Table of ContentsGlobal Church News - November - December 1996 |
| Open Letter |
| Editorial by Roderick C. Meredith |
| Seven Lessons from the Book of Job |
| Make Your Election Sure! |
Dear Brethren and Friends,
What a wonderful Feast of Tabernacles we have just completed! During the first half of the Feast, my family and I had an inspiring and uplifting visit to the Lake of the Ozarks. Nearly 1,100 brethren were registered there. The weather in the Ozarks was almost perfect and the sermons, sermonettes and warm fellowship were all encouraging and uplifting.
Then we transferred to Clearwater, Florida. As we walked into the hall on our first day there, an absolute wave of exhilaration greeted us! The 1,140 brethren attending that site were in high spirits and very enthusiastic. It was truly inspiring to be there. Again, as in the Ozarks, virtually every sermon and sermonette had to do with the coming millennial rule of Jesus Christ, the Kingdom of God, or was directly focused on helping us to prepare in a specific way for our part in ruling, judging, teaching and blessing all the people on earth during the coming World Ahead.
After returning to San Diego, I compared my Feast experiences with dozens of our office staff and several ministers from the field. I feel I can definitely say that, truly, this was the BEST FEAST EVER in the Global Church of God! Many of the older members remarked that this was the best Feast of their entire lives.
Let me share with you a few of the many very encouraging comments about this year's Feast. A lady from the Clearwater, Florida, site writes, "'The best Feast ever. The sermons were powerful!" A couple commented, "Just a note to say how much we appreciate everything you do. We just returned from the Feast in Kerrville, Texas. The sermons and sermonettes were inspiring and the fellowship was wonderful. The facilities were outstanding and so were the activities. It was truly the best Feast ever." Another lady wrote, "My husband and I attended the Feast in Ventura and it was wonderful! It was the best Feast we have had in years. All of the sermons were so inspiring that we came home feeling so good about what we had heard and seen. And we like Ventura as a feast site. Thank you all who worked so hard to make it the `best Feast ever.'”
So we are truly thankful to God for His blessing, His inspiration and for the remarkable spirit of love and unity that prevailed throughout the Feast. A detailed account of this year's Feast of Tabernacles appears in the Global Village News section of this issue.
Since the Feast, I have had several meetings with our ministers and staff here in San Diego. A number of exciting new doors for preaching the Truth are opening up in Britain, continental Europe and elsewhere. We'll give you the details as soon as any negotiations are concluded, decisions made and the appropriate contracts signed. But the Living Christ obviously wants us to move forward in FAITH to do the Work.
How often I remember Mr. Herbert Armstrong driving himself on to do the Work even when he was dead tired, and when many around him were discouraged. His ringing declarations of faith and trust in God are something I have never forgotten. During the 1940s and 1950s, the Work of God was built on faith and perseverance. So I am encouraged when I hear that ministers not of our fellowship state, "I now see that the Global Church of God is the continuation of the Work Christ began through Herbert W. Armstrong."
Brethren, remember God's promise and exhortation to the Philadelphians: "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I come quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown" (Rev. 3:10-11).
God is testing all of us who are members of His Church. He wants to know if we are absolutely loyal to Him and to the Truth before He gives us eternal glory and power. He needs to know where we stand!
Would you turn aside if some trial or some feeling of jealousy or resentment came along? Would you fall away if some "newer" member, deacon or elder were put in your place of responsibility in the local congregation? Would you get your feelings hurt and begin to allow an attitude of resentment or bitterness to take over? What would it take to turn you aside?
We have just experienced a truly magnificent Feast of Tabernacles. But now that we're back home, Satan the Devil will try to get at each one of us. We must NEVER FORGET the Apostle Peter's inspired warning: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world" (1 Peter 5:8-9).
One of the devices that Satan uses quite effectively is gossip. The current environment provides fertile soil in which Satan can plant his seeds of destruction. Feeling the pain of separation from long-held relationships, hundreds or even thousands have found it vital to reach out to others who share in that pain. An elaborate communications network has developed among ex-members of our former association, who are scattered all over the world.
While such communication with those of like mind can be encouraging and comforting, it can also make us vulnerable to negative influences. Sadly, there are those who would take advantage of this avenue to spread gossip and rumor—often of the most bizarre sort.
The problem, of course, is separating fact from fiction. God tells us to "test the spirits, whether they are of God" (1 John 4:1). Hungry for "news," innocent people often grasp at every tidbit of information about the various branches of God's Church. In this pursuit they may read every leaflet, booklet or tract written by virtually anybody concerning the people of God. Some of these publications are virtually devoid of respectability and frequently contain virulent accusations against anyone doing a real Work.
