Greetings from San Diego! As I dictate this letter, we have now completed exactly four full years in the Global Church of God and this Work to which God has called all of us. We are indeed grateful to have the opportunity to carry on the tradition of doing God's Work along the same lines as His faithful servant, Herbert W. Armstrong. Many people make fun of Mr. Armstrong and put him down. But the vast majority of those same people need to ask themselves the question, "Would I even be in God's Church if it were not for the Work that Jesus Christ did through Mr. Armstrong?"

In spite of our human faults and mistakes, God has truly blessed the Global Church of God. We have grown greatly from our first service's attendance of 42 to a global attendance of about 7,800 as of this writing. From about $ 1.5 million received during the first year, global income has risen to $9 million for 1996 We have grown from impacting just a few thousand people during our first year to having reached MILLIONS of people during 1996, when you consider my television program, Mr. Mario Hernandez' Spanish television program and the French radio programs of Mr. Carion in Europe and Mr. Apartian in North America and the Caribbean. This doesn't even include the impact of our various newspaper ads and radio programs in Australia, the Isle of Man, etc. So we are very grateful to be instruments, however unworthy, through which Christ can do His Work of preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and the entire way of life that He wants us to live.

Now, as we enter 1997, let us ask ourselves as Mr. Armstrong often did, "Why are we here?" We are not only here because God has called us to attain personal salvation and to become full members of His Family and His Kingdom throughout all eternity. Of course, that is absolutely vital—it is a magnificent calling and opportunity. But we're also called to DO THE WORK! Jesus commanded His servants over and over to preach the Gospel to all nations and to feed the flock.

Another specific reason we are called NOW—and not later on—is that we are being given the opportunity to be the "pioneer" kings and priests in the coming Government of God—to be set up on this earth—the wonderful World Ahead! As the "firstfruits" of God's salvation, we have the awesome opportunity to join Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David ,and others of the greatest men and women of God—in the first resurrection, the "better resurrection" spoken of in Hebrews 11:35. We are going to enter God's Kingdom as part of the foundation—governmentally speaking—at the beginning of the Millennium. Literally hundreds of millions of human beings will be in a state of trauma and shock after the Great Tribulation and the enormous upheavals during the Day of the Lord (cf. Rev. 16).

If we grow and overcome as we should through Christ living within us, we will be there at the beginning to help, to encourage, to teach and train, and to inspire these people to want to live God's way in His Kingdom and be members of His Family forever. They will already have been virtually CRUSHED by the horrifying wars, natural upheavals and other cataclysmic events described in the book of Revelation. But they will need more than just fear to motivate them to want to live God's way. Much of the motivation will come from us—as God works through us by His Spirit, even as He does today. Certainly, we will have to use the great POWER available to us when it is necessary—yet show genuine outflowing love, concern and mercy as much as we are able to within the parameters of God's will.

Jesus Christ speaks to us directly in Revelation 2:26-27: "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; as the potter's vessels shall be broken to pieces'—as I also have received from My Father." This is a PROMISE that our faithful God is bound to keep if we truly surrender ourselves to Him and to Jesus Christ and are "overcomers" in His sight. We then will have the opportunity to rule thousands or perhaps even millions of people in order to SERVE them. And we will have the opportunity to exercise the very power of Almighty God in dealing with the rebels and the "bad guys.” As the psalmist tells us, the true saints of God will have the responsibility to ”bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute on them the written judgment this honor have all His saints" (Ps. 149:8-9). Notice that we will be not merely kings, but "priests" to our God. One of the major duties of the priests in Israel was to TEACH the people God's laws, His statutes and His ways. Certainly we will have tremendous opportunity and responsibility to do that at the beginning of the Millennium to a very shocked, confused and mixed-up world. Most people at that time will really WELCOME what we have to say after the horrors they have been through just before Christ returns. We now need to learn the basics that we will teach them—really preparing to serve them in the future. God puts within us, through His Spirit, the right attitudes of love, faith, hope, mercy and other aspects of His character But much of the technical knowledge of God's laws and ways ought to be internalized by us right now as we feed on God's Word and "eat" of Jesus Christ as He told us to in John 6:56-57.

Notice Revelation 20:6: "Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.” This verse, too, tells us that we are to be "priests" of God and of Christ during His 1,000-year reign here on this earth. Are we genuinely preparing to teach people how they ought to live? Are you and I studying and "feeding on" the Bible in such a profound way that we understand the details of God's law so well that we will be able to faithfully teach others His way of life?

The Apostle Paul was inspired to instruct the Corinthians about their future responsibilities and how all Christians are, in fact, "in training" for future roles as kings and "judges" in the World Ahead. He wrote, "Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And i if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?" (1 Cor. 6:1-3).

Obviously, every one of us needs to be so filled with God's Word and His thoughts that we are able to "judge righteous judgment" (John 7:24). This is why Paul tells Christians to settle little disputes in the Church among themselves without going to outside legal authorities ( 1 Cor 6:4-6). The entire matter of judgment in the Church, of Church organization and discipline is, in fact, the training ground that helps prepare us for similar responsibilities on a much larger scale in the World Ahead. We should NOT shrink from properly, humbly and mercifully exercising God’s Government in His Church today. For this experience is absolutely necessary to teach us how to help administer that Government under Jesus Christ in the World Ahead. So we need to realize just how important this is. Remember that when Mr. Herbert Armstrong outlined the "18 Truths" he had restored, he listed the Government of God FIRST OF ALL! Because governing is the very thing we will be DOING in the World Ahead!

Notice Hosea's inspired prophecy for the "latter days"—the years just a ahead of us! "For the children of Israel shall abide many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar, without ephod or teraphim. Afterward the children of Israel shall return and seek the LORD their God and David their king, and fear the LORD and His goodness in the latter days" (Hosea 3:4-5). David, the ancient King of Israel, will be resurrected from the dead and given his old job back!

WHY? Because David truly "loved" God's law, meditated on it and used it faithfully in governing God's people for a period of 40 years! David was inspired to write, "Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation" (Ps. 119:97-99). Throughout the Psalms, and in David's life itself, you can see time and again this fervent love David had for God's law and His statutes. In verse 112 of this same psalm, David wrote, "I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes forever, to the very end.”

Yes, David did commit his one great sin in the "matter of Uriah the Hittite," as God called it (1 Kings 15:5). But he fervently repented and never did that type of thing again in his entire life of 70-odd years. The point is that very few men or women have ever remotely come close to David in loving God's law, meditating on it and internalizing it. Of course, David had the opportunity to exercise God's government over an entire nation for 40 long years—something you and I cannot do today. But we can all exercise God's way of life in our own lives, actions and relationships with others.

David not only loved God's written Word, but he also deeply believed in the love and mercies of God. You can see that throughout his writings in the Psalms. And as you study his personal life in the books of Samuel, it becomes very clear that the "mighty men," along with tens of thousands of others, returned that love with a DEEP RESPECT and affection for David personally. The men around him, with whom he ate, drank and camped out at night saw, quite obviously, a dynamic and powerful man. But they also saw a loving, giving and serving champion whom they could look to, respond to and genuinely admire because of his outflowing concern for them and his awesome love toward, and worship of, the God of Israel.

Are you and I like that? Obviously, none of us are to the degree David was. Yet, through the process of growing in grace and knowledge, we can become evermore like King David and like Jesus Christ Himself.

