Greetings from San Diego! I hope and pray that all of you had a wonderful Passover season! Many fine reports have now come in about the excellent sermons and fellowship during the Days of Unleavened Bread. Encouragingly, a number of "brand new" people are beginning to attend with us in the United States and Canada. Such early "fruit" is coming even though, as I write this, we have not yet been on TV even one full year! Once the telecast has been aired for at least 18 to 24 months on a number of stations, undoubtedly hundreds of new people will begin to request visits. We have much to be thankful for.

But how will these new people be received as they begin attending our local churches and video groups? Will they find warm, loving people who talk about God's way of life and about the coming Kingdom of God? Or will they find that at least a significant number of our brethren are still nursing wounds from the "battles" and hurts of the past; people who are constantly speaking out against other groups, against each other, against even the leaders of this Church, which they have supposedly chosen to support?

Dear brethren, I know that because the leaders of our former association violated the trust that many of you had placed in them, some of you have felt betrayed, disillusioned, even spiritually "raped" as some have put it. This is certainly understandable. It does take time to emotionally heal and to regain your former confidence in God and His human leadership. But will it take FOREVER? Of course not! Not if your attitude is right.

Remember this exhortation from the Apostle Paul: "FORGETTING those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you" (Phil. 3:13-15).

If we are spiritually mature we can learn to put past hurts behind us and go forward with ZEAL. We should realize that God did give us a way out of the dilemma of being surrounded with heresy in our former association. Remember, the Scriptures promise, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (I Cor. 10:i3).

The "way of escape" that God has given us is that He raised up the Global Church of God. Weren't you excited to hear the full Truth once again being preached to the world—first on radio within only six weeks of Global's formation and now on television? And, as a number of you have said, you noted that the vast majority of the older, "pioneer" ministers and administrators who had the courage to leave the ongoing apostasy chose to come to the Global Church of God!

So the Living Jesus Christ DID provide a "way of escape"! He did reveal to you a place to go. Yet some seem to have forgotten this, and they seem to have also forgotten that the senior men in charge of this Work have ALL demonstrated their loyalty to the Truth by resisting even the beginnings of the apostasy back in the 1970s. During the early i990s, some of us, already in our sixties, chose to give up job and retirement security, putting at risk any financial rewards that might be expected to come after a lifetime's labor—in order to step out IN FATTH to revive the Work of God and preach again the full Truth!

Brethren, Christ is still the Living Head of His Church. He did not resign. He did not retire. Have some of us somehow forgotten God's inspired words about Christ being the real HEAD of the Church? "And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all" (Eph. 1:22-23). Again: "And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence" (Col. 1:18).

As God looks down from heaven, he has seen fit to try and test His people through this recent apostasy. He wants to know where each person REALLY stands regarding the attitude of total surrender to Him, His government, His laws and His ways. As Mr. Herbert Armstrong often said, "God will NOT save any soul that He does not rule!"

Now, God sees that many of us responded to the recent apostasy by sincerely stepping out—in LOVE—to teach His Truth and to do His Work. But a number of people have apparently been malcontents all along. They have always been known—even to faithful ministers—as hardheaded or rebellious in various ways. Even in better times they did not, and apparently still do not, want to be part of a loving, harmonious team or extended family of God's people, gladly submitting to Christ's leadership in His Church: Why do they refuse to subordinate their own selfish interests for the common good and the furtherance of the Work of God? Sadly, some of these people always seem to have some ax to grind, something to gripe about or be upset about.

Sound familiar? It is familiar in all too many church areas! And it was familiar to the "church in the wilderness" under God's servant Moses. Moses was the most truly humble man on earth (Num. 12:3). And he was the only man God spoke with face to face, "as a man speaks to his friend" (Ex. 33:11). Still, too many Israelites were constantly "judging" Moses, criticizing his every move, always thinking they knew better. And many of them would talk and talk and TALK about their gripes and complaints in an effort to stir up others also.

Soon after Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, the griping began: "Then they said to Moses, `Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt?'” (Ex. 14:11). Later, when they ran short of water, they started up again: "And the people MURMURED against Moses, saying, `What shall we drink?'” (Ex. 15:24).

Still later, the Israelites complained because they wanted to eat meat: "Then the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. And the children of Israel said to them, `Oh, that we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger'” (Ex. 16:2-3).

Finally, Moses warned the people by showing who their complaints were really against: "Also Moses said, `This shall be seen when the LORD gives you meat to eat in the evening, and in the morning bread to the full; for the LORD hears your murmurings which you make against Him. And what are we? Your murmurings are not against us but against the LORD'” (v. 8).

Brethren, many of us have gotten into the HABIT of murmuring, complaining and "judging." Many are acting just like the carnal Israelites! But we're supposed to be a CONVERTED people who are filled with, and led by, God's Holy Spirit. God warns the Church, "Nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor murmur, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now all these things happened to them as EXAMPLES, and they were written for OUR admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come" ( 1 Cor: 10:8-11 ).

Brethren, I now want to address one aspect of this problem that has become far more widespread than I had realized—even though I previously wrote about it in the January-February GCN. This problem is the preoccupation that a number of our members seem to have with "international conspiracies," black helicopters and a supposed Jesuit infiltration of the Church. Before I address these ideas, let me say up front that I am not lambasting any of you who've been caught up in them—nor am I questioning your sincerity, your conversion or your zeal for the Truth. I am simply asking you to carefully consider what I'm saying.

There have always been conspiracies. But just who is conspiring and the motives involved are usually obscure. For a long time, a great number of people have attempted to tie together all kinds of events to paint a picture of a massive international conspiracy involving nearly everybody—yet one that almost nobody seems to know about directly. Whether the Trilateral Commission, the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), the Illuminati ("enlightened ones") or the fictitious "Inver Brass" of several Robert Ludlum novels, there seems to be no shortage of secret societies that covertly rule the world. Many think such groups are all branches of the same conspiracy—all controlled by either the Zionist "Jews" (who supposedly aren't really Jews), or the Roman Catholic Church or, mysteriously, both! Is this so?

