Dear Brethren and Friends:

We are fast approaching the joyous autumn Festival season. It is almost time for four of God's commanded annual Festivals to be observed. We true Christians today are "pioneers." We have the tremendous opportunity to set the pace—to wholeheartedly keep these vital Holy Days and learn the lessons God wants His future leaders to know.

Let's fast-forward into the future. We see a magnificent procession of human leaders in the World Ahead—representing all nations—descending upon Jerusalem. Although their titles and even the languages they speak will be changed by then, let's say that the prime minister of China will be there. He will have an impressive entourage. For he will no doubt be representing hundreds of millions of people.

As the vast crowds of people notice his entourage making its way toward the Temple Mount, they will also be attracted by the sight of the leader of Russia. Sweeping in from another angle may be the prime ministers or presidents of India, Egypt, Pakistan, Brazil and of ALL other nations. As they make their way to the assembly point—the place where the leaders of all nations come to WORSHIP the God of Israel and to KEEP the FEAST OF TABERNACLES—the throngs of other pilgrims will be buzzing with excitement.

At that time there won't be any arguments about whether or not to keep the Feast. There won't be any clever "reasoning" about whether God's people are commanded to keep any of His appointed Feasts.

And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, on them there will be no rain. If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the LORD strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles [Zech. 14:16-19].

The Great God who says, "I do not change!" (Mal. 3:6) will soon teach the entire world His plan and His purpose. Although the exact manner of observing the Passover and the other Festivals has been changed, the profound meaning of these Feasts remains. In fact, in the coming millennial rule of Jesus Christ, He is apparently going to literally "drill" the physical Israelites on the rudimentary principles of worship—principles their ancestors drifted far away from learning or observing.

In the last chapters in Ezekiel, we find detailed instructions for the human leaders of Israel to obey in the coming World Ahead: "'Then it shall be the prince's part to give burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings, at the feasts, the New Moons, the Sabbaths, and at all the appointed seasons of the house of Israel" (45:17).

Notice how, a few verses later, God commands the observance of the Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread: "In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, you shall observe the Passover, a feast of seven days; unleavened bread shall be eaten" (v. 21).

Then, clearly describing the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles "on the fifteenth day of the [seventh] month," God gives further instruction about relearning basic spiritual lessons during the Festivals. Clearly, all of these commanded, divine assemblies are to be observed in the 1,0000 year rule of the Living Jesus Christ (v 25). Yes, we certainly are pioneers! We need to prepare to KEEP these commanded Festivals now so that we can be there then to help teach and train BILLIONS of human beings in the true ways of the Creator God.

Remember, brethren, how the Passover pictures the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins: "For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us" (l Cor. 5:7). Know also how the Festival of Unleavened Bread clearly teaches us to get rid of sin: "Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new-lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth" (vv. 5-8).

The Apostle Paul commanded even the Gentile Corinthian Christians to observe these Festivals. Coming to the Feast of Pentecost, we see that it was observed not only at the beginning of the New Testament Church (Acts 2:1), but throughout the apostolic era. In Acts 16:13, we find the Apostle Paul waiting until a special Sabbath—literally the "day of weeks" or Pentecost—to preach his first sermon in Europe. Later, Paul was "hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost" (Acts 20:16). Finally, about 25 years after the first New Testament Pentecost, Paul wrote the Ephesians, "But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost" (1 Cor. 16:8).

Paul planned to observe Pentecost with the mainly Gentile Christians of Ephesus. Obviously, these commanded Festivals were NOT merely days for the Jews to worship on. They are for ALL of God's people clear on through the Millennium as we saw in Zechariah 14!

Pentecost, you remember, pictures the fact that we today are merely the "firstfruits" of God's spiritual harvest (Ex. 34:22; Num. 28:26)—-another vital aspect of the plan of God. How glorious it is that we, brethren, are called by God now to have the opportunity of preparing for His soon-coming Kingdom and of participating in the first resurrection, the "better" resurrection (Heb. 11:35).

The Autumn Festivals

Then come the final four Festivals, picturing the wrap-up of the final events in the great plan of God. First we have the Feast of Trumpets—symbolizing the cataclysmic upheavals and wars leading up to and climaxing in the seventh trump—the Second Coming of Christ. The Bible makes it clear that Christ will return at the seventh trump: "Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, `The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!'”(Rev. 11:15).

We need this God-given Festival to remind us—to "prod" us—o be alert and constantly preparing for that last trumpet. Those who water down or who refuse to observe these Festivals are going to lose sight of their real meaning. Therefore, they will lose sight of the very plan and purpose of their Creator!

Next comes the Day of Atonement. This solemn day clearly represents the banishment of Satan the Devil just after Christ's return. For the goat which is called Azazel—the adversary—is led into a desolate place and let go there far from the people of God whom he has been deceiving (Lev. 16:21 ). And the man who led the goat there—though a goat is normally a "clean" animal—that man was to wash his entire body as if he had touched something filthy.

From this and other scriptures, we learn that Satan has his part in our sins. Christ died for our part in sin—NOT for the part of the unrepentant Satan! So he must be "led away"—or put in the "bottomless pit" by an angel—UNABLE throughout the Millennium to pervert or deceive God's people and the nations (Rev. 20:1-3).

Finally, we come to the magnificent Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day. In the Old Testament, the Feast of Tabernacles is also called "the Feast of Ingathering at the year's end" (Ex. 34:22). At that time, it pictured the great fall harvest in Israel—the gathering of the crops and the worshipful rejoicing over the harvest that GOD had given His people.

Today, this Feast obviously represents the spiritual harvest of God. It pictures the time when BILLIONS will have an opportunity for salvation during the 1,000-year rule of Christ and the saints. It foreshadows a time when, "They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth shall be FULL of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea" (Is. 11:9).

For us today in the Global Church of God, it should also picture the time when we will be teaching, training, serving and RULING over the nations of this world under Jesus Christ (Rev. 2:26). If we are accounted worthy of the first resurrection, we will even be judging ANGELS! (1 Cor. 6:1-3).

So all of our training and participation in God's form of government in His Church today—and all of our detailed study of His laws, statutes and ways—all this will help prepare us to literally administer God's government and His laws over the entire earth in the World Ahead! Truly, we are in training now to prepare for RULERSHIP in the soon-coming Kingdom of God. We must never lose sight of this vital aspect of our calling!

At the end of the Feast of Tabernacles, we find in God's Word another solemn occasion—a one-day celebration—yet joined with Tabernacles as it comes on the eighth day (Lev. 23:36). It provides the final climax of God's plan as pictured by His Holy Days. By its very placement and solemnity, this day must picture the time of the "Great White Throne" described in Revelation 20:11-12. For it is the time when ALL who have ever lived or died will have a genuine opportunity to learn the precious Truth of God and to be saved.

This Great White Throne Judgment will NOT be a second chance. The Bible makes it clear that the VAST MAJORITY of humans during this age have been blinded by the invisible Satan, "who deceives the whole world" (Rev. 12:9). This awe-inspiring final phase of God's plan shows the ultimate wisdom and MERCY of God. For all of those deceived BILLIONS of human beings down through the ages will be given life again. They will have their eyes fully opened to the Truth. They will have an opportunity to make an intelligent decision about whether to accept Christ's sacrifice and God's rule over their lives. God tells us in His Word that He is "not willing that ANY should perish but that al! should come to repentance" (2 Pet. 3:9).

