Mr. Tkach writes that we are not called to be isolated individuals, but to be a people in community, in a fellowship.
He then elaborates on our upward, inward and outward responsibilities. "Upward" denotes our relationship with God. "Inward" denotes our nurturing relationships with each other. "Outward" concerns the way we interact with non-Christians.
Mr. Tkach concluded with goals for 1997: work toward having a resident pastor in every congregation; to have at least 25 percent of every congregation in a small group; to have a women's ministry program in every congregation; for all members to be given instruction about spiritual gifts; and to pray that God will provide a buyer for the Pasadena property, and for it to enter escrow before the end of 1997. Page 1.
Daily average mail income in November was $130,214, a marginal improvement over October, which was the lowest month of the year. Our yearly daily average mail income had been budgeted at about $150,000 a day.
Even though the last two monthly averages have been far below our yearly average projection, the yearly average is a small amount above the projection at about $155,042. A bad December could bring this average below projections for the year, however.
Even if December keeps the yearly daily average mail income above $150,000, we will still probably run a deficit of about $2 million. Page 3.
Is the church going too far in teaching that salvation is by faith alone, by grace alone? asks Phil Hopwood, pastor of the Newcastle and Narrabri, Australia, churches.
Is the church teaching that good works are not necessary, and that we don't have to pursue righteousness in our daily lives?
Theologians have struggled for centuries to get a balance between law and gospel, between works and grace.
Imbalance on this subject produces antinomianism (no law) on one hand, or legalism and moralism on the other. Pages 4 and 5.
"In all my 35 years in the ministry, this day has been the most rewarding," said pastor Don Lawson Sept. 8 after baptizing seven people ages 13 to mid-20s in the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, church.
A question and answer section says that baptism is for those who come to saving faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior. That means the real question is, can teenagers come to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ? If the answer is yes, then teens may be baptized. If the answer is no, then teens should wait until they do come to have saving faith in Christ. Page 6.
The area of the world where members are suffering the most is Eastern Zaire and Rwanda in Central Africa. But, at the same time, the Holy Spirit is producing much fruit there.
Randal Dick writes about brethren caught up in the latest ethnic violence.
We haven't heard from our Bukavu members since the Feast. Prayers would be appreciated for them and the Banzubaze family stranded in a refugee camp near Goma. Page 15.
Three members share their experiences in being protected and healed by God. Katie Deal tells about her recovery after being run over by a truck.
Katie's mother, Julie Deal, said: "Katie has come a long way with all the love, prayers and concerns of the people of our church, the Worldwide Church of God."
Darcy Reinagel tells of being healed of environmental illness.
Steve Burks relates how he survived being shot eight times on a Los Angeles freeway. Page 12.
Dec. 17, 1996, Worldwide News, page 2
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