On Saturday, October 23, 2004, Norbert Link will be giving the sermon, titled, “Balanced Christian Living.”

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.

From all the reports that we have received, attendees at our Feast sites in the United States and England had an enjoyable, uplifting and spiritually refreshing time. The messages that were delivered should help us on our journey toward the Kingdom of God. As the old saying goes, “And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14). Feast messages, as well as weekly Sabbath sermons, are given by God’s “preachers” or ministers, as well as those who have been selected by the ministry: “And how shall they preach unless they are sent?” (verse 15).

Many understand the need for true and faithful ministers of Christ, who have proven, through their service and dedication to the truth, that they CAN be trusted. But due to the disappointments in times past, when the teaching, behavior and approach by certain ministers fell far short of the required standard, some have concluded that NO minister can or should be followed. They have set themselves on a course of constant criticism
— trying to find fault with the messages delivered — only to find a reason as why NOT to follow.

This is not the attitude we ought to have regarding true and faithful ministers of God. Rather, “As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!'” (Romans 10:15).

It is true, of course, that we are not to follow a minister — even a true minister of God — when he deviates from the Word of truth or acts in a way that is opposed to true Christianity. This does not mean, however, that we are to spend all of our time in desperately looking for mistakes. Since nobody is perfect, mistakes will be made, and if we look long and hard, we will find them. If that is all we are looking for, we are judged by the Bible as self-righteous, proud, and contentious. This is not the attitude, which the proverbial Bereans had. Rather, we read: “These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all READINESS, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). They did not accept and follow blindly, what was preached. They compared what was said with the Scriptures. They SEARCHED the Scriptures to see whether these things were so. Notice, however: They did NOT search the Scriptures to “establish” that these things were NOT so. Their attitude was one of wanting to accept the truth, not one of wanting to find error!

What was the consequence? “THEREFORE many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men” (verse 12).

The ministry of God is here to serve and feed God’s sheep. God’s sheep will recognize the voice of God, as it is being preached through His shepherds, and they will follow them (John 10:1-5). This is the attitude we ought to have toward God’s ministry, as so strongly and boldly put by John, an apostle of Jesus Christ: “We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us” (1 John 4:6). Didn’t Christ Himself say: “If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.” (John 15:20)? And: “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word” (John 17:20)?

Someone who rejects God’s ministers, thinking that he has no need of them, is in mortal spiritual danger. God gave the ministry to the body of Christ to edify, strengthen and enlighten the body (compare Ephesians 4:11-16).

Paul encouraged the brethren to follow him, as he followed Christ. He URGED the brethren to follow or imitate him (1 Corinthians 4:16). He said: “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). He reminded the Thessalonians that they “became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 1:6). Paul did not preach: “Don’t trust us! Rely on your own understanding. There is no minister whom you could trust or follow.” No, Paul preached exactly the opposite.

Paul had proven, through his converted life, that he was approved of God. And as such, he could and should be followed. He held fast the faithful word as he had been taught (compare Titus 1:9). He, as well as all of those with the same mindset, kept and would keep Christ’s word, never denying His name (compare Revelation 3:8).

In these last days, God has preserved faithful ministers to lead and serve His body — the Church. Christ said that the “gates of hell (in Greek, Hades)” would never prevail against it (Matthew 16:18), and that He would be always with His Church — until the very end of this age (Matthew 28:19-20). For, so He said, the gospel of the kingdom of God will be preached (through God’s faithful ministry, which is supported by the body of Christ) in all the world as a witness unto all nations, and THEN the end WILL come (Matthew 24:14). The end has not yet arrived. The Church of God still has a job to do. And true and faithful ministers are needed, as well as the loyal and dedicated flock, to carry out this job. Many are waiting to hear God’s truth: “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:14). And so, Paul continues, as we read earlier: “And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (verse 14). This world, as well as God’s Church, NEEDS true ministers of God. Christ tells us that we are to pray: “…The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore PRAY the Lord of the harvest to SEND OUT laborers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38).

Why the ministry? To help fulfill the job that God has given His Church to do. And what a great and awesome job it is!

Halloween — the Feast of the Devil!

On October 15, 2004, CNN.com ran an interesting article regarding this year’s celebration of Halloween, as it falls on a Sunday. Many claim that Halloween, as a celebration for the devil, should not be kept on Sunday, the “Lord’s Day, the Day of Jesus,” but should be kept on Saturday, instead. The interesting fact is that Saturday, NOT Sunday, is the “Lord’s Day” (compare Mark 2:28), and that Halloween is recognized as Satan’s feast. We must ask: Why, in the world, would ANYONE want to celebrate Halloween, recognizing the fact of WHO is worshipped on that day? CNN reported:

“Across the Bible Belt this Halloween, some little ghosts and goblins might get shooed away by the neighbors — and some youngsters will not be allowed to go trick-or-treating at all — because the holiday falls on a Sunday this year. ‘It’s a day for the good Lord, not for the devil,’ said Barbara Braswell… Some towns around the country are decreeing that Halloween be celebrated on Saturday to avoid complaints from those who might be offended by the sight of demons and witches ringing their doorbell on the Sabbath… ‘You just don’t do it on Sunday,’ said Sandra Hulsey of Greenville, Georgia. ‘That’s Christ’s day. You go to church on Sunday, you don’t go out and celebrate the devil. That’ll confuse a child.'” At least for those true Christians and others, who refuse to celebrate Halloween, this debate might help them. As CNN stated: “With so many towns split over when Halloween should be celebrated, many are going with a porch-light compromise: If people do not want trick-or-treaters, they simply turn off their lights, and parents are asked not to have kids knock there.”

Halloween Madness

“According to the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) 2004 Halloween survey, total Halloween spending is estimated to grow 5.4 percent to 3.12 billion from $2.96 billion last year” (cnnmoney 10/16/04).

This article, appearing on CNN/Money’s web site continues with these astounding statistics: “The report said Halloween is the sixth-largest spending holiday of the year. The winter holidays top the list at $219.9 billion in sales followed by $12.79 billion spent on Valentine’s Day, $10.47 billion spent on Easter, $10.43 billion spent on Mother’s Day and $8.04 billion for Father’s Day.”

All of this is occurring in the United States. In this light consider the results of a Pew Research Center for the People & the Press survey report from December 19, 2002: “Religion is much more important to Americans than to people living in other wealthy nations. Six-in-ten (59%) people in the U.S. say religion plays a very important role in their lives. This is roughly twice the percentage of self-avowed religious people in Canada (30%), and an even higher proportion when compared with Japan and Western Europe” (www.people-press.org).

One must wonder at the commercialism of what passes for religion in America. God reveals that the modern descendants of Jacob’s birthright would indeed talk about religion: “‘Hear this, O house of Jacob, Who are called by the name of Israel, And have come forth from the wellsprings of Judah; Who swear by the name of the LORD, And make mention of the God of Israel, BUT NOT IN TRUTH OR IN RIGHTEOUSNESS'” (Isaiah 48:1).

You can find the Biblical truth of these practices and about what Christians should and should not observe in our free booklets: “God’s Commanded Holy Days,” and “Don’t Keep Christmas.” In addition, please note our comprehensive discussion on Halloween in the Q&A of Update #114, dated October 24, 2003. All of these are available at www.eternalgod.org.

God’s Word No Place in the EU?

