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December 1999
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This is our December cover
In this month's
Personal Mr. Tkach discusses the role of law in the Christian life. At the heart of Paul's
good news message about Jesus Christ, Mr. Tkach writes, is the doctrine of justification
by faith. God accepts us when we believe in his Son--he accepts us as righteous on the
basis of what Christ has done, not what we have done.
This is incredibly good news for those of us who know that we have messed up badly, and that we could never redeem ourselves, no matter how many good things we do. We know we can never make up for the fact that we have let God down--all we can do is rely on his mercy.
The good news is that God himself has guaranteed that mercy. Pages 6 and 7.
It has been three
years since we first sang hymns about the birth of Christ in Ambassador Auditorium. It was
an emotional moment.
Yes, we were Christians, but for us, to celebrate the birth of Jesus had been understood to be sinful. Even to sing about his birth evoked pangs of conscience. As a church, we had been taught, and had believed, that any celebration of Jesus' birth was a pagan invention dating from the early centuries of Christian history, and as such, it would be wrong to participate in any way, at any time.
I remember having trouble reading the words on the screen (no hymn about Jesus' birth appeared in our hymnal) because of the tears that had welled up in my eyes. My experience was not unique; others who were present have told me the moment affected them in the same way.
I pray that we never become cynical or jaded as passing time erodes the memory of that newness and freshness of the newfound freedom to celebrate Advent. Pages 8 to 12.
With renewed emphasis
on dedication to Jesus Christ, congregations throughout the Caribbean are making steady
progress in God's purpose for the church, according to regional director Charles Fleming.
Members are individually and collectively releasing themselves more and more into the hands of Jesus, and encouraging fruits are being borne.
The underlying commitment is for the regional ministry to create a climate for people to surrender themselves more fully to Jesus Christ so he can make them who he wants them to be. Out of this new sense of being will come a new way of doing, or living the Christian life. Pages 14 and 15.
Early in
November, the national coordinators of the church in Europe met in Kenmare, Ireland, with
John Halford, European regional director, and Randal Dick, superintendent of missions.
All the European congregations, without exception, value their membership in a denomination that is worldwide, not only in name but also in fact. We share a deep commitment to keep it that way. Pages 20 and 21.
The daily mail
income average for September was $92,139, still short of our projected income average of
$95,000 a day.
Our daily banking average in October was only $86,406. Income for the year-to-date is running 9 percent below the same date in 1998. While we always hope for that negative figure to improve, we nevertheless appreciate the loving sacrifices our members are making. Page 28.
Letters for this section should be addressed to "Letters to the Editor." The editor reserves the right to use letters so addressed in whole or in part, and to include your name and edit the letter for clarity or space. We welcome your comments.
I just finished the book Transformed by Truth by Joseph Tkach, and I am amazed at what God did.
I am the assistant director of a counter-cult ministry, but I have limited knowledge of the old teachings of the WCG.
The book touched me to the point where I was almost in tears several times. It is rare for a book to do that to me. I can honestly say that I believe the Lord spoke to me in the pages of the book (and I am slow to make such a claim).
I feel as though God has supernaturally changed the church from the inside out. The Holy Spirit, I believe, convinced me that you are for real and the changes that took place were from him.
The fact that it happened in your organization is of much comfort to me and my ministry work.
I consider you to be my good friend and my brother in Christ. I praise the Lord for what he has done through you and will continue to do. God bless this ministry. To God be the glory.
Randy Rogers
Dallas, Georgia
I am thankful to Christ, because before my conversion I was lost and miserable, and now I have been found. Christ has given me a peace of mind that before I never thought was possible.
I am thankful to Christ for the Worldwide Church of God and its continuous effort to preach the gospel to the world as a witness to all nations.
Ernest Weaver
Mansfield, Ohio
I can't begin to tell you how much Mike Feazell's articles on "Finding Peace in Christ" have helped me to understand the difference between the Law of Moses and the Law of Christ. It couldn't be any plainer.
I truly had a problem with this issue, but didn't totally realize it until I read Part 4 of the series. Now it is clear.
I have made footnotes in my study Bible to remind me of the most helpful verses. God's Spirit has really ministered to me.
Esther Halvorson
Bellingham, Washington
Over the years we asked God to open Scripture for our understanding. When our minds were opened some things had to change. These changes are difficult even now. Our complete trust in the Comforter has been our aid.
Without the Comforter, no acceptance or change would have been possible. What we have learned and are still learning is exciting. We no longer look longingly to the future only for an existence with God. We live day to day with his power at our finger tips.
John Scaglione
West Coxsackie, New York
This month I want to discuss the role of law in the Christian life. At the heart of Paul's good news message about Jesus Christ, is the doctrine of justification by faith. God accepts us when we believe in his Son--he accepts us as righteous on the basis of what Christ has done, not what we have done.
This is incredibly good news for those of us who know that we have messed up badly, and that we could never redeem ourselves, no matter how many good things we do. We know we can never make up for the fact that we have let God down--all we can do is rely on his mercy.
The good news is that God himself has guaranteed that mercy. He sent his Son to die for us. Because of Jesus' death for us, God remains righteous even though he declares the wicked to be justified (Rom. 4:5; 5:6). God presented Jesus "as a sacrifice of atonement ... to demonstrate his justice" in leaving sin unpunished (Rom. 3:25).
The death of Christ was a demonstration of God's justice--by it God has the right to forgive sin. In forgiving us, God does not just pretend that sin does not matter. Rather, he shows how much it matters by sending his Son to die for us, that is, by taking our sins upon himself. God has done everything that was needed to justify the ungodly--he does not violate his own righteousness when he declares us righteous and acceptable.
This is grace. Since Christ died for us, we can be forgiven. We are justified by faith (Acts 13:38; Rom. 3:22, 26; 4:24; 5:1). We are accepted by God as his children if we have faith in Jesus Christ. We don't deserve it, but it is guaranteed by God based on faith. The means of salvation is a gift of God (Eph. 2:8).
So far, so good, said some people in the first century. God brings you into his kingdom if you have faith. Now that you are here, they said, you should obey God. Specifically, you should obey the commandments he has given his people--clear commands regarding circumcision, festivals and Sabbaths.