In an obvious end-time prophecy for our day, God speaks of when He will call out the peoples of Israel from slavery. He says, "I will... bring them to their own land; I will feed them on the mountains of Israel" (Ezek. 34:13). Later in this same prophecy, God states, "I will establish one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them—My servant David. He shall feed them and be their shepherd. And I, the LORD, will be their God, and My servant David a prince among them; I, the LORD, have spoken" (vv. 23-24). So David will be established not merely as a king but as a "shepherd" over the peoples of Israel. Again, this will involve gentleness, encouragement and a loving approach to teaching and training the people.

Another inspiring prophecy about David's future role is found in Ezekiel 37:24-25: "David My servant shall be king over them, and they shall all have one shepherd; they shall also walk in My judgments and observe My statutes, and do them. Then they shall dwell in the land that I have given to Jacob My servant, where your fathers dwelt; and they shall dwell there, they, their children, and their children's children, forever; and My servant David shall be their prince forever." This prophecy is placed right after a passage where God describes how He will take the nations of Judah and Israel and make them "one nation" in the land on the mountains of Israel (v. 22). Again, David is called a shepherd over God's people and they are to walk in God's statutes and judgments. Since David is extremely familiar with these, who could be better qualified to lead us in teaching this way of life to God's people in a civil nation in the coming World Ahead?

In fact, every one of the kings in ancient Israel was supposed to write out his own personal copy of the Book of the Law so he could properly administer it (Deut. 17:19-20). And if WE are to qualify for a fully responsible position in God's soon-coming Kingdom, then we need to really STUDY God's statutes and judgments now to become familiar with the very concepts we will be imparting in a few years! And we need to thoroughly study the New Testament and learn how these laws have been "magnified" (not abrogated!) by Christ and how they apply today. Brethren, we all need to realize that we are not "playing church"! This is future REALITY! We in the Global Church of God must take God's prophecies seriously! We want to be truly "ready" for the responsibilities Christ is preparing for those who keep His laws, His ways and are surrendering to let Him live His life within them.

We all need to regularly meditate on the "parable of the pounds" or "minas" found in Luke 19:11-26. Remember what Jesus said to the man who had turned one mina into ten: "Well done good servant; because you were faithful in very little, have authority over ten cities" (v. 17). And the second man who came, having increased his mina to five minas, was given a similar reward over five cities (v. 19).

Commenting on this parable in the New International Commentary on the New Testament, Norval Geldenhuys writes, "To each of His followers the Saviour has given the glad tidings of redemption through Him, so that each one may, as it were, make it bear interest may cause its beneficent operation to spread through the whole world. Every believer must be faithfully employed in this work... until He comes back.” Continuing his comment on the later verses of this parable, he states, "Whosoever has faithfully and diligently made the most of the opportunities given by Him to serve His cause will be richly rewarded in the everlasting and heavenly kingdom by the praise which the Lord will bestow upon him and by the commission to fulfill a far more glorious and important calling (the good servant in the parable does not receive the ten cities as his possession, but obtains dominion over them in order to administer their affairs on behalf of his master).”

As we study this parable in connection with all of God's New Testament instruction about overcoming and "putting on Christ," we can realize that it is the entire "overcoming process" to which Christ is referring in the manner of increasing minas. God gives each of us a certain amount of time, talent, energy and opportunity. We have the exact same 24 hours each day that Jesus Christ did to use for good or ill. How we use our time is up to us. We can use it for prayer and Bible study, and then to put to work the principles we have learned and the strength we have imbibed from God to help, encourage, serve and build others. Or we can use it for ourselves in vanity, or perhaps primarily for our own friends or family—part of our "empirical self."

Jesus shows us that we are to "go into all the world" and teach others the Truth—to help them, train them and build them. Through God's Spirit within us, we are to learn to have His thoughts, His attitude, His approach, His big-mindedness. God will reward us according to what we do with what we have. As Jesus said, "for everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more" (Luke 12:48). This is God's standard of judgment. You and I can't change or alter the gifts God has given us. But we can and should do our very best with the time, talents and opportunities He bestows. We need to truly yield ourselves as soft clay in God's hands so that the LIVING Jesus Christ can come into us—live His very life in us—and use us to have a genuine impact on others in this life and so prepare us to be truly useful "tools" in His coming Kingdom and Family throughout all eternity.

For the sake of anyone reading this who is new to the Global Church of God or who does not understand our teaching, let me say NO—we do not "earn" our salvation! Salvation—the opportunity to be saved from the death penalty for our past sins and be in the first resurrection—is a GIFT of God granted to those who accept the shed blood of Jesus Christ in payment for sin after genuine repentance. However, as all of you brethren should know, the degree of responsibility we're given in God's Kingdom AFTER we are saved depends on how much we have grown and overcome, how much we have served and how much we have developed the mind and character of Christ in this life—NOW! Jesus said, "For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works" (Matt. 16:27). And Jesus repeated this thought in Revelation 22:12: "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work."

Yet, a word of warning is vital at this point! Oftentimes, some among us—even without realizing it—tend to want to "get ahead" by putting down and climbing over others, exalting themselves, ruling over others just for the sake of ruling. Possibly they think that by "forcing" their way into important positions here in the Church they will somehow "get ahead" for all eternity in God's Kingdom. Brethren, this is simply NOT true! Jesus taught His disciples again and again that those who HUMBLE themselves would be the truly great ones in the World Ahead. He said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to SERVE, and to GIVE His life a ransom for many" (Matt. 20:25-28).

Therefore, if our attitude is one of genuinely trying to serve, encourage and build up our fellow man, then God will BLESS our efforts. But if we, even unwittingly, get in the habit of "lording it over" others or "putting them down" and discouraging them, we will be greatly damaging our own reward. Whether we be lay members, deacons, deaconesses or elders, we are called to SERVE one another! We must deeply remember that. And as we go about any activity in God's Church and Work, we must think, "How would Jesus do this? What would His attitude and approach be in dealing with this situation?" We must constantly realize that the "little ones" in the Church are indeed "precious" to God Himself. (Matt. 18:1-6). We should guide our thoughts and grow spiritually so that God's children will also be precious in our sight—little babes in Christ who need help, encouragement and inspiration in a very dark and depressing generation just before Jesus comes again, bringing true hope and light forevermore.

Brethren, I may have rambled a bit as I dictated this letter, but I hope all of you get the message. Let us prepare in the right way to be in the coming, literal Government of God soon to be set up on this earth! Let us enter that Government in genuine humility—with an enormous desire to help, to give, to serve our fellow human beings, to "teach" those who are confused and hurt at the beginning of the World Ahead and to faithfully judge the entire world under Jesus Christ in His coming Kingdom. We all need to be thankful that we are called now to be the "pioneers"—the initial kings and priests when the Kingdom of God is established upon planet Earth in a few years. Let all of us in the Global Church earnestly and enthusiastically prepare for this magnificent calling God has given us.

Each of us has a mental self image—the way we picture ourselves. A young man might say, "I'm Joe Jones, high school football player." To him, that's the most important thing he is. Now his mother may wish he would think of himself more often as her son, or at least as a member of the Jones family. His father might want Joe to begin picturing himself more as a future businessman—and begin taking steps toward that goal. But for now, Joe's mental image of himself is of a high school athlete—a strong young man to be admired by his peers.