On October 11, 2004, www.eubusiness.com reported about the EU’s rejection of “the nomination of the proposed new commissioner for justice because of his views on homosexuals.” The article explained: “The parliament’s civil liberties committee voted by 27 to 26 to reject the nomination of Italy’s Rocco Buttiglione, a devout Roman Catholic, as Justice, Security and Liberty commissioner in the new 25-member college that takes office at the end of this month. During confirmation hearings Buttiglione outraged some members of the parliament with his views on homosexuality, which he called ‘a sin’…”

Most shocking is the way in which this incident was reported. For instance, the German tabloid Bild castigated Buttiglione for having voiced such an antiquated view, stemming from the Middle Ages. German politicians were quoted as saying that such a viewpoint does not belong in today’s Europe. This might not be that surprising, as there are several high-ranking politicians in Germany, who are known to be homosexuals. In other words, what is being told to us is that God’s Word, the Bible, must be rejected and does not belong in today’s Europe. This is an interesting assessment, indeed!

Iran’s Missiles

On September 25, 2004, WorldNetDaily published a frightening report about the capacity of Iran’s nuclear missiles. The article stated: “Iran said today it has successfully test-fired a long-range ‘strategic missile’ and delivered it to its armed forces, saying it is now prepared to deal with any regional threats and even the ‘big powers.’ Iran’s new missiles can reach London, Paris, Berlin and southern Russia, according to weapons and intelligence analysts…. The news comes shortly after Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards staged military maneuvers near the border with Iraq, seen as a signal to Washington Tehran is prepared to fight back against any attempts to prevent the development of a nuclear reactor that could be used to make weapons-grade plutonium.”

How England’s Press Views Iraq

The British newspaper, The Week, published the following article on September 25:

“For once, Tony Blair is ‘telling the unvarnished truth,’ said the Daily Mail. We are indeed engaged in a horrific new conflict in Iraq. But if Iraq is now the ‘crucible’ of the war on terror, it is Blair who has helped make it so by joining America’s reckless invasion in the first place. Be that as it may, said The Independent, ‘Blair’s judgment is sound on one point’. This is not the time for anyone to ‘wobble’ over the election timetable. ‘Having so abysmally failed in our promises to bring peace to Iraq, the very least we can do now is stick to our pledge on elections.'”

The article continued: “If the coalition is to achieve that formidable task, said The Times, it will need all the help it can get from the U.N. To that end, Kofi Annan has not helped matters by ‘raking over the past with his highly debatable and essentially irrelevant comments about the legality of the intervention’. We should be looking forward, not back, said the Washington Post. In his relentlessly upbeat speech, he [President Bush] refused to admit to the worsening situation on the ground, still less give any clue as to how he proposes to respond to it. This ‘duck-and-cover’ strategy may play well politically, ‘but it is also deeply irresponsible and potentially dangerous.”

In a related article, the paper stated:

“Iraq: the warnings Blair ignored… A cache of secret documents, leaked to the Daily Telegraph last week, has revealed that some of Tony Blair’s closest advisors warned him repeatedly of the perils of invading Iraq… There was, after all, no real justification for it — as Peter Rickens, the Foreign Office policy director, bluntly informed Blair. ‘Even the best survey of Iraq’s WMD programmes will not show much advance in recent years,’ he wrote. ‘Military operations need clear and compelling objectives. For Iraq, ‘regime change’ does not stack up. It sounds like a grudge match between Bush and Saddam.’… ‘No one has satisfactorily answered how there can be any certainty that the replacement regime will be any better,’ [Foreign Secretary Jack Straw] warned. ‘Iraq has no history of democracy, so no one has this habit or experience.'”

Tony Blair in Trouble

The British newspaper, Daily Express, commented on October 8, 2004, on Tony Blair’s attempts to create an army in Africa. The paper stated: “Tony Blair was accused of ‘living on another planet’ yesterday when he committed the over-stretched British Army to new foreign missions. The Prime Minister pledged to put up to 1,500 troops on permanent standby to be raced into African war zones to ‘hold the fort’ for up to 210 days. They will form part of a European force ready to dash into trouble spots at 10 days’ notice. Mr Blair made the announcement in Addis Ababa.'”

In a related article, titled, “Blair’s African Absurdity,” the paper said: “Whenever Tony Blair is in trouble at home, as now, he slips into the role of world statesman. This time, he is trying to solve the problems of Africa… It all sounds so noble. But the number of soldiers involved is too small to make much difference in Africa. However this crazy plan will place an extra burden on our already under-manned and under-resourced British army, as well as putting more of our soldiers in mortal danger. Mr Blair’s meddling has involved us in many conflicts around the world but, he has cut it. Our army is already stretched to breaking. What would happen if more forces were needed in Iraq or if there was renewed unrest in Afghanistan or Northern Ireland? It is possible that an entirely new conflict not currently on the military’s radar could begin. Britain’s forces are too small for us to take on the role of world’s policeman.”

Rift Between Washington and Europe Widens

The Week reported on September 25: “Paris Snubs Washington. The rift between Washington and ‘old Europe’ widened still further last week when France and Belgium blocked an American plan to establish a Nato military academy in Iraq… [Reportedly] Germany and Spain backed the French stance. The move was widely seen as a strong signal to the US that it should not ask for more help from Nato to help control the violence in Iraq.”

In a series of related articles, the German weekly magazine, Focus, on October 11, 2004, addressed the issue of the widening rift between Washington and Europe, as well as within the United States, and asked the question whether an election of John Kerry as the next President would help or hurt the relationship between the two power blocs. The magazine stated:

“Both candidates exemplify the seemingly incurable rift within the American people. It is a rift that has polarized the people in the USA within the last two years into two political worlds. Rarely has a president divided the nation before so much as President Bush… Frightening questions loom at the horizon: Will Bush start additional wars, if he wins?… But if one thinks that Kerry is a dove, he is mistaken. ‘Iran and North Korea are more dangerous than ever before,’ he warns. ‘I don’t know yet whether we have to act in a preemptive manner, but I will keep my watchful eye on them.’ Contrary to Bush, Kerry wants to bring the traditional allies back on board.. Some of it is wishful thinking. France has clarified that they will not send troops to Iraq, even under Kerry [In the meantime, Germany has said the same.].”

In an interview with the magazine, former German Minister of Defense, Rudolf Sharping, stated that the relationship between the US and Germany might even get worse and more difficult under Kerry. The magazine pointed out that a German refusal to send troops to Iraq might be viewed by Washington, under Kerry’s leadership, as an even greater and more serious affront than under Bush.

The International Press on Putin

The Press in Great Britain, France, Russia and the United States condemned Putin’s recent “unambiguous step towards tyranny.” As The Week reported on September 25, “The Russians expected draconian action following the terrorist outrage in Beslam. And they got it, says… Le Monde (Paris), but not quite as they imagined… President Putin simply tightened his grip on power, ending the system of direct elections for regional governors and abolishing the first-past-the-post contents to Russia’s parliament… Even President Bush, who has praised Putin as an ally in the war on terror, was moved to protest at this undermining of democracy… Our would-be dictator has made his move, says… the Moscow Times… Of course Russia must take action to fight terrorism, says… The Washington Post. But the changes Putin has imposed aren’t directed at that: they’re an ‘unambiguous step towards tyranny.’ Bush was right to speak out against them; but he must go further, and put pressure on Putin to preserve democracy. ‘Did the US help undo Soviet Communism only to watch tyranny take its place?'”

