Members of the Church of God have just celebrated the annual Feasts of Trumpets and Atonement, which picture the return of Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:16) and the banishment of Satan (Revelation 20:1-3). In a few days, Church members will observe the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days at designated convention sites all over the world. These days picture and foreshadow a time of unparalleled joy, happiness and prosperity for all nations–something that the world has not experienced before. The Kingdom of God will have come to this earth (Matthew 6:10). Truly, utopia will become reality–Paradise will be established right here on this planet. This world will witness “heaven on earth” in the truest sense of the word.
 
Today, we are bombarded with bad news. Even the “Current Events” sections in our weekly Updates are filled with unpleasant and dire warnings. But we don’t report these events because of masochistic tendencies. Rather, we are telling our readership what is happening in light of Biblical prophecy. These events are necessary to unfold prior to a most mind-boggling occurrence–the return of the Messiah and the beginning of a wonderful and better world. Viewed in that way, even the bad news is good news.
 
But the REALLY good news will become reality when God begins to rule this earth. The Feast of Tabernacles pictures the “Millennium” or a period of one thousand years, when Christ and His immortal disciples or “saints” will govern on and over this planet (Revelation 20:4, 6; 5:10; Isaiah 32:1; 33:17, 20-22). Notice, from the pages of the book of Isaiah, the RESULT of such righteous and all-powerful administration–and compare it, if you like, with our present human rule:
 
— “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4).
 
— “Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end” (Isaiah 9:7).
 
— “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… the nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole… the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD” (Isaiah 11:6-9).
 
— “Then He will give the rain for your seed With which you sow the ground, And bread of the increase of the earth; It will be fat and plentiful. In that day your cattle will feed In large pastures…” (Isaiah 30:23).
 
— “And the inhabitant will not say, ‘I am sick'” (Isaiah 33:24).
 
— “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb sing” (Isaiah 35:6).
 
— “For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert” (Isaiah 35:6).
 
— “He will make her wilderness like Eden, And her desert like the garden of the LORD; Joy and gladness will be found in it” (Isaiah 51:3).
 
— “All your children shall be taught by the LORD, And great shall be the peace of your children” (Isaiah 54:13).
 
— “Violence shall no longer be heard in your land” (Isaiah 60:18).
 
— “The LORD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations” (Isaiah 61:11).
 
Too good to be true? But why should it be? Granted, these are truly amazing, breath-taking announcements of a better world to come–and there is so much more! It is THAT better world, which is worth “living for”–and even “dying for,” if need be. The Feast of Tabernacles reminds us of a future civilization and society, which seems so distant today, so unrealistic, so incredible.
 
But imagine what we just read: Satan will no longer deceive mankind; Christ will rule this earth; human nature will be changed; the environment will be fruitful, hospitable and pleasant; war and violence will be a thing of the past; all sickness will be healed! Why is it so hard to believe that such a world is possible? Of course, with man it is not possible–but is anything too difficult for God?
 
Adam and Eve lost their Paradise–but not forever. It is man’s destiny to find and regain it–and even in a much more all-encompassing condition than at the time of man’s creation.
 
Today, the Church of God proclaims the gospel or good news of the coming Kingdom of God in all the world as a witness. That very Kingdom will be ushered in within a few years from now–and all the world will experience its life-saving and life-enriching effects. Today, this world scoffs at its destined future. But soon, it will celebrate a new and everlasting beginning of a better world–and why not?

On the Sabbath of September 13, I was walking from the car park to church services and had an accident. For no apparent reason, I fell headlong, injuring my left side and my back. As I tried to protect myself, I seemed to almost bounce off the pavement and hit my side and back on a steel post. For a couple of minutes, the pain was excruciating, but then seemed to lessen. It was very uncomfortable, and three days later I went to the hospital. After being seen by a nurse and two doctors plus having a lumbar x-ray, I was advised that there was no damage except for the very obvious bruising. Time would heal.

That morning I had prayed for a number of things, one of which was for protection. Did God not hear my prayer or was there another explanation? To the skeptic or unbeliever, this would be good ammunition for them to try and prove their case. But to me it entirely DISPROVED their point!

