In his Personal Mr. Tkach addresses the most controversial spiritual gift--speaking in tongues.
While acknowledging that the WCG is more willing to consider that tongues-speaking may be an authentic gift of the Holy Spirit and that members may practice it in private, Mr. Tkach refers to guidelines set down by the apostle Paul and shows why we do not allow tongues-speaking in our services.
Certain more exotic experiences are unscriptural. These include being slain in the Spirit (fainting and remaining motionless for hours), laughing in the Spirit (uncontrollable waves of laughter), weeping in the Spirit, barking like a dog, or other para-normal activities. These may be called the Toronto Blessing or the Pensacola Blessing or some other blessing. Page 1
After 50 years of operation, Ambassador conducted its final commencement May 19.
More than 350 students received bachelor's and associate's degrees from Russell K. Duke, university president.
"This day marks the end of an era," Dr. Duke said. "Fifty golden years climax today in Ambassador's final spring graduation ceremonies. It is a day in which we celebrate a rich history, but it is also a day when we face the sadness that comes with the loss of a loved one. And that's exactly what Ambassador is." Page 1. Photo coverage, pages 8 and 9.
The Worldwide Church of God, in its passion for a Christ-centered education for its youths, expects shortly to establish an Ambassador Center at Azusa Pacific University (APU), 25 minutes east of church headquarters, according to Russell K. Duke, director.
We plan to finalize negotiations with APU in early July.
The WCG maintains an abiding dedication to the education of its youths to build the strength of its laity and ministry. The church encourages its youths to pursue higher education, and especially to attend institutions that value Christian ethics. Page 1.
Joseph Tkach, Michael Feazell and Mr. Albrecht traveled to Sisters, Oregon, May 12 and 13 to discuss with Multnomah-Questar Publishers the publication of Transformed by Truth, a book authored by Mr. Tkach about the miraculous reformation within the Worldwide Church of God.
Don Jacobson, president of Multnomah, said: "Telling the story of the sweeping changes and movement of the Spirit of God within the Worldwide Church of God is one of the most exciting projects with which we have ever been involved."
WN readers can order Transformed by Truth through an order form that will be published in the July 22 issue. Page 3.
In May income slipped to the lowest level in recent history to a daily mail income average of only $124,332.
While this number is sobering, it is within the budgeted daily income average for the year of $122,000.
Contributing to a positive scenario overall is the fact that we have lowered expenses more than $10 million from last year.
Since income is holding within projections (although in real terms it is about 20 percent less than last year), and since we have cut expenses, we have collected a small gain to reserves so far this year. Page 5.
"I am gratified by brethren around the world responding to requests for heartfelt prayer for other brothers and sisters," writes Randal Dick, superintendent of missions, in his Window on the World column.
Because many want follow-up information, Mr. Dick shares with you answers to prayers and some of the growth blossoming across Africa. Page 12.
June 24, 1997, WN, page 2
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