| Editorial A Family Spirit | Jan 00 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: One aspect of restoring Apostolic Christianity that we need to recover is a genuine "family spirit". A few of our local churches have this. But others do not, and certainly all of us can do better. |
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| Editorial A Higher Level | Mar-Apr 05 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong often used to tell the Church of God that many among us were not truly "conquered" by God. Sometimes he also stated: "JOnly about half of you brethren are really converted." Near the end of his life, Mr. Armstrong stated: "Perhaps only a tithe---only about 10 percent---of the Church is truly conquered by God!" |
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| Editorial A Way of Life | Sep-Oct 03 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: Following carefully this entire way of life certainly doesn not "earn" salvation, but it demonstrates that we are truly trying to "live by every word of God." As we grow in understanding, and in our humble yieldedness to God's Word, this certainly helps us qualify for greater responsibility in the coming Kingdom of God. |
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| Editorial Are We Disobeying Our Creator? | July- Aug 99 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: As we approach the turn of the Millennium, God is obviously positioning the Living Church of God to do a powerful Work. Prophetic events are occurring with increasing frequency. Christ is coming soon. And we are among the very few people on the earth to grasp the true significance of all these things. Subheads: What is This Sin? The EXAMPLE of Abraham Old Covenant Tithing A CHANGE in the Tithing Law Further New Testament Instruction |
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| Editorial Are You Truly Humble? | Mar-Apr 01 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: Even in God's Church it is possible to find many men and women who are very lacking in humility. As we approach the Passover and the footwashing service- the "ordinance of humility"- it will be helpful to consider whether we meet the test of true humility. |
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| Editorial Called To Endure | May-Jun 04 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: It is vital dear brethren, that we never lose our focus! It is exrememly important that we learn to pray fervently every day that God will keep us energized, and that we do not become "weary with well doing"! |
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| Editorial Christ is Our LEADER | Nov-Dec 02 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: With an upcoming move to Charlotte, North Carolina, and other areas of growth and change in the offing, it is vital for all of our people to come to a deeper faith and trust in Jesus Christ. It is easy to forget that Jesus Christ is alive and very active! That He is the living Head of the Church. That He is aware of the smallest detail. |
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| Editorial Do We "Get It"? | July-Aug 01 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: For quite a number of years before his death, Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong would look out over the Headquarters congregation and say, "Brethren, I think that many of us just don't get it!" Mr. Armstrong sensed that many of God's people just "went along for the ride." |
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| Editorial Do You Love the Jewish People? | Mar-Apr 02 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: Do you personally love the Jewish people? Or do you have any feeling of "distance" between you and them? Where does the Living Church of God stand on this matter? What would God have us feel and have us do? |
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| Editorial Enthusiasm and ZEAL | May-June 00 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: Enthusiasm and zeal are both characteristics of nearly every great servant of God in the Bible. Yet, in our modern age, the attitude of being "cool" seems to prevail. People seem to be suspicious of anyone getting "too excited" about Christianity. Why is this? |
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| Editorial: Gaining Wisdom | Jan-Feb 01 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: Are you a truly "wise" person? Are you now learning to "think through" carefully all important decisions that you must make? Are you preparing, in this way, to fulfill your calling when Jesus Christ returns and tells you, "Well done good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities" (Luke 19:17)? |
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| Editorial Give Your Time to God! | Sept-Oct 00 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
| Intro: In a recent sermon I brought out a vital key to Christian living that many have not understood. It involves how we give our lives to God. In Romans 12:1-2, the Apostle Paul exhorts us: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." |
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| Editorial: How LOYAL Are You | Jan-Feb 99 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
| Intro:
One of the most vital characteristics of a true Christian is loyalty. Even in the secular realm, loyalty is a highly valued trait of character, yet one that is often abused. How loyal are you to God? To your husband or wife? To your nation? To your employer or boss? Obviously, God tells us that if there is a direct conflict, "we ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). |
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| Editorial How Satan CONFUSES People | Mar-Apr 00 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: Satan the Devil has many tactics to turn people away from God. He is, of course, the greatest LIAR in the universe. Jesus Christ told the Pharisees: "You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is NO TRUTH in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a LIAR and the father of it" (John 8:44). |
