As members of the Church of the Eternal God, we each have a commission to obey God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and also to honor our calling by protecting ourselves from sin. We can do this by living faithfully and avoiding evil in our lives. We cannot however lock ourselves away; we live in this world that Satan controls, and therefore we must protect ourselves through prayer and obedience to God. We must distance ourselves from the enemy.

I recently read an account as to how the young Continental Militia sought to protect the new American nation from the British forces. They could not avoid the British presence as the colonies had been governed by England and the King. The new nation had declared independence from Britain in 1776, but the British were unrelenting in their efforts to quell this uprising. The ill-equipped American force realized that fighting such a powerful enemy was often not as effective as avoiding them in the first place. When we are baptized into God’s true Church we recognize that we are joining a spiritual battle against evil, and yet the only way to win such a battle is to rely wholeheartedly on God and never impede Him.

Much as we must protect our hearts and minds by avoiding Satan, it is interesting that the new American militia sought to protect their strategic fortress of West Point, NY, by avoiding the enemy, rather than being desirous of engaging in battle. As the first buds of springtime of 1778 began to emerge, and the ice on the Hudson River in New York State began to break up, the under-powered continental troops of the new republic sought to defend against the British Navy and land forces. The historic West Point Military Academy was constructed at a strategic, yet vulnerable point along the Hudson River. The river provided a barrier between the New England territory and the rest of the Middle Atlantic region of the young nation. The military academy sits atop the cliffs on the west bank of the Hudson, and although the site was defensible to a degree, it was impossible to stop the British from making their way up-river, leaving most of New York and New England susceptible to attacks and sabotage.

A British engineer, aiding the continental forces, designed a 650-yard linked chain that would be laid across the Hudson from West Point to a small island, now known as Constitution Island. Imagine a necklace of iron, but then consider that each link weighed in at 114 pounds and was 2 feet in length. Some 750 separate links comprised the 65-ton chain that would be lowered and raised much as a ship’s anchor, to admit friendly vessels or repel the British warships. The fledgling American force installed the chain each spring/summer from 1778, until it ceased to be needed in 1782. This was referred to as Washington’s Watch Chain, euphemistically nodding to the new president’s pocket watch. The chain’s sole purpose was avoidance and protection rather than engagement.

Washington and his men stood watch and protected the new nation, and as true Christians, we must also protect our hearts and spiritual lives from the enemy. We know that we can all too easily become ensnared in sinful ways, including relying on our own abilities, as we see in Jude 6: “And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day…”

Additionally, consider  2 Peter 2:4-6: “For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly…”

When we repent and rely on God, we are released from the bondage of sin. We understand that our freedom and safety was purchased by God through the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and so we read in Romans 6:18: “And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.” We know that sin can be like a bear trap that we stumble into; we did not intend to place ourselves in that position, but we must ask ourselves how we might have avoided the situation and similarly, sin. Consider the wisdom contained in Matthew 6:24: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” We must be proactive and work, but also never place ourselves in that bear trap of sin. Again, we should guard our spiritual lives as aggressively as we protect our bodies from illness and injury. We recall the words of Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The message is straightforward; in order to protect ourselves from sin, we need to be mindful of our actions and intentions and always guard against and avoid evil.

Being aware of the progression of sin is another good way to protect oneself. We see this clearly in James 1:15: “Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” As true Christians, we pray consistently for strength to remain faithful to God the Father and to Jesus Christ and to do as we read in Ephesians 6:10-11: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

We do not need a massive iron chain to avoid sin; we simply need the power and majesty of God the Father and Jesus Christ, and to follow the commandments to lead us to safety and eternal Life in the Kingdom.

Having managed cities in my past, I have a unique perspective as to the problems commonly experienced. We’ve all seen examples of once-great cities that have declined. Cities such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Paris, and London were never godly, but they were admired for their outward beauty. I recall that during the early 2000s, New York City reduced the overall crime rate dramatically. This was celebrated as a major achievement, despite the ongoing presence of evil.