Therefore, the overwhelming majority of people who have ever lived will no doubt choose life. They will want to fulfill their ultimate destiny by becoming members of God's Family. Finally, then, after real repentance, growth and overcoming, they will join all of us who enter the glorious Kingdom of God—serving our Creator not merely on this earth, but perhaps even throughout the vast universe!

The rich and transcendent meaning of God's true Holy Days is incomparably superior to that of the worldly religious holidays observed by today's "pseudo-Christian" society. God's Festivals picture the awe-inspiring plan of the true God. And they describe the will and the future activity of our true Savior—the resurrected Jesus Christ who will soon return as King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev. 19:16).

Brethren, let us prepare zealously to keep the Feast! Let us determine to HONOR our Creator and our Savior more than ever in these coming autumnal Holy Days that He has commanded for His faithful people to observe with rejoicing!

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Probably most of you reading this have heard my two sermons on Galatians. I tried to be very technical and very specific—literally "drilling" the listeners on the ways modern preachers so often pervert Paul's writings. Why?

Because during the years I was in a sort of "exile" in Glendora, California, I determined that if I ever got a chance again to help lead God's people I would strive with all my heart to ensure that they would not be fooled again. I was literally sickened—as were many of you—by the cunning twists of reasoning that were used to undermine the truths of God.

I then realized, far more deeply than ever before, how important it is that we in God's Church really PROVE what we believe. And that we become more alert to the subtleties of human logic. Today, people are confused not only about the Bible, but also about the fundamental lessons of history and about basic human decency versus the ungodly values and lifestyles that are so often promulgated for profit by businesses and the media.

The media's corruption of our youth, throughout the Western world including God's Church, has been devastating. Our kids are daily subjected to a politically correct brainwashing of evil ideas such as homosexuality being perfectly okay, sexual promiscuity being normal and abortion being an acceptable way of taking care of "inconveniences." Absolute godly values are out. Situation ethics (doing what feels good or looks right) are in.

Throughout my 30-plus years of college teaching experience, I observed repeatedly that many of our young people were very naive or "cut off” from the realities of the world around them. I pointed out to my classes that most people in the news media are heavily biased toward the leftist-liberal position on virtually everything—sex, homosexuality, abortion, capital punishment, child rearing—you name it. Most of these media people, in turn, were taught and heavily influenced by liberal or sometimes out and out communist professors in the various schools of journalism throughout the United States, Canada and Britain.

Our young—and not so young—people need to learn to think, to question, to challenge the assumptions of the world around us. Otherwise, we will be overwhelmed or swallowed up by the literal flood of misinformation pouring forth from the liberal media. Also, we must not forget to beware of the misinformation spewing forth from the neo-Nazi, racist or simply materialistic—take advantage of your neighbor—right-wingers. We should totally subscribe, only, to God's agenda, which is detailed in the Bible. The world's views, whether left-wing or right-wing, are always a mixture of good and evil.

We must analyze the sources of information we listen to. And we should grow to become truly knowledgeable individuals so that we are not fooled simply because of a lack of wisdom. Again, it is imperative that we, and our young people, understand the basic facts of history and life. Otherwise we can be fooled or misled about the basic lessons of World War II, about whether the Holocaust really happened and other information that would heavily impact our ability to understand current events in the light of Bible prophecy.

One facet of the need to become knowledgeable was touched on a few years ago in a fine article in the Arizona Republic:

Stein finds California teenagers astoundingly ignorant and wonderfully innocent. They were ignorant of wars, for example. Not a single student could say when WW II was fought. None could place the Civil War or WW I.

At the University of Southern California, a 19-year old junior was genuinely shocked to learn that the U.S. fought Japanese troops in the Pacific. "Who won?" she asked.

We all need to STUDY the Bible and even to read and understand current events and history to a reasonable degree. All of us are to be "ambassadors" of Jesus Christ! (2 Cor. 5:20). We should try to so use our time and resources so that we can discuss with reasonable clarity and conviction the major issues of our day. And if we are to fulfill Jesus' instruction to "watch and pray" in an intelligent manner, we must truly become knowledgeable individuals who can command the respect of others when discussing world affairs, politics, music, art, literature and even sports. God's servant, Herbert W. Armstrong, set a sterling example in this regard. Though not an expert in any of the above fields, he was nevertheless able to talk intelligently with people of all backgrounds about these important topics. So should we.

If we devote ourselves to becoming intelligent and well-read ambassadors of Jesus Christ, it will be much harder for us to be fooled by the barrage of Satan's propaganda machine. And if we diligently and prayerfully study the writings of the Apostle Paul—and all of God's Word—it will be increasingly difficult for false teachers to pervert our understanding of the basic teachings of the Bible.

I pray that every one of you dear brethren in God's Church try zealously to increase your breadth and depth of spiritual understanding while you have the opportunity! And I pray that we will all do everything we can to ensure that this type of foundational knowledge and understanding is deeply engraved in the youth of this Church. Let's do all we can to prevent yet another generation from being fooled!

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by Roderick C. Meredith

The religions of this world are confused about almost every major doctrine in the Bible. It should be no surprise that they are also confused about the biblical form of church government.

In my widely read booklet, When Should You Follow Church Government?, I was addressing the issue of NOT following false leaders who may come among God's people from time to time and can misuse almost any form of church government. In that booklet (pp. 33-40), I did briefly describe the right approach to church government. Now, in this article, I wish to discuss more fully what kind of church government the Bible clearly describes—and how it should function.

In today's society, most people immediately think of a democratic government because that is currently the most popular form of governance in most of the Western world. But will democracy be the inspired form of government after Christ's return? Remember that Jesus Christ "is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb. 13:8). What form of government did He always lead His true servants to follow—in both Old and New Testaments? And what kind of government will be installed in the soon-coming World Ahead?

Jesus stated, "It is written, `Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God'” (Luke 4:4). Are we willing to open our minds and hearts and see what is the biblical approach to church government? God says in Isaiah 66:2, "`For all those things My hand has made, and all those things exist,' says the LORD. `But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.'” Will you fear and tremble before God's Word and determine to be absolutely sure that your church is following the biblical form of government?

The Gospel and Our Future Calling

The true Gospel is clearly described in Mark 1:14-15: "Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, `The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.'” Most of God's people realize that Jesus was talking about a literal kingdom—or government—that would be set up on earth when He returned. We remember that, after Jesus' resurrection, His disciples asked Him, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6). Here Jesus had a marvelous opportunity to disabuse them of the idea of a literal government if God's form of government was not a kingdom.

But what was Jesus' answer? "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority" (v. 7). What "times and seasons" was Jesus talking about? Obviously the TIME when God would establish His literal Kingdom on earth!

Throughout the New Testament, the Bible tells us that during the Millennium the true "saints" will help Christ in administering the literal government of God over this earth (Rev. 2:26; 5:9-10). And the Apostle Paul was inspired to state, "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).

Remember, brethren, that the reason for these statements was the fact that some of the brethren in Corinth were taking others in the Church to court! So Paul is reminding them that we are now "in training" to judge the world and so ought to be learning to practice proper judgment here in God's Church today! Paul exclaims, "If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, [why] do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge? I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who is able to judge between his brethren?" (vv. 4-5). So God's people need training to administer God's kind of government. We need to experience and put into practice the kind of government we will be responsible for carrying out during the Millennium.

