Dear Brethren and Friends,

Greetings! Truly unusual events have been happening in our former association as many of you may know by now. Since my last letter in this magazine, that organization's religious authorities have finally decided to "go public," unmasking the real nature and extent of their MASSIVE doctrinal changes.

That leadership has adopted the "mainstream Christian" teaching which holds that the New Covenant "transforms" (read "does away with"!) the clear, biblical instructions on Sabbath observance. This new policy has been publicly proclaimed in sermons before church audiences totaling about 5,000 people. It has also been written up as official doctrine in that church's publications. They now give their members "permission" to WORK on the Sabbath, if not doing so would endanger their jobs! They set forth all kinds of other implied exceptions and ways of "watering down" the laws of God.

These "authorities" specifically state that the "Sabbath rest" commanded in Hebrews 4 does NOT refer to a day of the week, but rather one's "new life in Christ!" At this point; we should pause to ask, "WHICH Christ?"

The Apostle Paul explicitly warned God's people, "For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted; you may well put up with it!" (2 Cor. 11:4):

Paul was extremely concerned that the "take it easy, don't get upset" Corinthian brethren would tolerate a new paradigm, a new approach which he, God's apostle, NEVER taught them! Paul admonished them to beware of the teachers who taught such things. "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore if is no great thing if his ministers also TRANSFORM themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works" (vv. 13-15)!

So when religious leaders try to "transform" God's laws into something else—however nice and sentimental it may sound—ALARM BELLS ought to go off in our minds! If God's Spirit is leading and motivating our minds, we will be STIRRED UP in righteous indignation against this massive apostasy that, so far, seems to be thoroughly deceiving thousands of our separated brethren! May the Holy Spirit inspire all of us to CRY OUT to God that He will mercifully help and guide our brethren through this difficult time, give them real understanding and insight into what is occurring, and give them the faith and courage to stand up for the Truth.

Brethren, this is undoubtedly the biggest single event in the on-going apostasy that has yet occurred. All of us must be ready to talk with and encourage our disillusioned former brethren—remember to respond to their pain in a godly way! I would encourage all of you to take every opportunity to make contact with your Church of God friends at this critical juncture—whether you just say hello or make some quiet, friendly gesture—showing concern in a positive way! We should NOT "gloat" or say, "I told you so." Because, as I have said before, we DON'T KNOW how God's Spirit has been working with each individual in this tragic situation. Many of them may be naturally disposed, personality-wise; to be kinder, gentler and more PATIENT than we naturally are! That may be one reason why they were so slow to flee this on-going apostasy. They simply were "hoping against hope" that it was not as bad as it obviously has turned out to be.

So let us LOVE them. Encourage them to think, to study and to "check us out" thoroughly if they feel the need to do so before coming with Global. Heartily welcome them with open arms when they do come—and please don't make ANY snide comments or judgmental remarks like, "What took you so LONG?"

In the Global Church of God we have OUR work cut out for us to create a genuine atmosphere of love and warmth and "family" within our congregations. We must pray about this and diligently do our part to really become "family." It is one thing to talk about "family." It is another thing to practice and to build this close, loving atmosphere.

In addition, brethren, I hope this shocking situation can serve as an inspiration to all of you to really STUDY the Bible—in depth and in detail. Do not be afraid to study the Scriptures related to the old and new covenants so that you will be able to answer any questions from our former brethren. For instance, the primary place in which the New Covenant is specifically spoken about in the New Testament is in Hebrews. Notice what it actually says, "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My LAWS in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, Know the LORD,' for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them" (Heb. 8:10-11).

Note that in the New Covenant, God will put HIS LAWS in our minds and hearts. Does this mean that we can DISOBEY God's laws, such as the fourth commandment, if we should encounter any problems in keeping them?

Of course not! Rather, as is made very clear in Zechariah, all nations—even under the New Covenant in the World Ahead—will be commanded to KEEP even the annual Holy Days. "And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, on them there will be no rain. If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the LORD strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles" (Zech. 14:16-19).

Yes, even Gentile nations will FEAR to disobey God's laws under this New Covenant! For if they REFUSE to keep God's Feasts—AND HOW MUCH MORE HIS WEEKLY SABBATHS—then God's PLAGUES will fall on them! My brethren, when Jesus Christ returns in glory, power and majesty as King of kings to RULE this earth in a government based firmly on God's Laws (Is. 2:3; Micah 4:2), there will be NO MORE of this hemming and hawing and reasoning about "transforming" God's commandments into "Ten Suggestions"!

I encourage all of you to fervently dig into your Bibles! As the Apostle Paul instructed, "Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you of the reason of the hope that is in you in meekness and fear" (I Pet. 3:15, KJV).. Again, as Paul indicates, we should have "meekness" as we talk to friends and loved ones about these things. Only God knows WHY He opened our minds to this on-going apostasy ahead of some others. So let's be sure that our hearts are right.

We are NOT "gleeful" in any way about this human and spiritual tragedy. Rather, we want to be part of the real "solution," to heal the hurt and disillusionment now being felt by many of our brethren. Let's ask God to help all of us to be genuinely Christian in the way we approach and encourage and help these loved ones.

In closing this brief letter, I want to sincerely thank ALL of you faithful brethren again for your love and support during 1994. We have been given many blessings and MUCH GROWTH—as I explained in the recent co-worker letter. There is NO WAY we could carry on this growing Work without your prayers and your support. And neither is there anyway this Work could be done without the zealous, loyal support of the dedicated field ministers and the headquarters staff here in San Diego. I want to thank all of them here publicly, as I do thank God for them in my prayers every single day!

Speaking of our dedicated ministry, I am delighted to announce that Evangelist Larry Salyer is being added to the Board of Directors of the Global Church of God. I am sure that hundreds of you who know and love Mr. and Mrs. Salyer personally will be happy to hear this. Mr. Salyer certainly brings with him a great deal of experience and wisdom. We are thankful to have him "on board" the Board!

Things are really popping here at our little headquarters in San Diego with all of the current happenings: people are calling and the preparations for launching television in a few months are picking up speed. Please PRAY ferventlyfor the Work, brethren, and may God give all of you a wonderful and fruitful year in 1995.

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In our democratic society, we are constantly given examples of how it is best to compromise. We are told that it is wise to be "flexible" in our approach so that we can get along better with others. Often, older men or leaders of the past are lampooned for being too rigid or "inflexible."

When it is a matter of taste, strictly a matter of human opinion regarding political or social matters, being flexible is usually a good and balanced approach. A wise husband will often "compromise" with his wife or children when it is simply a matter of whether to go to the ball game or to have a family picnic in the park. That approach is considerate and thoughtful. It is practicing the principle of loving your neighbor as yourself.

However, when it is a matter of compromising with God's TRUTH, a matter of "going along" with a teaching or practice that is biblically incorrect, there is a very serious difference indeed. In the current apostasy, many of our separated brethren and loved ones are being encouraged to accept a "watered down" version of God's Holy Sabbath, His annual Holy Days and other matters. They are being , asked to accept a "watered down" gospel about the person of Jesus Christ—a gospel which carefully avoids emphasizing obedience to the Ten Commandments. They're given a message about the future reward of Christians that is almost devoid of references to the fact that the "overcomers" will literally RULE with Jesus Christ and King David over the cities and nations of this earth. "And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations; he shall rule them with a rod of iron; they shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels; as I also have received from My Father" (Rev. 2:26-27).

In fact, these separated brethren are being encouraged to accept an entirely different concept of GOD Himself! They are being presented with a TRINTTARIAN God—a "closed" godhead into which they cannot and will not be born at the resurrection. And so their whole PURPOSE in life is altered. The enthusiasm and zest to prepare to rule under Christ is gone. The inspiring realization of the awesome REASON to build holy, godly character is also gone.

Subtly, insidiously—slowly but surely—the thrust of their prior, Christian way of life is being COMPROMISED! More and more, they will find themselves thinking; talking and believing the same doctrines, and following the same idolatrous practices of the great "mother of harlots" (Rev. 17:5).

This kind of compromise is absolutely and totally WRONG!

Jesus Christ said, "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

"So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" (Luke 14:26-27, 33-35).

It should be CRYSTAL CLEAR from Jesus' own statements that a true Christian must be ready to give up his circle of friends and family, his current social life, his "comfort zone" if he needs to in order to FULLY OBEY God's commandments, and truly PREPARE to be a king or priest in God's soon-coming government. The Apostle Paul was inspired to write, "Do not be deceived: evil company corrupts good habits. Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame" ( 1 Cor. 15:33-34).