Several years ago, I attended a conference in Portland, Oregon. The city enjoys a pleasant setting along the banks of the Willamette River. The main gathering spot in the city, Pioneer Square, was a striking blend of green spaces, historic architecture, and commerce. Shops of all kinds lined the perimeter of the Square. Many of those shops have since closed due to factors such as the pandemic, violent crime, homelessness, street camping and the residue it leaves behind, not to mention rioting and retail theft. My point is that the most admired cities suffer degrees of chaos and confusion, as opposed to cities of God.

Consider the future of human societies as described in Isaiah 24. Some Bible translations give the following headline: “Impending Judgement on the Earth.” Verses 7-12 specifically illustrate God’s judgement for ongoing and unrepentant human sin: “The new wine fails, the vine languishes, All the merry hearted sigh. The mirth of the tambourine ceases, The noise of the jubilant ends, The joy of the harp ceases. They shall not drink wine with a song; Strong drink is bitter to those who drink it. The city of confusion is broken down; Every house is shut up, so that none may go in. There is a cry for wine in the streets, All joy is darkened, The mirth of the land is gone. In the city desolation is left, And the gate is stricken with destruction.”

We know that God’s judgement on this world is assured, and punishment for our disobedience and lack of sincere repentance will ignore social status, politics, and influence. The moral decay of cities the world typically lauds will not be spared God’s anger. Paris, once referred to as the City of Light, more aptly describes the darkness that defines so many cities. As true Christians, we understand that God’s plan for those He calls cannot be compared to the current state of our governments, no matter how well intentioned they may be.

As a former city manager, I think of the challenges we faced in addressing a multitude of problems. The choices we considered were never easy, but we knew that they were needed to face the problems or suffer the consequences of a bankrupt city. I realize now that God was merciful with me back then when, despite my indifference to His Law, we succeeded in making necessary changes. Yet, despite temporary outward prosperity, success is an illusion if it is not of God. Today, as a repentant Christian, I face challenges in an entirely different manner, striving to place my faith and trust in God.

We contrast the devastation of our cities discussed above with the glorious promise of Isaiah 9:6-7: “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given: And the government will be upon His shoulder: And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end…”

This is the book and chapter of the Bible that fueled my conversion away from the world because it clearly pictures the future Kingdom of God, and the stunning connection with the New Testament, as mentioned in Luke 2:7-14. This is the story of our God, our Creator, and our soon-coming King and Ruler from the Throne of David in Jerusalem.

Consider an ancient city known for idolatry and opposition to God’s law—Jericho, known as the City of Palms in ancient times. It was situated near the Dead Sea and the West Bank of the Jordan River, and it thrived for a time despite its evil focus. That is until God had enough of the sinfulness and established the region as the land promised for His people. In Deuteronomy 34:1-4, we see the story beginning to unfold: “Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is across from Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land of Gilead as far as Dan, all Naphtali and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Western Sea, the South, and the plain of the Valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar. Then the LORD said to him, ‘This is the land of which I swore to give Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, “I will give it to your descendants.” I have caused you to see with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there.’”

We know what became of Sodom and Gomorrah as a result of their sinfulness, as recorded in Genesis 19. Alternatively, we read about the city of God in Psalm 48:1-3: “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised In the city of our God, In His holy mountain. Beautiful in elevation, The joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, The city of the great King. God is in her palaces; He is known as her refuge.”

In Psalm 125:1, we read: “Those who trust in the LORD Are like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the LORD surrounds His people From this time forth and forever.” Unlike trying to rebuild our cities at this time, regaining the trust of the public and enticing visitors back into a blighted urban core, true Christians can take heart by focusing instead on the coming perfect spiritual city—the New Jerusalem on the new earth. Consider Revelation 21:2-3: “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.”

As true Christians, we have been called to obedience, but we have also been called to courage. In the past week our region experienced 100 mph winds, threats of wildfire, and the reality of extended periods without electricity and heating. Mankind’s cities, structures and systems are unbelievably fragile as we’ve all experienced. God’s Kingdom however is hopeful, bright, peaceful and eternal. Let’s focus on that!