Yet in judging the situation of a young man involved in incest, Paul wrote, "For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged, as though I were present, concerning him who has so done this deed" (1 Cor. 5:3). Although he certainly must have had much information and probably also COUNSEL from the other leaders of the Church, the Apostle Paul had authority to make the decision to disfellowship this sinner. Obviously, he was not seeking permission from any committees or "church boards" to carry out this action!

Again, as future kings and priests, God's people should be learning right now to practice and administer the form of government that they WILL be administering over the cities and the nations of this earth in a few years!

God's Government in the Old Testament

The nation of Israel was also called "the church in the wilderness" (Acts 7:38 KJV). How did God direct that church-state body to be governed? Listen to the inspired instruction which originated from the One who became Jesus Christ:

Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you [Ex. 18:21-22].

So Moses was led by God to appoint dedicated men to these responsibilities. Certainly, much counsel, thought and fervent prayer must have been involved. But there was no politicking and no voting!

Later, King David of Israel—the man after God's own heart was led by God to use the same form of government (2 Sam. 18:1 ). Remember that in the soon-coming resurrection David will be back in his same job as king of all Israel (Jer. 30:9). And then—understanding more fully the SPIRIT of the law—King David will again govern the people using God's LAWS. "David My servant shall be king over them, and they shall all have one shepherd; they shall also walk in My judgments and observe My statutes, and do them" (Ezek. 37:24).

It is clear that God's government throughout the Old Testament—AND in the soon—coming World Ahead—was (and will be) a hierarchical government under God's direction, based on the Holy Scriptures (the nation's written constitution). This is how God directed His people through human leaders. There is no recorded exception to this practice that received God's blessing.

Remember that the spirit Personality who emptied Himself to become our Savior was definitely the "God of the Old Testament." "And all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ" (1 Cor. 10:4). Today as in antiquity: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb. 13:8). So it should be obvious that Christ does not keep switching His form of governance.

Church Government in the New Testament

Throughout the New Testament, we find the Living Christ directing His servants to follow the same pattern of government which He had inspired over the previous 1 ,500 years. Jesus set the example. "Now it came to pass in those days' that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Him; and from them He CHOSE twelve whom He also named apostles" (Luke 6:12-13).

Here Jesus gives us a powerful example. A true servant of God must pray fervently and seek GOD's will—not his own! And yet, in the end, such a leader should make the decisions involved in directing the affairs of God's Church. There were NEVER any church boards or committees telling Jesus, Peter, James, John or Paul what to do. So after much thought and fervent prayer throughout the night to the Father, Jesus then CHOSE the 12 apostles.

In the book of Acts, we find that Paul selected Timothy to assist him in the ministry. So, "He took him and circumcised him" ( 16:3) and began to train him. Later, we find Timothy was an evangelist (2 Tim. 4:5).

Along the way, Paul explained to Timothy the qualifications he should consider before ordaining anyone (1 Tim. 3:1-13). And he warned Timothy, "Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people's sins; keep yourself pure" (5:22). Implicit in this warning and in all these examples is the obvious fact that Timothy did not have to get the approval of any board or committee. Timothy—especially due to geographical circumstances—was primarily responsible to the Living Jesus Christ although certainly subject to Paul's direction.

This pattern of organization in the early inspired Church is repeated in another of Paul's epistles:

For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as l commanded you—if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict [Titus 1:5-9].

The letter to Titus begins, "Paul, servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ." Putting this together with verse 5; three basic points become clear:

1 ) Christ was the head of Paul, His apostle.

2) Under Christ's leadership Paul had authority to direct the activities of Titus, an evangelist, and also give him instructions on how to carry out his responsibilities.

3) Titus, responsible to Christ overall and to Paul, especially in administrative matters, had authority to "appoint elders" within the guidelines set by Paul—NOT by any board of men.

This clear pattern of government is evident throughout the entire New Testament. The overall leadership of Christ is stressed again and again. But it is also clear that Christ Himself has established important offices in the Church of God for the sake of unity:

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ [Eph. 4:11-13].

It should also be very clear that the Living Christ has always directed major areas of His Work primarily through one man at a time. Moses and Aaron directed different phases of God's Work within the Israel of their day. Later, Joshua came along, then Samuel, etc. In the book of Galatians, God indicates that He used primarily Peter to direct the Work toward the Jews and Paul to direct the Work toward the Gentiles:

But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised [Gal. 2:7-9].

Although Barnabas was also an apostle, Paul was the clear leader of the Work to the Gentiles as the above verse shows. And although Scripture shows that James and John were "pillars"—certainly leading apostles—yet the Gospel to the circumcision had been "committed" to Peter's overall direction. This division of responsibilities between Peter and Paul was necessary—at that time—because of the truly HUGE differences and antagonism between the Gentile and the Jewish peoples of that day, and also because of geographical considerations and the fact that there was no instant communication as we have in our time now.

Today, such a division is NOT necessary since we have almost instant communication around the world through telephones, computers, fax machines, etc. These modern means of communication enabled the vast majority of God's people to be "one" under the inspired leadership of God's servant, Herbert W. Armstrong. Christ guided and BLESSED His Work in that way for over 50 years!

Common Misunderstandings

There are several incidents in the Scriptures that some use in an attempt to contradict the hierarchical pattern of government that God reveals in His Word. One of these is the idea that Matthias was chosen to replace Judas by a form of voting!

The above idea is clearly unscriptural and may be held partly through ignorance of the Old Testament practice of appealing to GOD for a decision through the Urim and Thummim. Notice the context of this matter: after finding two dedicated men who met the qualifications of having been with Christ from the beginning of His ministry all the way to His resurrection, the apostles then appealed to GOD to make the decision between these two: "And they prayed and said, `You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.' And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles" (Acts 1:24-26).

Notice the reference to this matter in The New Bible Commentary, Revised:

"And they cast lots." Deliberate selection and prayer played their parts in this appointment as well as the lot. The lot was a sacred institution in ancient Israel and was a well-established means for ascertaining the divine will (cf. Prov. 16:33), being in fact the principle of decision by Urim and Thummim. This is the first and last occasion of the employment of the lot [during] the period between the ascension and Pentecost; Jesus had gone, and the Holy Spirit had not yet come.

Besides showing that the "casting of lots" is an appeal to God's will on this matter, the comment on this being the last time this practice was used is significant. Because once the Holy Spirit came, then Jesus Christ—through God's Spirit—would guide His faithful ministers in all major decisions.

Some also interpret the appointment of deacons in Acts 6 to be the practice of politics and voting. Again, one need only look carefully at the scriptural context to see the error of this assumption. Verse 3 gives the key information: "Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business."

So the brethren were to sincerely "seek out" a number of individuals meeting certain qualifications. They may have found a number of men whose "fruits" showed wisdom and the direction of the Holy Spirit. But then, did the brethren as a whole vote on which of these men would become deacons?

Of course not! That has NEVER been God's way at any time in human history nor in the history of the true Church!

No, the brethren did not vote. But the apostles—no doubt after much counsel and prayer—did appoint Steven and the other deacons to be ordained.

Also, some have misunderstood the account of the Jerusalem conference as given in Acts 15. As I explained in my booklet, When Should You Follow Church Government?, there certainly was an open and brotherly atmosphere at that landmark conference. There was obviously a good deal of hearty and perhaps even heated discussion among the "apostles AND elders" (v. 6).

But, "And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: `Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as He did to us'” (vv. 7-8). Then Peter proceeded to explain GOD's decision to give the Gentiles the Holy Spirit without having them first become circumcised.

