while he was in Ephesus, correcting illicit behavior. He also pointed out that some of the brethren had been fornicators, adulterers, homosexuals and sodomites, but upon baptism, they had been washed, sanctified and justified (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

While in Corinth, he found a Jewish couple with the names of Aquila and Priscilla, who had fled from Italy because of Emperor Claudius who had compelled all Jews to depart from Rome (Acts 18:2). Verse 3 says: “So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.” Actually, the meaning is that he was a “leather-worker.” Some have claimed that this passage shows that a minister must not draw a salary. This is false. Note what it says, for example, in 2 Corinthians 11:7-9:

“Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself.”

Paul did not draw a “salary” or take the tithe or wages from the Corinthians because, as commentaries have stated, some in Corinth still viewed him somewhat with suspicion.

Soon, Silas and Timothy joined him. Paul reasoned every Sabbath with Jews and Greeks, and persuaded them that Jesus was the Messiah. When the Jews rejected him and blasphemed, Paul announced: “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles” (Acts 18:6).

This did not make the Jews very happy, but Christ comforted Paul in the night by a vision: “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city” (verses 9-10). And so, Paul remained in Corinth for 1 year and 6 months, teaching the word of God (verse 11), but hostile and envious Jews tried to instigate another uproar against Paul, but failed, because Roman proconsul Gallio refused to hear their accusations.

Gallio was known as a kind man, as testified by his brother Seneca, and he was an impartial Roman officer. Also, Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, is mentioned who was severely mistreated by the Jews (verse 17). He is later referred to in 1 Corinthians 1:1 as “our brother.”

Paul still remained “a good while” in Corinth (verse 18), until he left with Aquila and Priscilla for Cenchrea. We read that “he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow” (verse 18). Many commentaries feel that this was a Nazarite vow (Numbers 6:1-21). During the time of the vow, no wine or other drinks made from wine could be consumed, and no grapes were to be eaten. Also, the hair was not to be cut during this time, and no dead person was to be touched. Samson was under a Nazarite vow, but he violated his vow on numerous occasions. Presumably, Elijah and John the Baptist were under the vow as well. Jesus was not, as He drank wine and touched dead people! At the end of the vow, the head was shorn. Today, the Nazarite vow has no more meaning for true Christians.

There are good reasons to deny that this was a Nazarite vow. At the end of the vow, offerings would be given at the Temple, but Paul and his companions were not any where near the Temple in Jerusalem (compare Acts 21:23-26). Also, it is not clear who took the vow. Even though many feel that Paul made this vow, others claim that it was actually Aquila who took the vow, as the passage in verse 18 reads, in full: “So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow.” It is claimed that the reference to “he” who had cut off his hair and who had taken a vow does not refer to Paul, but to Aquila.

Paul departed from Cenchrea and came to Ephesus where he stayed for a short while and reasoned with the Jews. He then decided to leave Ephesus for Jerusalem, saying, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing” (verse 21). This could be a reference to the Feast of Tabernacles. In any event, it is clear that Paul did not only continue to keep the weekly Sabbath, but also God’s annual Holy Days.

Verse 22 concludes Paul’s second journey. We read, after he had left Ephesus: “And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up and greeted the church, he went down to Antioch.” Antioch, as we recall, was the city where his second journey started. Commentaries tell us that Paul travelled about 3,085 miles on his second journey, 1,800 miles of which were travelled by land, and that this second journey took place from AD 49 to AD 52.

His third journey began in Acts 18:23, where we read:

“After he had spent some time there, he departed and went over the region of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.”

The account about Paul continues in Acts 19:1 where Paul is described as being again in Ephesus, where he stayed for nearly 3 years. Ephesus has been named the city of criminals, where the temple of Diana and the area around the temple granted them the right of asylum [not unlike today’s “sanctuary cities” in the USA]. Ephesus was also the city of superstition, charms and spells. People would buy those magic parchments which they wore as amulets. [Not unlike today].

The temple of Diana, also known as the temple of Artemis, was one of the “seven wonders” of the ancient world. Diana or Artemis, daughter of Zeus (Jupiter in Roman), was the “virgin goddess of the hunt.” One of her main symbols included the moon.

In Acts 19:1-7, an interesting episode is described:

“… Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples, he said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ So they said to him, ‘We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.’ And he said to them, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ So they said, ‘Into John’s baptism.’ Then Paul said, ‘John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.’ When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Now the men were about twelve in all.”

Unbelievable as it may seem to us today, these followers of God did not know anything about the Holy Spirit. They had only been baptized “into John’s baptism,” who had baptized for repentance. But John had said that after him, another would come (Jesus Christ) who would baptize “with the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 3:11). When the disciples who were met by Paul heard this, they were baptized in the name of Jesus. Note, they were not baptized in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, as referred to in Matthew 28:19. It is obvious that the wording in this passage is not a “magical formula,” which must be repeated at baptism. Nowhere in the Bible do we find that people were baptized in this triune name. In addition, there is great suspicion that the passage in Matthew 28:19 regarding baptism was later added by the Catholic church to support the wrong teaching of the Trinity.

