On December 10, 2005, Dave Harris will give the sermon, titled, “Prophet: True or False?”

The
services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at 12:30 pm Pacific
Time (which is 2:30 pm Central Time). Just click on Connect to Live
Stream.

In passing down to Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph, the
birthright blessings; Jacob said, “Let my name (Israel) be named upon
them” (Genesis 46:16). Then of Ephraim He said, “…his descendants
shall become a multitude of nations” (Genesis 46:19). And of Manasseh
He said, “He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great”
(same verse). Ephraim became the British Commonwealth of Nations, upon
which–once–the sun never set! And Manasseh became the greatest single
nation ever to exist on the earth– “the United States of America.” Its
sunset seems to be looming on the horizon as well! (See our booklet,
“The Fall and Rise of Britain and America.”)

Little did the
small band of men consider, as they left the British shores during the
18th century heading for a new land, that they were embarking upon a
journey which would result in the establishment of a nation which would
fulfill the second part of the prophecy noted above in the passing down
of God’s blessings, which came through Abraham to Jacob and on to the
sons of Joseph.

When George Mason wrote the “Virginia Declaration
of Rights,” which was adopted by the Virginia Constitutional Convention
on June 12, 1776, I am certain he had no thought that that document
would be used by Thomas Jefferson in writing the opening paragraphs of
the Declaration of Independence; nor, that it would be copied by other
colonies in establishing their states’ rights; nor, that it would
become the basis of the Bill of Rights of the United States. In the
Virginia Declaration of Rights, Section 16, Mason wrote: “That
religion, or the duty which we owe to our creator, and the manner of
discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by
force or violence; and therefore all men are equally entitled to the
free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience; and
that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance,
love, and charity toward each other.” The Declaration of Independence,
which was adopted July 4, 1776, makes reference to the Creator God in
the first and second paragraphs of that document. The Pledge of
Allegiance to flag and country was originally written by Francis
Bellamy in August, 1892. A minor change in a couple of words was made
in 1924, and in 1954 the words “under God” were added to the pledge. It
was said at the time that the pledge now was a patriotic oath and a
public prayer.

The motto, “In God We Trust” was placed on U.S.
coins largely because of increased religious sentiment existing during
the Civil War. After many appeals in favor of such a move, Secretary of
the Treasury, Salmon P. Chase, instructed James Pollock, Director of
the Mint at Philadelphia, by letter dated November 20, 1861, as
follows: “Dear Sir: No nation can be strong except in the strength of
God, or safe except in His defense. The trust of our people in God
should be declared on our national coins. You will cause a device to be
prepared without unnecessary delay with a motto expressing in the
fewest and tersest words possible this national recognition.” Samples
were presented and the present wording which is used on U.S. coins
today was adopted and passed by the U.S. Congress on April 22, 1864.
This motto, “In God We Trust,” was added to $1 silver certificates with
printings beginning in 1957. In 1964, the motto was added to Federal
Reserve Notes in the amounts of $1, $5, $10, as well as with the $5
United States Note, and in 1966 the motto was added to the $50, and
$100 Federal Reserve Notes.

But a program of stamping out
religion on national currency began in 1978 and continues today. Some
are crossing out the national motto on paper money (An illegal act
under U.S. law). But there is a movement afoot across the country to
have the motto removed from all forms of U.S. currency. Programs are
ongoing to declare the Pledge of Allegiance as “unconstitutional” and
to not allow it to be recited in public schools because it contains the
words “under God.” The 9th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals ruled the
Pledge of Allegiance “unconstitutional” on June 25, 2002, with the
stipulation that it no longer be recited in public schools. And on
September 14, 2005, a U.S. District Judge ruled that the reference to
one nation “under God” violates schoolchildren’s rights to be “free
from a coercive requirement to affirm God.” The Supreme Court dismissed
the case at a later date.

God established this great nation as He
promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and to the sons of Joseph. Yet,
just as He raised it up, He will put it down if it continues to move in
the direction upon which it has now established as its course. We, as a
people of God, must not cover our faces to what is looming upon the
horizon, as prophesied in the Word of God.

Relationship Between USA and Germany DETERIORATING!!!

Der Spiegel Online published a remarkable article on December 7, 2005, pointing out the TRUE current relationship between the USA and Germany–all hopeful and wishful thinking notwithstanding. This development is, of course, in line with Biblical prophecy, even though some might have chosen to forget or ignore what the Bible clearly reveals. As the comments in the magazine are of such tremendous importance, we are quoting extensively from the article, as follows:

“If US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s visit to Berlin for talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel was meant to herald a new era of trans-Atlantic harmony, IT HAS FAILED. Merkel ANGERED US officials with her public statement that Washington admitted it had made a ‘mistake’ by kidnapping a German national… Monday’s meeting between the TWO MOST POWERFUL WOMEN IN THE WORLD resulted in a DIPLOMATIC SPAT and HIGHLIGHTED A GROWING RIFT BETWEEN EUROPE AND AMERICA over whether the end always justifies the means in the war on terror. Rice’s trip was meant to signal a new start for trans-Atlantic ties, but if anything, RELATIONS ARE WORSE NOW.

“Merkel irritated US officials by telling journalists after their meeting that Washington had admitted making a mistake in the case of Khaled al-Masri, a Lebanese-born German citizen who was abducted by the CIA and claims that he was tortured while held in secret custody. ‘We discussed the one case which was accepted as a mistake by the government of the United States,’ MERKEL TOLD A JOINT NEWS CONFERENCE WITH RICE AFTER THEIR MEETING on Tuesday. US officials later told journalists that Rice had done nothing of the sort. ‘We are not quite sure what was in her head,’ the Reuters news agency quoted a senior American official as saying. The US government has informed the German government about al-Masri’s case but has not admitted making mistakes. Rice has merely given assurances that any errors made by the CIA would be corrected as and when they arose, officials said.

“The US irritation may stem from concern that any admission of an error would hurt the US government’s position in US lawsuits against it. Al-Masri, 42, was abducted while on holiday in Macedonia in late 2003 after being mistakenly identified as a suspect in the 9/11 attacks. He was then taken to Afghanistan, where he alleges he was drugged and beaten while being held captive in a secret CIA prison. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit on his behalf in the US Federal Court in Virginia on Tuesday.

“Merkel, who supported President George W. Bush over the Iraq war and has pledged to repair the damage her predecessor Gerhard Schröder did to relations with the US government, may have SURPRISED RICE WITH HER ROBUST COMMENTS on allegations that the US runs a network of ‘ghost flights’ and secret prisons around the world where terror suspects can be interrogated with little concern for international law… Rice’s comment that the US does not torture terrorism suspects met with skepticism in Berlin. Karsten Voigt, the German government’s coordinator on German-US relations, said: ‘The question remains whether she means the same thing by torture as we do.’…

The article also pointed out:

“For commentators in Germany, the US practice of ‘extraordinary rendition,’ or secretly transferring suspects to third countries, including some outside Europe that routinely use torture, reveals HOW FAR EUROPE AND THE UNITED STATES HAVE DRIFTED APART since Sept. 11 on how much leeway secret services should have in pursuing terrorists. ‘Condoleezza Rice gave the best example of this by adopting what almost seemed like a blackmailing tone in saying that whoever discloses the work of their intelligence services would have to live with a higher threat of terror,’ stated an editorial in the liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung. ‘Rice came to Germany TO BEGIN A NEW ERA. SHE HAS RESOUNDINGLY FAILED TO DO SO’… In a swipe at the Bush administration, [former Interior Minister Otto] Schily said he had urged the Americans to give full assistance to the German prosecutor investigating al-Masri’s case. ‘Unfortunately that didn’t happen in an appropriate fashion,’ Schily told the paper [Die Zeit].”

HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa

As Terrence Higgins Trust reported in November, “Sub-Saharan Africa continues to be the worst affected region, with 25.4 million people living with HIV at the end of 2004, up from 24.4 million in 2002… Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of all HIV infections worldwide. Three-quarters (76 per cent) of all the women living with HIV live there.”

Catholics in Limbo?

The Scotsman reported on November 30, 2005: “The Catholic Church is preparing to abandon the idea of limbo, the theological belief that children who die before being baptised are suspended in a space between heaven and hell… The idea of limbo was developed as a response to the harshness of early Church teachings which insisted that any child who died before he or she was baptised would still be stained by Original Sin and so would be condemned to hell… the new belief is expected to be that unbaptised babies [who have died] will go directly to heaven.”

Zenit reported on November 30, 2005, that “Whoever seeks peace and the good of the community with a pure conscience, and keeps alive the desire for the transcendent, will be saved even if he lacks biblical faith, says Benedict XVI.”

These two reports seem to indicate a FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE in Pope Benedict’s theological understanding. As Cardinal Ratzinger, he insisted that one must be or become a member of the Roman Catholic Church in order to be saved. The future will show how this new representation of the Catholic faith will play out.

The Bible neither teaches the concept of limbo, nor, that we go to heaven when we die, nor, that unbelievers will be thrown into an ever-burning hellfire, to be tortured and punished for all eternity. The Holy Scriptures clearly teach, however, that the belief in and the acceptance of Jesus Christ is absolutely necessary for salvation. For a better understanding of these VITAL issues, please read our free booklets, “Do We Have an Immortal Soul?” and “God’s Commanded Holy Days.”

Turks Esteem Benedict XVI

On December 1, 2005, Zenit reported: “Benedict XVI will be ‘more than welcome’ in Turkey, says a Turkish professor of the history of Islam. Nahide Bozkurt… explained that for many Turkish Muslims, the Pope is ‘a spiritual man, holy.’  The [pope] plans to visit Turkey next year. ‘Many people believe in the Pope; he has spiritual power,’ Bozkurt told Zenit. ‘If he comes to Turkey, he will be much appreciated.'”

