We used to think
that we were the only true church on earth, writes Pastor General Joseph Tkach.
We used to think
that we were the only true church on earth, writes Pastor General Joseph Tkach.
We understood the Bible in a way that no one else did. We had doctrines that made us distinct from "all those other churches." We had a clear sense of identity.
We gradually came to see that our distinctive doctrines were in most cases a misunderstanding of the Bible. Our clear sense of identity was based on mistakes. We had to swallow our pride, and discover from the Bible who we really are. Page 6.
Some passages in
the New Testament indicate that we won't be saved unless we are doing good works. How do
these passages fit with the passages that tell us we are saved by grace and not by works?
Mike Feazell responds to this question and others in Standing in Christ Alone. Pages 8 to 11.
The
idyllic island nation of Fiji has erupted in political violence because of a May 19 coup.
Pastor Epeli Kanaimawi and his wife, Sofi, have been asked to serve the people of Fiji to try to bring peace again.
Mr. Kanaimawi reports on his meetings with coup leader George Speight and his efforts to help bring peace to the island nation. Pages 12 & 13.
The WCG in
Africa is alive with excitement, writes regional director James Henderson.
We are following Jesus so he can make us fishers of men in his time and at his pleasure.
We are learning to take the opportunities that God places before us. Stepping out in faith is becoming part of our Christ-nature. It is amazing to see how unexpected opportunities come our way and that we can use such occasions in his service. Pages 14 & 15.
Teen weekends took place in Jacksonville, Florida, and White Lake, North Carolina.
Teens in Jacksonville took part in World Vision's 30-Hour Famine to raise funds for starving children.
Teens in North Carolina had many opportunities for spiritual growth and enjoyed many recreational activities. Pages 18 & 19.
The 2000 Women's International Conference took place May 19 to 21 in Costa Mesa.
Two hundred women from three countries, 17 states and more than nine denominations met to laugh, cry, share and learn, writes Deena Murray.
One of the visiting women flew to the conference from Georgia, formerly part of the Soviet Union, after seeing the information about the WCG on the Internet.
The weekend wrapped up with the women being invited to meet in Des Moines, Iowa, for the 2001 conference. Pages 16 & 17.
The financial picture for the Worldwide Church of God is tracking pretty much according to projections, writes controller Ron Kelly.
Our regular member donations for May were a little more than $1.9
million. Income for January through May from all sources including estate donations as
well as PTM income and donations is now at $11,691,145. Page 29.
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2000