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| Editorial How To Avoid Being a Laodicean | Jan-Feb 04 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: The vast majority of God's people are evidently "Laodicean" at the end of this age. When we truly understand Revelation 3, this is the clear indication. And those who are Laodicean will have to be chastened during the "fire" of the coming Great Tribulation (Revelation 3:18-19). |
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| Editorial Keep "Watching" Carefully | May-June 01 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: When discussing the exact time of His Second Coming, Jesus Christ told His disciples: "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, WATCH and PRAY; for you do not know when the time is" (Mark 13:32-33). |
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| Editorial Let's Continue the Work | Nov-Dec 99 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: Among the many splits and divisions of God's people in the past several years, one troubling theme seems to be springing up again and again. That theme or concept is that "the Work is over", or that "we don't need to do a Work except merely to feed the flock". |
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| Editorial Let's Keep Our Eyes on the Goal | May-June 99 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: Herbert W. Armstrong used to say, "Never take your eyes off the GOAL." All top athletes understand the slogan, "Keep your eyes on the ball." Brethren, nearly all of us in the Living Church of God have already been tried and tested and "sifted" in a number of ways. |
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| Editorial Living Faith | Sept-Oct 01 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: The Eternal God has inspired me regarding the vital need for all of us to grow in faith. Because of all of our modern distractions, and because of the breakup of our former association, many thousands of brethren around the world have been deeply hurt or confused. |
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| Editorial Our Need for Living Faith | Mar-Apr 03 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: Thinking about the trials and tests that lie just ahead of all of us, I recently began re-reading the Psalms of David to gain inspiration and encouragement. I found in these Psalms- again and again- powerful examples of the great faith that David exercised in so many of his own trials and tests. Often we focus on David's courage, bravery and commitment. But we may not fully connect these fine attributes with the remarkable faith of King David of Israel. |
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| Editorial Persecution Is Coming! | Nov-Dec 01 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: At baptism, each of us should have made a "covenant with our Creator" to give our lives to Him. We normally do this by giving our lives as a "living sacrifice" as Paul instructs in Romans 12:1. But always we must be willing to suffer and even to die in our service to the Christ who died for us. |
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| Editorial Practice Servant Leadership | Nov-Dec 03 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
| Intro: If any of us are placed in a position of authority within the church, we must always remember that it is for service---not to show how important we are. We should often remember to read and meditate on Jesus' instruction to His disciples along these lines. |
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| Editorial Press Toward the Goal! | July-Aug 02 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
| Intro: One of the primary dangers for all of us in God's Church is Laodiceanism. We are definitely in what the Bible indicates is the "last era"- the last church age of God's Church just before the Tribulation. The Apostle John was inspired to describe this era in very clear terms in Revelation 3:14-22. Note that this era is condemned not for any specific doctrinal errors, but for a complacent, lukewarm attitude. |
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| Editorial Seek God's Will in Your Life | Mar-April 04 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: Even though we in the Living Church of God do not spend most of our time and energy attacking many of the vile practices of our society, I do want all of you brethren and your families to fully realize where we stand. For, in this mixed up world, you dear brethren---and your children---are constantly bombarded with the liberal media propaganda that, for instance, abortion and homosexuality are really "okay." |
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| Editorial Stages of Faith | Jul-Aug 04 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: ...I am sure we have all been considering how to grow in the faith we need. For we want to complete Christ's Work in this age with power and with effectiveness, and we deeply understand that it must be God's power and not our own human efforts. |
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| Editorial Strengthen Your Body | Jul-Aug LCN p. 4 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: A vital issue many of our brethren obviously neglect is the need to take proper care of their bodies! Many among us are needlessly sick, run down or “in the dumps” emotionally. |
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| Editorial Strive for Excellence | Sept-Oct 02 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: In our modern world it is often considered fashionable to be "cool". Young people sometimes pride themselves on not appearing to be "trying too hard". Yet that is exactly the opposite of what our God wants us to be and to do! In fact, most of us in God's Church may need to "try harder" than those endowed with more natural ability and who have perhaps been afforded more opportunities for higher education and opportunities to learn the social graces than most of us. |
