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Dear Brethren and Friends,

Since the last letter written by Mr Dave Harris on December 10, 2012, many things have happened that show how fast-paced this world has become. We may think of the terrible shootings on December 14 in an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, USA, where twenty children and six adults were shot and killed; the “fiscal cliff” that the USA flirted with; and the latest in a very long list of failures that predicted the end of the world on December 21, 2012, simply because it was the “end” of a cycle of the Mayan calendar.

As we enter 2013, what can we expect to happen this year? Unfortunately, it is certain that things won’t improve with the parlous state of the world’s economy and so many other problems, wherever we look.

These problems have been forecast for millennia within the pages of the world’s best-selling book, the Bible, with many people either unaware or unconcerned except for their own or family predicament. Others scoff when Christ’s return is mentioned. But that was prophesied, and so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to any of us. Of course, with a number of recently failed predictions, such scoffing is encouraged and date-setters never learn the lessons of the past, that every such prediction to date has been wrong!

We are told to discern the sign of the times, but not to engage in endless speculation about the precise date of Christ’s return. Those who don’t accept the need for Christ to come to clear up the terrible state of this world, must surely accept that society is self-destructing in so many ways. Reviewing the situation from a secular standpoint might help to get across this serious problem that must be self-evident for those with eyes to see.

Some years ago in one of the Church of God publications, the following question was asked: “I have often heard you compare the United States and Britain with ancient Rome. Are we really going the way of Rome?” The reply said: “Indeed we are” – and then went on to state the following: “The five cardinal sins of Rome – and of all past great nations – are described in Edward Gibbon’s work (in 1788) ‘The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire’. These five reasons are as follows:

The increase of divorce and breakdown of the family

The spiraling rise of taxes and extravagant spending

The mounting craze for pleasure and brutality in sports

The building of gigantic armaments while failing to realise that the real enemy was the moral decay from within

The decay of religion into a mere form, leaving the people without any guide.”
If we, very briefly, review just these five areas (there are certainly many more), we will see that this is so true of the United States, the UK and so many other countries, especially in our Western world today.

The increase of divorce and the breakdown of the family are now at a frightening level. One author wrote: “Historically, family was defined as ‘married partners and children residing in a household.’ Over time there is no doubt that there has been a shift in the societal definition of families to include single parents, biracial couples, blended families, biologically unrelated individuals living cooperatively, and gay and lesbian couples, among others.” With feckless men fathering children with different women in a promiscuous and liberal environment, is it any wonder that we are experiencing the breakdown of the family?

In a note entitled, “The Home in the Heart of Scripture,” the author wrote: “At the dawn of creation, God’s first institution was not the church but the home. The garden paradise was prepared, and the entirety of God’s creative handiwork was accomplished in the preparation for man. Throughout Scripture is found concern and careful direction in timeless principles governing this primary institution which binds a man and a woman together as one to engage in spiritual ministry, including companionship, dominion, procreation, and worship. This institution we call the home.” This truth seems lost on mankind today.

In October of last year, the UK’s Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith, threatened a new Coalition row by demanding the immediate introduction of a tax break for married couples. He wanted (Chancellor) George Osborne to make the change in next year’s Budget to show that the Government was serious about promoting marriage. But Liberal Democrat leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, himself an atheist, had accused the Conservative party of trying to “preserve in aspic a 1950s model of suit-wearing, bread-winning dad and aproned, home-making mother”. That was his way of trying to demean the different roles in marriage and the importance of the family.

A month later, in November of last year, The Daily Telegraph reported that the British Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, launched an emphatic defence of gay marriage, saying that the Tories will not win the next election unless they drop their opposition to it. The report continued: “He urged the party to emulate US President Barack Obama by appealing to young voters and women with a socially liberal message.” Mr Osborne said most voters support gay marriage and politicians should reflect the modern societies they aspire to lead.   He said the party should heed the lessons of Mr Obama’s election success despite poor economic conditions. He continued: “I wouldn’t change the current abortion laws and I strongly support gay marriage on principle. I am proud to be part of a government that will introduce a Bill to allow gay marriage.” He said he was “proud” to be part of a Government that planned to introduce a law to redefine marriage and claimed that a “clear majority” of the public backed a change. Personal convictions and integrity matter little, it seems—just give the people what they want and wait for the votes to roll in!

And we wonder why we have problems when such people are appointed to high offices!

Considering the second area mentioned above, the spiraling rise of taxes and extravagant spending is plain for all to see, with the debt crisis in United States, Britain and around the world no being closer to any real solution. The latest debt figure for the United States is around $16 trillion or more, and the UK more than £1 trillion, although the figures vary depending on the source, and with interest accruing, the amounts will vary from day to day. Our governments have been very able at spending money with never a thought for the “rainy day”, and the results are now clearly evident. Our debts are at the highest they have ever been, and interest has to be paid on them.

The third area addresses the mounting craze for pleasure and brutality in sports. With all of the latest technology, users can play games on smart TV’s, computers, consoles, Wii, mobile phones, Ipods and other technical marvels. Most television sets in the United States, Britain and many other countries around the world have access, 24 hours a day, to hundreds of different channels, which broadcast some of the most brutal, violent and horribly destructive programs of demonic inspiration. The craze for pleasure is relentless and sports and entertainment stars are paid huge amounts of money and are seen as “role models” in spite of the appalling behaviour of many of them. Cage fighting and other brutal sports become ever more popular, as boundaries are continually pushed out further and further.

The fourth reason given by Edward Gibbon was the building of gigantic armaments, while failing to realise that the real enemy was the moral decay from within. Of course, these two aspects of moral depravity and lust for violence go hand in hand. The Guardian newspaper revealed that the US remains by far the biggest military spender, with a defence budget of $711bn last year. The UK’s defense budget was over £62bn. Neither of which would be necessary if they put their trust in God! But no nation does, and all nations spent a total of $1.7 trillion annually on defence.

It is very true that the moral decay within our countries is destroying us. Immorality is rampant, perversion is approved as is the murder of the unborn. We have towns and cities with no-go areas; drug gangs proliferate, and many are too frightened to go out at night. Callousness and cruelty to human beings and animals is a continual source of evil, and all of God’s Commandments are broken with impunity. We have the worship of “celebrities” instead of the great God; blasphemy is everywhere; murder, adultery and rape are commonplace; and stealing in all of its many forms continues unabated. People lie and covet, and the character of once great nations suffers as a consequence. There is much more that is wrong, and we should be “crying and sighing over the abominations” that are in our lands (see Ezekiel 9:4). In Isaiah 5:20 we read a very telling and accurate description of today: “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” The moral decay of our societies today is either not appreciated or ignored by our ruling elite, but God will only let this go on for so long.