Israel Fears Strong EU

Deutsche Welle reported on October 14, that Israel is concerned about a strong and powerful EU. The article, titled, “Israel Fears Strong EU,” stated: “A confidential report from the Israeli Foreign Ministry has predicted relations with the European Union could further deteriorate in [the] future, hitting Israel economically and diplomatically… The EU and Israel have been at loggerheads for months over the implementation of a Middle East peace plan and the construction of Israel’s security barrier. Israel also regards Europe as a bulwark of pro-Palestinian sentiment and has long complained of what it sees as growing anti-Semitism in Europe… The report also warns that influence over world politics by the US, Israel’s most important ally, could diminish as the EU’s role grows, German daily Berliner Zeitung reported on Thursday… Though Europe is Israel’s major trading partner, they have very definite differences of opinion over Mideast peacemaking. Earlier this week, EU foreign ministers criticized Israel’s use of force in Northern Gaza… In the security area, the EU is said to be considering a police mission on the ground to help train Palestinian security services in the event of an Israeli withdrawal [from Gaza in 2005], in co-ordination with the Egyptian government. ”

Beatification of Karl I

On October 3, 2004, MSNBC.com reported about the recent beatification of Austrian Emperor Karl I. The article pointed out: “Another newly beatified figure stirring controversy was Karl I, who led the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the final years of World War I. Also known in the West as Charles I, he took the throne in 1916 and worked for peace, abdicating at the end of the war, a few years before his death in 1922. Critics have said the Vatican had no business honoring a monarch who commanded troops who used poison gas in the conflict. The pope hailed Karl as a model ‘especially for those who have political responsibility in Europe today.'”

The article continued:

“John Paul declared Oct. 21, the date of Karl’s marriage in 1911 to Princess Zita, as Karl’s feast day. ‘He was a man of peace,’ said the Rev. Ivan Csete, a pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Forestburgh, N.Y., who rode to the ceremony in a city bus crowded with Hungarian students. ‘History would have been different had he succeeded in 1916’ in his efforts to end the war, added Csete, who said he fled his native Hungary after participating in the ill-fated 1956 uprising there against Communist rule…. The Vatican ruled that the required miracle for beatification included the recovery… of a Brazilian nun whose varicose veins were healed after she prayed to the monarch, who died in 1922. The church was ridiculed for the miracle it attributed to Karl’s intercession.”

In a related matter, Bild, on October 16, 2004, asked the surprising question whether Germany and Austria will return to a monarchy. The paper said: “Otto von Hapsburg (91), oldest son of the last Emperor of Austria [Karl I], stated to the TV station Phoenix that he perceives the possibility that Germany and Austria will once again embrace a monarchy.”

Cat Stevens a Terrorist?

In a bizarre development of events, Yusuf Islam, formerly known as the famous pop-singer Cat Stevens (“Morning Has Broken,” “Peace Train,”) was refused entry to the United States during the week of September 25. He was informed that he had been placed on a “watchlist for terrorists,” and that he was not allowed entry for reasons of security. The British citizen had been on a United Airlines flight from London to Washington. In mid-flight, the plane was diverted to Bangor airport, Maine, and, after a brief interview, Stevens was returned to Great Britain.

On September 30, 2004, the LA Times published the following letter from Cat Stevens, aka Yusuf Islam, introducing the same as follows: “Something Bad Has Begun.The former Cat Stevens says he hasn’t changed but the U.S. has.”

In the letter, Stevens wrote: “I was flying to Nashville last week with my 21-year-old daughter to explore some new musical ideas with a record label there. Ironically, I was trying to remain low-profile because of the speculation that it might have raised in the music world about a return of ‘the Cat.’ Media attention was the last thing I wanted. But it seems God wanted otherwise. Toward the end of our journey from London to Washington, the plane was diverted. The captain announced something about ‘heavy traffic.’ After landing in Bangor, Maine, six tall, blue-uniformed officers boarded and surrounded me and my daughter. ‘Is your name Yusuf Islam?’ they asked. ‘Yes,’ I confirmed. ‘Do you mind coming with us and answering a few questions?’

“At that point my heart stopped, and my daughter’s face turned aspirin-white. This was the start of the nightmare. Three FBI agents escorted me away from my daughter and asked me questions. At first, it sounded like they might have me mixed up with somebody else, as they repeated the spelling of my name. ‘No. Y-u-s-u-f,’ I carefully spelled out. The agents looked a bit puzzled. As they continued asking questions, some of their queries were obviously not related to me, so I thought this must be a matter of simple mistaken identity. Whether it was a mix-up or not remained unclear because they weren’t under any obligation to give me a reason; the green visa waiver form I had so neatly filled in earlier had effectively denied me any right to appeal or answers. It was only when an immigration official read out to me a legal reference number that he mentioned some implication with ‘terrorism’ — no further details necessary.

“The most upsetting thing was being separated from my daughter for 33 hours — not knowing how she was or when and where we might be united. Because my phone was confiscated, I couldn’t contact my family… Is this the same planet I’d taken off from? I was devastated. The unbelievable thing is that only two months earlier, I had been having meetings in Washington with top officials from the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives to talk about my charity work. Even further back, one month after the attack on the World Trade Center, I was in New York meeting Peter Gabriel and Hillary Rodham Clinton at the World Economic Forum! Had I changed that much? No. Actually, it’s the indiscriminate procedure of profiling that’s changed. I am a victim of an unjust and arbitrary system, hastily imposed, that serves only to belittle America’s image as a defender of the civil liberties that so many dearly struggled and died for over the centuries.

“Need I say that any form of terrorism or violence is the antithesis of everything I love and stand for? Anyone who knows me will attest to this. I have spent my life in the search for peace and understanding, and that was mirrored clearly in my music. Since becoming a Muslim, I have devoted my life to education, charity and helping children around the world. Consistently I have condemned the attacks of 9/11, stating that the slaughter of innocents, the taking of hostages and coldblooded killing of women and children have nothing do with the teachings of Islam. I’ve openly and publicly repudiated the actions of groups that resort to such acts of inhumanity — whatever their names. Any allegations to the contrary are fabricated. The Koran equates the murder of one innocent person with the murder of all of humanity.

“Ever since I embraced Islam in 1977, people have regularly tried to link me with things I have nothing to do with. Take the Salman Rushdie case as an example, or the regurgitating of the accusation that I support groups like Hamas. I am a man of peace, and I denounce all forms of terrorism and injustice; it is simply outrageous for anyone to suggest otherwise. The fact that I have sympathy for ordinary people in the world who are suffering from occupation, tyranny, poverty or war is human and has nothing to do with politics or terrorism.

“Thank God my daughter and I were relieved of our ordeal and delivered home safely. I also thank all those who prayed for me and supported me through this dark episode; I have never harbored any ill will toward people of God’s great Earth anywhere — and wish the reverse was also true.”

Since then, Cat Stevens has tried to have his name removed from the watch list, and he has asked for an explanation as to how he ever got on the list. It has not been reported, so far, whether his attempts have been successful.

Originally, the Church under Mr. Herbert Armstrong was not sympathetic towards cremation as a form of burial, as there doesn’t seem to be any Biblical examples, as will be explained herein, where holy people of God actually chose this method of burial. The Church later, under Mr. Armstrong, changed its stance on the matter, realizing that the form of burial today differs from the form used in Biblical times. Cremation was not known in Biblical times, as it is known today. In ancient times, one would have only had a funeral pyre which did not burn bone, but only tissue. The bones would still need to be buried much in the same way as the body, making the procedure rather pointless. Today, we only have the ashes in a small container which then can be “buried” in a vault or in the ground, if so desired. In addition, the Church rightly concluded that it is not a matter of salvation. In certain instances, cremation might be the only kind of burial which some families can afford. On the other hand, we must be careful that we do not unnecessarily offend family members and friends who might be conscientiously opposed to cremation.

Much is said in the Holy Scriptures concerning the disposition of a body after death. Solomon wrote these poignant words in the Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter six: “If a man begets a hundred children and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not satisfied with goodness, or indeed he has no burial, I say, that a stillborn child is better than he” (Ecclesiastes 6:3).

In the book of Deuteronomy, God commanded His people Israel: “If a man has committed a sin worthy of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that day, so that you do not defile the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance; for he who is hanged is accursed of God” (Deuteronomy 21:22-23).

Even in such a case, unless God pronounced a specific curse on an individual or nation because of their abominations, He required their burial in the ground to be in an expedient manner.

