Update 1210

On June 13, 2026, Frank Bruno will present the sermonette, titled, “Honor The Father”, and Eric Rank will give the sermon, titled, “The Simplicity In Christ.”

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.

The Holy Scriptures clearly and consistently show that God does not act independently of people; rather, He makes use of those whom He Himself calls. From the prophets of the Old Testament to the apostles of the New Testament, God had His Truth proclaimed through His servants.

This gives the Church an important and serious responsibility not only to respect the ministry but to actively support it—spiritually (through prayer), practically, materially, and with a sincere, grateful attitude, including direct words of encouragement and appreciation.

God is a God of order. In 1 Corinthians 14:33, we read that God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. He has established offices to teach, lead, and strengthen His Church.

In Ephesians 4:11-12, the Bible states:

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…”

These callings do not come from people, but directly from God. Therefore, those who support the ministry are ultimately not supporting people, but the Work of God Himself and the proclamation of the Gospel. The ministry exists for the Church to lead it spiritually, to teach it, and to strengthen it. Where there is no spiritual leadership, by whom should the Church be led? As it is also written in Proverbs 11:14 (New Jerusalem Bible):

“For want of leadership a people perishes, safety lies in many advisers.”

This biblical passage clearly shows how important spiritual leadership and guidance are for God’s people.

God’s Work is not carried by human ideas, but by the obedience of those whom God calls and by the support of those who recognize this Work. The Church plays an active role in this.

In Hebrews 13:17, we are urged to acknowledge spiritual leadership and to cooperate with it, for the ministry watches over the souls of the believers: “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.”

What a tremendous responsibility this entails!

Some ministers invest their time, their energy, and often their entire lives in the service of the Church. That is why it is of central importance to support the ministry in prayer. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:25: “Brethren, pray for us.” But this prayer should not be general or superficial. A particularly important expression of support is specific prayer for the ministry, especially in times of weakness and illness.

When ministers fall ill or are physically afflicted, it should be a matter of course for the Church to consciously pray for them before God. The ministry is often under special pressure—spiritually, physically, and emotionally. It is precisely then when they need the intercession of the Church.

The Bible calls on us: “Bear one another’s burdens…” (Galatians 6:2).

This also applies especially to those who perform a special service. When a minister is ill, it affects not only that person; it affects the entire Church.

When Mr. Armstrong was still alive, it was a matter of course to pray for him personally in opening or closing prayers, asking God to protect Mr. Armstrong, to inspire him, to give him strength, and to heal him, etc. Today, when a minister is seriously ill, he should be mentioned by name in the opening or closing prayer, thereby making it clear that the Church understands his work and role, which perhaps can only be carried out by him at this time. A general prayer “for the ministry” may not adequately convey the gravity of the situation for seriously ill or suffering ministers in such circumstances.

Through our prayer, we show that we understand: God’s Work depends not only on those who preach, but also on those who faithfully intercede for them. Such prayers bring strength, comfort, and often healing as well. They unite the Church and demonstrate genuine spiritual fellowship.

But support goes even further. The Bible makes it clear that material help is also part of it. In 1 Corinthians 9:14, we read:

“Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.”

This is not a human concept, but a spiritual principle. Those who support God’s Work are themselves blessed, whether through financial or practical help, or personal commitment.

One point that is often underestimated but of great spiritual significance is gratitude.

It should be a matter of course for every believer to consciously express thanks for the sermons and the work of the ministry. A sermon is not simply a lecture. It is spiritual nourishment that is prepared with prayer, study, and an awareness of responsibility before God.

When the ministry teaches, admonishes, and encourages week after week, it is right and necessary to acknowledge this.

A sincere thank you can make a big difference. It strengthens, it encourages, and it shows that the work is not taken for granted.

The Bible expressly calls for this attitude:

“And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord… and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

Gratitude is an expression of respect and humility. It shows that we recognize that God works through His servants.

In this regard, one’s inner attitude is crucial. Support should not come from a sense of duty, but it must emanate from a sincere heart.

2 Corinthians 9:7 states: “…God loves a cheerful giver.”

Those who understand that they are part of God’s Work will support it with joy—in prayer, in service, and also in grateful acknowledgment.

At the same time, Scripture warns us against adopting a critical attitude that sows discord. Respect, humility, and a constructive attitude are crucial for the unity of the Church.