Afterward, Paul and Barnabas also showed how God had backed up this principle by "miracles and wonders" (v. 12). James—the presiding apostle at Jerusalem—referred to Peter's declaration, enlarged on it, and said, "Therefore I JUDGE that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God" (v. 19). So James stated the consensus judgment or decision of the leadership.

Commenting on this entire procedure, The New Bible Commentary, Revised states: "It seems from v.12 ["all the assembly"] that other members of the Jerusalem church were present, although deliberation and decision rested with the leaders." So again, it is obvious that there was no "voting" as such, but much hearty COUNSEL from many of the apostles and elders. The apostolic "pillars" such as Peter and Paul made the major speeches and then James stated the final DECISION to which these dedicated men were led by the Holy Spirit.

Much COUNSEL Must Be Sought

In all the above examples a number of people gave input before the leaders made the decision. God clearly tells us, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise" (Prov. 12:15). Again, God's Word states, "Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established" (Prov. 15:22).

For this reason, the Global Church of God has established a Council of Elders "to assess and guide the overall direction of the Work and all major projects of the Church" and "to have final authority over all major doctrinal issues." The Council of Elders meets officially at least three times annually, as well as being on call for their input relative to any major decision of the Church.

A dedicated servant of the Living God will always try to seek the counsel of at least several qualified individuals before making any major decision. Also, a true servant of God will spend much time in thoughtful, fervent prayer to God—asking for HIS WILL to be made clear—before making an important decision. We have already noted that Jesus prayed all night before choosing the 12 apostles (Luke 6:12). We remember how Paul fasted and prayed for three days in seeking God's will after being struck down on the way to Damascus (Acts 9:9-11).

Notice also this fervent seeking of GOD's will in the appointment of elders: "So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed" (Acts 14:23). This humble sensitivity toward God's will should be the hallmark of all true ministers of God. And as long as this attitude is maintained then Jesus Christ will be there and guide His Church as its Living Head (Col. 1:18).

Servant Leadership

A key distinguishing attitude of God's true servants is that they do regard themselves as just that—servants. Finding the disciples arguing among themselves about "who is the greatest," gave Jesus an opportunity to explain a very important principle. "But Jesus called them to Himself and said, `You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many"' (Matt. 20:25-28).

All in authority in God's Church should have this attitude of service—and should act accordingly. We all know that in the past some ministers would appoint themselves as "dictators" in their areas—trying to run the lives of the brethren even in purely personal matters. This was WRONG and completely unjustified by Scripture! For each leader in God's true church should humbly try to serve the brethren in a way that helps them increase their own wisdom and develop their own human potential.

Each of us should try to understand those we serve and endeavor to strengthen, encourage and inspire them to be like Jesus Christ in every aspect of their lives. Only in this way can we truly love our neighbor AS ourselves.

The Apostle Peter, who had been impetuous and pushy in his early ministry, was finally inspired to write:

The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by constraint but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away [1 Pet. 5:1-4].

God's approach to government is clearly shown from the very beginning when He organized the family unit and set the husband in charge (Gen. 3:16). Yet even here it is Jesus Christ to whom we should look as the ultimate Head under God the Father: "But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God" (1 Cor. 11:3).

And although there is no voting, and the husband is the undisputed head of the family unit in God's sight (Eph. 5:23), yet he is admonished also to practice servant leadership and to SERVE his wife in the way he leads the family (v. 25). So all true Christians—and especially those in the ministry—should try to lay down their lives for the brethren. We all need to heed the Apostle John's inspired instruction, "By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren" ( 1 John 3: I 6).

Living by FAITH in Christ

If we have genuine FAITH in Jesus Christ as active Head of the Church, we will quickly see and submit to His form of governance. We must look beyond men and beyond the human foibles that we all have. We must spiritually perceive where Christ is working. Who are the men He has anointed with His Spirit? God's people must examine ministers claiming to represent Him to see if they are really preaching His full Truth and really doing His Work. Christ promises that He will guide and inspire these faithful ministers in leading His Church (Matt. 28:20).

Remember, Jesus said, "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them" (Matt. 7:19-20). To determine where Christ is working and whom He is leading to walk more fully in His ways, one needs to look at the "fruits"—the results. Is the biblical form of government being followed? Is the message of the Kingdom of God being preached powerfully to the world? Is the prophetic WARNING of the coming Great Tribulation being urgently proclaimed to modern Israel—the Jewish people and the descendants of the so-called "Lost Ten Tribes"? Is the full Truth of God's laws and ways being taught these people? And are the people being taught to GROW in grace and knowledge "unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ"?

When the above fruits are present in any church organization, then one can have confidence that Christ is there and will direct its leadership. And if the leadership should turn aside from the Truth significantly, or FAIL to really preach the true Gospel and do the Work—then the brethren are clearly instructed in the Bible to cease following such an organization and its leadership. As the Apostle Paul said, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1 KJV)!

What did the apostles do when they were threatened and pressured to stop preaching the Gospel? Notice their inspired answer, "But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: `We ought to obey God rather than men'” (Acts 5:29).

So, once the fruits are evident, it is to the Living Christ we should look to lead and inspire His faithful ministers to direct the affairs of His Church in the right way. Truly dedicated Christians will have FAITH in this. Not faith in men, but in Jesus Christ!

Some may say, "But mistakes were made in the past and people were hurt by church government!"

This is exactly the kind of reasoning used by the people in Samuel's day (1 Sam. 8:1-7). They had been hurt by Samuel's sons corrupting their office. Many of them probably felt betrayed, misused and abused. So what did they do? Did they cry out to GOD in prayer and fasting to either chasten or remove those offending persons?

No. They came to Samuel en masse—like a march on Washington—and they demanded, "Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make for us a KING to judge us like all the nations" (v. 5).

These self-willed men were demanding not merely a redress of the current misuse of office. They demanded that the ENTIRE FORM OF GOVERNMENT be changed! They felt they couldn't trust GOD to direct Samuel and his sons, so they wanted a form of government more like the carnal nations around them. This would be analogous to God's people wanting democracy in the Church simply because that is the way of the world around them today! Yet ancient Israel was CUT OFF from God's direct form of government thereafter! And partly because of this, the modern descendants of Israel are soon headed to DOOM in the Great Tribulation! To use a modern example, suppose a president or prime minister abuses his office (commits perjury or larceny). Do you immediately do away with the presidency, or the office of prime minister?

No. It NEVER pays to throw the baby out with the bath water! While corruption of a church's leaders may justify finding another church organization bearing godly fruits, such mistakes or apostasy by church leaders never justify changing God's entire approach to church government or His laws. Yet sadly, when human beings find that they have been in one ditch, they often leap out, run across the middle of the road, and jump into the other ditch! The answer is not in going to either extreme, but in trusting Christ to guide His Church, following the pattern of church government as He clearly reveals it throughout the Bible.

Even back in Old Testament times, the faithful men and women knew that GOD was responsible to guide His servants. Faithful King Jehoshaphat set judges in the land and said to them, "Take heed to what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment" (2 Chron. 19:6). How much MORE will the resurrected Jesus Christ be with and guide His New Covenant ministers who are, in fact, preaching His Truth and doing His Work?

Again, check very carefully the fruits of any church leaders or organizations claiming to be of God. If good fruits are clearly there, then one can have faith that the Savior who died for us and who is now resurrected and sitting at God's right hand will lead and guide His Church if it follows His way of church organization and government, preaches His Truth, and does His Work.

