Table of ContentsGlobal Church of God - Sept-Oct 1998 |
| Open Letter |
| Editorial by Roderick C. Meredith |
| Why Are You Going to the Feast? |
| The Weightiest Matter of All!---Part 4 |
| The World Ahead---Utopia on Earth? |
| Hold Fast What You Have |
| Suffer the Little Children... |
Dear Brethren and Friends,
I hope all of you had an encouraging and profitable summer. I've already heard that many of you certainly did. As mentioned elsewhere in these pages, the Church conducted an excellent summer activity for our young people—the Global Youth Camp in Michigan. A second camp was held in Wyoming, which we'll read about in just a moment.
Quite a number of ministers and participants have commented that the Global Youth Camp was truly the "best ever"! The weather was excellent, the facilities were almost ideal and the staff, under the capable direction of Larry and Judy Salyer, did an outstanding job. So congratulations to all the staff and to all the campers as well for their zeal and their wholehearted effort.
The Wyoming Experience—our second camp, directed by Ben and Mary-Pat Whitfield, and Tom Turk—was also an outstanding success. Several participants have already described it to me in glowing terms. But let me quote from a report received the other day from Mr. Whitfield himself:
"`I haven't had so much fun in years!' was the comment heard by many of the participants in this year's Wyoming Experience. Al Wuckert said that his camping experience was awesome.... In his words, `It rules!'
"`What a challenge to have hiked 40 miles, rafted the Snake River, climbed the rock at Black Tail Butte and ridden the horses. It just made my summer!' was another comment from a pleased camper.
"We did all that and more. Thanks to the generosity and support of the Global Church of God, many of the young people and adult leaders in God's Church were able to enjoy what may have been one of the most challenging and rugged experiences of their lives—a 40-mile backpacking trip into the Wind River Mountains. Many came back changed individuals. It was a test of character and resolve for everyone who participated. The rock climbing and a scenic float trip down the Snake River topped off the ten—day trip, which featured some of the most remote, wild and scenic areas of the entire Rocky Mountain range.
"Fun, challenge, fellowship, lessons of life and good food helped make for a truly rewarding experience for those 41 campers who participated.”
A few weeks ago, my wife and I flew to Denver and then drove up to Wheatland, Wyoming, to preach to the brethren there. Although they normally have only about 20-30 in attendance, 119 came on that Sabbath. Many brethren drove hundreds of miles to attend, and the warmth and enthusiasm were contagious! Afterward, we all shared a potluck dinner, which gave my wife and me more than two hours in which to visit with the brethren.
The next Sabbath found us in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where I had been invited to speak. Again, the brethren were most enthusiastic and it was a joy to be with them. Although normal attendance there is only about 50-60, we had 157 people on this occasion since a number from Joplin, MO,
Coffeeville, KS, Oklahoma City and elsewhere drove in. It is always most encouraging to me to see and meet with the "solid core" of our people in the field. The Global Church is unified and we're moving forward to do the Work! The brethren are certainly behind this, and their attitudes and comments all reveal that a great deal of enthusiasm is out there. Thank you, dear brethren, for your warmth and support!
But besides "doing the Work," what is it that distinguishes the Global Church of God from so many other professing Christian denominations? HOW are we different? And how can we most effectively explain our differences to the outside world and to new people beginning, to ask questions?
As many of our older brethren know, there have been innumerable tracts, booklets and even entire books written attacking the Work that Christ revived through Mr. Herbert Armstrong. Nearly all of them label him as a cult leader! Almost always the authors advance their own theories as to how Mr. Armstrong came up with his supposedly strange doctrines. Many call him a "syncretist," insisting that he simply collected his doctrines from widely different sources—the Sabbath from Seventh-Day Adventists, the truth about pagan holidays from the Jehovah's Witnesses, the idea of becoming members of the God Family from the Mormons, etc.
As one who knew Herbert Armstrong intimately and who worked with him directly for some 36 years of my adult life, let me assure you in the name of Jesus Christ that these accusations are FALSE. I have not only talked to both Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong about these matters, I have also talked extensively to several of the older "pioneer" members of the Church who knew the Armstrongs from almost the beginning of their ministry up in Oregon.
God inspired the Apostle Paul to write Timothy, saying, "I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth" (1 Tim. 3:14-15 RSV). The true Church of God—even in its scattered and often weakened condition—is to be the very supporting framework of the TRUTH. A pillar, of course, holds something up. A definition of bulwark is: "Any protection against external danger, injury or annoyance. Any person or thing giving strong support or encouragement in time of need, danger or doubt" (Webster's New Universal Unabridged Dictionary, 1994).
Therefore, the Truth does not originate with the Church—as some would have it. Rather, the true Church is to uphold and protect the basic truths of GOD, which are revealed by Him through His inspired Word: Of course, some Church eras are noted more for their faithfulness and zeal for God than are others. Nevertheless, Herbert W. Armstrong—coming into the Truth even during the weak, basically "dead" Sardis Era (cf. Rev. 3:1-3)—learned at least the basic elements of the Truth of God from these people as he explained to us many times. He learned from them the truth about the weekly Sabbath, the Ten Commandments, tithing, and clean and unclean meats. He learned from them the truth about heaven, hell and the immortality of the soul, about pagan holidays, and about the fact that Christ is coming back to this earth as King of kings! (Rev. 11:15).
God directly led Mr. Armstrong—while I, personally, was with him in meetings discussing this subject—to understand from the Scriptures that we are to become real sons and daughters of God. He came to understand that we are to be completely one with God—full members of His Family just as Christ and the Father are "one" (John 17:20-23). Mr. Armstrong did NOT in any way receive this concept from the Mormons and, in fact, their teaching is totally different from ours in this matter and was not in any way mentioned or discussed in the long series of meetings we had on this subject back in the spring of 1953!
The key to our understanding of all biblical subjects is what the Bible actually says. Moreover, we must never forget that the same LIVING CHRIST who guided the early apostles likewise guided Herbert W Armstrong into a correct understanding of these powerful truths. For, speaking of the Philadelphia Era of which we believe Mr. Armstrong to have been the human leader, Christ says, "You have a little strength, HAVE KEPT MY WORD, and have not denied My name" (Rev. 3:8).
And the key to help all of us realize the basis of our spiritual understanding is to grasp the fact that we are the spiritual descendants of the "Jerusalem Church of God"—the Church of the original apostles and brethren described in the book of Acts!
Speaking to the Thessalonian Christians, the Apostle Paul was inspired to write, "For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus" (1 Thess. 2:14). Totally contrary to what the Catholics believe, the real "Mother Church" was situated in Jerusalem—not in Rome! This is where the early apostles were located. This is the place to which they came to decide major issues of doctrine (cf. Acts 15). This is where they continued to observe the biblical Sabbaths and Holy Days, preserving the true doctrines taught by Christ almost up until they had to flee just before the Roman invasion in A.D. 70.
In our own understanding and in explaining our unique beliefs to others, it is important that we remember this fundamental quote from famed historian Edward Gibbon in his monumental work, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Writing of the Apostolic and post-Apostolic Eras, Gibbon states:
The first fifteen bishops of Jerusalem were all circumcised Jews; and the congregation over which they presided united the law of Moses with the doctrine of Christ. It was natural that the primitive tradition of a church which was founded only forty days after the death of Christ, and was governed almost as many years under the immediate inspection of his apostle, should be received as the standard of orthodoxy. The distant churches very frequently appealed to the authority of their venerable Parent [chap. 15, sec. 1].
I should point out here that "the law" the early Christians observed was NOT the complete Law of Moses. That is a mistaken idea foisted off on church historians by the misguided theologians of the Middle Ages. What the true Christians did observe were the Ten Commandments along with God's statutes, which magnified them even in the Old Testament—now magnified even more so in the spirit. Christians did not believe they were required to persist in the ceremonial aspects of the Law of Moses nor in the physical administration of civil law, which God gave Israel. But because these early Christians still observed the biblical Sabbath, God's annual Festivals, tithing and certain dietary restrictions (cf. Lev. 11 ), many historians persist in labeling what they followed as the "Law of Moses"—trying to lump it in with animal sacrifices and ritualistic washings. This is absolutely WRONG and it is deceptive! Historian, W.D. Davies writes:
Everywhere, especially in the East of the Roman Empire, there would be Jewish Christians whose outward way of life would not be markedly different from that of the Jews. They took for granted that the gospel was continuous with [the religion of Moses]; for them the New Covenant, which Jesus had set up at the Last Supper with His disciples... did not mean that the covenant made between God and Israel was no longer in force. They still observed the feasts of Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles; they also continued... to keep the weekly Sabbath and the Mosaic regulations concerning food. According to some scholars, they must have been so strong that right up to the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 they were the dominant element in the Christian movement [Judeo-christianisme, "Paul and Jewish Christianity," 1972, p. 72, quoted by Samuele Bacchiocchi, From Sabbath to Sunday, p. 151].