If God always healed us, then we would never die. If we were always protected from everything, then we would never know how others suffered when they had accidents. And aren’t we promised tests and trials? For me, the key was that God DID protect me from anything serious. I could have hit my head on that steel post, causing concussion, brain damage or even death. I could have smashed my face, had severe dental damage, injured my eyes or any number of other scenarios. Even my spectacles which were in my pocket were undamaged, and they would have been expensive to replace.

Yes, I did have a couple of weeks of pain, soreness and quite severe bruising in many places, but that was it. And yes, I believe that I really was protected from what could have been so much worse. God is the protector of His people. Let us always trust Him for His protection.

Many of God’s people will be traveling, in some cases long distances, to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. Some will drive hundreds of miles while others will fly. Let us all pray for one another that we will all be protected on the outward and return journeys and also during the Feast. This is another area where we can be of service to the brethren and put our trust in the One Who will, and does, protect us.

This is a message of the most extreme importance. Be ready to flee today …but continue to live your life like Christ will not return for many years. In other words, hurry up and wait!

Since Christ came nearly 2000 years ago, many have been expecting His return in their lifetime. How long have we been awaiting the arrival of Christ or more specifically, certain events leading up to His Second Coming? The answers will no doubt range from a very short time to many decades. But no matter how long it has been, are we maintaining a sense of urgency?

Now, the problem with the title and opening sentence of the Editorial is that we are so inundated with emails, snail mail, and ads in general that are saying the exact same thing, that the tendency for us is to tune it out. When we read the Bible, hear sermons, read Editorials, peruse Current Events and Q&As, are we inclined to do the same? God forbid!

Now here is a little test: Did any of us just skim over the last emphatic statement at the end of the preceding paragraph or did we take it to heart? Only you can answer the question and only you can be the one to decide to heed the warnings of the Bible for our time and be compelled to press forward.  No matter how many times we have heard this before, NOW is the time to really do it… and so is tomorrow.

Brethren, “let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

My wife and I had a saying when one of us had to go away on a training or business trip, or to visit our daughter in North Carolina, while the other spouse had to stay home and take care of things. That saying was, “Keep the home fires going.” It was understood to remind us in a loving way to take care of the house; to do the laundry and dishes; to make sure the children were fed and taken care of; to water the plants; to make the beds and generally, to have the house and yard in the same condition as it was when the spouse had left.

We did not consider this to be an unreasonable request, and we usually followed through on it, so that the departing spouse would not be overwhelmed with excess work upon his or her return.

Christ gave His disciples a similar admonition when He stated in Matthew 24: 45-46: “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.” To give them food in due season includes doing our part in publishing the gospel to the world, as prophesied in Matthew 24:14: “And 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.”

Notice, it says the gospel WILL be preached, not that it might perhaps be preached.  The question we need to ask ourselves is, are we engaged in this process? Are we furthering this Work by faithfully tithing? Are we praying for the success of this Work and are we doing our part, however small it may seem to us? We should not despise the day of small things and always bear in mind that the effective prayer of the righteous person avails much. James 5:16 confirms this: “… The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

Now is not the time to let down. We must not allow our environment to slow our progress in the responsibilities we have towards God in regard to our calling and efforts to get this much needed gospel out to a sick and dying world. We have to be zealous in the job we have been given to do, since that is what is expected of us. Remember, we are blessed if, at His return, the Lord finds us faithfully doing the Work. So let’s ensure that we are keeping those home fires going.

How adept are you in answering those outside the Church regarding all manner of queries including, for example, abortion, being “born again,” going to heaven, why does God allow the evil that continues to torment the world, or what makes you think you are part of the true Church of God? You call yourself a Christian; how do you define a true Christian?  From these examples you can readily perceive the type of questions that might be asked.  Could you, for example, quote or paraphrase the Scripture that defines a true Christian or that condemns homosexuality, and what about challenging the Trinity concept, and the notion that the Ten Commandments are no longer in force.

If our explanation is in accord with God’s Word, then disbelief or disapproval of the questioner does not make the truth any less true. 1 Peter 3:15 tells us “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander” (New International Version). It is a matter of defending our faith—the faith that Jesus Christ gives us. It is also a matter of defending the Truth. If we are weak in this area, it may reflect negatively on the Church. It may even discomfort us and put off the other person if we find ourselves groping for a proper answer.

