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Dear Brethren and Friends,

After the wonderful Feast of Tabernacles that we enjoyed only a few weeks ago, we now have witnessed the spectacle of our Western society having been involved in Halloween (the occult), and we will shortly witness Christmas and New Years Day celebrations.

The Daily Telegraph stated on October 30 that the “Vatican has condemned Hallowe’en as anti-Christian, saying it is based on a sinister and dangerous ‘undercurrent of occultism.’” The article continued: “The Holy See has warned that parents should not allow their children to dress up as ghosts and ghouls on Saturday, calling Hallowe’en a pagan celebration of ‘terror, fear and death’.” And yet, this same organization will still fully approve and endorse the upcoming days of Christmas and New Years Day, even though they are also thoroughly pagan in origin.

In addition, USA Today wrote on November 1: “The Vatican said Saturday that married Anglican priests will be admitted to the Catholic priesthood on a case-by-case basis as Rome makes it easier for disillusioned conservative Anglicans to convert.”

Bible scholars have long identified the “woman riding the beast,” as mentioned in Revelation 17, as “papal Rome.” The influence of that woman seems, quietly at this stage, to be furthering its own agenda, and the true Church of God has long understood the role that the “woman” will play at the end of this age.

But apart from the activities of the Roman Catholic Church, many other things are happening, at a rapid rate, that have prophetic implications. One of our ministers said recently that in the past, prophecy was like putting a lot of small pieces into a jigsaw puzzle, but now the pieces are getting bigger and are easier to fit into the prophetic scenario. How very true is that statement!

Let us just look at what is happening in the UK today. While I am writing primarily about my own country, the same will apply to all the modern Israelitish nations, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and, of course, the USA, as well as to many other nations.

At the end of October, it was reported that Andrew Neather, a former adviser to Tony Blair, Jack Straw and David Blunkett, claimed that the huge increase in migrants over the last decade was “partly due to a politically motivated attempt by ministers to radically change the country” and “rub the Right’s nose in diversity.” He said Labour’s relaxation of controls in 2000/01 was a deliberate plan to “open up the UK to mass migration,” but that governmental officials were nervous and reluctant to discuss such a move publicly for fear it would alienate its “core working class vote.” This was strenuously denied, but here was someone at the heart of government telling us what he saw happening. As a result, the public argument for immigration concentrated instead on the economic benefits and need for more migrants.

Regardless of who was right in this argument, there is no denying that mass immigration has changed the landscape of the UK. We know from the book of Hosea that these things will happen at the end of this age to the British people. In Hosea 7:8-9 we read the following about “Ephraim”—mainly a designation for modern-day Britain: “Ephraim has mixed himself among the peoples (and has become a multi-racial, multi-religious society); Ephraim is a cake unturned (or half baked). Aliens have devoured his strength, But he does not know it; Yes, gray hairs are here and there on him, Yet he does not know it.”

The British people have bent over backwards to accommodate foreign religions, even to the detriment of its Judeo-Christian heritage, and now the aliens or strangers amongst them have “devoured” them. We can read about how displeased God was with the proliferation of groves and shrines to Baal and false gods in the Old Testament. And yet, the same thing has happened in our nations, where modern-day groves and shrines are in evidence up and down the land. And as ancient Israel and Judah didn’t rid themselves of these idolatrous places, we today are in exactly the same position where our leaders, both political and religious, allow and promote such practices in what is now a multi-faith society. God insisted on a one-faith nation. Ancient Israel and Judah failed in that regard as indeed we have failed today, with the result that the alien has “devoured” us and our strength.

In addition, we will be having an election within the next 6 months in the UK with a huge financial crisis hanging over us. In spite of all the rhetoric, no political party has the answers, although you might be forgiven for thinking that they had, according to the way that they put forward their agendas. A furious row broke out at the beginning of this month between the UK Schools Secretary and the Leader of the Opposition about “the family.” As both parties are in favor of civil partnerships, it just proves that neither really understands the importance of marriage and the family, which have been systematically destroyed in recent years.

We are involved in wars that we just can’t win, such as Afghanistan and Iraq. In Leviticus 26:19 (the blessings and cursing chapter) it clearly shows that disobedience will result in God breaking the pride of our power. This is surely now coming to pass for the modern Israelite nations.

Europe is moving at a fast pace with the very recent appointment of Mr. Herbert Von Rompuy as the new European President and Baroness Ashton as EU foreign policy chief. Critics say, too much more of Britain’s sovereignty will now be ceded to Brussels. There will be many twists and turns with the European superstate, and we need to keep a careful and watchful eye on this area. Democracy is the watchword but, in reality, it is not the way that this monolithic entity works. It wasn’t so long ago that the Irish had to vote twice until the EU got the result it wanted. That is hardly democracy, but we may not have to wait too much longer before the EU gets into top gear with the power that will be given to the “beast,” mentioned in the book of Revelation—the future political and military leader of Europe, ruling over the United States of Europe—the last revival of the ancient Holy Roman Empire. In addition, we need to focus our attention on Jerusalem, which will be focal points of prophecy at the end of this age.

The few areas that I have mentioned are just the tip of the iceberg (there are so many more that could be mentioned) in what is now becoming a very fast moving prophetic scenario. Wherever you look and in whatever area of society, man has really made an enormous mess of things. Only the return of Jesus Christ can save the day, and it surely cannot be too long before that wonderful time arrives. In the meantime, we have to keep on living the way of God, never letting up in any way.

And an integral part of God’s way is not being involved, in any way at all, in the politics, philosophies, religions, customs and practices of this world. We must bear this in mind, as we approach the upcoming Christmas season. In that regard, I think that the words that Mr. Eric Rank wrote in his editorial recently (November 6, 2009, titled, “Beware the Subtleties”), are very apropos.
He wrote:

“While we live in this world, we must be ready and prepared to defend ourselves against the carnally inspired messages, influences and temptations presented to us. The most dangerous kinds of temptations are those which are the most subtle. Participation in the wrong event, even in a marginal way, erodes our loyalty to God. With a constant stream of messages telling us that participation is harmless and that origins are irrelevant, it might be tempting to justify an action, declaring it to be innocent. Nevertheless, we must remember what God inspired in Isaiah 5:20-21: ‘Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!’”

Wise words indeed! As society approaches the world’s festive season and the year of 2010, let us resolve to stay close to God and His ways and ignore the glitter and superficial ways of this world. Let us rather keep our eyes on the better world that is to come. It will be worth our while to do so, as we escape the pollutions of this world now (2 Peter 2:20). Dear brethren and friends, let us all make sure that we do not become entangled again in the world.

With Christian love.

