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Dear Brethren, Co-workers and Friends,

As we come to the end of the second full year for the Church of the Eternal God, we have so many blessings for which to be thankful. It is surely amazing how rapidly time has gone by and how much has been accomplished during this short time span. God has been merciful to us as a group, and we are also very grateful for your unswerving loyal support as we continue to jointly serve our God and those of His people who have decided to look toward us for guidance.

God, of course, has given us many words of encouragement which have helped us to move forward in spite of unforeseen trials. David wrote in Psalm 34:19, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.” As long as we continue in the fundamental truths God has revealed to us, and we remain loyal to God’s Way as outlined in His Word, The Holy Bible, God will continue to be with us.

We are admonished in Proverbs chapter 3 and verse 9 to “Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase,” and in verses 5 and 6 to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” This must be our approach as we continue now into this new, 3rd year of opportunity to serve Him!

We are very excited as this 3rd year begins. We are enclosing our 11th booklet in the two years we have been operating. This booklet is entitled “God Is a Family.” It covers in depth this subject, revealing all the Scriptures, which teach this truth; that God is not a trinity, nor a closed circle, which is not possible to become a part of. We know that the Scriptures do not reflect such a concept, but, that this whole idea is a satanic lie which has been fostered off on the Christian religions of the world in order to cover up God’s plain truth concerning His Great Plan.

The Scriptures clearly reveal that God is a Family and that He is calling certain people during this age to understand His clear intent; His firm desire to see His Family grow; and while Christ was the First of the “Firstfruits” to be called from physical life to become a born again member of the Family of God through a resurrection, there are other “firstfruits,” who will be called during this age, who through a similar resurrection at the second coming of Christ will become born again members of the God Family.

An even greater revelation is made in the Scriptures that this opportunity will be made available to all of mankind at a later time. All of this wonderful knowledge is covered in detail in our new booklet, “God is a Family.” Your copy, of course, is included in this mailing! We hope you enjoy reading it and that it will become a part of your regular study material as you continue to prove God’s Truths as revealed to His people at this end time.

Other booklets which are available now by writing to us; Church of the Eternal God, P.O. Box 270519, San Diego, CA., 92198; are:

1. Europe in Prophecy: The Unfolding of End-Time Events

2. The Theory of Evolution – a Fairy Tale for Adults?

3. The Gospel of the Kingdom of God-2-

4. Don’t Keep Christmas

5. Is God a Trinity?

6. Do We Have an Immortal Soul?

7. The Keys to Happy Marriages and Families!

8. And Lawlessness Will Abound…

9. The Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord

10. God’s Commanded Holy Days

We are also offering a reprint article on “Biblical Meditation.” As we noted earlier, the enclosed booklet, “God Is a Family,” is our 11th booklet. Number 12, covering the subject of “Baptism,” has been written and is currently going through the first review cycle. We plan to publish at least two, perhaps three additional booklets before the end of this calendar year, including the baptism booklet.

Of course, our weekly “Update” (#100 coming up this week), is a regular publication of the Church. It includes a weekly editorial covering a pertinent subject of interest to our readership; a Biblical Q&A; a personal section relative to our membership, close friends and associates; plus a Current Events Section which discusses things going on in the world in light of Bible prophecy.

Our weekly Church services are available on the website, and past sermons are posted to the site. We have a regular Tape Program whereby sermons are mailed to those who desire them. Those not having computers with the ability to receive the messages posted are encouraged to write in for past sermons and to be added to the mailing list for future mailings.

Also posted on our website on a continuing basis is all our literature, including articles in German. We are desirous to post articles in French and in other languages. If you are fluent in any language in addition to English and interested in serving by helping us with translations, please contact us. We are also excited as we have begun our new internet program: Standing Watch, with Pastor and commentator, Norbert Link, bringing to our listeners a brief message concerning current happenings in the world as they relate to Bible prophecy.

Therefore, you can see why we are more thrilled as each week passes and God continues to bless our efforts. This gives us all an opportunity to have a part in doing an end time work that is certainly pleasing to Him; especially at a time when so many of our called-out brothers and sisters seem to be slacking off as the time rapidly approaches.

So, let us continue to remain faithful to our calling and to pray for Christ’s soon return at which time we’ll eagerly await to hear His Words: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:21).

In Christ’s service,

J. Edwin Pope

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Dear Brethren, Co-workers and Friends,

In just under two weeks time, we will be celebrating the Feast of Pentecost. We have understood for decades that out of all the billions of people alive, only a tiny minority has had the priceless privilege of being called today into God’s true Church. We understand, of course, that this is not the only day of salvation. Those who are not called in this day and age will be called at a later time. Those, however, who have been called, or who are now being called, are identified as the “firstfruits” (compare Romans 8:23; James 1:18; Revelation 14:4). That we are called the “firstfruits” indicates that others will be called later. Being part of the first group to be offered salvation is a priceless privilege—one that we must not take lightly.

Acts 2 gives us a ringside seat at what must have been a truly awe-inspiring sight on that fateful day in 31AD, when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit. They were all together “with one accord in one place,” as we read in Acts 2:1. The Greek word translated as “one accord” means “likemindedness.” It shows the unity of purpose that the early disciples had. God would not have given them His Spirit if they had not been unified in approach and goal. The coming of the Holy Spirit was accompanied by the sound of a rushing mighty wind and cloven tongues like as of fire. That was one of the great moments in Bible history. If the early disciples had not been faithfully and “with one accord” keeping this Holy Day, they wouldn’t have been the recipients of God’s Holy Spirit at that time.