Back in 1973, the United States had been reeling from the shocks of the Vietnam War, the ever-threatening Cold War with the Soviet Union, the Watergate scandal, and the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Any of these factors alone could destabilize a nation and spark panic and economic uncertainty for decades to come. We know that when nations and world markets suffer, private business interests and world banks react. From 1973 through 1975, world markets suffered from an oil crisis, energy shortages, and high unemployment. While these headwinds resulted in political changes in U.S. leadership in 1976, business people, former government ministers, and members of security services in Japan, the US, and Western Europe had already formed an alliance, a Trilateral Commission, under the guidance of the rich and powerful David Rockefeller to affect change.

The inspiration for our messages can vary. Recently I was watching a lighthearted police comedy/drama from the mid-1970’s. In one episode, the detectives brought in a person who was agitated about a meeting of the Trilateral Commission in NYC. The mention of the Commission brought me back to my teen years and my new awareness of world politics. The members and their work were opaque at the time, as intended—powerful people working behind the scenes, yet hidden in plain sight, and they are not alone.

The stated goal of the Commission since its founding in 1973 has been to foster international cooperation between Japan, Western Europe, and North America. Further, the Commission is purportedly committed to so-called common values, rule of law and democratic principles. The Commission represents the commercial and political interests of what we now refer to as the elites in business and government. In 2021, the Commission had over 400 representatives from the member nations, and this includes academia, business, national security, medicine, and other disciplines. Members have included U.S. Congressional representatives, National Security Advisors, Media, and even the late financier, Jeffrey Epstein.

The Commission has a bold, three-arrow circular logo that one could imagine adorning the collar of a uniform—a one-world government uniform, so to speak. The concept of common democracy and economic prosperity might not, on the surface, seem problematic; however, we know that God does not wish His people to focus in this way. We only need to turn to the beginning of our Bible in Genesis 11, verses 1-9, to see that the earliest people became focused on creating a coordinated government and language, and, they were intent on building a great tower to the heavens—in essence to compete with God:

“Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. As men moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there. They said to each other, ‘Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.’ They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. Then they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.’ But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building. The LORD said, ‘If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. ‘Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.’ So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel—because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth” (New International Version throughout).

God knew that the people’s desire to grow and unite in language and power was evilly inspired. He therefore took swift action to change the plans of the people at that time, and He scattered the people and their languages so that evil collaborations were halted.

“We know that the prophet, Daniel, was granted the ability from God to foresee similar events long into the future that he shared with the king of Babylon. What Daniel saw in his dreams was a future, powerfully evil, one-world government that is detailed in Daniel 7:23: “He gave me this explanation: ‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it.’”

We see time and again in Scripture that God is warning us to be aware of flawed and corrupt leaders, in all fields, not just government, who use their authority for self-aggrandizement and control over the people. This is certainly not a new theme for our Church. This is what our Evangelist, Norbert Link, is doing with his messages and StandingWatch programs; however, we all must be awakened to these things.

The Prophet Jeremiah, however, initially reluctant to be a messenger of God, provided important words to live by in Jeremiah 17, verse 5: “This is what the LORD says: ‘Cursed is the one who trusts in, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD.’”

As those called by God the Father to faith and Truth, we know how this story of Creation and mankind’s existence on earth progresses and is fulfilled by the return of Jesus Christ. We see the horror in Revelation 13:15 that shows us a global government and religious structure that we can have no part in and that means to destroy or subjugate all life. Then, and, in God’s good time, we have in Revelation 19:15-16the fulfillment of God’s plan for His people in the return of Jesus Christ and His Millennial rule: “Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.” The Trilateral Commission, or any national or hidden power will be no more.

“Consider this final Scripture inRevelation 22:3-5:“No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.” I am elated at the thought of the rulership of God and our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the ultimate force of goodness and life prevailing over such depravity. Vengeance is not ours to deliver, but, if we do our work and remain faithful, we can see the end of all evil and be a part of God’s plan. These worldly entities will attempt to convince all that they are the answer, or conversely, frighten people into submission. Either way, obedience to the Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ, is the only antidote to such poison.

Recently, my 14-year old son joined me at the non-profit transportation company that I run. He will be working as an apprentice on a part-time basis over the summer school break in our vehicle maintenance department. It is difficult for younger teens to find meaningful work, and even more so in the areas of the skilled trades. However, with the arrival of electric buses and charging controls, automotive trades are rapidly requiring skills honed at the gaming stations of a new generation.