Russia Helps Iran

WorldNetDaily reported on December 2, 2005, that “Russia has signed a deal with Iran to sell 29 of its… anti-missile systems, a development that will complicate any planned pre-emptive attack on the… nation’s nuclear facilities… The system would theoretically permit Iran to intercept some cruise missiles as well as airborne missiles that U.S., Israeli or other western countries might use in an effort to keep the terrorist-supporting nation from developing nuclear weapons or using them.”

Israel on the Offensive

The Associated Press reported on December 6, 2005: “Israel clamped an open-ended closure on the West Bank and Gaza Tuesday, BANNING VIRTUALLY ALL PALESTINIANS FROM ISRAEL, and arrested 15 Palestinian militants in a first response to a suicide bombing that killed five Israelis outside a shopping mall. Israeli officials also said the army would target Islamic Jihad operatives in the West Bank, both through arrest raids and targeted killings of operatives, and renew airstrikes in the Gaza Strip in response to any Palestinian rocket attacks.”

Dangerous US Spending and Borrowing

Britain’s The Times reported on December 3, 2005, that “Alan Greenspan last night issued a stern, renewed warning over threats to the global economy… The Fed Chairman [who is resigning in January] said that, so far, the US had avoided any serious pressure in financing its vast $668 billion (£385 billion) current account deficit… he emphasised that the US reliance on ever- rising inflows of foreign capital could not go on [forever]… If policymakers failed to rein in spending and borrowing, he said that ‘in the end, the consequences for the US economy of doing nothing could be severe.'”

Joerg Haider’s Solutions

Austria’s NetWorld reported on December 3, 2005, that Austria’s unemployment figures have reached an all-time high. Joerg Haider blames foreigners living in Austria for this problem. He demanded not to give any further work permits to foreigners. He also insisted on deporting foreigners who are legally residing in Austria, but who have been without work for more than six months. He also demanded to refuse giving public work to companies in Austria which only employ foreigners.

It’s Christmas Time… Again!

The Christmas Season is upon us. True Christians refuse to keep Christmas, due to its blatantly pagan origin. Surprisingly, perhaps, some well-known public figures expressed their misgivings about Christmas over the years. Bild Online gave the following examples in their edition, dated December 3, 2005:

Otto von Bismarck exclaimed: “Whatever you may give as a [Christmas] present, you will be accused for it.” Friedrich Nietzsche said: “Those peoples are to be envied who do not know Christmas.” And German poet Theodor Storm wrote: “And now it’s Christmas once again. Please, help me, God, that I may endure it.”

Sadly, Zenit reported enthusiastically on December 5, that Christmas is making a comeback. The Catholic paper also admitted the heavy influence of Catholics in the United States in this regard, pointing out:

“The regular battle over Christmas decorations, carols and terminology started in early November, in a number of countries. The controversy got off to a start in the United States when Wal-Mart defended its practice of greeting people with ‘Happy Holidays’ instead of ‘Happy Christmas.’ The company came in for strong criticism from Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights. In a press release dated Nov. 9 Donohue also criticized a Wal-Mart statement which claimed that Christmas was a composite of ancient traditions, made up of elements such as Siberian shamanism, Celt and Goth customs, and the worship of Baal. Donohue called for a boycott of the retail giant. The dispute quickly finished. Donohue announced two days later that Wal-Mart was withdrawing its statement about the origins of Christmas, as well as making some changes to its Web site…”

On December 5, 2005, Bild Online explored the origin of Santa Claus and his servant, “Knecht Ruprecht.” While the paper gave the usual, albeit wrong explanation that the concept of Santa Claus goes back to a Catholic priest who allegedly gave presents to children in December, it sets forth an interesting thought regarding the servant Ruprecht: “He became the symbol of the dark side. He punishes bad kids and puts them in his sack–the pit of hell.”

For more information on the REAL origins of Santa Claus and his servant, “Knecht Ruprecht,” please read pages 6-8 of our free booklet, “Don’t Keep Christmas.”

The United States of Europe

The EUobserver reported on December 1, 2005: “Belgian prime minister Guy Verhofstadt has pleaded for the creation of a federal ‘United States of Europe.'” According to the proposal, “The EU should … have its own president, foreign minister, army and prosecutor… Mr Verhofstadt calls a federal EU ‘the only option.'”

The article continued: “Again reverting to older ideas, Mr Verhofstadt proposes a two-speed Europe as a way out of the dilemma, with a core of integrationist states, surrounded by a circle of states that favour a looser European construction. The nucleus, with the prestigious ‘United States of Europe’ title, could consist of the 12 EU states that have adopted the euro…”

Being aware of resistance from some European countries to such a model, Verhofstadt pointed to “the fact that in the history of the United States of America, not all states immediately adopted the federalist constitution drafted in 1787, but today, ‘it is clear…that the choice for the federal model was the right one.’… Mr Verhofstadt says he is confident Europeans would ‘by an overwhelming majority’ approve his federal Europe in a Europe-wide referendum.”

USA Loses “European Popularity Contest”

On December 5, 2005, Der Spiegel Online stated: “Research by the Washington Post, Spiegel and other media show that neither the previous [German] government nor the new administration under Angela Merkel should have been surprised about the reports in recent weeks about secret prisoner transports, secret prisons and CIA kidnappings.”

In an accompanying article, the magazine wrote: “For weeks, concern has grown about the use of airports in Germany by the CIA for its controversial ‘extraordinary renditions’ program. Now, it looks like there were hundreds of such suspected flights. At least 437 according to a new list provided by German air traffic controllers. As much as new German Chancellor Angela Merkel may want to improve relations between the United States and Germany, events in the skies over Europe are making it INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT.”

On December 6, 2005, the German press reported again in no uncertain terms about the alleged CIA violations, as Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was visiting Germany and had a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Bild reported that Merkel demanded of Rice that the USA apply DEMOCRATIC AND LEGAL RULES in their fight against terrorism. Der Spiegel Online added, after recapturing Europe’s OUTCRY about alleged CIA violations:

“In total, European countries may have been used for a total of some 600 secret CIA flights since the autumn of 2001. The European Union has said it would suspend the voting rights of those members found to be illegally holding terror suspects or hosting clandestine US prisoners.”

The magazine concluded with this telling statement: “All of which means that the US, ONCE AGAIN, IS LOSING THE EUROPEAN POPULARITY CONTEST…”

Tragedies in Malawi

CNN reported on December 3, 2005, about Malawi, “a landlocked central African nation nestled between Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique.” The article explained: “This is one of the world’s 10 poorest countries; life expectancy is a mere 37 years; two-thirds of the population live on less than a dollar a day; one in six adults is HIV positive, and nearly half the population of 12 million faces starvation in coming months if help doesn’t arrive soon. That’s 5 million people, which is half the population of London or New York City.”

Isaiah 28:16 reads: “Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Behold I lay
in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious
cornerstone, a sure foundation; WHOEVER BELIEVES WILL NOT ACT HASTILY.”

What is meant with “Whoever believes will not act hastily”?

The
context clearly refers to the announcement of God THE FATHER to lay in
Zion (which many times describes the Church of God) a precious
cornerstone for a foundation. This describes the Messiah, Jesus Christ,
as many New Testament passages reveal (compare Matthew 21:42; Mark
12:10; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11; Romans 9:33; Ephesians 2:20; and 1 Peter
2:6-8).

Notice, though, that this stone would be “tried” first.
Christ had to QUALIFY in His life as a human being to become the
foundation and the precious cornerstone–on which the New Testament
Church would be built. We read that Christ became perfect through
suffering (Hebrews 2:10); and that He was tempted in all things, just
as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He had to overcome
(Revelation 3:21)–Satan, this world, and His own human nature or His
sinful flesh (Romans 8:3)–as He WAS a human being, FULLY flesh and
blood when here on earth. He had BECOME flesh (John 1:14), having set
aside His divinity or “equality with God” (Philippians 2:6-8). The
Ryrie Study Bible points out in their comments to Isaiah 28:16, that
“Messiah is a FOUNDATION stone in His atonement, a TRIED STONE in His
temptations, and a PRECIOUS CORNER STONE in His relationship to His
people.”

As CHRIST overcame or BECAME victorious in all things,
so must WE (Revelation 2:26). It was a battle for Christ (Hebrews
5:6-8), and we too must FIGHT to conquer and win (Romans 8:37). But
with God the Father and Christ living in us through the power of the
Holy Spirit, we CAN win (Ephesians 6:10-17).

With this
background, let’s consider God’s statement in Isaiah 28:16 that we
won’t “act hastily” when we truly “believe.” Many, who are not really
called by God to salvation, act very “hastily” or “with excitement”
when they hear God’s Word proclaimed to them. The Hebrew word for
“hastily” is “chuwsh”, or “chush,” and means literally, “to hurry,” but
it also means figuratively, “to be eager with excitement or enjoyment”
(compare Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, No. 2363).
However, an enthusiastic immediate response to an “altar call,” to
“give our heart to Jesus” right there and then, is never an answer to
God’s TRUE calling. The reason being, we must first thoroughly count
the cost to determine whether we have enough to complete what we begin
(Luke 14:28). The one who starts and looks back is not fit for the
Kingdom of God (Luke 9:62).