This was the Galatian heresy: false teachers said that Christians had to have both the old and the new covenants, both Moses and Christ, both law and faith, both merit and grace. It was an emphasis on living by every word of God. It sounded logical, but it was fundamentally flawed.
Christians should obey God, but the Law of Moses is the wrong law. Paul says in Galatians that the Law of Moses is obsolete. Its authority has expired, and we are no longer "under the law." Paul goes so far as to say that the Mount Sinai covenant produced a religion of bondage (Gal. 4:24-25), but that Christians are free.
We are children of the promise, children of the free woman (3:29; 4:31). "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery" (5:1). If you try to be justified by the law, then you will be alienated from Christ, and you will have fallen out of grace (verse 4). Paul emphasizes that we "were called to be free" (verse 13).
Paul's point is that we cannot be saved by any law. "If righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!" (Gal. 2:21). If a different law could have given us life, then God would have given us the life-giving law. But the very nature of law prevents it from giving us life. All a law can do is set forth requirements and prescribe penalties for failure.
Since we never achieve perfect obedience in this life, we can never look to law as a standard for salvation. We can never say, Grace covered my past sins, but now my salvation depends on my obedience. If that were true, we would all be doomed. Our acceptance with God is always on the basis of grace and faith, and never on the basis of our obedience.
What then is the role of law in a Christian's life? Christians do not "sin deliberately so grace may abound." Christians want to please the God who saved them. Sin caused our Savior to suffer and die, so we do not want to have anything to do with sin.
We want to obey God as best we can, even though we know we can't do it perfectly. We are obeying not because we earn anything through obedience, but because we love God and want to obey him.
Our relationship with God is based on faith, not a list of rules. It is a personal loyalty to God, a loyalty that leads us to obey, but a loyalty that always looks to God, not to a list of rules as a gauge of our relationship. We never boast of obedience, nor despair of falling short. God has already made sufficient provision for justifying us even when we were wicked and ungodly.
When people see laws only in terms of reward and punishment, they are naturally bewildered about the role of law when it is neither a basis of reward nor of punishment. Christ has removed it from such roles.
Why then should anybody obey? We need to reorient our thinking about law--away from thoughts of reward and punishment, away from a standard that we are measured by. We need to think of God's laws as a matter of personal loyalty, as integral and natural to a personal relationship.
God's law, which for us is the law of Christ (1 Cor. 9:21), provides forgiveness for every transgression (except that of rejecting Christ, naturally)--forgiveness obtained by faith, not by penance, not by good works, not by our paying a price (Rom. 3:28). This is not the kind of "law" we are used to.
Christianity is a belief in God's grace, in his love, in his promise and power to forgive and cleanse. God grants his children not only forgiveness of sin, but also a new life--a life in Christ.
Where once we lived for ourselves, now we live for Christ. And we do so because the Holy Spirit resides in us, not because we have suddenly become righteous ourselves.
The New Testament does give us rules and behavioral expectations, but these should be seen as the result of a faith relationship, not as the basis for it. They are not the measurement of our righteous standing before God--and that's good, because we all fall short.
We have no righteousness, but when we put our confidence in Christ, God counts us as righteous (Rom. 4:23-25). We have peace with God, not directly ourselves, but through Christ (Rom. 5:1-2).
There is now a new righteousness that God has made known (Rom. 3:21). It is a righteousness that does not come from the law. It is a righteousness that comes from God himself (verse 22).
This new righteousness comes from God through faith, to all who believe. Everyone is a sinner, and the only way we can have righteousness, the only way we can have peace with God, is by God giving it to us (verses 22-23).
Our righteousness, then, is not ours, it is Christ's. God attributes the righteousness of the only righteous human, Jesus, to us, if we believe. More than that, he works in us to live righteously. That is why the good that Christians do is called "fruit of the Spirit" (Gal. 5:16-26). It is done only because God lives in us. The fruit is his, not ours.
God produces the fruit of the Spirit in us because we have faith, not because we "try really hard" to be good. The root of righteous living, then, is faith. It is not personal virtue.
We strive to be found in Christ (Phil. 3:7-9), not to be found personally good. Christians, Paul says, are not pursuing a righteousness of our own that comes from the law, but the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Christ (verse 9). When we pursue loving God, our lives will naturally (because God is at work in us) begin to produce righteous fruit.
When our minds are set on knowing and loving Christ, the Spirit brings forth righteous fruit in us (Rom. 8:5). The way to righteousness is through faith, and faith is strengthened when we are spending our time with Christ. It is through Christ, and not through ourselves, that we fully meet the righteous requirements of the law (verses 3-4).
As Christ loved us, so we are to love one another (John 13:34-35). In this kind of love, the whole law is summed up (Gal. 5:14). That is why John sums up God's law for us, referred to by Paul as the law of Christ (1 Cor. 9:21), in the commands that we are to believe in Christ and love one another (1 John 3:23-24). Only when our trust rests in Christ can we love one another as he loved us.
It is only because we are in Christ that we can live righteously. And that is not because we can do so, but because he defeated sin for us. It is God who makes us stand firm in Christ (2 Cor. 1:20). All the glory is his because he has done it all.
When we are in close communion with Christ, we remember who we are and to whom we belong. We remember how destructive sin is, and that we have been set free from its power (Rom. 8:1-4). We are inclined to heed the prompting of the Spirit and follow his lead (verses 12-16).
Our minds are led by the Spirit when we are spending time with Christ. But when we put our minds on the things of the sinful nature, we forget that we belong to Christ, that he has defeated the power of sin for us, that we are saved and that God loves us. All those things remain true, but our ability to see and believe them becomes fogged in. In that condition, we are easy prey for the sinful nature.
We are no match for sin. It "so easily entangles" us, Hebrews 12:1 tells us. But when we are in Christ, the victory is already won. We do not have to let sin rule, because it no longer has any actual power over us.
How can we "throw off" sin? By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus (verse 2), the author and perfecter of our faith. Our "feeble arms" and "weak knees" (verse 12) receive strength when our attention is kept on loving Christ.
