Dear Brethren and Friends,

Having entered the year 1998, it will be helpful to review who we are, where we have been and our GOALS for this year and beyond. One of the great weaknesses afflicting many Christians is that they get their eyes off the BIG PICTURE: They fail to set GOALS for their lives and to consistently work toward those goals.

Where have we been? Most of us were, at one time or another, members of the Worldwide Church of God. We knew that we had learned profound biblical TRUTH through the ministry of Herbert W Armstrong and others taught by him. But after his death, those entrusted with maintaining and teaching those truths inexplicably turned aside. They wanted to get back to "mainstream Christianity"—the self same polluted stream most of us had left in the first place!

Therefore, on January 2, 1993, almost seven years after the death of Herbert W. Armstrong, a number of us dedicated ourselves to the task of "reviving" God's Work. We knew that the precious Truth we had received must be preserved and must be preached to ALL nations as a "witness" (Matt. 24:14). So a very small group of 42 people met on that Sabbath in January to establish the Global Church of God. Growth has been slow but steady since that time. And now the Work of that Little group of 42 has expanded around the globe to include more than 8;000 brethren meeting each Sabbath in a total of 276 Churches and video groups—not to mention some brethren who must worship in their own homes with sermon tapes, booklets and magazines.

We are now reaching a potential audience of millions through the World Ahead telecast and magazine. We have sent out a total of 2.1 million magazines, tapes, booklets and other literature to almost every corner of the globe". And, as of this writing, the telecast has brought in more than 107,000 replies from all stations combined since it first began airing: And even though we can afford to be on only a very small number of commercial stations, our cost per response has been much better than was obtained by our former association.

Having, then, reviewed who we are and where we have been, I would now like to set forth four vital but realistic GOALS we should all set for ourselves for 1998 and beyond.

First, I must emphasize again the PROFOUND NEED for all of us to become more like Jesus Christ! If we thoughtfully, prayerfully study Jesus' human life and teachings—and meditate on them—then we will tend to "reflect" Him a lot more in our daily lives. We all need to conscientiously emulate the love, the kindness, the spirit of service and SACRIFICE that Jesus exemplified so powerfully. And we need to beseech God to send His Son to literally LIVE within us through the Holy Spirit (Gal: 2:20 KJV).

This Christ-like approach will not only enable us to serve others more. It will definitely give us an inner peace and joy, and will help us "heal" a lot of personal and family problems that might otherwise seem insurmountable. It will certainly better prepare us for the Kingdom of God!

Second, we all need to continually and prayerfully involve ourselves in doing our part in the Work of God. For Jesus commanded His disciples, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). Being filled with ZEAL for the very Work of the Living Christ; learning to serve and to sacrifice and work together as a "team"—all of this greatly helps us prepare for the coming Government of God and our part in it. And it gives us a transcendent PURPOSE—much bigger than ourselves—that endows our lives with richer meaning.

Third, we should all specifically try to prepare ourselves to be the right kind of kings and priests in the World Ahead. We should concentrate on STUDYING God's laws and statutes as set forth in Exodus 20-24, in Leviticus 10-27 and in Deuteronomy 12-27. Then we must also carefully study the principles of how Christ "magnified" the law in Matthew 5-7 and how it was also magnified throughout the entire New Testament.

Read carefully the examples of how Moses, David, Solomon and especially Jesus Christ handled situations requiring judgment. Constantly ask yourself, "How would I handle a similar situation today?" And then focus on the REALITY of our future positions as literal kings and priests on 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 as the potter's vessels shall be broken to pieces'—as I also have received from My Father" (Rev. 2:26-27).

Fourth and finally, never forget your ultimate GOAL—that of becoming a Spirit-born child of God in the Kingdom or Family of God throughout all eternity. Remember always that God is trying and testing ALL of us in many, many different ways—PRIOR to granting us His own awesome power! For, considering Lucifer's previous rebellion, God is going to make absolutely SURE that we have the attitude Jesus had just before His supreme sacrifice—"Not My will, but YOURS, be done" (Luke 22:42).

As we contemplate the awesome opportunity we have to share in the indescribable GLORY of the God Family, we should constantly remind ourselves that this is our ultimate GOAL. This is why we are drawing breath. This is why God created us and made us in HIS image. This is why God is putting us through the crucible of the human experience to teach us, train us, try us, test us and—slowly but surely—fashion and mold our character into the exact replica of HIS character.

And this, brethren, is also what the Apostle Paul was referring to in his inspired letter to the Ephesians: "To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all men see what is the PLAN of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places" (3:8-10 RSV).

Paul continues, "For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God" (vv. 14-19).

Brethren, that awesome PLAN and PURPOSE for our lives ought to inspire us to truly "walk with God," to do His Work with all our hearts and to never, ever turn aside. Let us continually pray for one another, encourage and inspire one another, and serve one another so that each of us may fulfill our magnificent calling!

Down through time one of the truly great qualities of men and women of character has been perseverance. They didn't give up and quit. They didn't turn aside from doing what's right. They persevered.

God has given us these past five years to continue teaching the Truth through The Work of the Global Church of God. Although we are certainly far from perfect, Thousands of knowledgeable, thinking individuals–even those not in our fellowship-acknowledge that we in the Global Church are teaching the Truth and doing the Work more along the lines Christ guided Mr. Herbert Armstrong than is any other organization on earth. But during the last five years, many have left the Church over various doctrinal and administrative disagreements and some over various "hurts"-real or imagined.

Quite a number dropped out to pursue various "conspiracy theories"-ideas that the government is conspiring to "get us" in many ingenious ways. Ideas that the government is constantly "spying" on God's people and even using black helicopters to do so! Yet as I've said before, even though I'm the human leader of this organization, I have NEVER seen a black helicopter spying on me—or hovering near my office or home. Sadly, some of those who left us for this reason are now in a federal penitentiary-not for professing God's Truth, but for refusing to pay taxes or the like. This fear of, and rebellion against, the federal government became a self-fulfilling prophecy!

But God's Work goes on. And, yes, we will have all kinds of trials, tests and persecution before it's all over. Remember the Apostle Paul's warning: "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived" (2 Tim. 3:12-13).

Therefore, regardless of criticism, persecution and opposition, I am going to go on preaching, teaching and writing the TRUTH as long I as I have the life, breath and opportunity to do so. As I write this, I recall that I was baptized almost exactly 48 years ago today. And tomorrow will be the 45th anniversary of my ordination as an evangelist of Jesus Christ. I am very grateful for those years. I am grateful even for the trials and suffering God has put me through during those years-and for the LESSONS He has taught me! I am especially grateful for the opportunity to learn the real PURPOSE of life and the way to achieve that purpose and that goal. And I am grateful for the privilege of having had the opportunity to teach that awesome purpose to thousands of others for nearly half a century.

Yet I am constantly aware of my own shortcomings. For I do not have the same degree of intelligence, vision and creative imagination that Mr. Armstrong had. I do not have his charismatic .personality nor his gifted speaking voice. But I do have the Truth-which he himself helped me come to know. And I certainly do want to honor Mr. Armstrong and, most of all, our Great GOD by continuing to teach that Truth to others and carrying on the Work.

Of course, at age 67 I get absolutely "dog tired" at times, trying to do all the things necessary to help do my part as Christ's bond-slave to move this Work forward. However, with God's help and His constant mercy, I WON'T give up and quit!

So what about you?