Brian Gale

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Dear Brethren and Friends,

In His own “member letter,” Jesus challenged the brethren in Ephesus when He said that they had left their “‘first love’” (Revelation 2:4).

His admonition was pointedly serious, for He continues by warning them to correct the situation they were in: “‘Remember therefore from where you have fallen; REPENT and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you REPENT’” (Revelation 2:5).

The written words that Jesus Christ directed to the brethren in the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 have been recorded for every generation of those who have been called into the Church of God. All of us are to carefully consider each message and to see how it applies in our own circumstances.

What about our first love—do we still have that indomitable zeal for God’s Way, or have we lost it?

Is there within us a burning passion to study God’s Word—not content to just assemble and hear the messages presented to us on the Sabbaths and Holy Days, but stirred up to discover the hidden things of God that He reveals in the Bible, like the Bereans did (compare Acts 17:10-12)?

Is assembling with our brethren every time we possibly can still important, or have we found excuses to take the easy, less loving way out? Apparently, some of those in Ephesus grew weary of meeting together and lost their love in this dangerous way (compare Hebrews 10: 23-25).

If we focus on circumstantial issues that only please ourselves, we will begin to find excuses and blame others for why we can’t “be there.” In our recent Feast of Tabernacles services and assemblies in San Diego, some rightly focused on their willingness to be where God led His ministry in choosing this particular site. Their unwavering attitude was to go anywhere that was chosen in order to fulfill the command of God to keep the Feast. They fully believed that God inspired His ministry to decide on that particular Feast site and did not assume that the choice was motivated by and made because of arbitrary human “preferences.”

They—with a willing and submissive attitude—gained much from their attendance. In fact, we had one couple, who had attended many, many sites, say this was the most enjoyable Feast of Tabernacles they had ever experienced! Sadly, as this may always be the case, a very few manifested an attitude that did not reflect gratitude or appreciation for God’s involvement, and as a consequence, their Feast was not kept in the spirit of “first love”!

Consider what Paul, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said about what was happening to the Ephesian brethren—and the application holds in our own time:

“For the time will come when they will not endure SOUND DOCTRINE, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the TRUTH, and be turned aside to fables” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

TRUTH and SOUND DOCTRINE are the issues of our time! The unfortunate tag of “church hoppers” now describes those who are not anchored in the very things they once had proven, and they have reverted to being lovers of themselves, “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (compare 2 Timothy 3:1-9).

Paul became a minister and then an apostle of Jesus Christ. God used him, more mightily than most of his peers, to build the Work of God (compare 1 Corinthians 15:10). By his hand, indisputable miracles took place—powerful signs from God and Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit! Yet, when the first love of that generation began to ebb, look at the consequences—as Paul sorrowfully relates:

“This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes” (2 Timothy 1:15); Paul continues, “… for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia” (2 Timothy 4:10).

Contrast these statements to the earlier record of the Ephesian Church of God. In a specific meeting with some of those in Ephesus, Paul said a final farewell to those among whom he had ministered. Note the attitude when their “first love” was passionate:

“Then they wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship” (Acts 20:37-38).

Also, from Galatians 4, Paul remarks on the tremendous love and esteem that was given to him earlier as God’s minister:

“And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me” (verses 14-15).

Indeed, the love of many did suffer loss—so much so, that false ministers arose and also rejected the ordained ministry, including John, another one of Christ’s early apostles. Diotrephes is named as one who would not even allow John into the church he gained control over (compare 3 John 9).

We can, and we must, deeply consider what happened to so many of those in the early Church! You see, this, our time and generation of God’s Church, faces the SAME WARNING from Jesus Christ!

In answering what would be happening just before His return to the earth, Jesus said this: “‘And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold’” (Matthew 24:12).

Is that happening to you—even within the Church of God? Or do you, with a meditative spirit, examine yourself daily to keep God’s love alive within you?

Brethren, we have the matchless opportunity to know the TRUTH of God. We have been taught sound DOCTRINE. We must continue to build up these precious things through our commitment to be obedient, joyful and thankful servants of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ—to please God by showing our willingness to deeply and from the heart follow Him and REPENT when we are wrong!

God’s objective—and this most certainly involves the corrective things said to His Church in the letters to the seven churches in Revelation—is that we all attain eternal life in His Kingdom.

Finally, let’s also apply this heartfelt encouragement that is part of what is written to us from God:

“But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Hebrews 6:9-12).

In Christ’s Service,

Dave Harris

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Dear Members, Co-Workers and Friends:

Many of you who observed this year’s Feast of Tabernacles have told us how thankful you
were for being able to participate in this meaningful occasion. Individual comments included
the following:

Our Feast was very fulfilling. There wasn’t enough time for close visits with everyone, but, then again, perhaps next year!

The Feast was excellent! It was so good seeing everyone and all the messages were fantastic. One of our best Feasts ever!

We are back home safe and miss you all!! It’s amazing how fast the Feast went by.

Indeed, it is a privilege to be able to understand the truth, as revealed through God’s annual Holy Days, and to obey the truth by keeping God’s Feasts. When we do, we truly ENJOY the spiritual and physical blessings, which are associated with Feast observance. (For more information, please read our free booklets, “God’s Commanded Holy Days,” “The Meaning of God’s Spring Holy Days,” and “The Meaning of God’s Fall Holy Days.”)

To elaborate on this, note the following Feast report from Brian Gale in England:

For the tenth year, the Global Church of God in the UK held the Feast of Tabernacles at Chatsworth House in beautiful rural Derbyshire. It is difficult to find new superlatives to describe this outstanding Feast site and it has to be seen and experienced to fully appreciate how millennial it is. With deer freely roaming the grounds and sheep in abundance, it is easy to visualize this as the sort of area as one where “the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them,” as Isaiah 11:6 so strikingly portrays.

New visitors were warmly welcomed, along with many who have become regular attendees who never tire of the beauty and tranquility that is a feature of this particular Feast site. Everyone enjoyed and appreciated outstanding messages. While the spiritual food is the reason for attending the Feast, many other activities were arranged and enjoyed by all. As in previous years, the Feast dinner was again a highlight, with everyone enjoying good food and great company.

The Feast was over all too soon and time to return home. Those who attended will remember for a long time this unique site with all its beauty, peace, serenity and camaraderie with
others of a like mind. We are all now waiting for it to become reality!

The following Feast report was received from Dave Harris in the USA:

Each year of observing the Fall Feast Days is marked by experiencing a deeper understanding of God’s Will for His people. Several individuals have said that this Feast was personally moving and inspiring. And there seems to be a carry-over as we have all returned home. More than ever, the lessons learned are providing opportunities for personal growth and a revitalized commitment to the Church of God and to fulfilling our priceless calling.