At this point, I want to urge all of you to read and actually study our powerful booklet, Christianity's Greatest Deception. The historical quotations I have just given you are also found in this booklet. See especially page 5 and pages 34-38 to reinforce your understanding of the Jerusalem Church of God and what it means for us today. This is a VITAL principle, and I want all of us to be familiar with it in order to help those who are sincerely interested to grasp where our understanding comes from.
Since the original apostles were appointed directly by Christ and set as the true spiritual leaders of the Church, how can ANYONE claim authority to change the clear and consistent teaching of OBEDIENCE to the Ten Commandments, observance of the biblical Sabbaths and Holy Days and other matters they specifically taught and practiced? Writing near the end of the Apostolic Era, the Apostle Jude was inspired to warn us, "Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3).
So the true faith was delivered once for all to the Apostolic Church. That is the faith we're to follow—the original teachings of Christ, the apostles and the Jerusalem Church of God. That is WHY we in the Global Church of God are "different.” That is why we must remain different, NOT EVER compromising with our fundamental beliefs in the Law of God, in our basic way of life and in our understanding of the magnificent PURPOSE for our lives—that of becoming full, glorified sons of God!
Dear brethren, let us all study and USE this concept of the Jerusalem Church of God as we consider who we are and why we believe the things that we do. For we also, in this age, must be "pillars" and "bulwarks" of the Truth. Let us grasp and appreciate this fact. And let us NEVER turn aside.
In years to come, we will be persecuted, maligned, ridiculed and vilified for believing and practicing the original Christian faith. The persecution may be too much for some to bear—IF they are not watching and praying (Luke 21:36) and if they are not already solidly grounded in the Truth. So let us all step back and "examine ourselves." Let's be SURE we know what we believe and why. Then, let us all SEEK God, His understanding and His strength so that we will be real "overcomers" in the perilous days and years ahead.
International incidents with prophetic implications continue to dominate the headlines! The recent savage attacks on American embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, coupled with U.S. counterstrikes on a terrorist training base in Afghanistan and an alleged chemical weapons plant in the Sudan have heightened international tension to levels we have not seen in recent years. With the threat of many more attacks to come from international terrorists, along with continued counterstrikes, a time of trial and testing is beginning to come upon the United States in a way it has probably never experienced before. Our British and Israeli allies, as well as other peace-loving peoples, will almost certainly not escape the terrorists' wrath.
It is obvious that man cannot solve the problems of human nature—vanity, jealousy, lust and greed. It seems the United States is destined to continue as the most visible target for cowardly terrorist attacks since it is now, almost by default, the enforcer of whatever world peace and stability there is. But what about spiritual Israel (cf. Gal. 6:16)—the true Church of God? Will we somehow escape all the madness and be "whisked off to safety" with nary a scratch or a bruise?
No indeed!
Even apart from the true Church, professing Christians around the world are suffering increased persecution. News reports tell us of more and more horrifying instances of Christians being tortured, killed, raped or even sold into slavery in many non-Christian lands.
And now there is a movement in many European countries to crack down on virtually all religious groups that are not in the "mainstream.” These groups include Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventists and others. Clearly, as the Global Church of God gains worldwide recognition and prominence for doing the Work of God, we too will be restricted—maybe banned!—and eventually persecuted in many nations around the world.
Although Christ's zealous and faithful servants will be taken to a place of safety at the very END of this age (Luke 21:36; Rev. 12:14), the Scriptures make it quite clear that all of us will have trials, tests and at least some degree of real persecution before this deliverance. For God inspired the Apostle Paul to warn us, "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived" (2 Tim. 3:12-13).
In Mark's account of the Olivet Prophecy, Jesus informs us, "But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved" (13:9-13).
Therefore, as I explain in my letter beginning on page one, we should thoroughly PROVE to ourselves what we believe and why. Then, we will be able through God's Holy Spirit to exercise the faith and the COURAGE to "endure to the end"! As prophesied world events increasingly hurtle toward the final conclusion of the traumatic events of this age, I encourage all of you to begin to "count the cost" and to be SURE of what you believe. Truly, all of us will have to "stand tall" against the storms of criticism, hatred and persecution that Satan will hurl at us both from within and from without. For Satan will attempt to "break" us. He and his untold legions of demon spirits (Eph. 6:11-12) will try to divide us, pitting brother against brother, even in God's Church! He will attempt to profoundly discourage us through repeated attacks, accusations and persecution. Eventually, after his next "frontal assault" on God fails, Satan will "come down to you, having GREAT WRATH, because he knows that he has a short time" (Rev. 12:12).
Will you be ready? The time for us to be bickering, competing and accusing one another must quickly come to a close, brethren! For we have a FAR GREATER enemy in the "prince of darkness" than many of us may fully realize. And we will need all the love, encouragement and support of our brethren that we can possibly have during the trials ahead.
As Sir Winston Churchill said during the dark days of the London Blitz in World War II, "if it is to be a war of nerves, let's make sure our nerves are STRONG!"
In Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family magazine (August 1998), there appears a very moving article by Charles Carroll. Mr. Carroll, now 82, lived and studied in Berlin just as the Holocaust was beginning. He describes how the Jewish family he was rooming with had cyanide available if they were captured and sent to the death camps. Behind each of the glass panels on their entrance door they had placed steel plates— probably to give them enough time to flee through some other exit.
Mr. Carroll describes how—imperfect as they were—those who believed in Christ made up the primary backbone of the resistance against Hitler. At that time, and in that political climate, a great deal of moral and physical courage was required. "People minimize that today," he says.
Carroll cites a letter from Helmut von Moltke, grand-nephew of the famous l9th-century Prussian field marshal of the same name. He wrote these words to his wife just before he was to be executed by the Nazis: "I was not being tried because of an attempt on Hitler's life, which I did not make, nor because I was a great land owner, nor because I was of the nobility, but because I was first and foremost a Christian.”
Where will you and I stand when this kind of terror directly faces us and our families?
Again, dear brethren, I beseech you in Christ's name to thoroughly PROVE what you believe and why. Genuinely STUDY your Bible regularly. Fully grasp the fact that we are RESTORING the true faith of God and following the direct teaching and examples of Jesus Christ and His apostles! Then you will better understand the REALITY of Almighty God and His Word as the trials and persecution of God's people intensify in the years to come!
Remember, God has promised that He will NEVER leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5). But we must do our part to SEEK Him and walk with Him (Jer. 29:13). And we must strengthen ourselves and be willing to go through every trial and test necessary—GIVE OUR LIVES, if need be, in the service of our Savior Jesus Christ, just as surely as He literally laid down His life for us!
The time for "half-hearted" Christians who "play Church" is over! We must truly seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. And we must want to be in God's Kingdom so much that we can "taste" it.
Therefore, we must be willing to totally surrender the self, lose if need be part or all of our family, friends and physical possessions, and literally "forsake all" to gain eternal life in the glorified Family of God. As Jesus said, "if anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself; and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt. 16:24-26).
Let us daily give our lives to God as living sacrifices. And let us so walk with Him and with Christ in living FAITH that at the end of our physical lives—whenever or however that may be—we may say what the Apostle Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7-8: "I have fought the good fight I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
by Douglas S. Winnail
Over the years one question is invariably asked at the Feast of Tabernacles: Why are we here? The simple and obvious answer is that it is commanded (Lev. 23:41; John 7:8). Since the Feast of Tabernacles pictures the Millennium, when the saints will rule with Christ for 1,000 years (Rev. 20:4-6), it follows, then, that our experiences at the Feast should serve as a foretaste of the coming Kingdom of God. Spending eight days at the Feast with others of like mind, the daily spiritual focus, and a theme of learning and rejoicing is truly a unique experience—a reason we look forward to the Feast year by year. The whole occasion is an opportunity to sense what the Government of God will be like when it is established on earth.
However, the analogy is often carried further. Since we know that the saints will function as kings and priests under Christ (Rev. 5:10), it has been reasonable to view the Feast as an opportunity to learn what its like to live like a king—in preparation for that future role. After all, with plenty of second tithe to spend we can and should have a foretaste of a royal lifestyle—traveling to exotic destinations, staying in fine accommodations, eating expensive food and buying whatever our heart desires within the parameters of God's law (Deut. 14:26). This understanding has helped foster the idea that the Feast is largely a time to indulge expensive tastes or pamper ourselves with special "Feast gifts.” After all, it's the Feast. We are learning to be kings and the Bible tells us to rejoice!
But is this really why God has commanded us to keep the Feast—to do nothing more than spend second tithe on a variety of self-gratifying experiences? Are we really learning to be the kind of kings and priests that Jesus Christ will need in the World Ahead—by just trying to live like a king for eight days? Think about it! Do these ideas really fit in with Christ's teaching that "it is more blessed to give than receive"? (Acts 20:35). Have we drifted off course in our thinking over the years? Do we need to get "refocused" as we head to the Feast this year?