This does not mean that the ministry is infallible. But it does mean that we should approach it with a supportive and respectful attitude.

In summary, it is clear that supporting the ministry is an essential part of the Christian life. It includes prayer, especially during times of illness, practical help, material support, and sincere gratitude. For ultimately, it is not about people—it is about God’s Work.

God carries out His Work through people, but He works powerfully through those who are willing to support, give, pray, and to be grateful. The crucial question, therefore, is not whether God’s Work receives support, but whether we do our part faithfully, willingly, and with a grateful heart.

(Initial translation: Daniel Blasinger)

By Norbert Link

We speak on the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, the increasing collaboration between China, Russia and North Korea; and the ongoing unpopular war between the USA, Israel, Lebanon and Iran. Please view our new message, “Wars and Rumors of Wars— Comments on News and Prophecy, June 6, 2026.” 

Also view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “America and Israel—a Fractured Relationship” 

We address Trump’s deeply worrisome outbursts; his inadvertent admission as to why he builds a strong army; Pete Hegseth’s attacks on Europe and the disappearance of freedom of speech in Germany.

Ukrainian Drones Target St. Petersburg

The Associated Press wrote on June 6:

“Residents of St. Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city, were told not to leave their homes after a ‘large-scale’ Ukrainian drone attack targeted the city Saturday morning, underscoring Kyiv’s growing ability to hit deep inside Russia, a day after the Russian president refused an offer to meet his Ukrainian counterpart…

“Although no casualties were immediately reported, the renewed attack on St. Petersburg is the latest embarrassing blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s efforts to cast the conflict as a distant event that doesn´t affect Russian daily life. A Ukrainian drone strike set ablaze an oil terminal in the city and hit a nearby naval base Wednesday, hours before the opening of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin´s annual showcase for investment…

“With the front line barely moving as swarms of drones hinder advances, both sides have sought an edge by launching long-range strikes… Russia targeted Ukraine overnight with 272 strike drones, and air defenses shot down 249 of them, the Ukrainian air force said Saturday…”

First, Russia’s drones hit Romania; now Ukraine’s drones hit St. Petersburg. This war is far from over.

China Meets North Korea

NPR wrote on June 6:

“Chinese leader Xi Jinping will travel to North Korea next week… in what will be his first visit in nearly seven years. His trip will be the latest in a series of steps by China to reinforce its close ties with its nuclear-armed neighbor. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reached out to Russia in recent years, notably by sending troops and conventional weapons to support its war against Ukraine.

“But in the past year, Kim has likewise been trying to improve ties with China, the North’s biggest trading partner and provider of aid… The announcement of the trip came a day after North Korea unveiled a new facility to produce the material for nuclear bombs. During a visit to the plant, Kim announced plans to bolster the country’s nuclear forces ‘at an exponential rate.’ Experts say the plant’s disclosure implies that Kim was eager to cement his country’s status as a nuclear weapons state ahead of Xi’s visit.”

The kings of the East are forming…

US-Iranian and Israel-Lebanon Fighting Ongoing

Politico wrote on June 6:

“The U.S. said its forces intercepted several Iranian ballistic missiles aimed at Kuwait and Bahrain, which were fired after the American military shot down drones and targeted Iranian radar sites, in another escalation that threatens a shaky ceasefire in the region…  With talks between Iran and the U.S. stalling, navigation in the Strait of Hormuz remains sharply reduced, causing a lasting spike in oil prices. But even as hostilities continue between the two countries, Washington has granted visas to Iran’s World Cup football team, ahead of the first match in Los Angeles this month.

“In another sign of continued regional instability, Israel carried out strikes in southern Lebanon after the militant group Hezbollah rejected a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.”

The fighting continues… see the next article.

Netanyahu Defies Trump—Fighting Continues

The Associated Press wrote on June 7:

“Israel struck Beirut’s southern suburbs without warning on Sunday, days after a ceasefire agreement in Washington went into effect and despite a U.S. request not to attack Lebanon’s capital… Iran had warned that an attack on Beirut would renew full-scale war across the Mideast, even as Pakistan tries to restart talks between Tehran and Washington…

“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said it was in retaliation for the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group firing at northern Israel earlier… “

Iran Warns the USA and Israel

The Sun wrote on June 8:

“IRAN has vowed that the Middle East will become ‘hell’ for Israel and the US if the allies ‘make another mistake’…

“[The] warning comes after Israel and Iran paused bombardments as Donald Trump blasted their ‘ignorance and stupidity’ and demanded both parties ‘immediately stop shooting.’”