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| Editorial "Testing" Your Conversion | Jan-Feb 02 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: What is the one key area of Christian life which shows whether a person is deeply converted or not? Sabbath keeping? Showing love? Being zealous for the Work? While all those fruits are important, by themselves they may be misunderstood or misguided. |
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| Editorial The Big Picture | Sep-Oct 04 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: An enduring lesson I have learned throughout my 55 years in God's Work is the need to focus on the Big Picture. So many of the brethren---and even fellow ministers and evangelists whom I have loved and with whom I have worked over the years---have fallen away or drifted into apostasy, because they failed to focus on the truly major things. |
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| Editorial The End Is Near | Nov-Dec 04 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: What if you kinew that Jesus Christ would come in less than 14 years---and that the three-and-a-half year Great Tribulation would begin just in nine years from now? |
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| Editorial The Gifts of the Spirit | July-Aug 00 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: All of us in the Church of God today need to understand more fully the role of the "gifts" of the Spirit. I hope all of you will read this brief overview along with my lead article/letter starting on page one of this issue. |
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| Editorial The Importance of Faith | Sept- Oct 99 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: Over and over, we have been emphasizing the vital need to build an "atmosphere of faith" in the Living Church of God. Scores of our brethren need to be healed. Hundreds of our brethren are no doubt going through trials and tests even as I write this. And we are now entering the "last days" when -as the Apostle Paul wrote- "perilous times will come" (2 Timothy 3:1). |
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| Editorial The Power of Example | May-June 02 LCN p. 3 | R. Ames |
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Intro: Jesus said: "You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). He said that we should shine as lights in this world so that others "may see (our) good works and glorify (our) Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). God has called us to live the way of life of genuine Christianity. Subheads: Our Mission Following the Right Examples Our Personal Example |
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| Editorial Trials and Persecutions | Feb 00 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: All of you brethren know, I'm sure, that I am a very positive person. I try to look on the bright side of any situation. I have always tried to project growth and progress in the Work in most of my preaching and writing. That is as it should be. |
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| Editorial Trust in the Real God | Jan-Feb 05 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: The life of Abraham does not seem as exciting as that of Moses or David, who seemed to perform great exploits far beyond what Abraham did. But when you carefully read of Abraham’s life, you will notice how he “pioneered” the approach of total faith in God—no matter what. |
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| Editorial Understanding the Milwaukee Tragedy | May-Jun 05 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: |
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| Editorial Wait on God | Jul-Aug 03 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: .So why are we not growing even faster? First of all, we need to be very grateful for the solid growth we are experiencing already—even in a time of recession and some of the highest jobless figures in recent years! In spite of all this, the Work's income is growing at a rate close to 8 percent so far this year. This is much better than most religious organizations. And most commercial businesses would be delighted with this kind of growth in a recessionary environment. |
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| Editorial We All Need FAITH! | May-June 03 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: The Apostle Paul made a very interesting observation in Colossians 1:24: "I now rejoice in my sufferings fro you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the Church." Are there, indeed, a certain number of tghe "afflictions of Christ" which every true Christian needs to face before entering eternal life> Is a certain amount of trying, testing and even suffering usually necessary to teach us the profound humility, the steadfastness and the total commitment needed before becoming a glorified spirit being in the very family of God? |
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| Editorial: We Grow Through Trials | Mar-Apr 99 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Why are these trials and tests always coming along? Why does God allow such things to afflict even His begotten children? From personal experience and from the testimony of many others, I have come to understand that tests and trials are for our good. They sharpen us and stir us to think more deeply about ourselves, about our problems and about the meaning of life. |
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| Editorial What Do YOU Stand For? | Jan-Feb 03 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: In this swift-moving, godless society, each one of us had better take the time to decide what we really believe in- what we are willing to "fight" for and, if need be, die for. Today's materialistic, secular culture is almost overwhelming in its influence on most who call themselves Christian. |