Sadly, some find such "information" more exciting than fact. These misguided people literally feed on negative, accusatory and divisive stories. They fill their minds with so much of this twisted stuff that it eventually becomes difficult for them to think straight. Up becomes down and right becomes wrong. And they usually forget to follow Jesus Christ's instruction to look at the "fruits"—who is really preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom to the world? Who is heartfeltly warning our peoples with the Ezekiel message? Who is feeding the flock with the whole counsel of God?
Obviously, brethren, if people feed on disreputable spiritual junk food, they CANNOT HELP but be heavily influenced by it. Eating spiritual trash virtually DESTROYS faith and trust in what the Living Christ is doing. And, after filling one's being with all this negative stuff, many find that they don't have much time or mental energy left to feed on Jesus Christ as we are commanded to do (John 6:56-57). Therefore, such people usually end up confused, discouraged and distrustful of any minister of God.
Because much of the ministry went along for years and years with clearly heretical doctrines, the "spiritual junk-food" network now shouts out that any organized ministry is to be considered the "enemy" and thus mistrusted! Satan is extremely clever in DIVIDING the people of God. He is making it difficult for a powerful Work to be done by a unified, loving and responsive team of deeply converted people who keep their eyes on the ball.
As your brother in Christ, I urge all of you dear brethren to be on high alert for the schemes and machinations of the Prince of Darkness. He clearly sees that Global has picked up the mantle of Herbert W. Armstrong. He sees that we are beginning to do a really powerful Work, in addition to hanging onto the full Truth and feeding the flock with the whole counsel of God. Global is moving steadily forward in all of these areas. Satan sees that. Consequently, he is ANGRY So Satan will attempt to divide and conquer. He will try to get us upset with one another. He will attempt to instill a spirit of resentment or bitterness in brethren who are not praying and fasting, not humbling themselves before God, not keeping their eyes on the BIG PICTURE, which involves preaching the full Truth and really doing the Work. Satan will also try to get you distracted with some minor point of disagreement that often has nothing to do with directly keeping the commandments or doing the Work. Any distraction that he can put in your path to turn you aside suits him fine!
The Apostle James said, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:6-7). So it is up to each one of us to beseech God, daily, for the humility, the wisdom and the strength to successfully resist the Prince of Darkness.
As the end of this age approaches, Satan will intensify his attacks on the people of God. He will no doubt direct many of His attacks at our ministers and at me, personally. I have nothing to hide and hundreds of you older brethren, who have known me for decades, understand that. Nevertheless, Satan and his cohorts will undoubtedly start to accuse and accuse and ACCUSE me personally and some of our other faithful servants in the Work. Satan will no doubt accuse us of wrong motives, lying, being dictators—or most anything he thinks will upset the brethren and turn some away from the Truth. This will prevent us from being a unified family to really do a mighty Work of God.
Satan has always tried the tactic of divide and conquer on the people of God. Therefore, the Apostle Paul wrote the Corinthians, "For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you" (1 Cor. 11:18-19).
Yes, God has allowed "factions" to develop in His Church so that those in a divisive spirit may become apparent for what they are while the faithful brethren may also be "recognized." He needs to know where we stand before He makes us full members of His Family. For God the Father is fashioning and molding us and deeply desires to bring us into the full UNITY of the Spirit with Himself and with the Living Head of the Church, Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul exhorts us, "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the UNITY of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Eph. 4:1-6).
As long as it can be seen where the Truth is being preached and where the Work is being done, each member of God's Church should strive for that UNITY within the active body of Christ. "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints" (1 Cor. 14:33).
But again, Satan HATES that peace because peaceful unity enables God's people to do the Work. It enables us to prepare the way for Christ's return to this earth and the inauguration of His messianic rule, which will REPLACE the control Satan and his demons now have over this world's affairs. And this unity, this daily exercise of SUBMITTING ourselves to one another and to Christ, while learning the true lessons of teamwork, prepares each one of us for the coming Kingdom of God.
Satan can't stand this thought! And so, in a few years, Satan will make one last desperate assault on God and His throne. But Satan will be defeated and cast back down to this earth—resentful, bitter, hating the saints of God, who will soon replace him and his demons. "So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, `Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who ACCUSED them before our God day and night, has been cast down'” (Rev. 12:9-10).
Brethren, we need to fully recognize the nature of Satan the Devil—his greatest fears, his resentments, his tactics and his lying deceptions. Then we will be able to resist him more effectively. When an attitude of envy, resentment or bitterness begins to well up inside our minds and hearts, we all need to realize that this may be Satan's way of destroying our effectiveness in doing the Work of God and our opportunity to learn the lessons of humility, patience and teamwork, which God intends that we learn before we become members of His Kingdom.
You, then, will be faced with the challenge of seeing through Satan's schemes, keeping your eyes on the big picture and remaining faithful—NOT to me personally, but to the Church and the Work of Jesus Christ! For your sakes, not mine, I hope you successfully meet this challenge that I am sure will come in the years ahead. All of us must meet the challenge to never get bitter, to never turn aside from God, His Truth and His Church.