The simple answer, brethren, is that we don't really know and we can't really know! But common sense ought to tell us that many of the scenarios that some conspiracy buffs concoct are really absurd. For instance, many of them claim that America's Founding Fathers—as freemasons—were trying to formulate a New World Order according to the design of the Illuminati (or "illuminized freemasonry"). Yet they quote Presidents Washington and Jefferson as being against the machinations of the Illuminati! This is totally contradictory. Conspiracy buffs also claim that the highest levels of freemasonry are the Knights Templar and the Knights of Malta—both Catholic orders. Therefore, they think the Catholics control freemasonry—and, thus, the Illuminati. But when you consider that most of the Founding Fathers were extremely anti-Catholic, this is all non sequitur—it doesn't follow! It is true that they wanted a "New Order of the Ages"—but only one in which America would be the shining "city upon a hill," an example of a God-fearing society for other nations to emulate. They wanted nothing to do with "Romanism."

Other things are also non sequitur. Conspiracy buffs argue that the Democratic and Republican parties in the U.S. are actually working together for the same goals. Their debates are supposedly contrived to take the public's focus away from the plotting going on between them. If that's so, then why are clearly internationalist agendas so often thwarted in this process? Also, if the media and publishing industries are all controlled by the conspirators, how is it that so many books and magazines denouncing the conspiracies line the shelves of bookstores? Why did Time magazine print a huge exposé on the collaboration between President Reagan and Pope John Paul II to overthrow Communism if that magazine is totally controlled by the Catholic Church, which denies the report? Moreover, why would the Catholics try to overthrow international Communism if it was their own invention—through the Bolshevik Revolution being instigated by the freemasons? And why did they promote a bipolar world (U.S. vs. USSR) that threatened humanity's very existence if their goal has always been a one-world system?

President Bush was really pushing us toward the New World Order. What happened? If he is such a powerful Trilateralist, and the conspirators control all elections, then why did he get voted out of office and replaced with someone less trusted to lead us in foreign policy? Just how powerful are the internationalists? Conspiracy buffs claim that the famous Korean Airlines flight 007 was shot down over the USSR because Congressman Larry McDonald—a voice in government against the schemes of the Trilateralists, CFR, Bildebergers, etc.— was on board. These same conspiracy hobbyists are quick to point out that Senator Jesse Helms then took up the cause against these groups. We should ask the following questions: If elections are really controlled by the conspirators, how did McDonald enter office in the first place? If they would assassinate him for his stance against them, why didn't they take out Helms also? And why didn't the CFR prevent Helms from chairing the Senate Foreign Relations Committee?!

Advocates of conspiracy theories could probably answer these questions. But sadly, that is because the typical conspiracy addict often has "an answer for everything"—that he rashly formulates to protect his pet conspiracy ideas. Many times, such a person has become so entrenched in this type of thinking that it is extremely difficult to face the possibility that his whole premise—upon which assumption after assumption has been heaped—is false. One favorite response is that the international conspirators have repeatedly acted against their own interests to foster the illusion that they don't have the power that they actually do. What an incredible answer! It can apply to anything that doesn't fit the scenario! With such reasoning, you can make any circumstance mean anything you want it to mean. Brethren, can we not see this? "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a SOUND MIND" (2 Tim. 1:7). We must use the "sound mind" that God gives us to evaluate the information that comes into our heads.

We must be especially careful because some conspiracy theorists are just out to make a fast buck. A recent evangelical prophecy magazine wrote, "No one doubts that the Patriot movement is big business. After all, someone who is convinced that the government is building concentration camps equipped with crematoriums and guillotines (with which to exterminate Christians and other nonconformists) will give liberally to keep the `New World Order' at bay. So exploiting the fearful among us can be quite profitable. According to Bob Brown, publisher of Soldier of Fortune magazine, one well-known Patriot apologist netted more than $300,000 during a two-year period by marketing her Waco and `black helicopter' videos" (Gary Hedrick, Midnight Call, "Is There a Global Conspiracy?," Jan. 1996, p. 30).

Am I saying that all the claims of the conspiracy advocates are false? No. Though some of their ideas are completely fabricated—totally wild and off the wall—other ideas they have may contain many elements of truth mixed in with a huge amount of error. Perhaps there really are black helicopters buzzing around all over the place. But notice this from the same magazine just quoted: "Most U.S. Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard choppers are painted a very dark, flat green that is difficult to distinguish from black even in daylight. There are thousands of them operating over the U.S. every day, especially on weekends when many reserve units are active. In the Southwest, some reports could be based on civilian sightings of U.S. Army Blackhawk UH-60 helicopters, operated by U.S. Customs or the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency), and commonly observed in states bordering Mexico. Sightings in the Southeast may well involve the Special Operations Unit at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, which trains for special missions with black, unmarked M-60 Blackhawks and MH-53 Super Sea Stallions. Also, the FBI s Hostage Rescue Team, a paramilitary counterterrorist/SWAT unit based in Quantico, Virginia, operates its own fleet of black-painted TF160 helicopters. These units routinely fly VFR (visual flight rules) at low altitudes, avoiding heavy traffic areas, so they are not usually tracked by the FAA. In any case, however, there is NO verifiable evidence that these aircraft are manned by hostile, foreign personnel in anticipation of a takeover of the United States (For more information about helicopters used by U.S. Special Operations units, see In the Eye of the Hurricane by Greg Walker.”) (p. 34). So the use of these helicopters may be quite legitimate. On the other hand, perhaps some of them are involved in illegalities. But why would we automatically assume this when there is no way to be certain? Again, let's be rational.