As the recent history in the Church
of God has shown, many who supposedly had “started” did not continue.
They just gave up, embracing the pleasures and philosophies of this
world, which they supposedly left behind when they “embraced” God’s Way
of life. They supposedly accepted the truth of the Bible that God IS a
Family–but not a Trinity– that GOD–the GOD FAMILY–IS reproducing
HIMSELF through MAN; that we are to keep today God’s commanded Holy
Days–the weekly Sabbath and the Annual Feast Days; that we are to
forsake pagan holidays such as Sunday, Christmas or Easter; that we–as
Christ’s ambassadors–are to come out of this world and be different,
by not participating in worldly endeavors such as government elections,
jury duty, or military service. And the list is ongoing, including even
such “physical things” as God’s dietary laws. Many once seemingly
understood those teachings. Some of them were very adamant, to the
point of becoming offensive with their radical and condemnatory
preaching, about those matters. But suddenly, when the spirit of the
world took hold of the leadership of their “parent” organization, they
followed the wrong teachings of spiritually unqualified men and
embraced “their” new understanding–which was EXACTLY what they had all
left behind when accepting God’s Way of Life. How convicted had they
ever been? How much time had they spent PROVING the truth to
themselves? Were they EVER converted? The late human leader of the
Church, Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong, felt at times that not even 10
percent of those who were attending Church services, CLAIMING to be
members, were truly converted. Subsequent facts have established how
RIGHT he was in this.

Many acted HASTILY. The seed of God’s Word
fell on stony places. Yes, they received the seed IMMEDIATELY with joy,
but when tribulation or persecution came because of the word,
IMMEDIATELY they stumbled (Matthew 13:20-21). They did not like to be
called a cult by the established religions of this world, and so they
tried to become accepted in the eyes of men, loving the honor and
praise of men more than the honor from God (John 5:44; 12:43).

A
true Christian who believes in God the Father and Jesus Christ, and who
is willing to OBEY them, will not act “hastily.” He understands that
His decision to follow God, and to be baptized as a consequence, is a
life-long commitment. He will have counted the cost first. He will not
be baptized just because of peer pressure–because other Church members
or attendees might have expected him to, or because his Church
organization is anxious to report how many of their new members have
been baptized through their preaching of the Word. Such types of
“altar-call conversions” simply do not last.

At the same time,
he SHOULD act hastily, and not delay, when he is ready for baptism. In
general, it is necessary to make haste, enthusiastically, regarding our
ongoing spiritual growth and the Work of God. We are not to be slack in
what we are doing (Zephaniah 3:16). The same Hebrew word, “chush,”
which is used in Isaiah 28:16, meaning, “acting hastily,” is used in
Psalm 119:60, where David said: “I made haste, and did not delay To
Keep Your commandments.” He also asked God repeatedly to make haste to
help him (Psalm 38:22; 40:13; 70:5; 71:12; 141:1).

We are even
told that God will hasten His work in His due time (Isaiah 60:22). But
even here, a word of caution is in order: It is correct that we can
hasten the coming of the day of the Lord (2 Peter 3:12) by the way we
live. At the same time, God grants us room for repentance, not willing
that anyone in the Church should perish (2 Peter 3:9). But God does not
grant us time for repentance forever, and while God allots time to us,
we might be guilty of delaying Christ’s coming. The key is our
conduct–the way we live. BUT, we are not to DESIRE the Day of the Lord
in respect to others, to see God’s punishment inflicted upon them
(Jeremiah 17:16; Proverbs 17:5)–nor should we desire Christ’s coming,
if we are not ready for it (Amos 5:18). We are not to behave like those
mentioned in Isaiah 5:18-19: “Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords
of vanity, And sin as if with a cart rope; That say, ‘Let Him make
speed and hasten His work, that we may see it; And let the counsel of
the Holy One of Israel draw near and come, That we may know it.'”

They
speak facetiously, of course, not believing that God is in their lives,
or that God is still doing a Work here on earth. They might have
convinced themselves that God’s Work is done–and that all that is
required of them today is to make themselves ready. BUT, a Church
member who just concentrates on himself, while ignoring or rejecting
God’s Work, will NOT be ready when Christ returns.

Even in our
converted Christian life, it is prudent not to act too hastily. It is
always good to consider (Proverbs 14:15); take good counsel before
making a decision (Proverbs 11:14; 20:18); and, especially, to pray to
God, with faith, for wisdom and understanding as to what to do in a
certain circumstance (James 1:2-8). Our human tendencies might be to
react immediately–sometimes even before we might have fully heard a
matter (Proverbs 18:13)–but God tells us in many places to wait for
Him (Isaiah 30:18; 64:4). This is not to say that we are not to act at
all–but we are to make sure, first, that our action is in harmony with
God’s Will. As Isaiah 40:31 says: “But those who WAIT on the LORD Shall
renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they
shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”

In
addition, Paul seems to quote Isaiah 28:16 in a slightly different way,
in Romans 9:33, including the following thought: “… And whoever
believes on Him will not be put to shame.” Peter states the same, in 1
Peter 2:6: “… and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to
shame.” This conveys essentially the same meaning: The one who does not
act hastily, but places His trust and confidence in God, shall not have
the shame of failure and disappointment. Matthew Henry’s Commentary
states: “And he that believes these promises, and rests upon them,
shall not make haste, but with a fixed heart shall quietly wait the
event, saying, Welcome the will of God.”

Some translations render
Isaiah 28:16 in such a way that the one who believes in God and His
promises shall not waiver; that he shall not be worried; that he shall
not be in a frenzy; or that he shall not have cause for panic. All
these renderings are meaningful, in the sense that the one who believes
in God will wait for His Will to be revealed in his life; and in doing
so, he will not be fearful and worried, trying hastily to “solve” a
problem on his own–without God.

Next time we are tempted to act
before we have heard or considered all the facts and circumstances, let
us remember God’s profound admonishment and encouragement in Isaiah
28:16: As we have a TRIED cornerstone–Jesus Christ–in Whom we
believe; on Whom we build our lives; and Who lives in us; let us NOT
“act hastily.”

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

A new member letter has been written and will be sent out early next
week. Brian Gale discusses in the letter the “spirit of Christmas” in
all its different forms and disguises, which true Christians must avoid
at all costs.

We have received additional interesting responses
to our ad campaign in the United Kingdom, promoting our booklet, “The
Fall and Rise of Britain and America.” The final number of responses is
1,648. Set forth below are a few samples:

“Dear Sir. I am a
Christian and I’ve read the Bible from cover to cover and have attended
a course analyzing the Old Testament; nevertheless I have never come
across an analysis and interpretation of the Scripture like yours. It
has certainly shed [light] on some of my unanswered questions.”

“Dear
Christian friends. Thank you so much for sending me the booklet “The
Fall and Rise of Britain and America.” It is so interesting. I have not
yet read it all as I like to look up all of the references. A real
revelation to me. I feel that here I am at 80, not much longer to be
here, yet, when reading your book, so much to learn before I go. If you
have any other publications, and have a list of them, will you kindly
send me a copy. Thank you. You said all your literature is free of
charge but please accept the enclosed small gift from the Lord towards
your great ministry. I like you name ‘Global’ church. What a day that
will be when we all rise to meet our Lord, we shall see a real Global
Church. Many thanks and every blessing.”

“We have been delighted
with the booklets and have passed them [on] so others could have a
blessing. There is only a couple of us but could you send us a few more
and where we could send a donation to and who[m] to make it payable
to. We have all gained so much from the booklets.”

“I
have just finished reading your booklet entitled “The Fall and Rise of
Britain and America” and found it to be very enjoyable. It would be
much appreciated if you could send me the following booklets (8 are
listed). I would also be grateful if you could send me further
information on your church. Thanking you in advance for your help.”

“Thank
you for the booklets previously sent to me. I read them and I must say
that everything is scriptural that you pointed out in them. There are
so many churches today that do quote certain passages of the Bible to
persuade people that they have the ‘Truth.’… The Word of God teaches
me to not forget the doctrine that I have been taught from Scripture,
for it is God-breathed. I am extremely grateful to you and your church
for this free merchandise. There are not many free… booklets
[around]. If it is not too much trouble to you, I would like the
booklets, ‘The Theory of Evolution‘; ‘Don’t Keep Christmas‘; ‘Is God a
Trinity?‘; and ‘Lawlessness Will Abound.’ I especially am keen to
see what your church has to say about it.”

by Rhonda Cagle

On January 28, 2005, I was laid off from Musicmatch after five and a
half years, due to Yahoo, Inc. buying the company. My accounting
manager was kept on with Yahoo until the end of July. Just two weeks
before my unemployment benefits were to run out (in August), I was
hired by Emerald Publications for a “three month” period. This was to
result in a permanent position. As it turned out, the Vice President of
Finance, with whom I interviewed, was Jewish, and she had no problem
with me keeping the Sabbath and the Holy Days, which were right around
the corner. Only two weeks after I was hired with Emerald, she quit her
job! I always wondered (and still do) whether God just kept her there
long enough to hire me?

In October, I received an email from my
former accounting manager at Musicmatch, stating that she had been
hired by Carvin Guitars, which was located right across the street from
where I was now working. We got together for lunch a couple weeks
later, and she asked if I would be interested in an accounts payable
position at Carvin? Although I was happy and confident that I would be
hired permanently at Emerald, I gave her my resume anyway. Over the
three-month period at Emerald, I was told on numerous occasions how
glad they were to have me there and how pleased they were with my work.
My three-month agreement with Emerald was to end on November 15th. That
day came and went with no word from them. Another week went by. I kept
expecting to hear “the word” concerning my status.

On Tuesday,
November 22nd, I received a call from the H.R. manager at Carvin asking
whether I could interview with the President that afternoon! After much
scrambling around to get ready, I agreed to meet with him during my
lunch hour. I received a call at 2:30 that afternoon from Carvin,
offering me the job! The position paid $2000.00 a year more than what I
was currently making, with benefits. I didn’t have to explain about the
Sabbath and the Holy Days to the President because he had already been
informed of my needs by my previous accounting manager! She told me he
stated it was “refreshing” to find someone who had such “strong
religious beliefs.” Not knowing what was going on with my status at
Emerald, I accepted the “sure” job. The new job would start a week
later, although they were receptive to postponing the date if I needed
to give Emerald a longer notice.