According to Edward Gibbon, the fifth reason that we cannot survive based on historical data is the decay of religion into a mere form, leaving the people without any guide. Today we see many “Christian” churches accepting those things that the Bible condemns as part of their “teaching” as they reflect society around them. Even many of the leaders in mainstream Christianity seem loathe to preach and teach the Bible when there is conflict with the now accepted norms of society.  Generally, they have become part of society and have accommodated change within their church, which allows them to function without criticism and maintain their position and congregations. However, the true Church of God must teach the whole truth of God without fear or favour. God has commissioned it to do so right through to the end of this age, but He also warns us that many within the different Church of God organizations will fail in this task and become victims of a climate of compromise.

Members of the Church of God have long understood the need for Christ to return to set up a society where all of the evils mentioned in this letter will be a thing of the past. But even those with no interest in the Bible at all must surely see, even from a secular viewpoint, that America, the UK and its former Commonwealth, as well as many other nations, are going the way of Rome in the five points mentioned today as highlighted by Edward Gibbon. And there are many more parallels signalizing the demise and downfall of the nations of this present age. To deny these arguments would be to argue with reality, and that will surely apply to many in spite of the overwhelming evidence, who are and want to remain to be “willingly ignorant.” It is not that we don’t love the people who have become victims of our ill-ruled societies—just the opposite is true—but we must hate the evil deeds and opinions of God-defying men and women. Our position is based on prophecy and reality, which we can see and observe on a daily basis.

This world is following the lead of Satan. And that is why we should pray to God, for everyone’s sake, “Thy Kingdom Come!”

With Christian love,

Brian Gale
(United Kingdom)

PS “Biblical Prophecy—From Now Until Forever,” is the title of our newest booklet. Written by Norbert Link, this publication gives a specific time line of prophecy and addresses, among many other things, the end of this age, Christ’s second coming, the establishment of the Kingdom of God here on earth, and God’s rule over His creation for all eternity. The booklet will soon be ready for distribution. Please contact us for your own free copy, if you are not already on our mailing list.

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Dear Brethren and Friends,

Christians of the first century didn’t know exactly WHEN, but many believed that Jesus Christ would return in their lifetimes. For a while, that anticipation created tremendous zeal!

The apostle Paul initially wrote in ways that seem to indicate he expected to be alive when Jesus returned (compare 1 Corinthians 15:51; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; and 2 Thessalonians 1:7). However, later on, his writing reveals that he knew that he would die, and that meant he would live again to then meet Christ in the first resurrection—along with other faithful saints (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

As years turned into decades, and Jesus Christ did not appear, many lost their fervor, and some turned completely away from their incomparable calling. This is what Jesus said of that era of His Church: “‘…I have this against you, that you have left your FIRST LOVE’” (Revelation 2:4).

He and God’s Way of Life, as taught by Him, were their “first love,” and they quit seeking Him and what He represented—no longer passionately looking forward to His return!

Jesus knew this would happen, and He warned both them and us about losing focus on God’s Kingdom being established on the earth:

“And the Lord said, ‘Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. But if that servant says in his heart, “My master is delaying his coming,” and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk,the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more’” (Luke 12:42-48).

Herbert W. Armstrong, along with those contemporary with him, zealously believed at one time that Jesus Christ’s return was imminent—that it was about to happen very, very soon! Sermons were given; articles and letters were written; it became an underlying buzz among the membership; the “place of safety” was a hot topic—all were caught up earnestly assuming that theirs was the correct understanding.

However, that timeline was premature and Christ has not returned, yet. For some, the disappointment has proven catastrophic—just as it did in the first era of God’s Church!

Peter came to understand that the timing of Jesus Christ’s return would remain a problem for the Church when dates were set and the events would not take place at the expected times, and he warned:

“… knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation’” (2 Peter 3:3-4).

Peter also teaches us the proper approach while we wait for Jesus:

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless…

“You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” (2 Peter 3:10-14, 17-18).

Nothing in the Word of God tells us to NOT rally in the knowledge that Jesus Christ will be sent back to the earth by the Father! The astonishing truth is that quite the opposite is the case!

Jesus, Himself, gave His disciples a framework within which to watch for and be prepared for His return:

“‘Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away’” (Matthew 24:32-35).

As Jesus so emphatically states, there is a generation—that is, a certain span of time—in which His return will culminate! A “generation” might include the full lifetime of an individual and his peers, but not necessarily so.

In one of our Q&A’s, we addressed this very question and stated:

“We might wonder how long a ‘generation’ lasts, according to the Bible. We find a biblical definition for the approximate length of a human life in this modern day and age in Psalm 90:10, where we read: ‘The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.’ We also read in God’s Word that God sometimes shortens or prolongs human life, and that bloodthirsty and deceitful men may not live out HALF their days (Psalm 55:23). This is an interesting statement in light of the fact that men will be so bloodthirsty and destructive in the end time that Christ will HAVE to come and SHORTEN the days of worldwide warfare, lest ANY man would be saved alive or survive (Matthew 24:22).

“At this moment in time, we have not yet seen the beginning of the Great Tribulation, but we have been witnessing ever-increasing religious deception, wars, earthquakes, famines and disease epidemics—events which are described by Christ as the ‘beginning of sorrows’ (Matthew 24:8). These will become more and more visible and frightening in the years to come. We do not know the exact time of Christ’s return, but based on the parable of the fig tree, we CAN say that we ARE living today in the very last generation, and that Christ WILL return BEFORE this present generation has ‘passed away.’ It is therefore important for us to watch and pray, and to be ‘ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an HOUR [we] do NOT expect’ (Matthew 24:44).”

As His disciples, we are to remain vigilant and never let down in our role as Christians!

Paul urges and challenges us in Romans to continue in the love of God and His laws, saying:

“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts” (Romans 13:11-14).

If indeed Paul had the sense of Christ’s return growing ever closer in his time (over nineteen-hundred years earlier), how much more applicable is this now, for us?

Here is a key approach and understanding—one which many have completely lost: Jesus Christ’s return will seem to Paul and to all who have lived their lives and died as happening in their own times! The dead know nothing and have no consciousness (Ecclesiastes 9:5), but all of the righteous who died will be resurrected to immortality at the same time when those of the righteous who actually are living will be changed to eternal Spirit beings when Jesus returns!

The absolutely critical issue for us is to examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5) and to know that we are faithfully doing those things which will allow us to be counted worthy to be in this better resurrection (Luke 21:34-36).

Brethren, much has been given to us. We have understanding that is from God! We have been called to succeed in the Work commissioned to ALL OF US—each fulfilling his or her part in the Body of Christ, the Church of God!