Today, upon repentance, belief, baptism and the laying on of hands, we can also receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). We then have to use and exercise that precious gift. Galatians 5:22-23 clearly shows the fruit that we have to produce after our conversion: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

God’s Holy Spirit gives us the supernatural power to help us live the way that Jesus Christ lived some 2,000 years ago. How much do we exercise the Holy Spirit? The fruit of the Spirit is in very short supply today. The world we live in exercises the works of the flesh in an ever-increasing way. The consequences of such wrong actions are there for all to see. Notice how Paul summarizes those works of the flesh, which are prevalent today:

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21). We, who are Christ’s, are to “crucify the flesh with its passions and desires” (verse 24). We are to “live in the Spirit.” We are to “walk in the Spirit” (verse 25), showing the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

As we look forward to this most important annual Holy Day of Pentecost, let us meditate on the fruit of the Spirit and how well we are doing. These Christian attributes of the Holy Spirit are a reflection of how God’s mind works, whereas the works of the flesh reflect how the human mind, without God’s Spirit, works.

The first Godly characteristic listed by Paul in Galatians 5:22 is “love.” Love has been defined as an outgoing concern for the good and welfare of others. Love is something that should be part and parcel of the way that we live our lives. Failure to live up to this basic Christian admonition is a dereliction of our duty as a follower of Christ.

Joy, the second attribute of the fruit of the Spirit mentioned by Paul, is a deep, abiding, inner confidence in the realization that God exists, that He cares for us and that He has a wonderful future in store for us. The next Christian character trait, peace, is a unique and unparalleled tranquility. A war has just been fought to preserve the peace in the Middle East—yet the suffering and heartache that many have experienced will live with them for the rest of their lives. True peace comes from the One who is utterly reliable in all things, not from mortal human beings.

Paul lists as the fourth Godly attribute the quality of longsuffering—a patient endurance and steadfastness under provocation and forbearance under ill will with no thought of retaliation. This is a pretty good summary as to what our behavior should be. How truly longsuffering are we? God expects of His children the continued practice of longsuffering. As sure as the rising of tomorrow’s sun, one cannot be a Christian and not develop this vital quality.

The next Christian attribute listed is that of kindness. How kind are we to other people, even if they are not kind to us? Are we only interested in treating those with kindness who treat us kindly? A true Christian will possess the quality of kindness toward others, regardless of what reaction he or she may receive from them. One does not have to be a Christian to be a kind individual. Many who are adherents to other creeds, or who may even be atheists or agnostics, may be kind individuals—up to a certain extent. A true Christian, however, must develop the attitude of kindness toward others, no matter what the circumstances.

Goodness, the sixth character trait of the fruit of the Spirit of God, describes our readiness to do good and to put into action the other fruits of the Spirit. When we have goodness in our hearts, we love others, exhibit joy toward them, live in peace with them, and are longsuffering and kind towards them. We are told to do good to everyone, especially to those of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10).

The seventh Christian attribute listed by Paul is the quality of faithfulness. Faithfulness to God the Father and Jesus Christ must be our top priority. In addition, fidelity to our spouse, our children, brethren and friends is a quality that God is looking for us to exhibit. Remember that only those who are called, chosen and faithful are truly Christ’s disciples (Revelation 17:14).

Next, Paul lists the character trait of gentleness or meekness. Meekness is not weakness, but controlled strength. A meek person is someone who is piously humble and submissive—qualities that are all too rare today. The world would have you believe that an aggressive approach pays dividends. In the short term this may appear to be the case. This is why we have so much violence, hatred and so many wars in this world—because people think that wars may bring them peace. The lesson to be learned by man is, however, that wars don’t produce peace. Christ told Peter, “Put your sword in its place, for ALL who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26: 52). We are to develop the quality of gentleness or meekness toward others—and this quality is to last for eternity.

The ninth and last character trait of a Christian, as listed by Paul, is self-control—something that most of us have to look at very carefully. We are encircled by a society where all restraint seems to have been cast off. This can rub off on us, if we allow this to happen. We need to make extra efforts to let God develop His attribute of self-control in our lives.

The passage in Galatians 5:23 finishes by stating that “against such there is no law.” The law exists for the purposes of restraint and there is nothing here to restrain. When we let God produce His character attributes in our lives, we are fulfilling His law. For instance, we read in Romans 13:10, “Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”

As we approach Pentecost, we should meditate on our calling. With the gift of the Holy Spirit, God will enable us to develop the fruit of the Spirit, which is so important in a Christian’s life. Those who have been called into God’s Church have been freely given His Spirit and the opportunity for salvation. We are the “firstfruits.” We have a wonderful calling in spite of all the tests, trials and problems that affect so many of us. We are told that we must endure to the end (Matthew 24:13; 10:22; Mark 13:13), and that nothing can separate us from the love of God toward us (Romans 8:38-39). With the help of God’s Holy Spirit, which was made available to the Church on the Day of Pentecost some 2,000 years ago, we can and will persevere.

Our prayer for all of you is that you will have a rewarding, profitable and spiritually uplifting Day of Pentecost.

With brotherly love,

J. Edwin Pope

Norbert Link

Dave Harris

Rene Messier

Brian Gale

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Dear Brethren, Co-Workers and Friends,

What has changed?

Shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, there was a spontaneous reaction among many people around the world that things had dramatically changed and that nothing would ever be the same again. And to a large degree, the world we now live in is different.

That difference is most notable in the realignment of national interests. Today, we find old alliances such as NATO now being challenged and crumbling into fragmented groups. The United Nations is suffering from its own inability to effectively influence international events or to actually resolve serious conflicts. Coalitions led by the United States and Britain have now fought two wars in an effort to deal with the threat of terrorism. For those most intimately affected by these actions, great change has swept through their lives.