The Cambridge Dictionary defines an apprentice as someone who has agreed to work for a skilled person for a particular period of time and often for low payment, in order to learn that person’s skills. For example: Michelangelo was apprenticed to Ghirlandaio in Florence for three years prior to setting out on his own. While it is hard to imagine him as anything less than a master of art, architecture, and science, the fact is that we all begin at a common point of knowing little and needing to learn and grow in skill and proficiency. For most of us, this begins in the first tottering days of preschool, and continues on through university and beyond.

Additionally, in recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift in the career aspirations of younger generations.  Skilled trade careers are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. This has also been highlighted on social media platforms.

Young tradespeople are sharing their day-to-day experiences, inspiring a new generation to consider careers in skilled trades over traditional college routes. There is a young electrician who has over 1.1 million online followers, and she posts on various tasks. She illustrates the technical skills involved in her job and also shows young followers that hers is a fulfilling and lucrative career path.

Consider the metaphor of being an apprentice in our journey as true Christians. We must understand that as true Christians we are all apprenticed to the Father and Jesus Christ. As the apostles before us, we must study the Scriptures to better understand the importance of Paul’s words in Romans 10, 14-15 (New International Version throughout): “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” Continuing in verse 17: “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”

These verses illustrate the importance of listening and learning from those who were sent and understand more than we do.

Jesus Christ was also an apprentice to the Father in Heaven as we see in John 8:29: “The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” But Jesus was also an apprentice in the human sense as a carpenter alongside His human father, Joseph. We see this when Jesus was preparing for His ministry and preaching the Word in the synagogue. He was not treated as a master and expert in the Scriptures, but rather, as a carpenter’s son. This was not to denigrate Jesus for being a carpenter, but this trade was simply not considered on par with the Pharisees of the day. The leaders of the congregation illustrated this in Mark 6:3: “‘Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?’ And they took offense at him.” They took offense because they did not see Jesus as a teacher or an equal, but rather as a young upstart.

Yet, while He was honing His craft as a carpenter, He was also preparing for His own ministry. He studied the Scriptures and quoted the prophets and books of the Old Testament on many occasions. Even as He was dying on the cross for our sins, Jesus quoted a portion of Psalm 22:1: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus learned at the Father’s side and lived His life by obeying the commandments and preparing for His public ministry.

He also was, and is: The Master, as we read in Luke 16:13: “No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” The supremacy of Jesus Christ is unmatched and forever will be. He is Lord and Master of the Creation, and our coming King of the New Jerusalem.

Consider now the role that Timothy played with the apostle Paul. Paul became a mentor to the younger man. He realized that Timothy had the calling from God and substance to become a minister of God’s Word and began to train him for what lay ahead. We see this in 2 Timothy 3:10-12: “You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…”

Life entails apprenticeships in many ways. I could not have been a city manager without first serving as a deputy for many years and learning the intricacies of leading a city. Doctors and lawyers train for years prior to handling cases of their own.

King David realized that his son Solomon was not quite prepared for leadership in 1 Chronicles 29:1: “Then King David said to the whole assembly: ‘My son Solomon, the one whom God has chosen, is young and inexperienced. The task is great, because this palatial structure is not for man but for the LORD God.” David was praying for and preparing to hand the kingdom to his son Solomon. He had trained Solomon for leadership, but now trusted that God Himself would finish the task.

We can also go back to the time of Moses when God instructed Moses to take on Joshua as an apprentice. We see this described in Numbers 27:18-21: “So the LORD said to Moses, ‘Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay your hand on him. Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him in their presence. Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite community will obey him.He is to stand before Eleazar the priest, who will obtain decisions for him by inquiring of the Urim before the LORD. At his command he and the entire community of the Israelites will go out, and at his command they will come in.’”

In our physical world, an apprenticeship typically involves our work life or vocation. In the more important spiritual sense, becoming an apprentice with God and Jesus Christ is more akin to an enduring discipleship with Jesus. We must show up for this training and take our responsibilities seriously. There will always be the distractions of work, family, and hobbies, but think of this opportunity to train under the very best Master ever—not simply once in a lifetime, but forever!