That is why the spiritual disciplines such as Bible reading, prayer, meditation, simplicity, service and worship are so basic to the Christian life. These are means God has given us to stay tuned into the real truth about God and about ourselves: God loves us, we are his beloved children, he has saved us and he has freed us from the power of sin. Through such means, we remain close to God and have the courage to stand in the power of Christ's resurrection, power he has given to all his children (Rom. 8:10-11).
An excellent book I can recommend to you on the subject of the spiritual disciplines and their role in the Christian life is Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster (HarperSanFrancisco, 1978, 1988).
God's grace and power are wonderful beyond description, brothers and sisters. May we continually grow in our faithful walk with our Lord, Savior and Teacher, Jesus Christ.
By J. Michael
Feazell
It has been three years since we first sang hymns about the birth of Christ in Ambassador Auditorium. It was an emotional moment.
Yes, we were Christians, but for us, to celebrate the birth of Jesus had been understood to be sinful. Even to sing about his birth evoked pangs of conscience.
As a church, we had been taught, and had believed, that any celebration of Jesus' birth was a pagan invention dating from the early centuries of Christian history, and as such, it would be wrong to participate in any way, at any time.
I remember having trouble reading the words on the screen (no hymn about Jesus' birth appeared in our hymnal) because of the tears that had welled up in my eyes. My experience was not unique; others who were present have told me the moment affected them in the same way.
I pray that we never become cynical or jaded as passing time erodes the memory of that newness and freshness of the newfound freedom to celebrate Advent. I pray that we never lose the inner joy that by God's grace the Christmas season can bring to us.
Everywhere we look during this season, it seems, there is decorative lighting--white lights and colored lights and lit candles. Once we taught our children that these beautiful displays of light were one of Satan's ways of making sin look enticing.
Today in the physical light and color we can enjoy a dim reflection of the indescribable beauty of the true Light, which enlightens everyone, who has come into the world.
"In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.... The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.... The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:4-5, 9, 14).
It is fitting and inspiring that brilliant displays of light and color are so much a part of the Advent season. For unbelievers, such displays are little more than another advertising gimmick of modern retailers. But for us who believe the gospel, who know God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent, they can be another reminder of the glory of the One and Only Son of God, who brings the peace and rest for which the whole world aches and pines.
In the days when Jesus was born in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago, there was a devout old man called Simeon living in Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
One day the Spirit led Simeon into the temple courts--the very day that Jesus' parents brought in the infant Jesus to fulfill the requirements of Torah.
When Simeon saw the baby, he took Jesus in his arms and praised God, saying: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel" (Luke 2:29-32).
Simeon praised God for what the scribes, the Pharisees, the chief priests and the teachers of the law could not comprehend: Israel's Messiah was not for the salvation of Israel only, but also for the salvation of all peoples of the world.
Isaiah had prophesied it long before: "It is insufficient for you to be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to recover the diaspora of Israel: I shall give you as a light to the Gentiles that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth" (Isaiah 49:6; cf. 42:6-7).
Joseph and Mary, Luke tells us, marveled at what Simeon was saying about Jesus (Luke 2:33). And to add to their amazement, Simeon's tone changed to that of an oracle of judgment as he began the second part of his proclamation.
First, he blessed Joseph and Mary. Then, he began speaking directly to Mary. "This child," Simeon declared," is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too" (34-35).
Because of Jesus, people in Israel would fall, and people in Israel would rise. What the rulers of the Jews had assumed to be true about Messiah, about the Son of Man and about the kingdom of God was going to be turned on its ear.
This child would be reviled, despised, ridiculed and condemned, and the hearts of those who stood against him would be displayed for all the arrogance, pride and self-interest they really contained. People would be divided because of him, and this sword of division, this cost of discipleship, would apply even to Jesus' own mother--she too, as one of the daughters of Israel, would need to decide whether to believe in him, or to stumble over him.
Years later, Jesus would declare during his ministry: "Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law" (Luke 12:51-53).
The messianic sword of division cuts as deeply and certainly today as it did in the first century. Many who claim to believe in Jesus are unable to discard their personal sense of what a real Messiah should be and do.
The mortification of one's own world view--personal and group identity, future plans, beliefs about success, focus of affections, sense of control, security and personal goodness--is not part of the game plan for people who only profess to be Christians.
The faith to pick up one's cross and follow Jesus is all too easily confused with carnal commitment to a divine hero who will destroy our enemies and bring in the fulfillment of our own selfish dreams and agenda.
Faith in Jesus Christ entails the death of our "old self" and resurrection into a new life in which we have a new identity--the identity of Christ. We are "dead to sin" and "alive to God in Jesus Christ" (Romans 6:3-11). Because of this supernatural sharing in the death and resurrection of Christ, Christians no longer live for themselves, for their personal or corporate success, power and security in the world, but for God. Their hope does not rest in the pleasant things the world can provide, but in God who provides a far better country--a heavenly one (Hebrews 11:13-16).
Isaiah had written centuries earlier about the division that Messiah would bring: "And he will be a sanctuary; but for both houses of Israel he will be a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare" (Isaiah 8:14).
"So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: `See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed' " (Isaiah 28:16).
For some, those who put their confidence in him, he is a cornerstone that will be a foundation for an unshakable house. But for those who trust in themselves, he is a stone over which they will stumble and fall.
These are the very prophecies with which Jesus challenged the rulers of Israel: "Jesus looked directly at them and asked, `Then what is the meaning of that which is written: "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone"?' Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed" (Luke 20:17-18).
Jesus confronted these rulers with these prophecies in the context of the parable he had just told them, about taking the vineyard from its present tenants and giving it to others (from Israelites to gentiles). There were Jews in the beginning who accepted Jesus, but the majority refused to listen, and the synagogues became the persecutors of those who put their faith in him.
Paul and Peter used the same prophecies in explaining why Israelites rejected their own Messiah, while gentiles were accepting him:
"What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the `stumbling stone' " (Romans 9:30-32).
"For in Scripture it says: `See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.'
"Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone,' and, `A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.' They stumble because they disobey the message--which is also what they were destined for" (1 Peter 2:6-8).