Some of you out there seem to think that I have never been thoroughly exposed to the conspiracy ideas. Otherwise, you feel, I would wholeheartedly embrace them. Well, I assure you I have seen plenty—since way back in the 40s! I have even subscribed to The Spotlight, a tabloid supporting these ideas, for a number of years. I believe there have been many conspiracies by all kinds of groups. But these groups—mostly rogue elements in our government—are motivated by personal ambition, greed and overriding self interest. They are not working with all the other groups in a huge international conspiracy. I believe such high level think tanks as the CFR and Trilateral Commission are not inherently evil. Many of those involved are probably motivated by a genuine wish to see a one-world government that will save our planet from self destruction. I'm sure quite a number are also there to promote their own careers. And I feel just as strongly that there are some people involved who have very evil motives. Far too many of our government officials are corrupt, though I would not accuse the majority of being this way—I simply don't know, and neither do you.

As I said, conspiracy information has been around for years. A number of people in God's Church have been caught up by it in the past—claiming that this is how we are to "watch" world events (Luke 21:36). Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong saw a lot of this same stuff and chose to ignore it—taking a much more balanced approach by focusing instead on the clear prophecies of Scripture and watching the general trend of world events to see them being fulfilled. In our broadcast and literature, we seek to emulate him. The Beast rising in Europe is not hard to see. The idea of a "United States of Europe" is often referred to in news magazines and newspapers. But many will complain that the news media is tightly controlled by the internationalists. Granted, there is a huge liberal bias in the press—but the real motivating factor in the media is profit. If a story will sell, and it can be supported by evidence, it will usually be run. And stories about government corruption always sell.

I firmly believe that there is an internationalist agenda at work in the world today. The economic and cultural creation of a "global village" and a "New World Order" IS going on all around us. But most of these efforts are doomed to FAILURE: We should really be watching for the rise of the coming European superstate. Of course, many will argue that concentrating on the conspiracy details is doing just that. They feel that the American government is going to beat its own people down into total submission and then just hand the reigns of government over to Europe. Yet this is contrary to Bible prophecy! Why? Think about it. If the reins of government were simply handed over to the Beast power, why would all major American cities have to be destroyed—probably by nuclear weapons (Ezek. 6:6)? Why would the power elite destroy all of America's wealth when they could use it for themselves and their goals?

The main type of union being sought in the world is economic. However, political and religious union are also widely sought after. There is no question that the Roman Catholic Church has its tentacles out all over the place, trying to influence world politics—as it has for centuries. Remember that, as Mr. Armstrong taught, this Babylonian mystery system will be the "glue" that holds the unstable European political union together. The Vatican is also heavily involved in promoting ecumenism to bring all "Christian" churches together—and even other religions. Often used in this ecumenical movement, because of their extensive training in Catholic doctrine and psychological tactics, are the Jesuits—members of the Society of Jesus, a Roman Catholic priestly order (the same ones who conducted the Inquisition). Because of the prominence of the Great Whore in prophecy, some of our brethren have gotten excited about some videos put out by John Osborne's Prophecy Countdown on "The Jesuit Agenda"—supposedly explaining what has happened to the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. By extension, they think this is also what happened in our former association. And now they think it is even happening here. What about all of this?

No real evidence is given of what these videos claim has transpired in Seventh-Day Adventism. Certainly, the changes are not nearly as substantial as what happened in our former association. And, of course, these videos get mixed up with every international conspiracy idea out there. Also, the videos say that psychological techniques such as neurolinguistic programming (NLP) were used there to hypnotize and brainwash everyone into embracing "love, love, love.” We should point out that even if that is so, it doesn't mean this was done by the Jesuits—even if the method is identical to their own. Anyone can find books on this stuff and learn to do it. I believe this is what happened in our former association. The Jesuits did not infiltrate it. Two young rebels, resentful of Mr. Armstrong, decided to change everything from the inside. It's true that they went outside to get help—but they wanted to lead people astray long before that. One of them was quite boastful about his psychological schooling and cleverness early on. So did he know about and use NLP? Quite probably. But that doesn't mean he got it from the Jesuits.

The idea some of our brethren seem to have is that the Jesuits are trying to combine all of the Sabbatarian churches into one group, then combine this conglomeration in with Protestantism—and then combine everyone into Roman Catholicism. I have seen no real evidence of the first step. Sabbath-keeping groups would seem to be pretty small potatoes in the eyes of the internationalists. Why should they waste their time on such a tiny portion of the population? If this agenda had been at work in our former association, it would have joined with all the other Sabbatarian churches before becoming Protestant. So the "Jesuit agenda" was not at work there, and it certainly is not at work here! Brethren, I saw what those guys were up to at our former association. And I believe that, if our headquarters were being infiltrated by people with similar ideas, I would notice and would not let it go on.

Some people think that we want to join up with the United Church of God and other groups—as part of the Jesuit agenda. In fact, Messrs. Carl McNair and Larry Salyer have been accused of this. That's ridiculous. Mr. McNair has been deeply hurt that ministers he knew well and loved did not come here to Global, where the Work of God is being done. And when Mr. Salyer went to the "Jubilee," sponsored by "Friends of the Sabbath," it was not to try and join us up with other groups. It was to let people know where we stand. If people from another group ask one of our ministers to come and preach to them, our policy is normally to have that minister do so. However, we do not swap pulpits. We will not let someone from outside Global come and preach sermons to our people on the Sabbath. We would like those in United with the right spirit and attitude to recognize that Global is where God's government and Work are and to come with us. I think I can safely say that no one here at headquarters wants to just join us up with United—especially at the expense of our doctrines, evangelistic efforts and government. Still, we must recognize that there are many sincere brethren there that we can have limited fellowship with, so we should be careful of their sensitivities. This doesn't mean we can't discuss our disagreements with them. We certainly can, but let's use Christian warmth and tact.