How would Mr. Herbert Armstrong view this current situation? Writing about the liberal movement of the 1970s—which was not NEARLY so far off as what we face today—Mr. Armstrong wrote, "Do you think you are immune from the wiles and subtle deceptions of Satan? Are you stronger than Satan? Don't so unwisely underestimate Satan. Satan is the strongest personage God ever created, except the other two arch-angels. Satan did get to more than a half dozen top-ranking ministers in God's Church.... These ministers thought they had discovered new truth contrary to the teachings of God's Church... but their new truth' was gross and harmful error. They misled brethren.... If we do not follow where God's Spirit leads, the lamp or its light [the Holy Spirit] leaves us.... You let down your guard and allow Satan to deceive and use you when once you have known the Truth, repented, received God's Spirit, started on God's way, then you take a step away from that way and you begin to liberalize and COMPROMISE with Satan.... He, if deceived by Satan and used by him, is one who, like Lot's wife, began to look back'—even if just a little at first. He may have been willing to COMPROMISE on a minor point. He became a little liberal' on some point.... Let me close, as the Apostle Paul did in his second letter to Corinth: brethren, ministers and even chief evangelists in God's Church, EXAMINE YOURSELVES TO SEE WHETHER YOU ARE HOLDING TO YOUR FATTH! Test yourselves,' for God is no respecter of persons. For if God spared not even the angels that sinned (2 Pet. 2:4) He WOULD NO MORE SPARE YOU!" (Worldwide News, "Satan Deceive and Use Me? NEVER!" 1980) (Emphasis ours).

Brethren, notice how Mr. Armstrong indicates that spiritual COMPROMISE begins the process of cutting one's self off from God! So DON'T DO IT!

Let us all PRAY our hearts out for our friends and separated brethren who are now sorely tempted to "stay put" in a situation where they will eventually have to COMPROMISE with God's precious TRUTH and the entire WAY OF LIFE we have understood and practiced for so many years. Such compromise would be a FATAL MISTAKE.

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by Raymond F. McNair

Jesus Christ said, "I will build MY CHURCH" (Matt. 16:18 KJV)! He also said, "The gates of hell [Gk. hades=grave] shall not prevail against it." Christ founded that Church on the Day of Pentecost, 31 A.D. Where, today, is the Church which Jesus said He would build? And where on earth today is the Work of the Living God?

Taking a Good Look at Global

During a short two-year period, the Global Church of God has grown to over 62 Churches, and is served by 64 ministers, including four evangelists: Roderick Meredith, Carl McNair, Larry Salyer and Raymond McNair. Of Global's 62 churches, 43 are served by pastors, while 19 churches are served by "Hosts." Besides God's full-time ministers, those 62 churches are also served by nearly 100 deacons and over 30 deaconesses. All told, nearly 4000 now attend weekly Sabbath services of the Global Church of God.

In addition to the 62 churches, nearly 100 Video groups regularly hear sermons from Headquarters, and approximately 1300 households regularly receive the sermons by audio tapes. All told, about 7000 brethren now hear the sermons being preached by the ministers of the Global Church of God every Sabbath!

Over 12,000 people are now on The World Ahead mailing list, and additional names are regularly being added. The Global Church of God has a number of interesting, informative, doctrinally-sound booklets to offer God's people. We expect to have six or eight booklets off the press during the next few months!

Even though we have had a good response to The World Ahead radio program, we are now gearing up to put our program on TELEVISION. Our new TV studio at our Headquarters in San Diego is nearing completion; and we plan to make our first TV programs in the near future.

Thus it is clear that the SAME GOSPEL MESSAGE which was preached by the N.T. apostles and by Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong, is continuing to go out in ever-increasing power and scope!

It is very satisfying to see that God has sent over sixty ministers to serve His people in Global. We thank God for causing many of the older, sound-minded elders of God's Church to realize that a hideous, OCTOPUS-LIKE APOSTASY is choking the very life out of many who remain in our former association. Without the approximately 200 doctrinally-sound, loyal, dedicated elders, deacons and deaconesses now serving the local congregations of the Global Church of God, it would be next to impossible to maintain those many stable, growing local churches.

Jesus Christ said, "By their fruits you will know them" (Matt. 7:20). We believe God is granting us solid, abundant fruits so that many of the confused, hurt, grieving people of God's Churches around the world will truly see that God has already established a solidly based, rapidly-growing Work to carry on with the same Message which Mr. Armstrong preached for over 50 years. Many who have heard distorted, false reports concerning the Global Church of God are now getting their eyes opened—and are taking another look at this Work which they can now see God is blessing!

Many thousands have been pleasantly surprised to learn that Christ has already erected the infrastructure of a dynamic, viable Church to carry on preaching Christ's Gospel to the nations!

Because of the MONSTROUS APOSTASY now engulfing many separated brethren of our former affiliation, many of God's people, as well as many ministers, are once again dusting off their Bibles to really prove for themselves the true teachings of the Bible concerning: 1) who and what God is; 2) the doctrine of the Trinity; 3) God's law, including the Ten Commandments, the Sabbath, the Holy Days, tithing, unclean meats; 4) the Bible teaching regarding the Old and New Covenants, law and grace; 5) America and Britain in Bible prophecy.

Many thousands are really learning the meaning of, "Prove ["test" NKJV] all things; hold fast that which is good" (1 Thess. 5:21 KJV)!

Today, many are now realizing that the numerous false reports regarding the ministry of the Global Church of God are just that—FALSE! They have come to see that the ministers of the Global Church do sincerely believe in what Mr. Meredith calls "Servant Leadership." We do not believe in "lording it over God's people" (Matt. 20:25-28), but fully realize our job is to encourage and strengthen God's people, "Not... that we have dominion over your faith, but are HELPERS OF YOUR JOY" (2 Cor. 1:24 KJV)!

The ministers of the Global Church of God are firmly committed to the biblical principle of serving God's people in genuine love and understanding. We believe that in the past some ministers have dealt high-handedly with God's people, and we want to make certain that this does not happen again. We will carefully consider complaints about any minister's impropriety. Of course, we fully realize that any true minister who properly administers God's people may sometimes be falsely accused of dealing harshly with them. God's ministers must never allow festering abominations to remain in His Church! The Bible clearly teaches that those who continue in gross sins (such as adultery—1 Cor. 5), or those who "cause divisions and offenses" in God's Church (Rom. 16:17; Titus 3:10-11, 2 John 10) must not be allowed to continue fellowshipping with His people.

Many claim to be true ministers of Jesus Christ. Some falsely claim to be teaching and preaching the same doctrines which were taught by Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong for over half a century. Sadly, some even use Mr. Armstrong's name as a drawing card—thinking that if they claim to teach what he taught, then many will follow them. Mr. Armstrong never personally taught or got to know some who today claim to represent him. But you brethren need to check up on anyone who makes such claims!

The four evangelists now serving Global are all men who have spent many thousands hours in his presence—all having been taught personally by Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong. He taught us in our Ambassador College Bible classes, in the Student Assemblies, regular Sabbath sermons, Bible studies, Ministerial Conferences, personal counseling, etc. It will not be easy to persuade Rod Meredith, Carl McNair, Larry Salyer or myself that the many "massive doctrinal changes" which have been made by our former association were in any way authorized by Mr. Armstrong before his death. We know better!

The ministers of the Global Church of God invite you to "check up on us"! We welcome honest inquiries. But we would also urge you to check up on all who claim to teach what Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong taught during his ministry.

"I Will Build My Church"?

What did Christ mean when He said, “I will build My Church" (Matt.16:18)? And what is the meaning of the English word "church" as found in most English translations of the Bible. This English word "church" is a translation of the Greek word ekklesia or - ecclesia. "EKKLESIA...from ek, out of, and klesis, a calling (kaleo, to call), was used among the Greeks of a body of citizens gathered to discuss the affairs of State, Acts 19:39. In the Septuagint it is used to designate the gathering of Israel, summoned for any definite purpose.... In Acts 7:38 it is used of Israel; in Acts 19:32, 41, of a riotous mob. It has two applications to companies of Christians, (a) to the whole company of the redeemed throughout the present era... (b) in the singular number...to a company consisting of professed believers, e.g. Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:13...[etc.]" (W. E. Vine, Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words).

When the N.T. uses this Greek word EKKI.ESIA ("called out" ones) to refer to God's Church, it simply refers to those believers whom the Father has called out of the world (John 6:44, 17:16), those whom He has brought into an intimate relationship with Himself, and with His Son, Jesus Christ.

Jesus not only said He would build His Church, but He also spoke of His Church/people as being a "little flock" (Luke 12:32). Christ said, all true believers must "Enter [God's Kingdom] by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which ( leads to life, and there are few who find ( it" (Matt. 7:13-14). God's true Church will always be rather little when compared to the big churches of this world—when compared to "Mother [ Rome" and her protesting "daughter churches" (Rev. 17:1-5).

As we look around to see who, really, comprises God's true Church today, and who is really doing His Work, it is imperative that we again look to see what the Bible says concerning God's Church. Of the many churches today claiming to be God's true Churches, which of them can prove their claims by the Word of God?

Are "All These Churches" Truly "God's Churches"?

The "CHURCH OF GOD," mentioned 12 times in the N.T., is the name which God gave to His true Church—the name by which that Church is still known. Just a few hours before Christ's crucifixion He prayed to His Father, "Holy Father, keep through Your name [GOD) those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. While I was with them [His disciples) in the world, I kept them in YOUR , [Father's] NAME" (John 17:11-12).