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by Carl E. McNair

God gave His Church a Festival of joy and learning. When Israel was delivered from bondage in Egypt they exited with many wrong attitudes, religious ideas and customs. The story is related quite graphically in Exodus. There were ten major "temptations" (trials) recorded in some detail—each a significant lesson for us today.

Forty-one years ago this Feast of Tabernacles I was faced with a difficult situation. I had heard about the Feast through my brothers, but I did not understand much about it. My income was very limited just what I could earn at day labor when my father could spare me from our farm—so I needed money for train fare from my home to Big Sandy, Texas.

I possessed a handgun that had belonged to my grandfather. I cherished that gun because my grandfather had personally carried it in the 1800s when he settled our homestead. It represented a link to my grandfather and the "glorious days of yesteryear" that was very exciting and important to me at that point in my life. My sister and brother-in-law agreed to purchase the gun from me for $40. With that money I purchased a train ticket to Big Sandy, Texas, and I was sure that I would have enough money to buy food for the four day roundtrip.

Yes, I thought I would only be at the Feast over the weekend! I did not understand the meaning of the Feast. I did not realize that God commanded His people to observe the Feast for eight days! Imagine the shock when I learned I must remain for eight days—but I had only enough money for the trip each way plus a two-day stay.

I had no room arrangements. A friend told me of a boarding house where he had stayed in years past. A kind lady rented the room to me for $1 per day. Great! Now the minor problem of eating! In the early years of the Church, meals were sometimes prepared by hired cooks and served by church members at the tabernacle building. I do not remember the exact cost, but I believe it was $ 1 per meal, $3 per day. I bought tickets by the meal and skipped breakfast!

So, my expenses for the eight days at Big Sandy were $8 for a room and $16 for meals—a grand total of $24. I still had a problem, because I had previously spent $24 for a train ticket. Along with my room and board, that left me with a deficit of $8—I only had $40! How could I resolve this problem?

While waiting for a connecting train at Texarkana, Arkansas, a young man approached me and asked if I was going to the Feast at Big Sandy, Texas. I said yes, and he smiled broadly and said that so was he! He had seen my name on a bag and associated it with my brothers in the ministry of the Radio Church of God. He and I continued together to Big Sandy. His friendship proved to be the means of deliverance from my economic dilemma. During the Feast my new-found friend introduced me to a single man from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who had traveled to the Feast alone by car and was interested in having traveling companions for his return trip—if I was interested. Was I ever! So, I cashed in my return train ticket, bought a tank of gasoline, and arrived home with exactly $4 in my pocket.

If I had succumbed to the pressure of personal pride I would have left the Feast after two days. To remain required admitting personal inadequacy and accepting help from new-found friends.

The lessons I learned during the 1954 Feast are written indelibly in my mind. Although I had been keeping the Sabbath for five years, I had not understood the significance and importance of keeping the Feast. I had read about the Feasts in the Bible, and I had heard about the Feasts held in Belknap Springs and Sigler Springs from my brother—but I did not understand the Feast.

I feel that I learned more in the eight days of my first Feast of Tabernacles in 1954 than in any other eight-day period of my life. I acquired a picture of the plan of God that has never been superseded by any explanation from any other source.

I learned that we must depend on God in all commanded affairs. I learned to swallow pride and accept God's gifts—even if they come through people. I learned that God's plan includes each of us—in a personal, practical sense. I learned that I was a part of a crusade to proclaim the Good News to the World—not just a member of a small body of believers. The proclamation of that message was THE WORK OF GOD!

I learned about the joy of His salvation—that obeying God and keeping His commanded Feasts was joyous. And, of course, I learned about the importance of saving second tithe to attend the Feast!

Understanding God's plan liberated me from the peer pressure of my school friends. This was critical to me at that point in life. Had I not attended that Feast, I may well have spent my life in any number of pursuits, some having far-reaching personal consequences.

Moses wrote about the Holy Days:

You shall observe the Feast of Tabernacles seven days, when you have gathered from your threshing floor and from your winepress; and you shall rejoice in your feast, you and your son and your daughter, your manservant and your maidservant and the Levite, the stranger and the fatherless and the widow, who are within your gates.

Seven days you shall keep a sacred feast to the LORD your God in the place which the LORD chooses, because the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you surely rejoice. Three times a year all your males shall appear before the LORD your God in the place which He chooses: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Tabernacles; and they shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed [Deut. 16:13-16].

Several important points should be noted here: (1) you shall rejoice; (2) you shall remember to keep God's Festival; and (3) the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands.

Moses repeatedly admonished the people about the importance of refreshing their own memory and teaching their children:

And you must think constantly about these commandments I am giving you today. You must teach them to your children and talk about them when you are at home or out for a walk; at bedtime and the first thing in the morning. Tie them on your finger, wear them on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house!

When the LORD your God has brought you into the land he promised your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and when he has given you great cities full of good things—cities you didn't build, wells you didn't dig, and vineyards and olive trees you didn't plant and when you have eaten until you can hold no more, then beware lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, the land of slavery [Deut. 6:6-12 Living Bible].

The majority of people who profess to know God have no understanding of the importance of His Holy Days. Many of those who do know about the Holy Days do not appreciate their significance to Christians.

It is vitally important for us to remember that we have been delivered out of a spiritual bondage—bondage to Satan's confusion. It is important that we vigorously teach our children both the Truth of God and the blessings which accrue to those who obey Him.

I am amazed to see that so many who observed God's Feast over the years never really internalized the Truth. I believe they simply failed to remember, teach, rejoice and admit that God blessed us so that we could rejoice before Him.

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by George Anderson

Shakespeare observed that he "who steals my purse steals trash. Tis something, nothing. Twas mine. Tis his, and has been slave to thousands. But he who filches from my good name, takes that which not enriches him, and leaves me poor indeed."

Talebearing, slandering, put-downs, reporting on and talking about other people are some of the most destructive practices that God's. people get involved in. It is like carrying on guerrilla warfare with one's neighbors as the enemy to be destroyed. Sadly, many people participate in this warfare without seeming to realize the consequences of their words:

Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell [James 3:5-6].

There are two directions that talking about others can take. One is carrying tales to those in authority, and the other is just plain gossip with anybody and everybody. The Bible says, "You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people" (Lev. 19:16). This principle is repeated many times in the Old and New Testaments.

There are primarily four reasons why people give information to those in authority:

1) To ingratiate yourself with those in authority. This is commonly called "playing politics"; but, it is playing politics with the reputation of our neighbor.

Did you ever have your reputation tainted, or destroyed, by someone talking about you to those over you, passing along juicy half truths, innuendoes, incomplete stories and anonymous "opinions"—all passed along for the best intentions, of course. When someone is robbed of money or physical things that they have worked for, they feel violated, diminished and taken advantage of. But physical things can be replaced.

Justice Clarence Thomas, when he was before the Senate Judiciary Committee for his confirmation hearings, said, "I have spent 40 years building my reputation for fairness and integrity, and they are trying to take it away from me in week." A ruined reputation is almost impossible to overcome. Even if the allegations are later proved untrue, there is always a taint, a suspicion about one's integrity in the minds of those involved. Moreover, the accused will distrust the talebearer and those who acted on the information.

2) To gain an advantage over someone by soiling his character is the most vicious reason for carrying information to an overseer.

"But we are converted people," some will say. "Surely people in the Church of God, or someone in authority there, wouldn't do something. like that." On the other hand, we all went to the same "school" of this world. And in spite of our efforts to love our neighbor as ourselves, we still have much of the mind of this world influenced by Satan. Any time we go to someone in authority about someone else, we need to question our motives very carefully.