Is Trump Calling the Shots?

n-tv wrote on June 8:

“On Sunday, US President Trump asked Israeli leader Netanyahu to refrain from a retaliatory strike against Iran. To no avail…

“Trump conveyed the message—not only to Axios but to other media outlets as well—that he had the Israeli Prime Minister under control…

“Trump’s problem is that he is not, in fact, calling all the shots in this war, which is highly unpopular in the US… Netanyahu has no interest in a quick end to the war; Israel fears that Trump will agree to a bad deal just to bring the conflict to a close.”

Focus wrote on June 8:

“The relationship between the US and Israel is fractured—that is the only way to describe it now. Trump has lost his hold on Netanyahu… Israel relies on US arms shipments and needs cooperation with American intelligence agencies. Yet Netanyahu seems confident that Trump will not pull these levers, as doing so would meet with resistance within the US.”

Israel Spying on the USA?

NBC News wrote on June 5:

“The Pentagon is increasingly concerned about Israel ramping up its spying on the U.S., recently raising the counterintelligence threat level from America’s top ally in the Middle East to the highest level… amid rising tensions between Israel and the U.S. over the way forward in the war with Iran. A spokesperson for the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C., said in a statement that it is ‘completely false’ that Israel spies on the U.S… A White House official said in a statement, ‘This entire story is false…’

“While it is commonplace for allies and adversaries across the globe to spy on each other, the current and former U.S. officials said Israel’s recent efforts have gone well beyond what is typical and expected espionage…

“In the 1980s, spying by Israel caused a rift with Washington, with U.S. Navy intelligence analyst Jonathan Pollard spending 30 years in prison after he was found to have sold suitcases of top-secret documents to Israel.

“The U.S. also spies on its allies and seeks to gather intelligence on foreign partners, as evidenced in 2013 by leaks from intelligence contractor Edward Snowden. Those leaks showed that the U.S. was eavesdropping on European leaders, including then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s mobile phone, sparking outrage in Berlin.”

The more they deny it, the more it appears true.

Pushing Trump to His Limits?

ABC News wrote on June 8:

“After dominating American politics for the past 18 months, the US president now confronts his moment of truth: he is in deepening trouble and he doesn’t seem to know how to get himself out of it. Trump is a man who likes to be in complete control — and at the moment he is not. The Iran war is the president’s worst political problem, and it just won’t go away. Neither Israel nor Iran is doing what he wants…. he can see that this war and his support for Israel is becoming an increasing liability…

“60 per cent of US adults now have an unfavourable view of Israel — up from 53 per cent last year… 59 per cent have little or no confidence in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to do “the right thing” regarding world affairs… 41 per cent said they sympathised more with Palestinians compared to 36 per cent with Israelis. In a country with a long history of supporting Israel and a hitherto powerful Israeli lobby, this is a dramatic change…

“Clearly, the White House is angry with Netanyahu. There have been several phone calls between them over the last day, after fighting between Israel and Iran resumed despite a ceasefire… Trump told Netanyahu: ‘You might find yourself alone against Iran very soon.’…

“There was also an earlier phone call between Vice-President JD Vance and Netanyahu. It was reported as Vance telling the Israeli prime minister that he had been wrong in his pre-war assessments about how quickly the Iranian regime would fall under the weight of combined US and Israeli attacks. Israeli media reported that the Iran conflict was not the only source of anger — Vance had shouted at Netanyahu about the surge in violence by Jewish settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank….

“In the Situation Room on February 11, Mr Netanyahu made a hard sell, suggesting that Iran was ripe for regime change and expressing the belief that a joint US-Israeli mission could finally bring an end to the Islamic Republic. Mr Netanyahu and his team outlined conditions they portrayed as pointing to a near-certain victory: Iran’s ballistic missile program could be destroyed in a few weeks. The regime would be so weakened that it could not choke off the Strait of Hormuz, and the likelihood that Iran would land blows against US interests in neighbouring countries was assessed as minimal.

