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Global
Church News |
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1993
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1993
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February
1993
1Open Letter
But now we need to join together to do what Mr.
Herbert Armstrong virtually told us to do in his
autobiography. Mr. Armstrong wrote: "I know of
evangelists who probably are sincere in supposing
they are serving God—and who would like to be free
to proclaim many truths they now hold back. They
reason something like this: ‘If I go farther, and
preach those things, I'll lose all my support. I'd
be cut off from the ministry altogether. Then I
could preach NOTHING. Better serve God by preaching
as much of the biblical truth as possible, than to
be prevented from preaching anything.'---R. Meredith
2 Editorial:
A Church is Born!
Down through the centuries God's Church has gone
through many "dark ages. " Misguided or
fearful leaders would begin to compromise with the
world and bring in pagan doctrines or practices
(See Revelation 2:14-15 and 20). But always, after a
time, God would "revive" His work through
the efforts of faithful men and women.---R. Meredith
5 Fundamentals
of Prophecy
Because exotic symbolism characterizes so much of
prophecy, many tend to give it a wide berth—but
for those who love and obey God, prophecy is a thing
to be understood. Take for example the Book of
Revelation, also called the Apocalypse. Symbol after
mysterious symbol, this book can hold its own with
the most flamboyant of all prophetic writings—yet
Jesus Christ welcomes its readers, warmly inviting
us to understand!---J. Schroeder
8 News
Trends and Prophecy
Islam has not played a significant role in most of
modern world affairs. It has been a religion mostly
fragmented and disunited from nation to nation and
sect to sect (Shiite, Sunni, etc.). There was a rise
in assertiveness of the Shiite Muslims in Iran under
the Ayatollah Khomeini. However, after his passing
even Iran became more moderate. But Islamic
fundamentalism is making its presence felt in more
and more countries in North Africa, the Middle East
and on into Southeast Asia.---R. Nelson
12 Quick
and Powerful
If you do not remember the story of Phinehas
(Numbers 25:1-18) and how his bold action stopped
the plague God sent upon Israel, spending about
three minutes to read it would be time well spent!
Phinehas exceeded the authority of a priest when he
single-handedly killed Zimri and Cozbi for a blatant
sexual sin. There was no trial and no testimony
given. Yet, the law requires the death sentence to
be carried out by stoning—and only with the
testimony of two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy
17:1-7)..---Staff
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March
1993
1Open Letter
I have just finished reading some of your very
encouraging letters. Let me share with you just a
few sentences one person wrote us from Wisconsin:
"After listening to two recent tapes by you and
reading your letter of December 31, 1992 and
putting, your words to the test for the last three
hectic weeks, I feel like I've come home. Suddenly
the sun is shining and warm. You have brought back
God's truth, the Plain Truth. Now I can understand
things again. I'm not a smart man, but I could see
wrong things for a long time. Far too much
confusion, too much contradiction with the Bible.
Because of the lukewarm thinking, I have a lot of
damage to repair. But now I have what I lost--h o p
e--but I find things in my private life are
repairing fast. I have the 'first love' back, and
the incredible urge to study and improve and be
outgoing and caring, not the likes since my first
year after baptism. God gives us such strength if
only we are willing to walk the walk, not water it
down to where it's slide the slide.".---R. Meredith
2 Editorial:
Persecution
It may seem strange in our modern world, but many of
us are being harassed and persecuted. Persecuted not
for departing from our original beliefs, but for
holding them fast. Persecuted not for going into
some orgiastic pagan cult, but simply for
transferring our membership from one Sabbath-keeping
Church to another which we feel is preserving the
biblical Truths we were converted to in the first
place.---R. Meredith
5 Fundamentals
of Prophecy Part II
What Do Prophets Do?
The Law of Moses is every true prophet's bread
and butter. In the introduction to this series we
said that all prophecy is based upon the Law of
Moses. Actually, all Scripture is based upon the Law
of Moses. And, in a sense, all of Scripture can
rightly be termed "prophecy," although
just a part of it specifically predicts the future.
The biblical terms translated "prophecy"
include everything inspired by God, or
"God-breathed, " as the Greek has it in II
Timothy 3:16. And there is false prophecy; but more
about that later.---J. Schroeder
9 News
Trends and Prophecy
1992: A Year of Stunning Losses
"Wind, rain, earthquakes, hail, floods, fire—everything
but pestilence—hit the property/casualty insurance
industry in 1992, the worst year ever for
catastrophes, " so says an article in the
business section of The Los Angeles Times, February
21, 1993. Assessing the effects of last year's
losses, the article about the insurance business
went on: "Things were so bad that even without
Hurricane Andrew, the killer storm that caused more
than $15 billion in insured losses in Florida and
Louisiana, 1992 still would have been the
second-worst year on record. That's because the Los
Angeles riots, Hawaii's Hurricane Iniki and winter
storms in the Northeast together caused more than $3
billion in havoc."---R. Nelson
14 Quick
and Powerful
Many of us use the statement "God allowed
it." Do we really know if God was involved in
each instance where we have used this expression?
Could we be unknowingly attributing to God—even
blaming God—for something we did to ourselves or
Satan may have caused?---B. Brazil
15 The
Night to be Much Observed
“And it came to pass at the end of the four
hundred and thirty years—on that very same day—it
came to pass that all the armies of the LORD went
out from the land of Egypt. It is a night of solemn
observance to the LORD for bringing them out of the
land of Egypt. This is that night of the LORD, a
solemn observance for all the children of Israel
throughout their generations” (Exodus 12:41-42,
NKJV).---Staff
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April
1993
1
Open Letter
Once again I want to share with you one of the very
encouraging letters which came recently: "I
began to meditate on the changes and to study them.
Like many second generation Christians, I grew up in
the Church and simply accepted the doctrines as
right because they made sense and my parents said
they were right. I never really proved the Truth to
myself. However, after the changes started to occur
I was forced to go back and either prove the old way
wrong or the new way right. I was unable to prove
the new way right..---R. Meredith
2 Editorial:
"Truth"
In the early days of the Work of Herbert W.
Armstrong, there were only a very few local
churches. So most all of us who were converted in
those years spoke of "coming into the
Truth." Even years later, we would say:
"When I came into the Truth"..---R.
Meredith
5 Fundamentals
of Prophecy Part III
Prophecy and the Covenants
There is an old and popular tale in which a man is
sent to heaven to enquire of God on behalf of the
children of Israel. He must ask if they are indeed
the chosen people. God answers without hesitation,
"Yes, Israel is truly my chosen people"—to
which the timorous envoy replies, "Well, if
Israel is truly the chosen people, then on behalf of
the chosen people downstairs, would you please
choose somebody else for a change!"---J.
Schroeder
9 News
Trends and Prophecy
Religion Taking a Leading Role Again
Anciently, religion was an extension of the state.
It served to control and direct the minds and hearts
of the people. In much of the Western world
pluralism provides a "Heinz 57 varieties"
of faiths from which one can choose. But now there
is a paradox developing. On the one hand unusual,
sometimes violent cults are making news again. And
simultaneously, established state religion is coming
back!---R. Nelson
11 Corrections
Thanks to those of you who have contacted us
regarding the inclusion of Exodus 12:3-14 on page 15
of the March 1993 Global Church News under the
heading: The Night to be Much Observed.---Staff
12 Should
I Readily Accept Doctrinal Changes?
Does God want us to be open-minded to all doctrinal
change? Does God's Word show us that we need to
readily accept doctrinal change? When God has
revealed truth through the body of Jesus Christ,
does He expect us to readily change it when someone
comes along and preaches a "new
truth"?.---M. Meredith
15 Quick
and Powerful
Ancient Israel's captivity in Egypt was indeed bleak
as they suffered and toiled under the hard bondage
of their merciless Egyptian taskmasters. Many
succumbed and died. The Israelites did, however,
have one thing in common with their captors—neither
master nor slave knew much of the true ways of the
Eternal God. The Israelites' existence was indeed
bleak during the days they labored under the heavy
burdens of Egypt. They cried out by reason of their
oppression—and God heard their cries (Exodus 6:5).