Do you get discouraged and want to "chuck it all" sometimes? That's very human. Satan would like to get all of us discouraged or disgruntled to the point that we want to quit doing the Work of God. But we cannot afford to give in to his evil schemes! As long as we are able to teach the full Truth and do the Work, we should NEVER give up!

The book of Hebrews, written to the "old timers" of Christianity, tells them-and us-"Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: `For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.' But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul" (10:35-39).

How very much CLOSER are we today to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ than were those Hebrew Christians? And how inspired we ought to be to have the inestimable privilege of helping prepare the way for His return! Now make no mistake, you must leave our fellowship and go elsewhere if Global's leadership teaches fundamental error and begins pervert the Gospel of Christ. But as long we are—IN SPITE OF normal human imperfections—striving to teach the full Truth of the Bible (cf. Acts 24:27) and doing the Work of getting out Christ's message to this dying world, none of us should ever plan to "drop out" of the Church that Christ is using to do His Work. We should, rather, joyfully persevere.

Even in our daily lives, in our willingness to keep on working hard to support and nurture our families, serve our communities and in all things honor God, we should NEVER quit. We should all remember the words of Sir Winston Churchill, who said, "Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense" (Address at Harrow School, Oct. 29, 1941).

As for me, I hope to keep on working hard and doing the Work—and, if need be, "die with my boots on:' How about you? Will you "hang in there"—faithfully serving God with all your heart and keeping your mind on the BIG PICTURE? Or will you let your mind turn inward, get discouraged or become disgruntled over relatively small matters and let Satan take you 0UT of the very Work of the Living Jesus Christ?

May God grant that all of us learn to truly "walk with Christ" and continue to be used by Him-both now and forevermore.

by Douglas Winnail

Modern Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ died for you and that all you have to do to be saved is to say a little prayer, "accept Jesus into your heart," and let Him become the "Lord of your life.” Salvation is a quick and easy affair because Jesus "has done it all for you.” We are also told that Communion or the "Lord's Supper" is a love feast and "an occasion for bringing believers together in unity rather than in disharmony"-anytime it is observed (The Oxford Companion to the Bible, 1993, p. 467). This sacramental practice is said to symbolize "the combination of solemn remembrance of the Lord's Death and joyful communion with him" (p. 467). It is merely a ritual to participate in as an outward show of faith.

This is a popular and appealing gospel—and very easy to accept! It conveys a message that little is required on our part beyond "accepting" the sacrifice Christ made for us. However, such teachings are deceptive and misleading because they completely overlook clear and important biblical instructions regarding what God holds us accountable for in the process of salvation! The Bible, plainly reveals that Jesus did NOT do everything for us!

To enter the Kingdom of God, there are specific things we must do—on a regular basis.

Examination Required!

In the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, written around the time of the spring Holy Days of Passover and Unleavened Bread (cf. 5:7-8), he makes a sobering statement about preparing properly before partaking of the Passover. Paul asserts, "Whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord" (11:27). An "unworthy manner" involves approaching the Passover as a matter of routine, lacking proper respect for what is involved and failing to prepare for this important annual event. To help us prepare ourselves for a meaningful Passover, the apostle instructs, "Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment [condemnation] to himself, not discerning the Lord's body" (vv. 28-29).

The required self examination is to be more than just saying, "I'm sorry I'm not the person I should be:' This annual spiritual check-up should instead be a thorough, yet positive, examination of our motives, actions and attitudes. The Greek word dokimazo means to examine, test, discern or approve. We are to analyze, investigate and scrutinize what we are doing and why. We are to do this with the idea of striving to live more in harmony with the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. Our goal is to bring our attitudes and actions closer to the standards outlined in the Word of God for every facet of our lives (Matt. 4:4).

The self examination process is designed to help us detect and begin to eliminate thoughts and actions that hinder our growth in becoming more like Jesus Christ. This requires time and effort prayer, study, meditation and fasting. To be effective, it requires more than a few quiet, contemplative moments while waiting for the Passover service to begin. Properly done, this examination will involve systematically searching through our lives for ways that we can grow in godly character, asking God for help to see what we need to change and studying biblical guidelines for conducting our lives in a godly manner.

It is not surprising that 1 Corinthians mentions a number of important areas of our lives that are worth examining as we approach the Passover. The Days of Unleavened Bread provide additional time for identifying and eliminating the spiritual leaven we uncover and replacing that leaven with more godly attitudes and actions.

Impact of Your Example

One of Paul's first comments in his letter concerned the prevalence of contentious partisan factions in the congregation (1:10-16); which he strongly condemned. People were taking sides on various issues and lining up behind ideas promoted by certain individuals. Paul urged, "Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (v. 10). How does this apply to you? What sort of influence do you exert in the Church, in your local congregation, in your family? Are you a divisive force or a unifying agent? Are you busy promoting your own ideas about doctrine and the way things "should" be done? Are you always looking to hear or spread some "new idea"? Or are you a solid, stabilizing factor—a pillar?

Paul mentions how the ideas and actions of some were causing others to stumble in their attempt to grow as Christians (8:9). He provides biblical answers to those leveling unjustified criticism at the ministry (9:1-14). He points out to those caught up in heretical ideas how they were wrong and misinformed (15:12-14).

Now this is not to say that every disagreement you have with the Church's position on some point of doctrine means you have embraced heresy. God has not seen fit to explain every facet of His plan to us at this time. As Paul said, we now "see through a glass, darkly" (1 Cor. 13:12 KJV). There can be legitimate disagreements, but not in areas of core, foundational Christianity. And if we do disagree on certain peripheral points, it serves no one to "make a big deal" of it. This only sows discord among brethren—something that does not please God (cf. Prov. 6:16-19).

Paul himself was a unifying and stabilizing influence on the Church. And he urged the Corinthians to grow in this same direction, writing, “Therefore my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain" (v. 58). Do you take liberties with God's way that could undermine the faith of others? The Church today, as in the first century, faces many of the same problems. Your example can be divisive or unifying! We either promote God's Work or we play into Satan's agenda.

Do You Value Your Calling?

Another issue Paul addresses is how Church members view their calling. Apparently some in Corinth failed to appreciate the rare and priceless opportunity God was offering them. Even today, many are being told that their calling isn't that "unique" since there are untold millions of true Christians in the world in any number of different "denominations"—believing any number of different doctrines.

However, this is not what the Bible reveals! Paul states, "For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise... that no flesh should glory in His presence" ( 1:26-29). Jesus I taught, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him" (John 6:44). He also referred to the Church as a "little flock" (Luke 2:32). Conversely, the Apostle John was inspired to write that Satan has deceived the "whole world" (Rev. 12:9).

Paul explains to the Corinthians that what they understood about the plan of God is a mystery to the world ( 1 Cor. 2:7-8). Their spiritual understanding was the result of repenting and receiving God's Spirit (vv. 10-14), which is only given to those who obey the laws of God (Acts 5:32). That Spirit enables true Christians to really understand the Bible (John 16:13). Some of us, no doubt, tried to convert our friends and relatives after we ourselves discovered God's Truth. But while millions profess Christianity, the Scriptures reveal that "if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His" (Rom. 8:9). And the only way to receive that Spirit is to be called, to repent, to be baptized, to receive the laying on of hands and to live in obedience to the laws of God (cf. Acts 2:38; 8:17-18; 5:32).

