When the plans that we make meet adversity, what is the best way to handle it? The examples of people’s lives and instructions in the Bible provide the answers.
Eric Rank
Simplify
Choosing to simplify our lives can be a difficult thing. The world offers a pursuit of more, but a Christian life is one that aims to remove distractions and focus on one very important thing – committing our life to the glorification of God.
Knowing God
Do you know God? Does God know you? Many people claim to have a personal relationship with God, but do they really have it? Understanding the nature of your relationship with God will help you to build and maintain that relationship in ways that are crucial to your future.
The Work of Man
On March 2, 2004, the Philae robotic lander was launched from the surface of the earth into outer space, with a mission to land on the surface of a comet. Just over ten years later this radical and seemingly impossible mission was accomplished when it successfully made a soft landing on the surface of the nucleus of comet “67P”. As unfathomable and crazy as it sounds to land a spacecraft on the surface of a comet, a team of human beings managed to accomplish the task. To me, this is a prime example of man accomplishing whatever he sets his mind to do (compare Genesis 11:6). With this space probe attached to the nucleus of the comet, the scientific community is thrilled to discover previously unknown facts about this celestial body. For man, this is quite a feat.
As significant as this accomplishment is to man, in the context of God’s plan, landing on a comet is meaningless. In fact, it is even worse than meaningless, because it gives man an opportunity to be proud and glorify himself. The strong, wise, rich and powerful according to the standards of the world may have something to be proud about now, but the Bible is clear that “…the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence” (1 Corinthians 1:28-29).
If we have pride in our lives that elevates our opinions of ourselves above God, knowing that this is something that God will punish, what are we to do? We need to change our perspective to be spiritually minded and to walk in the Spirit (compare Galatians 5:25). This simply means that we should not seek value or glory from the world. The things that the world might provide are only temporary and will not provide any enduring reward. We are reminded of this perspective in 1 John 2:17 where we read, “And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” If we live with the understanding that the world truly is passing away and that it is God’s Will that no flesh should glory, the achievements we accomplish in this world lose their value.
When we put this understanding into action, our motivation shifts away from achieving the temporary accomplishments in the world and re-focuses on fulfilling God’s Will. We put our treasure in heaven when we live in the Spirit. The Scripture that illustrates this shift in perspective is Colossians 3:23-24, where Paul writes, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Here we can see that we are not to stop taking action in our lives because the world is temporary. We must continue to be productive individuals, but the reason why we take action changes. The work we do – the action we take – must be done to please and glorify God, not man—not ourselves!
The Helper
In the days leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, He told His disciples that a Helper would be sent after He left them. What is the Helper that Jesus talked about? How can It work in your life?
The Power of Positive
It is easy to become discouraged by the difficulties that we face as Christians living in a world that is contrary to the ways of God. However, the Bible is clear that we have many reasons to have a positive attitude. With a positive attitude, we gain the strength to overcome this world and find peace.
Letter to the Brethren – December 5, 2014
Dear Brethren and Friends,
For decades, the Church of God has warned of ten nations or groups of nations emerging in Europe. In our 85 page booklet authored by Norbert Link, entitled “The Ten European Revivals of the Ancient Roman Empire”, the Foreword has this to say:
“Dramatic events are occurring in Europe that will have tremendous consequences for the entire world! In spite of this, many are blind to the significance of what is happening before their very eyes! They fail to see how to connect the dots and make sense of it all.
“The key to correctly understanding the impact of current events lies in viewing the present and the future through the lens of the past. Only when we open the pages of history can we truly grasp the dimensions of the prophesied end-time scenario as it crescendos globally out of proportion and out of mankind’s control.”
On page 48 of this same booklet, we read: “There is strong historical and biblical indication that Britain will not be part of the final unification of Europe.” Why has the Church been so dogmatic about such a stance? In our latest booklet “When and How Will Christ Return?” on page 15, under the heading “Europe’s War With the USA and UK”, we read: “Around the same time, the military-religious European power bloc will start World War III. This terrible war will be mainly directed against the modern house of Israel—the United Kingdom (which by that time will have left the EU) and the USA—as well as the people of Judah. All of these nations will be defeated by the Europeans. When this happens, Christ’s return is imminent.”