The God of their Father Abraham sent one from among
their brethren to be a deliverer (Exodus 4:19-23).
We understand that Moses was a fore-type of our
Savior, Jesus Christ, sent to deliver those held
captive by sin (I Timothy 1:15).---J. Reynolds |
May
1993
1
Open Letter
As I told you in the recent Co-Worker letter, Mr. and
Mrs. Raymond McNair are now with us in the Global
Church of God. He and his wife, Eve, now are here with
us for preliminary meetings and preparation for his
permanent move here from Florida. It is great to be
able to work with him again--and we appreciate the
faith and courage shown by him and his wife in
standing up for the full Truth! Be sure to read his
article in this newsletter. It is only the first of
many, and I know all of you will appreciate hearing
regularly from one of the very senior evangelists who
helped build the Work of God in our day.---R. Meredith
6 Why
We Withdrew Our Membership From the Worldwide Church
of God
Firstly, I wish to mention that we did not resign from
the Church of God! Neither did I resign from the
Ministry of Jesus Christ!---R. McNair
12 What
Do You Mean "Fall Away"?
What causes many normally rational people to develop
such a fanatic loyalty to an organization,
particularly to a religious organization or church?
Why do some people continue to follow the leaders of
that organization or church even when they have
dramatically changed everything that had initially
gotten them involved? A dramatic and tragic case is
that of the recent standoff of the Branch Davidians
near Waco, Texas and the tragic case of the Jonestown
mass suicide about 15 years ago. These are extreme
cases but they illustrate a basic error that has
historically and is even today putting the spiritual
salvation of many Church members in serious jeopardy.
That deadly error is the misapplication of church
government!---S. Hegvold
7 What Was Balaam's Error?
Toward the end of the first century, the faith Jesus
Christ had given to the Church was being eroded by
those who were perverting the true Gospel. In his
epistle, Jude warned the Church to earnestly contend
for the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 3).
In so doing, he identified the main sin that
characterized those being led away from the Truth into
dangerous error.---C. Adair
16 News
Trends and Prophecy
Intolerance is Back with a Vengeance
Crimes motivated by bigotry are up virtually
everywhere around the world. In just the last few
years there has been a perceptible increase in hate
crimes from the neighborhood variety of vandalizing
buildings and cemeteries to random incidences of
physical violence. On the international level, vast
changes in governments and shifts in balances of power
have left whole ethnic minority communities terrorized
and in jeopardy.---R. Nelson
19 Quick
and Powerful
"Well, we just can't be sure," or "We
can't tell," or "It really doesn't matter,
does it?" How many times have we heard these
statements and wondered—is he or she right?If one
were to consult an existentialist philosopher he might
be told that we really cannot know anything for sure,
everything is relative and uncertain—after all,
truth is what you make it—isn't it? This kind of
fuzzy thinking is common today.---Staff
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June
1993
1
Open Letter
My wife and I recently returned from visiting Atlanta,
Georgia, over Pentecost. We had a great visit, all
went well, and there was a total of 102 people in
attendance. This is the largest single attendance for
any area here in the United States thus far, so we are
very encouraged, as we are admonished in the Bible not
to "despise the day of small things.” Also, we
had seventy-eight people in Akron with Mr. Dave Pack
and; with Mr. Raymond McNair in Little Rock, we had
sixty-two people! There was a new all-time record in
Brussels, Belgium for Pentecost with a total of 201 in
attendance! All of this is very encouraging to us here
at headquarters and I'm sure to all of you as
well.---R.
Meredith
2 Editorial:
What is a True Philadelphian?
The next to the last church era was the only one about
which Christ gave no criticism whatsoever. That is
remarkable-especially considering the fact that most
other eras were criticized rather severely.
First off, Jesus says: "I know your works. See, I
have set before you an open door..." (Revelation
3:8). The Philadelphians are those not merely
interested in "getting saved" themselves,
but in reaching out powerfully to witness, to warn and
to teach others through the open doors of evangelism
that God makes available..---R. Meredith
5 Study
and Gain God's "Approval"
Do you really love the Truth? I mean do you really
love the Truth?
It's the summer of 1966! I'm walking up the driveway
with something very special in my hands. It's a packet
of information from California containing eight
booklets. They explain such truths as the answer to
why I was born, the real modern identity of the tribes
of Israel, the method of proper baptism, the
explanation behind the many different churches that
all claim to be right when only one could be, and
numerous others. I have never forgotten that early
excitement I felt for what I was then learning. I was
thrilled!.---D. Pack
8 News
Trends and Prophecy
Multiculturalism-When Nobody Reasons Together
Everyone wants respect, equal opportunities and to
enjoy the rights and benefits America offers. The
civil rights movement and other laws were intended to
open American society to minorities and protect them
from human prejudice. So why the growing divisiveness
in America? Where is it all leading?.---R. Nelson
11 Quick
and Powerful
"Why are we the firstfruits?"
"WHY?" Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong virtually
shouted at the top of his lungs during his 1985
Pentecost sermon. He continued: "We're the
firstfruits to become teachers to teach others.”---C.
Kohl |
July
1993
1 Open Letter
Greetings from Southern California! Mr. Raymond
McNair is now with us here at our headquarters in
San Dimas! It is a real pleasure to be able, once
again, to work together with another of the real
"pioneers" of God's Work in this age.
Mr. McNair is busily writing the booklet on America
and Britain in prophecy--though we have not given it
an "official" name yet. Because it is such
a big project, we have decided to run the booklet
serially in The Wor1d Ahead magazine . So you will
get the booklet in installments before it actually
appears in booklet form.---R. Meredith
3 Editorial:
COURAGE—basic to the Christian leader
It took a fair amount of courage for many of us to
leave our former church association. In many cases,
we gave up some friends, some family, and a lot of
activities and relationships that we enjoyed. These
social networks gave us a sense of stability and
security.---R. Meredith
3 Church's
first conference gets a rousing start
Energetically delivering the keynote address at the
opening of the week-long ministerial conference, Mr.
Roderick Meredith clearly outlined the "big
picture" for the Global Church of God.
"The purpose of this conference," said Mr.
Meredith, "is to be sure we are focused on the
big goals the Church must accomplish." Mr.
Meredith explained that the recent experience of the
Church, in which certain leaders have abandoned most
of the Truth that Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong had
gained during his 52-years ministry, has created
"a remarkable test for God's Church."---J.
Patton
4 "Vital
KNOWLEDGE"-- you need to understand
During the past 50 years, the "Churches of
God" (primarily the Worldwide Church of God)
have distributed about 15,000,000 books and booklets
explaining the true identity of the
Anglo-Saxon-Celtic peoples. As a result, millions of
Americans have come to believe that our peoples are
indeed the descendants of the so-called "Lost
Ten Tribes" of Israel. Possibly, as many as
10,000,000 to 20,000,000 Americans have learned of
their true racial raots through reading the books
published by the Churches of God during this 50-year
period..---R. McNair
6 Don't
mimic feathered fence-sitters
In the early 1970s, while visiting the Big Sandy
campus of Ambassador College, I had the opportunity
to tour the excellent facilities of the agricultural
program that then existed.
A farm supervisor drove me along a dirt road to the
turkey yard. A large number of these birds were
approaching maturity just in time for Thanksgiving
Day. About fifty large fowls were perched atop a
wooden rail fence. As we pulled up in front of them,
the turkeys fell silent as the car motor stopped and
we got out to more closely view this unusual (to a
city dweller) sight.---D. Davis
9 News
Trends and Prophecy
For the Europeans, the 90s are no more civilized or
enlightened than the 80s were before the fall of the
Berlin wall and communism. They see a more unstable
world--one of wars, border disputes, bitter racial
and ethnic conflict, terrorism and urban riots.