Some see Dr. Samuele Bacchiocchi as part of the "Jesuit agenda"—that his appearance in our magazine was part of this ecumenical movement. That's false. We should not have referred to his materials the way we did, but we were not advocating all his views. I think we understand God's Holy Days far better than he does, though he may know better some technical points as a scholar. We can refer to him in the same way we would a Bible dictionary. What is really bizarre is that some of you think that Dr. Bacchiocchi's acceptance of the Holy Days is a sham—that he's done this for now to get in good with us so that later he can tell us why we should not keep the Holy Days. That's completely absurd. In doing so, he is now convincing many Seventh-Day Adventists, who haven't kept the Holy Days (as they should not, according to the Jesuit agenda), to begin keeping them. That's crazy if he eventually wants them to not keep them. He would be acting completely CONTRARY to himself! Of course, the conspiracy addicts can always answer this with their catchall response.

Some of these conspiracists may end up in the federal penitentiary after their conviction as conspirators! And it will be their own fault. For many people in these groups-like the so-called "Freemen"-start making their own laws and disobey the laws of the land. They print bogus checks. They refuse to pay their income taxes. And then, when they are indicted as lawbreakers, they cry, "Government Conspiracy!" It is a self-filling prophecy. They bring it on themselves by their own lawless conduct.

In Jesus' name, I ask all of you brethren to consider what GOD has to say about all of this. The Apostle Peter wrote, "Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men-as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as servants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king" (1 Peter 2:11-17).

Now the Apostle Paul taught, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you .must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law" (Rom. 13:1-8).

Dear brethren, God's instruction to us is VERY clear. We are to be "lights" to the world. We are to be noted as kind, loving, SERVING people who serve our friends' and neighbors—NOT as paranoid fearmongers who won't pay their taxes and worry about black helicopters!

THINK! If I am God's servant and this is the human headquarters of a true Work of God, why aren't black helicopters hovering around my home? Why aren't they hovering around our headquarters in San Diego? Yet they AREN'T! And I have yet to find any of our ministers who have ever noted black helicopters supposedly watching their homes!

The truth is that a lot of this conspiracy stuff is due to overheated human imagination and emotion! Frankly, the REAL conspiracy is the attempt of SATAN, our true adversary, to distract and confuse God's people and get their minds off obeying His law (and the laws of the land!), doing His Work and LOVING God and their fellow humans—including government officials! If Satan can get all of us to be suspicious of civil leaders, suspicious of the human leadership Christ has placed in His Church, and negative and hateful to one another as well, he will have accomplished his purpose. Satan will then have confused and DIVIDED the people of God. And he will have severely damaged or DESTROYED our ability to work together as a loving, cooperative family to do the WORK of the Living God!

We must NOT let Satan succeed!

So I hope all of you will continue to pray and fast for the love and UNIT'Y that we must have in the Church of God. With ALL your hearts; please ask God to help those caught up in a spirit of rebellion or antagonism to REPENT and once again be an active, loving part of the body of Christ. Ask God to help a1l of us to constantly humble ourselves, to be sensitive to His will, and to truly "walk with God"—right into His soon-coming Kingdom.

Top of Page     Bottom of Page

Reflecting on the current problem in the Church, which is discussed in my lead article in this issue, it is evident that much of the problem involves our use of the tongue. We have all got to be more careful in what we say!

It seems that several individuals out in the field churches have become "information centers" to the rest of the Church. They probably pride themselves on this. Apparently not having much else to do, they spend a LOT of time on the telephone—or in writing letters and messages—relaying the "news."

But what kind of news do they pass along? Well, when they were in the process of coming out of our former association, the news was all bad. They became excited about the opportunity to pass along little tidbits of information or gossip about "what doctrines are they going to change next," "who is going to leave and go with such and such a group," etc.

Then, perhaps in a renewed first love as they entered Global, they probably talked about how wonderful it was once again to be able to meet with brethren faithful to the Truth and to be part of an active Work. BUT, as time went along, this positive talk was not as "new" or exciting as that old gossip circuit had been. So now they are back at the old routine of "evaluating," criticizing and condemning.

True, there is not nearly as much to criticize as before—and most of them will admit this—but, since we're all still human, you can always find something to criticize. Right?

The point is, brethren, God tells us over and over to be VERY careful how we use our tongues! God's inspired Word tells us, "In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise" (Prov: 10:19). The key instruction here is to STOP talking so much. Too much talk turns into gossip. And, to be "exciting,” most gossips get into the realm of criticizing and condemning the object of their gossip—even condemning their fellow brethren or the ministry of Jesus Christ!

Notice: "There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health" (Prov. 12:18). How easy it is to CUT DOWN our fellow members and Christ's chosen ministers and thereby cause confusion or deep discouragement to those hearing you "evaluate" the servants of the Living God. But who appointed YOU to "evaluate" God's servants and criticize their words; actions and policies in carrying out the Work of God?

Yes, you should observe their "fruits" (Matt. 7:20). If God's ministers in this Work are faithfully preaching the fundamental truths of the Bible and if they are zealously preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to the world, WHY are you criticizing them? As the proverb says, such criticism indeed comes across like "the piercings of a sword"!

Some have felt a need to express their "concerns" about the Work. If any of you have such concerns, what should you do? First of all, you should—if possible—discuss these concerns with your local pastor or elder Or, in some cases, write them up and send them directly to us in San Diego. No, we will NOT get all upset if you let us know what you think we could improve. I have acted positively on several concerns expressed by the brethren, and I'm sure our other ministers have as well. And you should take these concerns also to God and to Jesus Christ—the LIVING Head of the Church. For, if your heart is right, He will hear and He will intervene.