The meeting facility in San Diego, California, the rooms and so many accessible services all contributed to an outstanding environment in which to observe the Feast of Tabernacles and Last Great Day. To be able to rejoice with brethren in such a setting was truly outstanding. Especially the Dinner Banquet and Dance, as well as the Talent Show, constituted social highlights during the Feast.

Another very special highlight was the attendance of our German brethren, Thilo and Anita Hanstein, and their Church marriage during the Feast. Their joy of “first love” for God’s truth and His people was contagious, and helped make this time all the more rewarding. Additionally, everyone seemed to display extraordinary cooperation, and this attitude of willing service was what is so memorable of our time together.

Pages could be filled describing the specific Feast activities, sermonettes and sermons, as well as the opportunities of social fellowship at both Feast sites. Feast sermons are posted on the Web (www.eternalgod.org, under “Audio”), and they are also available, upon request, in the form of CDs.

But the Feast of Tabernacles 2009 is now over. What have we learned during the Feast? And how should we live now, having returned to our daily challenges? We are including Norbert Link’s recent Editorial with this member letter, titled, “Very Soon…” This article addresses the status quo of world affairs today, where they are leading, and what they mean in the light of God’s promise to send back His Son to establish the Kingdom of God on this earth.

The Feast of Tabernacles portrays what we will soon experience. In the meantime, let’s make
every effort to overcome this world, Satan the devil, and our own carnal desires, so that we WILL become born-again sons and daughters in the very Family of God. And when we let Jesus Christ live HIS LIFE in and through us, we WILL succeed.

In Christ’s service,

Norbert Link

Dave Harris

Rene Messier

Brian Gale

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Dear Brethren and Friends,

We are seeing more and more stories in the media in the UK, about Christians who are feeling discriminated against, as well as claims by some church leaders that Christianity is being “marginalized.”

Cherie Blair, the Catholic wife of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, has also publicly stated that Christians are being marginalized in the country. In her opinion, not many people in Britain dare to discuss their faith openly. These comments correspond with her husband’s comments when he said that he feared speaking about religion as Prime Minister, as he didn’t want to be labeled “a nutter.” Mr. Blair said that, while it was commonplace in the US and elsewhere for politicians to talk about their religious convictions, “you talk about it in our system and, frankly, people do think you’re a nutter.”

A leading churchman in the UK stated that “the rise of secularism has led to a liberal society, hostile to Christian morals and values, in which religious belief is viewed as ‘a private eccentricity’ and the voice of faith groups is marginalized.”

Earlier this year one top BBC radio and television presenter, himself a churchgoer, claimed that being a Christian in Britain is becoming “socially unacceptable.”

In the workplace, there have been quite a number of reports of those being fired or suspended because of their Christian beliefs. One example was that of a policeman describing himself as a Christian, who objected to being “bombarded” at work by emails and posters promoting gay rights and events. He had replied to colleagues by quoting religious texts showing that homosexual activity was sinful. He was fired for misconduct. A number of other similar cases could be quoted.

I saw a discussion on British television very recently about this issue, and it became clear that if those on the program were representative of the country, then indeed Christianity is being marginalized.

And at the end of last month, we had the spectacle at the prestigious Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow of visitors being allowed, even encouraged, to write comments on the text of the Bible. As would be expected in such a situation, this led to a number of “puerile and obscene remarks,” as one report put it. The Pope, quite rightly, condemned this “disgusting taxpayer-funded exhibition.” He went on to say that the stunt would not have been contemplated with a copy of the Koran. In that case, Muslims would have been on the streets, demonstrating against what they would have considered blasphemy. Due to many public complaints about the exhibition, the organizers have been forced to put the vandalized Bible on show in a locked case, while still allowing visitors to write comments on blank sheets of paper. And all this in the name of art!

While we have quoted matters that pertain mainly to “orthodox Christianity,” it is interesting to consider that if they have problems with the society with which they generally integrate, how much more will those members of God’s Church be “marginalized” and even persecuted as we approach the end of this age?

In the book “Being British: The Search For The Values That Bind The Nation,” Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister in the UK, stated the following: “Asked what is the chief British virtue, many people might reply that it is tolerance.” He went on to say that “Some would argue that tolerance was the way that our nation on this small island could secure a way for very different faiths and traditions to live together.”

And yet, as the leading politician in the UK, he has allowed and supported legislation to be passed, and is presiding over laws, including those pertaining to homosexuality and so-called “hate crimes,” that negate the very quality that he extols.

How “tolerant” is our nation if someone is legally prosecuted for quoting certain parts of the Bible, particularly those connected with homosexuality, which is a practice that the great
God of the universe roundly condemns in His Word? This seems to have either escaped the legislators or they have ignored our great history for which the teachings of the Bible have been the basis on which our constitution has been built. However, so many of those in power seem to have little time for those teachings that have helped shape and mould our country over the centuries. We now seem to be ruled by those who have an agenda to criminalize Christianity and exercise intolerance toward those whose faith is based on biblical admonition. A similar trend of legally threatening those who stand up for biblical teaching has recently been seen in the USA, especially since the new liberal administration under President Obama came to power. You might want to read our free booklet, “The Fall and Rise of Britain and America,” for more information on the present social conditions in both countries.

In Genesis 20:11, Abraham said “there is no fear of God in this place.” Exactly the same could be said of the UK, and many other so called Christian nations at this time.

Quite recently, Mr. Norbert Link had a death threat in comments made about the “StandingWatch” program. Here is a faithful minister, an Evangelist in the true Church of God, receiving this threat to himself and his family because he dares to propound the true biblical message.

But should we be surprised? Not if we really understand what the Bible teaches about the end time! We have to be about our Father’s business while there is still time.

The book of Revelation is instructive about what will happen just before Christ returns. We know that a religious leader will arise in Europe and shall continue to “intend to change times and laws” (Daniel 7:25). The sequence of events is outlined in our free booklet “Europe in Prophecy,” which we are currently advertising on the Internet, and to which we are getting quite a lot of response. A similar free booklet, “The Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord,” is currently advertised successfully via the Internet in the USA and Canada.

This religious leader will cause “both small and great to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or name of the Beast [a future political European leader], or the number of his name” (Revelation 13:16-17).

When this happens, the tolerance that we have historically enjoyed, but which is now being eroded, will then have become a thing of the past, especially in the UK and the USA which will be at odds with the political and religious European system at that time. There is certainly a
level of intolerance at this time but this will pale into insignificance in the future when real
intolerance will, ironically, actually come from a religious source—the “woman riding the Beast” (see Revelation 17), which will precipitate a time of trouble “such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21).