Do you picture yourself primarily as a businessperson, a blue-collar worker, a farmer—or perhaps a secretary or housewife?

We can actually picture our own self image. Most people carry these images in their mind throughout life and seldom change them. These self images indicate not only who we think we are, but usually also indicate how we are going to face both the blessings and trials of life as they come along.

I used to react to situations in certain ways because I thought, "I' m Rod Meredith from Joplin, Missouri, the `Show Me State.’ So no one is going to fool me! And no one is going to scare me—because I've been a football player and a Golden Gloves boxing champion!"

As the years went by and the Great God started to humble me, I began (I'm still working on it) to have a different approach. I came to realize that, above all else, I am a "Christian"—a servant of Jesus

Christ. I came to see that my identity in Christ was far more important than any of the previous mental images that I had of myself.

As true Christians, how should we view ourselves? What is the mental picture of ourselves we should carry that will correctly guide us in facing all that life throws in our path?

Some people have low self-esteem because they focus on the fact that they grew up in a poor or dysfunctional family. Others feel "superior" because their parents are wealthy, or because they themselves are especially gifted in some way. Jesus of Nazareth grew up in what was apparently an average, middle-class family. Yet His parents had to flee the country soon after He was born and reside in Egypt for a while (Matt. 2:13-15). Being warned by God, His adoptive father, Joseph, did not return to his ancestral home of Bethlehem, but went north to a more backward area—Galilee. So Jesus was not around the "elite" as He grew up, but among average carpenters, fishermen, farmers and artisans.

In addition, there must have been the occasional taunts from those who called young Jesus wicked names and really meant it. For even decades later, during His ministry, the self-righteous Pharisees, who didn't believe in the "virgin birth," basically called Him an illegitimate son: "We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God" (John 8:41 ). Yet Jesus came to see early on that He had a much higher calling than just being the son of a carpenter—satisfactory though that might have been. When His mother, Mary, was almost sick with concern that her 12-year-old son had "disappeared" on the way back from Jerusalem, Jesus made clear to her who He was. He said; "Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" (Luke 2:49). In this one sentence, Jesus let Mary know that He now realized who He really was, and that He already had a MISSION in mind that would express His total identity—“I must be about My Father's business.”

Though the Apostle Paul freely expressed that he had been "chief” among sinners (1 Tim. 1:15), his entire identity was also wrapped up in being a servant of the Living God. When Paul wrote to Titus, he introduced his letter with these words: "Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ" (Titus 1:1 ). Commenting on Paul's use of the word "servant," the Expositor's Bible Commentary states, "`Servant' (doulos) is the common

term for `slave' and its use implies Paul's acknowledged ownership by God and complete dependence on him. It denotes his personal position" (vol. 11, p. 426). So Paul's life was now wrapped up in serving the One he had formerly persecuted!

But more than just a servant, Paul also thought of himself as an "ambassador" of Jesus Christ. He knew that He represented Christ and His Kingdom to another government here on earth. Paul summed it up best of all when he said, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Gal. 2:20 KJV).

As you and I pursue our daily lives, we should so diligently study the Bible and fervently pray to God that He becomes the very CENTER of our existence. As the Apostle Paul said, "in Him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). As we do this, our mental self-image should slowly but surely change

from that of, "Joe Jones, business-man or computer operator" to "Joe Jones, bondslave of Jesus Christ"

In everything—all day long—we should picture ourselves as servants of the Living God and ambassadors of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For we are called to represent Him, to serve Him and to be lights in a very confused and sinful world (Matt. 5:14-16). As this image of ourselves as the servants of Christ becomes more real and constant in our minds and hearts, we will more automatically "reflect" Jesus Christ in everything we think, say and do. As the Apostle Paul wrote, we will have "put on Christ" (Gal. 3:27).

This should be our ultimate self image. This should be our prayer and our GOAL. Then, with each passing year, we will think of ourselves less and less as rich or poor, black or white, male or female—and more as "Christians," bondslaves of the Living Jesus Christ, in whom He lives and works through His Spirit. Then, with our hand constantly in His, we will confidently walk with Christ right on over to a new dimension, the glorious Kingdom of God. As 1 John 2:28 states, "and now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.”

by Raymond F. McNair

Why are God's people experiencing so much hardship—sickness, financial difficulties, persecution and. trials of every sort? And difficulties are by no means limited to the physical realm. In the spiritual area, perhaps never before in the history of the Church of God have so many people been so confused, scattered and discouraged by clever manipulators—deceivers who have sought to turn them away from the Truth and unto fables (2 Tim. 4:3-4).

But take heart! For the Great God has solemnly promised to provide for all our needs—physical and spiritual. His Word assures us of it. The Apostle Paul says that "God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19).

The Friend of God

We can learn important lessons from the life of Abraham—the "friend of God" and father of the faithful—so that we might learn to rely totally on the Almighty to supply what we need. Perhaps no other human being (except Jesus, of course) ever looked to God so implicitly to provide his needs than did Abraham.

Paul tells us that, spiritually speaking, "Abraham... is the father of us all" (Rom. 4:16). In spite of many great trials and obstacles, Abraham believed God's promise—"who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations.... And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith... being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform" (vv. 18-21 ).

The Old Testament Scriptures explain how Abraham learned to depend on God as his Provider "The LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, `I am Almighty God [Heb. El Shaddai]; walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.... Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession" (Gen. 17:1-2, 8).

At this point, note that these promises were conditional upon Abraham "walking before" God and being "blameless"—that is, being God-like!

Also note that before God gave Abraham these fantastic promises, He first introduced himself as EI Shaddai. This name of God reveals part of His very nature. "SHADDAI is in every instance translated `Almighty' [in the KJV].... It is God (El), not as the source of strength but of grace; not as Creator, but as the Giver. Shaddai is the ALL-BOUNTIFUL [One]. This title does not refer to His creative power, but to His power to supply all the needs of His people" (The, Companion Bible, appendix 4.7).

El Shaddai was about to put Abraham to the supreme test, to see if he loved God more than anything or anyone! God had graciously promised, then delivered, to Abraham and his wife Sarah a son, named Isaac, in their old age (Gen. 17:15-21; 21:1-11). But God asked Abraham to give up that son (22:1-2).

What was Abraham's response? He rose early in the morning, took Isaac and journeyed to the place where he was to be sacrificed. After building an altar, he bound Isaac and laid him upon it (vv. 3-7). Then Abraham "stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said.... `Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me" (vv. 10-12). Immediately after that supreme act of faith and obedience, God provided a ram to be sacrificed in Isaac's place.

Abraham is commended because He had implicit faith in Almighty God—telling his son Isaac, "God will provide" (v. 8). James asks, "Was not Abraham our father justified by works after he offered Isaac his son on the altar?... And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, `Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.' And he was counted the friend of God" (James 2:21-23):

Prosperity and Health

We've seen that God bestowed physical and spiritual blessings on Abraham and miraculously intervened in his life. But God did not reserve His providence for Old Testament patriarchs alone. He repeatedly promises to bless His people today as well The Apostle John, writing to New Testament Christians, says, "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers" (3 John 2).