I went home and prayed that God
would show me whether I was making the right decision. The very next
morning the V.P. of finance at Emerald approached me and said they
wanted to meet with me Monday morning concerning EXTENDING my TEMPORARY
position for another three-month duration (without any benefits)! There
was my answer.

On Monday morning, instead of having a meeting
about extending my temporary status, I told them of my decision to
accept a permanent position with Carvin. They immediately offered to
counter Carvin’s offer. I told them thank you, but I had already
accepted the permanent position offered by Carvin. At that time they
said how sorry they were to see me go but also stated that if my new
job didn’t work out or if I changed my mind, to please come back and
apply for any job they might have open!

I now wonder if God
gave me the position at Emerald just long enough for my previous
accounting manager to be hired by Carvin and to bring me on with her
when the time was right. It sure looks that way. I just wanted to share
this with you to show how God takes care of us in so many different
ways. I hope this will encourage all of us, as it is so wonderful to
see God work so closely in our lives. “Thank you” to all of you who
prayed for me during this time. God definitely answers our prayers.

On December 3, 2005, Edwin Pope will give the sermon, discussing the serious concept of sin.

The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at 12:30 pm Pacific Time (which is 2:30 pm Central Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

The Canadian minority government was defeated on Monday, November
28, in a non-confidence vote by the opposition parties, which will
force an election in January of 2006. This motion was brought on in
part by a financial scandal of the current party which had wasted some
300 plus million Canadian dollars of taxpayers’ money. This situation
just serves as an example of broader application: Political leaders may
have good intentions when first elected but they are soon at the trough
wondering what perks can be taken advantage of. Another incident of
lavish spending of tax money by politicians occurred last week: Three
men from back East dined in a restaurant in the West. Their meal cost
Canadians $1000.00. This is only one of many examples of people wasting
taxpayers’ money.

In addition, even the idea that a taxpayer
owns his home and property is just an illusion. They pay property taxes
on it annually. If you lived for 1,000 years and would pay taxes
throughout that time, eventually you would pay more taxes than the
actual purchase price or value of the property. To say you own it is
not the reality of the situation. If you fail to pay the taxes, the
government can seize your property, sell it, recover the taxes owed and
give you the cash balance, if any–so, in effect, you have lost your
property. If they want to build a railway through your property, it is
expropriated by the government. They may pay you the market
value–mostly an amount far below the actual price you could have
received if it had not been for the expropriation–and you lose the
property.

In ancient Israel land was allocated to the twelve
tribes (except for the tribe of Levi), and the tribe members were given
property within the boundaries of the appropriated land. They did not
pay taxes on the land–it was theirs free and clear. They could however
“sell” by choice or if they fell into poverty, but not “for good.” The
land was God’s and was not to be sold permanently (Leviticus 25:23). If
you sold the land you could redeem it; that is, buy it back and pay the
“lease” or “rental” value of the property for the time it had not been
in your possession. The return of the property to its permanent owner
took place on the Jubilee year, which occurred every 50 years
(Leviticus 25:9-10), and which always started on the Feast of
Atonement. That way, no one would be destitute of land forever, since
the land went back to the original owners.

By contrast, the
governments of this world try to give us the illusion that we actually
own the land and “our” property, yet in reality it is nothing but a
temporary lease for us and our descendents.

We also notice that
countries like Canada or the United States are indebted to foreigners.
A rich Texan friend of the U.S. President purchased the company where I
work for some 6 billion dollars. So now our company–a major utility
and distribution facility of natural gas and oil–is owned by
Americans. In today’s Canadian papers, the lead articles in the
financial sections were: ” WHITE KNIGHT COMES TO THE RESCUE.” It
reported about a German company (“Krupps”) buying a huge steel company
in Canada, which has been around since 1912 and which employs some
11,000 workers. Foreign ownership in Canada–and the USA, for that
matter–is on the increase. Ultimately, foreign owners will “foreclose”
on Canadian and US land and property. God foretold this in the Bible,
as punishment for our national disobedience to His laws.

However,
the good news is that foreign ownership of our companies and land will
end in the future. As the Day of Atonement pictures, the current god of
this earth–Satan the devil– will be replaced by Christ when He
returns to this earth to RULE this world JUSTLY and to usher in the
Millennium.

Sometime in the future, that which is pictured by the
Day of Atonement and the Jubilee year will have become reality: We, as
saints ruling with and under Christ, will allocate land to the
inhabitants of the earth which shall not be taken away for taxes,
expropriation or foreign ownership. That day will be a tremendous time
of happiness for all to rejoice in.

Angela Merkel in Action

The British newspaper, “Telegraph,” published the following article on November 24, 2005, about the EU Constitution:

“Angela Merkel, the new German chancellor, set the stage for a tense meeting with Tony Blair in Downing Street today when she called for European leaders to revive the EU constitution… She said the rejection of the constitutional treaty by the French and Dutch in referendums in the summer was not the end of the matter… The comments suggest that Mrs Merkel, whose Christian Democrats are tied into a grand coalition with the Social Democrats, may not shift German policy on the EU as much as British ministers and diplomats had hoped.”

Der Spiegel Online quoted on November 24 from several German newspapers, reporting about Merkel’s trip to France and England:

“The center-left Süddeutsche Zeitung thinks popular will for this change [in the relationship between the USA and Germany] is lacking, since Germans still don’t trust Washington. ‘Germany’s relationship to the United States has indeed suffered, but one reason for this climate change has been the presidency of George W. Bush … Merkel needs to build a good working relationship, but everything else will be ruled out by a simple grasp of domestic politics: A close relationship with Bush is poisonous.’… a retreat from Paris will help Berlin re-orient the shambling European Union, according to the financial daily Handelsblatt. ‘Europe is hoping for clear leadership from Berlin,’ writes its commentator. ‘Hopes are high not least because the other “big countries”–France, Britain and Italy–are being led by weakened governments … The left-wing Berliner Zeitung agrees, arguing Germany and France need to take a leading role in Europe. ‘But if they neglect or boss around the smaller nations, they won’t do well, and neither will Europe. Merkel knows this,’ writes the paper.”

On November 23, The Russian Pravda published the following comments about Angela Merkel’s upbringing in Communist Eastern Germany (GDR):

“The girl realized the importance of staying at the background, of being inconspicuous, and being better than the others in terms of studies. Angela also learned to separate her personal life from the public property as opposed to the Marxist theory. Merkel has never broken the rule since she became a well-known politician. She always kept her private life in a locker… she made a career both as an academic and a local leader of the Free German Youth, a Communist youth organization akin to the Soviet Komsomol. Although Merkel seems reluctant to speak about it these days, she was in charge of agitation and propaganda for the young Communists at the Academy. It was quite an achievement for the pastor’s daughter… Later Merkel has repeatedly said that the membership in the Communist youth organization was a must for those who wanted to study at the university in the GDR. Even if her ‘agitation and propaganda’ stint was a political maneuver, it shows Merkel’s ability to adjust to the circumstances. Perhaps her membership in the Communist youth organization was just a career requirement though she never did anything to challenge the regime of the GDR.”

The article continued:

“Merkel’s ideological convictions are hardly fit for accepting the ‘Rheinish capitalism’ traditional in West Germany, with its gentle demands on the citizens and social teachings of Catholicism… Merkel’s younger years in the GDR have undoubtedly formed in her a deep-rooted positive image of America, ‘the land of the free.’ She is a fundamentally pro-American not only with respect to historic discourse (she is confident that the unification of Germany would have never happened if the United States had not provided full support to the plan) but also regarding her political positions on the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. However, contrary to the allegations printed by some newspapers, she never demanded the deployment of a German military contingent in Iraq.”

On November 30, 2005, Reuters reported about Angela Merkel’s first major speech to the German parliament on Wednesday since replacing Gerhard Schroeder as German leader. The article stated:

“Chancellor Angela Merkel vowed on Wednesday that her new government would not be blackmailed by kidnappers holding a German woman in Iraq and called terrorism a threat to the country’s core values of freedom and tolerance… The kidnapping, the first of a German citizen in Iraq, has presented Merkel with her first major test… Merkel also said she expected the U.S. government to respond quickly to allegations the CIA has been operating secret prisons in Europe and has used airports in Germany and other European countries in secretly transporting detainees. Still, Merkel’s tough stance toward the kidnappers in Iraq and the tone of her speech, in which she mentioned the word ‘freedom’ seven times, contrasted sharply with the rhetoric of her predecessor and could be welcomed in Washington.”

However, Der Spiegel Online wrote on November 28, 2005:

“Don’t be fooled by the facade of harmony in Germany’s new grand coalition of conservatives and Social Democrats. Angela Merkel has only been chancellor for one week but she is already heading into a struggle with her foreign minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, for control over foreign policy.”

And that says a lot…

EU vs. UK

On November 11, news.telegraph.co.uk reported: “Blair is all alone in Britain’s EU rebate row.”

The article continued: “Tony Blair was left isolated in Europe last night after European Union leaders said that he would endanger plans for further enlargement of the community unless he surrendered billions of pounds from Britain’s annual budget rebate… At a bad-tempered meeting in Brussels, EU foreign ministers told Jack Straw, the Foreign Secretary, that maintaining the rebate would mean that Britain was not paying its fair share of the costs of expanding the bloc into eastern and central Europe… the French foreign minister, Philippe Douste-Blazy questioned why it [Britain] should get away with paying so little to its pet project… There were ‘ethical, moral, and political’ issues at stake, said Mr Douste-Blazy, adding that Britain would shoulder a ‘grave responsibility’ for the collapse of negotiations and the resulting damage to EU expansion… German and Italian ministers vowed not to pay ‘another cent’ into EU coffers, on top of what they agreed in June.”