Now that we are back from a most inspiring Feast, I encourage all of you to carefully go over your feast sermon notes. Really study the Bible more than ever. Pour out your hearts in truly fervent prayer. The Kingdom that we have just pictured during the Feast of Tabernacles is coming SOON. Let's all zealously and thoughtfully prepare to be there—and to be an active part of the team Jesus Christ will use in His coming Kingdom.
Having just experienced a joyous Feast of Tabernacles, we in the Global Church of God must now move forward and spiritually grow more than ever before. God is opening—and will yet open—marvelous doors to help us get out His Message if we're truly yielded and surrendered to Him.
Each of us should compare himself to Jesus Christ on a daily basis. Are we really reflecting Christ's love and outflowing concern for our brethren and for all mankind? Are we growing in absolute faith and trust in God and in His ways? Do we have the love and courage to do what God says—even when it hurts? Do we regularly study the Bible so that we are saturating our selves with the mind of God—filling ourselves with His thoughts, His attitudes, His approach to everything in life? And do we pray fervently—daily on our knees—and talk with God and come to know God as an intimate friend and walk with Him on a daily basis?
Our mutual efforts in God's Work have an awesome potential! If we are sensitive to God's will and do the Work His way, He will no doubt use us to shake the entire Western world before this age is over. And we will have opportunity to witness, at least in a general way, to "all nations" regarding the coming Kingdom of God (Matt. 24:14). All of this may occur if we keep our eyes on the ball—on the BIG PICTURE—and do not allow ourselves to be distracted by Satan's devices and by his unceasing attacks and lying accusations.
God allows Satan to attack His people. And God Himself is testing us. For He has to know where we stand before He gives us eternal life and unfathomable glory and power in His everlasting Kingdom. The Apostle Peter was inspired to write: "For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now `if the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?'” (1 Peter 4:17-18).
As God looks down from heaven and clearly sees the thoughts and intents of my heart and your heart, what does He see? Do we use the hurts and upsets of the past as an excuse to become easily offended? Are any of us, perhaps unwittingly, allowing ourselves to get upset because some "newer" person comes to the Global Church and is appointed to assume our position as the host, or deacon or the holder of some other office? Will we allow upsets like that to take us right out of the Church that Jesus Christ is now using to preach more of His Truth and do more of His Work than any other?
Think about it!
How easy would it be for Satan to cause you to have a "root of bitterness" if you don't get your way in some interpersonal conflict with other brethren? Should any of us dare allow ourselves to get infuriated over local issues when we are in training to rule over ANGELS and the entire world under Christ? The Apostle Paul was inspired to ask:
"Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?" (1 Cor. 6:2-3).
Indeed, God is testing us in comparatively little things to see if we are truly surrendered to Him and will be responsive to His government—not only now but throughout all eternity. Jesus said to a zealous servant, "Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities" (Luke 19:17).
We all need to back off and realize that whatever opportunity or responsibility we have in this life, it is incredibly tiny compared to the magnificent glory and power we will have in the World Ahead—if we truly humble ourselves before God and are willing to learn all the required lessons.
The Apostle James instructs us: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the TESTING of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (James 1:2-4). Indeed, we are all being tested by God through trials and upsets, which He certainly allows to happen. Will we keep our head on straight? Our attitude positive? Will we exercise the patience and the FAITH to wait on God and to keep right on serving Him and our brethren even when our feelings are hurt or when our personal goals or aspirations seem to be taking a back seat? Can we realize that even if our present jobs or positions are given to someone else for a time, God may be using this test to prepare us for a FAR GREATER opportunity to serve?
Let us always remember Psalm 119:165, which was a favorite of Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong: "Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.” You see, if we truly LOVE God's law and our genuine attitude is one of giving, helping, serving one another and WORSHIPPING our God—then we should be slow to get bitter or upset about some comparatively minor problem. But if we have a chip on our shoulders, or if we are carefully maneuvering and lusting for power, then any real or imagined mistake in the behavior or decisions of our brethren or the ministry may be used as an excuse to leave the active Work of God and do our own thing.
So, again, God is testing all of His people to see if they will truly submit to His kind of government, if they will follow the "whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27) and if they will zealously DO the Work (Matt. 28:19-20). God is allowing trials, upsets and personality clashes to occur to see if each of us is truly CONQUERED by God—if we are patient, humble and submissive to our Maker. God cannot afford to have a whole group of potential "Satans" around in His Kingdom—just waiting to be offended; just waiting for their chance to take over and challenge even God Himself as Satan did (Is. 14:12-14).