What you should NOT do is spread negativism and division throughout the Church by becoming a lightning rod for all kinds of "concerns" you or others may have about government conspiracies, whom we invite to speak at special lectures, proposed new doctrines and other such matters. Discussing this kind of "concern" only makes you a NEGATIVE influence—discouraging some of Christ's "little ones" who may not be fully grounded in the Truth. And, perhaps unwittingly, you become one who is causing DIVISION in the organization Christ is primarily using to do His Work.

Do you think God is pleased with this?

Again, we all need to be more careful what we say! "He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction" (Prov. 13:3). I sincerely hope that none of you will DESTROY your opportunity for eternal life by the misuse of what you say by tongue, pen or computer

Top of Page     Bottom of Page

by Jeffrey H. Patton

Today, throughout the Churches of God, there has arisen some debate on calculating when Pentecost should be observed. "You shall count seven weeks for yourself; begin to count the seven weeks from the time you begin to put the sickle to the grain. Then you shall keep the Feast of Weeks to the LORD your God with the tribute of a freewill offering from your hand, which you shall give as the LORD your God blesses you" (Deut. 16:9-10).

As The Anchor Bible Dictionary notes, "The festival [Pentecost] is unusual among holidays in the Hebrew Bible in several respects: it is never assigned a precise date" ("Festival of Weeks," vol. 6, p. 895).

Because of this lack of a specified date, a variety of interpretations about what the Scriptures really mean have historically pestered those who take an interest in the Word of God. "`And you shall count from the morrow after the sabbath [Heb. mimmahorat hashabbat], from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven full weeks shall they be, counting fifty days to the morrow after the seventh sabbath.' The day for starting the 50-day count is the one when the omer [the wave sheaf] was waved, but, since Leviticus gives no exact date for it, by implication it does not identify the date for the Festival of Weeks. The ambiguity of the phrase `from the morrow after the sabbath' was later to occasion lively debates about the correct times for presenting the wave offering and observing the holiday" (pp. 895-896).

Can the Church of God at the threshold of the 21st century prove its doctrine, which it has held for 25 years, that Pentecost should be observed 50 days after the weekly Sabbath during Unleavened Bread—rather than always celebrating the Feast of Weeks on Sivan 6?

In Deuteronomy 16:9, the Hebrew word for weeks is shavuot. According to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (7620), this word carries the meaning of "seven, period of seven days or weeks, a week." Shavuot is a plural noun, which is usually translated "weeks.” The singular form, shavuah, just means "a week.” (All English transliterations are into the modern Hebrew pronunciation as presently spoken in Israel.)

By itself, shavuot just means a collection of seven-day weeks. The word does not have reference to, or link to, any particular, set day of the week. This is a major reason why the Pharisees could allow themselves a scriptural interpretation that would permit them to offer the wave sheaf on the day after the First Day of Unleavened Bread (a "high," or "annual," Sabbath day), which could fall on a variety of different days of the week—but would always be the same Hebrew calendar day: Nisan 16. Consequently, since the Pharisees started counting the 50 days to the Feast of Weeks on the day (Nisan 16) after the first Holy Day of U.B. (Nisan 15), they always celebrated this festival on Sivan 6 because there are 50 days from Nisan 16 to Sivan 6. The day of the week that Sivan 6 fell on was, obviously, unimportant in this line of interpretation.

However, clarification of a scripture's intent must be logically arrived at by going from general terminology to more specific terminology. The Bible sows its details here and there. All the testimony about any particular subject must be understood together to arrive at the Truth.

Crucial detail is provided by Leviticus 23. Citing the Jewish Publication Society's The Holy Scriptures According to the Masoretic Text (considered the authoritative Hebrew text), "And the LORD spoke unto Moses saying: Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them: When ye are come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring the sheaf of the first-fruits of your harvest unto the priest. And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you" (vv. 9-11). Please note this important detail. The Lord set no specific date. It was left as "when ye are come into the land.” The timing of when the Israelites were to enter the Promised Land was left to God's sole, and then-future, determination because He gave the Israelites their marching orders (Josh. 1:2).

Continuing verse 11, "On the morrow after the sabbath [mimmahorat hashabbat] the priest shall wave it.... And ye shall eat neither bread; nor parched corn, nor fresh ears until this selfsame day, until ye have brought the offering of your God; it is a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the day of rest, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the waving; seven weeks shall there be complete; even unto the morrow after the seventh week shall ye number fifty days" (vv. 11-16). Moshe A. Braun in his book The Jewish Holy Days translates mimmahorat hashabbat as "on the day after the first day of the Passover holiday" ("Counting the Omer," 1996, p. 319).

There is a problem with these two English translations. Jay P Green's The Interlinear Bible, which gives a literal rendering, says that mimmahorat hashabbat means "on the morrow of the sabbath" (p. 109). Hashabbat is a combined word, having the definitive Hebrew article ha, meaning "the,” and shabbat or sabbath. To say "the day of rest" may be a nice descriptive paraphrase, but is not literally accurate; while to call it "the first day of the Passover holiday" is to color the word with a prejudiced, inaccurate interpretation.

Similar inaccuracies in the JPS translation exist in this verse for: 1 ) "seven weeks" for shevah shabbatot, literally "seven Sabbaths" as the NKJV renders it; 2) "seventh week" for hashabbat hashvi'it, literally "the seventh Sabbath,” according to T he Interlinear Bible. The clear, literal understanding of the Hebrew words refer to beginning our counting ON the day after a weekly shabbat and numbering "seven Sabbaths perfect" (seven weekly Sabbaths) or "they shall be seven perfect Sabbaths; to the next day after the seventh Sabbath," as The Interlinear Bible puts it.

The question then arises: "Why should we start counting from a weekly Sabbath during Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread?" Evidently, the Dead Sea scroll sects started their count to Pentecost on the day after the first weekly Sabbath, FOLLOWING the Days of U.B. (cf. Anchor, p. 896).