European Debate Over Torture

On November 28, 2005, Der Spiegel Online reported about a development in Europe which paints Washington in a terrible light–but this time, it’s not limited to the USA. In any event, it shows the growing alienation between the USA and Europe. The article stated:

“A bitter debate over torture has erupted in Europe. Washington is believed to have used EU countries as transit points for moving terrorism suspects to clandestine locations where they may have been tortured. The Council of Europe and other organizations are now demanding answers — from the US and European countries who looked the other way.”

The article continued:

“In the past, the Europeans turned a blind eye to the Americans’ human rights violations. After all, Islamist terror was considered more dangerous and, more importantly, was being committed by a common enemy. But now European politicians have had enough… The German government will have some explaining to do, especially when it comes to charges that the German authorities turned a blind eye to the Americans having used their military base in Frankfurt am Main, which was just closed in October, Berlin’s Schönefeld Airport and the US military base in Ramstein essentially as European transfer stations for their secret prisoner transports… Berlin has yet to follow the lead of the Danish government, which insisted that the Pentagon discontinue flights in Danish airspace that are ‘incompatible with international conventions.’

“The Council of Europe also wants to know how the German government intends to ensure that such activities on the part of ‘foreign agencies’ are monitored in the future — and ‘to what extent domestic law provides for a suitable response to such violations of the law,’… In short, the Council of Europe wants to know what European governments intend to do about CIA agents being allowed to fly their prisoners across Europe with impunity. The Germans won’t be the only ones with some explaining to… The truth is that hardly any US ally in Europe has sufficiently met its obligation to comply with the requirements of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits any form of torture.”

Polluter China

On November 28, 2005, Der Spiegel Online reported:

“The chemical plant catastrophe on the Songhua River reveals the flipside of China’s economic miracle. Most of the country’s air and waterways are hopelessly polluted and the government has done little to address the problem. Instead, officials prefer to lie.”

The article continued:

“China is no longer merely the world’s factory. It is also the world’s toxic waste dump… Five of the world’s 10 most polluted cities are in China. More than two-thirds of all Chinese rivers and lakes are turning into sewers… and more than 360 million people have no access to clean drinking water. A toxic soup splashes through the country’s waterways, while people living along the banks die from cancer at above-average rates… The People’s Republic, which could soon surpass the United States as the world’s largest producer of greenhouse gases, has lost its ecological balance and is paying a heavy price as a result. About 400,000 people die prematurely each year because of the polluted air they breathe.”

Has Goliath Been Found?

According to an article by Independent Media Review Analysis (IMRA), dated November 10, 2005, “A very small ceramic sherd unearthed by Bar-Ilan University archaeologists digging at Tell es-Safi, the biblical city ‘Gath of the Philistines’, may hold a very large clue into the history of the well-known biblical figure Goliath. The sherd, which contains the earliest known Philistine inscription ever to be discovered, mentions two names that are remarkably similar to the name ‘Goliath’… The archaeological find may also be seen as the first clear extra-biblical evidence that the well-known biblical story of the battle between David and Goliath (and, in particular, the very existence of a figure such as Goliath during the biblical period) may be more than just a legend.”

For true Christians, there is of course no doubt that the Biblical records are accurate, and not mere legends. But perhaps, unbelieving man needs physical proof like this to give more attention and credence to God’s Holy Word.

The EU Accuses Israel

On November 25, 2005, a British paper, The Guardian, reported about a confidential Foreign Office document accusing “Israel of rushing to annex the Arab area of Jerusalem, using illegal Jewish settlement construction and the vast West Bank barrier, in a move to prevent it becoming a Palestinian capital.”

This development is remarkable, as Biblical prophecy reveals that the relationship between Europe and Israel will gradually deteriorate. The article of the Guardian continued:

“In an unusually frank insight into British assessments of Israeli intentions, the document says that Ariel Sharon’s government is jeopardising the prospect of a peace agreement by trying to put the future of Arab East Jerusalem beyond negotiation and risks driving Palestinians living in the city into radical groups. The document, obtained by the Guardian, was presented to an EU council of ministers meeting chaired by the foreign secretary, Jack Straw, on Monday with recommendations to counter the Israeli policy, including recognition of Palestinian political activities in East Jerusalem. But the council put the issue on hold until next month under pressure from Italy, according to sources, which Israel considers its most reliable EU ally.”

The Financial Times added on November 24, 2005:

“The European Union has severely criticised Israeli policies in east Jerusalem, saying they demonstrate a clear intention to consolidate Israel’s annexation of the Arab half of the city. The criticisms are in a report presented to EU foreign ministers this week but not yet publicly released… EU foreign ministers are set to discuss the report on December 12. It was prepared by British and EU representatives in Jerusalem and Ramallah. Britain currently holds the EU presidency.” The New Zealand Herald reported on November 25:

“European governments should consider direct intervention in an attempt to curb the systematic measures being undertaken by Israel to increase its control and population in the historically–and legally–Arab eastern sector of Jerusalem, a highly sensitive EU report concludes…The report provides the most detailed and remorselessly critical account yet produced by a Western international body of Israel’s policy in East Jerusalem, which has been occupied since its seizure in the 1967 Six Day War.”

UFOs a Real Threat?

PRWEB reported on November 24, 2005: “Paul Hellyer, Canada’s Defence Minister from 1963-67 under Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Prime Minister Lester Pearson, publicly stated: ‘UFOs are as real as the airplanes that fly over your head.’ … Mr. Hellyer went on to say, ‘I’m so concerned about what the consequences might be of starting an intergalactic war, that I just think I had to say something.’… Hellyer warned, ‘The United States military are preparing weapons which could be used against the aliens, and they could get us into an intergalactic war without us ever having any warning.’ He stated, ‘The Bush administration has finally agreed to let the military build a forward base on the moon, which will put them in a better position to keep track of the goings and comings of the visitors from space, and to shoot at them, if they so decide.'”

Whether or not weapons are being developed and employed to fight aliens, it is amazing that such beliefs are actually seriously held by some high-ranking governmental officials. The Bible reveals that there are NO aliens on other planets–but there ARE evil spirit beings masquerading as aliens. More importantly, the Bible foretells that Christ and His angels will return to this earth and that they will be engaged, at that time, in an outright war by powerful political and religious figures. Could it be that those deceived worldly powers will be motivated, in part, by their erroneous belief that they have to fight Christ and His angels, thinking they are hostile aliens?

The Terrible Curse of Abortion

On November 27, The Sunday Times in Britain published this alarming and sickening article on the terrible curse of abortion–and what happens if an abortion fails to “succeed”:

“A government agency is launching an inquiry into doctors’ reports that up to 50 babies a year are born alive after botched National Health Service abortions… babies aborted after more than 21 weeks and six days of gestation should have their hearts stopped by an injection of potassium chloride before being delivered. In practice, few doctors are willing or able to perform the delicate procedure. For the abortion of younger foetuses, labour is induced by drugs in the expectation that the infant will not survive the birth process. Guidelines say that doctors should ensure that the drugs they use prevent such babies being alive at birth… The number of terminations carried out in the 18th week of pregnancy or later has risen from 5,166 in 1994 to 7,432 last year. Prenatal diagnosis for conditions such as Down’s syndrome is increasing and foetuses with the condition are routinely aborted, even though many might be capable of leading fulfilling lives… Abortion on demand is allowed in Britain up to 24 weeks–more than halfway through a normal pregnancy and the highest legal limit for such terminations in Europe. France and Germany permit ‘social’ abortions only up to the 10th and 12th weeks respectively. Doctors are increasingly uneasy about aborting babies who could be born alive.”

Of course, it is not much different in the United States. According to an article in the LA Times, dated November 29, 2005, a prominent doctor who performs abortions admits that he “destroys lives.” The article continued:

“… abortion remains one of the most common surgical procedures for women. A quarter of all pregnancies end in abortion. A third of all American women will have had an abortion by the age of 45…”

The article then listed the age of those who have abortions: “Under 15: 1%; 15-19: 19%; 20-24: 33%; 25-29: 23%; 30-34: 13%; 35-39: 8%; 40-44: 3%.”

What these articles show is that aborted babies were viable human beings–and the attempted or real termination of their lives constitutes a transgression of God’s Law–the Ten Commandments. It is immaterial what man’s laws might allow–in God’s eyes, those who abort or participate in the procedure are guilty of an egregious SIN. For more information, please read our free booklet: “Are You Already Born Again?”

Ongoing Human Rights Abuses in Iraq?

On November 29, 2005, ABC News Online wrote about comments by former prime minister Iyad Allawi, “saying human rights abuses in Iraq were as bad now as they were under Saddam Hussein… Dr Allawi was Iraq’s first prime minister of the post-Saddam era but failed to win January’s election… Dr Allawi, who is a secular Shiite and has a seat in parliament, is critical of some Shiites in power viewing them as overly Islamic and too close to Iran. He told Sunday’s Observer that a lot of Iraqis were being killed in the course of interrogations. ‘People are doing the same as (in) Saddam Hussein’s time and worse,’ he said. ‘These are the precise reasons why we fought Saddam Hussein and now we are seeing the same things. We are hearing about secret police, secret bunkers where people are being interrogated,’ Dr Allawi said…”

Canada’s Political Scandals

The Christian Science Monitor wrote on November 30:

“Canadians are bracing for a bitter winter election after a coalition of Conservatives, Quebec separatists, and far-left progressives toppled the scandal-plagued Liberal government with a no-confidence vote on Monday night. Opposition leaders pushed for the Jan. 23 election, hoping to capitalize on a corruption scandal that has shaken public confidence in the Liberal Party that has ruled since 1993. Prime Minister Paul Martin and the Liberals, meanwhile, will try to persuade voters that Conservatives and their leader Stephen Harper are too right-wing for Canada… The Liberals’ woes stem from what’s known in Canada as the sponsorship scandal–revelations that tens of millions of dollars intended for national unity programs in Quebec during the 1990s were mis-spent as political graft and kickbacks.”