In order to be able to reply to questions we may be asked, and because some of us are occasionally plagued with a “forgettery,” we need to review what we have learned over the years, and then to review it again from time to time so as to improve our memory—and we certainly should ask God to help us in that regard. We need to give thought to areas similar to those mentioned above, keeping in mind that sometimes we are likely not to have a Bible handy to help us in our reply and in which case we will need God’s inspiration.

Our answer will need to be catered in such a way that it does not offend the questioners, realizing also that, perhaps, they are being called, and yet they may lack the Spirit of understanding on a particular matter.

Being aware that we are living in an atmosphere where most people are rich, as it were, with this world’s knowledge and poor in biblical knowledge, our answers need to be catered accordingly. And toward that end, and at that moment, we should pray a silent prayer for inspiration so that we are able to answer tactfully and correctly, not based on personal philosophy which dominates religious discussion in the world outside.

We need to be aware, also, of those who tease us with insincere or inappropriate questions…. “trying it on,” as it were, in which case Solomon tells us to answer according to that person’s folly (compare Proverb 26:4-5).

If, however, they are sincere, we might offer them access to a booklet or an internet reference on the subject, or put them in touch with a Minister. And we should also offer up a prayer for that person when we sense a genuine interest.

One of the most satisfying experiences we can have is to discover that the person who asked us a question was eventually called into God’s fold and who then responded to that calling.  Therefore, always be ready to answer those who ask, for how do you know if, perhaps, God was using you in that calling?

Religion projects itself as being mankind’s ultimate answer to all that is wrong, by presenting what is right. The trouble with this is, whom to believe! Virtually every humanly organized belief system says that it is the only true religion. Especially the “gatekeepers,” who exercise the influential dominance as leaders over their believers, try and sell the idea that they—alone—know God’s Will!

Amidst such dizzying confusion, can we still find out what is right and separate it from what is wrong?

First of all, just because you believe something is not a guarantee that you are right. You need corroborating evidence—a source beyond mere personal opinion. As a Christian, we are, by definition, followers, imitators, disciples, and believers of Jesus Christ.

Paul pointedly instructed Christians to, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1); Peter reminded Christians to closely look to the model of Jesus: “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for [you], leaving [you] an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21); and Jesus Himself gave this overarching principle for His followers: “‘For I have given you an example that you should do as I have done to you’” (John 13:15).

We know about Jesus Christ and the Christian religion by the record of the Word of God. When those of Berea heard the preaching of Paul and Silas, “…they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).

In that first generation of the Church of God the impact on that age was so great that those who stood in opposition accused Christians of turning the world upside down (compare Acts 17:6)! However, even in that time, deception overtook many believers and toward the end of Paul’s life, he stated,  “…all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes” (2 Timothy 1:15).

The apostle John had to confront those who were rejecting the truth of Christianity for the sake of personal status: “I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the pre-eminence among them, does not receive us” (3 John, verse 9).

As it was in that long ago time, so, today, the challenge to avoid deception and clearly discern between what is right and what is wrong remains paramount! Only by seeking the source of God’s Truth—His written Word—will we also be able to prove those who serve God and those who don’t (compare Malachi 3:16-18).

Along with the truly faithful, names of infamy are written in the Bible—people who rebelled, who lied and deceived and who through selfish greed made merchandise of the people of God.

Will other names from our own generation find mention in future annals that document the history of Christianity in this time? As for how they might appear, the question remains–right or wrong?

As has been announced on the Internet for the last several weeks, on September 7, 2008, we will be conducting a free public Bible lecture in Fort Collins, Colorado. In the lecture, which we also hope to broadcast live over the Internet, I intend to speak about the prophetic LAST and FINAL resurrection of the ancient Holy Roman Empire in Europe, and its future devastating impact on the rest of the world, including the United States of America, Great Britain and the nation of Israel. While especially the USA is preoccupied with the current ongoing and tiresome election campaigns for the new presidency, or rather mundane news pertaining to John Edward’s infidelity, the world is blinded to events which are REALLY important.