While the Feast of Tabernacles does picture the Millennium and the joyous reign of the saints with Christ, it also represents much more! When God introduced the Feast to ancient Israel, it was referred to as the "Feast of Ingathering at the end of the [harvest] year" (Ex. 23:16). Physically, the Feast follows the time of the fall harvest. Symbolically, the Millennium will follow thousands of years of flawed human attempts to govern other human beings. It will be a time when God intervenes and begins to teach mankind the true way to peace and happiness. It is the time when God will begin the process of harvesting—or saving—the entire world. During that period all nations will look to Jerusalem the seat of God's Government—for instruction and guidance based on the Word of God (Is. 2:2-3).
The reign of Jesus Christ and the saints will bring about a "restoration of all things" (Acts 3:19). Wrongs will be righted. The Government of God will stress sound judgment and true justice for everyone (Is. 9:6-7). It will be a time of peace—swords will be turned into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks—"neither shall they learn war anymore" (2:4). The environment will be restored and disease eradicated (35:1-6). Cities will be redesigned and rebuilt (61:4). And, most important of all, the blindness that keeps the world at large from understanding the Truth of God will be removed (25:7; 30:29-30).
During this 1,000-year period, "the LORD God will wipe away tears from all faces" (25:8). The causes of human suffering will be removed and the path to true happiness, peace and prosperity will be taught to all mankind. At the time pictured by the Feast of Tabernacles, "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea" (11:9). What an incredible picture!
The Scriptures clearly emphasize that the saints will play a critical role in this exciting transformation of modern society (Dan. 7:27; Rev. 20:6). However, we are also told that positions of rulership in the Kingdom of God will only be given to those who "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18), and who prove to be "overcomers" (cf. Rev. 3:12). And a great part of what we must overcome are the pulls of our own human nature, which tend to focus on indulging and gratifying the flesh (cf. Gal. 5:19-21). We need to replace this inward focus with deep, outgoing love for others (John 15:12-17).
With this in mind, then, how should we properly view the Feast of Tabernacles? Although we should spend money on whatever our heart desires as God allows—in fact, the Bible tells us to!—the focus of the Feast should not be only about learning to live like a king, but also learning to think like a king. The Feast is a time to become more knowledgeable of how to live by the Word of God and how to positively teach it to others. This is why we go to the Feast—to develop more of that perspective, to learn to think and act like godly leaders.
Jesus pointed out to His disciples how the leaders o this world love the wealth and privileges that accompany positions of power (Matt. 20:25). Witness world leaders who live in the lap of luxury while the people they rule often barely survive in conditions of the most abject poverty. Jesus pointedly stated that this is no role model for those who would follow Him (v. 26). Whoever desires a position of rulership in His Kingdom must first become a servant—learning to serve, instead of seeking to be served (20:26-28). Christ set the most poignant example possible of serving others—He gave His life for mankind!
The Bible emphasizes that Christians are to follow the example of Jesus Christ in all things (4:19; 1 Cor. 11:1). The Savior, who will return to this earth as "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Rev. 19:16), spent very little of His preparatory time on earth soaking up the lifestyle of the rich and famous. During His earthly ministry, Jesus walked the dusty roads of Palestine, mingled with common people, shared their joys and sorrows, and exhibited a truly caring attitude toward those with whom He came in contact (Matt. 23:37). He explained that those who will rule with Him in the Kingdom of God must learn to notice and address the real needs of others (25:31-46). They will seek to assist the sick and aid the destitute. But it doesn't stop there! Christ's true followers are also concerned with the real causes of sickness and poverty so they will be able to show people the way out of human misery.
The main reason we are commanded to observe the annual Holy Days is to keep us continually reminded of the steps in God's plan of salvation for mankind. Thus, a fundamental reason for going to the Feast of Tabernacles is to be refocused on the "big picture" so we can prepare for future roles in God's Kingdom. That divinely directed Government, seated in Jerusalem, will restore mankind to a right relationship with God, and restore a knowledge of God's Word and way of life to all the peoples of the world. This battered and exploited planet regain the beauty and wonder that God intended for it from the beginning. Our challenge and opportunity is to prepare to participate in this incredible mission!
Jesus Christ is currently looking for "a few good men"—and women, of course—to serve in this soon-coming global Government. He needs individuals who know the Scriptures, who have developed the caring attitude of a shepherd, who desire to help and to heal. Therefore, we must prepare to lovingly and firmly lead in right directions—by remaining solid in trials and by being humble, teachable and compassionate. God's future rulers will need to know how to work together smoothly as a team and how to apply biblical principles in a variety of practical situations.
The Feast provides us with numerous opportunities to learn and grow in all of these areas. In a sense, the Feast of Tabernacles and Last Great Day constitute an eight-day seminar on leadership development with daily "laboratory exercises" for practicing the skills needed to rule in the Kingdom of God. There will be plenty of formal ways to voluntarily serve at the Feast. There will also be spontaneous needs that arise wherein those with "eyes to see" will be able to provide the appropriate assistance. If we realize that God is in one sense watching each of us much like a coach watches players at training camp who are trying to make the team, it may help us maintain our focus on learning, growing and serving at the Feast. But there's one awesome advantage to trying out for God's team. As the greatest Coach there ever has been, God is ready and able to help each of us reach our ultimate potential. No one needs to be "cut from the roster" as long as we try our best and yield to God, accepting His help.
Therefore, look for ways to serve your family as well as people you see or meet at services or other activities. And wherever you see a need, offer to help. Moreover, let's not limit our good deeds to those in our fellowship at this time. The Feast of Tabernacles and Last Great Day teach us nothing at all if not that every human being who has ever lived will be given a genuine opportunity to enter God's Kingdom! Quiet thoughtfulness can leave lasting impressions. As part of a popular saying goes, "practice random acts of kindness." God will surely notice and remember!
As you head to the Feast this year, think about why you are going. Keep the big picture in mind. We have been called to rule with Jesus Christ in the coming Kingdom of God. Our calling is to lead and serve all mankind as members of the Government of God. While you are at the Feast, plan to learn more about how to lead and how to rule. Notice good examples. Ask God to inspire the speakers and to open the minds of His people to more fully understand what will need to be done in the Millennium and how it will be done. Plan to serve—let your light shine as a Christian to everyone you come in contact with. Join the team—get actively involved in services and activities. Don't just stand on the sidelines. Spend time getting to know people—everyone you can. Find out where they're from, how many Feasts they've attended and how they would like to serve in the Kingdom.
This year, as you rejoice before God at the Feast, practice thinking like a godly king! Look for ways to demonstrate loving servant leadership. It is definitely a goal worth striving for. The rewards could make this your most meaningful Feast ever—and just may influence the nature of your role for all eternity in the coming Kingdom of God!
by Gary Foster
Beginning with our last issue in 1997 and continuing into this year, the Global Church News ran what was then a three-part series on the "weightier matters of the law" as identified by Christ in His stinging rebuke of the Pharisees (Matt. 23:23). We believe these to have been among the most critical articles we've ever published. I'm sure almost all of us would agree that everything God tells us is important. But some things are more important than others. In the verse cited above, Christ identified judgment, mercy and faith as weightier—that's to say, more important matters of the law. But even these are not the MOST important aspects of God's law, nor the MOST important facets of building godly character. That being so, we have decided to add a fourth installment to our series.
In Luke 11, we once again find Jesus Christ speaking to the Pharisees. He begins much the same on this occasion as He did in the verse cited above: "But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs…” (v. 42). But what comes next is a little different. Whereas in Matthew, Christ berated the Pharisees for neglecting judgment, mercy and faith, He now accuses them thus: "... [you] pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.” Clearly, then, LOVE is also one of the weightier matters of the law. And as we are about to see, it's the weightiest matter of them all!
Our discussion so far of the relative importance of different areas of God's law did not originate with you or with me. In fact, a question along these lines was posed to Christ Himself nearly 2,000 years ago. In Matthew 22, we find the Pharisees, as was their custom, questioning Christ in the hope that He would be tripped up and discredited. One of their leading scholars asked, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" (v. 36). Notice that Christ did not say, "What are you talking about? Everything in the Bible. is just as important as everything else!" On the contrary, Jesus, realizing the question was valid—even if the Pharisee's motives were not—replied, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (vv. 36-40).
This is a critical concept for us to grasp. When properly understood, every part of God's Word, from Genesis to Revelation, ultimately relates to love toward God and love toward others. And this is not ordinary human love as can be found in every society on earth. For human love inherently has some aspect of selfishness involved. As Mr. Armstrong often pointed out, the purest form of human love is probably that of a mother for her child. And yet even this is somewhat inwardly directed. For her child is part of her "empirical self." Her devotion, then, falls short of true godly love since the mother does not have the same degree of love for all children!
Now none of us will ever perfectly attain and express God's own love while in the flesh. But we can—and must—be growing in this love and be expressing more of it, and less of our own "selfish" love as we progress in our Christian walk. And from where does true godly love flow? "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us" (Rom. 5:5 NRSV).
A natural question at this point would be: How do insignificant, flesh-and-blood human beings adequately return to God the inconceivable love that He has extended to us? We all know the "Golden Verse" of the Bible: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). The real answer is that we never could. Even if we were to lay down our very life for God—as Jesus Christ did for us—it would not be "repayment" in kind. And we all know why-our sin-stained human lives are not worth as much as the sinless, perfect life of Christ our Creator, which was sacrificed to remove our sin.