In one case where God was extremely angry with certain people because of their gross disobedience to His Way, He inspired Jeremiah to write out what God said to him concerning these matters, in Jeremiah Chapter 16: “The word of the Lord also came to Jeremiah, saying, ‘.concerning the sons and daughters who are born in this place, and concerning their mothers who bore them and their fathers who begot them in this land; They shall die gruesome deaths; they shall not be lamented nor shall they be buried, but they shall be like refuse on the face of the earth.’ For thus says the Lord: ‘Do not enter the house of mourning, nor go to lament or bemoan them; for I have taken away My peace from this people’ says the Lord, ‘lovingkindness and mercies. Both the great and the small shall die in this land. They shall not be buried; neither shall men lament for them . Nor shall men break bread in mourning for them, to comfort them.'” (Jeremiah16:1, 3-7).

In the case cited above, God was angry because of the evils being performed by these people in their disobedience to His commands. The curse He pronounced upon them was in the form of their not being allowed to bury their dead.

A proper burial was a blessing from God and according to the New Bible Dictionary (page 171), the “Lack of proper burial was a great misfortune,” pointing to 1 Kings 13:22, which says, “‘but you came back, ate bread and drank water in the place of which the Lord said to you, “eat no bread and drink no water,” your corpse shall not come to the tomb of your fathers.'”

“It was customary for successive generations to be buried in the family tomb; thus Sarah, (Gen 23:19); Abraham (Gen 25:9); Isaac and Rebekah, Leah (Gen 49:31); and Jacob (Gen 50:13) were all buried in the caves of Machpelah, east of Hebron. Individual burial was sometimes necessitated by death at a distance from the family tombs; so Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, was buried near Bethel (Gen 35:8) and Rachel on the road to Ephrath (Gen 35:19, 20), their tombs being marked by an oak and a pillar respectively” (page 170).

Again, according to the New Bible Dictionary (page 172), “Jewish practices in New Testament times differed little from those described in the Old Testament . The corpse was washed (Acts 9:37); it was then anointed (Mark 16:1), wrapped in linen garments with spices enclosed (John 19:40), and finally the limbs were bound and the face covered with a napkin (John 11:44).

The discussion continues by stating that “Cremation was never a Jewish practice .” (Page 172). We need to add, here, that neither the use of coffins during burials, as is customary today, was a Jewish practice.

According to Unger’s Bible Dictionary (Page 158), “Interment in Bible times followed soon after death, as is evident in the narration of the burial of Sarah (Gen 23:1-20), Rachel (Gen 35:19, 20), and Rebekah’s nurse (Gen 35:8). The Hebrews did not normally cremate, as in the case of Saul and his sons (1 Samuel 31:11-13). Neither did they generally use coffins or embalm. Joseph’s burial in a coffin (Gen 50:26) and his being embalmed, as was his father, Jacob (Gen 50:2, 3) are to be explained as due to His eminent position and station in the land of the Nile.”

Whether or not the fact that Jacob and Joseph were embalmed was due to their eminent position and station, we point out that the Bible does not condemn them for using this procedure.

Moses, a faithful servant of the Lord, was apparently buried by the Lord Himself, or by His angel, in the land of Moab. You can read of the account of this event in the last book of Deuteronomy: “So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth Peor; but no one knows his grave to this day” (Deuteronomy 34:5-6).

The evidence is, in most cases, people called of God whom we are familiar with in the Bible, where they had a choice, chose burial as the method of disposing of their bodies upon death – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Deborah, Leah, David, Solomon, Job, Lazarus, Stephen, and many others, plus, of course, the greatest example of all, Jesus Christ. It is true that they did not choose cremation or the use of coffins, as commonly used today in our Western society.

Does this mean that anyone not buried according to the ancient Jewish and New Testament custom, but embalmed, placed in coffins, or cremated and the ashes placed in a container or vault, or being scattered or dispersed into the ocean, has lost his or her opportunity in the first resurrection? What about those lost at sea, eaten by fish or wild animals? What about those who were, or will be, evaporated during atomic blasts or nuclear holocausts? Have these lost their opportunity for salvation?

No, absolutely not! We have a gracious and all-powerful God Whom we look to in these matters. He has all power and the ability to resurrect any He chooses. And He is faithful to those who are faithful to His way in this life.

Jacob was embalmed according to the customs of the Egyptians. Yet the Scriptures tell us that Jacob will sit with Abraham and Isaac in the Kingdom of God (Luke 13:28). Joseph, a man of God, was also embalmed according to the customs of that day in the land he was in (Genesis 50:26). Jonathan, son of Saul, was cremated and his bones and ashes buried (1 Samuel 31:11-13). There were others who were martyred in their efforts to observe this Way and received no burial. No matter the final state of a person’s physical remains, whether ashes, dust, or whatever trauma they may have encountered, the promise to the faithful in this Way, will be in the first resurrection (Acts 24:15; Revelation 20:4).

Upon final analysis, God will look upon the way we live our lives based upon the knowledge we have and upon those criteria, we will be judged based on what we do in this life (Matthew 16:27; Romans 2:6; 1 Corinthians 3:8).

Correction:
In our last Q&A on “Fruit Trees” (Update #163), the last two paragraphs of the Answer were inadvertently omitted. The complete Q&A has been posted, as part of Update #163, on our Webpage (www.eternalgod.org).

Our current ad campaign in the United Kingdom has, so far, resulted in 850 responses for our booklet, “Europe in Prophecy,” and 1,400 responses for our booklet, “Angels, Demons and the Spirit World.”

On Saturday, October 16, 2004, Edwin Pope will be giving the sermon.titled: “Your Relationship With God.”

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.

During the Feast of Tabernacles that we just finished observing, there were many “meaty” messages. One of the themes that emerged during this time was that the Kingdom of God should be the most important priority in our life. We have all heard this at one time or another in our lives, but it was particularly poignant at the feast this year and rightly so.

There is NOTHING that is more critical, outstanding, pressing, essential, pre-eminent, foremost, grave, imperative, prominent, meaningful, momentous, substantial, remarkable, paramount, relevant, serious, crucial, significant, urgent and vital. This is and should be our number one motivation.

When we weigh the differences between a physical temporal life and an eternal spiritual life the latter wins hands down. This life that we are living here and now on this earth cannot be compared with what awaits us as
part of the God Family. What would we do that we might attain such a great reward? What wouldn’t we do?

Spending eternity in the God Family is a gift that God has offered to us if we do as He has commanded. Though it cannot be earned there are still many things He asks of us. These are the things that we are to be doing NOW. Let’s take the spiritual rejuvenation and impetus gained at the feast and refocus our efforts on our first love, the Kingdom of God.

To learn more about these subjects we suggest our booklets: God’s Commanded Holy Days, God is a Family and The Gospel of the Kingdom of God.

“A Real Ecological Catastrophe”

These are the latest charges against U.S. influence in the world–made by French President Jacques Chirac.
As reported in www.expatica.com, “The outspoken French president warned that the world’s different cultures could be ‘choked’ by US values. This, he said, would lead to a ‘general world sub-culture’ based around the English language, which would be ‘a real ecological catastrophe.’ “

This speech was made in Hanoi, Vietnam–a former French colony. Mr. Chirac insisted that France was correct to stand up for “cultural and linguistic diversity.” The article also noted that among businessmen English is a very valuable and practical second language.

The well-publicized animosity that has emerged between France and America over the U.S. fight against terrorist continues unabated.

85 to 1

www.comcast.net reports that “The United States has refused to join 85 other heads of state and government in signing a statement that endorsed a 10-year-old U.N. plan to ensure every woman’s right to education, health care, and choice about having children.” This Associated Press article continues: “President Bush’s administration withheld its signature because the statement included a reference to ‘sexual rights.’ “

Following up on statements from U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Kelly Ryan, the article noted: “Ryan did not elaborate on the Bush administration’s objections to the phrase ‘sexual rights,’ but at past U.N. meetings U.S. representatives have spoken out against abortion, gay rights and what they see as the promotion of promiscuity by giving condoms to young people to prevent AIDS.”