“That assessment, of course, was completely wrong. The regime of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps remained in power and, if anything, has become more hardline. And the Strait of Hormuz has indeed been choked off — not just by Iran but also by the US, which has imposed a blockade in a bid to stop Iranian ships passing. In coming weeks, the world’s energy market is set to be severely hit as supplies in many parts of the world dry up. There are predictions that petrol prices in the US will skyrocket….

“What is clear is that Trump wants Israel’s bombing of Lebanon to stop — immediately. What is also clear is that Netanyahu wants the bombing to continue…. Netanyahu is outsmarting Trump in the sense that he’s pushing Trump to the limit, straining the relationship with a volatile president but stopping just short of breaking that relationship…. But just as Israel is outmanoeuvring Trump, so, it seems, is Iran.

“Iran clearly sees the political pain it’s inflicting on Trump. Petrol prices are high, and Americans are increasingly jaded by this very unpopular war. So despite heavy bombing in the first weeks of the war, the US and Israel have not been able to destroy either military leadership or missiles — they are simply too far spread out and their locations are often difficult to assess. And even Iran appears surprised at the power it now has with control over the Strait of Hormuz. That power is set to grow in coming weeks when supplies in many countries begin to run dry while few if any tankers leave the Middle East.”

The War Continues

Bild Online wrote on June 10:

“The US is retaliating and attacking Iran! According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), which is responsible for the Gulf region, these are ‘self-defense’ strikes following the downing of a US Apache helicopter… Earlier that day, Trump had stated that while the pilots were unharmed when the helicopter was shot down, the United States was ‘compelled to respond to this attack’…. According to media reports, Iran responded with counter-attacks…. This makes an end to the war seem like a distant prospect once again.

“The strained relationship between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu can no longer be concealed. During a cabinet meeting yesterday, Monday, Netanyahu said… ‘We might find ourselves in a situation where we have to face the Iranians alone, without support from the US…’ Chief of General Staff Zamir warned against the emerging agreement: ‘As we see it right now—almost any agreement is a bad agreement.'”

News18 wrote on June 10:

“Trump is close to ordering new attacks on Iranian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate.”

The Associated Press added on June 10:

“Trump’s warnings at the White House and on social media came hours after Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan — all of which host U.S. troops — came under Iranian fire… Trump’s comments underlined the American leader’s whipsaw approach to the war. He suggested on Monday that a deal to end the conflict could be reached in a matter of days…

“… both countries seem to be looking for a way to end the conflict — if they can manage to sell it as a win at home. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears intent on pursuing much more difficult goals: the collapse of Iran’s theocratic government, the elimination of its nuclear program, and the destruction of the Iranian-allied Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon. That will make compromise much harder.”

House Defies Trump

ABC News wrote on June 4:

“The House passed a measure to provide almost $2 billion in aid to Ukraine and impose new sanctions against Russia Thursday, sending the measure to the Senate behind a 226-to-195 tally — despite GOP leadership in full opposition to the measure.

“Eighteen Republicans voted in favor of the bill — creating a bipartisan majority — although Democrats carried most of the water on the vote… The measure faces a challenging path in the Senate, where the support of 60 senators is required before it could be presented to Trump for his approval or, more likely — his veto.”

Still, the fact that 18 Republicans have challenged Trump should not be ignored.

Trump’s Tantrum

The Huffington Post wrote on June 7:

“President Donald Trump dipped into his arsenal of insults as he grew increasingly frustrated with ‘Meet the Press’ host Kristen Welker doing her job as a journalist before he eventually stormed out of an interview that aired Sunday… Trump went on to accuse California election officials of being ‘crooked’ before attacking Welker, adding, ‘Just like you’re crooked, your press is crooked. And “Meet the Press” is crooked.’ ‘You’re either crooked or you’re stupid,’ Trump told Welker.

“He continued his tantrum about the ‘crooked’ media, a rambling set to the tune of rain hitting the metal roof of a farm building in Wisconsin, the site of the interview. ‘You’re a one-sided crooked network. Sorry. Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough. Thank you, darling. Have a good time,’ he said as he tossed his microphone to the ground and made a dismissive hand gesture toward Welker…

“He then signaled for his team to leave, got up from his seat and proceeded to walk off camera. After the interview aired, Welker said she spoke with the president Saturday and the two acknowledged the ‘complications’ posed by the rain during the interview. Trump has agreed to sit down for another interview, per Welker…”

California Governor Newsom, no stranger to controversy himself, stated through his press office: “The most severe case of California Derangement Syndrome we’ve ever seen.” The fact is, in light of Trump’s irate behavior, voices questioning his mental cognitive faculties are getting louder, especially in light of the unproven claim that he might be suffering from Alzheimer’s.

