The fruit of the Holy Spirit includes joy (Galatians 5:22). Therefore, if we are true Christians, we will show, overall, godly joy in our lives. There will be, of course, set-backs, but if we are always down, always depressed, always unhappy and miserable, we are lacking this important character trait of God’s mind and nature. Especially during this time, we are reminded that we are to come out of sin (symbolized by leaven), and that we are to replace sin with righteousness (symbolized by unleavened bread). This means, too, that we are to replace sadness with joy. Paul tells us that we are to rejoice always (1 Thessalonians 5:16).

We are instructed in the Holy Scriptures to examine ourselves just prior to the Passover to determine if we are going or have gone astray from the calling we have received and to get our lives square with God.

We must remove ourselves from the old way of life, which we have followed prior to baptism, and put on the new way – the way our Lord Jesus Christ lived as a physical human being.

How committed are we to God? How much trust do we really place in Him? Is there anything that could cause us to lose sight of God and fall into error? What would it take for you to begin to waiver? You may think, this could never happen, but we are warned that those who think they stand must be careful lest they fall.

Is our trust in God based on conditions? On circumstances perhaps, or on the trust that other people have? The true faithful heroes of the Bible had unconditional faith — regardless of what others might have done — and we must grow into that kind of trust as well.

There is something that happens far too often in the Church of God, and that is that people reject God’s calling! God’s Word records examples of those who have disobeyed as a warning to us. The early Church of God also experienced false teachers who brought in deceptive doctrines and overthrew the faith of some. The unfortunate consequences of such rebellion to God are maters of life and death–and that for all of eternity!

Do we look upon ourselves as wise? God inspires Paul to reveal that “…the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (1 Corinthians 3:19). Having had our eyes opened to God and to His Wisdom, how can we ever look at our lives and come to the determination that we are wise?

In fact, Christ said of Himself (in the flesh) He was able do nothing! And without the sacrifice of Christ, the grace of God, and the revealed knowledge which we receive as the Called of God, we would never attain to the wisdom, which God desires that we achieve.

In recent sermons, we discussed God’s “book of life” and other heavenly books, including the “book of remembrance.” What do these books have to do with people who have not yet been called? What do they have to do with the forgiveness of our sins and our reward? And finally, what does the Bible mean when it says that we all will have to appear, after our death, before the judgment seat of Christ? What kind of judgment will take place for us, and what kind of judgment will those experience who will be called during the Millennium and the Great White Throne Judgment period?

The Biblical account of the House of God is a story of building and dedication as well as one of destruction and then rebuilding–all culminating at center stage in the ultimate purpose of God. Along with the record of literal physical structures serving as dwelling places for God, the Word of God reveals the spiritual aspect in which Christians are called the temple of God. As we approach the time of the end, prophecy indicates that we may well see yet another attempt to establish a temple in Jerusalem.

Who is responsible for judgment? Where does judgment lie in the overall panorama of God’s Great Purpose? Are we to make judgments today as the people of God?

The process of judgment is ongoing, as we work toward the calling we have received, according to God’s Plan! We know we are not to make judgments based on appearance. We know that when we do judge, that judgment must be based on God’s Will, and that judgment cannot be made without knowledge. We know that we cannot live according to God’s Way without judgment.

The Father has placed all Authority for judgment in Jesus Christ. The process for judgment has been established by God. Christ has prepared His Throne for judgment. And judgment is on the House of God, today!

In a recent sermon, we discussed the Book of Life and its relevance for predestination. There are additional heavenly books which, too, have meaning for the concept of predestination. These books reveal God’s limitless powers, wisdom and foreknowledge. They show us that we have to accept, in faith, God’s clear revelations in His Word, even though we may not fully understand how, exactly, God works out His plan and purpose. We must never limit God by saying it can’t be so, because we are unable to grasp HOW it can be so.

A look at what has been restored to the church under the leadership of Mr. Armstrong over the years and how truth and understanding was added to the church by God through him.