And you can be certain that Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church of God, continues to keep His true disciples in the Father's name—"THE CHURCH OF GOD"!

Are there many true Churches of God—or is there just ONE TRUE CHURCH—just one “Body of Christ"? The New Testament is very explicit in answering that question. "There is ONE BODY And one Spirit...one God and Father of all..." (Eph. 4:4-6). "For as the [human) body is ONE and has many members... so also is Christ" ( 1 Cor. 12:12).

But how does anyone become a "member" of Christ's "one body"? Can a person make up his own mind that he will, because of his own innate knowledge and goodness, decide to "join" God's true Church? Or must one first be called by God the Father, then meet certain God-ordained conditions before God will JOIN him/her to His true Church?

Let Jesus Christ answer that question. "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him [through His Spirit)" (John 6:44). Again Christ told the Jews, "Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father" (v. 65). Jesus made it plain that, "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out" (v. 37). These words reveal that it is the Father who draws a person to Himself; and He does it either through the hearing of, or the reading of, His Word, and through the convicting influence of His Spirit.

Paul explained it this way. "For `whoever calls upon the name of the LORD shall be saved.’ How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent [by God]?" (Rom. 10:13-15).

Anyone who rightly understands and keeps God's seven annual Holy Days, mentioned in the twenty-third chapter of Leviticus, will realize that God is not now trying to save this world. God the Father is the One who decides whom to call—and when He will call a person.

The Bible reveals that one can't just decide to repent out of his own goodness (Is. 64:6; Rom. 3:10-18). Rather, God the Father must grant a person or a group of individuals, as on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), the understanding and power to truly repent of his/her sins. The N.T. apostles of Jesus Christ realized it was God who had willed, or decreed, that the Gentiles could repent of their sins. "And they [the apostles and brethren...in Judea'—Acts 11:1] glorified God, saying, `Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to [eternal] life’" (v. 18).

By what means is one actually put into, joined to, or inducted into, God's Church?

"For by one Spirit we were all baptized into ONE BODY... and have all been made to drink into one Spirit." When one truly repents and is baptized, he then receives God's free Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). Receiving God's Spirit is what actually unites or joins each individual to the "Body of Christ." Without receiving God's Spirit, we can never become members of Christ's BODY!

God's' Word is very explicit in teaching that humans aren't born with God's Holy Spirit residing innately within themselves. God only gives His Holy Spirit to baptized, obedient believers (Acts 2:38, 5:32); God's Holy Spirit is normally given through the laying on of the hands of God's servants after baptism (Acts 8:18, 9:17, 19:6; 2 Tim. 1:6). [Note. In a few instances God Gave His Spirit to repentant believers prior to the "laying on of hands" (Acts 2:1-4, 10:44-46).]

Paul also explains exactly how one becomes a member of Christ's Church. "But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His [i.e. is not a true Christian]" (Rom. 8:9).

Thus we see that it is God the Father who grants repentance, and who draws every individual who will ever be brought into His Church! In other words, we ourselves can't possibly decide to repent and join God's true Church. Rather, God the Father must grant repentance (Acts 11:18). Only He can add us to His Church. “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved" (Acts 2:47)! It is "the Lord," not men, who adds believers to His Church!

Is God's Church a "Corporate Organization"?

Somehow, many have failed to understand what really constitutes being a genuine spiritual member of the "Church of God." God's true Church is not a "corporate organization" or a humanly-run organization of men, but is what might be called a "spiritual organism"—an invisible SPIRITUAL BODY. It is comprised of all true sons and daughters of God; all Spirit-filled believers worldwide make up the Church of God!

It is a sad mistake to assume that simply because a "member" of the "body" of Christ refuses to follow an errant leadership of a "corporate body," that he, therefore; is no longer a member of God's true Church. And it is short-sighted or arrogant to assume that any member who withdraws himself/herself from fellowshipping under the authority of such errant leaders, is therefore no longer a member of the true "Church of God"—is no longer a member of that "spiritual organism" which in the New Testament is called "the BODY OF CHRIST"!

A genuine Christian, then, is one who is filled with and led by God's Spirit. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God" (Rom. 8:14). And anyone who is led by God's Spirit will be obedient to His Creator, His Lord and Master. He will habitually obey Him—striving sincerely, with the assistance of God's Spirit, to keep God's laws, statutes and commandments.

We must never mistakenly assume, however, that because God's Church is not a "corporate organization" that it is, therefore, wrong for the ministers of God's Church to incorporate God's Work under a name, such as "Global CHURCH OF GOD." One must always bear in mind that such a visible "corporate church organization" is not the same as the invisible "spiritual organism," the true Church of God. Any corporate church organization will typically include some who are not true Spirit-filled members of the "BODY OF CHRIST"—the Church of the Living God! Remember, Mr. Armstrong often said he sincerely doubted that even fifty percent of the professed members in our former association were truly converted!

Mr. Armstrong took himself out from under the authority of the Oregon Conference of the Church of God in 1933 when told to teach error, or else he would be forced out of the ministry. That's when Mr. Armstrong formed a new corporate entity, the "Radio Church of God." (Herbert W. Armstrong, Autobiography, lst ed. chap. 30).

Mr. Meredith and his associates have followed Mr. Armstrong's example of incorporating under a new name—in order to continue doing God's Work! (What does it mean to INCORPORATE a church? "INCORPORATE...to form into a legal corporation... [to] EMBODY...TO UNITE IN OR AS ONE BODY" [Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition]. In order to operate legally in any country, a church must incorporate.

Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong wrote, "Many may not realize that I personally was fully ORDAINED by the laying on of hands after fasting and prayer of those in authority in GOD'S CHURCH.... In the summer of 1931 those in authority in this Church of God asked me to enter the full-time ministry.... And for this ministry I was ORDAINED by fasting and prayer and laying on of hands of the presbytery—those in authority in God's Church.... An abbreviated account of those early years in the ministry—of being UNDER authority—of preaching where and when I was sent by those over me in authority—of being sent by them to the country school house west of Eugene, Oregon, in 1933...was published in the December, 1953 GOOD NEWS, in Herman L. Hoeh's article `God Demands Teamwork'” (The Good News, "Must God's Ministers be Ordained by the Hand of Man?," May, 1954).

In chapters 17 through 29 of his Autobiography, Mr. Armstrong recounts his conversion and baptism, his three-year "detached fellowship" with the Church of God (Stanberry, Mo.), his ordination by those in authority in the "Oregon Conference of the Church of God," his working under authority of that Church until the authorities of that Church tried to force him to preach and practice doctrines contrary to the Scripture. It was then that he withdrew himself from under those Church authorities in the corporate organization known as the "Oregon Conference of the Church of God." It was then that he decided to incorporate a new work under the corporate organization, the "Radio Church of God" (later known as the Worldwide Church of God)!

A Commandment-keeping Church

Anyone who is sincerely seeking to find God's true Church, should look for a commandment-keeping Church. Jesus Christ said if one wants eternal life he must "KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS" (Matt. 19:16-19)!

The twelfth chapter of the Book of Revelation describes God's Church as having the words ("testimony") of Jesus Christ, keeping God's commandments. That Church will be terribly persecuted by Satan at the end of this age. "And the dragon [Satan the Devil] was enraged with the woman [God's Church—Eph. 5:25-33), 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" (Rev. 12:17)!

God's Church always loves God and keeps His commandments (1 John 2:4). This includes the fourth commandment regarding hallowing God's weekly Sabbath, which is a solemn memorial looking back to God's seventh-day rest at Creation. The Sabbath also foreshadows the coming millennium (a 1000-year period—Rev. 20), soon to dawn upon this earth (Heb. 4:9; Acts 17:31; 2 Pet. 3:8).

While alive, Mr. Armstrong always believed that there were others in God's true Church who were not members of the church organization of which he was the Pastor General! He expressed that view many times. Even though there is just one true Church—just "one body," God does NOT imply that all members of that "one Church" will today be in "one corporate organization." To the contrary, all of those who today comprise the one true church (the invisible "body of Christ") are scattered through numerous corporate bodies, which in one way or another all bear the name "Church of God."

Can any church which does NOT believe in keeping the Ten Commandments (ALL TEN—including the Sabbath) really be a genuine Church of God (1 John 2:4, 5:2-3)? It is up to you to check up and find out for yourself if any professing "Church of God" is really obeying God. You also need to prove to yourself which Church of God is, in fact, doing the Work of God.

You need to test all churches which claim to be a "Church of God" to see if they really believe God's Word, the Bible—and whether or not they truly believe and preach the "Gospel of the Kingdom of God"—not a watered-down gospel "ABOUT the PERSON of Christ," as Mr. Armstrong often expressed it! And find out also which of these churches has a dedicated, trained ministry which is fully able to obey Christ's command to "feed the flock" (John 21:15-17, 1 Pet. 5:1-4).