In fact, it seems that each day’s news brings reports of events that threaten to change all of our lives in one way or another. Diseases without cures, disastrous and deadly storms, economic instability, unspeakable violence—all this and more only serve to keep everyone in an unsettled state of anxiety and fearfulness.

How about each one of us? What has changed in our lives? Have we allowed ourselves to become so engulfed in the events of the moment that we, too, have begun to focus on the things of this age—this fading world?

Jesus Christ left an outline for His followers so that we could understand and prepare for these times. As He introduced end time events that would quickly unfold leading to His return to the earth, He interjected this statement: “‘All these are the beginning of sorrows’” (Matthew 24:8). Those who will live through these tumultuous times will witness and experience great change! Later on in this same chapter, Jesus says of the world that it will not understand the times, and that people will live their lives OBLIVIOUS to the true meaning or staggering consequences (verses 37-39).

However, we are instructed to watch and to be prepared. In Hebrews 10: 24-25, we find this warning: “Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Not only are we commanded to nurture and strengthen one another in the Church of God, but we are also to be witnesses of the true hope and the certain future that resides with God. Note the commission given to all Christians at all times by Jesus Christ: “‘You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven’” (Matthew 5:14-16).

When God first called us into His truth, we had to begin to change. We were called upon to place God first in our lives. Everything else had to take second place—so to speak. That meant that we had to walk differently than the world, and, in many cases, to give up jobs, friendships and even family relationships. We can be reminded of the need to change by the carnal actions of two of Christ’s disciples—prior to their conversion. After a Samaritan village refused to receive Christ and His disciples, we find this exchange: “And when His disciples James and John [the “sons of thunder”] saw this, they said, ‘Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?’ But He turned and rebuked them, and said, ‘You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them’” (Luke 9:54-56).

These same two, however, did change. James gave his own life for the truth at the hand of king Herod (Acts 12:1-2). John went on to write under inspiration from God some of the most profoundly deep insights into the life of Christ. His loving attitude for others is beautifully reflected in his three letters, to be found in the “General Epistles.” Both James and John changed! They grew in Christian maturity to become more and more like God the Father and Jesus Christ (compare 1 John 4:7-12, 16). — 2 — The reason they changed is the same reason we may all change. The Holy Spirit of God was given to them (1 John 4:13). All who are called, who repent, believe and who are baptized for the remission of sins are promised the incomparable gift of God’s Holy Spirit by which we can change. But our change doesn’t stop when we receive God’s Holy Spirit!

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, brings to light this model for our ongoing change: “Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles (the world)—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you” (1 Peter 4:1-4).

Paul, another apostle, also succinctly states the way for a Christian to change: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).

What has changed?

Hopefully, brethren, our lives have changed! We have continued to grow and to mature as Christians. 2 Peter 3:18 states: “…but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” In speaking about the purpose for the Church of God and the way in which Jesus Christ organized it, Paul explains our process of change and growth with this goal: “…till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:13-16).

Brethren, as we approach the Feast of Pentecost, it is important to reflect on our calling—where we have been, and where we are going! This is something we must finish! The way for us to endure all the way to the end is for us to continue to change—to change to become more and more like our Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ. In doing this, we will fulfill what Christ instructed us to do: “‘…therefore you shall be [become] perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect’” (Matthew 5:48).

Grasping the tremendous meaning of this verse just cited is something unique to the Church of God, because its true understanding is only revealed through God’s Holy Spirit. This awesome truth includes the revelation of another mystery hidden from this world—WHY we are to become perfect as God the Father is perfect. The answer has everything to do with who and what God IS—and WHY man was created in the first place. We are nearing the completion of our latest booklet entitled—God Is A Family. You will find this to be an absolutely comprehensive presentation that thoroughly proves from the pages of the Bible that God is a Family and that the God Family has always existed—and that it will always exist. The booklet also goes on to show the awesome future which mankind has been offered—to become the very sons and daughters of God and to be born into the Family of God! This is the ultimate reason for our change—we are to give up in this life worldly ways and thoughts and develop instead the character and mind of God (compare 1 John 2:15-17), so that Jesus Christ can in the end “change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body” (Philippians 3:21, Authorized Version).

Once again, brethren, we wish to thank you for your prayerful support of the mutual work God has given to us. The new STANDINGWATCH webcast is nearing its inaugural program. Designed to recap timely events reflecting Biblical fulfillment, this represents yet one more opportunity for the Church of the Eternal God to let the light of truth and love for others shine forth. Please continue to pray specifically that God will guide the things we are doing in order that we may truly seek and fulfill His will.

Finally, as we all face our daily lives and the troubled world in which we now live, consider this counsel found in 1 Peter 4:7-8: “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers, And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’”

In Christ’s Service,

David J. Harris

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Dear Brethren:

For the last several weeks, the ongoing war with Iraq has been the primary focus of the daily news. I had just arrived in Germany, when the war began. I was visiting my parents in Germany and I am very happy to report that my father (94) is doing much better. While there, I was able to experience first-hand the reaction of the people in Germany and continental Europe to the outbreak of the war — the reaction was a mixture of shock, anger, frustration, rejection and protest. Magazines and newspapers, as well as daily television newscasts, made European disagreement with the Bush administration widely known, and daily mass anti-war demonstrations around the world have become the norm, rather than the exception.

In the United States, the vast majority has been supporting the war against Iraq, since it began, although about half of the people had been opposed to it prior to its outbreak. A similar occurrence has been observed in Great Britain, where originally almost 80% were against the war (Recent reports show that presently 48 % of the British support the war, according to Der Spiegel Online, April 3). This switch in position has been explained as a result of patriotism and the need to support the troops.