The US Dollar and The Euro

The Russian newspaper, Pravda, reported on November 28: “The rate of the US currency may hit the all-time minimum in 2006: the dollar may drop to 1.38 dollars per one euro, Citigroup analysts said. According to this forecast, the US dollar is likely to lose 20 percent of its value during the forthcoming year.. .The majority of Russian specialists share the opinion of Citigroup experts. They say that the ongoing reduction of the euro value on the international market is not connected with the US economic progress, but has something to do with political problems in the European Union. Indeed, the euro rate decreased during the German elections and the French riots. Brushing those reasons aside, one may say that there are no significant reasons for the euro to slide in the future.”

Hurricane Season Ended?

The Associated Press wrote on November 30: “The record-breaking 2005 Atlantic hurricane season officially ends on Wednesday but don’t tell that to residents of Bermuda, where a last-minute tropical storm, Epsilon, could still cause dangerous surf conditions, forecasters said. Epsilon, the 26th named storm of the busiest hurricane season on record, formed Tuesday in the central Atlantic.”

The article continued:

“The Atlantic hurricane season lasts for six months… The hurricane season has been a record-breaker in several ways. It has seen the most storms on record, beating the previous record of 21 named storms set in 1933. It has scored the most hurricanes at 13, beating the previous record of 12 set in 1969. It has also seen the most Category 5 hurricanes, the top-ranked storms on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale of hurricane activity. Of the 3 Category 5 storms this year, Katrina devastated New Orleans and killed over 1,200 in Louisiana and Mississippi, Rita pounded the Texas-Louisiana border and Wilma briefly became the most powerful Atlantic hurricane on record before ravaging the Mexican resort area around Cancun.”

The article went on to explain:

“Epsilon followed closely on the heels of Tropical Storm Delta, which left hundreds of thousands without power in Spain’s Canary Islands on Tuesday and killed seven in and around the popular tourist destination before dissipating over Morocco. The last five named cyclones of the season have been named after letters in the Greek alphabet because the official list of storm names for 2005 was exhausted.”

Some have used this passage to justify Christian participation in
pagan worship services. This is, however, not the meaning of 2 Kings
5:17-19, and the Bible, as a whole, clearly condemns such practices.
Before analyzing the passage in question, let us review what happened
before.

Beginning in verse 1 of 2 Kings 5, we find that Naaman
was the commander of the army of the king of Syria, a great and
honorable man, but a leper. With the king’s permission, Naaman went to
Israel to be healed by the prophet Elisha from his leprosy. Elisha did
not meet with Naaman, but told him through a messenger to wash in the
Jordan River seven times, to become clean. Naaman had expected to see
Elisha personally and reacted with anger regarding Elisha’s injunction,
belittling the Jordan River in comparison with the mighty rivers of
Syria. His servants persuaded him to obey Elisha, and when he did, he
was healed from his leprosy. Naaman went to Elisha and offered him a
gift, which Elisha refused to accept. Naaman also said: “Indeed, now I
know that there is no other God in all the earth, except in Israel”
(verse 15). Requesting “two mule-loads of earth,” he explained: “…
your servant will no longer offer either burnt offering or sacrifice to
other gods, but to the LORD” (verse 17).

He then continued to
say: “Yet in this thing may the LORD pardon your servant: when my
master goes into the temple of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on
my hand, and I bow down in the temple of Rimmon–when I bow down in the
temple of Rimmon, may the LORD please pardon your servant in this
thing” (verse 18). The record goes on to say, in verse 19: “Then he
[Elisha] said to him, ‘Go in peace.’ So he departed from him…”

Matthew
Henry’s Commentary points out, correctly, that both requests of Naaman
are dubious, to say the least: “1. In one instance he over-did it, that
he would not only worship the God of Israel, but he would have clods of
earth out of the prophet’s garden… He that a while ago had spoken
very slightingly of the waters of Israel (v. 12) now is in another
extreme, and over-values the earth of Israel, supposing that an altar
of that earth would be most acceptable to him. 2. In another instance
he under-did it, that he reserved to himself the liberty to bow in the
house of Rimmon, in complaisance to the king his master, and according
to the duty of his place at court (v. 18)… If, in covenanting with
God, we make a reservation for any known sin, which we will continue to
indulge ourselves in, that reservation is a defeasance of his covenant.
We must cast away all our transgressions and not except any house of
Rimmon. If we ask for a dispensation to go on in any sin for the
future, we mock God, and deceive ourselves.”

The Broadman Bible
Commentary points out that Naaman’s “desire for dirt from Israel [was] closely linked to the common belief that gods were identified with the
land itself–an attitude that continued even in Israel for an
embarrassingly long period of time… Naaman’s second request dealt
with the necessity of accompanying his master when he worshipped
Rimmon… the god of storm and rain… Elisha apparently grants both
requests…”

The Ryrie Study Bible concurs, stating that “Elisha
assured him that God would understand…” But did he? Did Elisha permit
Naaman to worship idols in the temple of Rimmon? If he did, why did he
do it? And, why did Elisha not clearly prohibit Naaman from doing so?

The New Bible Commentary: Revised points out the difficulty with this passage, by stating:

“Elisha’s
answer is non-committal, but it has given scholars all sorts of
problems in former generations, and even led to establishing an
artificial difference between true worship of the false god and joining
in the ritual act without any faith in the act.”

But such
“difference” is in fact only “artificial”–that is, without value or
accuracy. After all, Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:16-22: “The cup
of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of
Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body
of Christ? For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all
partake of that one bread. Observe Israel after the flesh: Are not
those who eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? What am I
saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is
anything? Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they
sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have
fellowship with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the
cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table
of demons. Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than
He?”

As we explain on page 18 of our booklet, “Don’t Keep
Christmas,” Paul was referring here to the common religious practice of
many to incorporate pagan rituals in their worship of God. Paul
specifically prohibited true Church members to do that. We also note
that Daniel’s three friends refused to bow down before the image or
idol erected by King Nebuchadnezzar, and that they were willing to die
for their refusal to do so (compare Daniel 3).

We also read
Paul’s clear command in 2 Corinthians 6:16-17: “And what agreement has
the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living
God… Therefore, ‘Come out from among them And be separate, says the
Lord…'” Paul tells us to come out of pagan temples and forsake pagan
religious worship–not, to go into those temples and participate in
false religious ceremonies.

Why, then, did Elisha omit to give a similarly strongly-worded prohibition to Naaman?

From
the narrative, we should be able to see that Naaman was just at the
very beginning stage of understanding small portions of God’s truth.
Although he sounded sincere, he might have been one “who hears the word
and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself,
but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution
arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles” (Matthew
13:20-21). Even though, Naaman specifically requested of Elisha to
FORGIVE him his conduct of accompanying the king into the temple of
Rimmon and to bow down there with him. This means, Naaman seemed to
have understood that bowing down in front of an idol was wrong–even
though he would do it in compliance with his duties toward the king. A
modern-day example would be if we would accompany our employer into his
church and knelt down in front of the statue of a “saint.” No true
Christian should ever do this.

IF Elisha expressly permitted
Naaman to accompany his master into a pagan temple and to bow down
before a pagan idol, then, based on the clear instructions of the
Biblical record, such permission would have been against God’s perfect
Will. Many commentaries feel, however, that Elisha’s conduct cannot be
viewed as an express permission.

Jamieson, Fausset and Brown
state: “Elisha’s prophetic commission not extending to any but the
conversion of Israel from idolatry, he makes no remark, either
approving or disapproving, on the declared course of action, but simply
gives… the parting benediction.” Soncino concurs with this
understanding and adds that Elisha left the apparent inconsistency in
Naaman’s proposed conduct up to Naaman’s own judgment.

Regardless
of how to view Elisha’s conduct in Naaman’s case, the Biblical teaching
for us today is very clear: True Christians must not participate in
pagan worship services, nor must they participate in “Christian”
services and activities which are derived from paganism. God
specifically prohibited ancient Israel, and He prohibits us today, to
inquire how the pagans worshipped their gods, and to adopt their
practices in our worship of the true God (compare Deuteronomy
12:29-32). As Paul very clearly explained: We CANNOT partake of the
Lord’s table and of the table of demons, as we would thereby have
fellowship with demons. To apply God’s prohibition to our day and age,
at least three obvious examples come to mind: A true Christian must not
bow down before the statue of an idol–regardless of what “Christian”
name might be given to that statue. He must not participate in the
celebration of religious holidays which are clearly derived from
paganism, such as Sunday, Christmas and Easter. And, he must not
partake of weekly “communion” in “Christian” churches which have
adopted most of their teachings from pagan beliefs and practices.

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

The German translation of our booklet, “God Is A Family,” (“Gott ist
eine Familie”) was finalized and completed, and will be placed soon on
our Websites. In addition to several German articles, we have posted
three more German booklets on our Websites (http://www.eternalgod.org/german/, www.globalchurchoofgod.co.uk, and http://www.churchofgodacf.ca/german), namely: “Deutschland in der
Prophezeiung” (“Germany in Prophecy”); “Evolution–ein Maerchen fuer
Erwachsene?” (“Evolution–a Fairy Tale for Adults?”) and “Die
Schluessel zur gluecklichen Ehe und Familie” (“The Keys to Happy
Marriages and Families”). We are presently working on the German
translation of our booklet, “Is God a Trinity?”

A new StandingWatch program on Christmas is scheduled to be recorded Friday December 2nd, 2005.

On November 26, 2005, Norbert Link will give the sermon, titled, “Who Is Your Lord?”