Scriptures throughout the Bible reveal that God is concerned with our physical well-being. He knows we are made of flesh, with need of food and drink, clothing, shelter, healing and protection. The Bible tells us time and again of God's desire to provide for the physical needs of His people. And, although there is no specific PROMISE to do so, God often pours out wealth and material blessings above and beyond our actual needs (Ps. 68:19). Of course, such blessings are normally bestowed on those who keep God's commandments and submit to His will (cf. De. 28:1-14): For example, we know that "Abraham was very rich" (Gen. 13:2). So were his offspring—Isaac, Jacob and Joseph.

The book of Proverbs lays out some general principles regarding such blessings: "Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine" (3:9-10). We are also told that "the generous man will be made rich" (11:25) and that "the hand of the diligent makes one rich" ( 10:4).

Furthermore, physical blessings are to continue from one generation to the next: "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous" (13:22). The Apostle Paul reiterated this principle in the New Testament: "For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children" (2 Cor. 12:14). But in order for parents to provide for their grandchildren, God must first bless them with prosperity.

And just as God grants material prosperity, He also bestows the physical health with which to enjoy it. Remember that the Apostle John prayed not only that Christians would prosper, but also that they would "be in health:' This is not a "duty-bound" promise that every Christian will enjoy full health at every moment of his life. Sometimes a trial of sickness is used by God to strengthen our spiritual health (cf. 1 Peter 4:12-13). But we do see that God's general desire for His children is that they be healthy and happy—able to appreciate and enjoy the blessings He sends.

God is stronger than any disease or injury we might face. One of His very names is YHWH Raphah, the God who heals us (cf. Ex. 15:26). Psalm 103 tells us that God can heal all our diseases (v. 3).

A word of caution is in order here. Some preach a "health-wealth" gospel. That is to say, as long as you send money to some ministry or another, God will AUTOMATICALLY heal you of any illness and multiply your riches. Just "claim His promise for yourself," they might say. God's true Church has even been accused of teaching the doctrine of "pay and pray"—that the only responsibility a Christian has is to pay tithes, give offerings and pray. But these are false concepts—concepts never taught by the true Church of God.

The Almighty has certainly provided wealth to many individuals—but that is not a promise one can claim. For riches may not be in God's personalized plan for a particular Christian. But God does promise to provide for our true needs—and every Christian can count on that!

Be Work-Centered, Not Self-Centered

God not only provides blessings for His obedient children—He also provides for the needs of His Work. That Work is now going through a time of trial—a time of need. But we know God will provide for these needs. And He does so through the faithful prayers, tithes and offerings of His people! "The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel" (1 Cor 9:14). But this isn't just to help the ministry, which receives God's tithes today (cf. Heb. 7:12). For despite the bankruptcy of the "health-wealth" gospel, it is nevertheless true that material prosperity is directly linked to faithfully tithing and giving offerings to Almighty God.

The Great God says a curse will come on those who "rob" Him by holding back their tithes and offerings (Mal. 3:8-9). But He promises to bless the faithful tithe-payer: "`Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove me now in this,' says the LORD of hosts, `if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it'” (v. 10).

Let's look at a similar time of "financial difficulty" outlined by the Prophet Haggai. Around 520 B.C., God wanted construction of His temple or house—part of God's "Work" at that time—to go forward. But many of His people were selfishly preoccupied with building their own homes. Because of their neglect, God sent a message to His people by Haggai: "This people says `The time has not come, the time that the LORD's house should be built.... Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?... Consider your ways! You have sown much, and bring in little; you eat, but do not have enough; you drink, but you are not filled with drink; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag with holes" (Hag. 1:2-6). In other words, their income was never sufficient to cover their expenses. If we also find ourselves in this financial condition, we should consider whether or not we've been neglecting God and His Work.

The Jews of that day heeded God's warning and began working diligently on His temple (v. 12). And God began blessing them from that day forward!

Getting Our Priorities Straight

Jesus Christ acknowledged that we have physical needs. But He taught His disciples that spiritual blessings were more important than physical ones. He warned them not to hoard great wealth: "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matt. 6:19-21 ).

Jesus then added, "No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth" (v. 24 NRSV).

But wait a minute! Haven't we already seen that God does bestow wealth on certain individuals? Is this a contradiction? Not at all. Here's the answer: "Children, how hard is it for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man [who trusts in his wealth] to enter the kingdom of God" (Mark 10:24-25).

On another occasion, Christ told His disciples to "take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" (Luke 12:15).

Wealth, then, can be a blessing—but only if it is used correctly. One must never TRUST IN money or material goods, but only in the Great God. It is He alone who provides what we need. Our attitude is what's important. Loving wealth or money is "a root of all kinds of evil" (1 T'im. 6:10). Coveting what belongs to another, or coming to believe that prosperity has come through your own "superiority" is very wrong—and dangerous! (cf. Deut. 8:17-18).

Consider Christ's parable of a certain rich man: "And he thought within himself, saying, `What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?' So he said, `I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry: " But God said to him, `You fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:17-21 ).

This man viewed his wealth as coming solely from his own efforts. There is an underlying sense of selfishness. Notice how many times he uses the words "I” and "my.” But this is exactly the opposite of what God expects from those He blesses with material prosperity. Yes, money and material goods are indeed to be enjoyed by those whom God blesses in this way. But they are also to be shared with others. Christians ought to give charitable donations or alms to the poor (see page 21 of The World Ahead Jan: Feb. 1996). We should share with our brethren, family and neighbors. And we should give generously to God's Work—which is, in fact, sharing the most precious blessing, the Gospel, with the whole world!

Those who have wealth should not trust in it, but rather look to God. Those who are not wealthy shouldn't fret and be anxious about finances or physical needs. Christ fully realized the human tendency to be overly concerned about physical things: food, clothing and shelter (Luke 10:38-42). That's why He admonished His followers to "not worry, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek.... But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (vv. 31-33).

God's Spiritual Gifts

It is often easier to recognize the physical gifts God bestows. We can live in a house, drive an automobile, feel healthy and spend money. But as appreciative as we should be for these blessings, we must never lose sight of the more important spiritual gifts that God showers upon His children. Nothing could ever be as important as the salvation the Father has provided for us by sacrificing His Son. No material blessings can match the gift of immortality that Christians will be given when Christ returns to this earth (cf. 1 Cor. 15:50-55).

And spiritual blessings are not just reserved for the World Ahead. The Holy Spirit is available today to all those who yield to God, repent of their sins and are baptized (Acts 2:38). This spiritual gift or provision gives us the power to stay on the one true path in life that leads to the Kingdom of God.

What about wisdom and understanding? God says wisdom is ours for the asking (James I:5). It is a gift more precious than any material riches. Many very wealthy men and women are desperately unhappy because they haven't made wise choices in the things that really matter in life. A wise man will direct his life so as to avoid the sinful conduct and shattered relationships that have caused so much heartache to so many.

Galatians 5 shows that God, through His Spirit, also blesses growing Christians with its fruit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (vv. 22-23). Spirit-led Christians manifest these qualities of godly character in their lives. And they will inevitably lead toward true happiness, greater fulfillment and a deepened sense of security. How's that for God blessing and providing for His people?

Let us never forget that the Great God alone is our Provider—the Giver of everything good: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights" (James 1:17).

Whatever our need—be it food, clothing, .shelter, protection, health or healing, forgiveness, comfort, faith, love or power to overcome any problem—God is always both willing and able to assist us (cf. Ps. 103:2-5). He will always provide for our needs—regardless of what those needs may be. How thankful we should be to know that, in every hour of need, GOD WII,L PROVIDE—if we will only obey and sincerely call upon Him!