Some of the problems that we can all face are complacency and neglect. It may now be summer but most people seem no longer to be as worried about the financial crisis as they were a short while ago, and armed conflict is often thousands of miles away. We can get so embroiled in our everyday activities of earning a living, looking after our families and many other areas that we have to take care of, that looking forward to the Kingdom of God may not always necessarily be at the forefront of our thinking on a regular basis. If this is the case, we must reverse this behavior and keep our focus on where it should be.

We must continually “seek FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33). By getting our priorities firmly in place, we will not be caught unawares, as some will be as the parable of the wise and foolish virgins clearly indicates (Matthew 25:13).

Exciting but dangerous times are ahead. Let us all be true to our calling, making sure that we “endure to the end” (Matthew 24:13) so that Christ will be able to say to us: “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34).

With Christian love,

Brian Gale

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Dear Members, Co-Workers and Friends:

With this letter, we are pleased to enclose for our readers in the USA and Canada our 29th free booklet, which was printed in England—“The Book of Zechariah—Prophecies for Today.” (Our readers in the UK have already received their copy.) We hope that you will greatly benefit from carefully studying this booklet.

Many do not know the real meaning of biblical prophecies—and where today’s world news events are heading. The book of Zechariah is perhaps one of the most misunderstood books in the Bible. This is a tragedy, as it opens up and reveals to the reader God’s spirit world—far beyond anything our human mind could have imagined. It shows how God and His angels worked in the past in the human realm; what is being done today; and what God will accomplish in the very near future.

For instance, Zechariah’s mysterious nine visions have been puzzling to many. Do you know what they mean? Do you realize that the book of Zechariah describes the First and Second Comings of Jesus Christ; the terrible punishment of the modern houses of Israel and Judah, as well as their deliverance; and the fate of the city of Jerusalem at the time of Christ’s return?

You will find all of this, and much more, addressed in the enclosed booklet. We don’t know of any booklet like this one. That is why it had to be written.

The correct understanding of prophecy is important, if we want to know where this world is heading—and why! “The Book of Zechariah—Prophecies for Today,” is just one of several of our booklets addressing certain aspects of biblical prophecy, and we intend to publish additional booklets in the future on that subject. (All our booklets are listed in the back of the enclosed booklet.)

Prophecy can help us to recognize that the time is indeed near. When the “gospel” (the “good news” or “glad tidings”) of the Kingdom of God is announced “in all the world as a witness,” we KNOW that “the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). Today, the gospel is being preached on a worldwide scale—which has become possible, largely, through the use of the Internet. (In passing, you might want to have a look at the brand-new design of our website, www.standingwatch.org).

Prophecy is not an aim in itself. Rather, it should help us to draw closer to God—especially when we see that the day of Christ’s return is at hand. It should motivate us to really get involved in the Work of God—spending time in prayer and fasting for the Work, including asking for laborers and co-workers; helping practically when there is opportunity; and not neglecting to bring faithfully God’s tithes to His “storehouse” (Malachi 3:10) so that “there may be food” (same verse) or sufficient means to preach the gospel and feed God’s flock (John 21:15-17).

Prophecy can and should help us to focus on the need to assemble regularly—as much as possible—with our fellow brethren; and that “so much the more as [we] see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

In just over two months from now, we will be celebrating the annual Feast of Tabernacles—a most joyous occasion picturing and foreshadowing the rule of Christ on earth for 1,000 years. By then, that aspect of the good news of the Kingdom of God will have become reality. What we announce today will have become true! All of us should therefore make every effort to attend at one of our designated Feast sites to celebrate this most glorious occasion. (More information can be found on our websites, under “Feasts.” Our websites are listed in the back of the enclosed booklet. Those who do not have access to the Internet are encouraged to write to one of our mail addresses, which are listed as well.)

The book of Zechariah shows that all of mankind will keep the Feast of Tabernacles in the future. Today, only very few understand the need to do so—and what that Feast pictures. But the gospel of the Kingdom of God is explaining to us, among many other things, the meaning of the Feast of Tabernacles. It shows that God’s Kingdom will RULE on this earth for a Millennium. It also shows that those who qualify in this life (by controlling and conquering their fleshly desires and enduring to the end) to enter the Kingdom of God (Mark 9:47; 13:13), will be resurrected to eternal life (Romans 8:8-11). They will become born-again members in the very Family of God (Ephesians 3:14-15).

God IS a Family. God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son are enlarging their Family. God’s true disciples are called the children of God (1 John 3:1-2). They are the sons and daughters of God the Father (2 Corinthians 6:18). Jesus—the Son of God—is the firstborn among many brethren (Romans 8:29; Hebrews 2:11). Today, we are Spirit-begotten members of God’s Family. In the resurrection, we will be born again—born OF the Holy Spirit. We will be IN the Kingdom or Family of God. We will BE God, irrespective of gender, color or race—immortal Spirit-born God beings in God’s Family (compare John 10:34-36).

We will rule WITH and UNDER Christ (Revelation 20:6). We will rule over mortal man (Revelation 5:10; Daniel 7:22, 27)—showing man HOW to live in peace and harmony and tranquility (Micah 4:1-5). And ultimately, we will rule over all things (Hebrews 2:6-8; Revelation 21:7)—and that, forever and ever (Revelation 22:5).

Our new booklet pictures and discusses all of this—and much more. Please accept it as a gift from us to you, and also as a token of our appreciation for your support of and dedication to our part in the Work of God—the most important task for us today. This world is getting darker by the hour—terrible times will come soon (Matthew 24:21-22)—but in the end, destruction, misery and pain will belong to the past (Revelation 21:4).

In Christ’s service,

Norbert Link

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Dear Brethren and Friends,

In the relatively recent history of this world, wars have engulfed nations so extensively that few people now living have escaped their influence. For some, the level has risen to ethnic and racial genocide. Families have been decimated, and the countless conflicts that now endlessly rage all over the earth continue to destroy the innocent along with the combatants.

War is this world’s biggest business!

The extent to which hostility governs this earth and its inhabitants is truly staggering! Fighting between people marks a way of life for this generation, and so it has been throughout man’s history.

The Bible shows how this terrible plight of violence began, and it reveals how God will cause it to cease!

The beginning is found in the record of Genesis. It began when Adam and Eve rejected God and chose to follow the deception of Satan. When the devil confronted these people, he did so as his name implies, as an adversary. His goal was to cause the death of Adam and Eve—and he did! In fact, the very first recorded lie is that of Satan when he spoke, saying, “‘You will not surely die’” (Genesis 3:4).