Do you grasp just how privileged your calling really is? Do you place a high value on that calling? Are you doing your part to regularly nourish God's Spirit within you (cf. 2 Cor. 4:16) or are you slowly letting it be quenched? ( 1 Thess. 5:19). Do you desire to be constantly led by God's Spirit (Rom. 8:14) or are you always seeking your own way, resisting or resenting what God instructs in His Word? (v. 7). The only way to grow as Christians and become instruments in God's hands is if we see and value our calling, nourish and use His Spirit, and resist the temptation to do our own thing. As you prepare for the Passover, reflect on the fact that the death of Jesus Christ made your forgiveness, your calling and your access to God's Spirit possible. And think about what you are doing with that opportunity.

Promoting Peace—or Strife?

Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Matt. 5:9). The Bible outlines both the way to peace and the causes of strife. Christians are to develop skills in practicing and promoting peaceful interpersonal relationships. Yet Paul has to remind members of the Church of their lack of growth in this vital area. He writes, "You are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?" (1 Cor. 3:3). Paul points out that we must build on the foundation we have been given, and what we build will be tested by trials (vv. 10-14). We must learn to be peacemakers in real-life situations.

Are you an "in-your-face" kind of person? Or have you learned that "a soft answer turns away wrath"? (Prov. 15:1). Do you still bristle and try to solve problems by confrontation, shouting down your opponent? Or are you easy to approach? (James 3:17-18). Have you learned how to be a conciliator? Are you able to pour oil on troubled waters when the occasion arises? Have you learned to work smoothly with your neighbor—leading where you can contribute and following when others are given the lead? Or, perhaps, are you constantly seeking to control others and get your own way—which is Satan's approach? The more skill we develop in applying God's principles, the more peace we will engender and enjoy (Prov. 16:7). Jesus taught that we should attempt to peacefully resolve differences before coming to God (Matt. 5:23-24). The season before Passover is a time to carefully evaluate our tendencies in this area.

Family Values

Paul's epistle reveals gross immorality within the Corinthian Church that was bringing reproach upon the Christian way of life {5:1-2). As an apostle, he took strong measures to deal with this situation (vv. 7, 13). One reason for the congregation's tolerant attitude toward immorality was its prevalence in the city of Corinth—though, admittedly, the particular sin in this case was unacceptable even in this society (v. 1). Nevertheless, societal influence was a contributing factor. In fact, to "corinthianize" became a term meaning to indulge in life's pleasures without restraint!

Like the Corinthian brethren, we too must resist the pulls of the society we live in with its ever-present emphasis on the enticement and appeal of immoral behavior. As Christians we must learn to "hate evil" and "love good" (Amos 5:15), while living in a society that prefers to "call evil good, and good evil" (Is. 5:20). This is why Paul repeatedly warns the Corinthians against sexual immorality (1 Cor. 5:9; 6:9, 18; 7:2).

As we approach the Passover, we need to take stock of our thoughts and actions in this crucial area. Are we playing with fire in our own lives by what we desire to see or are willing to tolerate for entertainment? Are we tempted to "bend the rules" whenever our desires are involved?

Although our society clearly applauds immoral behavior as being macho, cool and "with it," the Bible pointedly states that individuals who willingly engage in such activities are fools pursuing their own destruction (Prov. 6:32; cf. Matt. 5:28). God desires that His future sons and daughters be "above reproach" (1 Tim. 3:7). Therefore, the moral example we as Christians set is extremely important-to God and to those with whom we come in contact.

In an environment characterized by the pursuit of leisure and material gain, loose morals and disregard for the laws of God, marriage problems flourish and the toll on family life is high. Paul emphasizes to the Corinthians the importance of maintaining strong marital bonds. He writes, "Let the husband render to his wife he affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.... Do not deprive one another" as this only leads to other problems (1 Cor. 7:1-5). Marriage vows are to be kept, not dissolved as matters of convenience vv. 10-13). The Bible reveals that the stability and influence of the home environment on children is of vital concern to God (v. 14).

What is the state of your marriage? Do you still take seriously God's instructions in Ephesians 5, Colossians 3 and 1 Peter 3, or do you regard these scriptures as outmoded?

As a wife, are you respectful and willing to be subject to your husband? As a husband, do you love and respect your wife? Do you work smoothly together as a team or do you each do your own thing? Do you continually work at maintaining strong marital and family bonds or have you let the cares of this world drive wedges between these relationships? Do you really care about your children-to guide them and set a godly example for them?

This too is a vital area to examine prior to. Passover.

Where Is Your Focus?

The first letter to the Corinthians describes members divided by personalities and individual doctrinal ideas, focused on envy and personal strife, critical of the ministry and other members, heavily influenced by the moral and religious corruption of their age, and prone to marriage and family problems. These things seemed to be consuming their lives to the point where the glory of their personal calling was beginning to fade from view.

They were focused on themselves and on the concerns of their immediate physical world. They were losing their focus on God, His commandments and His purpose for their lives. Not surprisingly, they were prone to depression when faced with trials because the God of the Bible was not as real to them as He should have been (10:1-13).

We face the same challenge today. Scoffers abound! Controversies rage over minor doctrinal points! The problems and pulls of this world constantly besiege us. Unless we take the time to draw near to God and determine to live by His instructions—staying focused on Him—we too will begin to lose our focus and be swept along by the self centered, secular tides that are carrying our modern society ? toward destruction.

Where is your focus? On yourself? On obtaining more personal possessions? On experiencing the latest thrill or sensation? Or is it on walking with God and being in His Kingdom? The Passover season is the time to make vital course corrections!

Now for Church members wrestling with the pulls of intellectual vanity, self-centeredness and physical lust, Paul emphasizes a fundamental issue—love! Not the inward-oriented, self-gratifying "love" of this world, but the true love that comes from being motivated by the Spirit of God. That love is expressed as unselfish, outgoing concern for others—wives, husbands, children and neighbors. Godly love is patient, kind and humble. It is not crude, rude, easily angered, bitter, resentful or conditional. It is positive, hopeful, consistent, enduring, forgiving and truthful (13:4-7). This kind of love reflects the very nature of God Himself (1 John 4:8). It is reflected by the thoughts and actions that emanate from individuals who are utilizing and being led by God's Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Developing this kind of love is our goal as Christians.

In our modern world, as in ancient Corinth, we are exposed to many twisted and perverted ideas about love. It is equated with lust, sentimental feelings, idyllic romanticism, pure self-gratification and self-serving associations. However, the Bible reveals that genuine love for God involves keeping His commandments (John 14:15}—not taking those instructions lightly or regarding them as outdated and old-fashioned. Real love for our spouse involves patience, respect, giving and caring (Eph. 5:22-29}—as does love between parents and children (6:1-4; Col. 3:19-20). Genuine love for our fellow man involves making the effort to live in harmony with him (Rom. 12:18-21)—even being willing to be wronged by him (Matt. 5:38-42). Passover is a good time to review what we understand and practice as real, godly love.

As we have seen, then, the common teaching of this world's "Christianity"—that to be saved you merely have to say a little prayer and "give your heart to the Lord" is a different gospel from what Jesus and the apostles preached (cf. Gal. 1:6-9). Christ repeatedly urged His audiences to "repent, and believe in the gospel" of the Kingdom of God. He exhorted His disciples to follow His example and teachings and to keep the commandments of God. Paul admonished brethren to "let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus" and to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil. 2:5, 12).