Is the European Community's current blueprint
towards unity going to survive? Though American
headlines more often focus on Europe's economic and
social troubles, step by step Western Europe is
still moving toward complete union. But what kind of
Europe will it become? Will a united Europe be able
to guarantee peace and stability on the
continent?---R. Nelson
11 Quick
and Powerful
Christ promised Christians who overcome in this era
an awesome and truly wonderful reward for their
faithfulness. He says in Revelation 3:12, "He
who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the
temple of My God, and he shall go out no more."
Yes, we will one day be pillars in God's temple but
do we really understand what all this means?
The word God uses for pillar helps us understand.
The word "pillar" is "stulos" in
the Greek and means to stiffen, support, or simply
be a pillar. The base word from which the word
pillar is derived is also interesting. It is
"histemi" and it means to stand, continue
and abide.---Staff
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1995
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1995
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January
- February 1995
1Open Letter
Greetings! Truly unusual events have been
happening in our former association as many of you may know
by now. Since my last letter in this magazine, that
organization's religious authorities have finally decided to
"go public," unmasking the real nature and extent
of their MASSIVE doctrinal changes.---R. Meredith
2 Editorial:
A Fatal Mistake
In our democratic society, we are constantly given
examples of how it is best to compromise. We
are told that it is wise to be "flexible"
in our approach so that we can get along better with
others. Often, older men or leaders of the past are
lampooned for being too rigid or
"inflexible."---R. Meredith
3 Take
a Good Look at Global
Jesus Christ said, "I will build MY
CHURCH" (Matt. 16:18 KJV)! He also said,
"The gates of hell [Gk. hades=grave] shall not
prevail against it." Christ founded that Church
on the Day of Pentecost, 31 A.D. Where, today, is
the Church which Jesus said He would build? And
where on earth today is the Work of the Living
God?---R. McNair
7 Must
We Assemble Together Every Sabbath?
In Acts 2:1 we find a remarkable and truly historic
scene unfolding. The New Testament Church is just
about to officially burst into existence. Not
coincidentally, "they were all with one accord
in one place." This annual Sabbath would prove
to be an event that you would not have wanted to
skip or be late for. A powerful sermon from Peter
ensues. Miracles are recorded. The Holy Spirit is
given. After repentance is explained, thousands
request baptism. It is determined that 3000 have
both been "called" (v. 39) and have
"gladly received his [Peter's] word" (v.
41). Probably the largest single group baptism in
history occurs. The New Testament Church is fully
born.---D. Pack
10 The
Church in Europe and America
The sixteenth century saw a world in transition from
medieval to modern. In the years just preceding
1500, two events occurred which changed the world
forever. Gutenberg's successful use of moveable
metal type in 1454 opened the way for the increase
of knowledge spoken of by Daniel the Prophet (Dan.
12:4). The first book printed by the new process was
a Bible. With Columbus' voyage to America
thirty-eight years later, the history of the New
World became inexorably linked to that of the Old.
These two remarkable events, printing and the
opening of a new world for European settlement, set
the stage for a new period in the history of the
Church of God.---J. Ogwyn
14 Are
Sincere "Good" Intentions Enough for God?
Uzzah's death was shocking when it occurred, and to
many today it still seems a harsh punishment from
God. Do you understand why Uzzah died? Could you be
making the same mistake today? God's wrath against
Uzzah seems unfair to some. When we look at what
happened, we see Uzzah sincerely trying to
serve God. He may have had other motives rooted in
the desire to be in the limelight and receive the
acclaim of men. But, let's give him the benefit of
the doubt and not question his sincerity. He was
simply following the directions of God's anointed
leader—David. We, therefore, might tend to think
that he should have been excused because he made his
mistake with "good" intentions..---W.
Webster
16 Trials—a
Lesson from the Desert
Have you ever felt bruised and mauled by the trials
you face? Do you ever feel you are bouncing along in
life, getting poked and jabbed by obstacle after
obstacle, like a pinball? Do you ever just want TIME
OUT, to catch your breath, and nurse your wounds,
emotionally, spiritually and mentally?---R..
McNair
17 Crown
Stealing
There is an uneasy feeling in most of us regarding
the crime taking place in our midst. The unlocked
door of yesterday does not exist and we are
barricaded behind double locks and protection
devices. The big focus in 1994 was the Crime Bill
which was designed to combat the deteriorating
public safety situation in the United States. There
is hardly a day that goes by without some new
intrusion into people's lives by some type of crime.
Our lawmakers know that lawbreaking and
lawbreakers are slowly destroying us.---C.
Knowlton
21 In
the Beginning Was the Word
Surprisingly, the earliest point of time described
in the Bible is not to be found in the first
chapter of Genesis. For that, we must turn to the
New Testament—to the opening verses of the fourth
Gospel account of Christ's life on earth. The
Apostle John was inspired to write, "In the
beginning was the Word [Gk. logos], and the
Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in
the beginning with God. All things were made through
Him, and without Him nothing was made that was
made" (John l:l-3).---T. Robinson
23 God's
Watchmen
In a scene from the movie "Tora! Tora!
Tora!" two American sentries with a primitive
radar on one of the Hawaiian Islands called in a
report to HQ of a massive number of unidentified
planes headed in their direction. Their superiors
told them to ignore what the sometimes-unreliable
machine discovered. The soldiers turned off the
machine and returned to base.---K. Frank
28 Global Village News
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March-April
1995
1Open Letter
Greetings! As I reported to you in the recent
co-worker letter, four hundred faithful, zealous
brethren---who are the backbone and muscles of God's
Church---and a score of ministers and elders have come
with the Global Church of God over the last two
months. Our total church attendance is now well over
4000. Our community of faith is growing! As you know,
Evangelist Colin Adair and his wife, Margaret,
have joined us and are already serving God's people in
the south Florida area.---R. Meredith
2 Editorial: Council of Elders Appointed
Following Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong's example,
we have established a Council of Elders in the Global
Church of God. As this is a very important step
forward, I want to tell all of you about this Council
because it certainly represents spiritual growth and
maturity in the Global Church.---R. Meredith
4 The Truth Shall Make You Free
My wife and I have been set free from a great deal of
stress and strain since making the decision to resign
from our former affiliation and join the Global Church
of God. We are very happy to once again be part of a
Work which is upholding the Truth and endeavoring to
preach the true Gospel, and all its aspects, to the
world---C. Adair
6 Should You Ever Leave God's Church?
Did Herbert W. Armstrong err when he left the
"Oregon Conference of the Church of God"? Is
it incorrect to leave a corporate body that refuses to
preach major, vitally important, fundamental truths of
the Bible?---R. McNair
10 Grace and Discipline
Some people don't like the term "law."
Perhaps "discipline"---in the sense of
maintaining proper conduct---would be more palatable
to them. It is apparent, in reviewing literature
currently being published in the world, that, to many
"Christian" writers and teachers, the
concept of grace without law is problematical. As one
of them has written, "For some Christians the
grace of God and the pursuit of holiness may mean
legalism and man-made rules."---C. McNair
14 The Church in the Twentieth Century
They twentieth century is clearly the time of the most
rapid change in human history. The century opened with
the horse and buggy as primary means of
transportation, yet within the first seventy years,
men had traveled to the moon and back.---J. Ogwyn
18 Bearing His Reproach
Many of God's people are emotionally hurting. They may
be wondering if they have done something to deserve
the treatment they are receiving from the separated
brethren they love. How should we understand this
situation? Is it unique to our time?---K. Frank
26 Don't You Believe It!
From time to time the Global Church News will
answer some of the questions, criticisms and
misconceptions (due mostly to ignorance and misinformation!)
which have circulated concerning the teachings of
the Global Church of God. Global does not
intend to try to address all of these false rumors.
However, periodically, some error will be addressed
in the Global Church News.