Don't allow yourself to be deceived! Prove by the Word of God where God's Church is today. Look for an active, fruitful Church that Jesus Christ is using to preach His true Gospel to the world in ever-increasing power (Matt. 24:14, 28:19-20)! We ministers seek the prayers of al! of God's people—that all of us in unity may continue to maintain all of the true doctrines of God, and that God will empower us to mightily serve His people. With unity, we shall by the grace of God, help to fulfill the prophecy which reveals that God will make a "short work" in the very end of this age (Rom. 9:28).

The ministers of the Global Church of God earnestly appeal to all of the faithful ministers of God, as well as to all God's saints worldwide, to consider with an open mind what Christ has done. It is Jesus Christ who has built the Global Church of God's solid, fruitful infrastructure with zealous and steadfast thousands of God's people who are faithfully pastored by proven ministers, elders, deacons and deaconesses!

If we will all pull together, God will yet do a mighty Work through His persevering servants. We must all remember that Satan's philosophy is "divide and conquer"! Brethren, cherish God's Truth! United through the Spirit of God, let's push forward in a full-scale drive to do God's Work!

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by David C. Pack

In Acts 2:1 we find a remarkable and truly historic scene unfolding. The New Testament Church is just about to officially burst into existence. Not coincidentally, "they were all with one accord in one place." This annual Sabbath would prove to be an event that you would not have wanted to skip or be late for. A powerful sermon from Peter ensues. Miracles are recorded. The Holy Spirit is given. After repentance is explained, thousands request baptism. It is determined that 3000 have both been "called" (v. 39) and have "gladly received his [Peter's] word" (v. 41). Probably the largest single group baptism in history occurs. The New Testament Church is fully born.

What does this signify—what does it really mean? The Church of God, of course, is. now established, but what does it look like? Even in its infancy there are. clues. Let's let the Bible answer.

Our Very First Glimpse of the Church

What does the face of this new Church look like? We are immediately given our very first clue: "and they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship" (Acts 2: 42). What is the significance of this? The two earliest and most defining features of Christ's Church are instantly evident: (1) steadfastness in doctrine, (2) FELLOWSHIP. After verse 43 explains that the fear of God is apparent in "every soul," verse 44 adds "all who believed were TOGETHER." Verse 46 (KJV) also adds that they continued to be of "one accord [agreement]" and even met together daily in various houses in "singleness of heart."

Looking for an Excuse?

What is the most terrible and intense trial that could ever strike the New Testament Church? Though various ideas could be presented, surely we all agree that the worst and most painful trial the Church could ever endure would be that it would fall into the hands of false leaders. Today, in our generation, we can understand clearly the personal and collective pain and confusion that false church leaders can cause the Church.

Yet, does the unfaithfulness of false leaders somehow alter Christ's charge to the faithful members, who, having refused to join the apostasy, find themselves in a situation where they must search out where they can continue "steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship." If someone else jumps off a cliff do you follow them? Do other's apostasy somehow alter or change your responsibilities to obey Christ's instructions? Of course NOT! Don't allow your good manners, godly habits and practices, become corrupted by others unrighteous behavior (1 Cor. 15:33-34 KJV)!

The Sabbath has been, and always will be, the test command for physical humans (Ex. 31:13-17).

There are three clear ways that Satan attempts to destroy God's Truth. First, with some doctrines he will simply and overtly replace them with something false. Second, with other doctrines the Devil insures that they are never spoken of again. They disappear and die of benign neglect. Third, with still other doctrines he will gut and destroy them from the inside out until there is little if anything left, like a spider sucking the life juices out of its prey until only the bug's exterior, a hollow shell, is left.

The present Satanic attack on the weekly Sabbath at our former affiliation falls into the third category. While preaching that the Sabbath still has some merit, that it is "sort of" applicable, we have all heard what our former affiliation now says regarding God's holy time: "The Sabbath isn't the sign of God's true people; you can work on it; many Sunday keepers will be saved; one should merely strive to come when not working or not too tired; the new covenant has transformed it into a `Messianic celebration'; feel free to play golf; the real Christian Sabbath rest is in Christ and is every day." The Devil is world class when it comes to whining—always chafing against God's directives!

One More False Idea

There are some would-be religious leaders around who would have you believe the false notion that one doesn't have to regularly attend anywhere. They whine: we're all on our own; the Work is over, so we must do the best we can while attending anywhere or even while just staying at home; besides, none of God's ministers (except presumably the leaders who put forth such a philosophy) can be trusted, after all, we're in apostasy, and confusion is king. These "wanna-be" leaders see the Bible predicts these problems, but the present situation does not bear their conclusions and assumptions! Instead of resolving brethren's problems they are increasing them.

The verses that are usually cited to support a "do-it-yourself” approach to church membership are: Dan. 12:7 (KJV)—the holy people are to be "scattered"; John 10:12—wolves catch and scatter the sheep; Ezek. 34:2-10—false shepherds scatter rather than feed the sheep; and finally, Matt. 18:20—"For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." The context of this last verse springs from offenses that two brothers in Christ are trying to resolve, beginning in verse 15. Verse 20 is a final remark on this subject of the Church's role in resolving brethren's differences, and has nothing directly to do with Sabbath service observance or attendance.

Don't you believe any of these false ideas. They do not square with the many other plain Bible verses on this subject. Though these verses are indeed prophetic of what has happened to a degree and will yet happen, they were never intended to be self-fulfilling prophecies. Are we to be defeatists who slink around like whipped dogs with our tails between our legs? God's purpose and intent for His faithful servants is that they should be actively doing His Work (Matt. 24:44-45; Is. 62:6-7): We are to be watchmen who never hold our peace; wise servants who continue to give meat in due season!

A Vital And Fascinating Warning

Let's now take; a closer look at Heb. 10:23, 25-26 (KJV). "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering... not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins." Several elements jump out of this verse: (1) it is in the context of holding fast; (2) we must not stop assembling; (3) some adopt this wrong approach to Sabbath attendance; (4) we are to exhort each other to be there; (5) it is "so much the more" important as we "see the day (the day of Christ's return) approaching" and finally; (6) it is clearly in the context of a warning against willful sin that overrides true knowledge and is therefore unforgivable by Christ's sacrifice.

Let us also not forget that six chapters (Heb. 4:9 NRSV), the Apostle Paul, the author of Hebrews, had already reminded the Judeo-Christians, “So then, a Sabbath rest still remains for the people of God.”

Authority for the Requirement of Assembling?

Where does the authority come to instruct people that they must assemble each Sabbath? God instructed Moses to write, "The feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are My feasts. Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convoca6on; ye shall do no work therein: it is the Sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings" (I.ev. 23:2-3 KJV).

The Hebrew word for "holy convocation" is miqua. It means "something called out, an assembly, a reading." Clearly this is a commanded assembly. We have always understood and taught it that way. It is inseparable with the overall keeping of the Sabbath itself and is on par with "resting" and "do[ing] no work therein." If the Sabbath is optional, then what is the point of Hebrews 10:23-26?

WHY do we need to assemble? What is the purpose?

In John 21:15-17, Christ bluntly told Peter 3 times that if Peter loved Him he would, "Feed My sheep." Later in Peter's ministry it is clear that this admonition was not lost on him. His instruction for elders was to, "Feed the flock of God which is among you" (1 Pet. 5:2 KJV). Paul admonished the assembled elders at Ephesus, "'Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the Church of God which He purchased with His own blood" (Acts 20:28).

God's ministers can't take this lightly. Yet, how could God command his ministers to feed sheep who were not commanded to be there to be fed?

Why has God ordained a ministry? "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the sleight of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things" (Eph 4:12-15; 1 Cor. 12:28-29).

Does a member have responsibilities towards Christ' Body, the Church? In Acts 8:31 (KJV) the Ethiopian eunuch answers Phillip's famous question (Understand you what you read?) with his own even more well-known question "How can I, except some man should guide me?" He then went on to ask for help. This took real humility to admit that he didn't "know it all" even though the context demonstrate he was familiar with and had at least his own personal copy of the Prophet Isaiah's scroll.

"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom the have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher. And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, `How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!'... So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:14-15, 17 KJV).

Clearly, the biggest reason we are to attend God's Sabbath services is to be spiritually nourished with God's pure Word of Truth and "the whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27) in order that our faith is strengthened.

To Praise God

The second reason we must attend is perhaps best summarized by three different verses in Psalms: "Let them exalt Him also in the congregation of the people" (Ps. 107:32 KJV); "Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints" (Ps. 149:1 KJV); "God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him" (Ps. 89:7 KJV). The point is that we are together to sing praises to God as we learn to fear and reverence Him and we are to do it with other brethren, congregated or assembled as the Church. God believes in the "pack" theory of community life. He doesn't want everyone to be off alone, like a lone wolf howling under the moon.

True Fellowship

The third purpose of attending Sabbath services is for right, godly, fellowship. It is a weekly opportunity for those who fear God to speak "often one to another" (Mal. 3:16 KJV).

No wonder the New Testament records so many accounts of the brethren being "together" (1 Cor. 5:4, 11:18; Acts 20:1-6).