Jesus Christ identifies exactly who Satan is: “‘He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it’” (John 8:44).

Because mankind continued to rebel—as Satan rebelled (compare Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:11-17)—God chose to destroy what He had created on the earth:

“Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the LORD said, ‘I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them’” (Genesis 6:5-7).

Verse 11 of Genesis 6 adds, “The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was FILLED WITH VIOLENCE” (also, compare verse 13).

God put an end to that society, because of their VIOLENT and evil ways of living!

We have been strictly warned beforehand that the END OF THIS AGE will be characterized by the same kind of conditions that led to God’s direct and cataclysmic intervention in human society through the Flood.

Jesus spoke of the signs preceding His return to the earth, and among them He revealed this: “‘But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be’” (Matthew 24:37).

Brethren, a multitude of prophecies have been left for us in God’s Word that point to these times in which we now find ourselves living. Times of unprecedented evil along with tumultuous events in nature already clearly mark our generation—and they will grow even WORSE!

Our extraordinary privilege is to understand these things and to prepare for them! Added to this knowledge is our sure conviction that Jesus Christ will be sent back to this earth to personally put a stop to the global devastation that is yet to arise.

Of the time immediately ahead of us, Jesus said:

“‘For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened’” (Matthew 24:21-22).

In years before the Flood, God responded to the faithfulness of Noah by instructing him to prepare for what was about to happen to the world of that age. We find this testimony of Noah’s actions: “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of THINGS NOT YET SEEN, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith” (Hebrews 11:7).

The example of Noah has bearing on our own circumstances. Since we are facing the most difficult time in all of earth’s history, what must we be doing to prepare—to be counted among the elect of God and to “‘…be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man’” (Luke 21:36)?

As Jesus also instructed in verse 36, we must “‘[w]atch’” and “‘pray always.’” How and in what way are we supposed to be watching and praying?

One way is to continue in our calling to Christianity—to NEVER GIVE UP AND TO NEVER QUIT! In His very specific warning for all Christians, for all times, Jesus says, “‘…he who endures to the end shall be saved’” (Matthew 24:13).

For those of His followers who do CONTINUE with zealous fervency, Jesus has given His promise of divine protection—just as He promised to save Noah along with his family:

“‘Because you have kept My command to PERSEVERE, I ALSO WILL KEEP YOU FROM THE HOUR OF TRIAL [the Great Tribulation] which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth’” (Revelation 3:10).

Note that these promises of protection are conditional! We must never take them for granted!

Over numerous decades, we have all been warned to WATCH world events and to stay READY for the imminent fulfillment of biblical prophecy. We have been constantly reminded to stay actively committed to OUR PART in the Church of God—and that specifically includes helping to support and participate in the preaching of the Gospel. Remember, Jesus said “‘…this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then THE END WILL COME’” (Matthew 24:14; compare Mark 13:10; Matthew 10:22-23).

Noah, along with his wife, his three sons and their wives, left their former lives behind. It took time for them to complete the work God had given for them to accomplish. However, with sudden swiftness, the day of God’s judgment descended, and only these eight people were saved from destruction! Everyone else perished!

For our world and the billions of people who now exist under the wicked and murderous influence of Satan, an end of violence will come! God will, once again, intervene in human affairs, and, this time, He will establish His government on the earth:

“‘Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other’”(Matthew 24:29-31).

In the glorious reign of Jesus Christ, PEACE will fill the earth (compare Isaiah 9:6-7). Christ shall rule powerfully, and He has given us this promise to look forward to: “He shall judge between many peoples, And rebuke strong nations afar off; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, NEITHER SHALL THEY LEARN WAR ANYMORE. But everyone shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree, And no one shall make them afraid…” (Micah 4:3-4).

In his final recorded letter to the Church, we find encouragement from the apostle Peter that has timeless application—it is something we all must heed:

“Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation… You therefore, beloved, since you KNOW THIS BEFOREHAND, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:14-15, 17-18).

We are also including a special reprint of our Editorial from Update 397 (June 5, 2009), titled “The Last Days…” In this powerful presentation, Evangelist Norbert Link discusses the critical biblical proof that points to our having entered the prophesied time of the end of the age!

In Christ’s Service,

Dave Harris

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Dear Members, Co-Workers and Friends:

With spring here and most of the snow gone in those areas where we do get snow, we look forward to warmer weather and longer days as we approach summer. Passover with its significant meaning of continuing dedication of our lives to God, coupled with self-examination before partaking of the service, was followed by seven Days of Unleavened Bread, picturing removing sin from our lives. This was not meant to apply for just one week, but symbolized an ongoing process of replacing sin with righteousness.

Now, we look forward to the next Holy Day, which is Pentecost.

Pentecost is a festival of great significance for us in the Church because two historical events were attached to it. According to tradition, it was on the Day of Pentecost when God spoke the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. These laws show us how to love God and man. Our love to God is proven when we keep the first four commandments, and the keeping of the last six commandments manifests our love to our fellow man.

The Ten Commandments, which were in effect since the creation of man, leave no doubt as to what God expects from us. God requires of us that we maintain a proper relationship with Him and also with our fellow man. If all these great laws were kept by everyone now, we would have the Millennium in our midst. Unfortunately, Satan is the present god, evil ruler and deceiver of the whole world (Revelation 12:9). He has persuaded the world to accept a false gospel, a false concept of “love,” and a religious system which originated in paganism and which denies the one true God, while it—perhaps inadvertently for many—glorifies the devil.

The other great event which occurred on the Day of Pentecost is recorded in the book of Acts, chapter two. It was on that day when the New Testament Church of God was founded in 31 AD—when Christ’s disciples received God’s Holy Spirit. Those who would be called in this day and age have an opportunity of receiving the Holy Spirit as well; thereby becoming part of the firstfruits or of the first spiritual or spring harvest.

Let us look at the startling events of that day. The disciples knew when that day had arrived, since the instructions were given in the Old Testament to count fifty days (“Pentecost” means “counting fifty”) from the first Sunday which falls within the Days of Unleavened Bread. Notice also that they were all in one place. They were not all scattered, but were in one location, waiting for Christ’s promise to receive the “Helper” or “Comforter”—God’s Holy Spirit (John 16:13).

Then suddenly, that is without warning or prior notice, the whole house was filled with the noise or the sound of a mighty wind. Tongues of fire rested on each of them, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit enabled them to speak in different languages and also to be understood in those languages. The miracle pertained both to the speaking and to the hearing. These were unusual events, signifying the beginning of the New Testament Church. Peter gave an inspiring review and sermon in regard to Christ and the history of Old Testament events,

leading up to this day, and as a consequence, God added three thousand souls to the Church on that very same day (Acts 2:41).