3) To try to "help" a person overcome some problem is the altruistic reason given by most of those who inform.

If we believe that this is our motivation, we need to think before we speak. Seldom, if ever, does talebearing involve a pure desire to help. There is a better way to help. Jesus told us how to handle such matters, and those who have followed His instructions find that it works.

Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear you, take with you one or two more, that "by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established." And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector [Matt. 18:15-17].

James gives us similar instructions: "Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins" (James 5:19-20).

4) To protect yourself or someone who is not able to act for himself.

This is the one legitimate reason to go to authority with information about others. If a child, an older person, or someone else that is unable to protect himself is being abused, degraded or taken advantage of, then a person should seek help for the helpless either with the civil authorities or the Church.

California law states that anyone in a caretaker position, such as a teacher, nurse, or doctor, is required to report child abuse if there is reason to suspect it. No one abusing children, the aged or the handicapped should be protected or shielded. Total repentance, which means that the abuse has stopped, is the only remedy for this kind of sin.

If we understand that Jesus. died to cover our sins from the sight of God the Father, then it is easier to understand that the ultimate good we can do for someone is to cover his sins and faults from others. Instead of broadcasting people's problems, you should keep private matters private if someone has confided in you. Seek to build a friendship with another person who has thought enough of you to trust you by discussing his problems with you. Sadly, real friendship is a rarity in this life—even in God's Church! The only way that we can build friendship is to respect the confidence of our friends and love them enough to cover and forget about their faults and sins.

The greatest story of friendship in the Old Testament is that of Jonathan, the son of Saul, for David who was anointed to take his place as the heir to the throne of Israel. Jonathan even risked his life for his friend.

And let's not forget the greatest friendship of all—Christ's friendship for you and me. He not only risked His life, but actually laid it down—from a motive of friendship and unselfish love. Jesus gave it all so we could live.

Compare how differently Jesus Christ and Satan consider talebearing. Jesus died, gave His own life, so that our sins can be blotted out and remembered no more; Satan is called the great accuser of the brethren and continually brings our sins before God. Jesus forgives our sins and forgets them; Satan spreads our sins abroad to everyone who will listen. If we have chosen to follow Jesus instead of Satan, then we should emulate Him in hiding the mistakes of our friends instead of standing as their accuser.

In Nazi Germany, in the 1930s, Adolph Hitler adopted an informer system so that he could ferret out dissent. In Hitler's Youth Corps, the children were taught to inform on their neighbors, parents and peers. Many of those so denounced were put in prison or killed. Christ prophesied of a similar future time, "Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death" (Matt. 10:21).

If people are in the habit of using the informer system in a time of peace, it will only be natural for them to act likewise when a time of trouble comes—with potentially disastrous results.

A neighbor of mine, Jean Pelisier, a French-American, was visiting France just when WW II events trapped him in his native land. He said, "The most terrible thing was not what the Germans did to the French during the occupation, but what the French did to one another by informing on others so as to gain advantage with the Germans and favor with the Vichy government."

The informer system is not the way of God but of Satan. God's way is for friends to talk to friends about their problems, to resolve them, and to continue their friendship—building trust, confidence and love. Satan's way is to divide people by creating confusion, distrust and hatred. This happens when people don't communicate with one another directly, but rather inform on one another to superiors or otherwise gossip: "I thought you'd like to know; it's the opinion of some, but not necessarily mine that...etc."

There is a time to go to others. When your brother will not listen to you, or to two or three of your common friends, then it is time to appeal to the ministry.

This is not to imply in any way that if someone has a personal problem he should not go to the minister with it. The minister is provided by the Church to help in solving problems, to resolve disputes, and to counsel those who need help in reaching a positive solution or goal. If there is a personal problem, or if you are not able to resolve a problem with your brother, the minister is there to assist in such matters. Many ministers have training in counseling and problem solving. Most have experience to counsel and help with many kinds of difficulties. If they are not able to help with a particular problem, they may be able to recommend sources where help can be found.

"The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body" (Prov. 18:8). To talk about people is like passing around a box of chocolates, with a little poison in each piece. It is not just poison to the one being talked about, but poison also to the one talking and to those listening. "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man" (Mark 7:20). The one telling the story is defiled by what comes out of him. The minds of those listening are poisoned just a little, or very much as the case may be, against the person being talked about. The one being talked about is also wounded, because those who are his friends have lowered their opinion of him.

Jesus said:

Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned [Matt. 12:34-36].

How many friendships have been broken up by a talebearer or a gossip! "A perverse man sows strife and a whisperer separates the best of friends" (Prov. 16:28). Children start fights between other children by going back and forth between them, maybe emphasizing things just a little more than what the person quoted actually said or leaving out or shading the circumstances in which the comment was made.

Sometimes friends are not just separated, but even brought to blows, over practically nothing because a talebearer pushes matters to promote a fight. Among adults the process is not much different, except that adults may just start ignoring the other person and cease to have anything further to do with him.

Talking about someone else's problem, whether incorrectly perceived or actual, is an expression of hatred toward that person. Perhaps this could be better understood by saying that the person being talked about is despised. To talk about someone's sins, problems or simply pass on malicious, mean-spirited opinions, carelessly, is a form of despising the worth of that individual. "Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins" (Prov. 10:12). This is the great love that Jesus showed for us by covering our sins with His own life's blood.

What can we do if someone tells us something detrimental about someone else? The best thing to do is to say, "This could be serious. Let's you and me go now, or go next Sabbath, and talk to him about this." This approach is much better than asking the person giving you the information to go first and talk to the targeted person. The talebearer has already passed up that opportunity and brought the problem to you.

To clear your mind of any suspicion or taint of the one talked about, you should go as soon as possible with the accuser and discuss the situation with the individual being talked about. Your mind will then be cleared of wondering if the matter is true. The person bringing you the story may understand the whole matter more thoroughly. The person talked about will have a chance to clear himself or to think through the matter and make changes. We should never let a matter just lie in our minds and perhaps fester into suspicion and distrust. We will also come to distrust the one who does the telling because we know that we can't trust him with our secrets for he will tell them to others.

If we wish to love our neighbors as ourselves, we must cover their sins and faults as we would want our own to be covered. As we ask Jesus Christ to cover our sins with His blood, we must also forgive our friends for their faults and problems.

Brethren, we need to help each other in any way that we can. However, helping is never detrimentally talking about someone—except to protect the helpless. Helping is never carrying perceived problems and possible sins to others, but rather it is following the instructions of Jesus Christ to talk with the person alone—then we can win our brother.

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by Douglas S. Winnail

Human civilization is on a collision course with reality! Numerous trends in today's world are clearly unsustainable. The Church of God is also in a period of transition. Many are wondering what is happening to the Church and what lies ahead. Your future and your eternal life may hinge on decisions that you make at this crucial time.

As the fall Holy Days arrive—picturing the climactic events that will mark the end of this present age and the beginning of an exciting new era when the saints will reign with Christ on this earth—it would be wise to review the warnings and promises Jesus Christ gave specifically to His Church. Like any loving parent, God has given His people advance information to provide guidance through difficult times. Valuable insight about the past, present and future of the Church is found in the first several chapters of the book of Revelation. In the letters to the seven Churches we find not only an outline of prophesied events, but important lessons that will be profitable if understood and heeded.