STATEMENT: Some have charged the Global Church of
God with teaching that, on the Sabbath, members
should never help anyone who is seriously ill, is
badly injured, or who might even be dying.---Staff
27 Global Village News
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May-June
1995
1
Open Letter
Greetings! As I reported to you in the recent
co-worker letter, four hundred faithful, zealous
brethren---who are the backbone and muscles of God's
Church---and a score of ministers and elders have come
with the Global Church of God over the last two
months. Our total church attendance is now well over
4000. Our community of faith is growing! As you know,
Evangelist Colin Adair and his wife, Margaret,
have joined us and are already serving God's people in
the south Florida area.---R. Meredith
3 Editorial: Are We "Legalists"?
Detractors often accuse the members of the
Global Church of God of being "legalists."
This, of course, is intended as a big put down---a way
of frightening people away from our Church and the
Work of Jesus Christ is doing through us. Why are we
called this? Probably people want to imply that we are
too strict in teaching and adhering to God's
law---especially the letter of the law.---R.
Meredith
4 What Kind of Difference
Does the Holy
Spirit Make in Your LIfe?
Many people are confused about the Holy Spirit. They
not only don't understand what it is; they have no
idea what it is supposed to do in their lives or why
they need it. What about you? Do you really understand
the answer to these questions?---J. Ogwyn
7 The Work of God through the Ages...
"Let's focus on doing the Work." "We
must put our hearts into doing the Work." I'm
sure that you've heard statements like this many, many
times. I have. Through the years, as I grew up in
God's Church, I heard the words "the Work"
hundreds of times. I'm sure you have too.---Jon.
McNair
11 Elijah's Showdown and the Identity of
God's Church
Is your church God's Church? Can you prove it?
Hundreds of widely differing "Christian"
denominations exist in the world today. Why there is
more homogeneity at Basken Robbins 31 Flavors
ice cream stores than in today's religion scene. Can
you sort out the devilish chocolate from the divine
vanilla? yet, everyone assumes that his or her church
must be "God's Church." Religious confusion
abounds today.---Rod McNair
13 Will There Be a Place of Refuge?
Will God provide a place of
safety for His Church during the Great Tribulation?
Or, will members of God's true Church be protected,
individually, regardless of where they may be living,
scattered over the entire Globe?---R. McNair
21 Global Village News |
July-August
1995
1
Open Letter
Greetings from San Diego! God continues to
bless the Work in many different ways, Hundreds of new
brethren continue to come with us---and God is also
providing more ministers and leaders for the Work. Dr.
Winnail and his wife Sherry, have just come with the
Global Church.---R. Meredith
3 Editorial: Feed On Christ
The vast majority of brethren who have come
with the Global Church of God have done so because of
one thing and one thing only---the Truth. You knew
that the leaders in this Work not only teach the Truth
but sincerely try to live by it as well. With God's
help, we will NEVER let you down. But will that alone
keep you from falling away? From giving in to sin or
to vanity? From getting your "feelings"
hurt?---R. Meredith
4 Why Does the Church Exist?
What instructions did Jesus
Christ leave for His Church? What should that Church
be doing today? Motivated by a powerful vision, Jesus
Christ was a man with a mission. He came to this earth
for a purpose. Part of that purpose was to call a
group of disciples and start the Church. Jesus told
His disciples that His Church would not die (Matt.
16:18), that it would continue to exist down through
the ages and be ready to marry Christ at His return
(Rev. 19:7).---D. Winnail
7 What Was Balaam's Error?
Toward the end of the first century, the faith Jesus
Christ had given to the Church was being eroded by
those who were perverting the true Gospel. In his
epistle, Jude warned the Church to earnestly contend
for the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 3).
In so doing, he identified the main sin that
characterized those being led away from the Truth into
dangerous error.---C. Adair
10 Be Reconciled to Your Brother
We need to be reconciled with God our Father through
Jesus Christ our Savior. But are we also reflecting on
how we can reconcile with our brother or sister? From
Genesis to Revelation, the theme of the Bible is
love---love for God and love for our fellowman. The
Bible also reveals the plan of God to all of us who
understand! That plan is for us to become literally
born sons of God. We will be genuine brothers
of Jesus Christ who gave His life for us so that we
could be in the Father's family. Throughout the New
Testament, Christ shows us how to behave as His
brothers and how we are to deal with one another.---B.
Swanson
12 Must Christians Keep the "Law of
Moses"?
Do New Covenant Christians need
to keep none of the Law of Moses, part of the Law of
Moses or "the whole law" of Moses? Many
Christians who profess to believe in keeping the Ten
Commandments somehow fail to realize the simple fact
that much of the Old Testament "law of
Moses" is still binding upon every true child of
God! Does this shock you? Then you need to read every
word of this article!---R. McNair
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September-October
1995
1
Open Letter
We are fast approaching the joyous autumn
Festival season. It is almost time for four of God's
commanded annual Festivals to be observed. We true
Christians today are "pioneers." We have the
tremendous opportunity to set the pace---to
wholeheartedly keep these vital Holy Days and learn
the lessons God wants His future leaders to know.---R.
Meredith
3 Editorial: Don't Be Fooled!
Probably most of you reading this have heard my
two sermons on Galatians. I tried to be very technical
and very specific---literally "drilling" the
listeners on the ways modern preachers so often
pervert Paul's writings. Why? Because during the years
I was in a sort of "exile" in Glendora,
California, I determined that if I ever got a chance
again to help lead God's people I would strive with
all my heart to ensure that they would not be fooled
again. I was literally sickened---as were many of
you---by the cunning twists of reasoning that were
used to undermine the truths of God.---R. Meredith
4 What Is the Biblical Form of Church
Government?
The religions of this world are confused about almost
every major doctrine in the Bible. It should be no
surprise that they are also confused about the
biblical form of church government. In my widely read
booklet, When Should You Follow Church Government?,
I was addressing the issue of NOT following false
leaders who may come among God's people from time to
time and can misuse almost any form of church
government.---R. Meredith
9 Feast of Tabernacles
God gave His Church a Festival of joy and learning.
When Israel was delivered from bondage in Egypt they
exited with many wrong attitudes, religious ideas and
customs. The story is related quite graphically in
Exodus. There were ten major "temptations"
(trials) recorded in some detail---each a significant
lesson for us today.---C. McNair
10 Talebearing
Shakespeare observed that he
"who steals my purse steals trash. Tis something,
nothing. Twas mine. Tis His, and has been slave to
thousands. But he who filches my good name, takes that
which not enriches him, and leaves me poor
indeed.".---G. Anderson
12 Seven Lessons from the Seven Churches
God provides His people with advance
information for guidance through troubled times. Human
civilization is on a collision course with reality!
Numerous trends in today' world are clearly
unsustainable. The Church of God is also in a period
of transition. Many are wondering w2hat is happening
to the Church and what lies ahead. Your future and
your eternal life may hinge on decisions that you make
at this crucial time.---D. Winnail
16 Setting the Stage for Paul's Epistles
The Historical Backdrop of the
New Testament World. How can we better understand the
message of the New Testament? Particularly some of the
difficult passages in Galatians, Colossians and
Romans? After, all, those passages weren't really
difficult for the original recipients of those
letters, were they?---J. Ogwyn
23 Global Village News |
November-December
1995
1 Open Letter
My family and I have just returned from a
wonderful Feast of Tabernacles celebration. Though we
had human problems and "growing pains" in a
few areas, literally scores of brethren I have talked
with felt that this year's Feast was truly
outstanding! My family was able to attend the Feast
both at Niagara Falls and Lake of the Ozarks, and the
enthusiasm, warmth and love were overwhelming. The
weather was almost perfect in each area and we were
grateful to see so many wonderful brethren there and
to feel their warmth and appreciation for the work we
are doing. Thank you!---R. Meredith
3 Editorial: Time to Give Thanks
With a wonderful Feast of Tabernacles just
behind us, and with the American Thanksgiving Day
approaching, it is a good time to consider how much we
in God's Church have to be thankful for! Most of us
are living in nations where we have almost complete
religious freedom. We all have the awesome privilege of really knowing the true God and His Son, Jesus
Christ. We know why we are alive, where we are going
and how to get there.---R. Meredith
4 An Open Answer to an Unsigned Letter
I received the following letter several
weeks ago. While we obviously can't normally respond
to letters this way, we are making an exception with
this one. This is because the questions raised are of
general interest, and because the traumatized feelings
expressed by this letter's writer are shared among
many of God's people. These kinds of feelings stood in
the way of this person from even signing this letter.
