Kalon Mitchell – Page 38 – Church of the Eternal God

Letter to the Brethren – February 19, 2002

February 19, 2002

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Dear Brethren,

We are excited to tell you that we have just completed our first Ministerial Conference since the

formation of the Church of the Eternal God (CEG), where we were all able to come together and discuss

important issues and to plan for the coming year. It has been our practice in the ministry of CEG to have

a weekly meeting via telephone, just to stay in touch with one another, to keep us all apprised of what is

happening in the various areas of the Church, and to make plans for continuing activities. Now, the

North American ministers were able to meet for the first time, face to face, since the inception of CEG.

We wish to give you a full report of this most successful Ministerial Conference.

From the outset of this small work of God, it has been our purpose and intent to provide a service to

Godís people who wish to adhere to those beliefs we hold dear, which were taught to us through the

Holy Scriptures by Godís end-time apostle, Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong. We asked God, at the inception

of this work, that He give each of us in the ministry an extra measure of His Spirit, so that we would be

able to discern error, and to help us avoid walking in a way contrary to Him. We also asked that He help

each of us in the ministry to be led by that Spirit, to help us be humble in our dealings with one another

and with the brethren, and be submissive to one another in all things.

We are sorry to have to tell you that one of our founding ministers has refused to continue to walk with

us in this important endeavor. We have had disagreements for several months now, and it appears there

is no place for reconciliation. The scripture asks the question, ìCan two walk together except they be

agreed?î (Amos 3: 3). Of course the answer is, they cannot!

Mr. Warren Zehrung and his wife chose not to attend the conference and, thus, to discontinue their

participation in CEG. We are sorry they have come to this decision, which resulted in Mr. Zehrung’s

dismissal. In an effort to make clear the Churchís position in the matter of a ministerial dismissal, weíre

enclosing herein a copy of Mr. Armstrong’s writing on the subject published in the Pastor General’s

Report dated February 19, 1982. Although not everything stated in the article is applicable to the

situation at hand, many of the spiritual principles described therein are applicable, in our judgment. Mr.

Armstrong never explained all the details leading to these decisions in depth to the brethren in order to

protect the minister who was being corrected. We will follow that example.

We are also compelled to tell you that, in accordance with Biblical commands, the doctrine and longstanding

practice of Godís Church, Mr. Warren Zehrung has been disfellowshipped. The reason for the

disfellowshipment and the necessity of this notification is based upon a spiritual and ecclesiastical

determination by the ministry of CEG. Certain scriptures you might be desirous of reviewing in this

regard are as follows: Romans 16:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:14. God’s command to disfellowship and to notify

in certain cases, is not to punish, but to lead the person to repentance and to spiritually protect the flock.

The Church does not, and you should not, bear any ill-will toward Mr. Zehrung. Rather, we should pray

that God will grant him repentance.

We are happy to be able to announce that for some time now, Mr. Rene Messier has been under

consideration for ordination in the ministry of the Church of God and that ordination was performed this

past Sabbath. We welcome Mr. Messier, a long-time deacon, in this new capacity, which will allow him

to more fully serve the Canadian brethren.

Concerning the meetings, which lasted for three full days, we were able to come to agreement on a

number of issues of importance relative to the ongoing activities of CEG. Following is a summary of the

conclusions we have reached.

We have made an inclusion in our Statement of Beliefs, which will explain our understanding of Mr.

Armstrongís role and function in the Church of God. This concept was included in our bylaws from the

inception of CEG, but is now being added to our Statement of Beliefs so that there is no misunderstanding

as to our position in this matter. The inclusion we are adding to our Statement of Beliefs is:

The major doctrines of the Church are those, which were taught by Herbert W. Armstrong,

derived from the biblical teachings as followed by Godís faithful servants, and originally

established by Jesus Christ through the founding of His Church in the time of His chosen early

apostles. Since we are to increase in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, we are committed to review

and alter any of our teachings, if and when proven to be wrong by the Bible.

As to our plans for preaching the Gospel to the world utilizing our limited physical resources, we

continue to examine our options. A plan was outlined for the writing, review, production, and

publishing of nine new booklets for the calendar year 2002. Five booklets were distributed in the first

six months of the existence of CEG. Presently, we have booklets on “Europe in Prophecy,” “The Meaning

of Evolution,” “The Gospel of the Kingdom of God,” “Don’t Keep Christmas,” and “Is God a Trinity?”.