This is what God requires. And it is, no doubt, why Paul was inspired to write that before we partake of the Passover—the annual memorial of the tremendous sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for mankind—we need to earnestly, humbly and prayerfully examine ourselves in the light of God's Word. For only by letting God show us what we need to change to develop more of His mind and character can we grow to become more like Him. So as we approach the Passover this year, let's carefully and prayerfully prepare before partaking of its important symbols.

These are the feasts of the LORD, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed times. On the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight is the LORD's Passover. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD; seven days you must eat unleavened bread" (Lev. 23:4-6).

As God commanded, we His people continue to observe the Days of Unleavened Bread. In doing so, we are led to study biblical events that took place during this "appointed time.” And herein we see a clear pattern: People being given a clear choice to obey God, grow in faith and then see His supernatural deliverance! Such accounts are a source of great courage and inspiration for God's people today because He promises us the same victories—specifically the victory over Satan and sin—if we grow in faith and obedience.

Leaving Egypt

God brought the children of Israel out of Egypt—the land of their enslavement—during the night portion of the l5th day of the first month of the sacred year, Abib (Num. 33:3; Deut. 16:1 ). The very act of traveling at night was intended to be a lesson in faith. They did not know where they were going, but were simply to follow Moses and the pillar of fire that guided them. God meant for this experience to be remembered—a lesson to be taught to future generations. He thus instructed the Israelites, "Remember this day in which you went out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out of this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten.... Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days. And no leavened bread shall be seen among you, nor shall leaven be seen among you in all your quarters. And you shall tell your son in that day, saying, ‘This is done because of what the LORD did for me when I came up from Egypt.' It shall be as a sign to you on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the LORD's law may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand the LORD has brought you out of Egypt. You shall therefore keep this ordinance in its season from year to year" (Ex 13:3, 7-10).

So every year as true Christians keep the Days of Unleavened Bread, we are to be mindful of God's powerful miracles in delivering His people—and realize that we serve the same God today! Jesus Christ was the "Rock" who performed powerful miracles and led Israel out of Egypt in a pillar of fire by night and of cloud by day (1 Cor. 10:4). That same Savior has promised to never forsake us and to be with us always (Heb. 13:5; Matt. 28:20). We have every assurance that, just as God has given victory to His people throughout the ages, so He will give us victory also!

But lest we mistakenly think the path is easy, biblical examples illustrate that growing in faith comes as a result of overcoming challenges and obstacles. When the Israelites left Egypt, the pillar of fire did not lead them on an easy route to the Promised Land. Rather, it guided them into the Sinai desert! (Ex. 13:17-18). The path they were taking was certainly not one that any man would have chosen—but they were learning the lesson of following God. Soon they were trapped, with the Red Sea on one side and Pharaoh and his army coming at them from the other (Ex. 14:9). And just when it looked as if they would be recaptured and returned to slavery, God performed a spectacular miracle! The sea opened and the Israelites walked across on dry ground (v. 22). Once they were safely across, God caused the waters to come crashing together to drown the pursuing Egyptian army (v. 28).

Thus, due to God's great miracles, a nation of former slaves was delivered from the most powerful army on earth! After Pharaoh's military might was destroyed on the Last Day of Unleavened Bread, Moses and , Miriam led the Israelites in a song of rejoicing and thanksgiving to God (Ex. 15:1-21). And consider that this song—called "the Song of Moses"—may well be the same one that will be sung by the delivered saints of God when Jesus Christ returns! (Rev. 15:3). These saints are pictured as just having been victorious over the Beast—of whom Pharaoh was a type or forerunner.

Just as Pharaoh pursued and tried to kill the escaping Israelites, Satan has never ceased from trying to , harm God's people. But if we truly seek Him, God promises us help to resist Satan's attacks (1 Cor. 10:13). And we need this help—for the struggle is ongoing. Satan will not give up until he is bound in chains by God (Rev. 20:2, 10).

Fleeing Sodom

Jesus Christ compared the day of His return to ' ancient Sodom's day of destruction. "On the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed" (Luke 17:29-30). Several other biblical writers also considered Sodom as a prophetic example for us to beware. For the destruction that suddenly came upon that wicked city and her surrounding neighbors was a warning of even greater ' punishment that God will one day unleash upon the whole earth. Jude wrote, "Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them... having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire" (v. 7).

Even as Abraham's nephew Lot was delivered from , the city, God's servants are promised protection from the destruction that will accompany Christ's return (Luke 21:36; Rev. 3:10). Sodom was a godless society completely swayed by Satan's deceptions. It is an example of what the conditions of modern society will be like in our future—a time when God will have to intervene to save mankind from destroying itself (Mal. 4:6). Sodom's fate, then, was a type or forerunner of future punishment to come. Not surprisingly, the Scriptures indicate that Lot and his family fled the destruction of their city during the Days of Unleavened Bread! (Gen. 19:3).

Entering the Promised Land

After Moses' death, the responsibility to lead the people of Israel was given to Joshua. God spoke to him and promised to be with him and to grant him many victories (Josh. 1:1-10). And the first tests of Joshua's leadership and faith came during the Days of Unleavened Bread.

The Israelites were camped several miles east of the Jordan River, opposite the walled city of Jericho. Then they moved camp to the shore of the Jordan in preparation for crossing over (3:1 ). Since Joshua was a type of Christ, much of what he did during this period in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land foreshadowed the work of Jesus Christ leading spiritual Israel into God's Kingdom. Joshua had been commissioned to "go over before this people, and... cause them to inherit the land which you will see" (Deut. 3:28).

On the tenth day of Abib they were to cross the Jordan River and enter the Promised Land. No doubt they recalled that 40 years earlier each family had chosen a Passover lamb on this very day in preparation for the final plague on the Egyptians (Ex. 12:3). What they had no way of knowing was that more than 1,400 years later, on the same day of the year, the true Passover Lamb of God would ride into Jerusalem, having been chosen by God and symbolically accepted by the masses (Matt.2l:1-11).

The Israelites crossed the Jordan River and had their males circumcised on this day. Both experiences were a type of baptism and conversion (1 Cor. 10:1-2; Rom. 2:29). Then, after healing for four days, they kept God's Passover before beginning the attack on Jericho (Josh. 5:10). The symbolism here is obvious. Even today we must first come to repentance and baptism before keeping the Passover (Ex. 12:48; Acts 2:38; 1 Cor. 11:28). Coming to see ourselves and our need for God's forgiveness is a painful experience—but the pain is soon forgotten when we comprehend what a wonderful future God has in store for us (Rom. 8:18).

The Ark of the Covenant that accompanied the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land symbolized God's presence with them. Joshua instructed the priests to carry the Ark and follow him to the bank of the Jordan. The Israelites were to follow 2,000 cubits, or paces, behind—arrayed by tribe. When the priests' sandals touched the water, God miraculously held back the flow of the river so that the Israelites could walk on dry ground (Josh. 3:13-14). This miracle is all the more astounding when you consider that it was springtime and the river was at flood stage (v. 15). Many Bible scholars feel this exact place in the river is the spot that would later be crossed in a similar fashion by Elijah just before he was taken up in the fiery chariot (cf. 2 Kings 2:8). It is also thought to be the location of Jesus Christ's baptism (cf. Matt. 3:13-16).

Joshua crossed over, fulfilling his job of leading I, the people into the Promised Land. The priests stopped in the middle of the riverbed as the Israelites passed by on either side of them. Joshua also instructed a man from each tribe to remove a stone from where the priests' feet stood and carry it to the western shore (Josh. 4:3). These stones were to be placed in Gilgal as a memorial and constant reminder of God's mighty hand in bringing Israel to the Promised Land (4:7, 20-24). After all the people had crossed the Jordan, Joshua called to the priests carrying the Ark and bade them come to the western shore as well. And when the feet of the last priest reached the shoreline, the waters of the Jordan began to flow again (4:17-18).