As King David, let us all pray: "Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the just; for the righteous God tests the hearts and minds. My defense is of God, who saves the upright in heart" (Ps. 7:9-10). God is certainly testing the hearts of His people all over the earth today. Let us all be sure our motives are pure. Let's make sure our hands are clean. And once we see by the fruits where God is working, let us zealously follow the Apostle Paul's inspired words: "Endeavoring to keep the UNITY of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Eph. 4:3-6).
by John H. Ogwyn
We all have them. Some of us even seem to have more than our share! The Apostle James tells us to count them all joy, but, as we know, that's easier said than done.
After having experienced what seems to have been an exceptional Feast, we've all had to come back to living life in today's world. The World Ahead isn't here yet and we have to cope with the here and now. Part of that involves dealing with the pressures of life-trials and tests.
Let's ask what many might think is a silly question. What exactly are trials and tests, anyway? Also, why must we face them and why should we be told to count them a joy? Is there a right way and a wrong way to approach trials?
The Greek terms rendered "temptation," "trial" or "test" in the New Testament are all closely related. They are derived from peirazo, which means "to test," "try" or "put to the proof," and from peira, meaning "to attempt" or "to know by experience." Another word, dokime, meaning "to test the genuineness of something," is also used. This latter term is found in 1 Peter 1:7 where the testing of our faith is compared to assaying the quality and purity of gold.
The book of James tells us that tests (peirasmos, 1:2) have a purpose. They are the process by which the genuineness of our faith is determined (dokime, v. 3). Throughout this process, the quality of steadfast character is developed!
We are not only told that we must undergo many tests throughout this life, as indeed all humans must, but we are also given a pattern to follow in handling them. Let's face it. It's hard enough to maintain a decent attitude when you are going through troubles that you know you brought on yourself. But what about things that are patently unfair? Humanly, we all bristle at the idea of unfairness. If one doesn't seek to retaliate and even the score, it seems almost, well, unAmerican!
Notice what the Apostle Peter tells us: "For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer for it, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: `Who committed no sin, nor was guile found in His mouth'; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously" ( 1 Peter 2:19-23). The English word "example" in verse 21 is from upogrammos meaning "a writing copy." It was a term used for a child's copybook. The child, in copying every stroke of every letter, learned to reproduce the writing of the teacher. Christ is to be our pattern. We are to seek to reproduce His approach to life's difficulties as closely as possible.
Besides Christ's example, James 5:9-10 cites the prophets as worthy of consideration when it comes to handling trials. Most of the prophets of God suffered for their faithfulness. In addition to them, the Patriarch Job is pointed out in verse 11 as an outstanding example of steadfast faith in the way he handled severe trials. The book of Job is the story of a normal human being who is beset by misfortune and suffering. Let's look at the specific lessons we can learn about responding to trials as revealed in the book of Job.
One of the most overwhelming things about a severe trial can be the sense of isolation. We want to make sure that God knows because when He finds out, surely He'll do something about it! In Job l we are given a behind-the-scenes look at events of which Job was completely unaware.
God, however, was very much aware of Job and of the wholehearted obedience he sought to render. In fact, God Himself called Satan's attention to Job. Christ reminded His disciples in Luke 12:6-7 that God, who even takes detailed note of the sparrows, is much more deeply interested in the affairs of His own children. The Father is aware of everything about us down to the smallest detail. Even the hairs of our head are numbered!
When we are struck with personal tragedy or persecuted for obedience, we can be sure that God knows. This is vitally important to keep in mind to counteract the sense of isolation and loneliness that will often beset us at such times. "No one understands what I'm going through," we think. But Jesus Christ does! We have a faithful High Priest who was tested in all ways like us and is therefore able to empathize and give us the needed help (Heb. 4:15-16).
Though Job couldn't begin to understand why all of these things were happening to him, he knew God was aware of it. He did not react, as Satan had predicted, by cursing God. Rather, Job told his wife, "Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" (Job 2:10).
The story recounted in chapters 1 and 2 makes us privy to actual conversations between God and Satan! When we begin reading the book of Job we learn that, while God allowed Satan to afflict Job, He set limits beyond which the devil couldn't pass. From the start we know there are limits to Job's trial, and we know what those limits are. Initially, God restricted Satan from harming Job's health. Later, He allowed Job to be personally stricken, but insisted that his life be spared. In all of this we have an advantage over Job. At the time he was going through adversity, Job knew nothing of the conversation between God and Satan. He knew nothing of any limits God had pre-imposed upon his trial.
When we find ourselves in the midst of great adversity, we must always keep in mind that there may have been a similar "behind-the-scenes" conversation regarding us. God has established the limits of our trial, but we just don't know what those limits are!
What we as Christians experience isn't generally time and chance. The devil doesn't "sneak up" while God's back is turned. God is involved in every test that we undergo and He has established preset limits beyond which Satan cannot go. Neither the duration nor the intensity of the trial is completely open-ended. Ultimately; God is in charge!