Fortunately, our God does not expect most of us to literally die prematurely in His service. He does, however, expect us to be living sacrifices (Rom. 12:1). But what is a living sacrifice? We're all aware of the sacrificial worship system for Old Testament Israel. The Israelites would normally give a specified animal to the Levites to kill as a form of worshiping God. Bulls, lambs, goats and even turtledoves were used for various types of sacrifices—offerings to atone for sin, to give thanks, etc. However, although God Himself commanded this system, it's clear that it was no more than a temporary substitute given to people who had God's law, yet who did not have God's Holy Spirit.
But a substitute for what? Certainly a substitute for Christ's later crucifixion, which will ultimately be the means of atonement for even those Israelites who lived and died before He first came to this earth. But the sacrificial system was also a substitute for the sacrifices now made in life by Spirit-begotten Christians. These sacrifices, inspired by the Holy Spirit, are a major way we return godly love to our Creator. The ancient Israelites gave of their livelihood—offering expensive animals to be slaughtered. Modern-day Christians give not only of our livelihood, in the form of monetary offerings, but also of our time, our thoughts and our efforts.
Prayer is a living sacrifice. In fact, it is symbolized in the Bible by an incense offering (cf. Rev. 5:8; 8:3-4). We dedicate our time and attention to God to tell Him what's on our mind, to ask Him to fulfill our personal needs and the needs of others, and especially to thank and to praise Him. In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul tells us how important this practice is, saying, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in EVERYTHING give thanks; for this is the will of God" (5:16-18). The Psalms perhaps provide the best examples of praise and thanksgiving, since it is such a strong theme throughout the entire book. Just one example is found in Psalm 92: "It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High" (v. 1).
Studying the Word of God and meditating on it are also living sacrifices. Just as prayer is the means by which we talk to God, Bible study is the means by which He talks to us, instructing us in His ways, maintaining us on the Christian path and helping us to grow to more mature Christianity. The Apostle Paul tells us to study God' Word so that we will be approved of Him (2 Tim. 2:15 KJV).
Perhaps the greatest way we return love to God is by interacting with others in a positive, uplifting way. Fellowshipping with the brethren is not only important to our own spiritual health (cf. Heb. 10:24-25), it's participated in by God Himself who lives in all true Christians (cf. 1 John 1:3). Helping those less fortunate than ourselves, whether they are our brethren or not, is also a living sacrifice: "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble" (James 1:27).
We also express godly love to the Almighty when we pay tithes and give offerings (cf. Mark 12:42-44), when we personally serve as a witness to God's way of life (cf. Matt. 5:14-16), and when we accept the trials and persecution that will inevitably accompany true Christianity, looking to our Maker to deliver us from them (cf. l Peter 4:12-14).
We have already seen that Christ identified loving others as ourselves to be the "second" great commandment. Let's see more about this concept in Luke 10: "Behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested [Christ], saying, `Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?' He said to him `What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?' So he answered and said, `You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,' and `your neighbor as yourself.' And He said to him, `You have answered rightly; do this and you will live’” (vv. 25-28). For some reason, perhaps thinking Christ was castigating him for not caring enough about others, the lawyer pressed the point in the next verse: "But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, `And who is my neighbor?'”
Christ used this occasion to give us the most definitive lesson of our responsibility in extending love toward others in the whole Bible—the parable of the Good Samaritan, found in verses 30-37. This parable tells of a man who was attacked on his journey by thieves. They stole all he had and severely wounded him, leaving him in the street to die. A priest of the Israelites chanced upon him. He didn't even take a close look at the injured man, let alone try to help him, but rather passed by on the other side of the road. Next, a Levite came upon the man. Same result. How odd, you might say, that two of this man's own countrymen members of the religious caste and presumably more familiar with God's laws than the rest of the Israelites, would show such cold and callous disregard for him.
It wasn't until a Samaritan came by, an individual whom the Jews of that day would not so much as speak to (cf. John 4:9), that the man was rescued. The Good Samaritan not only aided the wounded man by getting help for his immediate needs (v. 34), but made provision for him to be taken care of until he should recover sufficiently to fend for himself (v. 35). So what all did the Samaritan do? He interrupted his own business or journey, physically brought the man to get help, and paid for his care, both immediate and future.
After relating His parable, Christ asked the religious scholar, "`So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?' And he said, `He who showed mercy on him.’ Then Jesus said to him, `Go and do likewise'” (vv. 36-37). The lesson to be drawn from the parable is plain to see—everyone is our neighbor! All human beings were made in the likeness of God (cf. Gen. 1:26). All human beings will have the opportunity to become fully glorified sons of God in the World Ahead. And it could not be clearer that all human beings deserve our love and our help as we are able to give it.
Of course, helping others in an emergency should not be the only expression of godly love we have toward them. We should pray for their needs, be courteous and hospitable toward them, and be generous and sharing. We should be particularly attentive to the needs of those who have less than we do: "But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?" (1 John 3:17). In short, expressing true love toward others is accomplished by serving them. We must remember that love is action, not just empty words or mere sentiment! (cf. James 2:15-16).
There is a side to serving others that we often overlook. Let's look once again at Matthew 22, where Christ defined the "second-greatest" commandment: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself' (v. 39). We don't usually stress that it's required to love ourselves. On one level, it's a character trait everyone already has (cf. Eph. 5:29). Nevertheless, so many of us do things that are clearly against our self interest. For instance, "he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body" (1 Cor. 6:18). Then again, we may drink to excess; overeat, use tobacco products, go on shopping binges we can't really afford, or engage in any number of addictive and destructive behaviors. We probably know it's wrong even as we do some of these things, but it seems too hard to stop.
Well make no mistake, it is hard to kick the habit—whatever the habit may be. And no wonder, for Satan himself plays upon the various lusts of the flesh that contribute to addiction. This is one way he stalks Christians, walking about "like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" ( 1 Peter 5:8). But as we ask for God's help to overcome these character flaws, we should feel all the more motivated to break free of them by realizing that they are not only harming us, but are robbing others as well. How? Simple—if we are caught up in the throes of some destructive and addictive pattern of behavior, there probably isn't any time or energy left to help others. And helping others is the very essence of loving our neighbor. Overcoming our personal faults, and taking care of our health and general well-being are necessary elements of serving others. Remember, you are the "temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Cor. 6:19). How can the Spirit flow out from you if its "temple" is not well cared for? With this motivation, such proper and nonprideful attention to ourselves is also, then, an expression of divine love.
Have you noticed something odd about our discussion thus far? We've been talking about expressing godly love toward God Himself, toward other people and even toward ourselves. But the strange thing is that these three principles aren't very different. We've just seen that the proper way of showing love toward ourselves has the effect of enabling us to help others all the more. And loving others is really a way to extend love to God. Why? Because we are caring for something God loves immeasurably—the future sons and daughters of His Kingdom. And, in turn, loving and serving God ensures our own well-being for all eternity.
Love, then, is an unbroken circle. Moreover, it's the driving force of the entire creation. As the verse at the beginning of this article tells us, "GOD IS LOVE.” And if we are to become His children and inherit His Kingdom, we must learn about love, teach love to others and practice love in our own lives until the day that we, too, BECOME love!
Most of us in Global probably have a personal "mission," if you will, to stand up and defend the law of God. We know that for centuries, professing Christianity has all but obliterated the law's real meaning and purpose. More painful still was viewing the same process in the Church of God, which eventually led to the formation of Global and other groups that believe in keeping the commandments. For many of us, the wounds from that traumatic time are still a little too fresh!
But we made the right decision. For there is no love without the commandments of God. "Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, `I know Him,' and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him" (1 John 2:3-5). And more to the point: "This IS the love of God that we keep His commandments" (5:3). This is why the importance of keeping the commandments of God is a constant theme in the publications of the Global Church of God.
Nevertheless, even in this area we need to exercise caution. For even what some call "keeping the commandments" can be a conflict toward growing in the love of God. The phrase "keeping the commandments" has been intentionally placed in quotation marks to indicate that we don't mean the proper way to obey God's law. For when properly understood, keeping God's commandments will never hinder us from expressing godly love. On the contrary, as we just saw in 1 John 5, true commandment-keeping IS love!
Problems have arisen, however, because some don't properly view the law of God and don't correctly apply it to themselves and others. And I'm not solely referring to the Protestant world's attempt to completely do away with the law. Some who rejoice in God's commandments are in fact misapplying them. And of course, if we are misusing God's law, it cannot lead to properly loving Him and His children. Unfortunately, this problem has been going on for a very long time!