People have continued to stumble over this rock to this day. Even some Christians find the gospel of God's grace through Jesus Christ offensive. The idea that for the sake of Jesus, God justifies the ungodly by faith alone without their having to measure up to standards of obedience (Romans 4:5) is offensive and distressing even to some Christians.
We humans like to feel good about ourselves. We like to feel that we are basically good and decent people. Conversely, we don't like the idea that people who are not good and decent, people who are different from us, can be justified by God just by believing the gospel without going through at least some of the righteousness hoops that we feel we have gone through.
Certain Christian groups like to feel that they are the faithful remnant, the true and faithful holy ones of God, the decent ones who alone are pleasing to God and who alone are chosen by God. They like the idea of being special, and they set various standards and rules that keep the riffraff, the pretenders, the false brethren out of their holy circle. They look forward to the day when Christ will return to vindicate their group as the faithful few and crush the evil majority.
They identify themselves as the "new Israel," the ones who now have the distinction of being God's chosen ones, and they intend not to make the mistakes Israel did in failing to measure up to their call. Some groups even appropriate some of the identifying signs God gave to Israel as the marks of their group's "special standing" before God.
It is true that God called Israel to be his special people, and that God gave Israel special commands that would mark them out as his chosen ones. But what many Christians have missed is the fact that God chose Israel not merely for themselves, but for the salvation of all the nations.
Through Israel, God was dealing with the sins of the whole world. Yet, Israel, being sinful, could not muster the faithfulness to God necessary to do the job. In the midst of Israel's failure, however, God brought forth his chosen one, his Messiah, as the perfect representative of Israel to do what Israel could not do. And now that he has done so, there is only one "identifying sign" of the people of God, and that sign is Jesus Christ.
The Israelites were the people of God. God had called them out from among the nations and set them apart through a covenant as his own special people. He did it not merely for them, but for the eventual salvation of all nations (Isaiah 49:6).
But Israel failed. They were to be a light to the gentiles, but their light had gone out. They failed to keep the covenant. But God is faithful to his covenant regardless of the faithlessness of his covenant people (Romans 3:3-4).
In the fullness of times, God sent forth his own Son, the perfect Israelite, who perfectly kept the covenant as the new Israel (Romans 5:18-21). Despite the failure of Israel, God accomplished through Jesus all that the covenant was intended to accomplish.
Jesus was the prophesied Messiah, the perfect representative of the covenant people, and as such, he was also the true light to the gentiles, the One through whom both Israel and all nations are delivered from sin and brought into the family of God.
The Jews believed they were the people of God by virtue of their keeping the "works of Torah." But we must not misunderstand. This did not mean that the Jews thought they were God's people on the basis of moral integrity or observance of all the 613 laws included in Torah (the law of Moses).
By "works of the law," Paul is referring to those particular aspects of Torah that represented Torah's very essence and purpose--those aspects that kept Israel separate from the nations around them and marked them out as God's own special people.
These "works of the law" were 1) circumcision, 2) the Sabbath and 3) the purity laws (the laws of clean and unclean). These were the works of the law, the marks of the covenant, that set Israel out as being the people of God, as being distinct from the gentiles, as being God's own special people.
Now Paul is telling the Jews that they are not the people of God on the basis of the works of Torah, but on the basis of a torah of faith. Through faith in Jesus, the promised Christ (or Messiah) of God, Israelite and gentile alike are made the true covenant people of God on the basis of being identified with Christ--the true Israel, and as the true Israel, the true representative before God of humanity itself (Romans 3:19-26).
In Christ, God fulfilled everything that Torah was intended to fulfill. By putting our faith in Christ, by giving our allegiance to him, by becoming identified with him, we become members of the faithful covenant community, the people of God--not by the works of Torah, but by a new torah, or law, the torah of faith (Romans 3:27-30).
Do we overthrow the Torah by this faith? By no means. On the contrary, we uphold the Torah (31). How do we uphold the Torah? Because it is precisely through faith in Christ, and only through faith in Christ, that the law is in fact kept in the way God intended from the beginning.
The purpose of the law was to create of Israel the people of God, to mark them out as his own. They failed to keep it. They became lo ammi, or "not my people," God said (Hosea 1:9).
But now Paul tells us that through faith in Christ, and not through keeping the law, we become the true keepers of the law, the true people of God, because through faith we become identified with the true Israelite, the true humanity, Jesus Christ the perfect one. It is through faith in Christ that we join with Israel in redemption to become "ammi," or "my people" (Hosea 14:4).
Paul is telling Jew and gentile alike that the "works of the law" are no longer the way God marks out his people. Now the fulfillment of Torah has arrived on the scene. Now the essence and purpose of Torah is fulfilled through faith in Jesus--everyone who believes is now a full member of the people of God.
There are not two classes--Jews as the charter members of the kingdom and gentiles as the associate members. No, Paul says. On the basis of faith in Christ, Jew and gentile alike are full members of the kingdom; there is no difference (Romans 3:29-30).
God's people belong to him on the basis of faith in Christ. Circumcision, the Sabbath and the purity laws are no longer of importance (Galatians 5:1-6; Colossians 2:16-17)--not because they did not have their fitting place for a time, but because they have now been fulfilled in Christ.
To continue to insist on these "works of the law" as needful in order to be counted among the people of God is to deny that Jesus has fulfilled the law, to deny that he is the climax of the covenant, that he is the true Israelite and the true human in whom the people of God must now be identified.
I have often been asked: "But isn't it good to keep the Sabbath anyway, since it was commanded by God, even though we know it is not required? Wouldn't God be pleased with that?"
The answer to this important question is no. When we adopt from ancient Israel a law that has been fulfilled in Christ, we miss the point of what God has done in Christ and relegate him to something less than having completely fulfilled the law.
Christ did not destroy the law--he fulfilled it (Matthew 5:17). Now we fulfill the law by putting our trust in him (Romans 3:21-22). We are lawkeepers in Christ according to the original intent and purpose of the law, not by keeping the works of the law but by putting our faith in Jesus through whom God has indeed fulfilled the law (Romans 4:4-8).