In times like these, God’s people must be very careful that they are not being swept away by popular opinion. It behooves all of us to reflect on our real allegiance – especially in light of the fast approaching days of Passover and Unleavened Bread. We in God’s Church should know, of course, that the present events are occurring in direct fulfillment of Biblical prophecy. Whether or not the Allies will win the war against Iraq, they have already lost in the public world opinion. The longer there is such an overwhelming presence of the coalition forces in Iraq, anti-American feelings will become stronger around the world, and even anti-war protests within the United States and Great Britain are expected to increase. Questions have been raised as to what will happen in Iraq, once the war is over. Many observers feel that America’s real troubles will begin at that time.

Several most influential spiritual leaders of the Muslims, including Iran’s Sheik Muhammad Abu AlHumud and Russia’s Talgat Tadshuddin, have already preached that the Koran demands of all Muslims to resist the “aggression toward Iraq by the Allies,” encouraging Muslims from all countries to help Iraq by participating in a “Jihad” or “holy war.” Much to the surprise of the Allies, many Iraqis, including civilians and Shiites, do not welcome them as liberators, but rather as imperialists. There is also the anxious desire of the persecuted Kurds in Iraq to create their own independent state — which poses another problem for the United States, as Turkey, an important ally, strongly opposes such an independent state.

At the same time, Arab voices have been heard asking for German involvement. While Germany is reluctant to do so at this point, Germany, France, and most of continental Europe are realizing that they need to totally unite in order to be able to speak with one voice – politically and militarily.

It is also noteworthy that the pope’s strong continued stance against the war with Iraq has been accompanied with a surprising rejuvenation of his health. One German magazine, Der Stern, even suggested prior to the war that the pope might be able to prevent the outbreak of the war, by moving to Baghdad. While this did not happen, one can easily see that there is, in the minds of Europeans, a need for an increasingly important and influential role of the pope.

Amazingly, it has been prophesied in the Bible thousands of years ago that the United States of America, as well as Great Britain, will ultimately find themselves in total world isolation. At that time, a “king of the south” – a mighty military and spiritual leader – will arise in the Arab world, while the Catholic Church will play an increasingly influential role within a powerful united Europe. The most recent events show how quickly prophecy is marching in this pre-determined direction.

God’s people, though, are not to be a part of the politics of this world. They are to observe what is happening, to be able to realize how near is Christ’s return (Matthew 24:32-34), motivating and inspiring them to make themselves “ready” (Revelation 19:7). They are to make sure that they will be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36).

While the people of this world may be cheering for or against military actions of the governments of “their” countries, God’s people must be different, as they are called ambassadors of a better, that is, a heavenly country (2 Corinthians 5:20; Philippians 3:20; Ephesians 2:6; Hebrews 11:13-16). They are to – 2– make every effort to see to it that the Originator and Provider of their true citizenship – God – is pleased with them.

God the Father loved us so much, even when we were still His enemies, that He gave His only-begotten Son to die for us (John 3:16), so that we could repent and obtain forgiveness of our sins and reconciliation with God (Romans 5:10). When we repented of the ways of this world and accepted Christ’s sacrifice by becoming baptized, our allegiance changed. We became God’s children, forsaking what this world holds dear (1 John 2:15-17; 1 John 3:1-3). Since we are still living in this world, however, we must consistently be on the alert not to fall back into old habits and not to support wrong causes. It is very easy, in times of war and patriotism or nationalism, to cheer for “our” worldly countries. However, it is God who determines the outcome of wars. He is right now very angry with the modern tribes of the house of Israel, as well as with the rest of the world. God’s people are not to participate in the wars of this world – not even in their thoughts. Christ died for us so that we could live for Him – so that we could follow His directives. He told us to love our enemies – to do good to those who hate us. The way of this world, which advocates the killing of our enemies before they can hurt and kill us, is totally opposite to God’s Biblical instructions.

We are not to partake of the Passover “unworthily” (1 Corinthians 11:29), and we are to “walk worthy” or “worthily” of God in this world (Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12). In order to do so, we must examine ourselves to see whether Christ lives in us, and whether we are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). Undue support of actions of war – even in our minds – may be indicative of the fact that we are not as close to God as we ought to be.

It is critical that we come out of this world, rejecting its ways and concepts, and replacing them with the way of God. We must learn to think as God thinks and to bring every thought “into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). We must forsake the religious and political Babylonian confusion of this world and be separate (Revelation 18:4; 2 Corinthians 6:17). For instance, God demands that we leave behind the pagan holidays of this world and that we keep instead His special Holy Days, including Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread. Most people, even if they have heard the truth on this vital matter, refuse to do what God commands. God does not take such stubborn resistance lightly. This is, surprising to some, one of the reasons why the United States of America and Great Britain find themselves embroiled in another unpopular war.

Our new booklet, God’s Commanded Holy Days, addresses the vital question, as to how we are to live “worthily” in the eyes of God. In keeping God’s Sabbath and annual Holy Days, and in rejecting the pagan holidays of this world, we become “sanctified” and “holy” – we can view our future with confidence and hope, knowing that we have come under the wings of God’s protection. We are very pleased to enclose your personal copy of our new booklet. We are also busy developing our new web-cast program, and we are hopeful to be up and running later this month. This program, with its proposed title, “Standing Watch,” will be a weekly news and commentary video posting accessible from the Church’s web page (www.eternalgod.org). This new endeavor will aid us in preaching the gospel more effectively and to go through doors that God is opening for us. Please continue to pray fervently for God’s direction and help as we all seek to serve Him with renewed zeal through the power of His Holy Spirit.

We are wishing all of you a very meaningful and spiritually uplifting Passover season.