Sadly, such feelings continue to prevent too many of
God's people from reaching out for the help that they
need.---J. Ogwyn
5 Are You Hurting?
The writer of the letter in the
accompanying article suffers a trauma that so many of
God's people are feeling. This trauma h as been real,
and there are high stakes, indeed, that are involved
in an individual's responses to it. The spiritual and
emotional healing that is needed from this trauma is a
process. It is important that we proceed from
recognizing the source of pain and injury to
understanding what is needed to promote the recovery
of our spiritual health and energy.---J. Ogwyn
6 Help Wanted, Now Hiring REAL Leaders. Must
Have Experience!
Are you fed up with today's crop
of wimpy, confused and corrupt social leaders? Here
are some godly traits of Christian leadership!
Christians have been called to reign with Jesus Christ
on this earth and to become leaders in the World Ahead
(Rev. 5:10; Dan. 7:27). This life is a training ground
for the roles we will play in the coming
administration of God. Our future responsibilities
will be influenced by how we grow and develop now
(Luke 19:12-26). Are you developing the
qualities that will enable you to be an effective
leader under Jesus Christ in the coming Kingdom of
God?---D. Winnail
9 Don't Get Those Post Feast Blues
With the end of the Feast, some people feel a sense of
being "let down" as they move from the
spiritual high point of the year and begin to face six
months without the spiritual uplift the Feast days
provide. This doesn't have to happen to you. Here's
how you can avoid those post-Feast blues.---M.
Hernandez
10 Global's Answers to Important Questions
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1996
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January-February
1996
1
Open Letter
Greetings from San Diego! The Work of the
Living Christ keeps expanding in every way. Your
telephone calls keep pouring in, more new brethren are
attending Global each week and, as you know, we're
adding new, widely watched television stations. Let me
remind you again to watch our program on the new
stations in Shreveport and Nashville!---R. Meredith
3 Editorial:
A Man of Faith and Courage
Over 46 years ago, I met a remarkable man. This
man radiated faith and courage far more than anyone I
had ever known. God was indeed real to him. And he
made God more real to me than anyone else had ever
done. This man was very human. he himself confessed he
had faults and imperfections. But they were all up front.
If you were perceptive, you could easily see them.---R.
Meredith
4 Vital Keys to Changing Your Life
How did duplicitous, conniving "supplanter,"
appropriately named "Jacob," become
transformed into a "prince with God"---and
renamed "Israel"? What led women such as
Ruth and Rahab to make such an about-face in their
personal lives? They completely forsook the pagan gods
and practices of their youth in order to
wholeheartedly embrace the God of Israel and His ways.---J.
Ogwyn
7 Dress to Please the Great Designer
Those who worship God are to worship Him in spirit and
truth. God's main focus is on our spiritual
development---our heart, our mind, our attitude. This
is why God does not judge by outward appearances as
men often do, God knows our innermost thoughts!---C.
McNair
10 America and Britain in Prophecy
The final edits are now being
made on this brand new brochure concerning the
identity and destiny of the Anglo-American peoples.
This brochure includes the ancient history of the
British and American people. It also includes those
people of British descent---from England, Scotland,
Wales and Northern Ireland---who emigrated from the
Mother Country to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the
Republic of South Africa and numerous other islands or
territories around the globe.---R. McNair
14 A Christian's Job Description
It is fashionable today in some "Christian"
circles to assume that becoming a Christian
involves merely believing in Jesus---that He
was the Messiah, who lived and died and was
resurrected. It is also widely believed that salvation
is available merely for the asking. Just say a
little prayer acknowledging you are a sinner, accept
Jesus in your heart and, lo and behold, you are headed
for glory!---D. Winnail
23 Global Village News |
March-April
1996
1
Open Letter
As you will see in accompanying articles, we
had a wonderful Ministerial Conference in late January
and the spirit of love and unity was really profound.
We were all very grateful for Christ leading in this
conference---and for the Work He is using all of us to
do as His instruments.---R. Meredith
3 Editorial: Do You Really Stand for
Something?
In this swift-moving, godless society, each one
of us had better take the time to decide what we
really believe in---what we're 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.---R. Meredith
4 They Shall Call His Name Immanuel!
Around 735 B.C., the nation of Judah was being
threatened by King Rezin of Syria and King Pekah of
Israel. The aggressors' purpose was to compel Ahaz of
Judah to join with them in a coalition against
Assyria. If he refused to comply with their wishes,
they threatened to overthrow his dynasty and put a
new-king on the throne of Jerusalem. In this context
the Prophet Isaiah confronted King Ahaz. He called
upon Ahaz to respond in faith and to put his trust in
the God of Israel, who would deliver him from his
enemies.---J. Ogwyn
7 Have You Been Convicted---as a Christian?
Many of us have come through a difficult time. The
past few years have been a shock to our systems as we
saw cherished beliefs watered down and finally flushed
away. many brethren have been taken in by wrong
teachings and have totally cast aside what they once
believed. How did this all happen?---C. Adair
8 When Should the True Passover Be Observed?
When did Christ observe it? Was it observed,
originally, on the 14th or 15th day of the first month
of God's calendar? And what day should we keep it on
today?---R. McNair
12 A Sense of Family
There are many losses throughout the course of
a human life, but few are as painful or as
mind-numbing as the loss of a sense of family. In
today's climate of job transfers, broken marriages and
disenchanted adolescents, blood bonds are often
stretched to the limit, or seem to be meaningless. The
result can be an acute feeling of loneliness and
detachment, which causes some to spend a lifetime
searching for relief, trying everything from drugs to
gangs to psychoanalysis. Some are fortunate enough to
find a "non-blood" family that offers
acceptance, traditions and a sense of security. For
many of us that family was the Church.---K. Meeker
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May-June
1996
1
Open Letter
I hope and pray that all of you had a wonderful
Passover season! Many fine reports have now come in
about the excellent sermons and fellowship during the
Days of Unleavened Bread. Encouragingly, a number of
"brand new" people are beginning to attend
with us in the United States and Canada. Such early
"fruit" is coming even though, as I write
this, we have not yet been on TV even one full year!
Once the telecast has been aired for at least 18 to 24
months on a number of stations, undoubtedly hundreds
of new people will begin to request visits. We have
much to be thankful for.---R. Meredith
3 Editorial: Careful What You Say!
Reflecting on the current problem in the
Church, which is discussed in m y lead article in this
issue, it is evident that much of the problem involves
our use of the tongue. We have all got to be more
careful in what we say! It seems that several
individuals out in the field churches have become
"information centers" to the rest of the
Church. They probably pride themselves on this.
Apparently not having much else to do, they spend a
LOT of time on the telephone---or in writing letters
and messages---relaying the "news."---R.
Meredith
4 Should We Celebrate Pentecost on Sivan 6?
Today, throughout the Churches of God, there has
arisen some debate on calculating when Pentecost
should be observed. "You shall count seven weeks
for yourself; begin to count the seven weeks from the
time you begin to put the sickle to the grain. Then
you shall keep the Feast of Weeks to the LORD your God
with the tribute of a freewill offering from your
hand, which you shall give as the LORD your God
blesses you" (Deut. 16:9-10).---J. Patton
6 "Use the Force, Luke!"
Down through the ages Christians have battled the
forces of darkness. Our modern era is no exception.