Today, we keep this day, as instructed, on an annual basis, reminding ourselves how God, in His great mercy, called us out of the world and gave us His Holy Spirit, so that we could ultimately be in His future Kingdom, working under Christ and ruling with Him as kings and priests (Revelation 5:10). As future rulers, we must have God’s laws written in our hearts and minds now, just as they were written on tablets of stone in the past. But unlike the Old Testament Church in the wilderness—the physical nation of Israel—we today can keep the law in the spirit, as God’s Spirit dwells in us. God’s Spirit is not and must not be stagnant. Rather, it must grow and increase within us. And as it does, so we grow in God’s grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ—teaching us HOW to live by God’s law of love (2 Peter 3:18).

How, exactly, are we to accomplish this? We can overcome our own selves, the society in which we live, and Satan, the devil and prince of this world’s darkness, when we utilize the tools God has given us. We are not only to begin building a proper relationship with Him, but His tools will enable us to grow in that relationship. Those tools include prayer, Bible study, meditation and occasional fasting.

If you were given a file, a screwdriver and a pile of lumber and told to build a house, you would exclaim that this was impossible to do. Those tools would not be sufficient to accomplish the task. The same is true in regard to the building of a spiritual house. God gives us proper tools to build that house—and the most important “tool” is the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit. We can reach our goal because we internalize within us God’s Holy Spirit—the mind of God which allows us to think and live more and more in the way God wants us to.

On a physical level, we look forward to this spring and summer, by planting gardens, watering, watching the grass turn green and our gardens grow. We might also anticipate a plentiful harvest in the autumn. We should bear in mind that God is focusing on a fall harvest as well, but He will first bring about a spring harvest of firstfruits. We are called to be part of that spiritual spring harvest—the beginning of which is pictured by the receipt of the Holy Spirit. When we grow in God’s grace and knowledge, and when we utilize the spiritual tools available to us, we can look forward to ruling and working with and under Christ in His future Kingdom when the plentiful autumn harvest for all of mankind will become reality.

Let us never lose sight of that great goal ahead of us. As we concentrate on the tremendous meaning of the Day of Pentecost, let us also visualize the final fulfillment of God’s Master Plan when our loving Savior Jesus Christ will return to give His reward to His faithful servants and to restore all things on this earth.

With Christian love,

Rene Messier

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Dear Brethren, Co-Workers and Friends:

We have just completed our annual Church Conference which was highly profitable and successful. As always, it was great to have the opportunity for all of the ministry and others to once again gather together and renew bonds, exchange information and plan for the great Work that God has given us to do.

As usual, discussions surrounded the commission that God has given us to accomplish, which is to preach the gospel in all the world and to feed that part of the flock that He has called to us (compare Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15). This has not changed and remains to be our focus. The only thing that does change is how we fulfill this charge. As times have changed, so do the methods at our disposal.

In more ancient times, it was mainly done by word of mouth or the exchange of physical documents. Then, in the past century, with the advent of radio and television, the world moved into the era of mass media. At that time, who could have imagined it becoming any more pervasive? And yet, here we are in the Internet age when information in the form of text, graphics, audio and video can be distributed even more easily and readily than it has ever been.

It is this technology that has allowed us to continue to accomplish the Work that we have been assigned to do. We have been blessed with many talented individuals which has enabled us to successfully take advantage of the medium of communication that is now so prevalent and widespread.

During this conference, as well as in past conferences, it was discussed how to best utilize the resources that we have. We stressed again that we will not spend what we do not have; and that we must be responsible stewards of the money that God is giving us. We have few laborers, a limited amount of money, and time that has to be divided among many God-given responsibilities. For these reasons we must be efficient in that which God is providing.

We are not complaining, but just stating a fact of life. God knows us. He knows our needs and, most importantly, He knows in which direction He wants us to go. Of course, this does not negate our responsibility to do our part, nor does it preclude us from asking God for more help. More help in guiding us, providing more laborers and giving us more aid in doing what we are being directed to do.

And so, in these difficult economic times of a worldwide recession—if not depression—we are hereby asking you, dear brethren, co-workers and friends, to please pray with all your heart that God continues to give us what we need so that we may be found “so doing” when Christ returns. As we have emphasized so many times before, God’s Work is accomplished to a large extent on our knees. Never neglect to pray for God’s Work, including God’s ministers and helpers, and pray for one another—especially for those who are in need of physical and spiritual healing.

Not only has God blessed us with the tools and means to preach, proclaim and publish the gospel, but, more crucially, He has allowed us to grow in His knowledge and in the path that He has laid out for us. This was made evident at the conference this year.

We began the week-long get together with a summary of activities for the past year from Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States. Then the overall tone of the conference turned to focus on how to reach other nations, including methods of following up and supporting those efforts.

One important vehicle for announcing the gospel message to the world has become the Internet. The technical crew gave a comprehensive presentation of what they have been doing for the past year and what they plan to do for the upcoming year. It was reported that this aspect of the Work continues to grow and we have experienced considerable increases in viewings of our Websites of approximately 25%. These figures do not include the growing audience for our sermons and StandingWatch programs on Google Video and YouTube. We discussed ongoing efforts to produce German video-taped sermons and AufPostenStehen programs, as well as French audio-taped messages of StandingWatch. We also had a peek at some of the new things to come in the near future… so, stay tuned for those announcements.

Further discussions included which new booklets to produce and how, what and where we would advertise. Decisions were made based on which material was most effective in a particular region and then on budget, in regard to how much we could do in that arena. Also, it was decided to try a few new campaigns and then to evaluate their effectiveness.

The results of all of our activities are becoming more and more apparent. For this reason, it became necessary to address procedures regarding: prospective members, including in areas such as counseling and baptism; church groups which want to join us; and servicing countries where we do not currently have local ministers.

Many more topics were discussed and conclusions were reached. Instead of broaching all of them here and now, we will cover them more thoroughly and in depth in Q&A’s and other means at our disposal.

We renewed our goal to proclaim God’s Word to the “old” and the “new” and to be wise stewards with all that God has entrusted to us. In this we left with an invigorated zeal to continue in the journey that the Church of the Eternal God began over 7 years ago. In all that we have been allowed to do, it truly is exciting to see the growth in God’s people. To God goes all the credit! And the ministry thanks you, dear and loyal brethren, co-workers and friends, for your ongoing support. This present evil age is truly coming to an end—and what a glorious future awaits all of God’s people, if they remain faithful and steadfast.