Jesus Christ came to this earth to magnify the law that had been given to the ancient Israelites (cf. Is. 42:21 ). For a more complete discussion on this topic, please don't miss our three-part series about the Sermon on the Mount, beginning in the September-October issue of The World Ahead. Christ taught the people of His day what they had not known—the spiritual component in God's perfect law. He taught them how to truly keep that law—that is, how to EXPRESS LOVE by obeying the commandments. Thus, the commandment forbidding murder was revealed to mean far more than refraining from strangling someone. It also meant that we must not harbor inner hatred toward another, since this is clearly incompatible with loving that person. Christ tells us, "You have heard that it was said to those of old, You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment: But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment"! (Matt. 5:21-22).
Paul echoed this same theme in his letter to the Romans, saying, "Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, `You shall not commit adultery,' `You shall not murder,' `You shall not steal,' `You shall not bear false witness,' `You shall not covet,' and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, `You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law" ( 13:8-10). If our motive is not outward concern for and service to our fellow man, our attempts to keep God's law will be in vain!
So we musk ask ourselves: Do we keep the commandments in their full, magnified meaning? It's important that we're not just kidding ourselves! Let's look at some biblical examples of those who thought they were keeping God's law better than they actually were.
In Matthew 19, we are told of a rich young man who came to meet Jesus. He asked, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" (v. 16). Christ's response is found in the next verse: "If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments"! In verses 18-19, Jesus names five of the Ten Commandments, and then names the "second-greatest" commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself' (v. 19). This shouldn't surprise us for, as we saw earlier, upon this principle and that of loving God with all our being “hang all the Law and the Prophets"! (22:40).
Now the young man's response is most interesting: "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?" (19:20). Christ answered his question, saying, "`If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.' But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions" (vv. 21-22).
Obviously, the young man did lack something—he placed more emphasis on physical wealth than on spiritual riches. Clearly, this is a violation of the first commandment to have no other gods before the true God. For the man was placing the false "god" of money before the true God of creation. The interesting thing to note, however, is that the young man thought that he was basically keeping the commandments and had done so all his life. But Christ showed him that he was sorely mistaken!
Now Jesus reserved His harshest words for the Pharisees. They were in a certain sense stricter, more rigid and more meticulous in their observance of parts of God's law than anyone in Christ's day—maybe more than anyone ever! Yet what did our Savior tell them? We've already alluded to it: "Hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone" (Matt. 23:23). And as we know, they also neglected love, the weightiest matter of all (Luke 11:42). It certainly wasn't out of love that they continually tried to kill Jesus Christ.
So once again, what about us? Are we pharisaical? Do we have enthusiasm and zeal for the "dos and don'ts," but no real outflowing concern for our neighbors? Do we try to transform matters of personal choice into strict and rigid religious requirements—required by us, but not by God? Do we sit back and believe ourselves to be righteous and our brethren to be sinners, thanking God that we're not like them? The Pharisees did all these things. Let us hope that we don't follow their atrocious example. Jesus Christ gives an ominous warning to those who do: "For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven"! (5:20).
The Pharisees appeared to be extraordinarily righteous. However, it was only an appearance, since they were in fact self righteous. And self righteousness is poor soil in which to "grow" godly love. Christ says that the meek shall inherit the earth when His Kingdom is established (v. 5)—not the prideful, the arrogant or those who believe themselves to be superior to their brethren.
No article on the love of God would be complete without mentioning 1 Corinthians 13, commonly known as the "love chapter" of the Bible. The Apostle Paul first tells us the futility of trying to live God's way of life without real godly love. Using powerful spiritual gifts (vv. 1-2), exercising perfect faith (v. 2), giving all our possessions to help others (v. 3), or even being martyred (v. 3) are all to no avail—IF we are not acting out of godly love! Paul then details some of the qualities of this greater-than-human love, which we've listed:
|
Love suffers
long and it is kind; |
These verses can be a powerful tool for self evaluation. If we wish to know how far we've come in assimilating and expressing godly love, we should take a simple test. At the beginning of each line, replace the word "Love" with our own names. Paul tells us that "love does not envy" (v. 4). The next step is for us to "make it personal," in the form of a question. Therefore, I should ask: Gary does not envy? (Or: Does Gary envy?)
Only I can answer that question for myself, and only you can answer the questions when your name is placed in these verses. It can be a real eye-opener and point to some of the most important spiritual growth we will ever seek.
And of course, spiritual growth is the only way to be ever more motivated by godly love. In verse 11, Paul says, "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”
There are many valid applications of this verse, but let's try to understand it in context, as part of the love chapter. When we are first called by God, we learn some basic things and try to do them as best we can. We keep the Sabbath once we learn about it, we tithe, we seek out God's true Church. And make no mistake, God appreciates our efforts—if they are done with a pure heart in an effort to submit to His will and to honor Him. Nevertheless, God does not want us to stagnate in our initial understanding. On the contrary, we are to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).
And as we continue in this Christian way of life, let's never forget that understanding and expressing to others true love—the very love God has for us—is the most important area of our spiritual lives that we could ever develop. So let us continually strive to be more powerfully motivated by God's love, asking Him to grant it to us through His Holy Spirit. So beyond judgment, beyond mercy, and beyond even faith and the hope it engenders is something greater still. For, as we learn in 1 Corinthians 13:13, "now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love"!
by Raymond F. McNair
We now live in a world of unbridled selfishness, greed and violence. A world of poverty, misery and fear. But will world conditions always be so bleak? Or does the future hold real hope for mankind?
In 1516, British author Sir Thomas More published what has since become a literary classic—Utopia, a book about an imaginary island with an ideal and perfect society. His work is the origin of our word "utopia," meaning a "place of ideal perfection, especially in laws, government, and social economy" (Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 10th ed.).
Interestingly, the name Utopia was formed by combining two Greek root words-ou, meaning "no" or "not," and topos, meaning "place.” It essentially, then, means "not a place" or "nowhere.” And how appropriate that is—since such an ideal society exists nowhere on earth.
Indeed, after nearly 6,000 years of recorded history, with seemingly endless corruption, oppression, violence and general immorality, most of mankind has become disillusioned with the concept of utopia. Sadly, man has written a very ugly and violent history. And some of the worst chapters depict the events of this 20th century, during which—according to former U.S. National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski—"probably in excess of 175,000,000" lives have been blotted out by genocidal purges, massacres and war (Out of Control, pp. 9-1 l, 17).
And conditions aren't getting any better. Humanity is in dire straits. The suffering of our young people is particularly distressing. Eight years ago, Time magazine stated that "the catalog of death, neglect, degradation and exploitation affecting children is long and disheartening: Every day, more than 40,000 youngsters under the age of five die of preventable causes. About 150 million under five are malnourished, 23 million severely so. More than 100 million children of school age, 60% of them girls, never step inside a classroom. More than 30 million children live in the streets. About 7 million are refugees from war or famine. In Central and East Africa, 10 million will have lost at least one parent to AIDS by the year 2000" (Oct. l, 1990, p. 43). And unfortunately, the plight of children has only worsened since this alarm was sounded.
Even in the "civilized" world of the West, human government hasn't been able to solve the terrible problems besetting mankind. As bad as things are, then, it should come as no surprise that the Bible refers to the time we live in as "this present evil age" (Gal. 1:4). And it reveals who is behind the evil—Satan the Devil. For he is the "god of this age" (2 Cor. 4:4) who now "deceives the whole world" (Rev. 12:9). Jesus Christ Himself did not deny the fact that "all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them" are under Satan's control (Matt. 4:8).
Surrounded by such a wayward civilization, is the idea of a utopian world an imaginary pipe dream? Not at all! For Christ is actually going to set up the perfect Government on this earth-one based on just laws that will bring about global economic prosperity and universal peace for all time.
The Prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of the Messiah. "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called... Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom... even forever" (Is. 9:6-7).
Though the first clause of this passage came to pass with Christ's First Coming, the rest of it remains unfulfilled. Notice that Christ will sit upon the throne of David. Jeremiah sheds more light on the matter: "At that time Jerusalem shall be called the Throne of the LORD, and all the nations shall be gathered to it" (Jer. 3:17).
Indeed, hundreds of future events foretold by the Hebrew prophets concern the establishment of the Messiah's Kingdom, which is to rule earth from Jerusalem. Zechariah speaks of the Messiah returning to this city and waging war against those Gentile nations who fight against His people (Zech. 14:1-16). After defeating their armies (vv. 12-16; cf. Rev. 19:11-21), He establishes His Kingdom over the entire earth: "And the LORD shall be King over all the earth.... And no longer shall there be utter destruction, but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited" (Zech. 14:9-11 ).
Isaiah says, "Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established on the top of the mountains.... And all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, `Come, and let us go up to the... house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths: For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall rebuke many people; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore" (Is. 1:2-4).
This same book also tells us, "`And it shall come to pass that from one New Moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before Me,' says the LORD" (66:23).
Zechariah foretold that during that Golden Age "many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord" (Zech. 8:21 ). He continues, "In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, `Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you’" (v. 23). It's wonderful to know that there will then be no more feelings of racial superiority or inferiority. No more anti-Semitism. In fact, no more "anti-anyoneism.” All people will then learn to love and respect one another!