In brotherly love,

Norbert Link

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Dear Brethren and Co-workers:

We have just completed our second annual Ministerial Conference since the inception of the Church of the Eternal God. From the U.S., Edwin Pope, Norbert and Johanna Link, and Dave and Peggy Harris attended. In addition, Rene and Delia Messier from Canada, and Brian and Jill Gale from the United Kingdom were able to attend as well.

We discussed numerous important issues, including matters of doctrine and administration, as well as different ways to preach the gospel and to feed the flock.

All of us are thrilled by the possibilities that are set before us. In order to accomplish our part in this God-given task, we do strongly believe that God will revive His Work one more time, just before the coming of Jesus Christ to this earth. Habakkuk 1:5 tells us: “Look among the nations and watch—Be utterly astonished! For I will work a work in your days Which you would not believe, though it were told you.” This will happen at the time when the beast power in Europe is about to rise (vv. 6-11). This prophecy is referring primarily to our time, and speaks mainly of the preaching of the gospel. In Acts 13:38-41, Paul quotes from Habakkuk 1:5 and applies it to the preaching of the gospel.

God’s great and powerful end-time Work will need to include a warning message to the nations of this world, before calamity strikes (compare Ezekiel 30:1-3; 38:1-11). Although the two witnesses and the third angel will undoubtedly play a major role in fulfilling this prophecy (compare Revelation 11:3; 14:6-7), God’s warning message must begin to reach the nations of this world before the two witnesses and the third angel appear (since their preaching will only commence after the Great Tribulation has begun).

The carrying out of God’s commission to the Church will also bring about a revival of the hearts of God’s people (Malachi 4:5-6). Many of God’s people have become careless and far too indifferent to all of the manifold aspects of God’s truth. We are living today in the Laodicean era, but we must not be Laodiceans. They will not be protected from the Great Tribulation to come. We must be on fire – zealous and determined to perform God’s Will – even though many in the different Church of God organizations today do not seem to see a need to continue to preach the gospel to the world. They do not understand the prophecy of Matthew 24:14. In becoming lax and non-committed regarding this vital aspect of God’s commission, they also lose zeal in regard to their personal lives. Mr. Armstrong taught us consistently that those who have their heart in the Work are those who overcome the most and the fastest. Those who don’t may even become guilty of actually delaying the return of Jesus Christ. Compare 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise [of Christ’s return], as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any [of us] should perish but that all [of us – those who have been called for salvation in this present age] should come to repentance.”

We cannot afford to fall into the trap of complacency. So, our conference reflected the consensus within the ministry to DO the Work – as much as God allows us to. How could we carry out our part of God’s commission, small as we are? Amazingly, God has set before us an open door of possibilities and potential, which was not even available in Mr. Armstrong’s days. (Revelation 3:8: “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept my word, and have not denied My name.”)

This open door to preach the gospel (1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12) includes the marvelous invention of the Internet. We in the Church of the Eternal God have already, for many months, taken advantage of this powerful tool by broadcasting live our weekly sermons on the Sabbath, and by posting the sermons, as well as all of our literature, on our Webpage. Through the invention of communication by email, we have also sent out 82 weekly Updates to our subscribers, informing them about important events in the world in light of biblical prophecy, as well as instructing them in the word of God through Editorials and Question and Answer sections. (If you don’t receive our Updates and would like to receive them, please let us know. If you don’t have email access, we would be glad to send you our Updates in hard copy form.)

These Updates have been enthusiastically received by many of you. This has led to the idea to produce a weekly telecast, to be posted and distributed via the Internet. These several minute programs will be presented by Norbert Link (an elder for several years, who was ordained during the conference to the rank of Pastor), who will speak about current world conditions in light of biblical prophecy. The production of these programs is scheduled to begin in April, after Mr. Link has returned from his trip to Germany.

We also discussed means to advertise these programs, as well as all of our literature. We are convicted of the need to reach beyond the confines of the greater Church of God community. We are already doing so, to an extent, through our Webpage, but much more needs to be done.

In order to be successful tools in God’s hands to do our part in preaching the gospel message in all the world and to feed the flock, we ourselves need to be pure. That is, both our individual lives and the official teachings of the Church of the Eternal God must be in harmony with the Will of God.

We, therefore, spent a considerable time during the conference to discuss questions that we had received from some of you pertaining to certain doctrines. These discussions included the understanding of divorce and remarriage, the use of gelatin, makeup, birthdays, and the use of the symbol of a heart. They also included the practical application of the command not to be unequally yoked together, and how to apply the command to eat unleavened bread for seven days during the Days of Unleavened Bread. We will address these issues shortly in more detail in our Question and Answer sections.

Another important event during the conference to foster unity and harmony amongst all of our ministers was the appointment of Rene Messier from Canada and Brian Gale from the United Kingdom to our Board of Directors. The Church of the Eternal God’s Board consists now of the following persons: Edwin Pope – President and Director; Norbert Link – Vice President and Director; Dave Harris – Treasurer and Director; Rene Messier – Director; Brian Gale – Director. In addition – Margaret Adair is serving as our Secretary. We also discussed various subjects to be covered in future booklets to be written and published this year. The next booklet, titled, “God is a Family,” has been written and is presently undergoing review. It was felt that the most important booklet to be written next is one on Baptism. Other topics will include “born again”; the sequence of events until the return of Jesus Christ; what is the Work of God?; Satan and the spirit world; and proofs of the existence of God. Additional subjects will be addressed in our weekly Updates, including questions such as, why do innocent people die in accidents?; what is a true Christian?; and what is the meaning of salvation?