Note, too, that Paul laid hands on the disciples, and THEN the Holy Spirit was given. A baptism even by ordained ministers of God without the laying on of hands is incomplete. Upon the receipt of the Holy Spirit, they spoke in tongues; that is, in foreign languages (compare Acts 2:6-11). There are only three recorded events when, upon receipt of the Holy Spirit, people spoke in “tongues” to confirm that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been bestowed on them in unusual ways (note again Acts 2 and Acts 19; also note Acts 10: 44-48).

Acts 19:8-12 continues the narrative as follows:

“And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.”

We should take note of several things here. First, Paul spoke about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3; 14:22; 28:23)—that is, the government of God and also the Family of God. God is a ruling Family (consisting of the Father and the Son), in which we can be born. As correctly baptized disciples, we are BEGOTTEN children of God, but when Christ returns, we will be changed to immortality–BORN children of God, ruling with and under Christ in the Kingdom of God which will be established here on earth. We will be God beings as God is God, equal with the glorified Jesus Christ, but always under the Father and Christ in authority.

We also note that Christianity is described as “the Way.” This is not only a theoretical understanding of doctrines, but it is a practical Way of Life which must be lived (see Acts 9:2; 18:26; 19:23; 24:14).

We find that when unbelieving, hardened and evil-speaking people opposed the Way before the multitudes, Paul departed and withdrew the disciples. Sometimes, it is necessary to just withdraw from an evil environment rather than staying there and perhaps thinking one can have a positive impact on those who oppose and blaspheme God.

Finally, we read that God healed people when they received aprons or handkerchiefs upon which Paul had placed his hands (“unusual miracles by the hands of Paul”). Based on this and other passages (compare Matthew 9:20-22; 14:34-36), the Church of God sends an anointed cloth to a sick individual if a minister cannot visit him or her personally. Please note that when the people received the aprons from Paul, they were healed from their physical afflictions AND from evil spirits which had plagued or even possessed them. The next biblical passage shows a shocking contrast to what Paul had done.

Continuing with Acts 19:13-20:

“Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, ‘We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.’ Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?’ Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.”

This passage makes clear that anyone not authorized by God to cast out demons had better not try it. Apart from the fact that it is useless, it can severely backfire. Christ spoke of people who would claim that they had cast out demons in Christ’s name, but Christ will answer them that He had never known them, and to depart from Him as they had practiced lawlessness or the transgression of God’s Law (Matthew 7:22). To just use Christ’s name as a “magical formula” is not a method honored by God.

It is also interesting to note that many who had practiced magic did not only cease from doing so, but that they burned their expensive magical books [their value is estimated as 50,000 silver coins] which instructed them in the practice of magic, so they would not be tempted again to return to this occult and demonic practice.

(To be continued)

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

compiled by Dave Harris

“The Curse of the Iran War,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

The war with Iran has already spread to other countries in the Middle East and even threatens Europe. It began on February 28, 2026, with an attack on Iran by the US and Israel. What is remarkable about this date? Why did it happen, and what is the plan after the war ends? And was Trump anointed by Christ, as commanders have recently claimed? What does Jesus Christ really say about all of this in His holy book, the Bible? Is war ever justified in His eyes?

“Der Fluch des Iran Krieges,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.

A Tech Team Meeting was held on March 1, 2026. Hosted by Eric Rank, our discussion centered on search engine optimization with the goal of driving more views to our website.

“Glaube an Gottes Heilungsversprechen,” is the new German sermon for this Sabbath, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Faith in God’s Promise of Healing.”

“Den Sonntag heiligen wegen der Auferstehung?” last Sabbath’s German sermonette presented by Matthias Griesinger, is now posted. Title in English: “Should Sunday Be Observed as Holy Because of the Resurrection?”

“Do not Doubt—Believe!” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Frank Bruno, is now posted. Here is the summary:

In our human lives each day we hear about fake news, tech scams, AI bots, and more, and we must train ourselves to doubt all we confront. This is correct, however, once we’ve been called by God, we must also train ourselves by praying and reading the Bible, to do as Jesus commanded: to believe in Him and the Father and have no doubts as to Scripture and prophecy. In this sermonette we will review several Scriptures that can help us in this regard.

“The Twelve Tribes of Israel—Past, Present and Future,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is the summary:

Without understanding the identity of the twelve tribes of Israel, biblical prophecies make little sense. Their history is written in the Bible, and they do still exist, today! In fact, they will never cease to exist!