MUCH MORE is and will be required of us as we draw closer to the visible return of Jesus Christ to establish His rule over the entire earth! The world will fight Him at that time, and the societies of this generation will NOT accept our presentation of the Good News of the Kingdom of God here on earth.

Brethren, as never before, PRAY for this Work of God in which we all have a part. Pray that God may send more laborers into His harvest. Pray for one another. Grow in the love of God and Jesus Christ and for each other, and never lose sight of our goal—the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of God’s glorious Kingdom on this war-weary earth!

In Christ’s Service,

Dave Harris

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Dear Members and Friends:

The Feast of Tabernacles 2012 is now a thing of the past. How many more Feasts will we be able to observe before the Great Tribulation will begin—a time so terrible that mankind’s very survival will be at stake? When that night arrives, travel and peaceful gatherings will have become virtually impossible.

In light of the prophesied darkness of the future, our Feast celebrations this year reflected relief and joy and a happy anticipation of the wonderful world to come, when the powers of the evil forces will have been replaced by the rule of the true Light—the Prince of Peace and the establishment of the Kingdom of God here on earth. At the same time, a sense of urgency permeated the Feast attendees who were reminded that we must work today as much and as long as we can. We distributed our newest booklet at both Feast sites, titled, “Middle Eastern and African Nations in Bible Prophecy,” as well as a special copy of a Feast-related magazine, “Millennial Times,” imagining how the world might look like 20 years after the beginning of the Millennium. (For our general subscribers in the US, we have enclosed a copy of the new booklet with this member letter).

The following two Feast reports from California and North Wales reflect that sense of joy,
urgency and our longing for a better world.

First, the Feast Report from California:

Once again brethren and visitors from the United States and Canada observed the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day in Pismo Beach, California, which was conducted by the Church of the Eternal God in the USA, in collaboration with the Church of God, a Christian Fellowship in Canada. Most of the brethren stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn where our meetings were conducted. Being in close proximity allowed for extended opportunities to socialize—especially during breakfast time.

The messages this year were presented by Bob Bourque, Joe Bourque, Kalon Mitchell, Michael Link, Robb Harris, Eric Rank, Rene Messier and Dave Harris—along with a special recorded Feast sermon from Norbert Link. These are available on our Church Website.

Special music by the adult and children’s choir in addition to individual performances from our talented members greatly added to the services. Several had diligently prepared in the time leading up to the Feast to be able to participate, and we are very grateful for their personal contributions.

Highlights also included a Dinner Dance with the theme of “animation”—hosted by Michael Link. Both adults and children really went all-out with costumes, and the entire evening was truly a fun-filled time. That enjoyment continued the next evening during our Talent Show—hosted by John Amorelli and Kalon Mitchell. Both young and old gave it their all to entertain one another in a family-like atmosphere!

On Friday afternoon, several assembled together at Avila Beach to enjoy the sand and waves of the beautiful California coast. That evening the ministry conducted a Bible Study discussing the fulfillment of biblical prophecies that we are currently witnessing. On Monday evening, many of the brethren gathered for a meal in a nearby restaurant as a way to cap off the tremendous experience of observing this Feast.

This year’s Feast of Tabernacles and Last Great Day were especially marked by a willingness to participate and serve one another, and we give God our thanks for His protection and blessings during this very special time!

Following is the Feast Report from North Wales:

For the sixteenth time, the Global Church of God held the Feast of Tabernacles in the UK, and this was the 3rd consecutive year at Deganwy in North Wales. This year, a 6 foot high Global Church of God banner was displayed for the first time and added to the proceedings.

Daily services were held in the Tegid Suite at the Quay Hotel, which is perfectly situated on the idyllic Conwy Estuary. On the hotel’s website, they state: “The Quay Hotel commands awe-inspiring views of the most magical scenery in North Wales and is located within easy reach of Snowdonia National Park, the neighbouring medieval town of Conwy and Victorian Llandudno, all within close access from Chester and the North.” This is no exaggeration as the hotel is beautifully situated where the harbour, countryside and Conwy Castle can all be seen quite clearly.

A number of brethren were welcomed from the USA and from Germany. For several of the German brethren, this was their first Feast. They had seen Mr Link’s German StandingWatch programs and heard his German sermons on the Church’s German website, aufpostenstehen.de. Several baptisms had been performed in Germany before the Feast and a further two baptisms took place during the Feast, much to the delight of all concerned. In addition, a young child was blessed during the Feast.

A PowerPoint slide show, which was similar to the one presented in California, was much appreciated and drew additional visitors from another church organization. Further messages were presented by Doug Mitchell, Andrew Burns, Brian Gale and Norbert Link—in addition to the pre-recorded video Feast sermon by Mr Link on the importance of true and genuine love. Norbert and Johanna Link provided simultaneous German translations of all the messages for our German brethren in attendance.

God has commanded His people to faithfully keep the Feast of Tabernacles, and the spiritual food is the most important aspect of this important time. However, many activities were enjoyed. Again the Conwy Golf Club hosted the Feast Dinner, which again provided a superb meal. An organised coach tour visited a number of places in the Snowdonia region and included a train journey on the Ffestiniog Railway which is the oldest independent railway company in the world—being founded by an Act of Parliament in 1832. Also a social was held and was enjoyed by everybody, including a number of guests from another Church organization.

Conditions in the world continue to go rapidly downhill, and no one knows how many more Feasts will be held in this age. We have to make the most of any opportunities that we are afforded, and the brethren certainly took full advantage of everything on offer at this Feast site. There was certainly much spiritual teaching in an area of beauty, peace and serenity and many other activities that were enjoyed.

Meeting others of a like mind and with the same goals is always a wonderful experience, and we are all now waiting for the Feast of Tabernacles to become reality, when Christ returns to set up the Kingdom of God in what we hope is in the not-too-distant future!

Even though we do not know how many Feasts we still are able to observe, we must plan ahead. And so, given the increasing number of German-speaking brethren and visitors, we will to try to find a Feast site in Germany in 2013 for attendees from the UK (and hopefully the US) and German speaking areas. We will also try to find a Feast site in or near Colorado for attendees from the US and Canada. Your prayers for God’s guidance in this regard are truly appreciated.

Further plans have been initiated to conduct our 2013 Ministerial Conference in Colorado after the Passover (evening of March 24) and the Seven Days of Unleavened Bread (March 26-April 1). The conference is scheduled to begin on Friday, April 12, through Tuesday, April 16. Norbert and Johanna Link intend to fly to Germany before the Passover, to conduct further meetings, campaigns, and counseling for anticipated baptisms, and to observe the Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread with the German brethren, while Brian and Jill Gale will travel to San Diego for the Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread. We are also in the process of establishing regular German church services in hotels, rather than in private homes, as we have been doing so far.