In Christ’s Service,

Norbert Link

Dave Harris

Rene Messier

Brian Gale

 

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Dear Brethren and Friends,

Those in the UK may have seen the recent advertising campaign that was launched last month by an atheist group. It stated: “There’s probably no God… now stop worrying and enjoy your life.” This £140,000 campaign on buses in major cities around the country and in trains was also extended to a further 1,000 advertisements on the London Underground. The creators of this advertisement said that it had a positive message which encouraged people to enjoy life instead of worrying about what happened afterwards. Perhaps they might like to consider that God’s Word says: “Professing to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:22).

There were many complaints received by the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) who decided that this campaign was “an expression of the advertiser’s opinion and unlikely to mislead or cause serious or widespread offence.” As a secular agency, any consideration of the rightness of things or of an insult to the Almighty would not have been part of their thinking, nor would it have entered their heads to have included such concerns. It never seems to be a consideration by those who promote the ever downward spiraling of morals, ethics, business practices and many other areas of life, that there is a law of cause and effect. In the books of Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28, there are many details of cause and effect reflected through blessings and cursings.

In Leviticus 26:3 God says: “If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments, and perform them, then I will give you rain in its season…..” Further blessings are listed from verses 4-13.  However, in verse 14, the diametrically opposite of obedience is revealed. From verse 16 onwards God lays it clearly on the line as to how disobedience will be treated. God spends much time here and in other places spelling out in detail many material rewards and considerations. They should have motivated ancient Israel historically, and they should motivate us today, to become, and stay close to God, and to do His Will which is always for our benefit.

A reading of the Bible reveals a God Who is patient—much more patient than any human being could ever demonstrate. But even that patience now must surely be wearing very thin. The advertising approach denying His very existence is a rebuff to the One Who has given us everything we have.

Political leaders sometimes made a passing mention and acknowledgement of God in their nation’s history and welfare. Abraham Lincoln wisely said about America that “We have been recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven. We have been preserved in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power.” It would be interesting to know how many political leaders today—outside the USA, perhaps—would use such language? In an ever increasingly secular society in the west, such language would be derided, considered old fashioned and would damage the reputation of the leaders in the eyes of millions of people who may have put them into power in the first place.

You will have seen recently the euphoria of the inauguration of Mr. Barack Obama as the 44th President of the USA. That great country is anticipating a better future with a new and charismatic leader. “Change” was the watchword, but it often is when a new leader takes over from the old guard. Real change will be whether or not the public’s expectations are met. The change that is often spoken about may eventually apply to the electorate themselves as they change their attitude and proposals when their expectations are not met.

Interestingly, in mid January, a newspaper headline in the UK stated: “Obama can save us! Polls showed a wave of optimism sweeping the nation.” One businessman was quoted as saying: “He cannot not succeed. He has to succeed because the world really depends on him right now.” (No doubt, when we have an election within the next twelve months or so in the UK and in other European countries, “change” will again be the word used to try and garner support.)

You will have noticed the screaming and shouting for the new U.S. President, the waving of banners, the frequent applause and the well rehearsed rhetoric that caused all of this excitement. In the middle of last month, during an appearance before the US Senate Hillary Clinton endorsed the use of “smart power” to reassert global U.S. influence. Similar positive sound bites are broadcast whenever some changes in leadership take place, but the same old problems surface with few answers.  And yet, so many people remain optimistic that change, this time, will be for real.  We must remember that every leader has a shelf life. Only God does not!

But often, such kind of euphoria can be short lived as promises are not kept and things don’t always improve and then disappointment sets in. This is because of both the frailties and limitations of leaders as well as the number of insurmountable problems that man creates for himself. In just about every facet of life, society continues to deteriorate at an alarming rate. We would need many pages just to list these, but we can all recognize a society—no matter whether we live in the USA or in the UK—that is virtually unrecognizable from just a few decades ago.

You will recall from 1 Samuel 8 that ancient Israel wanted a king even though, up to that time, they had God as their leader! Samuel told them that such a one would demand much from them, including exorbitant taxes. Samuel made it clear that they were sinning in demanding a king. However, “the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, ‘No, but we will have a king over us…’” (1 Samuel 8:19). Theocracy, according to Webster’s 1847 edition, is “Government of a state by the immediate direction of God; or the state thus governed. Of this species the Israelites furnish an illustrious example. The theocracy lasted till the time of Saul.”  The rest, as they say, is history as it all ended in tears and finally in captivity.

Leaders today have many frailties and shortcomings; God has none. Leaders today put on a brave face and give the impression that they are on top of things, but this is usually to settle the nerves of the governed and often to keep themselves in a job. Leaders today cannot solve the increasingly insurmountable problems that now face them. But with God in charge and obedience from human beings, we would never have arrived at the current mess we are in. There are no limitations with God.

And now we have arrived at yet another unthinkable situation where in big, bold advertising in many cities of the UK, the very existence of God—let alone of the true God of the Bible—is being questioned. Will any of our leaders come out in defense of God? To date I haven’t heard one voice raised from any of our leaders—what the people think is much more important to them than what God thinks.

One verse in the Bible that they, and we, ought to muse on is a verse about cause and effect. Galatians 6:7 states quite simply: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”

Only the return of Jesus Christ will solve the current unsolvable. His return, eagerly anticipated by true Christians for so long, will produce the society that leaders and politicians promise, but never deliver. And at that time, it will not be necessary to have campaigns denying the existence of God because Jesus Christ will be ruling for the good and welfare of all concerned. Atheism will be a thing of the past. Those who now bathe in the glow of fronting an atheistic advertising campaign will be most surprised when Christ returns, if they are alive at that time. A Being that they didn’t believe exists will return to earth to rule in majesty and power—and for their well-being! If they are not alive at that time, imagine their surprise when they awake in the Great White Throne Judgment to a life and an opportunity that they didn’t believe in, and fought against. Much like the apostle Paul who fought Christianity until his conversion. He, of course, did have a strong belief in God—but his understanding of the true God was very flawed.

Great things are just ahead for all of us. Let us all make sure that the effect of negative advertising and secular thinking, the cares of this world and our own human nature don’t cause us to stray from the path towards the Kingdom of God and eternal life with God. Atheistic propaganda and advertising notwithstanding, it is our potential to live for all eternity with the Father and Jesus Christ—two all powerful God beings who DO exist and who have ALWAYS existed. Let us not be swayed by charismatic individuals who may be well intentioned but who cannot solve the unsolvable. A charismatic but deceptive leader will appear at the end of this age (compare Revelation 13:14). He will deceive most people! And so, we must be on our guard. How?

“Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13). That must be our approach—at all times.

