We are to work with vision–with a sense of the job that is before us! It is this perspective that will propel us to accomplish the work God has for His Church in the coming years–a time without parallel since the world began!
Dave Harris
Our Calling
Jesus Christ was rejected by His nation, by those who were leaders of religion in Judah and even, at first, by His own family. However, there were some whom He chose who came to know that He was indeed the Son of God and Savior of the world!
Consider who actually is able to understand this truth:
“At that time Jesus answered and said, ‘I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight’” (Matthew 11:25-26; compare 1 Corinthians 1:26-31).
As it was in the time of Christ, so it is now—Jesus Christ is being denied and spurned! While nominal Christians appropriate His name, almost none of them are willing to obey Him.
In answer to those who falsely assume that they are Christians, Jesus stated:
“‘And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!”’” (Matthew 7:23).
Our calling is one that is intimately and inextricably bound up in obedience to the marvelous laws of God. In fact, the Word of God reveals that “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16), and it further states concerning those who desire to love the Father and His Son:
“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3).
Who then really does accept and believe in Jesus Christ? Who can truly say that they know God? Can you—because you are now living a life of obedience to God? Are you rejecting this world and its false god along with deceiving ministers who practice lawlessness? Are you growing in the fruit of God’s Holy Spirit, and are you becoming more and more like Jesus Christ (compare 2 Peter 3:18)?
While we should all be firmly grounded in our calling, we, nonetheless, must remain vigilant. Just how thankful are we to be among the precious few who have been called by God Himself to be in the first resurrection—the “better resurrection”—as firstfruits in the Family of God?
The Church
The Word of God reminds us to be on guard against falling away! A vital key to help us in this challenge is to understand the purpose for God’s Church and to know that we are truly members of the spiritual body of Jesus Christ.
Your Future Life
The truth of God’s word does reveal the future for all of mankind – even in terms of eternity. We can know and anticipate this future based on the promises God has given to those who obey Him!
The Nations
The Bible speaks about and defines nations – all from God’s perspective. While the nation of Israel is of a particular note, the ultimate truth for mankind is that the promises of God’s salvation transcend physical boundaries to include all people.
Before Time Began
God is the creator, and He had formed His great Master Plan that involves the salvation of mankind. By keeping the Feast of Tabernacles, the Church of God is foreshadowing the establishment of God’s Kingdom on the earth – knowledge that is not relevant to the rest of mankind.
A Memorial
The Feast of Trumpets is a MEMORIAL–a celebration and reminder that we are to hold in remembrance. Not unlike other parts of God’s Holy Day Master Plan, this Feast Day is an observance of what will happen in the future!
In Times of Trouble
While there have always been problems to deal with, the intensity of the issues so many are now facing is quite striking. Through many examples and by absolute promises from God, the Bible reveals that we can have help to face our difficulties.
The Truth We Know
Those in this age who wield power in government, business, religion and virtually every walk of life are not governed—first and foremost—by truth!
What the actual state of a matter is; what can stand the test of verification; what the real facts are—all that denotes and defines truth is simply not held in godly esteem by society!
We live in a time in which deception supersedes truth, and it does so because Satan, who is the father of lies (John 8:44), powerfully influences mankind. However, there are some who don’t believe the innumerable falsehoods permeating our world—they are the ones who are governed by truth:
“We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life” (1 John 5:19-20; compare, also, John 14:6).
Jesus said, “‘And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free’” (John 8:32).
That freedom comes because we have the Holy Spirit of God dwelling in us and opening our understanding to His Word, and His is the Spirit of truth (compare John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13; and 1 John 4:6). Jesus asked that His followers be set apart by God’s truth, and He further stated: “‘…Your word is truth’” (John 17:17).
Jesus also had to contend with the Adversary, and Satan’s method for tempting Christ was to lie—he misquoted Scripture, trying to give a deceptive application, but that did not work and this is what Jesus gave in answer:
“‘…It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God”’” (Matthew 4:4).
As we see, Satan sought to destroy Jesus Christ—just as he now particularly seeks to destroy the people of God (compare 1 Peter 5:8-9). Attacks against the Church of God by Satan have continued, and we have been warned of this (compare Matthew 24:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; 1 Timothy 4:1-3).
Withstanding deception is no inconsequential matter!
Our battle can only be won when we stand up for and stand in the truth of God—the truth we know!
Forgotten
How we view others-and by extension, even ourselves–along with
staying faithful to the wondrous calling of God has to do with how we handle the
things we know. There are things that should be forgotten and those that should
never be forgotten!