World conditions are getting darker by the day, with wars looming on the horizon, and terrible economic conditions raising their ugly head. The US Presidential Election on November 6 will have no substantial positive impact whatsoever on the future of the USA—no matter who will win—as God has decreed that this country must fall. Misguided faith in politicians, their empty promises and their destructive deeds, must come to an end. The sins of the nation have become too grievous to be overlooked any longer. The abominable and increasingly popular celebration of Halloween on October 31—a feast openly dedicated to Satan the devil and his demonic forces—is only one example, showing how far this nation has turned its back on and removed itself from God.

Brethren and friends, time is short as never before. Satan knows it too. His wrath is great. His activities, influences and hate can be clearly seen these days all over the world. But as Norbert Link explained in his recent video-recorded sermon, “Satan Is Alive,” the devil is especially interested in the destruction of God’s people. He will not stop at anything. He will bring temptations and deceptions; he will bombard them with physical and spiritual fiery darts of wickedness. He is a liar and murderer. For the world, he is their angel of light and even their very god—for us, he is our mortal deadly enemy. Make no mistake! The prophesied apostasy for the last days has not ended—it is ongoing and directed at the Church of God organizations. We will see, once again, more and more deceptive and false teachings being infiltrated into the churches in the weeks and months to come. And we are warned that MANY in the Church of God will be deceived and that their love—the love of God within them—will grow cold. They will hate and betray one another, and former friends will become cruel and unforgiving enemies.

We must be on guard. We must be clothed with God’s spiritual armor to stand and to fight Satan. When we resist him and draw near to God, Satan must flee from us. He had nothing in Christ—he must have nothing in us.

This world is built on the foundation of Satan’s deceptions. It can’t be improved—it must be replaced. Thanks be to God that Christ will return very soon to establish God’s rule on earth. In the meantime, we must stay strong and do the Work of God. Having been rejuvenated during the Feast of Tabernacles, let us not lose this necessary zeal and love for God. Let us not give place to the devil, and let us not allow him to discourage us through problems, trials and difficulties. Too much—our eternity—is at stake.

In Christian love,

Norbert Link

Dave Harris

Rene Messier

Brian Gale

Eric Rank

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Dear Brethren and Friends,

We are fast approaching the autumnal Holy Day season with the Feast of Trumpets on September 17 and the Day of Atonement on September 26. The people of God will also be keeping the Feast of Tabernacles at Feast sites around the world to observe this biblically commanded period of time from October 1 to 8. But I will ask the question, as many have asked in the past, how many who kept the Feast last year will be absent this year?

It appears to be a constant within the Church of God that there will be absentees for all sorts of reasons: death, illness, injury or disability, family or work-related problems or maybe even loss of faith, interest or general apathy. It is always sad to hear of those faltering in their Christian calling, particularly at a time when prophecy is being fulfilled before our very eyes. We must, however, be aware of the warning given in Matthew 24:12 where Jesus talks about the time when the “love of many will grow cold”. This describes an indifference or even hostility to the truth once embraced, as well as these same traits being aimed at faithful Church members.

There is also a warning about those who are always wanting to hear something new. In 2 Timothy 4:3 we read the following prophecy: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers…” And so, we have been warned not to be deceived. We must heed the warning, lest we fall away from God’s Church and God’s truth.

We should understand that there are many reasons or even a combination of reasons why some may be absent from the Feast this year, and if we know of someone who falls into this category, we should try and to help and encourage them if at all possible. We can certainly pray for them to overcome any barriers that may, at least to them, seem impossible to overcome but “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Unfortunately, there does seem to be a very small group of “members” who could attend but simply don’t make the effort for reasons which only they may understand.

Satan is surely increasing his attack on those faithful to their true Christian calling, and we are told to be “sober and vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Whilst this had an application to the 1st century church, it has an even greater application as we approach Christ’s Second Coming.

Satan accomplishes this through many strategies, including stirring up strife between brethren and through the subtlety of erroneous teachings being introduced which can, and does, create controversy and argument.

This is especially tragic as the prophetic times ahead of us are drawing nearer, culminating in the glorious return of Jesus Christ. Let us look at the situation in the United Kingdom, to explain what we mean.

Now that the London 2012 Olympic Games, held all over the United Kingdom, have finished,
reality has set in again. It was 16 days of blanket coverage in the news media and simply a boon for the insatiable 24 hour rolling news broadcasts channels. Indeed, it was like “manna from heaven” for them and they took full advantage of the situation. By the end of the Olympics, a comment was made that Team GB had triumphantly over-delivered and the economy had done exactly the opposite.

The Governor of the Bank of England, Mervyn King, said last month that “I don’t think we’re in a position to forecast what will happen in the Euro area and, therefore, we are in no accurate position to know what will happen in the UK.” If a man in such a senior financial position doesn’t know, it doesn’t augur well for the country.

Mr. King wrote the following after the Games had concluded: “By spreading happiness and good cheer the Games have made us all feel better. And, who knows, the impact on confidence may give the economy a boost. But ultimately the Games cannot alter the underlying economic situation we face. If the rest of the world were growing normally, the rebalancing and recovery of our economy would be much easier. But it isn’t. Even the rapidly expanding emerging market economies are slowing, and the problems of the euro area continue with no obvious end in sight.”

With yet another downward forecast now indicating a zero per cent growth—at best—for 2012 in the UK, the view is that the country is in for a very difficult time. That is something the Church has been forecasting for years.

One British newspaper commented that “Now the Olympic party is over. Given the fun the nation has had over the past two weeks, it is inevitable that a hangover will follow. Soon, the BBC News will return to relentless tales of recession, the euro zone debt crisis, cuts and gloom rather than sporting heroism. Ministers will have to put down their plastic flags and return to the grind of trying, finally, to find a formula for economic growth.”

These comments are puerile to say the least; the government has been trying for some time to deal with an increasingly faltering economy but without much success. They simply don’t have the answers.

But now that this temporary “fun” has finished, the hard, cold reality of making ends meet in a very poor economic climate is taking hold again for the man in the street. This light relief was but for a short time and certainly gave a “lift” to the nation but now more serious considerations will have to be met by those suffering from financial hardship or difficulties. It was certainly a very welcome diversion for the government and politicians, but only for a brief moment in time. The costs of the Olympics Games were enormous although the financial commitment by the nation, when awarded the Games in 2005, was made in a different financial climate to today, and the government expects a return on that investment in the coming years.

And before the Olympics, we had the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations which again occupied an enormous amount of newspaper print, television and radio time and the attention of most of the nation.  It was as if reality had been suspended with a constant diet of “news” that bore little resemblance to what was really going on and will probably lead to dire consequences for the world.