But the practice of those Dead Sea sects is plainly wrong. Joshua 5:10 says, "So the children of Israel camped in Gilgal, and kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at twilight on the plains of Jericho. And they ate of the produce of the land on the day after the Passover, unleavened bread and parched grain, on the very same day Now the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year'' (Josh. 5:10-12).

Some Bible versions such as the KJV have inserted the adjective "old" before "produce of the land" to insinuate that the wave sheaf had not yet been offered, but the word "old" is not in the text and those who insert it are coloring this scripture. Plainly, that Passover of Joshua was on a weekly Sabbath and the wave sheaf was offered early on the following day of the week (Sunday). One piece of evidence comes from the food they ate. Leviticus 23:14 prohibited the eating of "bread, or roasted grain [qaliy] or new grain" before the offering of the wave sheaf (Interlinear, p. 108). Strong's defines qaliy (7039) as "roasted ears of grain: parched corn," and notes this word is from qalah, the word listed under number 7033. Joshua 5:11 says the food they ate after the Passover was "unleavened bread and roasted (grain) [qalui case-ending form of the noun qalah]"! The Strong's number for qalui is also 7033! Qalah mean toasted, roasted, parched or shrunk by heat.

Does the Greek Bible or New Testament support a Pentecost reckoning from a weekly Sabbath during the Days of Unleavened Bread rather than counting from Nisan 16, the day following the first annual Sabbath during U.B.?

One of the strongest pieces of evidence comes from the format of Jesus' crucifixion week. Most people assume that Jesus was killed on a Friday, buried before the weekly Sabbath and raised on Sunday. This is an erroneous idea! Matthew 28:1 says, "Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb." The word "Sabbath" is mistranslated as being in the singular in this verse. The word is in the plural! The Interlinear Bible renders it, "After the sabbaths, at the dawning into the first of the sabbaths" (p. 760)!

This is an incredible verse that many do not correctly understand. There were two Sabbaths occurring between Jesus' death and resurrection. All the gospel accounts support the fact that Jesus was killed and entombed on Nisan 14, just before the beginning of an annual Sabbath, the First Day of Unleavened Bread when many of the Jewish community ate the Passover meal (cf. Mark 15:42; John 18:28). That makes one Sabbath. The other second Sabbath of crucifixion week is proved by Matthew 28:1 and the activities of the faithful women who sought to perform a last service to their slain teacher

Mary Magdalene witnessed the death of Christ about 3 p.m., Nisan 14 (Matt. 27:46); observed Joseph of Arimathea hurriedly entomb Jesus (vv. 57-61); bought and prepared spices the day following the annual Sabbath with which to anoint Jesus' body (Mark 16:1; Luke 23:56); rested on the weekly Sabbath during Unleavened Bread (Luke 23:56); came to the tomb after these two Sabbaths to anoint Jesus' body (Mark 16:2-3). Is this scenario possible? In 31 A.D., Nisan 14 was on a Wednesday. The first Holy Day of U.B., Nisan 15, was on Thursday. Friday was a regular work-preparation day used for buying and selling. Nisan 17 was a weekly Sabbath and Nisan 18 was the following first day of a new week. This allowed the Scriptures to be fulfilled: "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth" (Matt. 12:40).

What does this have to do with Pentecost? The resurrected Jesus Christ met Mary Magdalene early the first day of the week. But; "Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father, and to my God, and your God'" (John 20:17 KN). The word "touch" in Greek is hapto and it means "touch, take hold of, hold someone or something" (Ralph Earle, Word Meanings in the New Testament, 1991, p. 95). Why did Christ tell Mary not to touch Him? Because as the spiritual wave sheaf, Jesus Christ had not yet presented Himself to, and been accepted by, the Father.

The resurrected Christ was the first of the firstfruits of the earth. "You shall bring the sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest. He shall raise the sheaf before the LORD, that you may find acceptance" (Lev. 23:10-11 NRSV). Shortly after His meeting with Mary, Christ ascended to the Father and then returned to earth to meet some of His disciples, "And they came to him; took hold of his feet, and worshiped him" (Matt. 28:9 NRSV). Having fulfilled His specific sacrificial duties at the heavenly altar of God, obviously Christ was now free to resume His intimate contact with humans.

The Apostle Paul wrote of Him, "But now Christ has been raised from the dead; He became the firstfruit of those having fallen asleep.... Christ, the firstfruit" (1 Cor. 15:20, 23 Interlinear). In Colossians 1:15, Paul again calls Him "the image of the invisible God, the Firstborn of all creation" (Interlinear).

This takes us back to the point of counting towards Pentecost. The second part of Matthew 28:1 literally reads "at the dawning into the first of the Sabbaths" (Interlinear). On the first day of the week, the resurrected Christ's ascension as the wave sheaf marked the beginning of the count towards the "seven perfect Sabbaths" before Pentecost when the disciples would receive the Holy Spirit.

Now Sivan 6 in 31 A.D. was a Friday. But the disciples had to wait till Sunday, Sivan 8: "And in the fulfilling of the day of Pentecost, they were all with one mind in the same place" (Acts 2:1 Interlinear). The Greek word for "fulfilling" is sumpleroo: Strong's 4845, "to implenish completely, i.e... (of time) to accomplish, (pass. be complete):—(fully) come, fill up." Pentecost wasn't fully come on Friday, Sivan 6—the day kept by the Pharisees. The disciples had to wait two more days till Sivan 8 that year, an exact count of 50 days commencing with Christ's ascension to the Father as the true wave sheaf.

The time to start counting toward Pentecost is after the first weekly Sabbath during Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread, according to the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures.

(For further information regarding Pentecost, request our reprint articles, "Pentecost" and "Christ Is the True Wave Sheaf.").