Daniel reveals that myriad spirit-composed, immortal saints (cf. 1 Cor. 15:50-54; 1 Thess. 4:13-18) will also assist the Messiah in ruling the nations: "And in the days of [end-time Gentile] kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed.... It shall break in pieces and consume all these [Gentile] kingdoms, and it shall stand forever" (Dan. 2:44).
Further, Daniel says, "Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him" (7:27).
Jesus Christ reaffirmed that He would fulfill these prophecies but it wasn't to be at His First Coming. In fact, only hours before His crucifixion, Jesus Himself told Pilate, "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36). He was willing to wait patiently until the Father gives Him power over the entire planet—at, as we will see, His Second Coming:
Shortly before this, His disciples were concerned about when He planned to establish His Kingdom on earth. For "they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately" (Luke 19:11). So Christ then gave them a parable: "A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return" (v. 12). Before leaving for this far country, the nobleman "called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas [units of currency], and said to them, `Do business till I come’" (v. 13).
In His parable, Christ is the nobleman, who goes to heaven, the far country, after His crucifixion and ascension, and returns to earth at His Second Coming. The currency He gives His servants is the Holy Spirit bestowed upon them at baptism, as well as innate abilities and spiritual gifts given on an individual basis (cf. 1 Cor 12:1-11).
Jesus then explained that each of His followers who made good use of the "money" He had given them would be given rulership over five or ten cities (vv. 15-18). This was a clear reference to them being given positions of authority in His Kingdom. Christ later explained to the Apostle John how this would occur: "And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—`He shall rule them with a rod of iron'” (Rev. 2:26-27). Jesus also said, "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne" (3:21).
After Christ's resurrection, He made numerous appearances to His disciples and told them many things "pertaining to the kingdom of God" (Acts 1:3). They asked Him, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel" (v. 6). He replied, "It is not for you to know the times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority"! (v. 7)-that is, regarding the restoration of this Kingdom. Notice that He didn't deny their understanding that the Kingdom would be a literal government.
When will God's Government and perfect peace be restored to this planet? We've already seen the answer—when Jesus Christ returns! The book of Acts tells us that "heaven must receive [Christ] until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began" (3:21).
And powerful events will herald this incredible time. The book of Revelation shows that numerous global calamities—each signaled by an angel blowing a trumpet—will befall this world during the year before Christ returns to this earth in power and great glory to establish His Kingdom.
The Apostle John reveals precisely when Jesus Christ will establish His world-ruling Kingdom on this earth. After the conclusion of those events which are yet to occur during the time of the "sixth trumpet"—and after 3 1/2 years of preaching by the "two witnesses,"
followed by their death and subsequent resurrection to physical life (11:1-14). "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!’" (v. 15).
According to Matthew 24, Jesus will seize the reins of world government at a time just before man would destroy himself with weapons of mass destruction (cf. vv. 21-22). Christ tells us in verses 29-31, "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened... the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man [cf. Rev. 6:12-17] will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet [the seventh trumpet we just referred to], and they will gather His elect from... one end of heaven to the other."
According to the Apostle Paul, Jesus' triumphant return from heaven will be in dazzling splendor. He says that "the Lord Jesus is [to be] revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thess. 1:6-8).
The Apostle John witnessed this event in vision: "Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.... And the armies in heaven... followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron" (Rev. 19:11, 14-15).
John then describes the last great battle of this age—a futile attempt to oppose the returning Messiah: "And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet.... These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse" (vv. 19-21).
Then what? In John's vision, a mighty angel comes "down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold on the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished" (20:1-2).
With Satan taken out of the picture, the world at large can come to deeply understand God's Truth and real peace can begin to be forged between nations—all under the direction of Jesus Christ and His saints. Notice what takes place following the banishment of Satan and his demons: "And I saw thrones and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them.... And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.... They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years" (vv. 4-6).
So for 1,000 years—an entire millennium—mankind will experience the perfect rule of God through His divine Son Jesus Christ. This Millennium is what Acts 3:19 calls the "times of refreshing.” Chapter 17 tells us that God the Father "has appointed a DAY [that is, a millennial "day"—cf. 2 Peter 3:8-9] in which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man [Jesus] whom He has ordained" (v. 31; cf. John 5:20).
At this time, Christ will be "King of kings and Lord of lords"—King and Lord of every ruler on the entire earth! (Rev. 19:16; Zech. 14:9). It appears that the patriarch Abraham, father of the faithful, will have a preeminent position under Jesus Christ (cf. Rom. 4:1-17; Luke 16:19-31). David will be king over all Israel (Ezek. 37:25; Hosea 3:5). Christ told His apostles that they would each be given rule over one of the twelve tribes of Israel: "Assuredly I say to you... when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you... will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Matt. 19:28). The saints, then glorified with immortality, will rule over cities (Luke 19:11-19), assisting Christ in governing this earth as kings and priests (Rev. 5:10).
Nearly 20 million people now serve in various governmental positions in the United States alone! Yet Christ's global government will comprise a mere fraction of that number of capable rulers to bring good government to the entire earth. Eventually, however, hundreds of thousands, or even millions, will assist Him in equitably ruling all nations.
How will they govern? By what standard will they judge? The infallible yardstick by which they will judge all issues that come before them will be the WORD OF GOD (Ps. 149:1-9; Matt. 4:4, Deut. 28:14-20). Like King David, they too will deeply realize that "he who rules over men must [himself be just, ruling in the fear of God"! (2 Sam. 23:3). As glorified, immortal sons and daughters of God, they will firmly believe that godly character really does count unlike so many of the rulers of this present evil world. By first yielding themselves to God and His immutable laws, they, as spirit-composed rulers, will have qualified to govern other flesh-and-blood humans. God will have written His law indelibly in their hearts and minds (Jer. 36:26). They will have learned that "righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people"! (Prov. 14:34).
Perfect leaders will teach the world the way to real happiness and enduring peace. Isaiah writes, "Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, and the strength of salvation" (Is. 33:6). But how will this come?
First of all, in the wonderful World Ahead, we will no longer have today's literally thousands of languages and dialects to cope with. God says, "For then I will restore to the peoples a pure language" (Zeph. 3:9). "All nations" will then, as we've seen, worship before the Messiah in Jerusalem (Jer. 3:17; Is. 66:23-24). Instead of millions flocking to various cities, shrines or other holy sites as so many do today, they will worship before the throne of the Prince of Peace in the true Holy City of Jerusalem.
Zechariah also shows that those who are "left of all the nations... [will then go up] to Jerusalem to worship the King... 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" (v. 16). And those who refuse to obey God in observing His Festivals will be divinely punished with drought and plagues until they learn to submit to God's Government (vv. 17-21 ).
This is one way in which Christ and the saints will rule "with a rod of iron.” Yes, there is great mercy with God. But when called for, action will be taken. Still, the first course of action will be an immediate warning: "And though the LORD gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction [now in this evil age), yet your teachers will not be moved into a corner anymore. But your eyes shall see your teachers, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, °This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left’"! (Is. 30:20-21; 66:24).
But what if some nation still dares to begin building destructive weapons, or plans aggression against its neighbors? Christ and the glorified saints will deal swiftly with such rebellion. Paralleling a scripture quoted earlier, the Lord "shall judge between many peoples, and rebuke strong nations afar off; [then] they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore" (Micah 4:1-3). Make no mistake, world peace WILL come—even if it must be instituted by force.
What will be the end result of living in that world of peace? Micah says that "everyone shall sit under his [own] vine and under his [own] fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid" (v. 4). Yes, in a world without military expenditures, individuals will experience greater personal prosperity. And continual fear, which now plagues society and contributes significantly to many mental and emotional disorders, will disappear forever.
Isaiah writes of the great millennial peace and security that will exist throughout the whole world—even in nature: "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion... together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play by the cobra's hole, —and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper's den. 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" (11:6-9).
Zechariah adds to this beautiful picture: "Thus says the LORD of hosts: `Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem. Each one , with his staff in his hand because of great age. The streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing" (Zech. 8:4-5): And Jerusalem will be a model for all cities throughout the world at that time. Thank Almighty God for His assurance that during the wonderful Millennium, children will live safely in their homes and play in secure streets, without fear of being harmed. No more child molestation, murder or abuse of any kind!
Ezekiel also describes the millennial blessings God will pour out upon the nations, beginning with the modern Israelites: "And I will make a covenant of peace with them, and cause wild beasts to cease from the land; and they will dwell safely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods. I will make them and the places all around My hill a blessing; and I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing. Then the trees of the field shall yield their fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase. They shall be safe in their land; and they shall know that I am the LORD.... and no one shall make them afraid. I will raise up for them a garden of renown, and they shall no longer be consumed with hunger in the land, nor bear the shame of the Gentiles anymore" (Ezek. 34:25-29).
Indeed, in addition to peace and security, abundance and overflowing joy will prevail throughout the earth. God will bless His people with good weather, bountiful crops and great prosperity. "Then He will give the rain for your seed with which you sow the ground, and bread of the increase of the earth; it will be fat and plentiful. In that day your cattle will feed in large pastures.... There will be on every high mountain and on every high hill rivers and streams of waters... in the day that the LORD binds up the bruise of His people and heals the stroke of their wound" (Is. 30:23-26).