Focusing on other areas in the world, the problems in Syria and the Middle East have not suddenly disappeared, nor have the consequences of Iran’s actions with their nuclear ambitions, but you
may have been forgiven for thinking so as the media, especially in the UK, concentrated on these other distractions. In our weekly Updates, different sources have been quoted regularly about the possibility, or as some would see it, the probability, of a war between Israel and Iran, and within the next couple of months. We quoted the “Times of Israel” which wrote on August 20 that “Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ‘is determined to attack Iran before the US elections,’ Israel’s Channel 10 News claimed on Monday night, and Israel is now ‘closer than ever’ to a strike designed to thwart Iran’s nuclear drive.”

Apart from the tensions in the Middle East, and elsewhere, economic problems are deep rooted and persist, not only in the UK but, it seems, in all nations around the globe. Everywhere we see problems. A recent newspaper report said that “Across the agricultural heartland of the US, the worst drought in at least 50 years is shriveling crops, baking pastures and running livestock farmers out of business.”

Add to that the moral decay which is usually viewed as “progress” and for those who have eyes to see, they are able to discern what a state the world is in. The blessings and cursings of Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 have been ignored and dismissed by an “enlightened” society which thinks that they know better than God. Time, and decisive action by God, will prove otherwise. Winston Churchill said in his address to the Congress of the United States on December 26, 1941: “I will say that he must indeed have a blind soul who cannot see that some great purpose and design is being worked out here below.” Unfortunately, all the current world leadership fit into this unfortunate category of not being able to see God’s purpose being worked out here below.

This world has very little hope and only temporary and brief solutions to the insurmountable problems that are engulfing the whole world. What is needed is a new type of government that does have the answers and we know that that time cannot be too far away. However, it will not be brought about by the intellect, abilities and actions of infallible man but by the supernatural intervention of Jesus Christ.

As we approach the upcoming Holy Days which foreshadow the return of Christ, the putting away of Satan for a 1,000 years and the Millennial rule of Christ, Church members who stay faithful can have hope for the future that the world at large can only dream of. Attending the Feast of Tabernacles gives us the opportunity of being with other “called out ones”—those of like mind and with the same goals and aspirations. How blessed we are to have been called at this time to be a part of the first and better resurrection (Hebrews 11:35).

At our two Feast sites, in Pismo Beach, California, USA, and Deganwy in North Wales, we will have available for all attendees our new booklet “Middle Eastern and African Nations in Bible Prophecy”, together with the Feast of Tabernacles newspaper that we have been working on for about four months. This has assumed that the date of the newspaper is twenty years into the Millennium and many fine contributions have been received from members. We hope that these two items will add greatly to your Feast enjoyment.

With Christian love,

Brian Gale
(United Kingdom)

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Dear Brethren and Friends,

This is an extremely dangerous time for Christians!

The assaults which are prophesied to arise against the followers of Christ at the end of the age are only now in their beginning stages. As we have reported in our weekly Updates, religious persecution, especially in parts of Africa, has led to bloodshed. What is notable is that people who claim Christianity as their faith are being singled out in attacks from strident Islamic extremists.

In Europe—particularly, Germany—religious Jews, who maintain the practice of circumcision, are finding themselves at odds with a court decision which criminalizes such procedures (this also affects Moslems who observe a similar custom). This is happening in conjunction with other nations, such as Austria and Switzerland, and also with France, which is prohibiting the wearing of certain kinds of religious dress.

Now, while this may seem remote to us, the implications could not be more ominous! We must realize that persecutions of religious minorities, such as the Jews, will also be directed, in time, against members of God’s Church.

Jesus Christ very specifically spoke of what would be happening in the time just before His return to the earth, and He warned of persecution: “‘Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake’” (Matthew 24:9).

Since being called by God and becoming a part of the Church of God, we have all lived in anticipation of these things happening. We have also been taught that God will help us to endure whatever we face—and that is borne out in 1 Corinthians 10:13:

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

However, the very great peril we face today is the challenge of enduring faithfully in our calling—it is the extreme danger of the moment!

The Bible addresses this when we find statements such as: “‘…he who endures to the end shall be saved’” (Matthew 24:13); “by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor and immortality…” (Romans 2:7); “…hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain” (I Corinthians 15:2); “…hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end’ (Hebrews 3:14); “And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end…” (Hebrews 6:11); “…not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some…” (Hebrews 10:25); and, showing the certainty of the promise of our salvation by these words: “‘…those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful’” (Revelation 17:14).

We are living in the “lull before the storm”! For most of us, life is filled with the so-called normal things of family, work and personal activities. Added to this are our trials of poor health, of conflicts with others, of discouragement—and the list grows!

Throughout all of this, though, our challenge is that of preparing to become Spirit-born sons and daughters of God. We must not let down! In fact, Jesus strongly warned that His disciples should WATCH and BE READY for His return (compare Matthew 24:42, 44; 25:10, 13).

Ask yourself—are you FERVENT about God’s calling and about your involvement in the Work of God given to the Church—which is the ongoing Work of Jesus Christ as the Head of the Church of God?

Note what Jesus Christ said:

“‘He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.  And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.’” (Matthew 10:37-39).

Also, we have this warning from the apostle John:

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15-17).

Faith was an integral constant in the life of Jesus Christ. He depended on the Father, and He even said that His accomplishments—His strength—all came from God (compare John 5:19, 30; 6:38; 8:28; 12:49; and 14:10).

Brethren and friends, if we—like Jesus Christ—willingly, with an open and obedient heart look to God our Father and learn to serve Him with absolute trust, we will not stumble or fail—not now, not ever!

In Christ’s Service,

Dave Harris

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Dear Members, Co-Workers and Friends,

How close are we to the day of Christ’s return? Of course, we do not know for sure (Matthew 24:44; 25:13), and we should never attempt to set dates—not even speculative dates—but we are encouraged to observe the signs of the time (Matthew 16:2-3) to determine whether or not the day is near (Matthew 24:32-34). Sadly, before Christ can come back, terrible events will have to occur first, described in the Bible as the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord.

Even though some in God’s Church will be protected at a place of safety here on earth (Revelation 12:13-16), others will have to experience unparalleled persecution and even martyrdom (Revelation 12:17; 6:9-11). But Paul said that all who want to live godly will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12)—even prior to the end of this present evil age. And increasing religious persecution of the faithful is one indication of impending frightful days of such magnitude “such as not have been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21).

We should be able to see that religious intolerance and rejection of godly standards are on an unparalleled rise in, especially, the Western World, including the USA, Canada, the UK and continental Europe. In Isaiah 5:20, God pronounces a curse on those “who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter.” In these last days, we see how this wrong standard of reversed values has terribly increased—under the influence of Satan the devil, of course, who is deceiving the whole world (Revelation 12:9). His wrath is great because he knows that his days of deception are numbered (Revelation 12:12). He transforms himself into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), putting “darkness for light,” and inspires his ministers to pretend to be ministers of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:15), calling “evil good, and good evil.” Since this is so, we are not told today, including in our many “Christian” churches, what is good and holy and right in God’s eyes (Ezekiel 22:26); rather, we are told that those things which are abhorred by God are good, and that righteous conduct which is upheld by God is evil.