For the calendar year, 2002, we plan to produce booklets on “Do We Have an Immortal Soul?,” “Marriage

and the Family,” “Inspiration of the Bible,” “What is the Church?,” “God’s Sabbath,” “God’s Annual Holy

Days,” “Baptism,” “Prayer,” and “The Meaning for Today of the Old Testament Sacrifices.” Edwin Pope,

Norbert Link, Dave Harris, and Rene Messier will write these booklets. Additionally, we plan to publish

for distribution numerous articles on various subjects of interest throughout the year.

Relative to the utilization of the Internet, the CEG website, and television; we have determined that the

most effective use of funds available to us at this time dictates that the programs produced for television

will be posted to our website, along with written materials produced by CEG. We will, of course,

continue to produce hard copies of all written materials for those desiring them, and will be using these

publications in various ad campaigns.

The Canadian brethren will be running half page ads in Readers Digest in which they will be advertising

the ìEvolutionî and ìEurope in Prophecyî booklets. The Readers Digest edition with the current ad will

hit the newsstands in Canada on March 18. The British brethren have had a successful ad program in

recent months with the ìEurope in Prophecyî booklet. Our brethren in Canada have agreed to finance

five booklets for the coming year and the British brethren have agreed to finance four booklets.

We will continue to perfect the live broadcasts of sermons and Bible studies, as well as making our

sermons available on the web, in addition to our regular audiotape program. We regularly use the

Internet for live Holy Day services. Our plan, this year, is to also use the Internet to make available to

those with computers and not able to attend the Feast, live services throughout the Feast. Additionally,

we will be producing audiotapes relative to the Holy Days for those unable to receive the Internet

services. We will also have available videotapes of Holy Day services for groups preferring them. A

Passover audiotape will be available for individuals and groups without a minister and will be posted on

the web.

A travel schedule for ministerial visits throughout Canada and the US was discussed and tentative plans

have been established.

The topic of Divorce and Remarriage (D&R) was discussed in depth in response to recent inquiries

questioning the present understanding of the Church. Our position on the D&R question remains

unchanged and reflects the teachings of the Church at the time of Mr. Armstrongís death in 1986. A

detailed statement will be published in the near future.

After studying the scriptures along with past decisions of the Church relative to women writing biblical,

prophetical, ecclesiastical, or spiritual articles, we have come to the conclusion that the Churchís

decisions of the past were accurate and that women should not write such articles. It would be

appropriate for women to write articles in addressing topics such as child rearing, homemaking, cooking,

or other matters relating more to our physical lives, thereby avoiding a possible conflict in writing about

spiritual matters.

The Bible tells us; “Let your women keep silence in the churches; for it is not permitted unto them to

speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.”(I Cor 14: 34, KJV). And, in

I Tim 2: 11-13, KJV, we are told; ìLet the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a

woman to teach, not to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed,

then Eve.”

We discussed how one is to keep Godís Sabbath and what type activities would not be appropriate for

the Sabbath. Additional research and discussion will follow. A booklet on the Sabbath and Godís Holy

Days will soon be in the works.

The subject of baptism and what a new convert needs to know and understand before baptism was

discussed. A booklet will be written on this subject later in the year.

We discussed potential cooperation with other Church of God groups who are reported to believe and

practice as we do. We have made tentative plans to meet with one such group in early March and will

report our findings to you after that meeting.

Finally we have determined, at this point, that we will have one feast site in North America this year and

that site will be in Penticton, Canada. Penticton is a long-standing feast site of the Church, and is known

for its beauty and serenity, picturesque vineyards, gentle mountain slopes, and dramatic clay cliffs.

From the standpoint of practicality, it would certainly be a hardship for our Canadian brethren, with the

exchange rate at its current level, for them to come to a US feast site. They would have to spend $1.5697

to acquire one US dollar. In contrast, there is a great advantage we in the US have going into Canada.

One traveling into Canada with US dollars can take $1,000.00 and purchase $1,569.70 Canadian. A US

dollar goes a long way in Canada.

But more than that, we are a small organization. It does not seem feasible for us to try to maintain two

feast sites with such a small group. Therefore, after considering all the facts, God has led us to place His

name for CEG in Penticton as the site for the Feast of Tabernacles 2002.

In Christ’s Service

Edwin Pope

Letter to the Brethren – January 10, 2002

January 10, 2002

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Dear Brethren and Co-Workers,

The Church of the Eternal God is entering its seventh month of existence. Month after month, God has continued to bless our unified efforts. We, also, have all had individual roles in sustaining our small work. Many have rallied mightily in so many ways to faithfully serve God. Thank YOU!