Just as Joshua crossed the Jordan and entered the Promised Land first, Jesus Christ is the firstborn of many brethren into the Kingdom of God (Rom. 8:29). And just as Joshua's brethren followed 2,000 cubits behind him, the rest of the firstfruits may likely be born into God's Kingdom around 2,000 years after Jesus Christ was (cf. 2 Peter 3:8). The memorial of the 12 stones, each one representing a tribe of Israel, brings to mind the description of the foundations and gates of the New Jerusalem: "Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.... The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb" (Rev. 21:12-14). This picture becomes clear when we understand . Christ's promise to the apostles that they will have positions of rulership over the tribes of Israel during the Millennium. "I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, that you may eat and drink at My table in My Kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Luke 22:29-30).

As we've seen, all the Israelite males were circumcised after crossing the Jordan. Four days later, they kept the first Passover in this glorious new land that was to be their permanent home. The next day the daily fall of manna, the "bread from heaven" that had sustained them during their sojourn in the wilderness, ceased (Josh. 5:12). God Almighty had indeed kept His word to I sustain and provide for them until they were brought into this new land flowing with milk and honey. He I promises to do the same for us as we look forward to I His Kingdom (Phil. 1:6).

The Walls Came Tumblin' Down

The valley around Jericho was a verdant garden, famous for its splendor and fruit. Known as the "City of Palm Trees," Jericho became the vacation playground of kings, and its beautiful springs produced clear water that welcomed many a traveler. Also famous were its high walls and formidable defensive position. It was known as the strongest fortress in the land of Canaan, capable of withstanding a long siege.

But Jericho was no match for God! In fact, it was the first city to be conquered by Joshua. However, there would be no spoils here for the Israelites. For Moses had told each head of household to bring the first of the fruit of the new land to God before taking any for his own use (Deut. 26:1-10). The same was true for the nation. The first city taken was by divine decree to be "devoted" to God (Josh. 6:17 NRSV). In such a case no redemption was possible (Lev. 27:28-29). When Jericho fell, Rahab and her family were to be spared and items of precious metal were to be taken into the Lord's treasury. But everything else was to be destroyed.

The fall of this famous city took place during the Days of Unleavened Bread. One obvious lesson that the Israelites were to learn during this time was: "Diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments" (Deut. 28:1 ).

God appeared to Joshua when he was near Jericho and gave specific instructions for the conquest of the , city. And while the battle plan might have seemed ridiculous from a military standpoint, Joshua and the Israelites were continuing to learn that obedience to God was more important than human reason! Having assured Joshua of complete victory, God gave directions for the Israelites to march around Jericho, bearing the Ark of the Covenant, for seven days.

What an eerie sight it must have been from the walls of Jericho! First in the procession came lightly armed men followed by seven priests blowing trumpets continually. These were not the customary silver trumpets, but large rams' horns—the loud, piercing sound of which penetrated to the far distance. They were the same trumpets used to signal the first day of the seventh month (Lev. 23:24)—the Feast of Trumpets—and to announce the year of Jubilee (25:9).

Just as the seven trumpets in Revelation will announce the return of Jesus Christ (Rev. 8:1-6), these trumpets announced that God's very presence was in the Ark, which was borne by priests following the trumpeters in the procession. A group of Israelite men followed last of all. All was to be silent during the procession except for the sound of the trumpets. What a strange and unusual way to attack a city!

But so it went, the Israelites circling the city once during each of the first six days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. These days picture the next step after coming to repentance and baptism—learning to obey God and resist temptation. And that's just what was happening. The Israelites were learning to obey as they marched around the city in silence. Instead of following human reason, they were carefully following the instructions God had given them.

On the last Day of Unleavened Bread, the procession of the men, Ark and trumpeters circled Jericho seven times. Everyone was silent until, at the end of the last march around the walls, Joshua gave the command to shout! "So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets.... And the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city" (Josh. 6:20). This final great shout and blast of the trumpet will again be heard when Christ returns: "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God" (1 Thess. 4:16).

With the seventh and final Day of Unleavened Bread came complete victory for God and His people. No reader can fail to miss here the significance of the number seven—seven horns, seven priests, seven days of compassing the walls, repeated seven times on the seventh day! Jericho also typified the kingdoms of this world and their defiance of God—and its sudden destruction is a vivid prophecy of how this society and its kingdoms will come to a very sudden end! ( 1 Thess. 5:3.; Rev. 18:8, 19). That coming victory will also be complete—for the kingdoms of this world will become the Kingdom of our Lord, and He shall reign forever and ever (Rev. 11:15).

Joshua and the Israelites learned to obey God and trust in Him through this experience. In fact, the book of Hebrews states, "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days" ( 11:30). So we have here an illustration of what real faith is—believing God enough to obey Him. In addition to that, knowing that since we truly believe God and are striving to obey Him, He will give us the final victory over sin in our lives!

When we observe this coming Festival of Unleavened Bread, we should keep in mind the lessons that our forefathers in the Bible learned during these days (cf. 1 Cor. 10:11 ). We should reflect on Moses' leading the Israelites out of Egypt on a route that required following wherever God led them in the wilderness. We also need to see clearly that this society is becoming more like Sodom and Gomorrah and that we must "come out of her" if we are going to escape the destruction as Lot did (cf. Rev. 18:4). And the thrilling account of God leading Joshua and the rest of Israel across the Jordan River and conquering the city of Jericho should inspire us to be diligent to carefully obey God's instructions. All of these accounts are lessons for us—indeed types of what will befall the earth in the years just ahead. How exciting it is to visualize these events and realize that God wants to give us victory Just as He gave it to the Israelites of old!

The Almighty is always faithful to keep His word and fulfill His promises to us. If we learn the lessons of these days-having faith and enduring to the end-then we too can look forward to victory and to standing near God's throne and singing the song of Moses alongside our brethren who have gone before, as described in Revelation 15:2-3: "And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: `Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! "'

As we approach the end of the 20th century, we've entered a unique time for the people of the Church of God. Never before have so many had such easy access to the Bible. If Christians of the Middle Ages were to come back to life today, they'd face a dizzying array of options. They might want to read the King James Version, the New International Version, The Living Bible or maybe the Women's Bible. Next, they'd choose whether to read their favorite version on CD-ROM computer disks, on-line at "www.bible.com" or listen to a reading of the Bible on cassette tapes. And of course, they could still read it the old-fashioned way—on paper pages.

During the time of Christ, the study of the Bible also flourished. Boys began their education with the study of what we call the Old Testament. Those who continued their schooling added the study of various commentaries. In time, groups of scholars emerged, led by favorites like Gamaliel, Shemai and Hillel. Biblical knowledge filled their schools of learning. Yet, not unlike today, there was a glaring flaw!

In Luke 11, Christ addressed a group of these scholars. He said, "Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge" (v. 52). Now the knowledge itself was there. But the key to understanding and using it had been replaced by another agent—a leavening agent.

Christ warned His disciples about this leaven. And through His warning to them, He also warns us: "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy" (Luke 12:1). When knowledge flourishes, the leaven of hypocrisy can find a fertile environment. As you approach the Days of Unleavened Bread this year, are you on guard against this leaven of hypocrisy?