What about your little Church or Video group? Are you still at the stage where you feel that you are like Archippus, "the Church in your [someone's] house" (Philem. 2) or as Paul wrote to the Romans of Priscilla and Aquila "the church that is in their house" (Rom. 16:5). Are there just 5, 10 or 15 of you? Don't forget Lot was all alone. Like Lot, you may be among a very few scattered in "Sodom," but you are very important to God. Do not "despise the day of small things" (Zech. 4:10). Eventually, we—the Church—will grow large at the resurrection, but for right now, the New Testament era may end just as it started—a lot of little home churches full of fervent, converted people except that this time they may be huddled around a VCR-TV or an audio cassette player being fed God's wonderful Truths when a pastor or elder cannot be present.

Treasure your little group no matter its size. Love, serve and pray for those in it and take advantage of opportunities to fellowship with other brethren as opportunities become available with the soon-coming "Global Computer Bulletin Board" and "Global Pen Pal Clubs." The Church is striving to do its part to foster "community communication" in which the brethren can develop relationships across the country and throughout the world. Remember to pray for isolated brethren who have no one to meet with. To those who can’t reach a group yet, please be steadfast, we’re coming. God’s ministers are trying with His help to start as many groups just as fast as we can. At this writing, I’m leaving tomorrow to meet with 20 people to establish a new Video group.

On a Related Note

No doubt, you appreciate your minister or elder. Please tell him so sincerely and often. Don't assume others are. There are only 61 of us at this time, so please understand that the earth is just as big for us as it was when over 1000 were sharing the same responsibility. We all serve willingly and even eagerly but, indeed, great distances challenge all of God's servants. For a time, "necessity is laid upon us." God knows this and He will solve our dispersed community communication problems in His own time and way. We must consider this time an opportunity for innovation and resourcefulness.

In the meantime, we are "affectionately desirous of you" (1 Thess. 2:8 KJV), and only wish to be the best "helpers of your joy" that we can possibly be (2 Cor. 1:24 KJV).

A Risk? Even You Can Help!

In the early days of Mr. Armstrong's ministry, zealous brethren understood their responsibility to drive to wherever the nearest pastor was holding services. This often meant traveling great distances. Sometimes it meant staying overnight with friends. The brethren understood that hospitality was needed by their fellow Christians and they gladly extended it. For many brethren travel expenses were a serious budget item. Circumstances have mostly changed.

Today, it is mostly the ministers who are driving the long distances to where the brethren are meeting—though it may be only every 2, 4 or even 6 weeks depending on individual pastoral workloads. Presently, God is calling "old pros" in the faith—proven veterans who, in many cases, have waged the good fight for decades. Brethren who attend a video or cassette group have special responsibilities to show an example of faithful steadfastness and reliability. Have you considered that God Himself is concerned that nothing "new" will ever be introduced when no ordained person is present? You should be "rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving" (Col. 2:7).

"New" brethren who wish to affiliate with us should be referred to a minister so that they can be officially welcomed into the Body. "Let all things be done decently and in order" (1 Cor. 14:40).

We should NOT introduce strange beliefs and ideas from sources outside of our community. In the Global Church of God, we are to teach as we have been taught, not pass out different organizations' tapes and literature like baseball trading cards! We are not engaged in religious hobbyism. The unity of our community, the Global Church of God, is based on a foundation stone called Jesus Christ, who during Mr. Herbert Armstrong's 50-plus-years-ministry, restored 18 basic truths to God's Church.

If you are searching for the Truth, then check us out and compare us with others. But generally, when the Church of God assembles for worship and fellowship on the Sabbath, it is not for the purpose of engaging in doctrinal debate with representatives of other groups outside of our community.

But Only with the Living, Active Church

Please do not misunderstand the thrust of this article! I am not saying that we should continue assembling with apostates in order to please God. That would not please God at all! Consider: 2 John 7-10; Titus 3:9-11; Rom. 16:17).

Notice further this powerful quote from Herman L. Hoeh:

"The fallen `woman' of Rev. 17 is clearly identified as the great false Church.... Notice Rev. 17:5 she is called `BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS.' She is a MOTHER church. She has daughter churches.... They came out of her, in protest, calling themselves `Protestant.' They, like their mother church, participate in the governments and politics and affairs of this world. Thus they reject the Government of God! This (v. 2) is the cause of her fall from grace.... It is an ORGANIZED SYSTEM, even though divided into hundreds of sectarian organizations. Shall the true Christian JOIN, and thus become a part of this apostate system?

"The Bible does not say we are to assemble with the world , but with OURSELVES—those who are truly converted.

"Neither are we to assemble on Saturday with an apostatizing Church which sees the argument about the Sabbath but which...rejects the gospel of the kingdom of God. God is not in these churches. They merely assemble themselves together, by their own authority... Withdraw at once from all other fellowship, except that of CHRIST, and those who are IN CHRIST, and Christ IN THEM" (Herman L. Hoeh, A True History of the True Church, USA: Radio Church of God, 1959, pp. 28-29).

We understand that many are leaving our former affiliation and simply staying home on the Sabbath, because they are aware of what is happening, but are confused as to what to do about it. Some plan to stay at home, period. Pray for them. Others are searching for where Christ's voice of Truth has reemerged. Gently encourage them.

To those not with us who may read this, please understand the following: you cannot go it alone. If any limb of the body is severed (arm, leg, hand, finger) it will still live for a little while but only for a little while if it is not successfully grafted back onto the body. "I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandman.... Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me" (John 15:1; 4). It speaks to all who might try to have a "just you and me God" attitude. [Please refer to Mr. Charles Knowlton's article in the Nov.-Dec. 1994 Global Church News.]

Other Guidelines

Here are some additional points for consideration:

(1) Please do not be on time-BE EARLY!

(2) Remember that your dress reflects your attitude toward what it means to be in God's presence. Are you in your best? Men, when possible, are encouraged to wear a suit or jacket and tie. Ladies should dress in "modest apparel" (2 Tim. 2:9).

(3) Is there some way in which you can serve? Could you even pick someone up who needs a ride?

(4) When fellowshipping in the home of one of the brethren, please don't stay too long! Ask the host for a guideline, or make about 90 minutes a limit. Some can stay so long that after a potluck is served, they find themselves getting hungry AGAIN—a sure sign they have overstayed!

Some Final Points

Try to always be thinking of reasons to attend Sabbath services; not excuses to miss them.

(1) Discouragement—it's really a great reason to go , not to stay home.

(2) There's no minister there—yes he is, he's just sometimes on video or audio tape.

(3) I'm tired—go to services anywise. Recharge your spiritual batteries.

(4) We're really all on our own—reread this article if this is a question.

(5) It's just too far—how about going every 2-3 weeks?

(6) My car's not in the best condition—plan ahead, you may be able to get a ride.

(7) I've got a headache—how bad is it?

(8) My children are sick—a valid reason, but remember this will keep you away just as much as if you were sick. Review Mr. Meredith's old booklet, The 7 Laws of Radiant Health.

In Conclusion

Brethren, God commands us to have a "holy convocation," when possible, on His Sabbaths (Lev. 23:3). There are times when, due to illness, great distances, or other factors; we will be unable to assemble with brethren of like minds, but we must not "forsake the assembling of ourselves together" when possible (Heb. 10:25).

"But if any may draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul" (Heb. 10:38-39).

Let all of us remember that the people of the True Church of God will always continue steadfastly "in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship"!

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by John H. Ogwyn

The sixteenth century saw a world in transition from medieval to modern. In the years just preceding 1500, two events occurred which changed the world forever. Gutenberg's successful use of moveable metal type in 1454 opened the way for the increase of knowledge spoken of by Daniel the Prophet (Dan. 12:4). The first book printed by the new process was a Bible. With Columbus' voyage to America thirty-eight years later, the history of the New World became inexorably linked to that of the Old. These two remarkable events, printing and the opening of a new world for European settlement, set the stage for a new period in the history of the Church of God.

By the end of the 1500s, congregations that the world labeled "Sabbatarian Anabaptists" had appeared and were growing in Central Europe, Germany, and England. They were termed Sabbatarian because they taught and observed the seventh-day Sabbath. They were called Anabaptists, meaning re-baptizers, because they refused to accept as Christians those who had merely been sprinkled as babies. They taught that baptism was only for adults who had come to believe the Gospel and had repented of their sins (cf. Acts 2:38).

As the world underwent the transformation from medieval to modern, what about the Church that Jesus Christ had built? What was it doing? The fascinating story that traces the history of the people of God from Europe to America sets the stage for the emergence of the end-time Work of God in the twentieth century.

The Story of the "Anabaptists"

In the early sixteenth century a group of people labeled by outsiders as "Anabaptists" emerged from remnants of the Waldenses in Central Europe. Among them were two remarkable men of whom we should briefly take note, Andreas Fischer and Andreas Eossi. Their area of ministry was primarily in Germany, Hungary, and parts of what later became known as Czechoslovakia and Romania. Fischer, and later Eossi, taught obedience to the Sabbath and Holy Days as well as a rejection of infant baptism and the Trinity. God used them to strengthen the faithful remnant and to provide a witness of the Truth as the turbulent Protestant Reformation was sweeping the same area.