In explaining the purpose of this current statement which is designed to support the original U.N. plan, we note this comment: “While progress has been made, the statement says the world is facing an exponential increase in HIV/AIDS, a growing gap between rich and poor, persistently high death rates related to pregnancy and childbirth, and inadequate access to family planning services.”

Indeed these are real issues in a world going headlong in rebellion against the laws of God. Fixing these problems will never result from greater and greater rebellion by mankind to the will of God. Unfortunately, we are witnessing the closing stages of a world without God and the marvelous blessings that come from obedience.
The cure to all of these ills is found in the statements of God’s Word–this is the document upon which this world needs to “sign-off”. We encourage those who have not yet done so to carefully study our enlightening booklets explaining in detail the promises of God for a future time of peace and abundant blessings–please look for this material at www.eternalgod.org.

Ten Commandments on Trial

“The Supreme Court said Tuesday it will consider whether the Ten Commandments may be displayed on government property, ending a 25-year silence on a church-state issue that has prompted bitter legal fights around the country” (Rocky Mountain News, Associated Press, 10/13/04).

Ten Commandments displays are found throughout the U.S.–even in the courtroom where the justices will hear arguments in this case! In an ever increasing departure from some of the rudimentary aspects of Biblical influence in America, liberal and non-religious factions are pitted in bitter opposition to the core of citizens who openly espouse a role for religion in their lives.

Jerusalem

A report on Comcast’s site and from apnews 10/13/2004 states: “Israel said Wednesday it would severely limit the access of Muslim worshippers to Jerusalem’s holiest site during the holy month of Ramadan, claiming it could collapse. Violence flared overnight as a series of Israeli airstrikes left five Palestinians dead in Gaza.”

The Al Aqsa Mosque compound holds about 250,000 people when filled to capacity. It was the riots in 2000
against Ariel Sharon’s visit to this temple site that has now led to such unrestrained bloodshed in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

We note that the land of Israel, and Jerusalem in particular, will continue to plague world stability. What happens there has sweeping international implications. Biblical prophecy shows that dramatic future events will culminate in a worldwide conflict–all focused on Jerusalem! Note the first 9 verses of Zechariah 12 which also reveal that this end-time event will include the intervention of God in human affairs. It is at this period of time that Jesus Christ will return to establish God’s rule over the entire earth.

A New Evangelization

This headline appeared in www.zenit.org (10/04/2004): “European Bishops Eye Ways to Re-evangelize Continent.” Quoting from this article: “Catholic leaders from 34 European countries have met for the first time in England to discuss the role of Christianity in Europe.”

The significance of this meeting is profound–even from the perspective of its historical reference: “The event–a four-day assembly of the Council of the Bishops’ Conferences of Europe (CCEE) at Hinsley Hall, Leeds–has been the largest gathering of senior Catholic bishops in Britain since the Synod of Whitby in 664, more than 1,300 year ago.”

“In a message to the meeting, John Paul II said he would pray that ‘you will guide your respective peoples to rediscover their common spiritual roots and the enduring wisdom of their Christian heritage.’ “

We find that the main theme, as introduced by Archbishop Jean-Pierre Ricard of Bordeaux, was: “the significance and role of Christianity in Europe today.” The Archbishop also “…pointed out that there are moral toxins which Europe has to fight and reject for the sake of its harmonious development: the slide into secularization, with the phenomena of individualization and mass production; the tendency to consider religion as a hindrance; and the rise of fundamentalism and terrorism.”

One particularly insightful paragraph shows how the role of religion in Europe will soon emerge powerfully to dominate the lives of its citizens: “Three practical engagements were formulated: to strengthen the dialogue with contemporary culture; to look for a closer dialogue with the Islamic communities in Europe, especially in universities; and TO CAMPAIGN FOR THE DEFENSE OF SUNDAY AS A DAY DEDICATED TO GOD” (emphasis added).

As Europe grows more unified, indeed, the Catholic Church will play an ever increasing role. That influence will ultimately spill over the boundaries of Europe itself to capture the attention of the whole world. These events are leading to the fulfillment of Biblical prophecies, and they are setting the stage for shocking changes in the world as we now know it!

Leviticus 19:23-25 prescribes what we are to do with newly planted fruit trees. This law, which is still valid today, states:

“When you come into the land, and HAVE PLANTED all kinds of trees for food, then you shall count their fruit as uncircumcised (or: unclean). Three years it shall be as uncircumcised to you. It shall not be eaten. But in the fourth year all its fruit shall be holy, a praise to the LORD. And in the fifth year you may eat its fruit, that it may yield to you its increase: I am the LORD your God.”

These verses prohibit the consumption of fruit from a NEWLY PLANTED fruit tree for the first three years. The Ryrie Study Bible explains: “When they came to Canaan, they were not to eat fruit from the [newly planted] fruit trees [for a certain number of years].” To abstain from eating the fruit from the newly planted fruit trees for the first three years allows the trees to become established, and what little fruit may be produced during the first three years of a new tree, should be allowed to fall to the ground and to serve as manure or fertilizer. The passage refers to the AGE of the tree — not to the number of years it has borne fruit. We are to begin counting, when the tree is planted or rooted, or when it comes up.

In the fourth year, the fruit is to be used to praise God. In ancient times, the fruits were given to the Levites, together with the tithe. Today, the fruit could be given to the minister, or the equivalent of the wholesale value of the fruit — in the fourth year — should be sent to the Church. (In that case, the individual is of course permitted to eat the fruit during the fourth year). In the fifth year, and all following years, the fruit belongs to the individual — but the individual is of course still obligated to tithe on the increase.

This law only refers to newly planted fruit trees that bear fruit. It does not refer to existing fruit trees, which are older than three or four years. This means, if one plants a three-year old fruit tree, one does not start counting that year as year #1. Rather, it is already year #3. Further, this law does not refer to shrubs, bushes, grapefruits, or olive trees. Those “trees” are described in the Bible as field crops, as they have a different production cycle.

The distinction is shown in the law of gleaning (Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 24:19-22). It is also shown in the law of the Sabbath rest (Leviticus 25:3-5; Exodus 23:10-11). Notice carefully that the law of gleaning and the Sabbath rest does NOT refer to fruit trees.

Although some have forgotten this important distinction, it is clearly revealed in Scripture, and it has been the long-standing teaching of the Church.

For further information, how to apply the law of the Sabbath rest today, please read our Q&A on Leviticus 25:1-7, in our Update # 72 (dated December 20, 2002).

A related question was recently asked of us — whether it is within the Biblical injunctions to mow down the hay on our land and to let it lie for green manure, during the Sabbath year. The person asking the question was wondering whether this might violate the principle not to prune our trees for the purpose of producing a better harvest.

Leviticus 25:3-4 instructs us not to sow our field, nor to prune our vineyard during the Sabbath year. (Again, this passage does not refer to fruit trees.) We are also told, in verses 7 and 8, that the Sabbath produce of the land shall be food for us and our livestock and other beasts during the Sabbath year.

While we must replace grain when we mow it down, this is not the case with hay, as hay will grow back the next year. Whether hay is mowed or not, it goes back “as manure” into the ground in either case. To mow hay and let it lie on the ground is not the same as pruning our vineyard (note the distinction in Scripture) and does therefore not fall under that same kind of prohibition.

The newest booklet, “Jesus Christ – A Great Mystery!,” was distributed to those attending the FOT in both England and the U.S. Also, copies to those on our mailing list have now been sent.