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| Editorial What is Your Breaking Point? | Nov-Dec 00 LCN p. 3 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: Once or twice a year, I look through old Envoys- yearbooks from Ambassador College. I note the leaders from my student years, and from the better part of 35 years I spent as a teacher. Where have these "leaders" gone? What happened to most of the student body presidents and even many of the evangelists in the Church of God? |
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Open Letters
| Open Letter--- "A Mighty Oak Has Fallen..." | May-Jun 04 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: My wife and I have completed a most inspiring and enlightening trip to Britain and South Africa. We learned many things of interest, and the brethren in South Africa were ecstatic that we had the pleasure of coming to visit them. They are doing well, though they need your prayers because of the potential dangers in that area of the world. I had started this letter on the way back, and intended to devote it to the trip to south Africa. However, soon after I arrived home, I was awakened from a deep sleep to be told of the death of my friend and brother, Mr. Carl McNair. |
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| Open Letter--- After God's Own Heart | Sept-Oct 02 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: Do you want to be more like King David of Israel- the "man after God's own heart" (Acts 13:22)? Through most of my Christian life, King David and the Apostle Paul were my main biblical "heroes"- apart from Jesus Christ Himself. As I have grown older, I have added Abraham and the beloved Apostle John to the list. But that is another story. Over the years, I have studied King David's life, and have preached several sermons on why he was a man "after God's own heart". |
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| Open Letter---An Atmosphere of Faith | Nov-Dec 99 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: During the Feast, my sermons mainly touched on the twin themes of "Restoring Apostolic Christianity" and building an "atmosphere of FAITH" within God's Church. I hope and pray that all of you are picking up on these themes- and that you will pray about them, and really study the Bible so as to be very conversant with these vital themes. |
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| Open Letter--- Are You an Armstrongite? | Jan-Feb 02 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: The various Sabbath-keeping Church of God groups owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Herbert W. Armstrong. Standing virtually alone at first- enduring persecution and physical and financial hardships for many years- they worked together as a team to restore many truths to the Church and to revive the Work of God. |
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| Open Letter---Are You Prepared for Persecution? | Nov-Dec 03 LCN p.1 | R. Meredith |
| How spiritually strong are you, really? With escalating hate and violence against America and its allies around the world, we all need to strengthen ourselves for the tough times ahead. And as God's Work grows and our impact grows on this God-rejectiing world, religious persecution will also be an increasing obvious part of our lives. After describing the end-time wars, earthquakes, famines and disease epidemics, Jesus said: "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom....They they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. | ||
| Open Letter---Are You Really a Christian? | Jan-Feb 01 LCN p.1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: Most of us in the Living Church of God act like Christians most of the time. But there are "those times" when all of us slip up, act in a selfish or worldly manner or simply get rebellious. Our enemy, Satan the devil, is always waiting to "stir us up" in a moment of weakness. So we must be on guard always---always! |
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| Open Letter"Are You Watching"? | Jul-Aug 04 LCN p.1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: In this open letter, I want to help you focus on the "Big Picture" of what is happening on the world scene. After describing the key events and prophecy preceding His Second Coming, Jesus instructed "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man" (Luke 21:36). |
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| Open LetterBe Christ Minded, Not Double Minded | Jan-Feb 04 LCN p.1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: ...Many years ago, I saw a film revealing the double life of its leading character. This character went to church from time to time, and practiced certain rituals of his religion to please his family. Yet he was actually a vicious gangster, who would without any scruples kill, maim, and torture his enemies. |
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| Open Letter---Build a Relationship with God | Sept-Oct 00 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: In this open letter, I want to share with all of you some of the thoughts, meditations and prayers that I have been contemplating over the last several weeks. We are certainly drawing close to the very END of this age. Yet we do seem to be in a sort of "transition period"- trying and testing our patience- before things speed up to the grand-smash climax of world events. |
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| Open Letter---Christian Living | Jan-Feb 99 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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The Living Jesus Christ, once again, has been sorting out His people. We hope this is the last "shake-up" before the major events of end-time prophecy begin to occur with increasing frequency! And as these events begin to develop momentum, many people will undoubtedly join our ranks- some being deeply converted, some simply to "save" their own hides. |