Dramatic doctrinal changes and erupting divisions have
traumatized and devastated God's people. Thousands
have been hurt and confused. Some are dazed and
shell-shocked and are finding it difficult to cope
with the reality of what has happened/ Others have
retreated into small, isolated groups, unsure of where
to turn for help and direction. Many have been
disillusioned or even turned off from religion by the
hypocrisy and deceit they have witnessed. Their love
of the Truth has been dampened or extinguished. They
are casualties in a spiritual war. Perhaps you have
experienced this trauma as well.---D. Winnail
14 Global Village News
15 Festival Planner 1996
40 Global International Feast Sites |
July-August
1996
1
Open Letter
From what I hear, all of us had a wonderful
Pentecost! Attendance was up in San Diego. The
offerings were up. And I heard fine comments about the
sermons everywhere. I was privileged to spend this
Pentecost weekend in the Atlanta, Georgia, area with a
record number of brethren in attendance. The
enthusiasm was infectious and the brethren inspired me
as much as I, hopefully, did them. I was especially
encouraged to meet five new brethren who had never
previously attended any Church of God before coming to
Global.---R. Meredith
2 Editorial: Keeping the Feast Is Vital
The Feast of Tabernacles will soon be upon us!
Are you faithfully saving your second tithe so that
you can have a joyous, abundant Feast? have you made
your reservations to attend a Global Feast site with
your brethren? In His inspired Word, God makes it
exceedingly clear that this issue is of paramount importance
to Him: "And it shall come to pass that everyone
who is left of all the nations which came against
Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the
King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of
Tabernacles. And it shall be that whichever of the
families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to
worship the King, the LORD of hosts, on them there
will be no rain" (Zech. 14:16-17).---R. Meredith
3 Which Calendar Has God Authorized?
Does GOD approve of any of the
numerous "sacred calendars" now existing?
Since God commanded Israel to keep His Sabbath (Ex.
20:8-11), and His seven annual Holy Days (Lev. 23;
Ezek. 20:12-24), of necessity He would also have given
His people a reliable calendar showing when to
observe those Sabbaths.---R. McNair
6 What Are the "Postponements"?
Are "postponements" to
God's Calendar mentioned anywhere in the Bible? If
not, why do we use a calendar that sometimes postpones
the beginning of months---and even years? Some
brethren are being confused concerning whether to
continue using the Hebrew calendar that God's people
have followed for many years. Their main objection
concerns whether the postponements used in that
calendar are in some way contrary to the scanty
information on the calendar contained in the
Bible.---R. McNair
8 Who Were the Nicolaitans?
The events recounted in Acts 2 mark the real beginning
of the New Covenant Church. These events happened on
the Day of Pentecost, also called the Feast of
Firstfruits in the Hebrew Scriptures (Ex. 23:16). As
the Church of God began, those first members inherited
a system of belief and structure, which made for
unity.---J. Ogwyn
11 An Open Letter in Defense of Global
To My Friends: This may come as a shock to you, but
we've decided to start attending with Global. Sometime
last November, while channel surfing, I came across
the Global telecast and was immediately captivated by
it. To me, it was powerful and gripping and I realized
that Global was doing a Work. I wondered if all the
rumors about Global could be true. I figured they had
to be, since so many ministers and brethren decided to
align elsewhere.F. Dattolo
23 Global Village News |
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September-October
1996
1
Open Letter
Thank you for your faithfulness to God and to
the Work of the Living Christ! I deeply appreciate the
excellent response to my latest co-worker letter. The
daily income has been up a fair amount---and for that
we are very thankful. I arrived back here two weeks
ago from our Global Youth Camp in Wyoming. I had the
opportunity while there to participate in many
activities with the young people---riflery archery
skeet shooting, white-water river rafting (boy did I
get wet!) and horseback riding.---R. Meredith
3 Editorial: Living by Faith
All of us in the Church know that we're living
in momentous times. Man does have the capacity to
annihilate himself. Food and water shortages are
increasing. And the general trend of crime and
violence when compared to a decade ago---especially
youth violence---is up. As the Bible says, "But
evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse,
deceiving and being deceived" (2 Tim. 3:13).---R.
Meredith
4 The Feast of Tabernacles---Key to Age-Old
Hopes and Dreams
Key to Age-Old Hopes and Dreams. From the steaming
jungles of Vietnam to the steppes of Russia, this 20th
century has been the scene of social upheaval and
revolution. Large portions of Europe, Africa, Asia,
Central and South America have been plunged into
strife and warfare during the past two centuries by
revolutionary zealots who offered peace and prosperity
for the common man.---J. Ogwyn
7 Rejoice During God's Feast of Tabernacles!
Why should we REJOICE and give thanks to God during
the Feast of Tabernacles? What should our minds be
focused on during this important Festival? For nearly
50 years, my family and I have eagerly looked forward
to celebrating each Feast of Tabernacles. ---R.
McNair
9 Will You Have a Spiritual Feast?
This year thousands of people will attend the Feast of
Tabernacles at various places around the globe....
While all of these exciting physical experiences w2ill
be part of the Feast, perhaps the most important
question to consider, as we prepare for the coming
Festival, will be whether or not we will have a really
memorable, spiritual Feast. This coming
Festival can be truly our "best Feast ever"
IF we consider the following questions.---D. Winnail
18 Global Village News |
November-December
1996
1
Open Letter
What a wonderful Feast of Tabernacles we have
just completed! During the first half of the Feast,
my family and I had an inspiring and uplifting visit
to the Lake of the Ozarks. Nearly 1,000 brethren were
registered there. The weather in the Ozarks was
almost perfect and the sermons, sermonettes and warm
fellowship were all encouraging and uplifting.---R.
Meredith
3 Editorial: We Are Now Being Tested
Having just experienced a joyous Feast of
Tabernacles, we in the Global Church of God must now
move forward and spiritually grow more than ever
before. God is opening---and will yet open---marvelous
doors to help us get out His Message if we're truly
yielded and surrendered to Him.---R. Meredith
4 Seven Lessons from the Book of Job
We all have them. Some of us even seem to have more
than our share! The Apostle James tells us to count
them all joy, but, as we know, that's easier said than
done.---J. Ogwyn
7 Make Your Election Sure!
Don't be caught in Satan's
deceptions! You are living in a truly remarkable
period in the history of the Church of God. Critically
important events are taking place! Can you recognize
them? For many people the daily pressure of busy
schedules and personal problems preoccupy their minds
to the extent they don't really see the big picture.
What about you?---D. Winnail
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January-March
1997
1 Open Letter
As I dictate this letter, we have now completed
exactly four full years in the Global Church of God
and this Work to which God has called all of us. We
are indeed grateful to have the opportunity to carry
on the tradition of doing God's Work along the same
lines as His faithful servant, Herbert W. Armstrong.