On Saturday, September 25, 2004, the Day of Atonement, Norbert Link will be giving the sermon, discussing the greatly misunderstood concept of the “unpardonable sin.” Mr. Link gave this sermon last week, while in Madison, Wisconsin, but due to technical difficulties, most of the sermon was not broadcast over Internet. Due to these difficulties, Mr. Link will give the sermon again this Sabbath.

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

This will be the last Update before the Feast of Tabernacles, which will begin in the evening of Wednesday, September 29, 2004. The next Update will be published for the week ending Friday, October 15, 2004.

We wish all of our readers a spiritually rewarding, joyful and profitable annual Holy Days season.

To some people, godly obedience is a small matter in their daily lives, as if it really was unimportant or too insignificant to ponder for any degree of time. Even when faced with clear and unambiguous commands and instruction from God, some find excuses and human reasoning for not obeying. Let us look at a few examples of disobedience and how they impacted individuals, and more importantly, how God viewed them. In 1 Samuel 15:3, Saul was given very specific instructions regarding the attack on Amalek: “… utterly destroy ALL that they have, and do not spare them.” They were to kill all the animals, women, infants and the men. In other words, NONE were to be spared.

Now let us look at what happened. As recorded in 1 Samuel 15:7-9, Saul spared Agag the king and the best of the animals. This was a clear violation of the instructions given by God. What was God’s reaction? Verse 11 reports God’s words: “I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.” God was regretting having set up Saul as king because of his disobedience. We get a little more understanding about this by what Samuel says about God’s mind, in verses 22-23: “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. [Notice the consequences of his blatant disobedience in the latter part of this verse:] Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you from being king.”

This was a high price to pay for disobedience, for using human reasoning around a clear command. This world has been doing the same thing since the dawn of man — using human reasoning as an excuse not to obey clear commands from God.

Take the Sabbath, for example. The command is clear — it is from God — yet mankind uses human reasoning, such as, “Yes, we should set a day aside for worship, so we will use Sunday.” The problem with this line of reasoning is that God did not give us the prerogative of choice which day to hallow. Man has only the prerogative of obedience. Is it any wonder our nations are cursed? The importance of obedience is clearly demonstrated and unequivocally stated in Acts 5:32: “And we are His witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom [better: which] God has given to those who OBEY HIM.” God is not going to give His Spirit to those who blatantly disobey, be it in regard to the Sabbath, clean and unclean meats, tithing or any other clear and unambiguous command or instruction.

As we go about living our Christian lives, let us remember the importance of obedience and how imperative it is in God’s mind to reflect on the words of Christ in Luke 16:10: “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much…”

Let us not apply human reasoning as Saul did and was rejected by God — but rather, let’s be willing to obey ALL that we have been commanded to do. Then, instead of being rejected, we can look forward to the glorious words of Christ: “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:21, 23).

Afghanistan — No Paradise

It was and still is the theory: If only the world would have, in a combined effort, acted in military harmony toward Iraq, then Iraq would have become a success. However, this theory is not without flaws. If it were true, then Afghanistan should be a much more successful place, than it is. After all, Europe and the Western world stood side-by-side with the United States in their efforts to free Afghanistan from terrorism and to bring them freedom, prosperity and democracy. Was this effort successful? So far, it has not been. Although the press does not report as much about the prevalent problems in Afghanistan, including terrorist attacks, they nevertheless exist. Recently, the German defense minister, Peter Struck, while touring Afghanistan, barely escaped death, when a bomb exploded close to him. The Taliban and al-Qaeda may not be as prominent anymore in Afghanistan, but they have not been defeated. They are now operating from, and in other countries, including Pakistan, and most notably, Iraq!

On September 21, OneWorld published a shocking article about present conditions in Afghanistan. Most may not even realize that Afghanistan has not yet had a democratic election since the world’s forceful liberation of the country. The first election is scheduled for early October. The prospects look grim. The article pointed out:

“Ahead of its first democratic elections in early October, Afghanistan is facing an acute food and malnutrition crisis and continues to suffer from the highest number of maternal and child deaths in Asia. According to a study by the UN World Food Programme (WFP), some 1.4 million Afghans are affected by continued drought and crop failure, adding that more than US $50 million is needed to tackle the severe situation facing the country.”

The article continued: “Dr Hedayatullah Stanek Zai, the ministry’s director general of policy and planning,… attributes the growing food insecurity to a multiplicity of factors ranging from limitations on population movement due to prevailing insecurity in some parts of the country to poor transportation, seasonal obstacles like harsh winters, a dramatic depletion of productive assets at the community and household level and lack of employment opportunities. Predictably then, according to Afghan health officials, the country suffers from an extremely high 45-59 per cent prevalence of chronic malnutrition, high mortality rates among children under five years (257 per 1000 live births), high maternal mortality rates (1600 per 100,000 live births), and the widespread prevalence of micronutrient deficiency diseases… Around 75 per cent of households in Afghanistan use unsafe water sources for drinking. Analysis of the 2004 National Risk and Vulnerability Assessment reveals that 37 percent of the Afghan population — almost 6.5 million people — are unable to meet their minimum food requirements, so constitute the top priority for assistance.”

Of course, noone is suggesting that the world’s military take-over of Afghanistan caused these present problems. It must be conceded, however, that they did not prevent or solve them, either. And when it comes to appreciation for the world’s efforts, it’s not given to the U.S. The article concluded: “While spotlighting the deficiencies, government officials concede that some development has taken place in Afghanistan after the fall of the Taliban regime… Remarks [Dr Roy] Mutahar, [national nutrition officer of the Afghan health ministry]: ‘But the credit for this goes to the United Nations and not the United States of America.'”

Germany Faces Serious Problems

As AFP reported on September 19, 2004, “Far-right fringe parties made huge gains in two former communist eastern states as German voters dealt fresh electoral blows to Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder’s Social Democrats [and the most powerful opposition party, the CDU] amid ire over his economic reforms. The neo-Nazi National Democratic Party (NPD) roared ahead in Saxony, polling 9.2 percent — a sixfold increase over 1999 and well above the five-percent hurdle necessary for parliamentary representation [This means, it received almost as many votes as the 9.8 percent of Schroeder’s SPD]. And the extreme-right German People’s Party (DVU) improved its score in Brandenburg slightly to 6.1 percent, up from 5.3 percent the last time at the polls… The results come just two weeks after the SPD posted its worst score in four decades in the western state of Saarland, and are the 10th time Schroeder’s party has lost in state elections since the chancellor was narrowly reelected in September 2002.”

In addition, observers have watched, with concern, the resurgence of neo-Communist parties in former East Germany. The frightening prognosis is that the recent elections only scratched the surface, and did not constitute a rare exception, or just a “protest vote.” Experts state, according to Der Spiegel Online, that up to 50 percent of the Germans are dissatisfied with the present situation in Germany. Former Chancellor Helmut Schmidt stated to Bild Online that all German parties are to be blamed for the devastating election results, as they refused to tell the Germans “the truth.”

National and international observers point out that the Germans are not Nazis, but that the present situation does not help. They voice the opinion that Weimar [which led to Hitler’s rise] could not happen again. The Bible shows, however, that a strong leader will emerge in Germany in the future — so influential, powerful and charismatic, that in a crisis situation, ten leading or “core” European nations or groups of nations will give their power and authority to that leader to help them in their time of need.