WHY Did Trump Build a Strong Military?

The New York Times wrote on June 6:

“President Trump, who campaigned on a central promise to keep the United States out of overseas wars, denied in an interview aired on Sunday that he’d ever made the pledge. ‘I didn’t guarantee no war,’ Mr. Trump said in a lengthy interview with Kristen Welker, the host of NBC’s ‘Meet the Press.’ …  ‘Why would I have built the strongest military in the world?’…

“He did promise. As a candidate in 2024, Mr. Trump repeatedly pledged not to involve the United States in war, including on the night he won the election. ‘They said, “He will start a war,”’ Mr. Trump said during his victory speech. ‘I’m not going to start a war. I’m going to stop wars.’”

Apart from the fact that he clearly promised that he would not start a new war, he inadvertently admitted that building a strong army was NOT for the purpose of deterrence, but for the purpose of starting new wars… which he has already done. When is America waking up?

Hegseth Threatens Europe

Newsmax wrote on June 6:

“U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth warned on Saturday that Europe faced what he called an invasion of dangerous ideologies arriving by sea, linking immigration to the ‌legacy of the D-Day landings in remarks in Normandy. His ​remarks echo criticisms often made by the administration of President Donald Trump about Europe… ‘Sadly, today, different European beaches are stormed by different, dangerous ideologies. Beaches in Spain, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria — boats and men arrive,’ Hegseth said… ‘When will ​European capitals do ‌something about that invasion or is it too late?’…

“U.S. officials, including Trump — and Vice President JD Vance as ⁠recently as ⁠Friday — have often criticized European countries for failing to control immigration. A U.S. National Security Strategy ‌document issued last year warned Europe faced ‘civilizational erasure’ and must course-correct if it is to remain a reliable U.S. ally. That document — and other ‌comments by ​senior Trump officials — ‌have upended postwar assumptions about Europe’s close relationship with its strongest ally, and concentrated minds across European capitals on the ​urgent need to diversify away from reliance on U.S. technology and defense.”

The Huffington Post wrote on June 8:

“On ABC’s ‘This Week’ Sunday, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas)  characterized the remarks as ‘inappropriate’ and ‘out of place’ at an event meant to honor veterans of the operation, in which 2,500 Americans died…

“English historian Simon Schama was more direct in his denouncement… He described Hegseth’s comments as a ‘special kind of loathsomeness: a blend of historical deafness, grotesque stupidity and comically ludicrous self-importance. As if the little people’s rage against immigration somehow is superior to the war against the 3rd Reich and entitles this comic book nobody to lecture the actual heroes,’ Schama said.

“Even before the remarks, some residents of Colleville-sur-Mer, France, wanted Hegseth to know he was not welcome. The local association, Langrune en commun, called for his appearance to be canceled and knocked him for his ‘warlike statements,’ ‘anti-European remarks’ and ‘American supremacist pronouncements’…”

The positions between Europe and America are currently diametrically opposite, contributing to the growing alienation between these two power blocs.

DOD Officially Drops 180 Faiths From Military’s Recognized Religion List

Military.com wrote on June 4:

“… the Department of Defense, for the first time in almost 10 years, has dramatically reduced its number of recognized religious faiths and belief systems by approximately 180…, decreasing the total number of faiths from 211 to its new number of 31… The revised list… includes Agnostics, Buddhists, Hindus, Islam (Muslims), Judaism, Sikh, and a wide range of Christian-based groups like Baptists, Catholics, Lutherans and Methodists.”

The list of Christian groups include Assemblies of God (AG); Baptist (BA); Brethren (BR); Catholic (CA); Church of Christ (CC); Church of God (CG); Church of the Nazarene (CN); Episcopal/Anglican (EA); Evangelical (EV); Jehovah’s Witnesses (JW); Lutheran (LU); Methodist (ME); Non-Denominational (ND); Orthodox (OX); Other (CO); Pentecostal (PE); Presbyterian (PR); Quaker (QU); Reformed (RE); Scientist (SC); and Seventh Day Adventist (SA).