Sometimes we receive questions as to whether or not we will be producing a magazine. Although we would like to do so, we are presently not able, due to our manpower and finances. However, it was pointed out during the conference that we already have a magazine of sorts – in the form of our weekly Updates. These unique Updates consist on an average of seven to ten pages each. Taken together, our weekly Updates now constitute a forty- to fifty- page monthly document or magazine.

Another question was raised whether we might start a Bible Correspondence Course. Again, we feel that we have already begun the equivalent of such a Course with our booklets. These booklets are very detailed and we recommend that the reader check and read the Scriptures for himself (herself), in order to understand these in-depth publications. (The same is true, by the way, for our Editorials and Question and Answer sections in our Updates). We have received comments from some of you, pointing out that the biblical depth of our literature cannot be found in other publications. To grasp and internalize the depth of our literature, however, it is necessary for one to study and re-study the quoted Scriptures.

We also discussed the danger of listening to, or attending with those who teach wrong doctrines. Longtime experience has proven that this is not the right course of action, as spiritual influences can and do affect the doctrinal soundness of the individual. Some think that they are so strong that they could not be influenced, but this idea has been proven to be a regrettable self-deception.

Another important topic during the conference was the means of advertising to new readers and listeners our literature and the upcoming broadcast. Several very good proposals were made, which we will be investigating. We are convinced that God wants us to use the most effective and least expensive way in doing so, and we believe that He has already revealed to us several options. More information on these exciting possibilities will be soon forthcoming.

As you can see, our part in God’s Work is cut out for us. Now is not the time to sleep (Romans 13:11), but to be sober and vigilant (1 Peter 5:8). This world is waiting for the manifestation of God’s children (Romans 8:18-23; 1 John 3:1-2). The time is short. Paul tells us, “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light” (Ephesians 4:15).

While this world grows darker and darker, God’s light will shine in and through those who are truly His. This light cannot and must not be hidden. God’s Work of light must shine into this dark world. We have all been called to participate in it. Let us not shrink away from our awesome responsibilities. With brotherly love,

Edwin Pope

Norbert Link

Dave Harris

Rene Messier

Brian Gale

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Dear Brethren and Friends,

By the time you receive this letter, the U.S. ministry will be close to finalizing the arrangements for the 2004 Feast of Tabernacles in the area of San Luis Obispo, this being our second year to keep the feast on the Central California Coast, a very beautiful and inspiring setting, giving us a foretaste of the millennium for this festival. As you will remember, the feast for the U.S. and Canada in the previous two years was kept in Canada in the province of British Columbia. The feast in England this year is being observed at Chatsworth.

We have had several proposals from a few brethren for a feast site in either Northern California, Oregon or Colorado. Having considered all the information we have received, for which we are thankful, we have decided that we cannot go to one of those areas this year because of time constraints in establishing a feast site. We understand the excellent reasons for considering one of these feast sites and plan to spend the required time to investigate whether to establish such a site for the feast in 2005.

Mr. Link, my wife Joan, and I were in the area of San Luis Obispo for a couple of days this week and are now considering the various options and will be in touch with you with final details in the very near future. In the meantime, we appreciate, very much, your continued co-operation, support, and prayers that we will be able to complete these arrangements for the 2004 feast very soon.

But now, as we draw near the end of the winter season with all its pagan holidays we must be preparing to get our spiritual houses in order in preparation for God’s Spring Festivals, which are just around the corner, Spring itself being just five weeks away and Passover, the first of God’s Annual Festivals, just two weeks beyond. Thus, God’s Spring Festivals actually begin less than two months from now. The question we need to ask ourselves is: “Are we ready, mentally, physically and spiritually for these days?”

We have had two sermons in recent months outlining our obligations in the areas of repentance and forgiveness. Of course, a proper attitude in this regard is required if we are to be ready for Passover. Immediately following Passover are the seven Days of Unleavened Bread, which represent the second of God’s Annual Festivals in the upcoming Sacred Year. The first day of the New Year falls on March 23 in 2004. These annual festivals have great significance for all of God’s people.

We must never forget that none of God’s festivals are merely suggestions that should the mood hit us just right we might attend and be a part of them. These days are a command of God Almighty, to be kept, each in its season (Lev 23:1-44; Deut 16:1-17). We are not to forsake the ó 2 ó assembling of ourselves together at the time of any of God’s festivals unless there are extenuating circumstances, such as serious illness or the like.

In preparation for these two festivals, we must each ask ourselves: “Am I doing all that I can do to keep sin out of my life” We know that sin begins in the mind. Sin begins as a seed – a thought. “Should I or shouldn’t I? Will I or will I not allow a particular thought to fester and build until sin is born?”

Satan was the first to sin. He is the author of sin (Isa 14:22). Satan made an attempt to take over the very Throne of God! Notice in Isaiah 14:13-14, that the problem began in Satan’s heart – in his mind. That is always where sin begins!

When Eve was enticed by Satan to eat of the forbidden fruit, where did the sin begin? Notice in Genesis 3:1-7, especially verses 6-7, that Eve saw, in her mind’s eye, that the fruit was good for food, as Satan had said, and she ate of it, going against the commandment of God. She then convinced Adam to try the fruit and rather than following God’s command, Adam followed his wife’s bad example, thus sinning as well. Yet God never gave man of that tree for food. God describes in Scripture what things are proper as food for man to eat. This fruit was especially not good, in that God specifically said, ìOf it, you shall not eat.î We must not, brethren, let our minds lead us in Satan’s ways, which are the ways of this world.

Paul tells each of us, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col 3:2). If we follow this rule, sin will not have a birthplace in our minds. Otherwise, we are putting our spiritual lives in danger. We can overcome sin only through the Power of God’s Holy Spirit as it works in our lives. God has given us Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread to help instill within us this truth.