God's Shield of Protection

God Almighty not only provides physical blessings such as food, clothing and shelter, but He also provides divine protection for His people. In this age of violence, murder and the constant threat of nuclear annihilation, God's people need His ever-present shield of protection. Divine protection is something that no amount of money can buy No insurance policy, for example, can prevent premature death. But there is a Great God in heaven who can deliver us from all sorts of calamities.

Abraham knew that God would provide protection for him and his family After delivering him from his enemies in battle (Gen. 14), God appeared to him and said, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I AM YOUR SHIELD, your exceedingly great reward" (15:1).

God delivered youthful David from both a lion and a bear (1 Sam. 17:32-37)—and from a horrifying death at the hands of Goliath (w. 38-51). The Lord later delivered Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego from instant death in a fiery furnace (Dan. 3). In the same book, we read that "God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths,” when Daniel was thrown into the lions' den, thereby delivering him from certain death (6:22).

The Bible says God will provide angelic protection for those who truly love and obey Him. The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them" (Ps. 34:7). Jesus indicated that the "little ones" who follow Him also receive angelic protection: "For I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father" (Matt. 18:10). The Apostle Peter, as well, received divine protection when he was delivered from prison by an angel (Acts 12:7-17). Truly, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble"! (Ps. 46:1 ).

As children of God, we might all be surprised to find out how many times during our lives a loving Father has delivered us from debilitating injuries or certain death by sending His holy angels to provide instantaneous protection!

by Douglas S. Winnail

Have you ever wondered what God's will is for you? Have you ever asked yourself, "What does God want me to do with my life?" Many people spend their entire lives wondering and searching for answers to these questions. Others make decisions and do things with their lives. They become high achievers! How do they do it?

How can you discover God's will for you personally? How can you become a high achiever in His sight? You might even be wondering whether a Christian needs to be concerned about all this. After all, isn't it all right just to believe in Jesus—that He loves you and died for you? Isn't it enough to attend services regularly, pray once in a while and be nice to people?

Surprising though it may be, the answers to these questions are readily available in God's instruction manual for mankind—the Bible. The night before He was crucified, Jesus explained to His disciples what God was looking for in their lives. He said, "By. this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall you be My disciples" (John 15:8). Earlier in this important discussion He had cautioned them that "every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit" (v. 2). Jesus emphasized the same theme in a discussion with His disciples on the Mount of Olives. Later, He explained in a parable that those who use and multiply (or develop) the talents they are given will be rewarded. Those who fail to use and develop their talents will lose their reward (Matt. 25:14-30). That is the plain and sobering teaching of Jesus Christ.

How do we go about developing our talents in a manner that will glorify God? What instructions do we find in the Bible? What helpful lessons can we learn from those who are already high achievers? In this article we will examine a number of principles you can use to develop the talents God gave you and begin to fulfill His will for your life.

Goals and Guidance

The book of Proverbs tells us, "Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established" (4:26). God wants us to carefully think about where we are going and how we are to get there. That is part of God's will for us. He wants us to set goals for our lives. He also reveals what these major goals should be for Christians.

Jesus told His disciples that if they would "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness," the necessities of life would be provided by God (Matt. 6:25-33). Just how do we seek the Kingdom? We have been called to develop the mind and character of Jesus Christ and to prepare to rule this earth with Him, teaching God's way to all mankind

(Is. 30:20-21). This will involve the restoration of religious truth about God's law, proper human relations, the Sabbath and Holy Days, tithing and true values in every area of life. When the Kingdom of God is restored to this earth, cities will need to be rebuilt, ecosystems restored, educational institutions reoriented and family structures reestablished. Government itself will be redesigned-by individuals who understand the principles found in the Bible. As you contemplate setting goals for your life-no matter what your age-why not consider what you can do now that will begin to prepare you for dealing with these important issues?

We also learn from Scripture that in setting goals for our lives it is wise to get plenty of sound advice. This can help us avoid making costly mistakes. Solomon was inspired to record, "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety" (Prov. 11:14). The most important counsel you can seek in orienting your life is the Word of God. Helpful advice is also available from your parents, teachers, ministers, friends and relatives with experience. Many books are available on the subject of goal setting and achievement. One author observes that "high achievers are teachable"—they are constantly looking for helpful advice (John R. Noe, Peak Performance Principles for High Achievers, 1984, p. 93).

If you truly want to fulfill God's will in your life, begin setting goals for yourself that will prepare you to help others in the coming Kingdom of God. Ask yourself what you could do that would be useful now, ten years from now and in the World Ahead. And don't just ask yourself—ask God to give you direction. High achievers who will be rewarded at Christ's return set goals with God's guidance. God's revealed instructions are found in the Bible. It is your responsibility to prayerfully study those instructions and thoughtfully use them to make decisions and set goals.

Natural Abilities

It is important when setting goals that you discover and make the most of your God-given aptitudes—your "natural" abilities. The Apostle Paul was inspired to record that we are all individuals "having gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, [therefore] let us use them " (Rom. 12:6). While Paul is referring primarily to spiritual gifts, it is also true that we are given different physical abilities. This is due in part to genetics and in part to different environmental influences we are exposed to as we grow up. Most often, it is a combination of these factors that will determine a particular talent or ability.

Individual gifts might include an aptitude for art, music or math—or perhaps the ability to solve complex mental problems. Some people have manual dexterity—they can do anything with their hands. Others can't. Some are quick and agile. Others aren't.

But whatever they turn out to be, one of the most exciting challenges in life can be to discover your aptitudes! You can't fully accomplish God's will in your life unless you know what natural abilities you have been blessed with. Don't be afraid to try new things. Don't be embarrassed if you fail. What you already do well and what comes easy, so to speak, is a good place to start in identifying your natural abilities. Schools and colleges that administer aptitude tests can also help you in this process. And there are many excellent books available on the subject.

If you are a parent, help your children to make these discoveries about themselves early in life. Discuss with them how they can use their God-given aptitudes to prepare for meaningful roles in this life and in the Kingdom of God.

High achievers discover their strengths and build on them. They also recognize their weaknesses (lack of aptitude) and don't fret about them. They understand Paul's comments in Romans that God gives different gifts to each person and that we each need to develop and use what we have been blessed with.

Developing Skills

Aptitudes that are at least partially determined by our genetic make-up are like buried treasures. They are only raw materials until molded and shaped into useful, final products. High achievers not only spend time discovering their natural aptitudes, but they deliberately develop them into productive and valuable skills. This requires time, effort, training and practice. The result is growth. This, too, is part of the challenge of a true Christian life.

Peter encouraged first-century Christians to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). As a boy of 12, Jesus was able to intelligently discuss religious issues with adult ecclesiastical leaders of His time (Luke 2:41-47). This was undoubtedly the result of following the advice He later inspired Paul to record about carefully studying the Word of God so as to apply it correctly (2 Tim. 2:15). This must have required time and effort during Jesus' early years. He also learned carpentry, which He appears to have practiced until His ministry began (Mark 6:3). This was at least partly the result of His environment—the fatherly influence of Joseph, himself a carpenter (Matt. 13:55). But Jesus may also have had natural human abilities along this line that He developed and used productively.