The Mormons (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (CJ)) were originally listed without being identified as Christian, but after a strong rebuke by the church, they were designated as Christian.

Freedom of Speech Undesirable in Germany

Nius wrote on June 4:

“We live in a state where one is no longer allowed to call the Chancellor ‘Lügenfritz’ [Lying Fritz], even though he has lied to, deceived, and swindled citizens and voters out of their money countless times. Yet, one is prosecuted and convicted for using the word ‘Lügenfritz’—as just happened to a man in Heilbronn. Prosecutors accused the man of undermining trust in ‘the integrity of the victim’ by using the term ‘Lügenfritz,’ arguing that it was ‘capable of stoking further negative reservations or aggression among like-minded people’….

“Stoking reservations against the country’s most powerful liars is now a punishable offense. With the relevant Section 188 of the Criminal Code, those in power have created their own version of the crime of ‘lèse-majesté’ [insulting the sovereign]… The era of freedom of speech in Germany is over…”

Bringing the Dead Back to Life?

The Jerusalem Post wrote on June 5:

“US President Donald Trump claimed that an unnamed new drug could bring people back from the dead during a press event for maternal healthcare last month. ‘We’ve taken people that were dead. We had a person given the last rites – gone, the kids are crying, and everything – and started them on this drug. And the person became better. It works,’ Trump insisted.”

MSN elaborated on May 31:

“Medical professionals have been quick to respond, pointing out that while the claim has gone viral, it lacks verifiable evidence… Experts emphasise that recoveries in such cases are typically from clinical death, a temporary state where heart and breathing stop but revival is possible with prompt intervention, not from true biological death where brain function ceases irreversibly… Current resuscitation science offers no drug that can literally bring the dead back to life…

“Research into near-death experiences has shown brain activity can persist or even surge up to an hour after the heart stops in some cases… However, once biological death is confirmed, no treatment currently available can reverse it.”

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.

We continue our review of biblical assumptions that, upon proper understanding, may be different from that which may have been understood by some earlier in life as being true.

FALSE ASSUMPTION No.9

Whenever you see a painting of Jesus on the cross (better: stake), generally there seems to be very little blood on His face or body. You would have thought that after all the beatings and thrashings that He had had, it would be shown clearly in any such paintings, but not so, and the reality will come as a shock to many.

Wikipedia observes that the movie “‘The Passion of the Christ’ is a 2004 American epic biblical drama film co-produced and directed by Mel Gibson from a screenplay he wrote with Benedict Fitzgerald and primarily covers the final twelve hours before Jesus Christ’s death, known as ‘the Passion’. Pilate attempts to appease the crowd by ordering Jesus flogged, and [He] is brutally scourged by the Roman guards.”

This film, amongst all those that have been made about the life and death of Jesus, probably came closest to the horrendous and appalling action that took place on that fateful day. It seemed to shock so many in its gruesome portrayal, no doubt because of the “sanitised” versions that they may have been used to previously, due to a complete lack of reality and understanding by the artists’ portrayal of Jesus’ crucifixion over the course of the last 2,000 years. Of course, nobody knows how Jesus looked, and the portrayal of Him in the movie is most probably wrong; we are just commenting on the brutal nature of His suffering. When it comes to His appearance as a Man, we do not know Him as such any longer (2 Corinthians 5:16). His real appearance today, in His powerful glorified state, and not as the helpless suffering Messiah on the cross, is described in Revelation 1:12-16.

We read in Isaiah 52:13-14:

“Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently; He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high. Just as many were astonished at you, So His visage was marred more than any man, And His form more than the sons of men…”

Verse 13 shows that it must be about Jesus as the context shows. Likewise, in Psalm 22 where the sub-heading in some Bibles is “The Suffering, Praise and Posterity of the Messiah,” we read in verse 1 that Jesus cried out with the words that begin this Psalm: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” In Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34, these very words are quoted. The Father forsook Him at this moment for a very short time as Jesus bore the sins of all humanity, and God is of purer eyes than to behold and to look on such great wickedness and iniquity (Habakuk 1:13). There are many more references in this Psalm which show how Jesus suffered for us all.

Countless people will have been misled by many artists’ impressions of the Saviour of mankind due to the fact that He was unrecognisable after a brutal beating and will have, therefore, made false assumptions through the actions of others!

