Not of This World

In my business of industrial recycling, I handle items that are traded through the scrap metals market. Recently, due to an increase in stolen commodities being sold in the Denver, Colorado, area, very strict laws covering identifying anyone selling things like scrap copper, brass or aluminum have been enacted.

The identification process involves a personal signature on an electronic screen. However, also included is a statement which begins with, “I swear and affirm that I am the legal owner of the property…” Of course, I could not verify in this manner due to what Jesus instructed in Matthew 5:33-37 regarding not swearing. As a result, I won’t be able to do my business in this particular city.

Typically, choosing to affirm is an acceptable alternative to swearing in such matters. In this case, though, the scrap company was operating under a county-wide mandate and could not accept just affirming. This is a company I have conducted business with for almost forty years. Fortunately, I do have other areas to sell my material.

My experience illustrates what Jesus said of those who follow Him:

“‘I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world’” (John 17:14-16).

In small ways and sometimes in big ways, we are reminded that being a Christian means that we don’t fit in this world, its governments, businesses or religious practices. Sabbath and Holy Day observances set us apart. Refusal to join in military service, not voting or being involved in political elections, rejecting jury participation and following biblical guidelines for such things as marriage, foods we eat and don’t eat, keeping God’s weekly and annual Holy Days and rejecting this world’s pagan holidays, or simply how we conduct ourselves in society at large, are among some of the ways in which we are, and must be, different.

The lesson I take away from my recent experience is that we can unexpectedly come face to face with challenges that may test us to stand up for the Truth and to reaffirm that we are indeed “not of this world.” At times like this, it is helpful to be reminded of what Paul wrote:

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 3:20).

Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock

compiled by Dave Harris

A new Member Letter (July 2025) has been posted and mailed to our subscribers. Pastor Rene Messier writes about the creation of angels and the sin of Satan and those rebellious angels who followed him. Also, pointing to our unique potential to become members of the Family of God—if we remain faithful to God and stay engaged in the Work given to us.

Jacob and Esau (Part 2) – Jacob’s Deception” is the latest video in our Bible Story Series on YouTube.

Macht Euch bereit – das Ende ist nah!” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Michael Link. Title in English: “Get Ready – The End Is Near!”

“Sanftmut statt Aggression,” last Sabbath’s German sermonette presented by Robert Macher, is now posted. Title in English: “Gentleness Instead of Aggression.”

“Family Rules—Tu Dein Bestes,” last Sabbath’s German sermon presented by Christoph Sperzel, is now posted. Title in English: “Family Rules—Do Your Best.”

“Do You Love or Hate a Stranger?” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:

Do you love strangers—legal or illegal aliens with or without documentation—or do you hate and curse them? What does God, in His Word, the Bible, say about this? And what is the fundamental difference between the right kind of patriotism and the wrong kind of nationalism?

“Staying In Your Lane,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Rene Messier, is now posted. Here is the summary:

In this sermon, we will look at those who strayed out of their lane and authority designated to them and the disastrous results of doing so.

Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock

compiled by Dave Harris

“The Epstein Scandal—No Murder and No Client List?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary: 

According to the Justice Department and the FBI, sex offender Jeffrey Epstein committed suicide, and no client list exists. This announcement was met with incredulity and outright rejection. What are the reasons that so many feel a gigantic coverup is being perpetrated to protect hundreds of prominent pedophiles who raped thousands of underage girls? 

“Der Epstein Skandal—Kein Mord und keine Kundenliste?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.

“Warum Babylon zu Fall kommen wird,” last Sabbath’s German sermonette presented by Robert Indlekofer, is now posted. Title in English: “Why Babylon Will Fall.”

“Der Hass der Türkei gegen Israel Warum?” last Sabbath’s German sermon presented by Thilo Hanstein, in now posted. Title in English: “Turkey’s Hatred of Israel, Why?”

“Follow Me,” last Sabbath’s first split sermon presented by Frank Bruno, is now posted. Here is the summary:

Two simple words, yet when spoken by Jesus Christ they represented the chance, not merely of a lifetime, but of everlasting life with Jesus and the Father. In this Split Sermon we will consider many of the scriptures in which Jesus Christ offered this invitation as well as the meaning behind the words.

“How to Repent!” last Sabbath’s second split sermon presented by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is the summary:

We have all learned to apologize or say I am sorry, but do we really know how to repent to God in a way that He will accept?

How to Repent!

We have all learned to apologize or say I am sorry, but do we really know how to repent to God in a way that He will accept?

Download Audio 

Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock

compiled by Dave Harris

“Is America Ruled by a King?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

America is celebrating the 4th of July, which is supposed to stand for independence from a monarch and which should remind us of liberty, freedom, equality and justice for all. But is this the America of today, especially when considering its immigration policies? This program discusses in detail alarming developments which have consequences for each and every one of us.

“Wird Amerika von einem König regiert?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.  

Jacob and Esau (Part 1) – Isaac and the Philistines” is the latest video in our Bible Story Series on YouTube.

Bist Du zu schwach, ist er zu stark,” last Sabbath’s German split sermon by Johann Schell, is now posted. Title in English: “If You Are Too Weak, Then He Is Too Strong.”

Do You Experience Joy?” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is the summary:

Joy is a fruit of God’s Holy Spirit dwelling within us (Galatians 5:22). It then follows that we are to be living in such a way as to have joy in our lives.