Amos also speaks of this millennial superabundance: "Behold the days are coming, says the LORD, when the plowman shall overtake the reaper. And the treader of grapes him who sows seed; the mountains shall drip with sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it. I will bring back the captives of My people Israel; they shall build the waste cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them; they shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them" (Amos 9:13-14). What a beautiful picture of the great abundance that the earth will produce during the wonderful Millennium.
Isaiah describes even more amazing blessings: "The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad... and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing.... Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.... Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. The parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water.... A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness" (Is. 35:1-8; cf. 19:23-25).
This millennial peace, abundance and boundless joy will be the direct result of the Messiah's infinitely wise rule, assisted by His then-glorified, immortal saints. And with the devil and his demons banished from the earth, they will no longer be in a position to oppressively rule the nations! Satan will no longer have the power to tempt or in any way harm human beings!
Once Satan and his demons are restrained in the bottomless pit and perfect rule is exercised by Christ and the saints, fantastic blessings will be poured out on this beautiful planet: “He who ruled the nations in anger is persecuted and no one hinders. The whole earth is at rest and quiet; they break forth into singing"! (14:6-7).
Can we imagine a thousand years of love and peace? A thousand years of everything in abundance? A thousand years of sublime happiness? Jeremiah writes of those living during this incredible World Ahead: "Then out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of those who make merry; I will multiply them, and they shall not diminish.... Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, streaming to the goodness of the LORD—for wheat and new wine and oil, for the young of the flock and the herd; their souls shall be like a well-watered garden, and they shall sorrow no more at all" (Jer. 30:18-19; 31:12). Surely, here is utopia at last!
What joyous good news to know that Jesus Christ, the true Messiah, will soon establish His wonderful Government upon today's sin-cursed earth—bringing overflowing peace and prosperity, and abundant health and happiness to the peoples of all nations!
by Jonathan W. McNair
At one time or another in our life, we've all had something brand new. There's nothing like a new toy to brighten the eyes of a young child. A new outfit or pair of shoes can be a special joy for the lady in our life. And driving a car straight home from the showroom is a thrill for the whole family.
New is great! And, of course, new doesn't only apply to things.
When we meet someone new, and discover that we instantly click with him or her, we feel the joy of a new friendship growing. If friendship with a person of the opposite sex blossoms into romance and later marriage, we live the joy of having a new husband or wife.
God understands what a joy this is for us. He even created a statute for the ancient Israelites that gave the men an exemption from military service during the first year of marriage. In Deuteronomy 24:5, we read, "When a man has taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war or be charged with any business; he shall be free at home one year, and bring happiness to his wife whom he has taken.” And if the young couple is blessed with children, they experience the delight of holding a new baby in their arms for the first time.
New is great! But new doesn't only apply to things and relationships.
We are instructed in Ephesians 4:24 to "put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” When we begin our new life as we're baptized and receive the Holy Spirit, we're given a new start. We're given an opportunity to put everything we ever did—and everything we ever were—behind us. In God's eyes, we start with a new, clean slate. We're given a new way of life.
But it just doesn't stay new.
In a way, its like everything else in life. That new toy loses its shine. It gets stepped on—the dog chews it up. That new blouse begins to fade a little—collecting a coffee stain or some baby accidents. Even the new car begins to lose its novelty.
Unfortunately, our life as a Christian can also lose some of its shine. It can begin to rust—even break down—over time.
Throughout his second letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul encourages us to be vigilant, keeping an eye on our Christian condition. He told the Corinthians that they needed to examine themselves—honestly judging if they were holding fast to the faith they began with.
Following these instructions, we spend the Passover season focusing on where we need to grow, and change. That's good. But, as with a car, we can't expect to maintain our Christian way of life on a once-a-year service plan.
The Church has arranged cars for the ministry with a leasing company. It owns the vehicles and charges us a fee to use them for a certain time. Since the company will sell the cars to other customers after our lease expires, it expects us to take care of them properly. To make sure we do, the leasing company reminds us when it's time for an oil change, a tune-up or whatever else the manufacturer suggests. It insists on proper maintenance of the cars, and even phones to remind us.
Maybe you are just as diligent to keep your car in good running order. Or maybe you're extremely careful to maintain your house or yard. But are we all as careful in our spiritual walk? What are some of the areas we need to give greater attention to? And how do we go about it?
It isn't usually a very exciting topic. I mean, if we had a choice between going to the dealer and selecting a brand-new car, or crawling under our old one to change the oil, I know which choice I'd make. I imagine most of you feel the same. So, talking about maintenance may sound... well... boring. And besides, aren't we supposed to be growing, getting more knowledge, getting better all the time—instead of just "treading water"?
Unfortunately, many Christians have thought this way, lost sight of the fundamentals and gone off the track into spiritual confusion.
First, a definition. In Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, the primary definition for "maintain" is "to keep in an existing state (as of repair, efficiency or validity): preserve from failure or decline.”
In other words, maintenance is concerned with keeping things as close to being new as possible. Thus, if something is well taken care of, we say it's "as good as new." We find a number of biblical examples of maintenance, of preserving and of keeping in good repair.
In Proverbs, King Solomon encouraged his son to maintain the love for wisdom that had been instilled in him. "I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law.... Let your heart retain my words.... Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth" (4:1-6). He hoped his son would preserve the words of wisdom he had learned, even as he grew in knowledge and maturity.
What about in the New Testament? The Apostle Paul seemed to be very concerned over the people of Thessalonica maintaining the Christian way of life they had begun: "Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle" (2 Thess. 2:15). He told Timothy the same thing. "Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 1:13). In the book of Hebrews, the same encouragement is given: "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering" (10:23).
Growing in knowledge is good—it's necessary. Growing in experience and maturity is good—it too is necessary. But not at the expense of our job of maintaining the way of life we committed ourselves to at baptism. In fact, three of the Churches in Revelation 2-3 are given specific warnings to "hold fast," to preserve their commitment to God (2:25; 3:3, 11).
So the question we must all ask ' ourselves is this: Just how do we maintain our walk as Christians?
Our First Love
In Revelation, we also find a message to the Ephesian Era of the Church (2:1-7). It was complimentary in many ways. For the Ephesians had great works. They labored long and hard in God's service. They were patient and didn't tolerate false teachers. But they also had a major flaw. And it was so insidious that it actually caused them to "fall" (v. 5). That flaw is recorded in the next verse: "I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”
We've all probably read this scripture a lot in recent years. But the warning is so serious that it bears examining often. So let's take another look at first love.
First-century Christians—the Ephesian Era of the Church—had real zeal and love for God. This "first love" was not what we hear about in romantic popular music. It was not the emotional infatuation of a teenager's attraction toward someone of the opposite sex for the first time. And it was not just special exuberance because of the newness of Christianity. We might find ourselves talking about first love when referring to someone new in the Church. Some of those who have "been around the block" may talk about it as if it were a "less mature," less real type of godly love. These Church "veterans" adopt a "we've-seen-it-all" approach to God's Church, and can easily excuse their lack of dedication and commitment to being "past that first love.”
But in reality, the Greek word translated as "love" in the term "first love" is the familiar agape—real godly love that comes through the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, "first" should be understood here as primary not "new." And what or who is to be the primary object of our love? Christ says in Mark 12:30, “`And you shall love the LORD YOUR GOD with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment.” So the Ephesians started out with God and His revealed way of life as their first—or primary—love. That's what they needed to maintain.
Unfortunately, they didn't keep it in good repair. They did not maintain their existing state. They did not preserve that love from failure or decline. For us, it may seem hard to believe. Some of these early Christians had personally known the original disciples of Christ. In fact, some may actually have met Jesus Christ. Amazing miracles had been witnessed. A number who had died had been raised back to physical life! (Matt. 27:52).
And yet, the warning remains. The stinging rebuke of the Ephesian Era is that these Christians had left the love for God that they earlier had. It's not that they didn't start out with it. They simply did not maintain it!
Sadly, it's so easy for us to do the same. As we go through life, we can be fooled into assuming that we're still “brand-new Christians.” But perhaps we haven't maintained our love for God and for what He tells us as we should have. Maybe we assume that we're growing, when, in fact, we're not even maintaining what we started with. Now maintenance is rarely exciting. It can seem pretty tedious at times. But things have a natural way of falling apart. If we don't continually work to keep them together, they will fall into disrepair. Peter wrote, "Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble" (2 Peter 1:10).
But our needed spiritual maintenance doesn't stop here.
In Paul's letter to Titus, we read, "This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men" (3:8).
A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to meet a man who had no former contact with the Church. After a time he came to see that we taught the Truth and that we were God's Church. He became more serious. After some months, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to baptize him. We conducted the baptismal ceremony at a local health club pool. After it was all over, we returned to his home. He stopped me, though, just as I was beginning to leave. He said, "There's something I'd like to talk about.” I thought to myself, "Uh-oh. What's he going to bring up that could sound so serious?"