This is perhaps one of the hardest lessons to keep in mind. Job wanted God to vindicate him in the eyes of his friends. People ridiculed him (30:1, 9) and that can be hard to take. When Elihu began to answer Job on behalf of God in chapters 32 through 37, he pointed out that Job had been wrongly focused during much of his trial. In Job 33:12-22, Elihu explains that God instructs and chastens in various ways. God has His reasons for how He deals with us. And sometimes they are beyond our understanding.
Job was so certain of his innocence and of the injustice of his afflictions that for a long time he was unable to see beyond that. He tried to defend himself from the false conclusions of his friends and in so doing was unable to see areas of needed growth in his life.
Again, God has reasons for allowing whatever happens—though we are often at a loss to fathom what they are. In our trials and tests, James encourages us to ask God for wisdom (James 1:5). If we do so in faith, He will surely give it. Whatever the trial or test, there is always growth that can be achieved. Even Jesus Christ Himself learned by the things He suffered (Heb. 5:8). God wants us to grow. Therefore, we must undergo periodic pruning to stimulate that growth (John 15:2).
Humanly, we like everything to be neatly pigeonholed. We want the world and the events in it to make sense. But in trying to give an explanation for everything we sometimes miss the point. This is the way it was for Job's friends.
The first of Job's friends to speak was Eliphaz. He declared, "Remember now, who ever perished being innocent? Or where were the upright ever cut off? Even as I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same" (4:7-8). Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar, Job's three friends, were all sure that Job must have had some dirty secret at the root of his newfound troubles. They "knew" there had to be a reason. So, they badgered poor Job to confess this suspected secret sin.
Job knew there was no great hidden scandal in his life engendering his trials. He was defensive in the face of his accusers, but he also wondered—"Why?" One of the difficult things for us to accept is that many of the sufferings we go through simply can't be neatly categorized. The why is often elusive. Bad things don't only happen to bad people. Job recognized that many times the wicked live to reach old age and even appear to prosper (21:7-13).
There are many whys that we will never know in this life. Acceptance that the why may prove elusive sets the stage for a fifth vital lesson from the book of Job.
Job was in despair. His whole life had been turned upside down. He had lost his wealth and his loved ones in a series of sudden calamities. Now his health was gone too. Why? Job was deeply frustrated because he couldn't make sense out of his trials. Yet in the depths of perplexity and despair he made one of the most profound declarations of faith recorded in the Bible: "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" (13:15).
In Job 19 we read the words of anguish that poured from Job's lips. "Know that God has overthrown and put me in the wrong, and has closed His net about me.... He has walled up my way, so that I cannot pass, and He has set darkness upon my paths.... My kinsfolk have failed me; and my familiar friends have forgotten me.... I am repulsive to my wife and loathsome to the children of my own mother" (w. 6, 8, 14, 17 Amplified Bible). Yet even at this low point of anguish and bewilderment, Job declares his heartfelt trust in God. "For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth.... I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself' (vv. 25-27).
Job understood the truth of the resurrection. "If a man die, shall he live again?" Job asked. He went on to record the divinely inspired answer. "All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come" ( 14:14 KJV). Job knew that God would call and that he would answer and come forth from the grave, because God would have a desire to the work of His hands (v. 15).
It's relatively easy to trust God when things are going the way we like them. When the world around us makes sense it's fairly easy to believe God is in charge. But what about when things turn upside down and inside out? It is in the midst of such perplexity and anguish that faith in God is most needed.
One of the things Satan never understood about Job was his motive. Satan thought Job only served God because it was to his advantage here and now. He was convinced that if God removed blessings and protection, Job would curse and revile Him. But that wasn't true. Job loved God and served Him out of sincere devotion. He trusted God even when he was feeling abandoned. This lesson of steadfast trust is one of the most important aspects of character we can gain from any trial.
Life can often seem unfair. There are those who make no pretense of serving God and yet they seem to be doing well. There are others who are genuinely trying, but they are experiencing many difficulties and setbacks. What we have to keep in mind is that this life is temporary.
Job noticed that there were wicked men whose "houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them. Their bull breeds without failure; their cow calves without miscarriage" (21:9-10). Yet he realized that wasn't the end of the story. In verse 30 of the same chapter, Job said, "For the wicked are reserved for the day of doom; they shall be brought out on the day of wrath.” Even though it may seem that life isn't fair, God is a God of justice.
Ultimately, it is in the resurrection that God will reward the righteous and punish the wicked. However, there are many times when even in this life events can make a sudden shift. The conclusion of the book of Job reveals, "Now the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning" (42:12). In the long run, there are blessings for obedience—entrance into the Kingdom of God is the greatest of all blessings—and curses for disobedience.
Many public schools in the United States promote and graduate students regardless of what they've actually learned. But God doesn't operate that way. He is the great Teacher who is preparing us for a role in His Kingdom and He insists that we learn our lessons properly. It was only when Job began coming to grips with the lessons that God wanted Him to learn that he began emerging from his period of great trial.