So we each need to begin preparing now for this upcoming season so that we are ready to observe the Passover and receive the instruction and help as we begin this season in God’s new Sacred Year. And we need to be mindful of our responsibility which God has given to each of us in this great calling we have received.

We must each do our part, and as we do God will do His part in building the righteous character that He desires in each of us. We must continue to overcome and master sin’s desire to use the instruments of our bodies for its selfish purposes.

God tells us in Genesis 4:7 that sin’s desire ‘s for you, but you should rule over it.’ If we do not rule over sin as it begins or develops in our minds – it will rule us! The Days of Unleavened Bread are a reminder that we must rule over sin in our lives!

In brotherly love,

J. Edwin Pope

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Dear Brethren and Co-Workers in God’s Service,

The Church of the Eternal God has now completed 18 months of operations since our inception on July 2, 2001. God has continued to lead and direct us and we have been able to help a number of brethren in staying focused, as the scattering of God’s Church has continued.

We recently received from an individual an inquiry I’d like to share with you – He wrote: “Who, or more to the point WHY, are you?? In today’s hawking climate of ‘Church of God Buffet, Get Your Itching Ears Scratched Here!’ I suppose that question sounds stupid to you. If you choose to try to answer it, and you fail to first acknowledge that God in His word soundly and unambiguously condemns division among His people, then don’t waste your time. You’ll have lost all credibility. My assumption is that you are yet one more crumb that doesn’t want to be a part of the loaf – ala Ezekiel 34.”

We, of course, do agree that God hates division. But what does God mean when He says He hates division? He speaks to us through Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, in 1 Corinthians 1:10, stating, “…that you all speak the same thing, that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” But, in 1 Corinthians 11:19, Paul notes, “…there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you.” There were disagreements among these Corinthians because some upheld the truth, while others did not. This led to division. God hates division that is caused by those who oppose truth.

When there is a lack of unity in doctrine and in purpose, there is no way for two to walk together. Amos saw this in dealing with God’s people of his day (Amos 3:3). How can two walk together unless they are agreed? The implication in this scripture in the book of Amos is that they cannot. They could not do it in Amos’ day. The principle still applies – therefore – they cannot do it today!

Once Mr. Armstrong saw, in dealing with the people of Sardis, that they were unwilling to grow in truth, which God was revealing to him, he realized he had to separate from them. As God introduced truth to each of us, we came to the realization that we had to make a choice as to what we would do – obey God or no! And, more recently, when we saw the apostasy of this age begin to affect the direction of the Church, we had to make a move from the errors being proclaimed.

In Jeremiah 23:1-4, we see that God is angry with the shepherds of His people. Notice what He has to say about this: “ ‘Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!’ says the Lord. Therefore thus says the Lord God of Israel against the shepherds who feed my people: ‘You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings,’ says the Lord. ‘But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor shall they be lacking,’ says the Lord.” Yes, God has allowed the scattering that has taken place amongst His people in recent years. And God will, in His time, bring them together again.

Ezekiel 34 describes God’s frustration with the shepherds to an even greater extent. But is God telling us in these scriptures that we must now all come back together into one group at this time, even as certain — 2 — shepherds continue to teach their own private interpretations of scripture? No, brethren, that is not what we are being told to do in this situation.

As Paul stated in his admonition to the Hebrews (Heb. 3:5-6), “…Moses, indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward, but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.” Both Moses and Christ remained faithful to the hope that was set before them. Will we remain faithful, brethren, to the teachings we have received and the hope that is before us?

In 2 Timothy 2:14-19, Paul admonishes us to rightly divide the word of truth. And in verse 20 he notes that, “…in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.” The directive to us is to cleanse ourselves from the latter so that we become “sanctified and useful for the master, prepared for every good work.”

In writing to Timothy, Paul states (2 Timothy 4:3-4), “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned to fables.” If we have itching ears, if we seek for ourselves teachers willing to turn us from the truth we have learned, and if we accept such an association, then God will not be pleased with us.

We know that God’s Church is not a corporate body, but is a spiritual body, comprised of all who have God’s Spirit. We do not see God at this time gathering together all of His people into one corporate group. What we do see is God testing His people to determine who will follow Him. We in the Church of the Eternal God are willing to cooperate with any who are faithful to the teachings we have all learned. Indeed, we pray that God’s Spirit will continually direct the course of all His people.

We in the ministry of the Church of the Eternal God ask that God will give us strength to remain diligent to continue in the true doctrines revealed from God and given to His Church (compare Revelation 3:11), and to continue to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). We welcome any who have been taught God’s truth to test the fruit of our ministry. It is easy enough to check us out and see what we teach. All of our publications and audiotapes are posted to our Web page. We have published 5 newsletters, 75 weekly updates, 15 member letters, and 10 booklets, with an additional booklet almost ready for the printers. We have posted to our Website 130 sermons and bible studies, available to any who desire to hear God’s truth. We have hard copies of our booklets available to those who ask, as well as tapes of sermons available to those not having access to the Web.

Our purpose is to continue to serve God’s people wherever they are as God directs us, using those resources God provides to accomplish this task, and we do look forward to that time when all of God’s people are together, having come to “the unity of the faith” (Ephesians 4:13).

We will be having a ministerial conference here in San Diego the last week of February and will be planning our focus for the coming year. We ask for the prayers of all of you, dear brethren, that God will lead and direct the outcome of these meetings and our course as the year 2003 begins.