What we need to recognize is the enormous degree of pain and suffering inflicted on Christ for our sakes, and every time we sin, we should remember the fact that each sin necessitated His suffering and death. It also shows that we, and we alone, are guilty and responsible for His Sacrifice.

FALSE ASSUMPTION No.10

One of God’s Commandments is not to tell lies, as we read in Exodus 20:16: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”

It was interesting to read on the “LiveScience” website an article in 2015, entitled “Understanding the Most Destructive Human Behaviours.” It talked about why we do stupid stuff.  It stated that: “Compared with most animals, we humans engage in a host of behaviours that are destructive to our own kind and to ourselves.”

It showed that human beings lie which is not that surprising, and one survey showed that people lie frequently, with 60 percent lying at least once during a 10-minute conversation!   

In Acts 5, we read about Ananias and Sapphira lying when answering Peter after they sold a possession.   We read this account in Acts 5:1-11.   They kept back part of the price of the land for themselves while giving the impression that they had given all.   The outcome was that they both died for lying.   In verse 4, we read: “…You have not lied to men but to God.”

Their sin was not in holding back part of the proceeds. It was their land, and they did not have to give anything to the Church. Their sin was that they said they sold it all and gave everything to the Church. 

The Bible doesn’t give the reason for their behavior but maybe they fell into the trap of wanting to be seen as giving more than they actually were giving, thereby longing for the praise of men,  and they may have felt that a little lie never hurt anyone.

In Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary, we read about Acts 5:1-11:

“The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was, that they were ambitious of being thought eminentdisciples, when they were not true disciples… They thought to deceive the apostles… But whatever Satan might suggest, he could not have filled the heart of Ananias with this wickedness had he not been consenting. The falsehood was an attempt to deceive the Spirit of truth, which so manifestly spoke and acted by the apostles. The crime of Ananias was not his retaining part of the price of the land; he might have kept it all, had he pleased; but his endeavouring to impose upon the apostles with an awful lie, from a desire to make a vain show, joined with covetousness. But if we think to put a cheat upon God, we shall put a fatal cheat upon our own souls.”

Many feel today, that a little white lie doesn’t harm anyone, and it is true that anyone can make a mistake on the spur of the moment and give false information, but it can become a habit. Liars will not make it into the Kingdom of God and they are an abomination to God (see Proverbs 12:22; Colossians 3:9; Revelation 21:8 and Revelation 22:15).   Lying is part and parcel of everyday life and can rub off on us if we are not careful.

White lies are often described as being about rather small, insignificant, trivial or unimportant matters, and as being harmless to others.   They are harmful to others as they can break trust with people but, more importantly, they are forbidden by God.

The false assumption is that we can lie when we feel it necessary, maybe even to cover up for someone else, but that is not good enough for God.   We must always remember Galatians 6:7: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”

FALSE ASSUMPTION No.11

The Place of Safety is something that has long been discussed within the Church of God. In our Q&A “What are the biblical proofs for your teaching that members of the Church of God will be protected at a particular ‘place of safety,’ here on earth, during the Great Tribulation?”, we write the following:

“One of the key passages, promising God’s end-time Church protection on this earth, at a particular place, can be found in Revelation 12:13-17. The passage reads:

“(13) Now when the dragon (Satan the devil, Revelation 12:9) saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child (Jesus Christ). (14) But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness TO HER PLACE [New International Version: “to the place prepared for her in the desert”], where she is nourished [Living Bible: “cared for and protected”; Amplified Bible: “where she is to be kept safe and fed”] FOR A TIME AND TIMES AND HALF A TIME [Living Bible: “for three and a half years”], from the presence of the serpent. (15) So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. (16) But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon spewed out of his mouth. (17) And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

The Place of Safety will be located here on earth, not in heaven. Some members of the true Church of God will be protected by God at that place. The Bible does not teach that they are taken up to heaven to be protected there during the time of the Great Tribulation. The concept of the “secret rapture” is wrong and of demonic origin. 

There was a time when many thought that Petra in Jordan might be the place, and perhaps there may still be some with that same persuasion today.   But the Bible doesn’t explicitly say so, and Mr. Armstrong made very clear that the Bible does NOT reveal the location. 