Andreas Fischer (c. 1480-1540) wrote a book around 1525 in defense of the Sabbath. The book received wide circulation at the time, and while it doesn't survive, a book written by a Catholic theologian attempting to refute it does. Books and tracts on the Sabbath and other related subjects were published in the late 1500s by Andreas Eossi, a Hungarian of noble birth. Eossi, who got his theology straight from the Bible, was also a critic of the methods of teaching theology in the seminaries of his day. Much emphasis was placed by the "scholastics" who governed the seminaries on the study of ancient Greek philosophy and logic. Eossi said of the respected Catholic and Protestant theologians who were his critics, "They ask me in vain where I discovered the true way of salvation, since I sojourned neither at Padua nor at Paris. As if salvation consisted of knowing many heathen writings and many heathen languages" (Prof. W. Bacher, The Sabbatarians of Hungary, as quoted in Dean Blackwell's A Handbook of Church History, p. 253).

By the mid-1600s, remnants of the Church in Central Europe were being increasingly persecuted by a resurgent Catholic Church which was regaining control in that area after the turbulence of the Reformation period. True Christians were faced with either severe persecution or emigration to an area that offered greater freedom to practice their beliefs. The remote Trans-Carpathian mountain area which already was home to Waldensian remnants became sanctuary for many. In the eighteenth century most of the few remaining German Sabbath-keepers migrated to Pennsylvania. There were also a number of people who were associated with the "Anabaptist movement," but who also accepted other Protestant teachings of the Reformation. From those descend such modern-day groups as Baptists, Mennonites, Amish and others.

In the meantime, remnants of the true Church had come into England and by the early 1600s a public debate was being waged over the issue of whether the biblical Sabbath was still in effect. Quite a few books were written on the subject of the law of God and the Sabbath during this period, many of which still survive.

John Traske was one of the first who published a book in England dealing with the Sabbath. He wrote around 1618 and was imprisoned for his efforts. He is credited by some with having raised up the Mill Yard Church in London. This church is the oldest known still functioning Sabbath-keeping church and is the parent of the later churches in America. Though some other historians date the founding of Mill Yard to the 1580s, well before Traske's time, he certainly pastored the church in the early seventeenth century. John Traske was later arrested and put in prison. While there, he seems to have recanted his teachings in order to gain release. His wife refused to do so, remained faithful to the Truth, and spent the rest of her life, about fifteen years, in prison.

In 1661, John James, another Church of God minister in the London area, was arrested for preaching the Truth. "In his final words to the court he simply asked them to read the following scriptures: Jeremiah 26:14-15 and Psalm 116:15...after his execution his heart was taken out and burned, the four quarters of his body fixed to the gates of the city and his head set up on a pole in Whitechapel opposite to the alley in which his meeting-house stood. Such was the horrible price that some were prepared to pay for obedience to God in seventeenth century England" (Ivor Fletcher, The Incredible History of God's True Church, p. 176).

Another remarkable leader was Francis Bampfield, a copy of whose autobiography, The Life of Shem Acher, has been preserved in the British Museum Library. From 1662 until his death in 1683 he spent most of his time either in prison or on the run from the English authorities. Even when he was detained at Dorchester Prison, people flocked to the prison to hear him preach. It was at this time of persecution that an event of far-reaching implications happened: Stephen Mumford and his wife, members of the Church, left England for the New World and came to Rhode Island in 1664. By the beginnings of the 1700s, the Church of God in England was virtually dead. Most of the ministers at that time, in addition to preaching on the Sabbath, were now pastoring churches on Sunday to make extra money. Compromise took its toll.

The Church in Early America

Upon arriving in Rhode Island, the only American colony founded upon the principle of religious liberty, the Mumfords began to fellowship with Baptists in Newport. They weren't quiet, however, about their belief in the Sabbath. In 1665, within the first year of the Mumfords' arrival, Tracy Hubbard started keeping the Sabbath, becoming the first convert in America. Shortly afterward, her husband Samuel joined her. In 1671 the first Sabbath-keeping church in America officially began with seven members. William Hiscox was the first pastor of the church, serving from 1671 until his death in 1704.

In 1708 a second church was officially organized in Westerly, Rhode Island (later re-named Hopkinton). Throughout the eighteenth century, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey seem to have been the main areas of Sabbath-keeping churches. During this time, German Sabbath-keepers immigrated to Pennsylvania. Peter Miller was the best known minister of the German Sabbath-keepers in Pennsylvania and was a friend of Benjamin Franklin.

The time of the American Revolution was a difficult period for many of God's people. The history of that era also demonstrates how spiritually dead many of the ministers and members were. Several congregations were greatly divided on the issue of warfare and political involvement. Jacob Davis, the pastor of the Shrewsbury, New Jersey Church of God, joined the Continental Army as a chaplain. Many of the members followed his example and enlisted also. One member, Simeon Maxson, boldly objected and labeled any church members who supported carnal warfare as "children of the devil" (Richard Nickels, Six Papers on the History of the Church of God, p. 60). He was put out of the congregation because of his stand.

Sabbath-keepers in the Shrewsbury area were impoverished and divided by the War. Many relocated to Pennsylvania after the Revolution, and prior to 1800 most of those moved to Salem, Virginia (later West Virginia). The area around Salem, West Virginia became one of the major centers of God's people from about 1800 on into the twentieth century. The history of God's people in this area is not, however, the story of unity and of a great work being done. It is the story of division, apostasy, and spiritual lethargy on the part of the majority. Much of this was furthered by the influence of the prominent Davis family which produced many of the leading ministers in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The vast majority of the brethren appear to have been so spiritually dead that they blindly followed apostate ministers into Protestantism.

Much false doctrine came into the Church in America at an early time through the influence of William Davis. Born in Wales in 1663, he went from the Church of England to the Quakers and then became a Baptist. In 1706 he accepted the Sabbath and applied for membership in the Newport church. He was initially rejected for membership because he held wrong doctrines. Finally in 1710, he was accepted for membership and in 1713 was authorized to preach and to baptize. Yet, he believed in the Trinity, the immortality of the soul, and in going to heaven, totally contrary to the doctrines taught by the Church at that time! For the rest of his life, Davis was "in" and "out" of fellowship with the Church. "Davis played a powerful role in shaping the future of Sabbatarian Baptists. It has been stated that William Davis has never lacked a direct descendant as a Seventh Day Baptist minister" (Nickels, p. 55).

In the earliest days no special thought was given to an official church name. The congregations in their correspondence with one another referred to themselves as "the Church of Christ which is at Newport" or "the Church of God living in Piscataway.” Most members simply called it "the Church." Outsiders referred to them as Sabbatarians or Sabbatarian Baptists.

When the church in Newport received an official state charter in 1819 (it had been established in 1671, but legal requirements were changing) it was registered under the name "Seventh-Day Baptist Church of Christ "

In 1803 a general conference was organized by eight Sabbath-keeping congregations in the Northeast in order to coordinate their evangelistic efforts and to cooperate in the publication of literature. In 1805 they adopted the name "The Sabbatarian General Conference." By 1818 the name was changed to Seventh Day Baptist General Conference and the organization had grown to include Sabbath-keeping congregations outside the Northeast.

The Church was undergoing many changes during this time. We can note their progression from non-Trinitarian to the Trinitarian position championed by the Davis family and others. A statement written in 1811 upholds the traditional teaching of the Church in stating, "...that Sabbatarian Baptists believed the Holy Ghost to be the operative power or spirit of God...there are few...who believe that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, are three absolute distinct persons, coequal...and yet one God..."' (Nickels, p. 91). Just twenty-two years later in the 1833 Expose of Sentiments, however, the official position was, "We believe that there is a union existing between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and that they are equally divine and equally entitled to our adoration" (Nickels, p. 91). Even as late as 1866 it was acknowledged that even though the doctrine was being taught, some of the ministers still possessed a strong aversion to using the word "Trinity."

During this time many ministers and members were getting so far from the Truth as to be merely Protestants who met on Saturday. The November 18, 1983, edition of The Westerly Sun newspaper covers the anniversary celebration of the oldest Sabbath-keeping church in the United States with this headline, "Church Will Celebrate 275 Years Marked with Change." The article in the newspaper goes on to say that the "...church will celebrate its 275th anniversary this weekend—an experience which has been marked by change from societal pressures, despite its Sabbath-keeping custom."

The changes that have occurred have been marked by a steady erosion of the Truth and a move into main-stream Protestantism. In fact, the Seventh-Day Baptist churches in Rhode Island have long since ceased housing the living Church of God. They are merely old buildings, museums of where the Truth was once taught and the Work of God was once carried on. The congregations that now meet there believe in the Trinity, observe Christmas and Easter, and have even gone back and built steeples onto some of the old buildings. They simply followed their leaders and stayed in the church [building]!