The original purpose and intent of the law was to define and identify the true people of God. Israel failed to keep it. But God does not fail! In Christ, God kept the law for Israel, as the perfect representative of Israel, the perfect Israelite. And as the perfect Israelite, Jesus not only redeemed Israel, but became the light to the gentiles that Israel had failed to be.
This was no afterthought. This was God's plan and purpose from the beginning. We are defined and identified as the true people of God by faith in Christ.
Israel failed to keep the law, and in so breaking the covenant, they became "not my people," God said (Hosea 1:9). But in Christ, not only is Israel redeemed, but all people are redeemed by a new and better way, the way of faith, the way that makes us God's own people in Christ, the true and perfect Israelite, the true and perfect human.
If we go back to the works of the law, including Sabbath, it is as though we have no concept of the fact that Jesus fulfilled the law and calls us to put our faith wholly and completely in him. We cannot muster righteousness on our own. Only as we are identified with Christ the Savior are we counted as righteous.
To go back to the works of the law means we have not fully comprehended what God has done in Jesus. It means we are still bound up with the idea that God is after some form of righteousness from us and that God identifies his people by at least one of the works of the law, in this case, Sabbath observance. Our identity as God's people centers on faith in Jesus Christ, not in the performance of identifying signs given to ancient Israel.
(I am distinguishing, of course, between keeping the Sabbath and teaching it as though it were commanded for Christians on one hand, and the practice of simply meeting for worship on Saturday on the other. To meet on Saturday is not the same thing as teaching that Sabbath keeping is a prerequisite for salvation.)
I have heard some of our members and pastors, dear friends of mine, point out that certain leaders in other denominations or churches have told them: "You have a good thing there with the holy days and the Sabbath, and you should hold on to that."
Some of us have seen that as a kind of endorsement of what our former practice was and as a reason for us never to let go of it.
These Christians mean well, of course, but they have have not experienced as we have the disastrous fruit of going back to what Christ has fulfilled--the judgmentalness it breeds, the exclusivity it fosters, and the subversion of the gospel it creates by causing its adherents to feel they should spread the word about this "good thing" they have discovered.
They have not had to face the biblical and spiritual issues we have had to face about the Mosaic law, but they can't help but admire the joy they see in our worship.
We are sinners, no more righteous in ourselves than Israel was. Only when we see our sinfulness and put our faith in the One through whom God justifies the wicked can we be counted as righteous for his sake (Romans 4:16, 22-25).
The church needs the grace of God as much as Israel did. All who put their faith in Christ, gentile and Jew alike, are saved only because God is faithful and good, not because we have been faithful, or because we have found some secret formula, some "right" doctrine or the "right" church.
What makes it so hard to trust in Jesus? It is hard to trust in Jesus because trusting in him means putting your life in his hands, and that means giving up your own control over your life.
That is not easy to do. We like to be in control of our own lives. We like to call the shots, make our own decisions and do things our own way. We want to be secure and safe and free and respected, and we put our hearts into getting secure and safe and free and respected and into maintaining that security and safety and freedom and respect. We like being independent from outside influence that cramps our style.
In the very early chapters of Isaiah, we find an appalling tragedy unfolding. The very sign God gave to the king of Judah for deliverance, for salvation, for peace, was rejected. It was rejected because the king had his own plans about how to best save the nation. Turning over the safety of his kingdom to God was not Ahaz' idea of leadership (see Isaiah 7:1-17).
God has a long-range plan for our deliverance and security, and he has a short-range plan. But, like Ahaz, we cannot receive the fruit of his plans if we do not stand firm in our faith.
There are many ways to stand firm. Some people, like King Ahaz, stand firm in military might. Others stand firm in financial security, in their personal integrity or their personal reputation, their skill or their strength, their ingenuity, deal-making or intelligence.
None of these things is bad or sinful in themselves. But as humans we are inclined to put our confidence in such things, and therefore to put our energy and devotion into defending and upholding and amassing these things in order to have security and safety and peace.
The way that will get us through the trials of our lives and bring to us the joy and peace of God, the deep peace of heart that provides real comfort and remains with us, is to stand firm with our confidence in God. It is not to stand firm with our confidence in the things we can get or the things we can do--including, as we have seen, the works of the law.
Humanly, it is all too natural for us to think of God as a nice sentiment for celebration times, but not really effective when the down and dirty issues of life get deadly serious. Nothing could be farther from the truth. When we commit to God our problems along with the positive action we take in dealing with them, and trust in his care, provision and deliverance instead of "putting him on the shelf," he promises to be with us.
James wrote, "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God" (James 4:10). "Fall on your knees," the hymn says (O Holy Night). God calls us to put aside this lifelong crusade to defend ourselves, promote ourselves, secure ourselves, preserve our possessions, protect our reputations and prolong our lives as though we were not God's own creation and possession, as though God were not our provider, our defender, our hope and our destiny.
This faìade, this illusion that we have or can get our lives under control, must fall, and then we can rise in Christ, becoming who we really are--God's own precious children whom he saves and helps, whose battles he fights, whose fears he calms, whose pain he shares, whose future he secures and whose reputation he preserves.
In giving up all, we gain everything. In kneeling, we rise. In setting aside our false illusion of personal control, we are clothed with all the glory and splendor and riches of the heavenly eternal realm.
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you," Peter wrote (1 Peter 5:7). What oppresses you? Your sins? An enemy? A financial disaster? A crushing disease? An inconceivable loss? An impossible situation that you are utterly helpless to do anything about? A disastrous and painful relationship? A blackening of your name? False accusations?
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. He has sent his Son, and through his Son, he takes our hands and lifts us up and shines the light of his glory into the dark and painful crisis we are enduring. Though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we are not afraid, because he is with us.
God has given us the sign that his rescue is certain: "Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ, the Lord" (Luke 2:11).
Let us put our confidence in him.
That is why Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. Conversely, that is why Christians ought not to condemn the few among them who, out of fear or out of discomfort, or out of personal conviction, do not.
The same God who loves us so much that he sent his Son to save us, loves all of us, even when we stand in ignorance or in remnants of superstition, as do we all. Together we all stand in the grace of God under the blood of Christ. With Paul, we can truly say, "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift."