Your brother in Christ,

J. Edwin Pope

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Dear Brethren and Friends,

When Jesus Christ neared the completion of the work God had given Him to do, He focused on what lay immediately ahead. Those called at this time have the extraordinary blessing of understanding that the ongoing work of the church for this age will soon culminate with the return of Jesus Christ. That return will be ushered in against the backdrop of the most terrifying and tumultuous times in all of human history.

We must, in addition to the great hope for God’s rule of peace, focus on those clear admonitions and instructions we have been given from God’s word. Some of these things we need to be reminded of on a regular basis—they are things we must not turn away from. Yet, some have wandered from the truth, as they have been unwilling to truly heed the resolute and unchanging teachings from God. Nonetheless, we are to complete the job God has given to us. We have been called and entrusted with the truth of God. This is the truth that has set us free. Note Christ’s testimony: “ ‘And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’ ” (John 8:32). Proclaiming this truth was part of the work given to Jesus.

These words were not well received by the self-righteous religious leaders in Christ’s day—in fact, they eventually so incited those who heard them that Jesus was rejected and murdered! Jesus fully understood the consequences of the work He was completing.

When we read in Matthew 24:14, “ ‘and this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations,’ ” we understand that the church has been given a job to complete—a task for which we are accountable to God. Jesus was able to say at the end of His life, “ ‘I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.’ ” (John 17:4). After His resurrection, Jesus said to His disciples, “ ‘As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’ ” (John 20:21).

He promised His disciples, “ ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to the Father.’ ” (John 14:12).
Has Jesus Christ sent us—not only those earlier disciples—but also those of us in the church at the present time? We can know! Consider the following: “ ‘But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me TO FINISH—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me.’ ” (John 5:36).

And so it is with us, brethren. We have been given the ongoing work of Jesus Christ—the work of God—to finish. That work and our commitment to it bear witness of our calling, and God’s continued hand in leading His church. Furthermore, Jesus showed us how we could evaluate our relationship with God: “ ‘By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.’ ” (John 15:8).

The foundation of our role in the body of Christ is for us to be Christians—converted people through the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit. By this we can have the very mind, that is, the very same strength and outlook as our Savior (Compare Philippians 2:5; 1 Peter 4:1). Paul challenges each of us, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified (do not stand the test).” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

As we examine and test ourselves, let us consider what we are doing. In the spirit of the encouraging words of Christ in Revelation 3, we have struggled against compromise—and that even though we are by most standards a small and weak group. Verse 8 says, “ ‘…for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.’ ”

Furthermore, we have followed the charter established in Amos 3:3, “Can two walk together unless they are agreed?” That has meant some really difficult choices have been made by each one of us, as we encountered these examinations and tests—both on our own part and from God.
We can also know from scripture that it is God Who is able to open doors for us to glorify Him even more. When we consider the traumatic events surrounding the sacrifice of Christ, we see disciples who were the talk of the nation suddenly being scattered in confusion. However, their story moves forward to the Day of Pentecost and the empowering of God’s Holy Spirit. Just as for them, we must remember that for us to finish the work God has given to us, it is “ ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6).

As we all proceed in fulfilling our various responsibilities within God’s church, we need to continually look to God’s word for guidance. In Hebrews 10, verse 22, we are told, “…let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” Continuing, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (verses 23-25). And, in verses 35-36, these words: “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.”

In every generation of God’s church, the message to those called was to finish their calling all the way to the end—whether that end is physical death or the end of this age and our being alive at Christ’s return. (Compare Matthew 24:13 and Matthew 10:22). We are admonished in Ephesians 6:9: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Paul addressed these issues in his second letter to Timothy. Here we find Timothy, who evidently grew up in the church to then serve in the ministry, needing to focus on the work of God that was imparted to him. In chapter 1, verses 6 and 7, Paul tells Timothy, “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

When Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, he was a prisoner in Rome, and many who had been called had departed the faith. False ministers teaching false doctrines had gained a foothold within the church. Apparently, it was the few who really were overcoming and persevering in the faith. The great times of miracles, of the powerful witness of the original disciples who were taught by Jesus and of the remarkable commitment that grew out of “first love” had all but disappeared.

Paul felt it necessary to admonish and to encourage Timothy, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, DO THE WORK OF AN EVANGELIST, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:1-5).

Now, in the beginning years of this century, the recent history of God’s people reflects much the same kind of rise and fall in terms of love for the truth and an attitude of unrelenting commitment to finishing OUR PART in the work of God!

Brethren, you are part of the exception to those who have turned back into the world and who have compromised by letting the light of God’s Holy Spirit to become darkened and unfruitful. You have sustained your part in the work of God.

And God is examining and testing us—as well as blessing our efforts to both hold on to the truth and to begin to once again bear fruit in the work of God! The door is open for us to be even more productive, and for the Church of the Eternal God to reach out with the proclamation of the gospel. Among the various efforts of CEG, and in particular through weekly Updates, sermons and booklets via the remarkable tool of the Internet, God is allowing our work to move forward. Each Sabbath, we can “meet together” through live Internet broadcasts and participation in the “chat room.” These astounding and remarkable facilities were not available to the people of God just a few years ago. Now, we literally are able to assemble together in spite of our small size and widely separated locations.

Finally, in addition to reminding us of our role in the ongoing work of God—and let each of us in no way diminish the importance God places on our individual parts—let us also fervently stir up the gift of God’s Spirit to do individually what we are able, in whatever way we can!

In particular, we can follow the example of David in Psalm 62:8: “Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.”

Brethren, our focus must remain on those things yet to be accomplished in the work, which God has given to us to complete. Our opportunities are boundless if we stay close to God—always seeking to obey Him and to do those things that are pleasing in His sight!

With all attentiveness, let us all heed these striking words from Jude, verses 20 and 21: “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”

In Christ’s Service,

David J. Harris