The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at 12:30 pm Pacific Time (which is 2:30 pm Central Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

Prioritizing things in our lives is a vital key to meaningful accomplishment. We organize our actions with the goal of putting first things first!

God shows us that we must place Him first in our lives: “‘ You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength'” (Deuteronomy 6:5). In quoting this part of God’s Word, Jesus taught that, “‘This is the first and great commandment'” (Matthew 22:38). Also, in Deuteronomy 5, verse 7, God states: “‘You shall have no other gods before Me.'”

For mankind, the first priority is, and should be, to yield to and obey their Creator. Obviously, this is not being done–nor has it been the precedence for most people since the time God first placed humans on the earth.

For those who believe God, a starting point–a first step–is to make the right choice. Here is God’s ringing declaration to each one of us: “‘I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live'” (Deuteronomy 30:19).

Having been called, we who have repented, who have been baptized and who have remained faithful, have shown our willingness to put God first. We have chosen life. We are following what Jesus taught us to do: “‘But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you'” (Matthew 6:33).

This statement from Jesus was the culmination of a point He was making concerning the other things that might tend to overwhelm us and crowd out our first priority. Furthermore, Jesus draws this comparison: “‘For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?'” (Luke 9:25).

Putting God first in our own lives is a choice we have made. Now, we must stay true to our decision, and if we do, God has promised to grant us eternal life with Him and His Son in their everlasting Kingdom. For us, that goal must take priority! It is a matter of putting first things first–in fact, finishing what we have begun is truly an issue of life and death.

Peter addressed this: “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble” (2 Peter 1:10).

Make this goal that God has established for us a priority–indeed, in our continued obedience to God, make it the most important thing!

Merkel New German Chancellor

On Tuesday, November 22, 2005, East German Angela Merkel was elected and sworn in as the first German female chancellor. The national and international reactions were mixed:

AFP (“Agence France Presse”) reported: “Angela Merkel made history when she was elected German chancellor, becoming the first woman, the first from the former communist east and the youngest person to lead Europe’s biggest economy. She received an overwhelming majority — 397 of the 611 valid ballots — in a vote in the Bundestag lower house of parliament.” The paper described Merkel, a trained physician, as the “self-effacing pastor’s daughter who lacks the charisma and occasional flamboyance of her predecessor Schroeder… She has undergone an astounding transformation since serving in the cabinet of her mentor Helmut Kohl, who gave her the affectionate but condescending nickname ‘the girl’ [‘das Maedchen’]. Merkel rocketed to the top of the party in 2000 after publicly calling for Kohl’s ouster — a brazen move that made her several powerful enemies.”

The Associated Press added:

“Angela Merkel was elected Tuesday as Germany’s first female chancellor, taking power at the helm of an unwieldy alliance of the right and left that now officially has the job of turning around Europe’s biggest economy… Merkel will need all the help she can get as her government, made up of politicians who until a few weeks ago were partisan opponents, tackles chronically high unemployment, currently at 11 percent, and lagging economic growth.”

Der Spiegel Online published the following insightful comments:

“Angela Merkel made history on Tuesday, as the German parliament elected her as the country’s first-ever female chancellor. But she will need plenty of determination and a healthy dose of passion if she is to make her government a success… On paper, Germany’s two largest political camps will have a commanding majority in the lower house, the Bundestag. But Tuesday’s vote tells another story. Merkel received 397 votes — 51 fewer than what CDU/CSU and SPD have in total. Granted, that far surpasses the parliamentary working majority of 308, but it could augur ill for Merkel’s efforts to pursue tough yet necessary reforms in the future… Unlike her congenial predecessor Gerhard Schröder, she finds it difficult to connect to people… The response to her proposed program of tax hikes and spending cuts has been muted, to say the least. And unless she can convince her fellow Germans that such sacrifices will lead the country to better days, there is the real danger the steps the government is considering could do as much harm as good.

“Anyone who has spent time in Germany recently is aware the country is deeply mired in a CRISIS OF CONFIDENCE. Germans are almost pathologically PESSIMISTIC about their future prospects and they frequently UNDERESTIMATE THE GROWTH POTENTIAL of the world’s third-largest economy.”

AFP reported on November 23, 2005, about Merkel’s first official visit with a foreign government since her appointment as German chancellor:

“German Chancellor Angela Merkel took her bow on the international stage in Paris where she and President Jacques Chirac underscored the Franco-German alliance at the heart of the European Union. Merkel, who took office Tuesday, made France her first foreign destination as leader of Europe’s biggest economy in a gesture seen as affirmation of the strength of their partnership. ‘This is not about ritual, it is about a deep conviction that a strong relationship between Germany and France is both necessary and beneficial for Europe,’ Merkel [said]… Chirac said the two nations were united in their wish for ‘a political and social Europe’ and that ‘a truly strong Franco-German axis’ was necessary for the 25-member European Union. Calling their countries’ reconciliation following World War II a ‘miracle’ of history, Merkel said the ‘relationship must be nurtured, must continue to develop, must remain full of life.’… ‘I believe the challenges of globalisation force us to act together in Europe: Germany and France, with their notions about the social market economy, about globalisation, should be driving forces, ‘she said… In Paris, she stressed that France and Germany had a ‘shared duty’ to help development of the new EU states of central and eastern Europe… Merkel said she wished to keep up the rhythm of Franco-German meetings developed under her Social Democrat predecessor, Gerhard Schroeder, and invited Chirac to visit Berlin in early December.”

Farewell to Schroeder

On November 13, 2005, The LA Times published a piece on Gerhard Schroeder, former German chancellor, who left office after seven years of leadership. The article pointed out:

“Schroeder… restored Germans’ confidence in their country’s handling of world affairs, most notably through his vigorous opposition to the Iraq war… In 2002, down in the polls by almost 20 percentage points, he led the Social Democrats to a startling reelection victory against the Christian Democrats. The turnaround was credited to Schroeder’s shrewd exploitation of German opposition to the Iraq war, and his everyman ability to connect with and provide assistance for families who lost homes in a spate of summer floods… The son of a cleaning woman widowed by the war, Schroeder grew up a poor outsider in Lower Saxony… many Germans empathized with him when he visited Romania in 2004 and paused at the grave of a German soldier he never met: his father… In one of its most passionate debates in decades, Parliament in 1999 voted to send peacekeeping troops to Kosovo. The decision broke the post-World War II psychological barrier against dispatching German troops to other countries. Schroeder argued that Germany had to accept its responsibility in a new Europe. The chancellor agreed to send soldiers to help U.S. forces in Afghanistan, but Schroeder’s refusal to deploy German troops to Iraq revealed Berlin’s evolving independent streak. ‘During my leadership, Germany won’t take part in any attack on Iraq,’ Schroeder said. The policy damaged relations with the Bush administration and reminded both countries that Cold War alliances were being recalibrated…

“Germany under Schroeder became a ‘counterpoint to U.S. politics in the last three or four years,’ said Lothar Probst, a political analyst at Bremen University. ‘People in Europe said he was courageous.’… Schroeder also irritated Washington with his friendship with Russian President Vladimir V. Putin, who helped him and his fourth wife, Doris Schroeder-Koepf, adopt a Russian child in 2004. Schroeder was often criticized in the German media for not condemning Moscow’s harsh military action in Chechnya. His warm relationship with Putin and strained one with Bush ‘was one of the weaker points of his chancellorship,’ Probst said.”

Baptist Father Jailed in Germany

Bild Online reported on November 18, 2005, that in Paderborn, West Germany, a 42-year-old father was sentenced to 10 days in jail, for refusing to send his child to school. The father is a Baptist and opposed to some of the teachings in German public schools, including courses on sex and evolution. In Germany, school attendance is mandatory, and home schooling is not considered a viable alternative.

Dangerous Chemicals

On November 17, 2005, Der Spiegel published a remarkable article, asking the question: “Are Your Cosmetics Killing You?” The article explained:

“The European chemical industry uses about 100,000 substances to produce such beneficial consumer products as rubber ducks, insulation material, emulsion paints and night creams. But the astonishing thing is that most of these everyday chemicals, though in use for decades, have never been or have only been insufficiently tested for their potential toxicity… In truth, Europe has been criminally negligent in addressing the problem of existing chemicals. Meanwhile, consumers are rubbing chemicals into their armpits and washing their underwear with substances whose long-term effects are often unknown.

“For example, many cosmetics contain the preservative imidurea, which is suspected of causing genetic damage. Under current law, dyes used in clothing are not required to be tested for adverse effects on the skin, even though some are said to cause allergies… Last year, 40 members of the EU Parliament were able to experience first-hand just how urgent the problem of existing chemicals is. In a study commissioned by the World Wide Fund for Nature, researchers found a cocktail of 76 different synthetic substances when they analyzed the politicians’ blood samples. Their arteries, it turned out, were conduits for the residues of brominated flame retardants, softening agents, fluorine chemicals and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)… [which is] considered carcinogenic…”

European Nationalist Parties Unite

On November 18, 2005, canadafreepress.com reported that “Nationalist parties from seven European countries convened in Vienna last weekend to join forces. The ‘patriotic and nationalist parties and movements’ signed a so-called ‘Vienna Declaration’ calling for a stop to immigration in the entire European Union and the defence of Europe against ‘terrorism, aggressive islamism, superpower imperialism and economic aggression by low-wage countries.’ The parties also reject the European Constitution and demand that ‘geographically, culturally, religiously and ethnically non-European territories in Asia and Africa’ will be excluded from joining the European Union… The participants were invited by the Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ) and included Jean-Marie Le Pen’s Front National from France, Alessandra Mussolini’s Azione Sociale from Italy, the Spanish Alternativa Española, the anti-Hungarian Great Romania Party, the openly anti-Semite Bulgarian party Ataka, and Belgium’s largest party, the Vlaams Belang. The Italian Lega Nord, the Danish People’s Party and Poland’s governing Law and Justice were not present but are said to have sent their greetings… Up till now the animosity between Jean-Marie Le Pen and FPÖ leader Jörg Haider had made international cooperation impossible. Le Pen and Haider each regarded themselves as the leading figure of the European nationalist right. Last April, however, the FPÖ split and Haider founded a new party, the BZÖ. With Le Pen growing older, Filip Dewinter, the charismatic strongman of the Vlaams Belang (VB), is generally seen as the new man to lead the European nationalist right.”