He said, "I just feel like I'm not serving enough. How can I serve more in the Church?" It was the last thing I'd expected to hear, but it shouldn't have caught me off guard. For we often do have a great desire to serve and be with other Spirit-begotten Christians when we're new in the Church. We tend to talk to everyone at Church services, instead of fellowshipping only with our regular friends: We make sure to visit the shut-ins. And nothing will stop us from being at Church services with our brethren on the Sabbath.
Some of us, however, after we've been in the Church for a while, revert back to thinking of ourselves more than others. We allow our good works to taper off. We don't maintain the service that we used to devote to others around us. We find ourselves saying words like, "I've gotten burned out with serving I just want to take a break for a while.” The problem, however, is that the Bible teaches no such thing!
Paul repeated his exhortation to Titus in verse 14: "And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.”
He wasn't suggesting that we ruin our health, go bankrupt or neglect our own family's needs. We don't have to run around in a panicked frenzy, trying to constantly "do things for people in the Church." On the contrary, we should always be wise in the use of our time and resources. We help and serve others as we are able—not only our family and brethren, but also our friends and acquaintances outside the Church as well as the public at large. The way we serve changes over time. Our physical abilities change. Our skills, strengths and weaknesses change. Other people's needs change as well.
But the fact remains. As part of our Christian way of life, we are commanded to maintain our good works—our service—to others. There will never be a time to "take a break" from doing good deeds.
Spiritual maintenance involves maintaining true godly love. It also includes maintaining good works.
If we want to maintain our car in "like-new" condition, we have to follow a service plan. Fortunately, an "owner's manual" came with the car to help formulate that plan. It
tells us all the steps we need to take to keep the vehicle in top condition. Likewise, there are steps we must take as part of our spiritual maintenance plan.
First, we must learn to be constantly aware of our current state. We could pretend that our car is new, even though it's five or ten years old. Some do-it-yourself car washes might even have "new-car" scent that could be sprayed inside. This way, we could almost trick ourselves with the illusion of having a new vehicle. But not quite. Inside, we'd still know we had an aging car. We'd still be listening for knocks and pings!
Yet, spiritually, we seem much more able to ignore the warning signs that signal "engine trouble." We may go through a time of soul-searching and review during the Passover season, but forget that spiritual maintenance is really a year-round job. Perhaps our best friend hasn't spoken to us in a month, but it doesn't dawn on us that there might be a problem with our relationship. Worse still, we can't seem to get past "Father in heaven" when we kneel down to pray, yet somehow don't realize there's a problem in our relationship with God!
In Psalm 51, David showed that he was willing and able to recognize the warning signs whenever they came. He could have glossed over the episode with Bathsheba and Uriah (2 Sam. 11). He could have told Nathan, "Look, you really don't understand what it's like being king. You don't know the pressure I'm under. And you don't have a clue just how lonely I am. Sure, I make mistakes now and then, but let's just get past that and forget about it.”
Yet that wasn't David's attitude. Instead, he saw that his behavior in this instance was indicative of a critical flaw in his character David prays to God, saying, "Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.... Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean.... Create in me a clean heart, O God" (w. 2-10).
So once again, an important part of maintenance is to regularly and frequently review our current condition.
Second, develop a maintenance schedule. Global's automobile leasing company requires an oil change every 3,000 miles for our vehicles. This is part of a maintenance schedule. We have other instructions about changing filters, brakes, tires, etc. We'd be foolish to say, "Well, it was new when I got it. I thought it would just stay that way!"
When we learn the Truth, we are likewise given a ready-made maintenance schedule. God gave us His Holy Days. Leviticus 23 lists the basic yearly schedule. But just as a car owner's manual doesn't give us all the reasons for changing the oil every 3,000 miles, neither does Leviticus 23 give us every detail about the lessons of the Feast Days. But we can learn these lessons in many passages throughout the entire Bible. In fact, we learn the fine details of why we need to cover the Holy Day topics on a yearly basis. If we didn't have this schedule in our hands, we might not be conscientious enough to review these topics as regularly as we should.
Third, prepare for emergencies. Even with regular maintenance, we can't guarantee that normal wear and tear won't take its toll or that an unexpected system failure might not occur. For we can be doing all the right things to take care of our car, and still have a breakdown. We have to prepare for what might happen. We should either learn how to change a tire or jump
start the engine, or sign up for emergency road service. It would also be wise to put some money aside for possible costly car repairs.
Wise spiritual maintenance calls for the same approach. Peter reminded us that trials will come. He said, "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you" ( 1 Peter 4:12). Things are going to happen in our lives and the lives of those around us that we simply do not anticipate. So if we are mentally prepared to accept this fact, we'll be better able to handle the specific emergency when it arrives-whatever it may be.
When God led the Israelites out of Egypt, He didn't bring them to the other side of the Red Sea and then say, "Okay, this is the end of the line. Now you're on your own!" In Deuteronomy, we find a very encouraging message that God gave His people. He said, "When your son asks you in time to come, saying, `What is the meaning of the testimonies, the statutes, and the judgments which the LORD our God has commanded you?' then you shall say to your son: `We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand; and the LORD showed signs and wonders before our eyes, great and severe, against Egypt, Pharaoh, and all his household. Then He brought us out from there, that He might bring us in, to give us the land of which He swore to our fathers. And the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day’” (Deut. 6:20-24).
God protected them. He gave them His laws. And these laws were meant to preserve them, to maintain them, to keep them well, prosperous and in peace, so they would not deteriorate as a nation. God wanted them to maintain their status as a people guided and blessed by Him. He is no different with us.
Paul was confident that God was concerned about maintaining and preserving him, whatever trials and tribulation came his way. He said to Timothy, "And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom" (2 Tim. 4:18). We can be just as confident.
The issue of maintaining the Christian way of life is especially applicable to our day. In this end time, many people have begun to follow it, and have learned an extraordinary amount about the Bible. They have experienced many challenges and struggles along the way. But this knowledge and experience has not prevented some from falling down with respect to maintaining the Christian way of life.
Peter writes about a condition in the first-century Church that mirrors what we have seen in recent years. In 2 Peter 2, he begins to describe people who knew the Truth, but forsook it (v. 15). Note that these were not outsiders—people who didn't know or understand God's ways. Sadly, they were members of the Church—our brethren (vv. 13-15).
Peter's condemnation is sobering. "For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way
of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: `A dog returns to his own vomit’” (vv. 20-22).
If we don't change the oil in our car, and we consequently damage the engine, we can always find some other car to buy. But if we don't maintain ourselves spiritually, the damage could be irreparable!
In the World Ahead, we will be new beings—incorruptible spirit beings! We won't have to worry about maintaining physical bodies. We'll be new, clean, complete in glory like Jesus Christ our Elder Brother. We'11 even be given a new name: "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it" (Rev. 2:17).
As we wait for that time, let's remember the importance of maintaining the Christian way of life God has given to us! And let's hold fast what we have—so that, in the end, we may receive the crown of life.
"Jesus...said, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it"' (Luke 18:16-17).
Jesus Christ felt indignation when the disciples turned away those who had brought their children for Him to touch. It was customary among Jews to have their children blessed, (Gen. 48:14), but perhaps the disciples thought Jesus had more important work to do than attending to mere children. Let the rabbis take care of that, they may have thought, so the Master would not be fatigued by interruptions. But Jesus intervened saying, "Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them" (Mark 10:14).
As a Master Teacher, He called one of the children to Him, took the child in His arms and blessed him. And thus began an object lesson for all who stood by—and for us today! Christ linked the children with what was of significant interest to the bystanders—the Kingdom of God. The Jews of that day anticipated a Messiah who would deliver them from their Roman overlords. They thought He would establish a Kingdom in their lifetime and lead them out of oppression. Many believed that Jesus was that Deliverer. So they must have been puzzled with His interest in ordinary children. What bearing could these practically helpless little ones have on establishing the Kingdom of God?
Christ knew what they did not yet know—that His Government was not of this world. These disciples and all who followed Him through the ages would need to develop specific qualities of character to enter this spiritual Kingdom—a Kingdom more grand than human comprehension could even grasp. But how would this be done? As Christ explained, preparing for that Kingdom would require them to adopt a new way of thinking, an openness to hear and accept His instruction, a willingness to depend on Him through uncertain times, and a trustfulness to live a challenging way of life.
So He said, "...for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it" (v. 14-15).
It would take Christ's death and resurrection and their own lifetime experiences for the disciples to appreciate the child-like faith He portrayed in blessing the little children. It takes us a lifetime as well to learn that same faith.
This year at the Feast of Tabernacles, during the ceremony of the blessing of little children, let us consider child-like faith and remain teachable, trusting, dependent and open to God's workmanship in us. As a congregation, let us pray silently for the children as the minister asks God's specific blessings on each one and on his or her parents. Let's thank God for the benefits He will give these children, who are holy to Him ( 1 Cor. 7:14). And let's remember His faithfulness to us as His own "little ones.”