Britain could not be part of the European Power Bloc if Europe is to make war against it and so the long held understanding of the Church is that Britain will leave the EU.
In early November 2014 Der Spiegel news magazine quoted German government sources as saying Angela Merkel feared the UK was near a “point of no return”.
In a speech in Berlin on 13th November 2014, former British Prime Minister, Sir John Major, said that “The case for leaving the European Union will be fuelled further if EU countries do not help the UK limit immigration.” BBC News on-line reported that “The former prime minister said there was a ‘very real risk of separation’ that would damage Britain and Europe.”
The BBC report went on to say that “the current British Prime Minister, David Cameron wants to renegotiate the UK’s membership of the EU and hold an in/out referendum by 2017. Sir John said the UK had a ‘compelling’ case to change the free movement of people. Mr Cameron is under pressure to limit EU migration, but other countries have resisted his calls to alter the free movement principle. Addressing German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats in Berlin, Sir John put the chance of a British exit from the European Union at ‘just under 50%’. But he said the probability would rise if Mr Cameron, who has promised the referendum if he is prime minister after the general election, could not secure reforms beforehand.”
A few days later, another report said: “Britain can never have full control over national borders as long as we remain a member of the European Union, the Foreign Secretary has admitted. Philip Hammond warned the British people will vote to leave the EU if we do not get reform.”
However, European Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding warned: “Freedom of movement is non-negotiable as long as you are a member of the EU and the single market.”
Then on Friday 28th November, Prime Minister David Cameron made a long awaited speech on this issue. He was addressing the concerns about immigration which has become the most talked about issue in Britain today. Mr Cameron said: “It will be argued that freedom of movement is a holy principle – one of the four cardinal principles of the EU, alongside freedom of capital, of services and of goods – and that what we are suggesting is heresy”, perhaps referring to what European Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding had said as mentioned in the previous paragraph.
He concluded his speech by saying: “That is the measure against which everything must be judged. If you elect me as Prime Minister in May, I will negotiate to reform the European Union, and Britain’s relationship with it. This issue of free movement will be a key part of that negotiation. If I succeed, I will, as I have said, campaign to keep this country in a reformed EU. If our concerns fall on deaf ears and we cannot put our relationship with the EU on a better footing, then of course I rule nothing out. But I am confident that, with goodwill and understanding, we can and will succeed. At the end of the day, whatever happens, the final decision will be yours, when you place your cross on the ballot paper in the referendum to decide whether Britain remains in the European Union. That decision is for you, the British people, and for you alone.”
Of course, for this referendum to take place in 2017, the Conservatives have to win a majority, otherwise any further coalition might scupper such a plan and a victory for the Labour party would make it a non-starter as they are in favour of Britain’s membership of the EU, as indeed are the Liberal Party.
The following day, a newspaper reported that “David Cameron was branded a ‘blackmailer’ in Europe last night as he vowed Britain would veto any further expansion of the EU unless migration rules are reformed.”
The battle lines seem to be now drawn and much will be said from many quarters over the coming weeks and months. On the face of it, there could be an impasse unless some high level political manoeuvring takes place. But, in spite of what politicians may try and achieve, God will ensure that His plans are brought to fruition.
As part of the coalition government agreement in 2010 between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats, a fixed term of five years for Parliament was agreed and the date of the next election being 7th May 2015.
Another player has made substantial headway in the last few months in the form of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) led by Nigel Farage. Two Conservative Members of Parliament defected to UKIP resulting in by-elections with UKIP taking both seats. UKIP want Britain to withdraw from the EU and the groundswell of opinion sees them doing well from a very low voting base. With an outright Conservative victory ensuring an in /out vote in 2017 and UKIP, on the rise, wanting complete withdrawal, could it be that one or both parties will be used by God to this end?