Different Views on Understanding Revelation

The book of Revelation is often thought of as a strange and mysterious book that is difficult to comprehend, in spite of the fact that God intended it to be understood (Rev. 1:l-3). In order to evaluate conflicting ideas and statements about Revelation it is helpful to understand the major ways that scholars view this enigmatic book.

For many scholars, one long-held view is that Revelation is both historical and futuristic. This seems the most reasonable way to understand its contents. It is historical in that it portrays a condensed panorama of the great events or eras of God's true Church from the days of the apostles to the return of Christ. It is futuristic in that it focuses on events surrounding the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the end of this age. Both the historical and futuristic views accept the prophecies in Revelation as depicting real events that can be observed and are yet to happen.

However, other Bible commentators view the events in the book as merely symbolic. The highly figurative language is said to describe great cosmic principles that have nothing to do with real, historical events. For other critics the book deals only with past events—the early struggle of the Church with the Roman Empire—not with events that yet lie in the future. Neither the symbolic nor the historic views are concerned with future prophecies, which will be observable events ultimately coming to pass in the years ahead.

The Church of God has traditionally viewed Revelation as both a historical and futuristic book concerned with real, prophetic events. In recent years some critics have chosen to promote the symbolic and historic to downplay or ignore the prophetic elements and their relevance to current events. This has, not surprisingly, created confusion in the minds of many.

The Bible is quite clear that as the age's end approaches numerous individuals will deceive people as they claim Christ's authority for their false and misleading teachings (Matt. 24:3-5; 2 Thess. 2). To avoid being deceived, Christians are advised to "test and try" the spirits ( 1 John 4:1 ), to "prove all things" and hold on to those things that prove to be true (1 Thess. 5:21 KJV).

While many ideas circulate about the meaning of Revelation, you need to read and study what it actually says before adopting any particular view of this important book. The Eternal God says that you will be blessed for your effort (Rev. 1:3). The book of Revelation contains vital information and helpful lessons for Christians during difficult times of transition.

The seven letters in Revelation 2 and 3 were written by the Apostle John to seven Churches located along a mail route in western Asia Minor. The letters address local problems in each church in John's time (about 96 A.D.). However, in a prophetic sense, the letters are also recognized as describing seven major eras in the history of the Church from the time of the apostles to the return of Christ—the local conditions depicting prophetically similar conditions in each succeeding era. The letters also describe human problems that are characteristic of Christians in any age—from which important lessons can be drawn by those with eyes to see and ears to hear It is helpful to periodically meditate on those lessons.

Ephesus—Losing Its First Love

The Church at Ephesus was located in the leading city of .Asia Minor—yet the city was then in a state of decline. Wars and environmental destruction had sapped the city of its energy and prosperity. The prevailing mood was one of fatigue and lethargy. Its harbor had silted up. Its once-thriving economy had stagnated and turned inward. Its major thrust was to now sell trinkets to religious pilgrims who came to see the Temple of Diana, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world—a temple served by prostitute priestesses. Ephesus is characteristic of the Apostolic Era of the Church (c. 30-100 A.D.).

The Ephesian Church is commended for its initial works. As the mother Church of the region, the home of the Apostle John and port-of call for the Apostle Paul, Ephesus played an important role in spreading the Christian faith throughout Asia Minor.

Ephesian Christians were able to identify certain individuals, claiming to be God's apostles, as liars. However, the Church, like the city of Ephesus, was growing tired. It was losing its love for the Truth and for preaching the true Gospel. The Ephesian Christians were losing their distinguishing mark—real love for one another (Rev. 2:1-7; John 13:35).

The epistles of John, Peter and Jude make it clear that by the end of the first century, just over 60 years after its founding, the Church was facing real perils—doctrines were being corrupted, false teachers were working their way into the Church and forcing true Christians and faithful ministers out. The Ephesian Christians are corrected for letting this happen—for drifting away from their first love.

The lessons of Ephesus are clear: Get back on track; do the Work; preach the Gospel with zeal; love the Truth; love each other

Their challenge was to recognize and avoid those who promoted idolatry and lawlessness. (The creed of licentiousness is: It's okay to compromise; you don't need to be so strict or so serious; God will understand!).

Smyrna—Faithful in Trial

At Smyrna, a prosperous, bustling, beautifully planned port city, Christians were persecuted and suffered economically. Apparently the pervading influence of Emperor worship made it difficult for true Christians to participate in the local economy. Smyrna is characteristic of the Church era from about 150 to 350 A.D., when numerous Imperial persecutions were directed against the Church. In these organized attempts to prevent the spread of this new faith, Christians were hunted, tortured, burned, beheaded and their property was confiscated (Rev. 2:10, see also Fox's Book of Martyrs).

The Church members at Smyrna are commended for being rich in faith, not giving up their beliefs, and conducting themselves as Christians despite severe personal trials. Historical sources reveal that these people believed in the Millennium—the 1,000-year reign of Christ and the saints on earth. They would have nothing to do with the Roman Saturnalia and Brumalia (a form of which continues today as Christmas). They tithed and did not believe in the Trinity or the immortal soul. They kept the Sabbath, the Holy Days and followed the dietary laws of the Scriptures (see comments and sources in Gibbon, Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, chapter 15).

Smyrna is one of only two churches to receive NO corrective admonitions. The lesson of Smyrna is: Remain faithful through trials.

Pergamos—the Worldly Church

Pergamos was the capital city of Asia Minor. It was the center of government and religious influence for the entire region with imposing temples honoring Zeus, Apollo, Athena, the healing cult of Asklepios, and Caesar. The citizens of Pergamos were sophisticated and possessed a library that rivaled the one found at Alexandria (see Halley's and Unger's Bible Handbooks).

The Church at Pergamos, while generally remaining faithful to the name of Jesus Christ (being called Christians), is admonished for compromising their beliefs with pagan ideas and practices and tolerating false teachers (Rev. 2:14-15). While they may not have initially believed the false teachings, they tolerated the spread of false doctrines. It is understandable that they would not want to create problems or suffer repercussions if the majority opinion was in favor of the innovative changes. Intellectual sophistication, or at least the desire to parade oneself as such, encouraged compromise. Pergamos is characteristic of the Church era from about 350 to 1000 A.D. when the believers were essentially "re-paganized" by the adoption of non-Christian ideas and practices—a fact generally acknowledged by secular and even some ecclesiastical scholars (see Will Durant, Caesar and Christ, and Halley's Bible Handbook).

The lessons of Pergamos are pointed: Do not tolerate false teachings or those who promote them; do not pretend to go along for appearance's sake when you clearly recognize the error. Numerous scriptures admonish the same principle (Deut. 7:1-5; 2.Cor. 6:14-18; 1 Tim. 1:3-4; 2 Tim. 2:16). Christians must stand up for the truth. To fail to do so is to deny Christ and to risk losing out on the promised reward (2 Tim. 2: 12).

Thyatira—the Paganized Church

Thyatira was an island city located on a major highway, the home of a military garrison and a center of commerce with many trade guilds. Its patron deity was a warrior goddess. To participate in the economy would have required membership in these trade guilds that sponsored idolatrous annual festivals. This would have put pressure on Christians to compromise their beliefs.

Arguments such as "surely Church membership should not require a person to lose his job and cause a family to experience hardship or persecution" would have been commonplace. Thyatira appears to correspond to the Church era between 1000 and the mid-1500s, which includes the Reformation and Counter-Reformation period when numerous groups left the established Roman church.