Time and Focus

Another quality that sets high achievers apart is that they have learned to use time effectively by focusing their efforts and energy on the task at hand. Benjamin Franklin wrote that if you love life, "then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of." Franklin was merely reiterating a biblical principle. The Apostle Paul thus admonished the Church at Ephesus, "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Eph. 5:15-17). Fulfilling God's will in your life means using your time to its best advantage.

We have each been allotted a certain amount of time to live, to grow, to learn and to bear fruit in our lives. The Scriptures reveal that we will all be held accountable for how we use the time and opportunities we have at our disposal (Matt. 12:35-36). By carefully selecting worthwhile goals, arranging regular time to work on those goals and learning to focus our attention and energies on the task before us, we will begin to experience more genuine achievement in our lives. This is the thrust of the biblical admonition, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might" (Eccl. 9:10). High achievers don't waste time on non-productive issues. They avoid distractions. They keep their priorities clearly in mind and their energy focused. That is how they achieve so much.

Seek Opportunities!

One of the most commonly heard complaints is that "nothing exciting ever happens in my life—it always happens to somebody else.” If you tend to feel that way, perhaps there's a reason. Jesus Christ admonished His disciples to "ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" (Matt. 7:7). In all too many cases we become spectators in life because we don't get involved. We grow up watching TV, watching sports, watching events take place instead of developing our talents and learning how to perform and make things happen! We have become a couch-potato society—content to be entertained, waiting for something to happen.

Solomon wrote in Proverbs that opportunities to learn, grow and serve are everywhere—if we have eyes to see and a mind to discern (1:20-21). Thomas Edison observed years ago that "opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” High achievers search out opportunities to learn and serve. They are not reluctant to ask, seek or knock. They also notice opportunities that others miss—because they are not content to merely be entertained.

Learning from Setbacks

Life is full of difficulties that can be quite discouraging. We are sometimes tempted to just throw in the towel. And many people do! But high achievers learn not to give in to these temptations. Christians who value their reward must learn the same lesson.

In the book of Hebrews we are reminded of the importance of learning from setbacks: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him: for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons" (12:5-7). In Proverbs, Solomon makes a similar observation: "For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again" (24:16). The important thing is to learn lessons from difficult situations and to be persistent and resourceful in pursuing your chosen goals.

Jesus used the parable of a widow who prevailed with an unjust judge because she was persistent in her cause (Luke 18:1-8). Jacob, when he wrestled with God (Gen. 32:30) and realized who he was grappling with, stated, "I will not let You go unless You bless me!" Jacob was persistent and resourceful even though his hip was out of joint and he was obviously in pain (vv. 24-26). If we are going to develop our talents and bear abundant fruit, we too must learn from setbacks and be persistent and resourceful in the quest to accomplish our chosen goals. A perceptive person once said, "He who is willing to face the music will someday lead the band!"

Joyful Effort

Today, for many people, work is drudgery! They can't wait for quitting time. Millions of people live for the weekends when they can escape their monotonous weekly routines—and just kick back and relax! High achievers, on the other hand, find joy and challenge in the pursuit of their chosen goals. The time and energy expended in the effort to achieve something worthwhile provides both enjoyment and reward. High achievers have learned to enjoy their work and to arrange their lives so they can work most effectively.

Jesus Christ illustrated this powerful principle in His own life. He came to this earth for a purpose. He had an overall sense of mission in His life. He saw the difficulties He had to face as well as the incredible opportunities His life, death and ministry would provide for all mankind. His Work was the most fulfilling part of His life! He wasn't focused on "quitting time" every evening. He didn't live to "relax" all weekend long. When His disciples urged Him to "take a break" and have something to eat on a particularly busy occasion, His surprising response was, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work" (John 4:34). Jesus apparently enjoyed preaching, teaching and healing people. He appeared to thrive on daily contact with fellow human beings. It was intensely challenging but rewarding work. He kept His chosen goal in mind and it energized Him. But He wasn't a workaholic. Jesus knew the value of a change of pace (Mark 6:30-31 ).

We, too, can benefit from developing and adopting this same perspective and approach. Is there a goal that would excite and energize you? Is there something that you could do with your life that would challenge your abilities, be worthwhile to others both now and in the future Kingdom of God—something you would really enjoy doing? High achievers work at accomplishing goals they enjoy. Why can't you? Think about it! Pray about it! Meditate on it! Remember, Jesus told His disciples to ask, seek and knock. It can happen. It does happen!

The Bible plainly reveals, as we have seen, that it is God's will that we discover and develop our talents. He wants us to bear abundant fruit in our lives. His Word gives valuable, time-proven principles to help us become high achievers. The rewards of applying these principles can be enjoyed in this life and will lead to incredible opportunities in the World Ahead (Matt. 19:29). For those who understand and heed Christ's instructions, it is going to be an exciting day when the Savior of mankind returns to this earth and says, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.... Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matt. 25:23, 34). But for those who make no effort to discover and develop their God-given talents, who get discouraged and give up, there will be no such exciting words.

Our Father and our Elder Brother, Jesus Christ, want us to succeed. We have been called to become productive members of God's Family. To do so, let's study and apply these biblical principles. Let's identify and develop the talents that God has given us—for His glory. Let's strive to become high achievers!

by Thomas E. Robinson

Psalm 51 recounts the heartfelt, repentant prayer of ancient Israel's King David over his tragic sin of murdering Uriah the Hittite after committing adultery with Bathsheba, Uriah's wife. David pleaded with God in anguish, "Do not take Your Holy Spirit from me" (v. 11 ). Did David actually have God's Holy Spirit IN him—or just WITH Him?

Did God's Holy Spirit dwell in the righteous prophets of the Old Testament in the same way that it abides in true Christians today—i.e. were they also begotten of God by the Spirit? If so, then what about the fact that Christ was the "only" begotten and the "first" begotten of the Father? (John 3:16; Heb. 1:6 KJV). Also, what about the verse that says "the Holy Spirit was not yet given" when Christ was on earth? (John 7:39).

Spirit of Christ IN Them

In studying a subject in the Bible, we should find all the relevant verses that bear on it, comparing scripture with scripture (cf. Is. 28:9-10). Then we should let unclear passages be interpreted in the light of clearer passages and the overall plan and purpose of God as revealed throughout His Word.

What is the clear teaching of the Bible? Notice this in the New Testament: "Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was IN them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow" (1 Peter 1:10-11 KJV).

That's pretty clear! There are a number of indications in the Old Testament as well. In telling Moses to inaugurate Joshua as his successor, God said, "'Take Joshua the son of Nun with you, a man IN whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him" (Num: 27:18). Now it could be that the "spirit of wisdom" is meant here as in Deuteronomy 34:9, but that is not stated in this passage. Still, other passages leave no doubt that the Holy Spirit is referred to. For example, Isaiah wrote that God's "people remembered the days past of Moses, saying, Where is He who brought us up from the sea with the shepherd of His flock. Where is He who put His Holy Spirit WITHIN him [Moses]?" (Is. 63:11 J.P. Green's Literal Translation).

However, we must be careful in examining Old Testament passages since God often speaks of putting His Spirit upon people who are not converted in order to lead or guide them. Sometimes this was only for a particular function—like the pagan prophet Balaam uttering a true prophecy from God (Num. 24:2). At other times, it may have been for years of direction, similar to how the Holy Spirit was with Christ's disciples before the New Testament Church began on Pentecost.