God focuses on the bottom line. He wants us to become like Him. Job was an exemplary man but he had a flaw. The Scriptures say Job's problem was that "he was righteous in his own eyes" and that "he justified himself rather than God" (32:1-2). Ultimately Job emerged with a far deeper understanding of the Almighty as well as a deeper understanding of himself and his own human nature. "Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes," Job told God (42:6).
A vital lesson that all of us must learn in order to please God and to begin emerging from a trial is that of mercy and forgiveness. Job's friends were miserable comforters. Regardless of their motives, they were a great part of Job's trial. Yet notice the turning point when Job began to emerge from his great adversity. "And the LORD restored Job's losses when he prayed for his friends" (v. 10).
Job came to really know God deeply, not simply to know about Him. He became a far more humble and compassionate man as a result of what he went through. Learning these lessons was the key to his emerging out of the dark shadows of life and into the sunlight once again.
Our trials can make us bitter or they can make us better! Which will yours do for you?
by Douglas S. Winnail
You are living in a truly remarkable period in the history of the Church of God. Critically important events are taking place! Can you recognize them? For many people the daily pressure of busy schedules and personal problems preoccupy their minds to the extent they don't really see the big picture. What about you?
You know that many things have changed in recent years. But the critical issue is whether you understand what is continuing to happen and why The answers to these questions are important and instructive because these are the days when a Christian must exercise vigilance to not be deceived! Far too many have allowed their faith to be shipwrecked on the shoals of cynicism and doubt. This article explores how you can make your calling and election sure, and how you can avoid losing your crown by being deceived by one of Satan's many devices!
Are you excited, frustrated or confused by the events occurring in the Churches of God today? The human tendency is to focus on the here and now and think that today has no historical precedent—that somehow we are in uncharted waters. Yet, when we step back to get a better view, some instructive and pretty incredible lessons from the past begin to emerge.
When God began working with Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong in the late 1920s and early 1930s, the Church he came in contact with consisted of small, scattered congregations. These small groups were doctrinally divided over such issues as church government, the dates for observing Passover, smoking, dietary laws, using "sacred names" and interpretation of prophecy. Under Mr. Armstrong's leadership this began to change, albeit slowly. From the 1940s to the mid-1980s the branch of the Church of God that Herbert Armstrong led could be characterized by doctrinal unity, remarkable membership growth and a worldwide expansion of the Church's activities. A powerful Work was done at that time.
But during the decade since Mr. Armstrong's death in 1986, incredible things have happened. Doctrinal changes have completely corrupted the institutions Mr. Armstrong founded. Former brethren seemingly couldn't return fast enough to the religious practices they or their parents once willingly left behind. Those choosing not to abandon the understandings Mr. Armstrong restored to the Church were forced to leave. The once-united Church fractured into, perhaps, over 100 different factions. Each group claims that God is leading, guiding and blessing its efforts—in some cases exclusively. The result is that efforts overlap and doctrinal positions are often in conflict among the groups. Some Church of God people have felt this is a positive development. Yet is God the author of such a confusing state of affairs?
The Bible clearly reveals that "God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints" (1 Cor. 14:33). The Apostle Paul firmly and openly admonished the Church at Corinth 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" (1:10). Paul chided them for running off in different directions after various would-be leaders and boldly stated that Christ is not divided (vv. 12-13).
Has the Church of God gone back to square one? Today's confusion often resembles the small, scattered and doctrinally divided congregations Mr. Armstrong encountered about 70 years ago. Many wonder what is going on!
To some outside observers these events may not seem remarkable or significant. However, when examined in the light of history and prophecy, these recent developments are astounding!
One of the most remarkable traits of the biblical Israelites was their tendency to willingly return to pagan beliefs and evil practices after God, in His love and mercy, had delivered them from those enticing but ultimately destructive falsehoods. Shortly after being freed, these one-time slaves began to lust for their former life in idolatrous Egypt (Num. 11:4-6). This national character weakness reappeared generations later when God raised up Gideon to break down the altars of Baal, rebuild the altar of God and deliver the Israelites from their enemies (Judges 6). The nation of Israel prospered under Gideon's leadership, yet "as soon as Gideon was dead... the children of Israel again played the harlot with the Baals" and went back to worshipping their false gods (Judges 8:33):
David and Solomon, as kings of Israel, pointed the nation to God and His law. But Solomon became unfaithful to God's covenant and His statutes in his old age so God decided to punish him by dividing the nation (1 Kings 11:9-11). God commissioned Jeroboam to lead the northern Ten Tribes and promised to build him an "enduring house" or dynasty if he would be faithful to Him (v.38). Jeroboam did lead a successful revolt against Solomon's son, Rehoboam, but he also took the Ten Tribes back into idolatry in a foolish attempt to consolidate his power. Jeroboam openly changed a major Holy Day that God had commanded to be observed "forever" to a different month ( 1 Kings 12:32-33; cf. Lev. 23:34).