While the bulk of Sabbath-keepers were getting further and further from the Truth, there were individual members and congregations which remained faithful. We find records of the South Fork, West Virginia Church which observed the Passover and avoided unclean meats in the early 1800s. This little group was forced to withdraw ...fellowship from the General Conference and all other Seventh-Day Baptist organizations, because of doctrinal differences" (Nickels, p. 68). By the 1870s another generation was on the scene and eventually most of the South Fork Church accepted the Seventh-Day Baptist organization. By 1885 they had even ordained a woman minister!

Another group, calling itself the Church of God at Wilbur, was organized in 1859 by Elder J. W. Niles from Pennsylvania. It was still functioning on into the 1930s and was called by Andrew Dugger in his book, A History of the True Religion, "...the oldest true Church of God now functioning in the state of West Virginia" (p. 311).

The Adventist Movement

In the 1830s a movement arose among Protestant churches in western New York that focused on the return of Jesus Christ to this earth and the establishment of a literal Kingdom. This message, which first began to be forcefully proclaimed by William Miller, was totally different from the accepted Protestant doctrine. His teachings on prophecy attracted much interest and stirred increasing attention as his predicted 1844 date for the return of Christ drew near. After what was termed "the great disappointment," confusion set in among these Protestant adventists. Ridiculed by mainline Protestants, some became disillusioned and gave up religion altogether. Others continued to search the Scriptures to see where they had gone wrong. The stage was being set for a strengthening of the Truth.

Around the beginning of 1844, Mrs. Rachel Oakes, a widow who was a member of a Seventh-Day Baptist Church in Verona, New York came to Washington, New Hampshire to visit her daughter. Her daughter attended a church pastored by Frederick Wheeler, a Methodist who had accepted the adventist (second coming of Christ and literal establishment of His Kingdom) message. Hearing Mr. Wheeler call upon his congregation to obey God and keep His commandments in all things, Mrs. Oakes confronted him following the service with the truth that Sabbath-keeping played a vital part in obeying God's commandments. Taken aback, he promised to study the subject. Within weeks he was convinced of the Truth of the Sabbath and began to proclaim it. The Truth of the Sabbath spread like wildfire among disillusioned adventists. Many hundreds of others responded as well to the simple Truth of the real Gospel and of obedience to all of God's commandments.

Into the fellowship of these zealous sabbatarian adventists came Roswell Cottrell, a long-time minister and Sabbath-keeper.

His family had been among the earliest members of the Church of God in Rhode Island but the Cottrell family withdrew from the fellowship of what was then being called the Seventh-Day Baptist Church over doctrine. This was the time when such changes as the Trinity and the immortality of the soul were being made official Seventh-Day Baptist doctrine. About fifteen years after coming into the fellowship of the sabbatarian adventists, he found himself once again embroiled in controversy. Elder James White, who had emerged as the main leader among the Sabbath-keeping, adventist Churches of God, was pushing for an organizational conference and an official name, Seventh-Day Adventist Church. There were those who opposed this change as unscriptural and who also opposed giving credence to the visions of Elder White's wife, Ellen G. White. Roswell Cottrell opposed Mr. White's organizational moves. He wrote in the May 3, 1860 Review and Herald, "I do not believe in popery; neither do I believe in anarchy; but in Bible order, discipline, and government in the Church of God" (Nickels, p. 162).

In October 1860 at a conference in Battle Creek, Michigan, the overwhelming majority of those present rejected the name "Church of God" and adopted the name Seventh-Day Adventist as a name descriptive of their beliefs. This was the name being pushed by the Whites. Mrs. White's visions were increasingly being advanced as "new truth" for the Church.

Throughout the 1860s the split, between the majority who followed the Whites and the scattered remnant who didn't, became more and more decisive. During the War Between the States (Second American Civil War), the Church of God took a firm stand as conscientious objectors, in contrast to the Seventh-Day Adventists under the Whites' leadership. A delegation from the Church of God met with President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 in order to establish conscientious objector status for young men in the Church.

A quotation from a circular letter from brethren in Marion, Iowa published in the September 7, 1864 issue of The Hope of Israel, the Church's publication, gives a flavor of what was happening at the time. "On the 10th of June, 1860, something over 50 of us adopted a form of a church covenant, drawn up by [M. E. Cornell].... Nearly a year and a half afterward, the same messenger held up, publicly, some other volumes by the side of the Bible...and urged us to adopt their teaching also, as a rule of faith and discipline. A portion of us were unwilling to accept these new planks in the platform of our Church.... The result was, about one half of the Church decided to receive these volumes as a valid Scripture, and drew off from us, or rather repelled us from them, denouncing us as rebels.... As it regards us being rebels, we boldly assert that we are not rebels. We have not rebelled against the constitution which we adopted, for we stand firm on it yet...so the charge of rebellion reflects with shame on them, who have made it, they being the ones who have departed from their first position and have adopted a new one" (Robert Coulter, The Story of the Church of God Seventh Day, p. 16).

In August 1863, the small church paper called The Hope of Israel began to be printed in Michigan. It started with less than forty subscribers: In 1866 it was relocated to Marion, Iowa and in 1888 moved again to Stanberry, Missouri. Over the years the paper underwent several name changes, ultimately being called The Bible Advocate.

One of the most prominent figures in the Church of God during this time was Jacob Brinkerhoff. He edited the paper from 1871 until 1887 and again from 1907 until 1914. In 1874 A. F. Dugger Sr. of Nebraska entered the full-time ministry of the Church of God. From the 1870s until the years just prior to World War I, Elders Brinkerhoff and Dugger contributed many of the articles that helped to clarify and solidify doctrine in the Church. Articles on prophecy, clean and unclean meats, tithing, proper observance of the Passover, and what it means to be born again filled the pages of The Bible Advocate during those years.

As early as 1866 articles on prophecy taught that the Jews would be restored to a homeland in Palestine. There was truth restored and taught, but all in all, the efforts of the Church were weak and only reached small numbers of people, primarily in rural parts of the Midwest.

The phase of church history on which we have focused in this article is best described by Christ's message to the Church at Sardis recorded in Revelation 3:1-6. This church was told that while it had a name that it was alive, it was really spiritually dead. "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die..." (Rev. 3:2). While the Church as a whole was spiritually lethargic or even dead, there were those of whom Christ said that they "...have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy" (v. 4).

During these four turbulent centuries there were men and women who remained faithful to God in spite of what was happening around them. While many people who claimed to be the people of God ("You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead" Rev. 3:1) simply drifted along, there were those who heeded Christ's warning to hold fast and will be in the first resurrection (v. 3).

There are many lessons that God's people today can learn from the experiences of this stage of the Church. Let's make sure we heed Christ's admonition at the end of His message to Sardis, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (Rev. 3:6).

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by Wesley B. Webster

Uzzah's death was shocking when it occurred, and to many today it still seems a harsh punishment from God. Do you understand why Uzzah died? Could you be making the same mistake today?

God's wrath against Uzzah seems unfair to some. When we look at what happened, we see Uzzah sincerely trying to serve God. He may have had other motives rooted in the desire to be in the limelight and receive the acclaim of men. But, let's give him the benefit of the doubt and not question his sincerity. He was simply following the directions of God's anointed leader—David. We, therefore, might tend to think that he should have been excused because he made his mistake with "good" intentions.

But God says that Uzzah died "for his error" (2 Sam. 6:7). Uzzah did something wrong—terribly wrong! He made a mistake that many in God's Church are making today. Some find Uzzah's death surprising because they are prone to make the same mistake, considering it no big deal, nothing to get excited about. To understand Uzzah's death, we need to look at it from God's viewpoint. Understanding Uzzah's error can help us avoid making the same mistake. Let's examine the record of what happened in 2 Samuel 6 and in 1 Chronicles 13.

David gathered all Israel together to bring up the Ark of God from Kirjath Jearim to Jerusalem. This was a major celebration. Everyone was involved including the priests and Levites. People came from as far south as the Shihor, a branch of the Nile, in Egypt, and as far north as Hamath, the principal city of upper Syria. Thirty thousand men were chosen to serve in the procession. And Uzzah was to play a very visible, leading role in this national religious celebration.

For twenty years the Ark had rested in the house of Abinadab. But now, David had the men place the ark of God on a new cart, and David chose Abinadab's two sons, Uzzah and Ahio to drive the new cart. "Then David and all the house of Israel played music before the LORD on all kinds of instruments made of fir wood, on harps, on stringed instruments, on tambourines, on sistrums, and on cymbals"(2 Sam. 6:5). David put his whole heart in the ceremony. There can be no doubt that their efforts were sincere. They were full of zeal. But as we will soon see they were sincerely wrong. Sincerity of itself doesn't justify wrong actions. Sincerity doesn't excuse worshipping God in the wrong way.

A thousand years after this incident, Jesus of Nazareth remarked, "In vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men…” (Mark 7:7-8).

Myriads of people sincerely worship God today, but they do it all in vain because these religious people are not worshipping God according to His Word. Many feel that as long as they are sincere, God will excuse them even if they are not adhering to what God says. "Worship" services in many churches are full of songs and praises to God—the voices of many sincere people. But most are not concerned with what God wants. They don't see the importance of living by every word of God. To those with this perspective emotion, feelings, traditions or peer pressure are more real, more significant, more important than "legalistic details" in that old book, the Bible!