The Church at Thyatira is commended for its works, charity, service and faith, yet it is sternly corrected for its tendency to compromise the Truth of God (Rev. 2:19-24). While religious reformers were zealous—printing Bibles, fostering education, promoting morals and a work ethic—they were products of a corrupt religious organization, which accepted many paganized doctrines.

Some small groups during this time in central and southern Europe continued to observe the Sabbath, some of the Holy Days, tithing, adult baptism and dietary laws, while rejecting the doctrines of the Trinity, immortal soul, purgatory, and the popularized concepts of heaven and hell. However, over time, many drifted back into the prevailing practices by sitting in Sunday services, serving in armies and observing pagan holidays to avoid persecution. Many suffered and died as a result. (Study the history of the Waldenses.)

The lessons of Thyatira are blunt: Don't buy into false doctrines; don't compromise the Truth of God; don't go back into the ways you have been called out of, or you will suffer tribulation!

Sardis—the Dead Church

Sardis had once been famous for its arts, crafts and wealth. It had a reputation for being the first city to mint its own gold and silver coins. However, it had been destroyed by an earthquake from which it never fully recovered. One of its rulers became legendary, not only for his wealth and riches, but also for his pride and presumptuous arrogance (see Halley's Bible Handbook). Sardis appears to correspond to the Church era from the mid-1500s to the early 1900s.

Only a few comments are made in Scripture about the Sardis Church (Rev. 3:1-5). It had a recognizable name and retained bits and pieces of the Truth of God, but never really did much with that precious information. It is interesting that during this period a number of small Churches appeared in England, America and other parts of the world. They observed the Sabbath and followed other biblical practices (some even using the name "Church of God of Christ"—cf. Rom: 16:5; 1 Cor. 1:2). However, most were, or remain, tiny, insignificant groups that most people have never heard of.

The lessons of Sardis are: Don't let the truth die; hold onto and strengthen the truth you have been given; bear fruit with that precious information, or be blotted out of the Book of Life.

This is a timely message. Have you retained a firm hold on the Truth that God has opened your mind to see and understand (John 6:44; I Cor. 1 :16-17)? Or are you letting that Truth and the promises that come with it slip away—crowded out by the material concerns of this world, or obscured by the smooth-sounding arguments of so-called theological scholarship?

Philadelphia—Small but Faithful

In contrast to other churches on the mail route, Philadelphia was not a wealthy, sophisticated or influential city. Located on an easily defended hill beside a post road that connected the sea coast with the great interior plateau, it functioned as an outpost that facilitated the spread of Greek and Roman culture, and later Christianity, to the surrounding region.

The city was nearly destroyed by earthquakes on several occasions, but each time it was rebuilt. It still exists today. The name Philadelphia means "brotherly love." The Philadelphia era of the Church appears to have begun in the early 1930s.

God promised to provide the Philadelphia Church with an open door for preaching the Gospel that no one could shut. This small Church is commended for its persistence in fulfilling its commission and for holding onto; and not compromising, the Truth of God. For its faithfulness the church of Philadelphia is promised protection from the coming Tribulation (Rev. 3:7-11). No admonitions are recorded.

The lessons of Philadelphia are simple: Remain faithful to the truth; do the Work of preaching the Gospel; love the brethren; let no one take your crown.

Laodicea—Lukewarm and Laid-Back

Laodicea is an interesting and instructive case study. From history we learn it was a proud and prosperous city, with splendid temples, situated on a major trade route. Yet it apparently played only a minor role in the spread of Greek culture. Although its imposing fortifications gave the appearance of strength and promoted a feeling of security, its valley location was not easily defended, and its exposed water supply—a six-mile-long aqueduct—made the city quite vulnerable. The water itself—after a six-mile journey—arrived lukewarm and had a nauseating taste.

Laodicea was also a banking center with a strong sense of autonomy and independence. When destroyed by an earthquake in 60 A.D. the citizens refused assistance from Rome and set about rebuilding the city themselves. This independent attitude is reflected in the Greek name Laodicea which means "the people decide" or "the people judge" (see Strong's Analytical Concordance).

In Scripture God uses analogies about the city as a basis for a series of strong warnings and admonitions. Laodicea was famous for producing wool garments with a glossy, black appearance, yet Scripture states that the Laodicean Christians were spiritually naked (a reference to their corrupted beliefs and practices). Their real need was for white garments of righteousness, which involved understanding and applying the commandments of God (Rev. 3:18; 19:8).

A medical school near Laodicea manufactured a popular eye salve to help people see. However, the Laodicean Church was actually blind to its own wretched spiritual condition (Rev. 3:17).

Laodicea was also noted for its warm, soothing mineral springs—yet, in a spiritual sense, this comfortable atmosphere fostered a dangerous, laid-back complacency that everything was all right when it actually wasn't. The intellectual and philosophical sophistication of the Laodiceans prevented them from seeing their own lack of spiritual discernment (v. 18; Col. 2:20-23). This undermined their spiritual foundation and led to serious doctrinal compromises (Rev. 3:17-18). While the Laodicean Church projected an outward image of having Christ in its midst and following Him, the Scriptures depict Christ standing on the outside, knocking and asking to be let in (v. 20)! Laodicean Christians were prone to follow materialistic pursuits and human reasoning (Col. 3:2; 2:4-8), which appears logical, yet eventually leads to negative consequences (Prov. 14:25; 18:17; Is. 55:6-8).

The picture of the Laodiceans is that of a sophisticated, self-sufficient, self-satisfied Church that trusts in its own wealth, numbers and wisdom. It has the appearance of strength and stability, yet is extremely vulnerable. While appearing to be unified, it is internally divided. This independent-minded Church actually rejects and ignores the leadership of Jesus Christ—unknowingly. Laid-back, lacking in zeal and commitment to do a Work, Laodicea is an ineffective witness whose compromising, worldly-minded approach is nauseating to God (Rev. 3:14-19).

The democratic (people-deciding) aspects of the Laodicean Church could relate to decisions about doctrine, mission, leadership, governance—even where and what time to attend services. Can you imagine making your religious preference based upon whether a church meets in the morning or afternoon, which hall has the most comfortable chairs or air-conditioning system, or where most of your friends are? These fundamental decisions should be based upon where you see and hear the Truth of God being taught and practiced (Is. 8:20).

As we approach the end of this age you will have important decisions to make. Good decisions require spiritual discernment, courage and wisdom. God can supply us with these qualities of character (James 1:5).

The story of the Churches of Revelation is sobering. God wants those He has called to read and heed what He has inspired and recorded so that we can be spared from the trials that lie ahead and share in the exciting rewards He is offering (Rev. 1:3; 2:25-26; 3:10-12).

The Laodicean Era of the Church is prophesied to be dominant at the end of this present age, just before the return of Jesus Christ to this earth. Yet, in spite of their problems, God makes it clear that He loves the members of Laodicea. He cares about them and desires that they grow and change: "As many. as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.... To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (Rev. 3:19, 20-22).

The lesson of Laodicea is urgent: Wake up before it's too late; ask God to open your eyes to see your own spiritual condition; repent of complacency, compromise, materialism and stubborn independence; respond to the leadership of Jesus Christ; don't lose out on your reward!

Brethren, as we observe the Holy Days this fall that picture the incredible events that lie just ahead, let us rejoice in God's great plan and purpose for mankind. He has opened our minds to understand the times we are living in by His prophecies found in Revelation. We should express our thanks to Him for providing advance information to guide us through the difficult future.

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The Historical Backdrop of the New Testament World

by John H. Ogwyn