Habits Are Hard to Break

No one likes hypocrisy in others. No one wants to be a hypocrite himself. The hypocrite professes to believe in a set of values, principles or laws. But he shows by his words or actions that it's only a facade.

Unfortunately, it's very easy to fall into the trap of hypocrisy. For example, when we read in Proverbs 18:8 that "the words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body," we can see it's wrong to gossip. Yet every time our old friend Margaret McGillicuddy phones, we find ourselves listening to the latest scoop about who's doing what, where they're doing it and why! Worse yet before we realize it we're asking for more details! Later, we come to see that we've been a hypocrite. We knew it was wrong to gossip. Proverbs 11:9 tells us that "the hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor." But it's hard to put the brakes on bad habits, isn't it?

We all collect habits. We normally try to eliminate the bad ones. But because habits are habits, they carry momentum of their own. It's not that we don't want to live by the instructions of the Bible. We certainly don't mean to be hypocritical. But if the habit continues to rule us, rather than the beliefs we profess, then we aren't really convicted. And we allow the leaven of hypocrisy to grow inside us.

As another example, one of the most popular pastimes when I was in high school was the daily "cut-down" game. The objective was to belittle your adversary. Your effort was canceled if the other person replied with an even more insulting put down. The competition was both fierce and brutal.

But high school isn't the only battlefield for this kind of "game.” We can fall into the habit of demeaning each other anytime in life. And although the sword of the tongue may be wielded with more finesse in adulthood, the wounds can be just as painful. In the book of James we're told, "No man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring can yield both salt water and fresh" (3:8-12).

The point? The way we speak to each other is important. If we habitually put others down, we are making a pretense of obedience to God. It doesn't matter whether we've developed the habit in high school, from our family or from our peers at work. What's important is that we've professed to believe God and follow His instructions—in everything. But our words shout our hypocrisy.

Once again, wrong habits carry a momentum that is hard to stop. But if we allow them to drive our life, we're simply living a lie!

For Appearance's Sake

There is another way hypocrisy infects us. We crave the respect of others. Nobody wants to be regarded as foolish, clumsy or inept. For after food, clothing and shelter, our greatest need may be for approval.

Look at the account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5. They watched as other people sold land or houses to provide for the needs of the brethren. But for them, there was a conflict of interest. They wanted to hear other people whisper, "Look at those generous people." But their generosity wasn't sincere. What they really wanted was the praise of men.

We might scoff at their hypocrisy. Yet we can all too easily fall into the same trap.

We can be generous with both our time and money. But it takes great self control to suppress the urge to let everyone know just how much we've helped a brother in the Church, or how much we've tithed and donated in offerings through the years. But we know this is wrong. Christ said, "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven" (Matt. 6:1).

We especially want our brethren to believe that we're living God's way of life in every detail. So we put on our best "Church face" every Sabbath. Even when it masks something sinister.

Maybe you had a week-long argument with your spouse or children. The battle continued on Sabbath morning and even escalated on the way to Church. But after you pulled into the parking lot and stepped out of the car, you walked through the front door of the Church hall with a giant, plastic smile, arm around your wife, and answered the greeter, "Yes George, the family's doing great!" The kids skulked along behind—the true barometers of the family atmosphere.

We know we should have harmony in our family and we want other people to believe that we do. Even when we don't, we do our best to give a convincing "performance.” But if we aren't doing the things necessary to produce family harmony, we don't sincerely regard it as a God-commanded priority.

We particularly want the important or wealthy or powerful to think highly of us. James tells us, "My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, `You sit here in a good place,' and say to the poor man, `You stand there,' or, `Sit here at my footstool,' have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil , thoughts?... You have dishonored the poor man.... [But] if you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, `You shall love your neighbor as yourself,' you do well" (James 2:1-8).

Our desire to be respected by those we admire traps us. In trying to impress some, we put others down. And in so doing, we essentially turn our back on our beliefs.

James followed up the example he gave: "But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing will be there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy" (3:14-17).

This was one of the major criticisms Christ reserved for the Pharisees. He said, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self indulgence" (Matt. 23:25). They were very concerned with how they looked. But they were not so concerned with how they really were.

Blinded by Pride

Christ also exposed the vanity of these religious leaders when He said, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!" (Matt. 23:23-24).

These men were proud of their adherence to the most detailed mechanics of tithing—down to the tiniest seed. Yet they missed the most fundamental lessons God was teaching through those laws. God's tithing laws teach justice by applying the same rule to everyone. As fastidious keepers of the law, they merely paid lip service to justice. It certainly wasn't justice that they sought when Christ was dragged before the Sanhedrin. "Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put him to death" (26:59). Their pride blinded them to their hypocrisy.

This is what Christ meant when He asked them, "And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?... Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother's eye" (7:3-5).

As we do our deleavening, does our pride blind us from seeing our own hypocrisy?

Improve Your Faking?

So how do we avoid the leaven of hypocrisy? There's no doubt we can fool other people into thinking we're something we aren't. We can go many years showing one face to the brethren at Church and another face to everyone else. We can practice wearing a bigger smile, having a firmer handshake or "filling up more space" with a heartier, louder laugh. We can even practice avoiding other members of the congregation as much as possible. There are many ways to "improve" our faking.

But we can't fool God. "For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known: Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops" (Luke 12:2-3).

Nor do we fool our family and friends. Teenagers especially are very attuned to hypocrisy. With this in mind, what happens when we tell the minister what a wonderful message he gave-then give our children a thorough lesson about how to criticize the sermon as we drive home? And what happens when we nod to all the words that are spoken from the pulpit, and yet live contrary to the message throughout the week? Obviously trust is weakened. And as it diminishes, resentment is sure to take its place.

What happens when our children hear us give a member-by-member critique of the congregation after Church services, yet smile and laugh with each member again next week? Are they learning to "love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, and to hold fast to Him" as we are instructed to teach them? (Deut. 11:18-23). Or are they really learning to despise us and even God's Church for the charade that we play?

Hypocrisy is hollow inside—and rotten. It devours our integrity—it poisons relationships. And it destroys our ability to serve as credible teachers. In the book of Job we read, "The hope of the hypocrite shall perish.... He leans on his house, but it does not stand" (8:13-15).

So improving our acting job won't really accomplish anything!

I Gotta Be Me?

How about this option? Why not stop putting on the "big show.” Just be yourself—do what comes naturally. If we enjoy smoking, it's hypocrisy to act as if we don't. So we should just light up—right? Or if we have an abrasive manner with other people, we should snub them at will—that's just our personality, right? They should just get used to it, shouldn't they? If only everyone would just let everyone else be themselves and stop being so hypocritical, this world would be better off. Wouldn't it?

Of course not!

Our human nature is destructive. It tears down others and eventually ourselves. We can look around us and see the proof of that fact, even if we don't believe God's words recorded in Jeremiah: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" ( 17:9). We can even deceive ourselves into thinking that doing what comes naturally will bring greater happiness and freedom: But it won't. It will instead ruin our lives.

So is there a better alternative? Absolutely. And though it may be the hardest road to follow, it's by far the best.

Become What You Were MEANT to Be

Our life doesn't have to be an experiment. Instead of testing dead-end alternatives, we can make the decision to really live the way of God. We can decide to do this with a conviction and sincerity that goes to the core of our being. This is the attitude Paul was talking about when he said, "Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth" (1 Cor. 5:8). With wholehearted conviction. Conviction to live by God's ways even though that means we have to change. And even though that means there will be a battle to fight for the rest of our life.