Now, we are looking forward to our upcoming ministerial conference in early February. Our goal is to broaden the efforts of the work we have before us while continuing to meet the needs of our brethren. In both of these areas, we are mindful of the need for God’s continual help and your encouraging participation.

Brethren, although we have begun well, our task is nothing short of awesome as we seek to follow the clear Biblical challenges set before us. The hard part is yet ahead of us—we must FINISH that part of the work God has committed to each one of us.

Christ did just that during His lifetime. Note what Christ said to the Father in John chapter 17 and verse 4: “ ‘I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.’ ” We, brethren, who are called “Christians” face this same challenge.

How can you and I glorify God? How can we finish what God has given us to do?

Again, we find the answer in the teachings of Christ in John 15:8, “ ‘By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.’ ” We know that Christ and the disciples He taught individually and worked with were very fruitful—they, indeed, did glorify God. In turn, if WE are to like- wise glorify God, WE must also be very fruitful.

That kind of productivity comes from first getting ourselves acceptable in God’s sight. We must set our own house in order (CP Mat 7:1-5). But we are not to stop there!

For us to “bear much fruit,” we must be actively involved in the ONGOING WORK OF JESUS CHRIST—preaching the good news of God’s imminent Kingdom and its establishment on this earth. Let us all remember that Christ is alive and now actively guiding His Church in His office as High Priest over the spiritual household of God.

Returning to John 17, notice what Christ said to the Father about His disciples in verse 18, “ ‘As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.’ ” In verse 20, He further shows that His prayer included all of us who would later follow in the calling to God’s way: “ ‘I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word.’ ”

Considering what is here stated in the book of John, we should be ever vigilant of the opportunity that we have. It seems that people who lose sight of their responsibility to finish the job are soon filled with confusion and lack of discernment.

In the face of our trials, are we able to stay focused on the goal that God has established for us? Jesus did! We find this interesting statement that He made against the backdrop of their physical hunger in John 4:34, “Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.’ ”

In the difficult times in which we find ourselves—both in this trouble filled world and in the scattered remnants of the Church—we must be careful stewards of that which God has committed to us. Many of us remember the final letter from Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong that was dated January 10, 1986, in which he stated: “It may be that the Work God has given me to do is complete, but not the Work of God’s Church, which will be faithfully doing God’s Work till Christ, the True Head of this Church, returns… The greatest work lies ahead..” Although he died six days later, his words ring loud and true for all of us.

In Matthew 25, we find the parable of the talents. Christ here praises and rewards those who were faithful in, as He puts it, “…a few things.” What is implied is an important lesson for us. These who were given their individual talents took care of what they had been given. They didn’t dilute their efforts by focusing on the amount of talents that others might have been given. They didn’t make excuses—unlike the faithless and fearful individual with the one talent. They simply took care of their master’s goods until he returned.

Brethren, the first two servants finished their jobs. They were fruitful with those things entrusted to them.

What are our talents?

From the standpoint of the work ahead of us, our talents involve you, the converted Christians who live their lives dedicated to God. It is you, the elect of God, whose prayers God hears. It is you with whom we are joined to the Father and Christ by one Spirit—called brethren with Christ!

In 2 Timothy 4 and verse 7, Paul states: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” He participated in the same task that has been placed before all Christians—finishing their individual part in the work of God!

We have MUCH AHEAD of us—as individuals and as a Church. We have begun to produce booklets that are carefully prepared. Right now, this is material that each of us can use, personally. However, these publications are destined to go beyond the borders of our membership. They will serve as very important tools in reaching people with the truth of God.

Our Web site has valuable information to assist both the Church and those drawn by God to His way. In addition, we have continued to organize the administration of the Church to fulfill God’s instructions in caring for as many of His people as He gives us opportunity. The ministry is endeavoring to visit local groups as resources permit.

But this is all preliminary to those things God may have in store for us.

Brethren, let each one of us continue to zealously commit ourselves to our calling from God. He has placed us in His spiritual body—His Church. It is God who has given us of His Spirit along with an important job that we must be prepared and dedicated to finishing—His WORK!

In Christ’s Service,

David J. Harris

Letter to the Brethren – November 30, 2001

November 30, 2001

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Dear Members and Co-workers,

Jesus Christ gave us a sober warning in Matthew 24: 6-8: “And you will hear of wars and rumors

of wars… And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are

the beginning of sorrows.” More terrible things will have to happen first, before the end is here (v.