Of course, God could have other ideas about how His will is to be brought about and it may be that through the continual problems that Britain has given the EU for a few years now, it may be expelled rather than withdrawing.
It will be interesting to see how all of this works out, but God will see to it that His will is done irrespective of politicians’ planning and scheming.
Unfortunately, the many warnings that the Church has given in the past, and is doing today, are generally falling on deaf ears. This situation in Europe is but one of many things to watch (compare Matthew 24:42).
In Luke 21:36 we read the following exhortation from Jesus Christ: “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.” We are to watch world events but not to concentrate on this so much that we lose our spiritual focus. It also refers to our own spiritual condition as the context in verses 34-35 reveals. We are to be vigilant in both areas and not be caught out as the end of this age draws near.
Now is not the time for any church members to let down. It is time for us to be on our guard as Satan continues to strike at the people of God and will continue to do so as he sees the end of his time as the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4) draws ever closer.
God will work out things in His own good time and we should be preparing for the future that He has in store for us.
With Christian love,
Brian Gale (United Kingdom)
Q How do you explain Luke 22:35-38? Doesn't this passage allow, if not command, Christian warfare?
A Luke 22:35-38 reads in context: “And He said to them, `When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?’ So they said, `Nothing.’ [God took care of them.] Then He said to them, `But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. For I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in Me: “And He was numbered with the transgressors.” For the things concerning Me have an end.’ So they said: `Lord, look, here are two swords.’ And He said to them: `It is enough.'”
This passage cannot be used to justify participation of a Christian to fight in war. In fact, the passage teaches the exact opposite. First of all, “two swords” would hardly be enough for Christ’s disciples to defend themselves against the coming Roman persecution. Secondly, Christ Himself makes clear why they were to buy swords. It was so that the prophecy regarding Him could be fulfilled. What specific prophetic saying had to be fulfilled? “And He was numbered with the transgressors.” What transgression did the disciples – who had swords – become guilty of?
Note, first, that sin is the trans
gression of the law (1 John 3:4, Authorized Version). We read, in Matthew 26:51, that Peter took the sword and struck the servant in order to “defend” Christ. When he did that, he became guilty of the transgression of the spirit of the sixth commandment (Exodus
Christ does not advocate that His disciples take up weapons to defend themselves, or others, in war. Note His clear statement, “ALL who take the sword will PERISH by the sword.” When Peter took the sword to harm or kill another human being, he became a transgressor of the law. The other disciples had undoubtedly similar feelings as Peter, supporting his conduct in their minds. They were all with Christ, so then, Christ was “numbered with the transgressors.”
We must also realize that at that time, neither Peter nor any of Christ’s disciples were converted. Their attitude and conduct changed, however,
after their conversion (compare, for example, 1 Peter
Returning to Matthew 26, Christ goes on to explain that His protection does not come from men, but from God. Verse 53 reads: “`Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” He continues, however, “`How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?'” (Verse 54). The point is, God could have protected Him, but it was not God’s time for His intervention. Jesus made a similar comment in John 18:36, “`My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants [twelve legions of angels whom the Father would have sent for His protection] would fight, so that I would not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” Christ was not talking here about His few disciples who had only two swords – they could hardly have prevented Jesus’ arrest by “a great multitude with
swords and clubs” (Matthew 26:47).
Christ’s disciples are not to participate in war. Our Master tells us, “Put your sword in his place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” We who believe in Christ and His Word, are not to perish, but to have everlasting life (John
We read a similar warning and admonition in Revelation 13:10. The context is a coming persecution of the saints by the beast power – a mighty military power bloc still to arise in
Christ’s true disciples will have the patience to endure, even war, without resorting to violence and responding in like manner. They will have the faith that GOD can and will protect them, even in the face of adversity, and that they must never transgress His law.
So we see that Luke 22:35-38 does not teach us that we must arm ourselves to protect ourselves in war. Rather, if we did that, we would be “transgressors” in the eyes of God
Q Why do you teach that a Christian should not vote in governmental elections?