Just look around and note what is going on in our sophisticated “civilized” and “enlightened” world. God condemns homosexual practices, adultery and fornication (i.e., pre-marital sex). Our societies tolerate or even welcome all of them. God condemns wars and abortions; but we have been led to believe that these are necessary—or sometimes even welcome—to deal with our personal and national situations. God condemns pagan worship and insists instead in keeping His weekly and annual Sabbaths—but Satan has deceived nominal Christianity to abolish God’s Holy Days and replace them with holidays which are derived from pagans. Rather than remembering the weekly Sabbath to keep it holy, we are told to forget the Sabbath and keep Sunday holy instead. Rather than worshipping God on His annual Holy Days, we are asked to profane God’s holy name by neglecting His days and observing instead, “in God’s honor,” pagan days such as Christmas and Easter. Yes, indeed, religious teachers encourage us to reject the commandments of God so that we can keep our human traditions (Mark 7:6-9).

God tells us that it is wrong to ever physically abuse a child, but that it is right on rare occasions to spank our little children, in a balanced and loving way (Proverbs 29:15). However, man, in his own God-defying wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:20) has determined that even light spanking is always wrong and must be rejected. And now, physical circumcision—even though not required today for Christians, but most certainly not prohibited in Scripture—has been declared by a German court as constituting physical abuse of young children and a crime, and to the shame of many Germans and others, this abominable decision has been embraced and applauded.

Worldly courts in our Western societies have begun to interpret or enforce laws against “hate crimes,” by prohibiting sermons of ministers who are willing to teach the clear doctrines of the Holy Bible and threatening those ministers with fines and jail terms. Mind you, we are not talking about dictatorial countries such as China or Russia, or certain Muslim societies, but our so-called Christian nations in our Western world.

We can expect these kinds of persecutions to continue and increase in frequency and power, testing all of us as to whom we are willing to obey more—God or man (Acts 5:29)? In some “Christian” countries, parents are being confronted with mandatory school attendance laws, prohibiting homeschooling and requiring them to violate their religious conviction regarding the sanctity of the Sabbath and the annual Holy Days, and to send their children on these days to school or kindergarten. In other countries, there are no exceptions to compulsory military service. Will those being drafted have the spiritual strength to obey God and not do anything, which would violate the letter or the spirit of the law against killing?

Some countries require of their citizens to vote in governmental elections or to serve on a jury. Will those called upon to do so have the spiritual strength to obey God and not participate in such conduct, which is clearly prohibited in Scripture? Many face difficulties on their jobs, as employers will try to persuade their employees, who are opposed to working on the Sabbath, to give in “just a little,” as this “important task” will “have to be done” on the Sabbath. It will take wisdom as to how to approach and handle such situations, but since giving in just a little will always lead to more compromise and violations of God’s laws, the bottom line will always have to be: Are we willing to obey God rather than man, even in “little things”—no matter what the consequences?

The fact is, we are not living in a godly world. No country is godly or righteous in God’s eyes. We all have rejected God and turned our backs on Him (Romans 3:9-18). We are all under Satan’s influence, and it is GOD who must call us out of this world, including our country’s politics and agendas. The Babylonian system permeates the entire world, and we are admonished to “Come out of her, my people” (Revelation 18:4), and not to touch anything which is unclean (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). In doing this, we will be persecuted by man and man’s governments, but Christ says that we are blessed when this happens (Matthew 5:10-12). By remaining a part of the systems, philosophies and politics of this evil world, upholding its standards instead of God’s values, we might retain our “friends” and avoid some persecution from man, but we won’t ever become a friend of God and Christ (James 4:4; John 15:14) and will have to experience the wrath of God in His due time (Romans 2:5-11).

As we observe the increasing darkness which permanently surrounds us, we must become bright and observable lights shining in this evil world (Philippians 2:15), and as God’s Church, we must continue, with ever increasing strength which God will give us, to proclaim the good news to the world as a witness (Matthew 24:14). We realize that Satan, the prince of darkness, has blinded the minds of most and that the gospel is veiled to them, preventing that the “light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Still, we must continue to do the Work of proclaiming the good news of the coming restoration of all things (Acts 3:21), when Christ returns to end Satan’s rule and establish the Kingdom of God on this earth.

As we progress in our godly endeavors, we will experience persecution from man under Satan’s rule, but it will all be worth it. In the end, God will crush Satan under our feet (Romans 16:20), and we will assist Christ in ruling this world righteously and godly, applying God’s uncompromising and unalterable standards, defining what is holy and unholy, right and wrong, clean and unclean, and good and evil (Ezekiel 44:23-24). Let’s make sure that we don’t become indifferent today towards our individual and collective responsibilities, because we will soon reap everlasting life, if we don’t lose heart (Galatians 6:8-9).

With brotherly love,

Norbert Link

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Dear Members, Co-Workers, and Friends,

Thank you.

The mere fact that you’re reading this letter means that you have supported the work of the Church of the Eternal God in the United States, the Church of God – A Christian Fellowship in Canada, the Global Church of God in the United Kingdom, and its additional affiliations and outlets, such as Die Kirche des Ewigen Gottes in Germany, and our StandingWatch programs. Whether through financial contributions, notes of encouragement to the ministry, attendance at Sabbath services and Feasts, heartfelt prayers for the Work, or the simple consumption of the media produced for preaching the Gospel, your participation is what allows the Church to exist and fulfill the commission set before us. Thank you for your continued support. We want to make sure that you know it is tremendously appreciated.

The reason that your help and support are important is that God’s Work cannot happen in a vacuum by the independent labor of individuals without organizations. Big things are best accomplished when multiple people are involved, working together in the same spirit of righteous collaboration. By working together to promote and perform the Work of the Church, we help to fulfill the commandment of love for God and love for others. You might ask, how does that work? The answer is quite simple. By working together to support the Work of the Church of God, we actively participate in efforts to benefit the well-being and salvation of people other than ourselves. The outgoing concern for others is the definition of love.