It appears people willingly went along with this blatant violation of a direct commandment of God. Occasionally, a good king arose in Judah who pointed the people back to God, restoring a knowledge of God's Sabbaths and Holy Days (cf. 2 Chron. 29-31). But after the good, the evil always seemed to follow, plunging the nation right back into doctrinal heresy. This scenario is repeated several times in the books of Kings and Chronicles.
Despite claiming to be students of the Scriptures and desiring to follow God, many who have attended the Church of God for years are blindly following the tragic example of ancient Israel. The commandments of God, His Sabbaths, Holy Days and considerable biblical understanding are being abandoned as thousands willingly follow the pied pipers of supposed "new truths" back into the paganized Christianity out of which they were once called. History is repeating itself—right before our eyes!
Jesus clearly warned that many would be deceived as we approach the end of this age (Matt. 24:3-5 KJV). The writings of Paul warn of this same endtime doctrinal apostasy (1 Tim. 4:1-2). He describes a time when those who once believed "will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears [for some new truth], they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables" (2 Tim. 4:3-4). Paul reveals that God will allow many to be deluded "because they did not receive the love of the truth" (2 Thess. 2:10). Paul admonished the Church to "stand fast and hold to the traditions which you were taught" and to "continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have you learned them" (2 Thess. 2:15; 2 Tim. 3:14).
Both the tragic lessons of ancient Israel's history and the plain endtime prophecies warn repeatedly about what is occurring today right before our eyes. Yet, remarkable as it may seem, many are thrilled and excited by these "new" developments in the Church. They have forgotten Jeremiah's warning: `"The prophets , prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own power and My people love to have it so" (Jer. 5:31).
Perhaps you are wondering why God would let His Church be so troubled. God is using a refining process in His Work of preparing individuals to become part of His Family. This process is described in Proverbs. "The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the hearts" (17:3).
On several occasions Jesus stated, "Many are called, but few chosen" (Matt. 20:16; cf. 22:14). Many of those attracted to Christ by His message and miracles did not really understand what was going on! On one occasion Jesus openly said to His audience, "There are some of you who do not believe" (John 6:64). The result? "From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more" (v. 66).
Jesus was not trying to save the world then, anymore than He is trying to save the world today. But Jesus is working with those whom God is calling to prepare them to be born into His Family when He returns to this earth (v. 44; 2 Cor. 6:18). That will be the time when God will begin teaching all mankind the Truth (Is. 2:2-4). Those being trained and chosen now will assist Christ in this challenging task (Rev. 5:10).
Paul explained to the Corinthians, as they wrestled with divisive internal pressures, that there was only one foundation—Christ. "But let each one take heed how he builds on it.... Each one's work will become manifest; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire" (1 Cor. 3:10, 13). Whatever we build, doctrinally speaking, will be tried and tested by circumstances. If it crumbles we will suffer loss. If it survives the tests of time we will receive a reward (vv. 14-15). If we build carefully, holding fast what we have while enduring to the end, we will gain a crown (Rev. 3:10-11 ).
Jesus Christ is coming back to this earth as "a refiner and a purifier of silver" to "discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him" (Mal. 3:3, 18). God's refining process involves learning to make decisions under fire (1 Peter 4:12-13).
But how do we make it through this refining process? Is there a pathway marked with guideposts through the perplexing doctrinal dilemmas that confront God's people today? You bet there is! Two factors are of primary importance—keeping our eyes on the big picture and staying close to God. Without these we risk being swept away by clever counterfeits and duplicitous arguments.
In order to stay focused on the big picture we must keep the biblical mission and purpose for the Church foremost in our minds. Beware of attempts to compromise God's revealed purpose for His Church! Compare the mission statements of the proliferating off shoots of the Church of God with the Scriptures. Prove to yourself what the Church was commissioned to do by Jesus Christ (1 Thess. 5:21). If you carefully do your homework you will find a clear path out of the tangled forest of conflicting doctrinal claims.
The mission of the Global Church of God has been outlined in several articles that appeared in the July-August 1995 issue of the Global Church News. Dr. Meredith stated we are committed to preaching the "whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27) that the Church has taught for decades and centuries. Global is determined to practice, in spite of our flaws, the form of God's government outlined in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Such a means of governance will be instituted globally when Christ returns.
Our Work involves preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to this world and teaching God's way of life, including the Ten Commandments, Sabbath and Holy Days. The Church is deeply committed to warning the nations of this world about the coming judgment (Ezek. 33:1-7). Global is striving to prepare a people to reign with Christ, develop servant leaders, promote love for neighbors and strengthen family relationships. In order to accomplish this mission and be lights to the world (Matt. 5:14-i6), the Church continues to strive to recapture true values in all of these areas as outlined in the Scriptures (Matt. 17:11).