To focus on prophecy and to announce what IS going to happen is part of our ongoing commission to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God. Jesus told us that we are to watch the news to determine the signs of the time, enabling us to prepare for His return. For example, without Europe’s unification; without America’s downfall; and without Europe’s invasion of the Middle East (all leading to or being a part of the Great Tribulation)–Jesus would not return (Matthew 24:21-22, 27)! And without the continual preaching of the gospel of the Kingdom of God in the modern nations of the ancient house of Israel and in all the world–as a witness–Jesus would not return, either (Matthew 10:23; 24:14).

There are some, even though they claim to be part of the Church of God, who think and teach that it is no longer necessary to preach the gospel–that our commission has been fulfilled and ended. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH! In fact, those who teach this, SIN against God by not fulfilling His COMMAND to His Church to preach the gospel (Matthew 28:18-20). They SIN against others for misleading and encouraging them to DISOBEY God. And they SIN against themselves, because ONLY those who are actively involved in God’s Work of preaching the gospel will overcome their own selves more quickly. When we focus on the Work of God, we focus on others–how we can help them by teaching them the truth–rather than on ourselves and our temporary problems.

We can be involved in God’s Work in many different ways. We can participate actively in its many tasks; we can wholeheartedly pray for its success and we can support it financially. For example, we should ALL continuously pray for the success of the upcoming Bible lecture, and that those whom God may want to call will attend to be able to hear the truth. In Colorado, our members will distribute local ads and flyers, announcing the lecture. This takes time and effort, but those who are dedicated to God’s plan for mankind will fulfill that task wholeheartedly and with zeal and dedication.

God wants us to pray: “Your Kingdom Come.” Are YOU praying DAILY for this mind-boggling and unparalleled event–an event which will END all misery and pain on this planet and which will bring true and lasting happiness and peace? Do you understand that the new American President–whoever he may be–will NOT bring prosperity and peace to his country, nor to the rest of the world? All his human dedication, efforts and pre-election promises will not be able to do this. ONLY Jesus Christ will accomplish it.

How much are YOU longing for the glorious event of Christ’s return, ushering in the new and better world tomorrow? How much do YOU understand YOUR PART in God’s plan? How often have YOU prayed this week for the SUCCESS of God’s Work–including for the success of the Bible lecture in Colorado? Were you too busy and too occupied with your job, your family, your financial obligations, your entertainment, sports and other pleasures that you DID NOT HAVE TIME FOR GOD and His Work? God wants to see how much YOU are REALLY part of His Church–how much YOU REALLY understand His plan and WHY He did call YOU TODAY–ahead of the billions of people to be called at a LATER time!

If you have hidden sins in your life, get rid of them NOW. This is not the time to keep on sleeping, but to AWAKE and to become ZEALOUS and DEDICATED. Don’t listen to those who DECEIVE you by teaching that God’s Work of proclaiming the good news of a better world has ended. Rather, get behind God’s Work with all your heart, might and strength. When you honor GOD in this way, He will bless you tremendously in this life–and He will give you eternal life in the world to come.

Have you noticed how quickly things can change? On the world scene, after a long period of constant year-on-year increase, the financial markets have been in turmoil; oil prices have rocketed; and ever increasing house prices have quickly started to head in the opposite direction.

On a more mundane level, at a sports event, the supporters of the team that is winning are usually full of enthusiasm, but if the other team starts to get the upper hand, the previously enthusiastic support can, very quickly, turn to despair. And such events can change within minutes, with supporters going from one extreme to the other.

One moment we can be happy with life, but should we receive some bad news, our attitude can so quickly change, this time within seconds. Highs and lows can be something that we can experience within a short space of time.

And with some people, those whom we may consider close friends, our relationship may change quickly due to a certain set of circumstances. I have experienced those who have expressed gratitude for things that may have been done for them, or for friendship, only to find out that in a short space of time, all seems to count for nothing.

Fallible human beings are prone to third party influence, emotions, a change of circumstances or some other factors, to the extent that things can change quickly from one situation to another–“at a rate of knots,” as they say in Britain and Australia.

Those who may be approachable one day may not be so approachable another day, either because of a change in their circumstances, their attitude or demeanor. The same may, of course, apply to us.

However, we should be very thankful that the great God is utterly reliable and is not prone to mood swings and changeability. Jesus Christ is “the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). God is constant, as shown in James 1:17: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” Malachi 3:6 also endorses this same theme: “For I am the LORD, I do not change.”