Because the Gospel is to be preached to the entire world as a witness, fulfilling such a commission requires organization, cooperation and collaboration with each other, so that work can be performed as efficiently and effectively as possible. Individual efforts without affiliation have limited impact, and many times serve only to benefit a single person—ourselves. How much can we really do by ourselves? It is true that we are responsible for working out our own salvation, but the Bible is clear in the instruction to have active love for others as well. We all show our concern for others when we pray for one another, and when we support the Church to organize and execute the plans to feed the flock and preach the Gospel. By supporting, encouraging, and otherwise helping the ministry and the mission of the Church, we actively express the outward concern for others. This is something we can’t take lightly. 1 Corinthians 10:24 reminds us: “Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.” We build something up much greater than ourselves by actively doing this. Thank you for taking advantage of opportunities you have. We know that it is not always easy.

Paul expressed his thanks for the brethren in a similar way, because he too needed support in the work he performed. He took the commission to preach the Gospel and feed the flock to heart, travelling extensively to get the Word of God out to those who had not yet learned the amazing plan of God. He also worked very hard to help the converted believers to continue in their growth. Paul didn’t do this on his own accord and could not have, even if he had tried. Paul acknowledged the need to involve others in the Work, whether as ministers, as hosts during his visits, as travel companions, or importantly, as converted believers changing their lives. To the Philippians he memorialized his appreciation. In Philippians 1:3-6 Paul writes, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ…”

As converted members of the Family of God, we are part of something tremendously important. Individually and collectively, we are part of the good Work that God will complete, as Paul wrote to the Philippians. His Kingdom will be established here on Earth, and we, as part of the Body of Christ, have a responsibility to help this message to be published and broadcast and delivered to those ready and willing to receive it. Understanding that this is true—that God is working with us right now—is the first step for us all. Understanding how we can put this fact into action in our daily lives is the next.

A good place to start is by continuing in the support of other believers and the Church. Growing in our knowledge of the truth and sharpening each other’s understanding when we meet together is a simple thing to do. By sticking together, with a unity in purpose, we become stronger as individuals and as an organized entity. Solomon wrote about the virtue of cooperation and working together in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, “Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

This should encourage us that when we simply support one another and support the Church by reading, listening, watching, praying, meeting together and sharing, we actively strengthen others and the Church. We hope that you believe in your heart that your participation is of vital importance to the Work of the Church of God. Without your working to grow and care for others, with whom you come in contact, the Work of God cannot be as effective as it must be. Thank you for what you already do. Please continue and grow in it! Your efforts are not fruitless, but are appreciated tremendously. Keep up the Good Work!

In Christian love,

Eric Rank

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Dear Brethren and Friends,

This is an extremely dangerous time for Christians!

The assaults which are prophesied to arise against the followers of Christ at the end of the age are only now in their beginning stages. As we have reported in our weekly Updates, religious persecution, especially in parts of Africa, has led to bloodshed. What is notable is that people who claim Christianity as their faith are being singled out in attacks from strident Islamic extremists.

In Europe—particularly, Germany—religious Jews, who maintain the practice of circumcision, are finding themselves at odds with a court decision which criminalizes such procedures (this also affects Moslems who observe a similar custom). This is happening in conjunction with other nations, such as Austria and Switzerland, and also with France, which is prohibiting the wearing of certain kinds of religious dress.

Now, while this may seem remote to us, the implications could not be more ominous! We must realize that persecutions of religious minorities, such as the Jews, will also be directed, in time, against members of God’s Church.

Jesus Christ very specifically spoke of what would be happening in the time just before His return to the earth, and He warned of persecution: “‘Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake’” (Matthew 24:9).

Since being called by God and becoming a part of the Church of God, we have all lived in anticipation of these things happening. We have also been taught that God will help us to endure whatever we face—and that is borne out in 1 Corinthians 10:13:

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

However, the very great peril we face today is the challenge of enduring faithfully in our calling—it is the extreme danger of the moment!

The Bible addresses this when we find statements such as: “‘…he who endures to the end shall be saved’” (Matthew 24:13); “by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor and immortality…” (Romans 2:7); “…hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain” (I Corinthians 15:2); “…hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end’ (Hebrews 3:14); “And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end…” (Hebrews 6:11); “…not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some…” (Hebrews 10:25); and, showing the certainty of the promise of our salvation by these words: “‘…those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful’” (Revelation 17:14).

We are living in the “lull before the storm”! For most of us, life is filled with the so-called normal things of family, work and personal activities. Added to this are our trials of poor health, of conflicts with others, of discouragement—and the list grows!

Throughout all of this, though, our challenge is that of preparing to become Spirit-born sons and daughters of God. We must not let down! In fact, Jesus strongly warned that His disciples should WATCH and BE READY for His return (compare Matthew 24:42, 44; 25:10, 13).

Ask yourself—are you FERVENT about God’s calling and about your involvement in the Work of God given to the Church—which is the ongoing Work of Jesus Christ as the Head of the Church of God?

Note what Jesus Christ said:

“‘He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.  And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.’” (Matthew 10:37-39).

Also, we have this warning from the apostle John:

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15-17).

Faith was an integral constant in the life of Jesus Christ. He depended on the Father, and He even said that His accomplishments—His strength—all came from God (compare John 5:19, 30; 6:38; 8:28; 12:49; and 14:10).

Brethren and friends, if we—like Jesus Christ—willingly, with an open and obedient heart look to God our Father and learn to serve Him with absolute trust, we will not stumble or fail—not now, not ever!

In Christ’s Service,

Dave Harris

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Dear Members, Co-workers and Friends,

We have just concluded our annual Church conference in the greater San Diego area. Though it was a time for the entire ministry to catch up with one another and the brethren from the local area, there was a sense of “getting business done” even more so than usual.

As we went through the agenda, there seemed to be a sharpened focus on accomplishing what has been placed before us. Without saying it, everyone knows that time is short, and the need to witness to the world and help the bride to get ready has become that much more pressing.

In going through the items that needed to be discussed and taken care of, there was a business-like approach to addressing the issues thoroughly and succinctly, creating action items if necessary, and then moving on to the next matter at hand. God did indeed answer the prayers you sent up before the conference as well as those given during it. Thank you!

Reports on all the areas were given with some very exciting news coming out of Germany. At the moment, we are experiencing a great deal of interest. The StandingWatch program in German (AufPostenStehen) along with the German video sermons are bearing much fruit in the way of questions, requests for literature and, most importantly, many baptism inquiries.

It really goes to show what we already know… we are to do the planting and watering, but it is God who gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).

A theme that emerged throughout different topics and conversations was the need to hold fast to the truth and to preach the gospel as it was delivered to us and as Christ gave it. It is the charter of our organization and one of the hallmarks that differentiates us from others. To change or deviate from it in the slightest is to cause others to receive a different gospel (2 Corinthians 11:4; Galatians 1:6-8).

Our desire in our commission to preach the gospel and feed the flock is to heed Paul’s words to Timothy: “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). That we must do even “when they will not endure sound doctrine” (verse 3) and when “they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (verse 4). Though we know God’s Word will not always be received, it is incumbent upon us to expound it continuously and accurately to those whom God has entrusted and brought to us.