Expect More Powerful Hurricanes

Jeanne struck a devastating blow to Haiti, leaving more than 2,000 people dead or missing — with the death toll likely to increase. But as the Wisconsin State Journal reported on Friday, September 17, 2004, more devastating hurricanes are to be expected. The article pointed out:

“Ivan, Frances and Charley delivered three staggering blows to the Gulf Coast and Florida, as well as Caribbean island nations, all in just five weeks. Now here comes Jeanne… Scientists say 65 million Americans living on the Gulf and Atlantic coasts should expect weather like this for another 30 years. Maybe more… ‘I don’t remember this happening before in such a short period of time,’ National Hurricane Center director Max Mayfield told reporters, ‘and the season is only half-over.’…

“‘The hurricane threat is much greater than it was in the 1970s through early 1990s,’ said federal meteorologist Stan Goldenberg… ‘It could last another 10 to 40 years.’… The period since 1995 is the most active nine consecutive years on record, said pioneering hurricane forecaster William Gray at Colorado State University.Why is the storm cycle intensifying now? Scientists aren’t certain what causes the decades-long shifts in the ocean-atmosphere interplay…. The amount of mechanical energy generated by a hurricane can translate to a power supply of 360 billion kilowatt hours per day — equal, by some estimates, to all of the electricity consumed in [the] United States in six months.”

Whether or not scientists are able to explain the undeniable increase of powerful and deadly hurricanes, the truth of the matter is that these phenomena were prophesied almost two thousand years ago. Jesus Christ minced no words, when describing such events just prior to His return. And He also made clear that they are interconnected with the way we live. He said, in Luke 21:25-26: “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”

Britain’s Loss of Memory

It may be shocking and hard to believe, but according to a recent poll, less than half of all Brits remember such basic commandments as the ones against stealing, murder and adultery. Less than five percent (!) are even aware of God’s commandment to keep the Sabbath holy. What a terrible indictment against Britain’s clergy whose job it is to boldly proclaim God’s Ten Commandments!

As WorldNetDaily reported on September 18, 2004, “According to a new British poll, the country is quickly forgetting the Ten Commandments. Only three of the laws – passed to Moses on tablets of stone in Old Testament times – made any showing in the poll… Less than half of the population remembered the admonitions not to steal, murder or commit adultery, but it appears that commandments such as ‘don’t take the Lord’s name in vain’ are fast becoming a distant memory. Only 9 percent of those polled recalled the commandment not to lie. Worst remembered of all the commandments was ‘keep the Sabbath day holy,’ which was correctly identified by only 4 percent of those polled.”

Need for European Military?

The Pakistan Times reported recently that Europe is concerned about strengthening its military powers. In the context of an accord by five EU states to create a European military police force deployable to crises situations worldwide, the article pointed out: “Dutch Defence Minister Henk Kamp called the European Gendarmerie Force (EGF)-initially involving France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands, but open to others later-a ‘milestone’ in Europe’s developing military muscle… Paris says Germany, Poland and Belgium are interested in the plans-which will not be a standing force, rather pulling police together when a crisis blows up-although they do not currently have the right kind of forces.

“German Defence Minister Peter Struck confirmed that Berlin will not take part, but called the plans ‘very sensible’ and suggested that they could be useful for potential flare-ups in the Balkans… ‘Today we are going to take a very important step in the anti-terrorist fight within the European Union in signing the first accord for a joint Spanish-French inquiry corps,’ Aguilar announced after conferring with French Justice Minister Dominique Perben.”

These seem to be small and insignificant steps toward the creation of a European army, in comparison with the military of the United States — the most powerful in the world — but they are nevertheless beginning steps for a powerful European army to emerge in the future. That time has not arrived yet. To suggest — as some overly zealous “commentators” do, that Europe’s “army” already equals the power and strength of the U.S. military, is ridiculous — because, at this point, there is no combined and effective European army. But it will happen, in due time, as prophesied in the Bible.

Old Europe Alive and Well

Associated Press reported on September 13, 2004, that “the leaders of Spain, France and Germany – who all opposed the war in Iraq – declared the ‘old Europe’ alive and well Monday and pledged to work toward a unified continent. Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero hosted French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder at a meeting symbolizing Spain’s shift back to a Europe-oriented foreign policy, BREAKING with the former Spanish leader’s emphasis ON TIES with Washington.”

The article continued: “The French leader said the continuing fighting in Iraq was a grave problem. ‘We opened a Pandora’s Box that we’re unable to close,’ he said. Zapatero ordered the withdrawal of Spanish troops from Iraq immediately after taking power in April and made a point of visiting Germany and France – Europe’s main opponents of the Iraq war – in his first series of trips abroad as Spain’s new leader. Zapatero last week called on other countries with troops in Iraq to FOLLOW HIS LEAD and bring them home. The three leaders pledged to work toward common policies in the areas of foreign affairs, defense and borders. They also promised to spur economic development, notably industries like car manufacturing, aerospace and shipbuilding.

“Schroeder said Zapatero has shown he wants SPAIN to play a STRONG ROLE in Europe and praised him for concessions that led to the June approval of the EU constitution. ‘It is … a historic achievement in European history,’ Schroeder said.”

Europe vs. America?

An exhibit in Brussels, Belgium, “sees Europe as ‘[the] new Roman Empire’,” claiming that “the European Union is poised to overtake America to become the premier superpower, according to an EU exhibition launched yesterday in the heart of Brussels,” as reported by telegraph.co.uk on September 14, 2004. The article continued: “Segments sketched across 80 yards of canvas predict that the 21st century will be the ‘European Century’ as the EU pushes its borders deep into Eurasia, North Africa, and the Middle East and comes to dominate world affairs through its vast ‘legal and moral reach.’… Entitled ‘The Image of Europe,’ the display is not a formal expression of EU policy but it captures views that can be heard every day in the corridors and canteens of the Union’s institutions. The exhibit was co-ordinated by the European Commission and sponsored by the European Council.”

According to the exhibit, as stated in the article, “The euro will break the ‘overbearing monopoly of the dollar’ by 2010 as China and India switch their reserves to punish America for its ‘stratospheric deficit.’ Casting the United States as the villain of modern times, it says: ‘The lonely superpower can bribe, bully or impose its will almost anywhere in the world, but when its back is turned, its policy is weakened.'”

The Euobserver added the following in its article, dated September 14, 2004:

“The tent opened to the public and revealed an impressive array of multimedia images charting the history – and future – of Europe and the EU in an exhibition entitled ‘the images of Europe’, jointly sponsored by the European Commission and the Dutch Presidency. In 2010, according to the exhibition, the EU will expand to include Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia and the Ukraine. Following this, in 2015, the EU will take in Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Jordan, Israel, Palestine and change its name from the European Union to simply ‘The Union’. … Possibly the most unlikely event in this fantasy is that the EU will overtake the US in competitiveness by 2010, as projected in the exhibition and [enshrined] in the EU’s ‘Lisbon agenda.'”

Europe will indeed become most powerful, in the not-too-distant future, while the United States of America will decrease in power and influence. For a startling look at the future of these two power blocs, as prophesied in the Bible, please read our free publications, “Europe in Prophecy” and “The Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord.”

Who is Right?

The campaign for the election of the next U.S. President on November 2, 2004, is entering its final stages. And so, accusations and counteraccusations are increasing on both sides with dynamic strength and furor. Associated Press ran the following article on September 20, 2004, reporting on the shifting positions of both candidates regarding the Iraq war. The article pointed out:

“Staking out new ground on Iraq, Sen. John Kerry said Monday he would not have overthrown Saddam Hussein had he been in the White House, and he accused President Bush of ‘stubborn incompetence,’ dishonesty and colossal failures of judgment. Bush said Kerry was flip-flopping. Less than two years after voting to give Bush authority to invade Iraq, the Democratic candidate said the president had misused that power by rushing to war without the backing of allies, a post-war plan or proper equipment for U.S. troops. ‘None of which I would have done,’ Kerry said. ‘Saddam Hussein was a brutal dictator who deserves his own special place in hell,’ he added. ‘But that was not, in itself, a reason to go to war. The satisfaction we take in his downfall does not hide this fact: We have traded a dictator for a chaos that has left America less secure.’ Bush hit back from a campaign rally in New Hampshire, interpreting Kerry’s comment to mean the Democrat believes U.S. security would be better with Saddam still in power. ‘He’s saying he prefers the stability of a dictatorship to the hope and security of democracy,’ the Republican incumbent said. ‘Today, my opponent continued his pattern of twisting in the wind,’ Bush said. ‘He apparently woke up this morning and has now decided, No, we should not have invaded Iraq, after just last month saying he would have voted for force even knowing everything we know today.'”