Many people make fun of Mr. Armstrong and put him
down. But the vast majority of those same people need
to ask themselves the question, "Would I even be
in God's Church if it were not for the Work that Jesus
Christ did through Mr. Armstrong?"---R. Meredith
3 Editorial: How Do You Picture Yourself?
Each of us has a mental self-image---the way we
picture ourselves. A young man might say, "I'm
Joe Jones, high school football player." To him,
that's the most important thing he is. Now his mother
may wish he would think of himself more often as her
son, or at least as a member of the Jones family. His
father might want Joe to begin picturing himself more
as a future businessman---and begin taking steps
toward that goal. But for now, Joe's mental image of
himself is of a high school athlete---a strong young
man to be admired by his peers.---R. Meredith
4 Almighty God Will Always Provide!
During the last 50 years, the Great
God has always provided for the needs of His Work and
His people. Today, we can have the same assurance that
He will continue supplying all that we need. Why are
God's people experiencing so much hardship---sickness,
financial difficulties, persecution and trials of
every sort? And difficulties are by no means limited
to the physical realm. In the spiritual area, perhaps
never before in the history of the Church of God have
so many people been so confused, scattered and
discouraged by clever manipulators---deceivers
who have sought to turn them away from the Truth and
unto fables (2 Tim. 4:3-4).---R. McNair
7 Are You a High Achiever?
Biblical principles for developing your
talents. Have you ever wondered what God's will is for
you? Have you ever asked yourself, "What does God
want me to do with my life?" Many people spend
their entire lives wondering and searching for answers
to these questions. Others made decisions and do
things with their lives. They become high
achievers! How do they do it?---D. Winnail
10 The Holy Spirit and the Prophets
Did the Old Testament prophets have God's Spirit IN
them---or just WITH them? Psalm 51 recounts the
heartfelt, repentant prayer of ancient Israel's King
David over his tragic sin of murdering Uriah the
Hittite after committing adultery with Bathsheba,
Uriah's wife. David pleaded with God in anguish,
"Do not take Your Holy Spirit from me"
(v. 11). Did David actually have God's Holy Spirit IN
him---or just WITH Him?---T. Robinson
13 Technology Can Expand Our Vision
Very often, science and technology are
thought to be the new "gods" of modern
civilization. They can be thought of, in some people's
minds, as taking the place of the real God. Who needs
the Almighty in this day and age, when such amazing
advances are being made? But when rightly understood,
modern technology, instead of replacing God,
can actually help us better understand His amazing
power and mind!---B. Gale
14 Financial Report
22 Global Village News |
June-July
1997
1
Open Letter
As we approach the Pentecost season, all of us
need to think more and more about the promised Holy
Spirit---and what it should be doing in our lives. We
are all very human---still in this human flesh. But we
have the promise of a wonderful Helper---the Holy
Spirit. At Pentecost time, each of us should ponder,
"How much have I really CHANGED since my baptism?
How much have I grown in this past year? Am I
truly reflecting Jesus Christ more and more in
everything I think, say and do?"---R. Meredith
3 Editorial: By Whose Power?
We talk and write a great deal about
"overcoming" in the Global Church of God.
And so does the Bible. In Revelation 2:26, Jesus is
speaking directly: "And he who overcomes, and
keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power
over the nations." And again: "To him who
overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as
I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His
throne" (3:21).---R. Meredith
4 The Harvest of Firstfruits
Every gardener knows the joy of picking fresh, ripe
vegetables, grown under the care of one's own hands.
And every grower has experienced the wonders of
sweet, luscious fruit, hand-picked at the end of a
long season.---L. Salyer
7 How Are We Justified Through Faith?
Many in nominal Christianity contend that we are
justified by faith alone. They maintain that it's good
to have "works"---though not required. But
is that really so? Let's examine an often-quoted
passage on this subject. "If Abraham was
justified by works, he has something of which to
boast, but now before God. For what does the Scripture
say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to
him for righteousness.' Now to him who works, the
wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him
who does not work but believes on Him who justifies
the ungodly, his faith is accounted
righteousness" (Rom. 4:2-5).---T. Robinson
10 Is Jesus the Messiah?
Does the Old Testament prove that the New Testament
Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah? Today there are
nearly two billion professing Christians throughout
the world---one-third of the entire population of the
earth. And they believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the
Son of God, the Savior of the world, the
long-prophesied Messiah of the Old Testament. But what
about some who accept the Old Testament as the Word of
God, yet claim that Jesus was merely a great man or
prophet---or worse still, a complete fraud.---R.
McNair
14 Reaching Across the Generations
Biblical guidelines for bridging the generation
gap. The Church today faces a challenging situation.
Many congregations are composed of older adults with
only a scattering of young people. The different
generations live in, and are the products of,
different worlds. There are varying tastes, different
perspectives and, in many cases, one generation does
not share the same values as another. Each speaks a
different language and has different aspirations and
expectations.---D. Winnail
17 Violence, War and Christianity
In the 2,000 years since Jesus of Nazareth walked the
earth, the blood of untold millions has been spilled
in His name. From the time of Roman Emperor
Constantine (A.D. 312-337)), millions of soldiers have
gone forth to battle under the sign of the cross,
ostensibly the insignia of the Prince of Peace. But
professing Christians haven't fought only with
"infidels" or unbelievers. Throughout the
last 17 centuries they have also slaughtered one
another with reckless abandon!---J. Ogwyn
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August-September
1997
1
Open Letter
Christ's Work continues to grow in every way,
including income, which is still edging up through
your prayers and financial support. Thank you all for
y our love and loyalty. As I write, many of our
"separated brethren" are beginning to take a
closer look at Global. In fact, dozens have started
attending with us in recent weeks. We are grateful for
this, but we all need to do even more to be a light to
those who might join our ranks and to let them know
that Global is not "harsh" or
"legalistic." And we need to extend a warm,
welcoming hand of friendship to these people when they
start attending with us.---R. Meredith
3 Editorial: Testing Time
Forty-five years ago this spring, I graduated
from Ambassador College. Having been sent out on a
nationwide baptizing tour with Raymond F. McNair the
previous summer, I was now---during the summer of
1952---the leader of a tour that covered much of the
United States and even included a brief visit or two
in western Canada.---R. Meredith
4 Discerning the Spirits
In July of 1814 Napoleon Bonaparte surrendered to the
English. For two decades he had been the master of
Europe and one of the greatest military tacticians of
all time. Virtually everyone in the known world had
heard of the obscure Corsican youth who rose to become
the most successful general in the French Revolution.
His exploits in Egypt stunned the world, as did his
dozens of battlefield victories against the combined
armies of the crowned heads of Europe.---R. Sexton
7 The Truth About Old Testament Warfare
Why does the Old Testament record so much fighting and
violence? There's no question that some of the
greatest heroes of faith---such as Joshua and King
David---were also men of great military prowess. But
how does this fit with the New Testament teaching that
Christians are to love their enemies and shun
violence?---J. Ogwyn
10 Are You a Spiritual Athenian?
When the Apostle Paul reached the shores of Greece on
his second "missionary" journey, he found a
country ripe for new ideas. In the city of Athens,
people would often gather at the Areopagus, i.e. Mars'
Hill, to hear of and discuss new religious ideas. So
when word came to the Athenians that Paul, a Jew from
Tarsus, was in the city preaching some strange things,
they wanted to know this new doctrine.---C. Adair
12 A Chosen People
Does God play favorites? The Church
of God has been described as an elusive
organization that claims a unique understanding of
Scripture as God's one true Church. For this it has
been branded by some as a cult. This categorization,
however, overlooks significant information from both
history and the Bible.---D. Winnail
15 A Joyful Noise
Here's a short quiz for you to take: Why do we sing
hymns in Church services? a. It's good arm
exercise for the song leader---just like
aerobics! b. It gets the blood flowing
into our legs after sitting for so long.
c. It gives time to get a quick cup of coffee or take
a trip to the restroom. d. No real
reason---it's just tradition. We've always done it
that way. e. None of the above
SubHeads:
To Know God To
Please God To Inspire Each
Other---Rod McNair
16 The Preparation Day
However big an aircraft carrier really is, its deck
probably looks as small as a postage stamp to pilots
of F-14 fighter-bombers making landing approaches at
sea. Maybe you've seen them do it on TV....Does your
Sabbath sometimes begin that way? With a carrier
landing in rough seas? Is your Friday evening spent
scrambling to get ready, feeling guilty for doing so
much on the Sabbath? ---D. Wakefield
18 Financial Update
23 Global Village News |
October-November
1997
1
Open Letter
As we enter the autumn Holy Day season, I hope
all of us will be re-energized and inspired by God's
awesome plan and our part in it. We picture through
these God-commanded Festivals the soon-coming return
of Jesus Christ, the banishment of Satan, Christ's
glorious 1,000-year reign and the salvation of all
mankind. As we do so, we all need to focus more fully
on the Kingdom of God. We must NOT allow ourselves to
be distracted by the concerns of everyday life. We
must not overcome by the "thorns" of this
world that Jesus described in His parable (Matt.
13:22).