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| Open Letter---Correction: The Way to Maturity | May-June 00 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: We are rapidly coming up on the Day of Pentecost. It is my hope that all of you have experienced a positive Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread observance. Now, as we prepare for Pentecost and the fall Holy Days, I want to share with you something we all need to work on all year long. |
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| Open Letter---Developing a Deep Love for God | Mar-Apr 01 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: As we approach the Passover, it is important that we all try to draw closer to God in every way. God is our Father. The Son of God is our Savior- our Lord, High Priest and coming King. We can never in a billion years even hope to begin to repay God for the gift of life, for being made in His image and for the beauty and harmony of the marvelous creation around us. How thankful we in God's Church should be for His special calling- for His wonderful inspired Word to enlighten, teach, and inspire us, and for the precious gift of the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. |
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| Open Letter---Earnestly Fasting and Seeking God | Sept-Oct 01 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: Once again I want to thank you for the many encouraging responses to my letter calling for a Church-wide fast on July 14, 2001. Every response I received was a positive one, and a number of you suggested that we continue to have Church-wide fasts every so often. This is an excellent idea. But the vast majority of fasts in each true Christian's life should be private and personal- just as the majority of our prayers must be private and personal. |
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| Open Letter---Establishing Right Priorities | Jan 00 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: As we move together into this New Millennium- as designated by the Roman calendar- we need more than ever to prepare for the real New Millennium. For Christ will then be here in dramatic REALITY! And EVERYTHING around us will change. |
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| Open LetterEuropean Trip Report | Jul-Aug 05 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: -In April, my wife and I took an inspiring trip to Britain, Ireland and Europe. We certainly experienced a wonderful and smooth trip in almost every way—and literally felt the presence of God through your prayers. I was able to conduct the Passover in London, where I preached a couple of times to our congregation there on the Sabbath and the first Day of Unleavened Bread. Then we traveled briefly through Wales and were able to visit with one of our outstanding families there, as well as see the Feast of Tabernacles site in Wales. |
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| Open Letter---Filled with Christ, Not Egypt | Mar-Apr 00 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: All of us need to be preparing physically and spiritually for this annual memorial service. All of us need to be "examining" ourselves as Paul instructs in 2 Corinthians 13:5. As we think about the Passover and about the original Days of Unleavened Bread, we remember that Israel was preparing to flee Egypt- a type of SIN. |
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| Open Letter--- Focus on "Apostolic Christianity" | Mar-Apr 02 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: As the end of this age approaches, we in God's Church should "sharpen our focus". As the Living Church of God, and the Work of this Church become more influential and more recognized, it is vital that we speak clearly to the world why we are "different" from mainstream Christianity- and why and how we must be different in order to genuinely be the Church of God. Subheads: A Key Concept Paul Looked to Jerusalem |
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| Open Letter--- Getting Our Balance on Health | Sep-Oct 03 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: During our recent Council of Elders meetings, among several other topics we discussed our approach to divine healing. Since I hope to produce a booklet on this vital matter, I wanted the input of the Council on this topic. We all agreed that, in years past, two extreme approaches often dominated the thinking of ministers and Church members alike. In decades past, many felt that you were "weak in the faith"---or possibly even sinning---if you took any physical action above and beyond "fully trusting God." |
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| Open Letter--- God Will Have to Intervene | July-Aug 00 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: While Sheryl and I were surrounded by approximately 250, 000 people in St. Peter's Square in Rome, I remarked to her that, in this vast sea of faces, we were probably the ONLY ones with any real knowledge of God or of His true PLAN for humanity. Even in our so-called "sophisticated" age, people were virtually worshipping the little old man up there on the stage. |
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| Open Letter--- Go Forward in Faith | May-June 02 LCN p. 1 | R. Ames |
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Intro: In what direction should we walk? As human beings, we will always have "setbacks". Even God's Work faces setbacks from time to time. When the Work was hindered, Mr. Herbert Armstrong used to compare this to the cocking of a gun. The gun's hammer, though pulled back a short distance, was being prepared to strike the bullet and propel it forward at a faster pace. And so God propels His Work forward at a faster pace when He determines to do so. But we must always be ready to move forward when our Red Sea opens for us. |