Paul wrote about his own personal struggle in the book of Romans. He said; "For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members" (7:22-23). He was convicted of the need to obey God. And he was aware of the pulls of the flesh that could turn him into a hypocrite if he gave in to them. There was no pretense with Paul.

Overcoming our flesh—overcoming hypocrisy—is a lifelong challenge. But if we are truly seeking God's ways, it's a challenge we must face. "Therefore, laying aside all malice, all guile, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious" (1 Peter 2:1-3).

The Days of Unleavened Bread were instituted to remind us to search out spiritual leaven in ourselves of which hypocrisy is a major type. It's an insidious agent that can permeate our character. And when it does, it hurts us. It sears our conscience and blinds us to what we really are. It destroys our credibility in teaching our, neighbors, brethren and even our children. When the actions of our political leaders don't match their words, '' we lose trust in them. When our pastor proclaims God's law from the pulpit, but lives a different way, we feel betrayed. Yet we act bewildered when our children show disrespect and cynicism toward us and the Church that we love. We forget that our actions also impact others. And they impact the ones closest to us the most. If our profession is a pretense, they'll see it—firsthand!

How dangerous is this leaven? We'd know the real impact if we could look back and see how many of our brethren, and how many of our children, have stumbled over the years because of our hypocrisy! It's our challenge to lead lives that mirror our profession of belief in God's way. The Almighty condemned the Israelites because they did not. He said, "These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me" (Is. 29:13).

There is a wealth of biblical information available today. Many more people can read the Word of God in more languages and versions than ever before. More commentaries, handbooks, atlases, dictionaries, lexicons and every other kind of Bible help are available than ever before. But the key—the humility to conform to God's character—is rarely seen. Instead, there is confusion and contention, strife and selfishness. Knowledge alone, then, is not enough. We need God's mind and His wisdom to be part of us. And that wisdom cannot coexist with the leaven of hypocrisy. Let's take to heart the words we saw earlier in the book of James: "For where envy and self seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing will be there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy" (3:16-17).

As we enter the Days of Unleavened Bread, let us put out the leaven of hypocrisy, and become unleavened-with sincerity and truth!

by Raymond F. McNair

Every day, we all see the results of sin: I headaches, heartaches, violence and crime of every sort, mental anguish, ignorance and poverty, sickness and death! The consequences of sin for this earth's six billion inhabitants are truly horrendous!

Nearly 6,000 years ago the first human parents, Adam and Eve, experienced the great joy of bringing their first child, Cain, into this world (Gen. 4:1). Not long afterward they were delighted when God granted them a second son, Abel (v. 2).

But family peace and tranquility would not last long. Their joy would soon be turned into deep mourning, as Adam and Eve sorrowfully buried their beloved son Abel, whom Cain had cruelly murdered. They were beginning to experience the hideous consequences of the way of sin!

Shortly before Cain murdered Abel, God told him that he needed to overcome the evil thoughts of envy and hatred he was harboring. "So Cain was furious and downcast [when he learned that God wasn't pleased with his offering]. `Why are you furious?' said the Eternal to Cain, `Why are you downcast? If your heart is honest, you would surely look bright? If you are sullen, sin is lying in wait for you, eager to be at you—yet you ought to master it' But Cain quarreled with his brother Abel...[and] attacked... and killed him" (vv. 5-8 Moffatt).

What God told Cain to do is what all must do—overcome temptation. The Apostle James gives the formula for overcoming: "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.... Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up" (James 4:7-10).

Before God Almighty created men and women He realized that, as free moral agents, they would probably choose to sin and would have to suffer the consequences. Therefore the Great God devised a plan of salvation for those who would sin against their Creator. The Father determined that He would later send His Son Jesus Christ to this earth to die for the sins of all mankind-thereby saving man.

What Is Salvation?

But why must we be saved? Just what are we saved from? The Apostle Paul tells us that man must be saved from "sin" and its consequences—"death.” Salvation can only come through God's grace—by His free gift of eternal life to mankind. No one can ever merit or in any way deserve immortality. Christ's death, of itself, does not give life; for we are not saved by Christ's death, but "by His life" (Rom. 5:8-19). Jesus' vicarious death on the cross pays the full penalty for all the sins of mankind (John 3:16). Additionally, man must receive the indwelling presence of God's Holy Spirit in order to receive eternal life (Rom. 8:9-14).

We humans must be saved because "all have sinned" (3:23), and "the wages [reward] of sin is death" (6:23). Isaiah says, "All we like sheep have gone astray [sinned].... And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all" (Is. 53:6).

However; Jesus Christ did not die to save us in sin, but from sin. The blood of Jesus only applies to man's past sins—it doesn't confer on man a license to sin in the future. But when man sins, and truly repents of those sins, then a loving, merciful God freely forgives all his sins through the shed blood of Jesus Christ (Ps.103:8-18; John 3:16).

According to the Bible, one can't be saved without , first being "converted," or changed, by being begotten anew (John 3:1-12; Acts 2:38-39). To be converted (Acts 3:19) means to have a total change of heart or attitude—from a carnal mind (the natural mind of the flesh) to a spiritual mind (Rom. 8:5-8). A spiritual mind is the result of God's indwelling Holy Spirit, the very mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5).

Seven Vital Steps to Salvation

What are the seven important steps necessary to ' achieve "salvation"?

1) Enlightenment. First of all, before man can be saved, his "carnal mind" must be enlightened or illuminated (Heb. 10:32; cf. John 1:4-9; 3:19-21; 2 Cor. 4:4-6). The Apostle Paul informs us that "it is impossible for those who were once enlightened... if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance" (Heb. 6:4-6). Furthermore, he speaks of "the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints" (Eph. 1:18). Man must have his mind opened to receive the light of God's law (Ps. 119:105). Man's heart must first be opened to receive God's Word, before his darkened mind can "see" spiritual truth (cf. Eph. 4:18). In other words, God must "draw" (John 6:44), or woo, the sinner to His way of life (v: 37). As long as man's "carnal mind" is unenlightened, he is helpless (Rom. 8:6-14): "There is none who understands [God's Truth]; there is none who seeks after God" (3:11).

2) Faith. The second vital step in overcoming sin is building complete faith in God (Heb. 6:1; 11:6), and in the perfect Sacrifice that He has provided mankind as a necessary "tool" in his struggle to completely eradicate sin. On the Day of Pentecost, many conscience-stricken Jews asked the Apostle Peter, "What shall we do?"—in order to be saved. Peter told them they must turn away from their sinful ways (repent), then be "baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:37).

Clearly, Peter urged them to put their faith in Jesus Christ, who had died for their sins. He also told them that it was only through Jesus' name that they could be saved: "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (4:12). Jesus Himself had previously revealed that He was the "door" through which we must enter the Kingdom of God (John 10:1-9).

Later, when an Ethiopian eunuch asked Philip the evangelist, "What hinders me from being baptized?, "Philip told him, "If you believe with all your heart, you may" (Acts 8:36-37). Believe what? The eunuch then assured him, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (v. 37). Before the eunuch had asked for baptism, Philip had "preached Jesus to him" (v. 35).

3) Repentance. How does genuine, godly repentance come about? Do we come to true repentance through our own goodness, wisdom or power? Or is repentance only by God's grace—the result of the working of God's Holy Spirit in man's mind? Even repentance is something that God must "grant" (Acts 11:18). This is usually done through the teaching or preaching of the Word via the media, or in person (Rom. 10:12-17).