3 Editorial: Christ Is the LIVING Head
Because of the upsets and divisions among God's
people, many seem to have lost their perspective. They
seem to have forgotten that Christ is the LIVING Head
of the true Church of God! Strangely, a number of
purported "leaders" of various groups act as
though Christ had been "asleep at the
switch" from 1934 to 1986. Yet those were the
years of the powerful ministry of Herbert W.
Armstrong. They were the years of the greatest growth
in God's Church in modern times---and the years of its
greatest IMPACT by far in preaching the Gospel.
4 Day of Atonement---Come Boldly Before the
Throne of Grace
All the men of Israel---perhaps a million or
more---were assembled in the Sinai desert. Before them
stood the Tabernacle of God, the two-chambered tent
made of goatskins inside a much larger tent enclosure
held up by a series of poles and rods. The only
opening in this large tent enclosure faced East, so
the men of Zebulun, Judah and Issachar had the favored
places from which to peer inside in an effort to see
what was to transpire on this special day---R. Sexton
7 Are You Ready for the Feast?
The Feast is just around the corner! There is probably
no event so anticipated by God's people from year to
year as the Feast of Tabernacles. We talk about it and
make plans for it months in advance. And for many,
it's an opportunity to get together with friends and
family members whom they don't see very often. The
Feast also offers a chance to travel and see faraway,
exciting places. And, of course, most of us look
forward to eating out in nice restaurants...But while
these are valid reasons to anticipate the Feast, is
that all there is?---J. Ogwyn
10 Judge with Righteous Judgment
For most of us, our thoughts are now focused on the
fast-approaching Feast of Tabernacles. Will we enjoy
the Feast site we're traveling to? Will we be reunited
with close friends or family members we haven't seen
for a long time? Can we take advantage of some
exciting activities that we just aren't able to afford
at other times of the year?---G. Foster
15 Calling All Parents---Teachers Wanted
For two hours an attentive crowd watched eight
teams compete in the fair's most popular event, the ox
pull. It didn't take long for spectators to learn the
animal's names and pick out their favorites. Handlers,
too, were in or out of favor with the crowd, depending
on their methods of control. The best handlers
commanded their teams, shouted praises and never
lashed with their whips. The best teams worked
together with strength and cooperation.---J. & M.
Hendren
16 Religious Freedom Under Attack!
The Los Angeles Times reported on July 22,
1997, that the U.S. State Department had sharply
criticized China for suppressing religious
freedom. The article continued, "The Chinese
government has regularly cracked down on
unregistered Catholic and Protestant groups, raided
worship groups meeting in private homes and
sometimes detained, interrogated or beat
leaders."---N. Link
18 Cultivate Godly Kindness
Do you believe you're a kind person? Do others---both
in the Church and in the world---think so? Just what
does God expect from us when it comes to
lovingkindness?---R. McNair
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Post-Festival
Edition 1997
1
Open Letter
By all reports, this Feast of
Tabernacles---with more than 6.900 in attendance---was
the most inspiring and unifying that most of us have
experienced in many years! My wife and I traveled to
both Niagara Falls in Canada and Jackson Hole,
Wyoming. At both locations, the love, warmth and zest
of the members was remarkable---and we had a truly
wonderful Feast. What a joy to see hundreds of you
brethren again in person. And the accounts we hear
from nearly all the Feast sites tell a similar story!
So we have much to be thankful for!---R. Meredith
2 Editorial: Courage
One of the main characteristics God appreciates
in a man or woman is courage. When we contemplate the
lives of Abraham, Esther, Daniel---and certainly Jesus
of Nazareth---we see rich examples of courage in many
different and trying situations. Abraham was willing
to leave his home, his country and everything he had
ever known to travel to a land where he had never gone
before. Just why would he do this? Because God
instructed him to!---R. Meredith
3 Blessed Are the Merciful
The quality of mercy is not strain'd
It droppeth as the gentle
rain from heaven...
It blesseth him that gives
and him that takes... by William Shakespeare---L.
Salyer
8 Global Village
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1998
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1998
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January-March
1998
1 Open Letter
Having entered the year 1998, it will be
helpful to review who we are, where we have been and
our GOALS for this year and beyond. One of the great
weaknesses afflicting many Christians is that they get
their eyes off the BIG PICTURE. They fail to set GOALS
for their lives and to consistently work toward those
goals.---R. Meredith
3 Editorial: Will You "Hang in
There"?
Down through time one of the truly great
qualities of men and women of character has been
perseverance. They didn't give up and quit. They
didn't turn aside from doing what's right. They
persevered. God has given us these past five years to continue
teaching the Truth through the Work of the Global
Church of God. Although we are certainly far from
perfect, thousands of knowledgeable, thinking
individuals---even those not in our
fellowship---acknowledge that we in the Global Church
of God are teaching the Truth and doing the
Work more along the lines Christ guided Mr.
Herbert Armstrong than is any other organization
on earth.---R. Meredith
4 "Let a Man Examine Himself"
Are You Prepared for Passover? Modern
Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ died for you
and that all you have to do to be saved is to say a
little prayer, "accept Jesus into your
heart," and let Him become the "Lord of your
life." Salvation is a quick and easy affair
because Jesus "has done it all for you." We
are also told that Communion of the "Lord's
Supper" is a love feast and "an occasion for
bringing believers together in unity rather than in
disharmony"---anytime it is observed (The
Oxford Companion to the Bible, 1993, op. 467).---D.
Winnail
7 The Passover---God Introduces Himself
The elderly man was a little apprehensive as he
approached the familiar buildings. Forty years earlier
he had fled for his very life from these surroundings.
Now he was returning to carry out a divinely commanded
mission in the midst of what was then, and had been
for centuries, the most powerful nation on the face of
the earth.---J. Ogwyn
10 Appointed Time of Victory for God's
People!
"These are the feasts of the LORD, holy
convocations which you shall proclaim at their
appointed times. On the fourteenth day of the first
month at twilight is the LORD's Passover. And on the
fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of
Unleavened Bread to the LORD; seven days you must eat
unleavened bread" (Lev. 23:4-6).---R. Sexton
14 The Leaven of Hypocrisy
As we approach the end of the 20th century, we've
entered a unique time for the people of the Church of
God. Never before have so many had such easy access to
the Bible. If Christians of the Middle Ages were to
come back to life today, they'd face a dizzying array
of options. They might want to read the King James
Version, the New International Version, The
Living Bible or maybe the Women's Bible.
Next they'd choose whether to read their favorite version
on CD ROM computer disks, on-line at "www.bible.com"
or listen to a reading of the Bible on cassette tapes.
And of course, they could still read it the
old-fashioned way---on paper pages.---Jon. McNair
17 The Road to Salvation
As we approach the Days of
Unleavened Bread, now is a good time to reflect on the
important process God has ordained whereby mankind
will finally be able to put sin behind him once and
for all.---R. McNair
23 Global Village |
Festival
Planner 1998
1 Open Letter
Greetings from San Diego! As this spring Holy Day
season draws to a close, it's important that we
think deeply about the meaning of Pentecost as it
affects us personally. Most of us have repented and
have been baptized. We accept Christ's sacrifice for
our sins and received the precious gift of the Holy
Spirit. Together we are to be the
"firstfruits" of God's spiritual harvest
(Lev. 23:17). The Apostle Peter tells all of us who
are truly converted, "But you are a chosen
generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His
own special people, that you may proclaim the
praises of Him who called you out of darkness into
His marvelous light; who once were not a people but
are now the people of God, who had not obtained
mercy but now have obtained mercy" (I Peter
2:9-10).---R. Meredith
3 Editorial: Be Warm and Welcoming
Separated brethren are beginning to come with the
Global Church of God. And dozens more "brand
new" people are also beginning to attend. But how
should these new people be received? Remember when you
first attended? Were the local brethren warm and
welcoming? Or did some seem to be cold and distant? No
doubt many of you have found memories of brethre |