From Charles and Carmen Fleming: Caribbean
By Patrick Fearon
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida--With renewed emphasis on dedication to Jesus Christ, congregations throughout the Caribbean are making steady progress in God's purpose for the church.
Members are individually and collectively releasing themselves more and more into the hands of Jesus, and encouraging fruits are being borne.
In his visits to the congregations, regional director Charles Fleming emphasizes the four S's--Surrender, Skills, Structures and Systems.
The underlying commitment is for the regional ministry to create a climate for people to surrender themselves more fully to Jesus Christ so he can make them who he wants them to be. Out of this new sense of being will come a new way of doing, or living the Christian life.
That is enhanced by a commitment to empower and release members to develop the skills for the ministry each is called to do. They are helped with gift identification and by providing the necessary training and support.
Administratively, the region is endeavoring to facilitate this work by providing new structures and systems--for example, advisory councils for the congregations. The structures and systems are in the early developmental stages.
As these unfold, the region is seeing deepening relationships with Christ on the personal as well as on the congregational level. Members are receiving training; bridges are being built between congregations; community involvement is expanding; interdenominational participation is growing; and prayer, women's and youth ministries are thriving.
Members across the Caribbean are sharpening their ministry skills through various programs, including Evangelism Explosion workshops, women's conferences and a worship seminar. By coming together they reinforce each other and build bonds of friendship.
In August, members from several congregations met when they attended an Evangelism Explosion training course in Miami, Florida.
In June, Robert McKinney, pastor of the Nassau, Bahamas, congregation, traveled to St. Lucia and conducted a course in evangelism. Also in June, members from three congregations in the Bahamas, along with members from Bermuda and Florida, gathered for a women's conference with Pastor General Joseph Tkach, his wife, Tammy, Sheila Graham and motivational speaker Thelma Wells.
Sept. 4 through 6, worship leaders from across the region attended a weekend worship seminar in Nassau. In addition to the information the leaders took back to their congregations, it was again an opportunity for WCG members from the islands to meet, fellowship and worship with one another.
July 31 through Aug. 2 saw 98 women from several congregations in the southeastern Caribbean coming together for a retreat in Trinidad. The women have returned to their congregations with a greater commitment to make a difference for the kingdom.
Aug. 4 through 15, about 60 youths from the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Trinidad and Tobago, gathered in Arima, Trinidad, for the Summer Educational Program.
The program had a pronounced emphasis on seeking the will of Jesus as the future unfolds. It was a life-changing experience for many of the young people. Seven youths gave their lives to Jesus during a Friday evening service near the end of the camp.
April 16 through 19, members from the Dominica and Martinique churches came together for what has become an annual church-to-church visit. During this event, initiated by Jack Brunet, pastor of the Martinique and Guadeloupe churches, 25 members of the Dominica church visited the Martinique congregation.
On the weekend of March 20, members from the Nassau congregation traveled to Freeport, Bahamas, where they lent their support to the Freeport members, who were hosts for Spring Concert 1999. A large public audience attended.
Community involvement is a significant role of the church as it surrenders to the purpose of Jesus Christ. The Freeport church has entered its third year of providing monthly meals for the needy of Grand Bahama. Because of the program, a door was opened for the church to begin a series of community Bible studies. The first of these took place in July at Jones Town, one of the less fortunate communities on the island.
In Christian Pen, Jamaica, members are reaching out to their new community where they have acquired their own property.
A number of Jamaican members are involved in personal evangelism through which fruitful spiritual contact is being made with members of the community. The result is a warm bond developing between the community and church members. Many children from the Christian Pen community regularly attend services with WCG.
The two-year-old Sunday morning radio program in Bridgetown, Barbados, which is presented by pastor Clifton Charles and two members--Henderson Jones and David Cutting--has grown to become a part of life in that nation. The program has prime time airing at 7:30 a.m.
Looking at what Jesus Christ is doing in Haiti, it is clear that once hearts are given over to his purpose, there is no limit to what can be accomplished through members' collective surrender.
In spite of ongoing hardships politically, socially and economically, Jesus is using the members there to do marvelous things. Through their youth ministry, members have developed a Kinder program, a kindergarten program that reaches out to fulfill real needs in the lives of scores of little children (and their parents as well).
Using their own church building as a base, the members have made it possible for children who would otherwise be on the streets to get a good start in education.
This past June the Kinder program had its first graduation. More than 200 people assembled to hear their children sing praises to God and listen to messages on following the example of Jesus, and on the importance of true values.
The messages were delivered by Mr. Brunet, who visited for the occasion, and Joseph B. Franklin, pastor of the congregations in Haiti. Eleven children graduated and have gone on to the next level of their education. The program also allows the children to receive vital medical attention through four scheduled visits to a clinic each year. Parents and other members of the community have testified to the work being accomplished by WCG members through this program.
Growth in community involvement is evident across the region--from Arima, Trinidad, where an annual fair at the church's premises drew more than a thousand people, to Nassau, where a June women's ministry seminar attracted several members from the community. Similar involvement is also evidenced in several other congregations.
Among the areas in which Jesus has blessed the region is the fostering of interdenominational bonds for greater service for the work of Christ. In Hamilton, Bermuda, pastor Cecil J. Pulley was invited to give the keynote address at the World Day of Prayer service conducted at Vernon Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church, March 5.
Mr. Pulley is a member of the Warwick Ministerial Alliance, and because of that the WCG has had the chance to participate in several interdenominational services--to the joy of many.
In Freeport, WCG and Presbyterian members have conducted joint services on several occasions, the latest being this past Day of Pentecost when the two churches worshiped together and were encouraged by testimonies from members.
Earlier in the year the relationship enjoyed by these two congregations grew to encompass two more denominations. For the six consecutive Sundays leading up to this year's commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus, the two churches along with Our Savior Lutheran Church and New Hope Methodist Church came together for six services to which the pubic was invited.
On each of the six Sunday evening services, ministers of the four denominations took turns in presenting the sermons. The choirs from the various groups that had taken turns presenting special music did a joint rendition of "O Sacred Head Now Wounded" on the final evening.