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| Open Letter---Jesus Christ Is in Charge! | Jul-Aug 03 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: ..As you know, tens of thousands of God's people were hurt and discouraged by the spiritual malaise that developed during the terrible apostasy that took place after the death of Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong. People began to be utterly confused about the right form of Church government. For they felt that, after Mr. Armstrong's death, Christ somehow "forsook" His Church and let bad things happen. These people lost sight of Jesus Christ as the real Head of His Church! they also veered away from many basic truths that the Church of God had held for centuries, including observance of the Sabbath and Holy Days, and the expectation of Christ's literal reign on earth. |
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| Open Letter---Lessons of Passover | Mar-Apr 99 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
| Intro: The Passover will soon be here! We all should think and meditate on the deep meaning of this solemn occasion, for it pictures the fact that our Creator was willing to die for His creation! As we approach the Passover service, we really do need to think through the many lessons we should learn from this observance |
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| Open LetterLet Your Light Shine | Sep-Oct 05 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
| Intro: We are living in a very vicious world! When we think about the recent beheadings of some of our western countrymen---and others---and the many otgher atrocities going on around the world, it is obvious that Christ needs to come soon! With all our hearts, we need to get out the message of Christ's coming government and His way of life. |
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| Open LetterMore of Us Need To Be Healed | May-Jun 05 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
| Intro: As I write, we are approaching the Passover season. Though you will not read this until after Passover, I want you to know that God seems to be impressing on my mind the vital importance of the healing aspect of God’s ministry. I have given a couple of sermons on this recently, but want to put some of this into writing since many of you are not able to hear all of these sermons. The matter of divine healing is a vital part of our Christian lives and of doing the Work of God! |
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| Open LetterMoving Forward to the Kingdom | Nov-Dec 04 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
| Intro: ... My wife and I returned from the Feast of Tabernacles tired, but happy. We visited fine Feast sites in Mt. Pocono, Pennsylvania; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Panama City, Florida. Everywhere, we encountered hundreds of very enthusiastic and very dedicated brethren who are behind this Work of the Living Christ, and filled with a sense of zeal and urgency to "get out the Message" to a dying world.. |
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| Open LetterOpen Doors For the Work | Jan-Feb 05 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
| Intro: The warmth, love and unity at our most recent Council of Elders meeting last November was most encouraging—as it always is. It was very inspiring to hear reports from all over the world about the growth in the Work that Christ has given us to do. |
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| Open LetterOur Future Leaders | Mar-Apr 05 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
| Intro: Our Father in heaven is truly granting us the opportunity and the inspiration to greatly increase the impact of the Work. As you may know by now, we are testing three television options in Britain---and also plan to go on a satellite radio station there, God willing. This is in addition to the new television stations we are adding here in the states---most recently in Memphis, TN, and in Houston, TX. Together, these new outlets will add millions of poeple to our potential audience. So we thank God for this opportunity! |
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| Open Letter--- Our Mission as a Church | May-June 01 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
| Intro: As Mr. Armstrong used to ask: "WHY are we here?" Every so often, it is good to review our goals and purposes in God's Church- and in the Work which He has called us to do. In the recent ministerial conference here in San Diego, I reviewed some of these goals with our ministers and their wives. |
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| Open Letter--- Our Worship and Service to God | Feb 00 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
| Intro: We have just completed an extremely warm and unifying Council of Elders Conference. The members of the Council---all dedicated to serving you brethren and to preaching the Gospel to the world---are truly among the finest men I have ever known. As have many of you brethren, they have been tried and tested---again and again---and have regularly stood up for the Truth and for Christ's approach to doing the Work. |
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| Open Letter---Prepare for the Times Ahead | May-June LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
| Intro: Greetings from Charlotte! God is now opening up doors for us here in North Carolina beyond what we have ever experienced in this present Work. We are most thankful for this, and are looking forward to having a genuinely significant impact on the world as times move along. But, right now, prophetic events are moving along at a faster rate and in a more broad-based manner than ever before? Having been full-time in Christ's ministry for more than 50 years, I hope I can bring some perspective to the situation. |