Top of Page     Bottom of Page

Secrets of Spiritual Survival

by Douglas S. Winnail

Down through the ages Christians have battled the forces of darkness. Our modern era is no exception. Dramatic doctrinal changes and erupting divisions have traumatized and devastated God's people. Thousands have been hurt and confused. Some are dazed and shell-shocked and are finding it difficult to cope with the reality of what has happened. Others have retreated into small, isolated groups, unsure of where to turn for help and direction. Many have been disillusioned or even turned off from religion by the hypocrisy and deceit they have witnessed. Their love of the Truth has been dampened or extinguished. They are casualties in a spiritual war. Perhaps you have experienced this trauma as well.

As tragic as they are, these recent events can also be instructive and eye-opening if we have "eyes to see and ears to hear." Vital lessons are clearly visible through the flames of destruction that have ravaged the body of Christ—the Church. Answers are available to the haunting question: "How can I avoid becoming a casualty?" Those answers, however, will only be of value if they are understood and utilized!

In this article we will examine several secrets of spiritual survival that can help you weather the destructive storms that Christians encounter on their challenging journey toward the Kingdom of God. God is faithful and has provided a "way of escape" (1 Cor. 10:13) through the tangle of confusion and despair spawned by "doctrinal wars.” These secrets are clearly revealed in the inspired pages of the Scriptures.

Your Calling-No Accident!

The first secret you need to deeply understand is that your calling was not accidental! It was not something you did or decided for yourself. The Bible makes this quite clear. Although great multitudes followed Jesus, He only called a few disciples just 12 to begin with (Matt. 4:25; 10:1). When His disciples asked Him why He spoke to the multitudes in parables, Jesus responded, "Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.... Blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear" (Matt. 13:1 l, 16).

Jesus stated, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him" (drags, calls, gives him the desire to come to Me—see various translations of John 6:44). The Scriptures indicate that we do not, of our own accord, choose to become Christians. God calls us for this opportunity. Numerous passages in the Bible confirm this fundamental teaching. The night before He was crucified, Christ prayed for those God had given Him out of the world. He did not pray for the world at large at that time. In fact, He knew that the world would hate and persecute the few He would call in this age (John 17:6-19). The Apostle Paul stresses the same point in his first letter to the Church at Corinth when He observes, "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" (1 Cor. 1:26-27).

When called, we are given a capacity to see an understand the "mysteries of God" (1 Cor. 4:1). These include the purpose of life, the plan of salvation, the true Gospel of the Kingdom of God and the meaning of prophecy. The Bible reveals that the world at large is not being called now to have this same understanding, but instead has been blinded and deceived by Satan and his forces of darkness (Rev. 12:9). If you realize that you have been called and given this precious knowledge an special opportunity, don't treat it lightly! Don't let it slip away! Don't be deceived into believing something else! Work diligently and eagerly—do all you can—"to make your calling and election sure" (2 Peter 1:10).

No Free Rides!

The second secret of spiritual survival is that there are things you must do! The journey to the Kingdom of God is not a free ride. The concept of "once saved always saved" is not biblical and promotes a false sense of security. A calling is not a guarantee of salvation. Just "giving your heart to the Lord" does not give you eternal security.

Jesus Christ said, "Many are called, but few are chosen" (Matt. 22:14). The parables—where similar statements are found—clearly indicate that not everyone who is given the opportunity to see and understand the "mysteries of God" will avail himself of it and, thereby, be chosen to participate in the Kingdom of God.

In some ways a calling could be likened to trying out for a sports team. Many hear about the opportunity and show up to try out. However, only a few are actually chosen to be on the team. Why? The Bible clearly indicates that those chosen will have developed certain qualities of character. When called, a person may be weak in many areas. Nevertheless, such a person is expected to spiritually grow and persevere. Jesus said, "He who endures to the end will be saved" (Matt. 10:22). We must show staying power—a determination not to quit when the going gets tough.

Those who become discouraged in trials and turn away from the Truth will not be chosen {Luke 9:62). Only those who follow Christ's example, obey the commandments and receive those who are sent by God will enter His Kingdom (Matt. 19:16-19; Mark 9:37). Only those who take time to build carefully upon a solid foundation that is able to withstand trials and tests will be given the reward (Matt. 7:24-27).

Paul plainly states that not everyone who runs a race will receive a prize and that even he (an apostle!) could become a castaway, if he gave into temptation and failed the inevitable tests (1 Cor. 9:24-27). The Scriptures reveal that those not chosen lack a strong motivation—they lack a deep commitment to, and understanding of, their calling. They tend to be distracted by the "cares of this world," which they see as being more important (Matt. 13:18-22). They fail to develop a real attitude of loving service to others and are more interested in attaining positions of power (Matt. 20:25-28). Individuals who turn their backs on their calling or refuse to adopt the standards of the Kingdom of God (as revealed in the Word-of God) will not inherit that Kingdom.

Spiritual War

In order to survive spiritually we must recognize the true nature of the struggle we are involved in and the methods employed by the enemy. The Bible reveals that Satan and his "forces of darkness" are the adversaries of Christians ( 1 Peter 5:8). Their goal is the destruction of Christian lives. Their tactics include spreading lies, sowing discord among the brethren and creating confusion and division (John 8:44; 1 Cor. 14:33).

Satan's human agents use rational-sounding philosophy and arguments to deny the clear thrust of Scripture and lead the unwary astray (Col. 2:8). They appropriate the name of Christ in their attempts to deceive, appearing to be as harmless as sheep while they are actually wolves that prey on unsuspecting Christians—especially those that are weak or confused (Matt. 24:4-5; 7:15).

The war we face is not physical, but spiritual. The primary battleground is your mind. Satan's goal is to gain access to, and control over, your mind by using deception, lies, confusion, appeals to your vanity and physical desires. He tries to turn you against, or away from, God's way of life—hoping you will forfeit your calling to be part of God's Family. To be in the Kingdom of God we must recognize and resist these dark forces by strengthening our minds and "bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5). But how is this done?