When God’s faithful and dedicated people go to Him in prayer, He will hear them. He is not subject to our human failings, changes in behavior or wrong temperament. We should be deeply grateful for God being perfect and approachable, and we know that at least with Him, unlike human beings, things will not be subject to swift changes. He is constant and perfect, and we should strive to be more like Him as each day passes.

These three Latin words mean “Swifter, Higher, Stronger” and are a continuing motto for the Olympics.  Once every four years it is truly amazing to witness some of the feats that are accomplished. These athletes continue to out-do previous records, some of which were thought to be unassailable.  In many cases it is a testimony to what can be accomplished if someone puts their mind to it.

As we compete in the Christian Olympics, we also must continue to grow and do better on a continual basis (compare 2 Peter 3:18; 1 Peter 2:1-2; Psalm 92:12).

Swifter

We are running in a race towards a prize. We are not to run lackadaisically or half-heartedly, but to run with certainty (compare Colossians 3:23).  Without a doubt, the quickest distance between where we are and where we are going is a straight and narrow line (compare Matthew 7:13-14); it does not wander aimlessly but stays on the track with the goal always in mind: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it” (1 Corinthians 9:24).

Higher

We are to take the “high” way.  If we are of Christ, we are to seek and strive for those things above (compare Colossians 3:1-2)! God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours (compare Isaiah 55:9). In and of ourselves we cannot reach these heights (compare Psalm 139:6).  But with the help of God we can soar to new altitudes that were once unobtainable (Psalm 18:33). This is what we should always be shooting for.

Stronger

God is our strength (Psalm 118:14), but this does not negate our part in our fight: “All that your hand finds to do, do it with your strength. For there is no work, or planning, or knowledge, or wisdom, in Sheol, there where you go (Ecclesiastes 9:10, LITV).” Now is the time to do all things through Christ who strengthens us (compare Philippians 4:13). Then we will increase all the more in strength as Paul did (compare Acts 9:22).

The finish line is in sight. Our goal is the Kingdom of God, and the gold medal is eternal life in His Family. In many respects it has been a marathon (compare Hebrews 12:1), and now more than ever as we come to the end. Brethren, let us finish Citius, Altius, Fortius!

There is an interesting game of solitaire on most new computers, called “Spider Solitaire,” which has a rather neat feature–an undo button. This feature allows you to undo a move when you realize that you could have made a better move or that you have just made a rather dumb move, and then you can carry on playing the game. The other nice part about the undo feature is that if you reach a point when you cannot play and would normally have to resign and quit the game, you can undo several moves which allows you to take a different path, make different moves and at times even win the game.

Life is not like that where we can undo things we have said that were perhaps harsh or unkind, or when we have done things which were somewhat disastrous in our life and which might have impacted someone else in a very negative way. Like the saying goes, “You can’t unring a bell.” If we make cutting remarks to someone, we cannot take them back. That is why it is so important to put our brain in gear before we open our mouth. There is an old carpenter’s saying that it is better to measure twice and cut once. Once a board is cut too short, it cannot be used for the intended application.

The Bible tells us to curtail our tongues. James 3:2-5 reads: “For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.   Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body.   Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.   Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!”

This admonition should not be viewed as limited to the things we say, but we should also apply it to the things we do. We really have to use wisdom and ponder our path as it were before acting, because we have to  live with the consequences–sometimes for a very long time.  For example, a person can work for a company for thirty years and no one may notice him, but if he makes one mistake that costs the company a lot of money or lost time, everyone will remember that. They will not recall the good work he did, but they will focus on the disastrous mistake he made.

There are consequences for the things we do, and we have to live with them. I have heard statements like, “That wasn’t the smartest thing to do,” or, “If I had to do it again, I would do it in a different manner.”

 It is important to think twice before acting or reacting too quickly in word or deed. We need to meditate, seek counsel and ask God for wisdom to make correct decisions.  Proverbs 1:5 says: “A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.” Proverbs 2:6 adds, “For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

Life offers us many challenges and opportunities to ensure that the things we say and do are in accordance with God’s Word, instruction and wisdom. We have to live with the consequences of our words–be they kind or harsh–and our actions–be they wise or foolish. After all, life is not a “Spider Solitaire” game which offers us automatic undo buttons.