It is always our hope that God will call people to become members of His Church—that they may become future sons and daughters in the Family of God.

It is now the time of the year for those of us who are begotten members of the Family of God to be focusing on the first annual feast of the year—Passover. Even though we look at ourselves throughout the year, questioning the godliness of our thoughts and actions, this is a period for deeper introspection.

By the power that we were imbued with during the laying on of hands after baptism, we are to weed out the carnality that does not belong and is contrary to God. Our efforts, along with God’s help, are to make us right with God in preparation for the soon-coming return of Christ.

The Passover is a memorial—we must never forget this and the fact that Jesus gave His life blood and body for us. He laid down His life, becoming the ultimate Passover Sacrifice, so that we may have the forgiveness, reconciliation, freedom, justification, and healing that have now been afforded us.

After having accepted what Christ did for us and therefore having buried the old man with our old ways, we are to continue to remove sin from our lives. The following Days of Unleavened Bread picture this and the replacement of sin (symbolized by leavened bread) with Christ’s righteousness of a sinless life (represented by the unleavened bread).

These days are packed with meaning that will enrich our lives immeasurably. We need to be resolute in our approach, in order that we may make the most of the eternal opportunities that are currently set before us. Brethren, we hope and pray that we are up to this challenge.

With brotherly love,

Norbert Link

Dave Harris

Rene Messier

Brian Gale

Eric Rank

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Dear Brethren and Friends,

There were so many significant events that occurred in 2011. One of those was the desire of many to change the political structure in their own country. We can all remember the “Arab Spring,” which started in Tunisia, swept to Egypt and soon encompassed a number of other nations in the Middle East area. It was a domino effect that established that many were unhappy with the leadership their governments had shown.

On December 17, 2011, Kim Jong-il, who had ruled North Korea since 1994, died of a heart attack, and his son, Kim Jong-un, was accepted as his successor. At the funeral in late December, television programs showed scenes of mass hysteria and grief from mourners, many of whom were very young. Perhaps they were not aware of the appalling record of Kim Jong-il who was named as number 2 in a list of tyrants in a book entitled, “The World’s 20 Worst Living Dictators,” which was written by David Wallechinsky. Or maybe they were “planted” in the crowd to bolster the credibility of this small state, where their people have never known freedom.

On October 20, 2011, Muammar al-Qaddafi was shot dead. He is listed at number 11 in Mr Wallechinsky’s book. He had been the leader of the North African nation of Libya since 1969, and his acts of terrorism were numerous.

Apart from Muammar al-Qaddafi and Kim Jong-il, there are 18 other dictators who are exposed for what they are in Mr Wallechinsky’s book, and it is interesting, but not edifying reading. Whilst there may be a smooth transition of power in North Korea, many other nations are now having severe internal problems with their people who say that they are not prepared to stand for more of the same. Expectations were high by those protesting, and by many commentators, who may have thought that Western-style democracy would soon be introduced, but that is surely looking more and more like wishful thinking. It may be that those who espouse Sharia law may well take the place of some of those who have been ousted from power; but whatever happens, problems certainly won’t be eradicated in those countries overnight. In fact, biblical prophecy shows that further problems are just ahead for the world at large.

It is an historically undisputed fact that many despots have ruled down through the ages. One of the great motivations is the lust for power, and there never seems to be a dearth of those who fit the bill. The 20th and 21st centuries have provided their fair share of such leaders.

We want to move on to mention just five individuals who will have tremendous impact on the world at some time in the near future.

The first of these is the Beast (Revelation 17:8) who will be a charismatic leader of 10 European nations or groups of nations. In our booklet “The Fall and Rise of Britain and America,” we state the following on page 40, under the heading “The Coming European Superpower”:

“The United States, Great Britain and the State of Israel in the Middle East will suffer at the hands of the rising superpower which is now developing in Europe. Scripture identifies the superpower as the prophesied seventh and last revival of the Holy Roman Empire in the form of ten nations or groups of nations. Europe will be led by an Assyrian king (‘King Jareb’), that is, by a powerful German-speaking leader. God will use Europe and especially the modern Assyrian ‘king’ to punish modern Israel and Judah for their spiritual treachery toward Him.”

The second individual will be the False Prophet who will work hand in hand with the Beast. Our booklet “Europe in Prophecy” has this to say on page 12, under the heading “The Scarlet Beast”:

“In Revelation 17, the Apostle John is given a vision of a different beast than the one in chapter 13—this one being a scarlet beast but also having seven heads and ten horns. The most striking difference, however, is that the scarlet beast is ridden by a woman—a harlot. Revelation 17:5 identifies the woman as ‘mystery, Babylon the great, the mother of harlots and of the abominations of the earth.’ This woman is depicted in verse 6 as drunk with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. In verse 18 the woman is also identified as that great city that reigns over the kings of the earth, the city that sits on seven mountains (v. 9). Though here called Babylon, the famed City
of Seven Hills is the city of Rome!—successor to ancient Babylon politically, militarily,
economically and religiously. It is this city that rides the scarlet beast with the seven heads and the ten horns. The seven heads of the Beast are seven kings or seven kingdoms (v. 10). These are successive kingdoms, one following the other. Five have already fallen, one is, and the last one has not yet arrived.”

The Beast and the False Prophet will work in tandem for a short while, but at the same time, two other individuals will also be at work. They are the Two Witnesses who will have tremendous power for 3½ years—during the time of the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord. We read in Revelation 11:3-6:

“‘And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.’ These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. These two witnesses have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire.”

When these two very powerful witnesses have finished their testimony, they will be killed after 3½ years, but they will be resurrected after 3½ days (verses 7 and 11).

These 3½ years will be a very interesting but dangerous time. They will lead to some great news that the Church of God has been anticipating for many years.

The fifth individual we want to mention is the most powerful of them all—Jesus Christ—Who will return to clean up all the mess that human beings have made over the last 6,000 years. It will be a wonderful time when the tyrants, despots and dictators will become a thing of the past. No more injustice, no more terrorism, no more subjugating the masses of people and no more false worship either of men or of false gods.

Many leaders over the last 6,000 years have made quite an impact—either for good or for bad. But we are now awaiting these five individuals to appear in their due time, and they will have an unprecedented impact on humanity. Satan will raise the Beast and the False Prophet and give them his powers. They will be extremely popular in this Satan-inspired and -deceived world. On the other hand, God will raise the Two Witnesses who will not be popular, but their power will be given to them by God! All of them will appear at a time of trouble as never before (Daniel 12:1).

And then Christ returns. And it is His return that should be in our daily prayers.

With Christian love,

Brian Gale
(United Kingdom)