However, one should not rule out Joerg Haider too quickly. Recently, he made some headlines in the press, demanding that the religious affiliation of religious schoolteachers, as well as their teaching, are to be approved by the Austrian government, as the government is employing and paying them; and he has made new overtures for running in the next 2006 government election.

Sharon’s New Party

On November 21, 2205, der Spiegel Online published an article about “Sharon’s New Party.” The magazine wrote:

“Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s decision to leave the Likud Party in order to set up his own party [for new elections expected in March] has shattered Israel’s political landscape. The divisions in his old party are mirrored in Israel’s deeply conflicted society… Israeli commentators weren’t shy about how they described Sharon’s move: Army Radio said ‘Sharon dropped a bomb’ that would cause a ‘political earthquake.’ The newspaper Maariv went even further, labeling it a ‘political big bang.’… The divided nation–those who oppose making concessions to the Palestinians against those willing to sacrifice land for peace–has helped to reshape the country’s politics… Without Sharon at the helm, Likud is widely expected to lurch to the right. Former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu–a fierce opponent of the Gaza withdrawal–is expected to have the best shot at taking over the remaining rump of the party… Following Sharon’s announcement, Israel’s parliament decided in a preliminary vote on Monday to dissolve itself.” Subsequently, Israel’s president dissolved the parliament and determined March 28 as the day for new elections

President Bush Under Attack

On November 22, 2005, the British “Daily Mirror” published a highly controversial article about an alleged personal conversation, in April of 2004, between President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair about an alleged contemplated bombing of an Arab TV station. The tabloid stated: “President Bush planned to bomb Arab TV station al-Jazeera in friendly Qatar, a ‘Top Secret’ No 10 memo reveals. But he was talked out of it at a White House summit by Tony Blair, who said it would provoke a worldwide backlash… The attack would have led to a massacre of innocents on the territory of a key ally, enraged the Middle East and almost certainly have sparked bloody retaliation… Yesterday former Labour Defence Minister Peter Kilfoyle challenged Downing Street to publish the five-page transcript of the two leaders’ conversation. He said: ‘It’s frightening to think that such a powerful man as Bush can propose such cavalier actions.'”

The tabloid which has been highly critical of Iraq’s invasion from the outset, added the following highly charged remarks: “The No 10 memo now raises fresh doubts over US claims that previous attacks against al-Jazeera staff were military errors. In 2001 the station’s Kabul office was knocked out by two ‘smart’ bombs. In 2003, al-Jazeera reporter Tareq Ayyoub was killed in a US missile strike on the station’s Baghdad centre.”

The European and American press, including Der Spiegel, The Associated Press, AFP, the Austrian Network, and The Washington Post, have quoted extensively from the Daily Mirror’s article. According to AP and AFP, the official governmental reaction to the article was indecisive. AFP stated on November 22: “A Downing Street spokesman said: ‘We have got nothing to say about this story. We don’t comment on leaked documents.’ And The Associated Press added, on November 22: “‘We are not interested in dignifying something so outlandish and inconceivable with a response,’ White House spokesman Scott McClellan told The Associated Press in an e-mail.”

On November 23, the British “The Times” reported about an unprecedented development in Britain: “Newspapers editors were threatened with prosecution under the Official Secrets Act last night if they published details of a conversation between Tony Blair and George Bush in which the President is alleged to have suggested bombing al-Jazeera, the Arab news network. Lord Goldsmith, the Attorney-General, informed newspapers editors including that of The Times that ‘publication of a document that has been unlawfully disclosed by a Crown servant could be in breach of Section 5 of the Official Secrets Act’… Charges under the Official Secrets Act have to be approved by the Attorney-General. His involvement suggests the prosecution intends to hold part, if not all, of the trial, behind closed doors.”

1 Corinthians 15:20 says that “…Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the FIRSTFRUITS of those who have fallen asleep.” James 1:18, however, refers to Christ’s true disciples, in this day and age, calling THEM firstfruits: “Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of FIRSTFRUITS of His creatures.”

We also read in additional passages that true Christians, who are called to the truth and to salvation in this day and age, are referred to as “firstfruits”:

Revelation 14:4 says: “These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being FIRSTFRUITS to God and to the Lamb.”

In Romans 16:5, Epaeneteus is called “the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ.” 1 Corinthians 16:15 refers to the household of Stephanus as the “firstfruits of Achaia.”

These Scriptures, and many others, point out a sequence or time order–they refer both to the time of calling, and, mainly, to the time of the resurrection. Although some were called to the truth in Old Testament times (compare Hebrews 11), most true disciples of Christ were called for salvation since the beginning of the New Testament church, in A.D. 31, when the Holy Spirit was given to Christ’s apostles and disciples. Romans 8:23 says that Paul and others had “the firstfruits of the Spirit.” In addition to the time sequence of calling, the risen Christ became the FIRST or the “firstfruits” of those being resurrected from the dead, as an immortal spirit being and a glorified member of the God Family. Christ’s true disciples in this day and age will be resurrected or changed to immortality at the time of Christ Second Coming. But they, too, are just the firstfruits of many others who will be resurrected from the dead AFTER Christ’s Return.

When God was dealing with Israel of old, He required of them the firstfruits of the land derived from their labors. This included the first ripe of fruits, grain, oil, wine, and first of fleece plus honey. These were required of the people as an offering. These offerings were to be free of blemish, presented at the tabernacle, and were given by God to the priests for their work at the altar.

But was there any other reason God required “firstfruits” at that time other than looking for obedience in His people? Several Scriptures in the Old Testament give a hint that there was much more to what God was doing.

In Leviticus 23:10-17, we read of the requirement of the wave-sheaf offering. In addition to its significance in the counting of days in arriving at Pentecost–also called the Feast of Firstfruits–the significance attached to the waving of the sheaf of the firstfruits and the waving of the two baked loaves are most important in revealing God’s intent. The sheaf of the firstfruits represented Christ as the first of the firstfruits; and the two loaves represented those God has called down through the ages who, if faithful to their calling, will make up the firstfruits of God whom He will use as He establishes His Kingdom on this earth! Although some have felt that the two loaves represent those called into the truth in Old and New Testament times, it is much more likely, based on the Biblical evidence, that these two loaves represent all of those called, from the creation of man until the time of Christ’s Return, both from the tribes of Israel and from non-Israelite nations–the “Gentiles.”

Christ, being the first of the firstfruits, was the first to be resurrected from the dead and has returned to the Father to carry on with His duties of our High Priest and Mediator or Advocate, intervening before God on our behalf, as was pictured by the waving of the sheaf of the firstfruits.

When Christ returns to the earth to establish His Kingdom, those who have died in Christ, will be resurrected first to immortality and glory to meet Him in the air. Then those who are living and faithful to their calling will also be changed into spirit and will rise to meet their King in the air! This was pictured by the waving of the two loaves, making no difference as to their national or racial origin or heritage. Christ, along with those who are with Him, will then descend to the earth and He will stand in that day on the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4).

Yes, Christ is the first of the firstfruits, and those who are His at His coming are the firstfruits of God.

1 Corinthians 15:22-23 tells us: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the FIRSTFRUITS, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.” The two resurrections noted here–Christ, in His day, and those at His coming–are represented by the wave sheaf offering and the Day of Pentecost [the Feast of Firstfruits].

1 Corinthians 15:24, still speaking about the resurrection from the dead, continues: “Then comes the end…” The balance of mankind will have the opportunity to be brought into the Kingdom later. This is pictured in God’s festivals: the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day. All of mankind will eventually have the opportunity to enter into and to have a part in God’s Kingdom. When this aspect of God’s plan is completed, Christ will deliver “the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death… the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him [God the Father], that God may be all in all” (verses 24-26, 28).

Once God calls an individual, in the order and at the time God has established, he will be required to be faithful to that calling in order to have the wonderful opportunity to live for eternity in that great Kingdom! For further information, please read our free booklet, “God’s Commanded Holy Days.”

Lead Writer: Edwin Pope

Our new booklet, “Are YOU Predestined to Be Saved?”, was sent to the printer in Canada this week. The booklet was also posted on our Website.

Book Smarts

by Laura Harris (35)

If you’ve ever gone to the supermarket, you can’t overlook the numerous “self help” magazines at the check-out counter. These magazines entice readers with “how to” advice on an array of topics, including personal relationships, child rearing, money management, spirituality, health and career advancement. The same advice is doled out in highly touted books as well. According to BarnesandNoble.com, the following are several best-selling books year-to-date:

— “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren (Pastor)
— “Your Best Life Now” by Joel Osteen (Televangelist)
— “Natural Cures ‘They’ Don’t Want You to Know About” by Kevin Trudeau (Convicted Felon)
— “The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke” by Suze Orman (Talk Show Host)
— “He’s Just Not That Into You” by Greg Behrendt (Comedian/Singer)

Human reasoning pushes people to look toward others for “expert” advice and direction in their life choices. Sadly, most do not find what they are seeking. The Bible is the one book individuals need most in answering their questions, but it is often the least sought book in finding answers to many of life’s problems. While some self-help books can be beneficial, THE Book – given by the Creator – is the ultimate guide for life.