6). Imagine that! The terror attack on New York and the subsequent war in Afghanistan, for

example, are only the “beginning.” Terror and war, earthquakes and other natural disasters (cp.

Luke 21:25-26), as well as famines and disease epidemics will increase!

Let’s consider how terrible the next few years, prior to Christ’s return, will become. The four

horsemen of the Apocalypse, symbolizing religious deception, war, famine and disease epidemics

(cp. Rev. 6: 2-8 with Matthew 24: 4-7) will be responsible for the death of one fourth of mankind

(Rev. 6:8, last sentence). Many of Christ’s disciples will be martyred in the “great tribulation.”

(Rev. 6: 9-11; Rev. 12:17). Many people will die when the third part of our drinking water

supplies will become unusable for consumption (Rev. 8: 10-11). Others will be hurt and

tormented for five months by the military power soon to arise in Europe (Rev. 9: 5,10), while

one-third of mankind will die during the counter attacks of the Asiatic hordes (Rev. 9:13-18).

The Bible forewarns that Christ must return to save man from himself and ensure his very

survival (Matthew 24: 21-22). By then, most people will have died. We read in Is. 24:5-6: “The

earth is also defiled under its inhabitants, because they have transgressed the laws, changed the

ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore the curse has devoured the earth… and few

men are left.” God will destroy those who destroy the earth (Rev. 11:18).

Knowing all of this, what are we to do about it? God has granted us understanding of His Word

and His prophecies for a reason. Christ placed us into His spiritual body, the Church, for a reason.

Simply put, we are here to preach Christ’s gospel message of the Kingdom of God in all the

world as a witness and to prepare for Christ’s return.

Consider that the only sign that Christ gave for His imminent return was this: “And this gospel of

the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations, and then the end will

come.” (Matthew 24:14). Christ called all of us to have a part in this proclamation.

At the same time, Christ is preparing a willing and obedient people to be ready (Rev. 19:7).

Ready for what? To marry Him at His return (Matthew 25:10) and to rule with Him on earth

(Rev. 5: 10) for a thousand years (Rev. 20:6). We have an awesome responsibility not to let down

in what our Master has commissioned us to do. And, we are to “watch therefore and pray

always” to be “counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before

the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36; cp. Rev. 3:10; Rev. 12: 14). If it weren’t for Christ’s true disciples,

God would “smite the earth to ruin” (Mal. 4:6, Lamsa). But He won’t, as His children will be found “so doing” (Matthew 24:46) – they will be participating in the work of preaching the

gospel, and they will have been purifying themselves (1 John 3:3).

If we are about our Father’s business (Luke 2:49), we need not be afraid of the future. If God is

our protection and strength in Whom we trust, then we need not fear what man can do to us

(Ps. 56:11). We won’t have to be afraid of evil tidings (Ps. 112:7). We need not be afraid of the

“terror by night nor the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence… nor of the destruction.” (Ps.

91:5-6). We can have confidence in God’s protection in the face of evil, plagues, war or any other

disaster (Ps. 91: 7-10). As long as we abide in Christ and He in us (John 15:4), the peace of Christ

will rule in our hearts (John 16:33). It is God’s peace that surpasses human understanding (Phil.

4:7), and that simply does not know fear (John 14:27).

God has called all of us to enable us to rule with His Son in His soon-coming Kingdom. Let us

say with the apostle Paul: “[We are] confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good

work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 1:6). God will never leave us nor

forsake us, as long as we don’t forsake Him.

Before closing, please note that, in response to requests from some of you, we are including three

return envelopes for your convenience. We do sincerely appreciate your standing alongside us as

we seek to obey Christ’s commission for His Church. Also, please do not hesitate to contact us

directly if we can assist you in any way. As a reminder for those of you who are sick and do not

live close enough for an elder to come to your home, we have anointed cloths available upon your

request, following the instructions and principles set forth in James 5:14-16; Mark 6:56; and Acts

19:12.

May our God Whom we serve bless you richly in all things.

With brotherly love,

Norbert Link

Letter to the Brethren – October 18, 2001

October 18, 2001

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Dear Brethren and Co-workers,

As we begin to take stock of where we are after the Feast of Tabernacles, the first thing we want to do is to give thanks and credit where it is due. What a peaceful, rewarding and joyful feast we have just experienced! God has blessed us richly in every way. Our hope and our strength have been renewed, and we are continuously being encouraged to go forward. As the dust settles, more and more brethren who have remained steadfast in the faith have been coming together in this common effort.