The Topical Encyclopedia states that “The concept of ‘The Place of Safety’ is a topic of interest and debate among biblical scholars and theologians, often associated with eschatological themes and God’s protection of His people during times of tribulation. 

“Throughout history, various Christian groups have identified specific locations as potential places of safety, often based on prophetic interpretations. These include Petra in Jordan and other remote or fortified areas believed to offer protection during times of persecution or tribulation.”

In addition to the fact that we do not know where the Place of Safety will be located, we do notknow either when members of God’s Church will be protected there. Jesus said in Matthew 24:36 about His return to earth: “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.”

No one knows the exact time of Jesus’ return to earth and the Bible shows that God’s people will be protected for 3½ years here on earth, prior to His return. However, whenever and wherever it will be, it will be revealed in God’s perfect timing, and God will also make sure that those whom He wants there will get there. We must beware of making any false assumptions on this matter.   

FALSE ASSUMPTION No.12

There is one Old Testament book that clearly shows that we have to be careful about making false assumptions. It is the book of Job where he and his three friends engage in a discussion about why his suffering was so intense. God allowed Job to be tempted by Satan who was “not allowed to lay a hand on his person” (see Job 1:12). Job lost his property and children in a series of calamitous events and while Satan was not allowed to kill him, he troubled him greatly, as we read in Job 2:7: “So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD, and struck Job with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.”

Job’s three friends Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar made an erroneous judgment in simplistically assuming all that Job was going through was due to very specific sinful conduct.  They accused him very harshly, but wrongly, because they were unable to see that Job’s sin was that of self-righteousness. Satan was unable to see that either, and Job was only able to recognize his sin at the very end of the book. To accuse someone wrongfully is easy to do; to come to a wrong conclusion which we will all have done at one time or another.

Job learned about the dangers of self-righteousness, of comparing himself with others. He even felt that he was more righteous than God. He will have learned other things, as we all do, as we grow in the grace and knowledge of our great God.  Job repented and lived after his afflictions one hundred and forty years, and then died old and full of days (Job 42:16-17).

We see that God used Satan to deal with Job to make him realize that even he was not without sin and that his self-righteousness was much inferior to God’s righteousness. 

This case is a classic one of making false assumptions, although, in the end, Job’s friends will have realised this.

(To be continued)

Lead Writers: Brian Gale and Norbert Link

Compiled by Norbert Link

“America and Israel—a Fractured Relationship” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

An end-time prophecy tells us that Israel and the USA will be at odds and even fighting each other. We are already seeing the beginning of this development. Trump claims to be in control of Netanyahu, but he is not. He wants to get out of the Iran war, but does not know how. He blames Netanyahu for all of this… and he is correct to a large extent, as he was clearly maneuvered into this war by Netanyahu. Is Netanyahu outsmarting Trump, and is Iran also outmaneuvering Trump as well? 

“Amerika und Israel – eine zerrüttete Beziehung” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.

“Exodus – Moses’ Escape to Midian” is the latest video in our Bible Story Series on YouTube.

Norbert Link’s sermonette, titled,  “Wars and Rumors of Wars— Comments on News and Prophecy, June 6, 2026”, has been posted. Here is a summary:

We truly observe wars and hear about rumors of wars with incredible speed—including the war between Israel and Lebanon/Hezbollah; the war between the USA and Iran; the war between Russia and Ukraine with drone attacks on Romania and the St. Petersburg area; and American intentions to invade Cuba, Greenland, and perhaps other countries. We hear of conflicts between Congress and President Trump regarding the continuation of the Iran war; frictions between the USA and Israel; alleged intentions to cancel America’s missile deal with Germany, which would make Germany extremely vulnerable; and forgotten lessons from Dachau. We also address demonic UFO and alien activities.

Norbert Link’s sermon, titled, “Does God Travel Back to the Future?”, has been posted. Here is a summary:

Is it even possible for God to travel through time into the past or the future? The concepts of predestination, God’s plan, His nature, and His Will stand in the way of this idea. Nevertheless, God naturally knows the past. And He can also look into the future. But how and when does this happen—and when does it not?

Michael Link’s German sermon for this Sabbath has been posted. It is titled, “Rein in einer unreinen Welt” (“Clean in an Unclean World.”)

Christoph Sperzel’s German sermonette, titled, “Ein Herz, das Gott sieht” (“A Heart That Sees God”) has been posted.