Why the New Covenant?

Christ told His disciples about the "Spirit of Truth, which the world cannot receive, because it beholds it not, nor knows it; but you know it; because it abides WITH you, and will be IN you" (John 14:17 Wilson's New Emphatic version). And what was the result of not yet having the Holy Spirit? Fleeing into the night when Christ was arrested. Peter denying Christ three times before the rooster crowed. So having God's Spirit WTTH them was not enough—they needed it IN them!

Look at the people of ancient Israel. For them too, having God's Spirit WITH them was not enough. That was the whole lesson of God's "chosen" nation. Our predecessor in God's Work, the late Herbert W. Armstrong, explained this well: "God gave proof, through Israel, that without the Holy Spirit, man is helpless! They even had God to appeal to. But they did not have His Spirit WTTHIN them.... One of the purposes of this nation was to prove by human experience that man without the Spirit of God WITHIN him cannot be righteous" (Mystery of the Ages, 1985, p. 175).

This was the whole problem with the Old Covenant. It had a fault—the people could not obey God! (Heb. 8:7-8). Why? Because the normal human mind cannot be subject to His law (Rom. 8:7). Under the terms of the New Covenant, God gives us His Holy Spirit through which He writes His law in our hearts and minds (Heb. 8:10). Without God's Spirit IN them, the prophets could have rendered only very limited obedience to God. But Christians today, with the Holy Spirit in us and under the terms of the New Covenant the "better covenant" (v. 6)—are able to render much greater obedience than those without God's Spirit in them. And this leads to an important question. Since God rewards us according to our works (Matt. 16:27), wouldn't we expect to have a greater reward in God's Kingdom than David or even Abraham, the father of the faithful (cf. Rom. 4:12, 16), if they didn't have God's Spirit in them?

The simple answer is yes. But that is not what we find! We've already seen that Abraham is the "father" of faithful Christians. We are also told that King David will once again rule the entire House of Israel in the Kingdom of God—a higher position than Christ's own apostles will hold at that time! (cf. Jer. 30:9; Ezek. 37:24; Matt. 19:28). So there can be only one conclusion. Abraham and the rest of the prophets did have the Holy Spirit IN them or they wouldn't even be in the first resurrection—much less hold higher offices than those who have been called to be Christians today, living by faith through God's indwelling Spirit.

When glorified in the Kingdom of God, we are to serve as kings and priests over all nations (Rev. 5:10)—judging by God's holy law and teaching it to all mankind. This is a job we are training for right now by having God's law written in our hearts and minds and living His perfect way through His Spirit being in us—the only way to truly build divine character. How could David be over the twelve apostles in that job if he hadn't internalized God's character through the Holy Spirit?

And consider further. How could God call David "a man after My own heart, who will do all My will" (Acts 13:22) if David didn't have God's law written in his heart and mind through the indwelling Holy Spirit? Moreover, consider that Abraham, Moses and the other prophets understood the reward God has prepared for them (cf. Heb. 11 ). Yet in 1 Corinthians we read, "But as it is written: `Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.' But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God" (2:9-11). In other words, just as human intellect is a product of the human spirit within us, we must have the Holy Spirit within us to comprehend the "deep things of God.” The prophets understood these deep things, like our reward in the Kingdom, because they had God's Holy Spirit in them.

The Family of God

God is in the process of making us His spiritual sons and daughters (2 Cor 6:18). As Romans 8:16 says, "the Spirit itself beareth witness with [joins and impregnates] our spirit, that we are the children of God" (KJV): We are begotten of God when He puts His Holy Spirit as a "seed" in our minds (1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 4:7; 5:1 ASV; cf. Rom. 5:5). If He didn't do this with the Old Testament prophets then they are not even true members of His Family. Yet God's angel in Revelation told the Apostle John, "I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets" (22:9). The prophets are "brethren" of true Christians today because we are all begotten of God. Moreover, how could begotten sons of God today be Abraham's spiritual descendants (Gal. 3:29) if Abraham himself was not a begotten son of God? It would make no sense.

Divine begettal produces true spiritual conversion—through God's Spirit in us enabling us to become "partakers of the divine nature" now (2 Peter 1:4). With God's Spirit, we begin to exemplify His character and produce the "fruit of the Spirit," such as real, living faith (Gal. 5:22-23). We must have Christ's very faith IN us (2:20 KJV). It is this faith by which we are saved—because living faith produces active obedience (James 2:14-26). And God requires this obedience before He will grant us eternal life (Matt. 19:17).

What becomes increasingly clearer is this important fact: If the Old Testament prophets were somehow able to keep God's law and receive salvation without God's Spirit IN them, then there would have been NO NEED for the New Covenant or for begettal by God! So the prophets most assuredly WERE converted by God's indwelling Spirit!

Why, then, was Jesus referred to as the "only begotten" Son of God the Father when He walked the earth as a man? (John 1:14; 3:16). Were not the prophets begotten of God also? Yes. But consider that Jesus was still called the "only begotten" in 1 John 4:9. This was written long after Christ's disciples received the Holy Spirit —when there were unquestionably many Spirit-begotten Christians! The term "only begotten;' then, must refer to the fact that Jesus was the only One who was ever physically conceived by divine miracle without a human father.

What about Christ being the “firstbegotten"? In the King James Version, He is called the "firstbegotten" in Hebrews 1:6 and the "first begotten of the dead" in Revelation 1:5. This clearly means that, of all God's children in both Old and New Testament times, Jesus is the first One to be FUI.LY "begotten" or "brought forth" in spiritual "birth" by a resurrection from the dead into divine, immortal existence. The New King James makes it clearer by correctly rendering the Greek word used in these verses, prototokos, as "firstborn" in both places. In fact, even the KJV translates prototokos as "firstborn" in other verses (cf. Rom. 8:29; Col. 1:15, 18).

The Church—God's Temple

It is true that mankind in general, and even God's chosen nation of Israel, was cut off from having God's indwelling Spirit. But a specially called few did have this privilege in the Old Testament, as well as called-out Christians today. Mr. Armstrong understood this: "The Holy Spirit has been closed off to all but the prophets and the called-out-ones of the true Church.... It was necessary for God's purpose that the Holy Spirit be given to the prophets and those specially called out for training to become rulers and teachers under Christ, when the government of God is restored to earth over all nations" (p. 132).

Through the Holy Spirit, we are all members of the same spiritual body. Paul asks, "Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?... But anyone united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.... Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you?" (1 Cor. 6:15-19 NRSV). God dwells in each of our bodies through His Holy Spirit. Therefore, the body of the believer is God's temple or house.

As such, our bodies are members of Christ—and together we all form the Church of God, which, in turn, collectively forms the spiritual temple of God. Notice: "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles AND PROPHETS, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are being built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit" (Eph. 2:19-22).

This should make it very plain. The prophets are part of God's Church—the temple in which God dwells in individual members through His Spirit. Mr. Armstrong explained, "Even those who shall be born into the kingdom of God at Christ's return are part of the Church of God. Even prophets of Old Testament times are part of the foundation of the Church (Eph. 2:19-21 ). All—prophets, apostles and Church brethren IN whom resides the Holy Spirit—shall be resurrected and/or changed to immortality at Christ's coming in glory and power!" (p. 234).