It should be eye-opening to realize that the stated mission of some groups does not include preaching the Gospel to the world nor recapturing true values! Some feel their role is exclusively limited to building an inwardly focused "Christian community"—an idea found in mainstream Protestant literature (see The Bible Speaks to You, Westminster Press, p. 201). Others feel their job is to right now bring everyone to Christ—despite what is written in John 6:44!
If we drift away from clear, biblical mission statements for the Church of God, then we will inevitably get lost in a wilderness full of conflicting doctrinal ideas.
Mr. Herbert Armstrong was used by God to unify His Church for decades. It should not be surprising that his death recreates conditions ripe for confusion, just like those of ancient Israel in the time of the Judges. The book of Judges records the tragic, but instructive, account of people who repeatedly lost their God-given mission (cf. Prov. 29:18 KJV).
The second vital element needed to make it through God's refining process is to keep your personal spiritual life on target. We've got to stay close to God. This requires regular prayer and study of the Word of God. Peter urges his audience to diligently "add to your faith, virtue... knowledge... self control... perseverance... godliness... brotherly kindness, and... love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:5-8). Lacking these qualities you become shortsighted, blind, unfruitful and useless to God (v. 9). This is why God says you must work diligently "to make your calling and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble" (v. 10).
The Apostle Paul urged the young evangelist Timothy to "stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Tim. 1:6-7). And of course a sound mind given by God is able to discern spiritual matters. Finding the path out of today's doctrinal wilderness certainly requires real spiritual discernment. This comes from staying close to God, carefully studying His Word. You will have to wisely use God's Spirit, your Bible and your brain!
When organizations crumble there is a need for pillars—individuals with a strong foundation, who can stand firm during trials. These godly individuals can help support others who may be weakened by such trials. We have been called to become pillars in God's government, which will be headquartered in Jerusalem (Rev. 3:12; Jer. 3:17). As pillars we will assist Jesus Christ in teaching God's way of life to all mankind (Is. 30:20-21 ). Pillars do not continually doubt their convictions. They are not constantly reopening and reexamining their "bag of beliefs.”
Navigating through periods of trouble requires strong leaders—tried and tested individuals who really know the way. Our calling is to blaze the trail through the wilderness of confusion so that others may follow safely. This will require a sound knowledge of the Word of God (Ps. 119:105). It will require lessons learned from real experience. We are in training for important roles in the Kingdom of God. The current situation is an opportunity for spiritual growth. Learning to help others is part of our basic training.
Jesus plainly told His disciples that leadership positions in His Kingdom will be given out in a very different manner from the way appointments are made in today's political systems. Jesus is looking for individuals who have a sincere attitude of service—who are servant leaders (Matt. 20:25-27). Those who seek to elevate themselves and gain notoriety will be disqualified. Only those who are able to follow the leadership of Jesus Christ and those He appoints will be useful to Him ( 1 Cor. 11:1 ).
Jeremiah prophesied of a time when many would claim to be God's servants, when in reality they were not. "I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran; I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied" (Jer. 23:21 ). Christ's own statements reveal that many well-meaning individuals will be surprised to find that they were not being led by God's Spirit, but only by their own desires (Matt. ?:21-23).
Probably the biggest need today in a fractured Church is for godly unity There is a definite need for individuals who can promote unity based on an understanding of the Truth—not on compromise. God's true body of believers will be of the "same mind" (1 Cor. 1:10). They will be united in belief and practice—not divided into bickering factions and hostile camps (cf. Eph. 4:3-6, 14-16).
True ministers of God promote unity in the flock—not division (vv. 11-13). Unity comes from having the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5). Unity comes from the humility required to subject our own desires to the direction of Jesus Christ, even as Jesus Christ subjected Himself to the will of the Father (vv. 7-8). Unity and peace are products of the government of God (Is. 9:6-7). Unity is undermined when everyone is doing his own thing. Divisive, sectarian ideas may claim God's sanction, but they are not of God. The fruits are telling!
We are living in truly momentous times. The Bible plainly reveals that Satan's goal is to divide and destroy the Church of God. He is a roaring lion that seeks to devour the unwary ( 1 Peter 5:8). If we are to escape his cunning deceptions, we will need to be aware of the prophetic significance of what is occurring right before our eyes. We will need to understand not only what is happening, but also why. If we remember the lessons of history we should not have to repeat the mistakes. This is why God has recorded so many examples in the Bible "for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come" ( 1 Cor. 10:11 ). God wants us to make our election sure!
In order to make it through this critical period in the history of God's Church we must keep our eyes on the big picture. We need to be meaningfully involved in, and deeply committed to, fulfilling the biblical mission of the Church. It is important that we maintain our spiritual perspective, grow as spiritual pillars by becoming servant leaders capable of promoting unity in the body of Christ. This is how we can make our calling and election sure! This is how we can be assured of being in the Kingdom of God!