“Our Relationships,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is the summary:

The relationships that we build and maintain throughout our lives are a critical aspect of our Christian journey. In fact, having love for one another is a characteristic that identifies us as Christians. What does God expect of us? How can we develop the kinds of relationships that will enrich our lives?

Do You Experience Joy?

Joy is a fruit of God’s Holy Spirit dwelling within us (Galatians 5:22). It then follows that we are to be living in such a way as to have joy in our lives.

Download Audio 

Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock

compiled by Dave Harris

“Iran No Longer a Threat?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

Have the strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites eliminated any threat from Iran for the world? How successful were these strikes? In this program, we are discussing many Iranian threats and also possible means to carry out those threats. That is why many hope for a regime change in Iran, but how realistic are those hopes?

“Iran keine Bedrohung mehr?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.

“Vergebliche Ausreden,” is the title of this Sabbath’s split sermon in Germany. Presented by Michael Link, the title in English is, “Futile Excuses.”

A new Member Letter (June 2025) is now posted and will be mailed to our subscribers. Pastor Michael Link writes about the ever-increasing turmoil Christians face and our challenge to bear godly fruit as the return of Jesus Christ draws near.

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

“The Importance of Doing Hard Things,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is the summary:

The best way to grow spiritually is to accept challenges in our lives that God prepares for us, and work through them. By shifting our perspective so that we face trials with joy, rather than resistance, we open ourselves to developing the character that God expects of us.

“Why Prophecy Is Important!” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is the summary:

Throughout the Bible, prophecies are given which culminate in the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Kingdom of God. Among other things, prophecy reveals God’s plan for the salvation of mankind and the unique responsibility the Church of God has been given in this regard.

Why Prophecy Is Important!

Throughout the Bible, prophecies are given which culminate in the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Kingdom of God. Among other things, prophecy reveals God’s plan for the salvation of mankind and the unique responsibility the Church of God has been given in this regard.

Download Audio 

Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock

compiled by Dave Harris

“The End of the American Empire?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

The USA is no longer united, but divided as never before in its recent history. Some have already spoken about the end of America. Why is this the case? In this program, we are listing many subjects, which, taken together, paint an extremely disturbing picture. Immigration raids, the Iran-Israel war, tariffs, rule by executive order and travel bans are just a few of the examples which we are discussing. 

“Der Zusammenbruch Amerikas?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topic as described above.

A Bride for Isaac” is the latest video in our Bible Story Series on YouTube.

“How to Love God and Man,” our new booklet written by Brian Gale and Norbert Link, has been sent to the printer.

“Krankheit und Heilung, Was uns die Bibel sagt!” is the title of a new German booklet. This is a translation of the English booklet, “Sickness and Healing – What the Bible Tells Us,” and it has been sent to the printer.

“Gottes Warnung an die Herrscher dieser Welt,” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “God’s Warning to the Rulers of This World.”

“Wie mit Zorn umgehen?” last Sabbath’s first split sermon, presented by Robert Muhr, has been posted. Title in English: “How to deal with anger?”

“Die Entrückung dem Herrn entgegen – ein Schutz vor der Trübsal?” last Sabbath’s second split sermon, presented by Jens Herrmann, is now posted. Title in English: “The Rapture to the Lord – A Protection from Tribulation?”

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

The sermonette is to show how important truth is to God and if we do not live by it, then we will not be in the Kingdom of God.

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

PsyOps is a military term that has found its way into mainstream usage. The usage of psychological warfare has been around for a very long time. What does this have to do with Christians? How are we affected by the PsyOps of this world? Is there anything that we can or should do to deal with the issues that arise from PsyOps?

Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock

compiled by Dave Harris

“Why Should YOU Be Concerned? Conscription in Germany!” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

While America tears itself apart internally, an unnoticed external enemy is emerging that will ultimately contribute to America’s downfall and destruction. We speak of Europe under German leadership. The debate in Germany about the return of conscription is only one, albeit necessary, piece of the bigger puzzle. Germany’s true ambitions are not seen or recognized by most observers.

“Warum SIE besorgt sein sollten—Wehrpflicht in Deutschland!” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.

“Krankheit und Heilung—Was uns die Bibel sagt!” the German translation of our English booklet, “Sickness and Health—What the Bible Tells Us!”  has been sent to graphic designer Shelly Bruno in preparation for printing.

“Das Murren des Volkes Gottes—Früher und Heute,” last Sabbath’s first split German sermon presented by Andreas Rätz, is now posted. Title in English: “The Murmuring of God’s People—Then and Now.”

“Die Tiefe von Gottes Wort,” last Sabbath’s second split German sermon presented by Daniel Blasinger, is now posted. Title in English: “The Depth of God’s Word.”

“Trump Meets Merz—What Happened Behind the Scenes? Comments on News and Prophecy, June 7, 2025,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:

Was it planned to embarrass and humiliate German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during his visit to the Oval Office? If so, why did it fail? And why did journalists during the press conference refuse to ask Merz important questions regarding Germany’s clear attack on freedom of speech and the press?

Don’t Be Deceived,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Michael Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:

Is it ok to lie at any time for any reason, whether considered “innocent” or serious?  Are we strong enough to stand up for the truth in any given situation where many would take the “easy way” out by lying about it?  How can we avoid being deceived and making sure that we don’t mislead others?

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