Know That You Know

One of the biggest challenges a Christian faces when doctrinal wars and divisions erupt is separating the Truth from reasonable-sounding arguments that lead to errors. This requires strong convictions and spiritual discernment. These are fruits of the Holy Spirit, which are developed in us as we yield to God's will and commit our lives to Him. In a letter to the young evangelist, Timothy, Paul said, "God has not given us a spirit of fear [lack of conviction], but of power [strong conviction] and of love and of a sound mind [able to discern]" (2 Tim. 1:7).

Conviction and spiritual discernment, however, do not just suddenly appear in our lives after repentance and baptism. These, like other fruits of the Spirit, grow and develop as a result of being exercised and utilized (v. 6). Conviction is the final product of proving and testing all things and holding firmly to what is right and true (1 Thess. 5:21).

Discernment develops from carefully checking statements and positions with what is plainly revealed (by the Holy Spirit) in the Scriptures, like the people of Berea did in Acts 17:11. When you encounter individuals or groups that do not speak according to the Word of God, it is because there is no light in them (Is. 8:20). They are not being led by God's Spirit. Adherence to Scripture, then, is the acid test to be used for proper discernment.

"Use the Force, Luke!"

In order to fight—and win—spiritual battles, we must choose the right weapons. The key spiritual weapons are described in Ephesians 6. Some are defensive pieces of armor such as the breastplate of righteousness, which is a knowledge of the commandments of God. Others are offensive weapons such as the sword of the Spirit, which involves a sound knowledge of the Word of God.

The Bible clearly reveals that God's Holy Spirit enables those who are called to begin to understand the real meaning of Scripture (1 Cor. 2:9-10). Those who are not called and do not have access to that Spirit will not be able to understand the Bible. It is the secret Force of the Holy Spirit that teaches and guides us. It is the Holy Spirit that enables real Christians to recognize the true shepherds of Christ's flock who are teaching God's true way of life. Those who do not have the secret Force or have not learned to use it effectively will not recognize the Truth when they hear it (John 10:27).

In the movie Star Wars, the lead character, young Luke Skywalker, learned to use a spirit-like power called "the Force" to defend himself and defeat his adversaries. He was, however, flesh and blood and his natural tendency was to use physical strength. It was not until he learned to use the Force that he became an effective warrior—what the movie termed a "Jedi Knight." As such, he had to practice and hone his battle skills (his use of the Force) to prevail against his enemies.

Real-life Christians are in a similar position to this fictitious hero. God gives a secret Force of truly awesome potential—the Holy Spirit—to those who are called and make a commitment to Him. Properly understood and used, the Holy Spirit enables Christians to be spiritual survivors. But they must understand what it can do and how it is to be used. Then they must actively use its power in their lives! It cannot work for them unless they do their part. To have the Force strongly, Christians must follow the directions God has provided in His Word to "exercise" the Holy Spirit.

The Bible reveals that God gives the Spirit to those who repent and are willing to follow His instructions—obeying the commandments—rather than their own ideas (Acts 2:38). If a person begins to compromise with or ignore God's commandments, he begins to quench or extinguish the Spirit (1 Thess. 5:19). Paul urged his readers to stir up the gift of God's Spirit and to renew or refresh this inner force on a daily basis (2 Cor. 4:16). The Holy Spirit is strengthened and nourished by regular prayer, Bible study, fasting and meditation on the Word of God—by staying plugged in to the "power-source." A major secret of spiritual survival is having this Force strongly with us at all times. To quench the Spirit is to court disaster!

The Essential Focus

The final secret of spiritual survival involves setting the right priorities in our lives. Our natural tendency as human beings is to focus on the physical and material aspects of our lives—the short-term, the here and now—all of which fail to bring lasting satisfaction an are destined to perish (Matt. 6:19). Jesus, however, urged His disciples to take a long-range view of life an focus on those things that are of permanent and lasting value—the spiritual and the eternal. A Christian who is being led by God's Holy Spirit has learned the value of setting his or her heart on things above—on goals an values that transcend the physical here and now. Truly converted people, strongly influenced by the divine Force, know they are to "seek first the kingdom of Go and His righteousness" (Matt. 6:33).

Jesus' own example is instructive. He consistently focused on the most important things in life. As a 12 year-old, He felt a burning mission that He must be about His Father's business (Luke 2:49). This include not only learning and expounding the Scriptures, but obeying the commandments (in this case honoring His parents). Later, during His earthly ministry, Jesus asserted, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work" (John 4:34). He also commented, "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work" (John 9:4). On the night before He was crucified in the presence of His disciples, Jesus stated, "I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was” (John 17:4-5). Jesus was a spiritual survivor because He obeyed God, was nourished and led by the Spirit, anf kept His priorities straight. His heart was in the Work He was given to do. Jesus stayed focused on the missions that mattered.

If we are going to survive and avoid becoming casualties in the spiritual battles we face, our focus must be on the Work we have been given to do. Our personal challenge is to grow spiritually in the knowledge of God's ways (2 Peter 3:18), to be lights to a darkened world by how we live and interact with others (Matt. 5:14-16) and to prepare to participate in the coming Kingdom of God. Our collective mission as a Church is to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom of God "in all the world as a witness to all the nations" (Matt. 24:14) and to "make disciples of all the nations... teaching them to observe al things that I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:19-20).

If our hearts are in the Work, and if we understand and apply these secrets of spiritual survival, we can avoid becoming casualties of spiritual warfare. The next time you face a struggle, like the young hero in the movie, remember to "use the force, Luke"---God's Holy Spirit! ·

Top of Page

GCN Home Page

Magazine Home Page     Denver Home Page