If the Old Testament prophets did not have the Holy Spirit in them, they would not spiritually belong to Christ and God—and could not be in the resurrection to spirit life. Paul says, "For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law—indeed it cannot, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. ANYONE [including the prophets] who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.

"But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells IN you" (Rom. 8:7-11 NRSV). It is through the indwelling Holy Spirit being joined with our minds that God prepares us for the resurrection to immortality! Since the prophets will be in this resurrection, they MUST have had God's Spirit in them.

Holy Spirit Not Yet Given?

Another passage some have difficulty with is found in John 7: "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy [Spirit] was not yet given; because... Jesus was not yet glorified" (vv. 37-39 KJV).

Notice that when Christ said anyone could come, He was referring to a future time. For that had not been the case in the Old Testament—nor is it the case today. Jesus said that no one can come to Him unless specially drawn by the Father (John 6:44). That involves only a few in this age. The Spirit has not yet been given to the whole world. Joel 2:28 shows it will be completely fulfilled in the future—the time Jesus was referring to here. Yet Peter applies Joel 2:28 to the Church of God now (Acts 2:17). How? Because the Church has the "firstfruits of the Spirit" (Rom. 8:23). Even though the New Covenant will not be made with Israel until Christ returns, Christians today are partakers of the New Covenant's terms (cf. Heb. 8:10).

The Church as the spiritual nation of Israel (Gal. 6:16) could not begin until Christ was glorified and returned to heaven to serve as its High Priest and administer the Holy Spirit to it (cf. John 15:26; Phil. 1:19). That's why John wrote that "the Holy Spirit was not yet given" to those believing in Jesus when He spoke those words (John 7:39). But soon they would receive God's Spirit in advance of the rest of the world and become God's Church just as God had already given a comparatively few scattered prophets in the Old Testament the "firstfruits of the Spirit" to form part of the foundation of His Church, as already seen.

Mr. Armstrong explained this concept: "The Holy Spirit was not given to the people of ancient Israel. Since God called and raised up prophets for a specific purpose preparatory to the salvation of humanity, it was necessary, in order for them to perform their called function, that an exception be made and they be empowered by the Holy Spirit. In the same manner, since God through Jesus Christ was now calling out his Church for a specific function preparatory to the establishment of his kingdom and government over all nations; it was now necessary that the same exception be made for the Church and that they be empowered by the Holy Spirit" (p. 214). So when David prayed, "Do not take Your Holy Spirit from me," he was indicating that God's Holy Spirit actually dwelled WTTHIN him just as it does in true Christians now.

This is a fundamental teaching of the Church of God, because so much else rests on it. An article titled "How You Can Be Imbued with the Power of God!," last copyrighted in 1972, proffers the official doctrine of God's Church at the death of Mr. Armstrong. It is also the official doctrine of the Global Church of God today: "Then what about the prophets and patriarchs of old? Did they not have the same power as we can have today? Did they not have the same power as the apostles? How did they have access to the Spirit of God? Through the One who was to become Christ (1 Peter 1:11 ). Christ, one of the members of the God Kingdom, was the One who administered the Spirit to Moses, to Abel and to all of the prophets of old. He sent the Holy Spirit of the Father to be IN them, to give them faith and power" (p. 4).

by Brian Gale

Very often, science and technology are thought to be the new "gods" of modern civilization. They can be thought of, in some people's minds, as taking the place of the real God. Who needs the Almighty in this day and age, when such amazing advances are being made? But when rightly understood, modern technology, instead of replacing God, can actually help us better understand His amazing power and mind!

First of all, let us look at God's awesome capacity: "O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O LORD, You know it altogether" (Ps. 139:1-4).

We should take time to dwell on the meaning of these words. We can't know the thoughts of even one other person. But God knows the thoughts of all six billion people living today. And yet we can get so puffed up about our own importance. Silly, isn't it, when considered in that context? Putting things in perspective like this should humble us.

Another passage of Scripture that can help us to see God's amazing power is Matthew 10:29-31: "Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” How truly astonishing it is that God is able to receive and process so much information.

In times past, such concepts were perhaps too staggering to even visualize. But today, technology has enabled mankind to greatly expand his own ability to receive and process information. In the Work of God today, we'd be lost without such technology. Think about the role computer networks play in taking thousands of telephone responses, mailing out the various letters and magazines, and keeping the ever-increasing subscriber list up to date. But apart from being a wonderful aid to the Work of God, modern technology gives us a tiny glimpse of the awe-inspiring mind and power of God. Today's knowledge explosion can actually assist our faith!

Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong said that he couldn't comprehend how Satan transmitted his attitudes until he understood how radio worked. Here was a classic 20th-century invention helping us to understand a very important biblical concept.

We've seen that God knows our every thought. He knows when sparrows fall to the ground. He even knows the number of hairs on our head. To someone living in ancient times, who couldn't even number his own hairs, this might have seemed to be beyond all reason. But with the invention of the computer, people could begin to grasp this previously unimaginable capacity of God. Of course, we must remember that our leap in understanding God's power is only a very limited one—since His mental ability is infinitely greater than the combined effort of all the computers on earth!

In the 50s, when computers were in their formative stage, they were big and bulky. Now, a computer that used to fill a whole room has been replaced by one even more powerful that can fit in the palm of your hand! Computers help control air traffic, design buildings, tell us the temperature and miles per gallon in a car, assist men in space travel and have come to pervade every facet of modern Western life. Banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions use computers extensively and would not be able to function effectively without them.

But remember that computers were invented by man! And no man can create or invent something superior to himself. Therefore man's mind must be superior to any and all of his inventions. After all, man still controls these sophisticated machines. But just look at a computer network's capacity—for example, the one that allows you to obtain cash from an automated teller machine (ATM). You insert your bankcard, type in your personal identification number and then instruct the machine to pay you money. Thousands of different people, at ATMs all over the country, can use their bankcards at the same time. And the central computer, to which all the local ATMs are linked, can almost instantaneously assimilate this information, dispense cash and debit each account accordingly.

Some time ago, there was an article in a British newspaper that illustrated the amazing growth in this area of technology. It showed that a particular network had 10 million cardholders, 3,400 ATMs and more than 30 million withdrawals per year. Thus, there were more than 82,000 transactions every day. That averages out to nearly 10 transactions each and every second! And, of course, this is only an average. So there would be times when there were even more than 10 transactions per second. Perhaps this will help us come to a clearer understanding of another biblical concept. When we think of multiple thousands of prayers ascending to God, maybe wondering how He can hear each prayer individually, the ATM networks may help us to grasp God's awesome ability. Just as a computer can deal with many transactions at once, so can God handle all the prayers made to Him. In fact, although some of the more sophisticated computers can execute billions of instructions per second—for all that, they are still limited. But God isn't!

Daniel was told by God that knowledge would increase in the end time (Dan. 12:4). And we have seen such a knowledge explosion. Some of this knowledge can help us better appreciate the majesty and greatness of God. Computers and data processing have given us greater insight into God's amazing ability to simultaneously give His attention to an unlimited number of circumstances.

So modern science and technology, rather than hindering our faith, can help us see—in a limited fashion—the awesome might and power of the Eternal God. Yes, how truly great God is! This vision should encourage us. For God is going to one day share His capacity with us. In 1 John 3:2 it states, "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” We will not only look like God but, as Spirit-born members of His Family, we will have His attributes and qualities. How encouraging this really is! What a marvelous future awaits us!