Once again, God has given us the opportunity and a voice to be able to declare His words. Therefore, our thanks are twofold – first of all to God, and then to all the brethren. Your prayers, your encouragement, your willing offerings, your tithes, your voluntary service and your gifts to God make it all possible.

We find an example of this kind of “thanks” when King David was inspired to pour out his gratitude to God, and to all the brethren for their very generous freewill gifts:

“Blessed are You, LORD God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever.

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory

and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours;

Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, And You are exalted as head over all.

Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all. In

Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And

to give strength to all. Now therefore, our God, We thank You And

praise Your glorious name. But who am I, and who are my people,

That we should be able to offer so willingly as this?

For all things come from You, And of Your own we have given You.

For we are aliens and pilgrims before You, As were all our fathers;

Our days on earth are as a shadow, And without hope.” (1 Ch 29:10-15)

What a blessing it is for us, not only to be a part of God’s great plan, but also to be able to continue to actively serve Him. Less than four months ago, we did not know if it would be possible for all of us to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles together this year. There was no assurance we would be able to continue the full time preaching and publishing of the whole uncompromised gospel. We asked ourselves, “How long will we be able to boldly stand for the Truth and uphold the moral high ground?”

As brethren, scattered geographically, but together in spirit, we can only thank God when we consider what He has done for all of us. He has been richly blessing us as it says in Luke 6, “in giving us good measure, pressed down and running over.” Because of the blessings of God, and the very generous nature of His people, we have come away from the Fall Holy Days, not only with a renewed vigor to continue His work, but also with the financial resources to do so. We are not ashamed to express our generosity just as King David did. For this, we give You, O Lord, the thanks and the glory.

Our brethren have come away from this feast having been fed with the undistorted meaning of the Holy Days. All of us are invigorated and stirred to action. Many are saying, “This was the best feast ever – or he best feast in a long, long time.” Let’s not let down. We must hold fast, be zealous, and remain uncompromising as we continue to do God’s will.

During these Fall Holy Days, whether in Great Britain, USA, Belgium, Canada, Philippines, at home or wherever our brethren were observing the feast days, there was a renewed awareness of end time events and an increased expectancy for the return of Jesus Christ. These are dangerous times. Never before have there been so many “winds of doctrine and prophetic speculations” clouding men’s minds, to draw away God’s people.

Because conditions are dangerous and changing rapidly, we must speak and write with a renewed clarity and fervor. Never before, on the way to and from the feast, have we seen armed military men patrolling air terminals in the United States. The fear of terrorism is beginning to take its toll, not only on the peaceful environment that we had in America, but terrorism’s impact is affecting the economy in a way that has the financial experts dismayed. Worse yet, world geopolitics are being rewritten. The real danger for us, however, is of a spiritual nature. Time is short, and there is much to be done.

How will God continue to call some “at the last hour” as in the parable of the laborers in the vineyard? God’s work is not yet complete – we must be “so doing” when Christ returns. If God’s work is not over, then our work is not over. For our little group, this is the essence of our existence – we must continue – it is not our strength, but God who does the Work. But, brethren, we do have our part in it.

God is pleased with our standing up, not seeking security or status, and continuing in His uncompromised Truth. He would not be pleased with haughtiness and arrogance. So, we say thank you, humbly, to our Father for sustaining us and allowing us to go forward.

As much as we are being blessed, we must always remember then, that it is not by our might, power, or any such thing. Let us continue to pray for a humble attitude, recognizing that anything we give to God already belongs to Him. Or, as David so eloquently put it, “For all things come from You, and of Your own we have given You.” (1 Ch 29:14)

We must always remember that God’s plan is sure, and right on His schedule. We can be happy, and rest assured for that. Success will be His, and He wants us to share in that ultimate success with Him and his Son, Jesus Christ. Yes, we have much to be thankful for, brethren.

It is only our Father’s appreciation that any of us truly desire. Let’s recognize that He is the one who says to us, “Thank you.” And, as we jointly thank God, let me also say to you, thank you brethren, most of all for standing strong in God’s Truth.

Your brother, in Christian love,

Warren M. Zehrun

Letter to the Brethren – September 4, 2001

September 4, 2001

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Dear Brethren,

God’s festival season is almost upon us, though it seems we just completed the observance of the Feast of Pentecost. Time seems to move so rapidly, yet we are definitely looking forward to the upcoming feast days with great anticipation and excitement.