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| Open Letter--- Prepare Now for Financial Woes Ahead! | Jan-Feb 04 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: It is my responsibility to warn all of you to begin to prepare now for rough financial times ahead. This world is in great turmoil. The recent capture of Saddam Hussein is certainly encouraging---as far as it goes. But that fact alone will do very little to bail out most of our Israelitish nations from a coming financial disaster! |
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| Open Letter--- Prepare Now for God's Kingdom | Nov-Dec 02 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: The past few years, an increasing degree of love and unity was felt in nearly all of our Feast sites. This year, that warmth and unity continued. Also, as Mr. Charles Bryce expressed it: "The brethren seemed to be even more focused on moving forward." No doubt most of you have sensed that the end of this age really is drawing close and the move of the Church Headquarters to Charlotte, NC will be the beginning of a much more powerful Work. |
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| Open Letter---Prepare Spiritually and Physically for Y2K! | Sept-Oct 99 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: During our Council of Elders meetings, I asked our ministry for their advice as to whether we should give all of you a WARNING about the coming "Y2K problem"- along with some fundamental suggestions as to how to prepare for this event. |
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| Open Letter--- Prophetic Events Speed Up | Nov-Dec 01 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: There are so many things to think about and pray about regarding the ongoing terrorist attacks that have struck the United States and other nations. In view of that, there are several issues to be aware of and to be praying about. This Work- probably more than any other- has directly predicted that this type of terrorism would soon occur! |
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| Open Letter--- Recent Travel Enlightening, Inspiring | July-Aug 02 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: Quite a number of brethren have asked me for more details of the recent trip my wife and I took to the Australasian area and the Philippines. It was an eventful trip, and there are many items that may be helpful to share with you all. Also, I feel that many of you may not be aware of the growth God is giving us in those areas, and of the very fine servants God is using to build His Work and strengthen His people in some of these nations. |
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| Open Letter--- Reflections on Two Anniversaries | Jan-Feb 03 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
| Intro: By the time you read this, we will have celebrated the tenth anniversary of the revival of the Work of God. A little more than ten years ago- in mid-December, 1992- God provided a "way of escape" for those who were troubled by the changes being made in our former association. My wife and I- with original founding Board member Mr. Don Davis- were literally overwhelmed with phone calls, letters and personal contacts from members all over the world who were deeply concerned about the mounting heresies. |
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| Open Letter---Restoring Apostolic Christianity | May-June 99 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: What is the one "key" concept that will often help even a carnal mind properly grasp why we believe what we believe- why we have this "crazy" religion involving observance of the Sabbaths and Holy Days, and the repudiation of such commonly held concepts as Christmas, Easter and going to heaven? |
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| Open Letter--- The Heart of a Champion | Nov-Dec 00 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
| Intro: It was inspiring to see the young athletes in the recent Olympic Games "give their all". Those young people from all over the world spent years working, training, disciplining themselves and driving themselves toward a GOAL. They usually put that goal above everything else. |
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| Open Letter ---What is Servant Leadership? | July- Aug 99 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: One of the vital themes I have emphasized over the last several years is Servant Leadership. It is a concept and a practice that I hope we can continue to implement in the Living Church of God. "But," some continue to ask, "What is Servant Leadership? And how can we practice it?" |
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| Open Letter--- What is Your Personal Breaking Point? | Mar-Apr 03 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: God has truly blessed us in this Work in many ways. We are now starting to have a more powerful impact in many parts of the world. That is very good- and something for which we can be very thankful. But each of us must deeply realize that God's Word tells us again and again that severe persecution has usually come along with any powerful teaching of the Truth. "That," as they say, "comes with the territory." |
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| Open Letter---Will Just Any Church Do? | July-Aug 01 LCN p. 1 | R. Meredith |
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Intro: It has recently been reported that at least 318 churches and "splinter groups" have split off from the Worldwide Church. It seems that every Tom, Dick and Harry has decided to appoint himself as a "spiritual leader" of a church or little group. Some ask: "Is there anything WRONG with this? Didn't the early Christians meet in 'house churches'?" What does God's inspired Word tell us about this approach? Subheads: How God Selects His Ministers |
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