All in all, the region is surrendering to the lead of Jesus Christ, and encouraging fruits of everlasting significance are being borne.
CARIBBEAN SEP--Campers with Robert McKinney (left), assistant camp director, and
instructors Devon Dixon (back, middle) and Thomas Nesbitt (right).
GRADUATION--Kinder Program's graduation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
By Tammy Tkach
A wonderful world of books has opened up to us in the past few years.
Books can minister to us, help us know and understand biblical characters, shed light on certain scriptures and topics and testify of God's mighty workings in the lives of fellow Christians. Many of us have also been taking advantage of conferences, seminars and videos.
But not all books, conferences, speakers and videos are ones we can endorse to each other. Some state doctrinal positions or make statements that aren't biblical. We need to be discerning about the information we hear and read.
For example, I heard a retreat speaker state that God's Holy Spirit possesses us, in much the same way a demon possesses a person. Yet one of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:23 is self-control; and John 16:13 tells us the Holy Spirit guides us.
A lot of us have been using various popular Bible study series for small groups. Much of what they say is good.
They can help us grow in spiritual maturity, which is the ability to know, understand and apply Scripture in every circumstance. But we should be aware of errors and watch for proof-texting (using scriptures without regard for their context).
For example, one series infers that a Christian is substandard if he or she doesn't hear God's voice and receive specific assignments from him.
Misinformation isn't always as obvious as these examples. There are also more subtle errors we should guard against. We especially need to be wary of people who talk about requirements for salvation other than believing in Jesus and accepting him as Savior.
This is not intended to discourage reading. Reading is a valuable means of continuing our education, widening our horizons and being aware of what is happening in the Christian and secular worlds.
How can we protect ourselves from errors in books, videos and presentations? By knowing the Word. If we are knowledgeable of the Scriptures and are diligently studying, we will be better equipped to recognize when something doesn't quite match up with God's Word.
Let's enjoy this new world of books and ideas, but let's keep our noses in God's Word. Remember to read with discernment and sometimes a grain of salt too!
OCEAN CITY, Maryland--A prayer retreat with the theme "Knowing Him" will take place April 1 and 2 at the Dunes Hotel in Ocean City.
The cost is $50 per person. Learn how to communicate with your Father and listen for his voice. Individual and group prayer workshops and seminars are included.
Contact Charlotte Whitting at 1-301-695-9487 or Henrietta Kissel at 1-301-865-0938.
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Missouri--The Cape Girardeau Women's Ministry, under the direction of Sandy Owen, sponsored a 10-year-old girl in Ecuador through Children International, an organization that helps find support for poor children throughout the world.
The girl is Josselyn A. Sanqucho Espinoza, who lives in Quito.
Every three months a gift of $36 is sent to help feed, clothe, house and furnish medical needs. Haydn Fox Sr.
If you would like to sponsor a child in another country, contact one of the following organizations.
Children International, Box 419055, Kansas City, Missouri, 64141, phone 1-800-888-3089.
Compassion International, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80997, phone 1-800-336-7676.
CHICO, California--The Chico Women's Care Group, with support from members, sponsored a yearlong project of filling more than 40 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child.
This project is sponsored by Samaritan's Purse, whose president is Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham.
Each shoe box contains items such as clothing, school supplies, personal hygiene products, toys, candy and gum for boys and girls ages 2 to 14. A label attached to the outside lid of each box specifies whether it is for a boy or girl, and the appropriate age for its contents.
Items were collected each week at church. Several members contributed homemade clothing such as hats and mittens. Others gave money to pay for the $5 shipping fee requested for each box. The women also included a photo of the Care Group in each box.
They delivered 41 colorfully wrapped shoe boxes to a collection terminal Nov. 13.
"This is truly a most rewarding way to celebrate the hope and joy we find in God's gift to each and every one of us--his only Son," said Judy Van Landuyt.
CHICO CARE GROUP--Front row from left: Bonnie Dunston; Marcia Puett,
facilitator; Margaret Brancyk; and Jane Ruby. Back row: Heidi Guy, hostess; Anke Wakeley;
Ottie Aupperle; Mary Corey; and Judy Van Landuyt, pastor's wife. Not pictured: Norma Avey,
Jan Hygh and Betsy Orr.
By Jeb Egbert
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Eph. 6:12).
Nowhere can that struggle be seen more clearly than in the world of our young people. I ask our young people, "Have you enlisted in God's army to fight that war?"
At the Summer Educational Program, we see the fruit of a battle God is winning. Young people are coming to Christ. Teens can make decisions whether they will accept Jesus as their Lord and their Savior. And many are.
Monica Matthews of Houston, Texas, who had three teens at SEP this year, writes: "God so completely blessed my kids at SEP this year. Layla and Seth both got baptized! Wow!! Karissa came back from camp wanting desperately to go to Azusa Pacific University next year. They all have friendships in which they e-mail messages and encouragement back and forth. This is a God thing.
"God is evident in so many there on the high school and college staff. The Bible studies I've heard they had made such an impact on my kids. These are young adults who are strong enough spiritually to take the lead and walk the walk as well as talk the talk.
"They prove that you don't have to be weird to follow Jesus. SEP works! We are praying for next year's SEP already, and we'll soon start fund-raising efforts for it."
This letter is our SEP vision statement. Our vision is that we receive such letters from parents, and we praise God when we receive such a letter.
Do we understand how (wonderfully) receptive teens are? And do we have a sense for the battle being waged for their allegiance?
In his book Generation Next, George Barna noted that three-fourths of those who accept Jesus do so by age 18. But many don't hear the message. And in this struggle, they hear many other messages.
In our society we reap what we sow. So many have turned their children over to day care centers and television, and essentially allowed them to grow up on their own. Without direction. Without real guidance. Without someone pointing the way to the only One who can bring them lasting happiness. Without love.
The following letter was submitted to the Dallas Morning News from a student at Texas A&M. It is a chilling reminder of the struggle we are engaged in.
"I am a member of the upcoming generation--the one after Generation X that has yet to be given a name. So far, it appears that most people are rallying behind the idea of calling us Generation Next. I believe I know why.