God tells us we are to keep His feast days in their seasons. God has a definite timetable He is working on, brethren. We must stay in tune with that timetable. We are about to enter the fall festival season, which has tremendous significance for the people of God, as well as for the whole world. Yet, most in the world are totally unaware of the awesome events that will soon overtake this society we are living in.

The four festivals that we will be observing within the next five weeks picture the return of Christ to this earth; the placing of the legitimate blame for the sins of this world squarely on the head of Satan the devil, where they belong; the establishment of the Government of God on this earth under Jesus Christ to rule the earth in righteousness for 1,000 years; and the time of the second resurrection and the opportunity for all of mankind who never heard the real truths of God, to come to an understanding, and to decide for themselves if they will have a part in God’s ultimate plan for all of mankind for all eternity.

These are awesome times we live in, brethren. Holy men have written of these things over the past 6,000 years as they were inspired by Almighty God, to show His great purpose to those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. The time is now just before us when all of these things are about to be fulfilled.

Two weeks from today we will observe the Feast of Trumpets and just nine days later, the Day of Atonement. Four evenings later we begin the eight-day festival, which includes the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day. Why do we do this from year to year? God gives us the answer in Leviticus 23, where He outlines His feasts. Notice in verse four where He says, “These are the feasts of the Lord, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed times.”

These festivals have been ordained by Almighty God to be kept in their seasons, forever. They were kept by the Prophets and by Holy Men in the days covered by the Old Testament writings and even before. They were kept by Jesus Christ and the Apostles during the time of the New Testament Church. God will require His people to keep them during the Millennium and the Great White Throne Judgment period and beyond. God requires that we observe these days, today.

It is God’s desire that we not forget, that when He brought the Children of Israel out of Egypt, they dwelt in booths (temporary dwellings) (Lev. 23: 39-43). It is, in fact a time of rejoicing for God’s people. It is a time for us to stop and reflect on God’s great plan and what He has in store for those who love His Ways(Deut. 16: 13-15) (Lev. 23: 40).

In the account written in the book of Nehemiah, we see that when the Jews came out from under the captivity of the Babylonians, “ …Ezra the priest brought the Law before the congregation of men and women and all could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month” {Feast of Trumpets} (Nehemiah 8: 2). “And they found written in the Law, which the Lord had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths during the feast of the seventh month” {Feast of Tabernacles} (Verse 14).

Notice now, (Verses 17-18). “So the whole congregation of those who had returned from the captivity made booths and sat under the booths; for since the days of Joshua the son of Nun until that day the children of Israel had not done so. And there was very great gladness. Also day by day, from the first day until the last day, he read from the Book of the Law. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day there was a sacred assembly, according to the prescribed manner.” These people were rejoicing because they were able to understand what God desired of them and they were obedient in this command.

We are told by the prophet Isaiah that, in that day “… the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing” (Isaiah 35: 1-2). “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing. With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness. And sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (Isaiah 35: 10).

This festival season pictures a time of joy, brethren. And happiness will be the order of the day. It is God’s desire that we observe the meaning of these festival days by rejoicing together at the various places He has chosen to place His name. In that regard, we need to be certain we are each willing to invest what it takes to have joy in our lives and to give joy to others.

God tells us (Deut 16: 15) that when we obey His command to keep this sacred feast as He has prescribed, “…the Lord your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you surely rejoice.” Of course, we are not to appear before our God at His festival empty-handed (Deut 16: 16).

He requires an offering based on the blessing He has given us. He requires, also, that we come before Him to eat, and to enjoy the tithe we have saved for this purpose, as we are to appear before Him to learn to fear Him, always (Deut 14: 22-27). And finally, we are to come to hear and to learn to keep the Law of God (Deut31: 11-13).

So, brethren, this is a time God has provided for His people to really come to know one another and to come to learn more of Him. We will have this opportunity to be together, to set a right example for one another, to learn to hold fast the truths we have been given and to make these days a real blessing for all of God’s people.

Let us attend this festival season together, brethren. Let us rejoice in the fact that God is a merciful God, easy to be entreated, willing to forgive our sins if we have a repentant attitude. And let us be thankful for God’s Spirit dwelling within us, which allows us to have a mind receptive to God and all His Ways. It is through that Spirit that God will raise us up in that day and we will be changed, and will be like the Father and the Son.

Yes, we have much to be thankful for, brethren. But the real happiness and joy and prosperity pictured by the Feast of Tabernacles will come upon this earth when the righteous rule of Jesus Christ under the Father is established. When that happens, the entire universe will shout for joy!

In Christian love,

Edwin Pope