Uzzah's tragic story underscores our need to concern ourselves with every detail of God's Word! It is not sufficient to follow the ideas of men—even those coming from ordained leaders—according to the LORD! "And when they came to Nachon's threshing floor, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. Then the anger of the LORD was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error; and he died there by the ark of God" (2 Sam. 6:6-7).

Exactly What Was Uzzah's Error?

Certainly Uzzah erred by touching the Ark, because the Ark was holy. God warned in Numbers 4:15 that touching any of the holy vessels would bring death. God said in a similar situation involving the death of Nadab and Abihu, "By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified" (Lev. 10:3). We are not to treat God in any way we please, or according to our own understanding. God demands respect. When we respect God we worship him as He commands.

The main lesson we learn from this example is to uphold and extol God's Word. Uzzah erred by touching the Ark. Had Uzzah studied God's Word he would have realized he had no business touching the Ark under any circumstances! He had a personal responsibility to study God's Word and to follow it, regardless of what King David said! Uzzah paid for his error with his life. Uzzah's death teaches us that every Word of God is important, far more important than the ideas , and words of men.

Even though King David was God's anointed, David was wrong. He made a misjudgment which cost the life of one of his loyal followers. However, David was fortunate enough to continue living and have a chance to correct his mistake. When David recognized his error he said, "No one may carry the ark of God but the Levites, for the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of God and to minister before Him forever" ( 1 Chron. 15:2). After David saw what happened to Uzzah he learned to fear God's Word. He gained tremendous respect for God's holiness!

As was his kingly responsibility, David studied God's Word to see how the Ark should be carried. While preparing to carry the Ark the correct way David told the Levites, "The LORD our God broke out against us, because we did not consult Him about the proper order" (1 Chron. 15:13).

God's Word clearly shows that every detail of His Word is important. If we follow the ideas of men, even if they are ministers of God, rather than the Word of God, we are in error. Jesus reproved those who made the same error in His day when he said, "But why do you call Me Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say" (Luke 6:46)? Jesus is only our Lord if we obey HIM.

Following the Truth

When we first came into the living, good fruit-bearing Church of God, we came because we were following the Truth. Our foundation was the Word of God. When we discovered our previous religious leaders weren't following God, we stopped following them. Then and there, we rejected the idea of infallible leaders.

Yet today, whether we've been in the Church for many or a few years, some are shifting their foundation from the Word of God, to the word of new "infallible" leaders. Many seem to believe that God would not allow an ordained leader to lead people astray. But Uzzah's death proves otherwise. God ordained Jeroboam as the first king of the northern Ten Tribes of Israel: He had God's approval—initially. But in a short while Jeroboam turned away from God and led his people into idolatry. Being anointed by God is no guarantee that you will never teach contrary to God's Word. If we could simply trust the ordained leaders, then we would have no need to study God's Word in order to prove all things (2 Tim. 2:15, 3:16).

Today, some church leaders are leading people to worship God in a way that is diametrically contrary to the instructions of the Bible. Some are now supporting the preaching of a false gospel—a message about a false triune god—with their tithes and offerings. Some now see no fault in wearing crosses, taking part in this world's politics, or even in being unequally yoked together with people who are obviously unbelievers.

If we study as the Apostle Paul said, and rightly divide the Word of Truth, we will see that these activities are not approved by God. Those who continue in such things will someday be called to account by God for departing from His Word! Let each and every one of us make certain that we obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29)! We need to take every opportunity to "prove ALL things" and "HOLD FAST that which is good" (1 Thess. 5:21 KJV).

Every word of God is good. Our intentions are only "good" ones when we intend to do what God says. Whatever God commands is good (Rom. 7:12). Even when we look closely at the laws that explain how the Ark should be carried, we can see how God's law is good. The Ark was to be carried by the Levites. They were to carry it with staves upon their shoulders. But why did God command the Levites to carry the Ark of God this way?

When we understand why God commanded the Ark to be carried in this way, the lesson of Uzzah's life and death becomes even clearer. The Ark of God was the physical representation of the Throne of God (2 Sam 6:2; Heb. 9:4-5, 23-24). It was an exact model of the mercy seat in heaven where, today, God sits between the cherubim. "And have them make Me a sanctuary, so that I may dwell among them. In accordance with all that I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle and of all its furniture, so you shall make it.... There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are on the ark of the covenant, I will deliver to you all My commands for the Israelites" (Ex. 25: 8-9, 22 NRSV). Carrying the Ark was carrying the physical Throne of the Living God.

How should the Throne of God be carried? How would you carry a king even of a worldly kingdom? Certainly not on an ox cart. Carrying a king into a city on an ox cart would be a great offense. A king must be carried in a dignified way, in a manner that conveys honor, majesty and royalty. Even other earthly kingdoms bestowed honor on their kings by exalting them and carrying them above the people. The kings on their thrones were literally carried on the shoulders of their choice servants.

Should God be treated with any less respect? God's Throne, the Ark of God, was to be carried in the same way. The Levites, the leaders and teachers of God's people were to lift up God's Throne above the heads of all the people. They were to carry His Throne and honor Him in the most dignified way. Of no less importance, God did not want His people copying the heathen in their practices. It was the Philistines who came up with the idea of transporting the Ark in an ox cart (1 Sam. 6)!

When we consider the significance of this law, we immediately see the spiritual parallel. Christians today are called "a royal priesthood" (1 Pet. 2:9). God has chosen us to exalt His Throne and His Word. We are to lift up God's Word above the heads of all people. Thus the manner in which the physical Ark was to be carried highlights the main principal we learn from Uzzah's story. God's Throne and His Word are to be exalted above men. We are to exalt God, and His Word above all human leaders.

The error of Uzzah is that he did not esteem God properly. Uzzah may have been sincere. Uzzah may have thought his intentions were good. But he extolled a human leader above God. If we understand the lesson of his death, let's make every effort not to make the same mistake.

It's a lot easier to simply follow the crowd. It's easy to simply, without reflection, follow the orders of leaders. But Uzzah's life and death soberly focus our need to exalt our most holy God. We must hold His Word up high above every other way. We all have a personal responsibility to follow God, His Word and His leaders as they faithfully uphold God's Word.

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Have you ever felt bruised and mauled by the trials you face? Do you ever feel you are bouncing along in life, getting poked and jabbed by obstacle after obstacle, like a pinball? Do you ever just want TIME OUT, to catch your breath, and nurse your wounds, emotionally, spiritually and mentally?

These experiences are not without meaning! God uses trials to prepare and condition our hearts, so that we finally cry out and surrender totally to him. Until our "stony heart" of pride and vanity is turned into a "heart of flesh" of submission to God, we are forever stunted from growing spiritually. In nature, there exists an amazing physical parallel. The ironwood, smoke and blue palo verde trees live in one of the harshest regions on earth—the Southwest American desert. The soaring temperatures and parched ground make it a killing field for most plants and trees.

And yet the ironwood, smoke and blue palo verde trees thrive. How do they do it? The seeds of these trees have a tough outer coating that must be removed before the seed inside can germinate. In fact, the seed WILL NEVER GROW if it is planted without first destroying the tough outer coating,

But how is the coating removed? It must be broken, bashed, beaten, abraded, scraped, cracked, dissolved and destroyed. At first, the seeds lie dormant, scattered beneath the parent tree until wind or desert storms wash them away. As they are washed away, the torrent bashes them against rocks and other debris, scraping them against sand in the swirling gullies.

The seeds are deposited downstream as the waters subside beneath the surface. Through the rigors of wind, rain and floods, the elements have prepared the seed to germinate and grow, and supplied adequate water by depositing the seed in the path of future seasonal rains.

Sometimes we may feel like that seed—bounced, bruised, banged and broken. But often God is simply preparing our hearts to respond to his calling, to see the sin which destroys us. David, a man after God's own heart, said, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart—these O God, you will not despise" (Ps. 51:17).

Unless we go through the abrasions and contusions of spiritual trials, we won't bear fruit. "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed" (Heb. 12:11-13 KJV).

Eventually, every person who has ever lived will have the choice of submitting to God, or being ground down by God. Jesus said, "Whomsoever shall fall upon that Stone [Christ] shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, It will grind him to powder" (Luke 20:18 KJV).

You and I can have real joy in the midst of trials. Not a silly, superficial pretense of happiness, but deep, heartfelt joy for the process God uses to help us overcome our vanity, stubbornness and pride. "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken" (Ps. 34:17-20).

We are being prepared, molded, shaped—and yes, sometimes even broken and bruised—for the purpose of bringing forth tremendous, incredible spiritual growth in the future! The tough, hardy seeds of the ironwood, smoke and blue palo verde trees need to be broken, bruised and roughed up before growth can occur. Our carnal nature is much the same—it must be softened, dissolved, even broken! But the growth that results is the "peaceable fruit of righteousness" that will last forever!

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The Bridge Builder