A In the context of this booklet, we need to understand that the issues of jury duty and voting for the government are both connected with the issue of military service and war.
It is inconsistent to take the position that one cannot join the military because one is an ambassador of Jesus Christ and a citizen of another government – the
In addition, when one votes for a particular political candidate, one votes for the “totality” of the person. Some have argued that one needs to vote for candidate X, rather than candidate Z, supposedly choosing “the lesser evil.” Following that kind of reasoning, one still would vote for “an evil,” which a Christian should not do (compare 1 Thessalonians 5:22). Somebody might want to vote for candidate X, as that candidate might reject abortion. However, the
same candidate might support the tobacco industry or pollution of the environment. A Christian could not support a candidate who might be right on one issue, but who would still be wrong on other issues. In addition, as stated above, every candidate in the
Another reason why a Christian is not to vote for a candidate in governmental or local council elections is because he understands the truth about this being Satan’s world at the present time. It is Satan who, with the general permission of God, places candidates into governmental offices. If we were to vote, we might involve ourselves quite directly in Satan’s system. Hosea 8:4 gives us God’s warning in this regard: “`They set up kings, but not by Me; they made princes, but I did not acknowledge them.'”
Sometimes, in order to ensure that certain aspects of His plan are fulfilled, God Himself might intervene to see to it that the person best (or perhaps worst) suited for the job at that time gets the job (compare Daniel 4:17). How would God look at us when He intervenes directly to place a specific person into office, while we did not vote for that person, but rather for someone whom God does not want to see in charge at that time? It is obvious that our vote would be found to be in opposition to God’s Will.
To give a prophetic and an historical example, Biblical prophecy reveals that a final political leader of the resurrected
The Bible shows that God sometimes appoints directly, or permits Satan to place into office, strong or weak leaders, depending on the situation, in order to insure that God’s purpose will be carried out. For example, God allowed ancient Pharaoh, at the time of the Exodus, to be ruler over Egypt for a very specific reason – “that [God] may show [His] power in [him], and that [God’s] name may be declared in all the earth” (Exodus 9:16).
And finally, in regard to voting in governmental elections, we human beings are incapable of looking into the heart of a person. When God wanted King Saul to be replaced, He had Samuel anoint David as the new king. If it had been left to Samuel, he would have appointed one of David’s brothers (compare 1 Samuel 16:6-13). Participating in voting for governmental elections shows a lack of appreciation for the Will of God. It also shows a misunderstanding of the fact that Satan presently rules this world (2 Corinthians 4:4), and that Christians are ambassadors of Christ, called to come out of this world, to be separate.
As Christians, we are in no way to resist our leaders whom God has allowed to be placed over us, unless it is in direct conflict with Christ’s teachings. Rather, we are to be thankful for whatever good they provide for us, and we are to pray for them so that we can lead a quiet and peaceable life (1 Timothy 2:2) and fulfill our God-given job to preach the Gospel and to feed the flock.
Q What are the Biblical principles enjoining us not to serve on a jury?
A There are different Biblical principles involved. We believe that the following will best express our religious convictions against participating in jury duty:
A true Christian is a stranger, alien and exile (1 Peter
Further, man’s judgments are concerned with the letter of the law. In contrast, God looks on one’s heart, and is concerned with the spirit and intent of the law. Man’s laws usually do not take into account repentance, forgiveness of sins, and other spiritual factors in the way that God does (Acts
Another principle against participation in jury duty is that true Christians are to learn to judge according to the law of God as seasoned by judgment, mercy and faith (Matthew
In following Biblical injunctions, one could not convict a person, in any event, unless the accusation is supported by the testimony of at least two witnesses (Matthew
Since we may be compelled, as a juror, to apply man’s laws in conflict with the law of God, we could not take the oath as a juror, as we would, in principle, agree to obeying man rather than God (Acts 5:29; Acts 4:19). Therefore, jury duty will invariably create a conflict of conscience in a Christian between the requirements of God and the requirements of jury service. A Christian who violates his conscience would be guilty of committing sin (Romans
; 1 John 3:4).