With Christian love,

Brian Gale

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Dear Brethren, Co-Workers and Friends:

We are living in prophetically decisive times. What the Church of God has been proclaiming to occur in the years just prior to Christ’s return IS coming to pass before our very eyes. That is, IF we have eyes to see.

Unfortunately, most people are totally BLIND. They have no comprehension as to what current events may mean and signify. Sadly, even some—if not many—in the Church of God have lulled their senses, being only half awake or perhaps even almost sound asleep.

Here are some of the facts which we MUST take note of!

The United States of America is losing its status as the world’s superpower. How many times have you heard before that this WILL happen? Now it IS happening—but do you recognize it? The U.S. economy is weak and beyond substantial repair. But some—including some of those who CLAIM that they speak for the Churches of God—have been denying for MONTHS that our economy is really THAT bad. They have been DENYING that we have been in a recession for over a year! They are still saying today that the U.S. economy is fundamentally sound and stable, and that we will see very soon a tremendous recovery. Friends, don’t you believe it! The truth is that the U.S. economy will not substantially revive. How do we know? Because the Bible says it—that’s why!

At the same time, we are seeing Europe coming together—the United States of Europe is forming with unparalleled vigor. How many times have you heard before that this WILL happen? Now it IS happening—but do you recognize it? Gainsayers have prophesied that the euro would never become a successful currency. They are saying now that the EU will NEVER replace the USA as the world’s superpower. They even question whether Europe will REALLY unite at all. But it will! How do we know? Because we BELIEVE the prophecies of the Bible—that’s why!

Now, we are witnessing again a terrible WAR in the Middle East. We had predicted over a year ago that war might break out between Israel and Iran before the inauguration of the next American President. Now we see this very war unfolding. But most CAN’T see who the real players are in this war! However, the plain truth is that Israel is fighting a “proxy war” with Hamas—and perhaps soon with Hezbollah—by really fighting “against Iran’s spiritual little brothers” (Der Spiegel Online, January 5, 2009). Iran is financing its proxies Hamas and Hezbollah—it has been training their military leaders and soldiers, and it has been providing them with weapons and missiles, as the Jerusalem Post reported on December 25 and 29, 2008. This WAR is making Israel VERY unpopular around the world. Even those governments which are still supporting Israel will soon turn against it. How many times have you heard before that you must watch the Middle East—that Israel will be hated by all nations? How do we know all of this? Because the Bible says it—that’s why.

We are trying to keep those who want to know informed about important news events—in the light of biblical prophecies for our times! We do this through our booklets and sermons, and mostly through our weekly Updates and our StandingWatch programs. And although truly converted Christians—irrespective of the human organizations they may belong to—should rejoice over the fact that God is using His people to WARN the world, there are some self-proclaimed misguided individuals who MUST try to find fault with just about everyone who does not belong to “their” organization. And they are not afraid to give wrong impressions by false innuendos and outright misstatements, or simply by neglecting to tell the whole truth. This is called slander and libel in legal terms; it’s branded as the sin of LYING in the Bible. And Christ said that NO LIAR will enter the Kingdom of God.

We thank God that He has seen fit to bless our efforts of preaching the gospel—including the WARNING message of the soon-coming disastrous Great Tribulation—and of spiritually feeding those whom He has entrusted to us to care for. God IS working with new individuals and smaller groups who are contacting us—including some who had never had any association with the Church of God before. This should not come as a surprise—after all, we are maintaining two Websites in the USA, one Website in Canada, one Website in the United Kingdom, and one Website in Germany. They are all interconnected, of course.

In addition, we are not only posting video-taped sermons and StandingWatch programs on our own Websites, but also on other sites, such as Google Video and YouTube. We should never underestimate the importance of these activities. For instance, our StandingWatch program, “Coming—The Great Depression,” which was posted over eight months ago, has by now been viewed in excess of 25,500 times on YouTube alone. And as the U.S. economy will continue to move towards depression, we expect that just that program will be viewed many thousand times more.

As you can imagine, all of these activities, and many other projects, require money. It costs money to run regular advertisements on the Internet and to respond each month to hundreds of special literature requests; it costs money to produce and send out new booklets, monthly member letters, weekly Updates, and regular CDs or audio tapes. It costs money to pay our employees who have dedicated their LIVES to serving this Work—thereby forgoing or terminating more lucrative employment opportunities. In fact, we WISHED we could hire more employees, and when God grants us the funds, we will do so.

In the meantime, we will not live beyond our means. That requires us to cut expenses which may not be (that) necessary. Some of our readers who regularly receive our member letters and new booklets, have been on our mailing lists for many years, without ever contacting us in any way. We do not want to give our free literature to those who may not really want it. Therefore, some of our readers in the USA are receiving a renewal card with this letter. If you did not receive such a renewal card, don’t worry about it. You don’t need to do anything, because we know that you want to receive our literature, and we will continue to send it to you. We conducted already a renewal program last month for our readers in the UK, and so this obviously does not apply to them.

However, if a card is enclosed with your letter, we need to hear from you. It is important that you return the card to us, telling us that you want to continue to receive our literature. If you do not fill out and return the card, then this letter will be the last one which you will receive from us, unless and until we hear from you again.

We’d also like to mention that we will soon conduct our annual conference in San Diego, beginning with the end of February. We appreciate your prayers for a successful conference, and that God will lead us in the direction HE wants us to go. MUCH needs to be accomplished, but with God on our side, we WILL be successful.

Dear brethren and friends, please continue to pray for one another—especially for good health, for the possibility to keep or get a job, and for God’s blessings for those of you who have their own business. In these difficult economic times, we need God’s involvement, protection and guidance. Please make every effort to attend our Church services regularly, in person, whenever possible. It is God’s command to do so! God expects of us to encourage each other, and to be encouraged, AT SERVICES. Sometimes, we may find reasons which seemingly justify our non-attendance. But with an honest scrutiny and self-examination, most—if not all—of these “justifications” evaporate into thin air.

Please, continue to pray for the income and success of the Work. We don’t want to cut any necessary projects, and we DO want to go through doors which God opens for us—and that with increasing strength and power. So please, brethren, don’t forget to plead with God in this regard, and please continue to pray for me that I may be inspired to proclaim with vigor and clarity, what needs to be said on our StandingWatch programs—both in English and in German.

Finally, brethren, please pray for all of our ministers and their wives. Our burdens are sometimes quite heavy, as the apostle Paul said—but when we all, together, cast our burdens on Christ, they become much lighter.

I truly appreciate all your dedication. Always remember, our efforts in the great Work of our Eternal God are never in vain.

With the love of Christ,

Norbert Link