Before one can receive salvation, he must genuinely repent of his sins (Acts 2:38; 3:19). To truly repent of sin means one must have "godly sorrow" for having sinned (2 Cor. 7:10; Ps. 38:18). He, therefore, resolves that with God's help he will not continue sinning in the future. The very first "doctrine of Christ" mentioned in Hebrews 6:1 is that of "repentance from dead works:'

Some sincere people believe in penance-rather than repentance. However, God's Word never mentions "penance.” Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary says that "penance... as practiced in Roman, Eastern and some Anglican churches... [is] something (as a hardship or penalty) resembling an act of penance (as in compensating for an offense).…” ("Penance," l0th ed.). But according to the Bible, no acts of hardship that we may ever perform can atone for our sins. Only the "blood of Jesus Christ" cleanses us from sin (1 John 1:7).

4) Justification-through acceptance of Jesus Christ as personal Savior. Since "all have sinned" (Rom. 3:23), and the "wages of sin is death" (6:23), how can you be forgiven your sins? How can your guilty past be made just— that is justified? As we have noted, the Bible clearly reveals that we must not only repent of our sins before baptism, but we must also accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior—realizing that only through the name of Jesus can man be saved (Acts 4:12).

Paul told the saints at Rome that they were "justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Rom 3:24; cf. 4:24-25; 5:1). Further, Paul told the Corinthians, "But you are washed... you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God" ( 1 Cor. 6:11 ).

5) Baptism by immersion. Notice that after repentance and acceptance of Jesus as personal Savior, one must then be baptized (Acts 2:38). The book of Hebrews tells us that "the doctrine of baptisms" is one of the fundamental doctrines of Christ (6:1-2).

But is it possible to be properly baptized by sprinkling or pouring? Or must the one being baptized be totally immersed in water? John the Baptist was chosen by God to baptize many thousands in order to prepare them for God's Kingdom (Mark l:l-8). Jesus Christ was Himself baptized by John—not because He had sinned, therefore needing to repent—but merely to set the proper example for others to follow (Matt. 3:13-15;1 Peter 2:21 ).

The Greek word baptizo means to "immerse" or "overwhelm." The Bible reveals that the believer must be baptized (immersed) in water. John's baptismal ministry occurred at the Jordan River (Mark 1:5), where there was "much water" (John 3:23). After Jesus was baptized, "He... came up immediately from [out of, KJV] the water" (Matt. 3:16). Furthermore, He said, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved" (Mark , 16:16). After His resurrection, He commanded His disciples, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them" (Matt. 28:19).

Later, when the Ethiopian eunuch was baptized, "both Philip [the baptizer] and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.... [And they both] came up out of the water" (Acts 8:38-39). According to the Word of God, baptism is always by immersion never by either sprinkling or pouring!

The Apostle Paul explains this further by saying, "We [are] buried with Him [Christ] through baptism" (Rom. 6:4). He also says that through this act of baptism we are "planted together in the likeness of his death" (v. 5 KJV). When something is either buried or planted, it is put completely into the earth.

6) Sanctification-receipt of God's Holy Spirit ' through laying on of hands. After repentance and baptism, God then "sanctifies" or sets apart the believer by granting him the most precious gift of all—His priceless Holy Spirit. Hebrews 6:2 says that laying on of hands is one of the major doctrines of Christ. After true repentance and baptism, God then promises to give the one , being baptized the free gift of His Holy Spirit "you ' shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). And Christ said, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts... how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luke 11:13). According to New Testament teaching, the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the hands of Christ's apostles or elders (Acts 8:17; 9:17; 19:6; 2 Tim. 1:6).

The Apostle Paul revealed that the "Gentile" Christians, like the Jewish disciples, were "sanctified by the Holy Spirit" (Rom. 15:16). "We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren... because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you" (2 Thess. 2:13-14). The Apostle Peter wrote to the "elect [Church] according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience..." (1 Peter 1:2). Through the indwelling presence of God's Holy Spirit, Christians are set apart (sanctified) for God's special blessings, including the ultimate gift of immortality.

A true Christian who has been sanctified must remain under God's grace, that is, in His favor—under His pardon. He must remain under the blood of Jesus Christ if he is ever to overcome sin. By so doing, he is then under "no condemnation" whatsoever! (Rom. 8:1). And after repentance, baptism and receipt of the Holy Spirit, the newly begotten child of God must then continue to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord" during the remainder of his Christian life (2 Peter 3:18).

Throughout the New Testament, we are exhorted to overcome. But what must we overcome? God's Word says we must overcome: 1) Satan; 2) this world/society; and 3) our weak "human nature.” But we can overcome only with the assistance of the indwelling presence of God's Holy Spirit. No one will enter the Kingdom of Gad unless he or she becomes a true "overcomer" of sin (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21; 21:7). Christ's Bride, the Church, is to be presented to Him "not having spot or wrinkle" (Eph. 5:27). Jesus Himself likened individual members of the Body of Christ (His Church) unto "branches" that must be connected to the main stem of the "vine," thereby receiving the spiritual nourishment (like the sap flowing through a vine into the branches) in order to continue growing, producing "much fruit" (John 15:1-8).

Paul told the Ephesians that God appoints apostles, evangelists, pastors and teachers "for the equipping of the saints... till we all come in the unity of the faith... to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ... [so that we] may grow up in all things into Him" (Eph. 4:11-16). The Christian's life is a time of spiritual growth and overcoming!

7) Glorification—putting on immortality—is the seventh and final step in receiving salvation (1 Cor. 15:53). The Creator's plan of salvation involves man's ultimate glorification in God's Kingdom. But it is only after a period of growing and overcoming that God will reward His people with the wonderful gift of immortality—if they are really willing to "seek" it (Rom. 2:6-7). Only then will man become truly glorified (Eph. 5:27; Phil. 3:21).

Nevertheless the "glorification" of God's saints is an ongoing process, which culminates in ultimate glorification—the putting on of immortality at the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:50-54). "But we all... are being transformed into the same image [of "His Son" Rom. 8:29] from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Cor. 3:18). Christians "have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him" (Col. 3:10).

The Word of God reveals that all humans are "His offspring" (Acts 17:28-29). Spirit-filled members of Christ's Body (Church) are even now God's very own "sons and daughters" (2 Cor. 6:18; 1 John 3:1-2). Even though repentant humans are now "mortal" ( 1 Cor. 15:53-54), nonetheless we already possess God's Holy Spirit, which imparts to us eternal life now (John 6:54; 1 John 5:11-12). We are highly privileged to be called "children of God" (1 John 3:1-2). The Creator made "man... a little lower than the angels" (Ps. 8:4-5), but it is His will, ultimately, to crown him with "glory, honor, and immortality" (Rom. 2:7). As glorified, immortal children of God, "we shall judge angels" (1 Cor. 6:3), and we shall forever be "His people.” Furthermore, as His divine "sons and daughters" (2 Cor. 6:18), we will then "inherit all things" (Rev. 21:7).

As God's truly born again sons and daughters, we "shall reign forever and ever" (22:5). Ultimate glorification will include immortality in God's eternal "Family"—His very Kingdom! In that eternal Kingdom, there will be no more sin, no more pain or suffering—no more destruction and death! As Daniel 12:3 says, God's sons and daughters will shine eternally as the sun and the other bright stars in the everlasting Family of God!