Apart from all of this rhetoric, the actual facts are quite disturbing. As the article continued to point out:

“With more than 1,000 U.S. troops killed in Iraq, including nearly 900 since Bush declared an end to major combat, with free elections in doubt, reconstruction efforts stalled and violence and kidnappings on the rise, Iraq could be Bush’s biggest political liability. Even some Republican senators have begun to publicly second-guess the president’s policies. But Kerry has failed to capitalize thus far, struggling for months to find a clear, consistent way to differentiate his views from those of his Democratic rivals during the primary season and, since the spring, his general election foe in the White House.”

Russia’s Power Grab

Associated Press reported on September 14 that “The State Department expressed concern Tuesday that efforts by President Vladimir Putin of Russia to concentrate more power in the Kremlin may set back the country’s democratic development. Putin announced Monday an overhaul of the electoral system as part of a plan to deal more effectively with terrorism. … The Bush administration has long been concerned about what it perceives to be a concentration of power in the Kremlin… Last January, the newspaper Izvestia published an opinion piece by Secretary of State Colin Powell as he was making an official visit to Moscow. The article said that ‘essential balance’ is lacking among the various branches of the Russian government. ‘Political power is not fully tethered to law,’ Powell wrote. He added that key aspects of civil society — ‘free media and political party development — for example, have not yet sustained an independent presence.'”

When considering the relevant Scriptures and some external sources, we can, indeed, find out the approximate time of Christ’s birth, but it is impossible to find out the exact date.

King David had divided the priests into several “courses” or divisions — that is, each group or “course” of priests was to serve God for a specific period of time. David had established 24 of those priestly courses. Luke 1:5-9 shows that Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, was of the course of Abijah (which courses are listed in 1 Chronicles 24) and that he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course or division. Each course lasted eight days — from Sabbath to Sabbath.

The account in Luke 1 records that Zacharias was serving God in the order of his division (verse 8); that he burnt incense (verse 9); and that his prayer was heard (verse 13). The angel Gabriel told him that his wife, Elizabeth, was to bear a son and his name was to be John (verse 13). Luke 1:23 clearly indicates that this event did not take place at the end of his course but sometime during his course or division, because it states that Zacharias, after he had received the vision, completed the days of his service, before he went home.

The courses started at the beginning of the sacred year. The first Hebrew month of the sacred year was called Nisan. Zacharias’ course, the course of Abijah, was eighth in order.

However, there were two sets of courses. The New Bible Commentary explains: “The course of Abijah to which Zacharias belonged, was one of twenty four courses into which David organised the priests. Each course was on duty in the temple for a week every six months.” This means, that every course ministered TWICE throughout a year.

When did the angel Gabriel appear to Zacharias? Did he appear to him during the first or the second course? As we will see, the angel appeared to Zacharias during the first course at the beginning of the year and not six months later in the autumn, when the courses started again.

To establish this point, we need to consider the time of the Messiah’s birth, and compare it then with the time of John’s conception and birth. We note that Joseph was going to be taxed (compare Luke 2:1-5). Taxation would come just after the fall harvest. The time of the fall Festivals (or annual Holy Days, such as the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles) was just after the fall harvest, when tithes were paid to the priests. History records that these taxations always took place at the end of the fall harvest, which was sometime in September or October, a logical time for taxation and travel.

In addition, we read that at that time of the year, shepherds were in the fields with their flocks (Luke 2:8), pointing again at the time of late summer or early fall. That is the time of year when Palestinian shepherds take their flocks into the field to graze at night (compare Wynne Progress, December 21, 1967, “The Christmas Story.”). However, Christ could not have been born at the end of December, the coldest month of the year, with hail and snow. Shepherds would not have been out in the fields in December.

We also read that Mary and Joseph stayed in an inn, when they arrived in Bethlehem. The word for “inn” is better translated as “guestchamber” or “guest room” (compare “Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible,” as well as Mark 14:14 and Luke 22:11, where the same Greek word, “kataluma,” is used). These guest rooms housed people in Jerusalem during the Holy Days. Christ’s birth then, based on the evidence presented herein, occurred during the FALL Holy Day season.

Based on the fact that Christ was born in early fall, we can determine that John the Baptist was conceived during the FIRST course of Zacharias’ ministry — and not the second. Note the following:

In Luke 1:26-35, Christ’s forthcoming birth was announced to Mary. The sixth month referred to in verse 36 is the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. When Mary conceived, Elizabeth was six months pregnant. Christ was born in the autumn, in late September or early October. John was born six months earlier, in March or April. This means, based on approximately nine months or 280 days of human gestation, John must have been conceived in June — during the first course of Zacharias’ ministry.

This conclusion is also supported by the established fact that the Messiah was crucified in the spring of the year, at the time of the Passover, being 33 years and six months old. He began His public ministry, when He was about 30 years old (Luke 3:23), and His ministry lasted 3 1/2 years (compare Daniel 9:27, speaking about a prophetic week of seven prophetic days. In prophecy, a day counts as a year, compare Numbers 14:34. Christ would be killed “in the middle of the week,” bringing the sacrificial system to an end, that is, after 3 1/2 years.). The Passover occurred each year on the 14th of the first Biblical moon, or month — in the latter part of March to the first part of April. If we count back six months to His 33rd birthday, we can see that His birth must have been in the autumn, in late September or the beginning of October.

We might also note that Zacharias ministered in the ninth week of the new year, because during the third week of the Passover season, all the priests were ministering. He could not have returned home immediately because he would have to minister for the course when a Holy Day, Pentecost, began, and in which his course, along with the other 23 courses, would minister. As soon as he finished his course — the eighth one — he went home and his wife conceived (Luke 1:23-24). This would have been in the middle of June. As explained above, knowing when Elizabeth conceived, we can compute the time of birth for John the Baptist. Since the human gestation period is 280 days, we can go forward this amount of time to arrive somewhere at the beginning of Nisan (late March/early April), when John the Baptist would have been born. Six months later brings us to late September, or early October, when Christ would have been born.

When we summarize all the facts stated herein, it is clear that Jesus was born in the autumn — not on December 25. However, the exact date of His birth has been hidden from man. We have seen that:

(1) The courses (or divisions) of the priests started at the beginning of the sacred year
(2) The Sacred year begins on the first of Nisan, about April
(3) Zacharias served on the eighth course (ten weeks later, because of the Passover and Pentecost)
(4) Zacharias returned home about mid-June when his wife conceived
(5) John the Baptist was born about 40 weeks or 280 days later, i.e., in about late March of the following year
(6) Mary conceived when Zacharias’s wife, Elizabeth, was six months pregnant. John the Baptist was six months older than Jesus
(7) Since John the Baptist was born about late March, Jesus, six months younger, was born probably around late September
(8) The course (or division) referred to, when the angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias, was the first course of the year because:

The evidence that Jesus Christ was born in the autumn, during the time of the annual autumn Holy Days, is compelling. God has, however, not revealed Christ’s exact day of birth, so as to prevent that the same be observed. We are told to observe Christ’s death — not His birth — until He comes again (1 Corinthians 11:26; compare, too, Psalm 116:15; Ecclesiastes 7:1).

Mr. Rene Messier picked up our new book on the Mystery of Christ from the printer in Canada. Copies were sent to England and should arrive in time for distribution at the Feast site. Free copies will also be distributed at the Feast site in California. Those who will not attend at our Feast sites will receive their copies after the Feast.