"The older generations are hoping we will mindlessly assume our place as the `next' in line. That way, they won't have to explain why my generation has had to experience so much pain and heartache.
" `What heartache?' you say. `Don't you know you have grown up in a time of great prosperity?' Yeah, we know that. Believe me, it has been drilled into our heads since birth. Unfortunately, the pain and hurt I speak of can't be reconciled with money. You have tried for years to buy us happiness, but it is only temporary. Money isn't the answer, and it is time for people to begin admitting their guilt for failing my generation.
"I will admit that I wasn't planning to write this. I was going to tuck it away in some corner of my mind and fall victim to your whole `next' mentality. But after the massacre in Littleton, Colorado, I realize that as a member of this generation that kills without remorse, I had a duty to challenge all of my elders to explain why they have allowed things to become so bad.
"Let me tell you this: These questions don't represent only me but a whole generation that is struggling to grow up and make sense of this world. We all have questions; we want explanations. People may label us Generation Next, but we are more appropriately Generation `Why?'
"Why did most of you lie when you made the vow of `til death do us part?'
"Why do you fool yourselves into believing that divorce really is better for the kids in the long run?
"Why do so many of you divorced parents spend more time with your new boyfriend or girlfriend than with your own children?
"Why did you ever fall victim to the notion that kids are just as well off being raised by a complete stranger at a day care center than by their own mother or father?
"Why do you look down on parents who decide to quit work and stay home to raise their children?
"Why does the television do the most talking at family meals?
"Why is work more important than your own family?
"Why is money regarded as more important than relationships?
"Why is `quality time' generally no longer than a five to 10 minute conversation each day?
"Why do you try to make up for the lack of time you spend with us by giving us more and more material objects that we really don't need?
"Why does your work (in the form of a cell phone, laptop computer, etc.) always come with us on vacations?
"Why have you neglected to teach us values and morals?
"Why haven't you lived moral lives that we could model our own after?
"Why isn't religion one of the most important words in our household?
"Why do you play God when it comes to abortion?
"Why don't you have enough faith in us to teach us abstinence rather than safe sex?
"Why do you allow us to watch violent movies but expect us to maintain some type of childlike innocence?
"Why do you allow us to spend unlimited amounts of time on the Internet but still are shocked about our knowledge of how to build bombs?
"Why are you so afraid to tell us `no' sometimes?
"Why is it so hard for you to realize that school shootings and other violent juvenile behavior result from a lack of your attention more than anything else?
"Call us Generation Next if you want to, but I think you will be surprised at how we will fail to fit into your neat little category. These questions should, and will, be asked of the generations that have failed us.
"You have pursued your selfish desires for years but now is the time to reap what you have sown. Some rude awakenings like the Littleton massacre have occurred and probably will continue until you can begin to answer our questions and make the drastic changes to put us, your kids, first.
"Time is running out, for in just a few short years we will be grown, and it will be too late. You might not think we are worth it, but I can guarantee you that Littleton will look like a drop in the bucket compared to what might occur when a neglected Generation `Why' comes to power."
What a remarkable indictment on our society, as well as compelling evidence that Satan is doing pretty well in this war. Have you hugged your kids today? Have you let them know you love them? Have you planted a seed about who their Savior is and how much he loves them? And if not your kids, what about the ones down the street?
SEP is an incredible place for young people to come and to change. Four hundred teens came this year. I would love to see that number double or triple. Don't worry, we can handle it. God will provide.
This is war. Your prayers do make a difference. Your time does make a difference. Your offerings to the church to fund SEP make a difference. If it were not for those, that incredible place where young people come to meet their Savior would not be available for our denomination. Your love makes a difference. And it all may just make a difference for eternity!
Holland America and the Worldwide Church of God will team up for a festival cruise to Eastern Canada and New England.
The 10-day cruise will begin in Montreal and end in New York City. It will be on the MS Maasdam, built in 1993.
In New England's waters, your ship provides an ever-changing panorama of dramatic coastline, pristine islands and a kaleidoscope of colors. The cruise leaves Montreal Oct. 10 and arrives in New York Oct. 20. Passengers coming from the West Coast who use Holland America's fly-cruise plan will receive an extra overnight stay in Montreal before the cruise. Optional tours of Canada and New York are also available.
Prices start at $1,690 per person (plus port charges and taxes). For a complete pricing list and itinerary please contact John Siston at Travel Gallery, 1388 E. Walnut St., Pasadena, California 91106, 1-800-858-6999. E mail: john@travelgallery.com
Group tours have long been a popular activity among our members. For many, a lifelong dream has been to visit the Holy Land.
A number of members have asked if a shorter and less expensive tour could be arranged--preferably not during the fall festival season.
This year Travel Gallery and the WCG Festival Office are planning a group tour of Israel to coincide with the Pentecost season. Probable dates are June 5 to 13.
If you are interested, please contact Travel Gallery immediately at 1-800-858-6999. They will send you a complete itinerary and pricing information. Ron Kelly
Regional
Snapshot
From John and Pat Halford
Europe
BOREHAMWOOD, England--The Chinese word for a crisis is written with a combination of two symbols. One is for danger. The other is for opportunity.
To say that Europe is in crisis is perhaps putting it too strongly. But all over this continent people are recognizing that some form of a United States of Europe may soon be a reality.
Europe already has a parliament, a flag and an anthem. A common currency exists, and soon the traditional franks, deutsche marks, pesetas, lire--and maybe even British pounds--will become obsolete.
Nobody expects the move toward unity to stop at a common currency. Other symbols of individual nationhood will inevitably follow. How far individual nations will be willing to submerge their sovereignty in a European superstate remains to be seen, but the momentum toward consolidation and unification is increasing on many fronts.
Even countries who do not really want a closer union concede there is merit in the idea. In the first half of this century, the Western European nations ravaged each other in devastating wars. The second half has brought peace, but wars in the Balkans and the old Soviet Union have shown that war on European soil is still a possibility.
Nobody wants that. Most Europeans are enjoying unprecedented prosperity. The once heavily defended frontiers are now unguarded, and you can travel around most of Europe without having to show a passport. Former enemies are now linked by a high-speed rail network.
Whereas some see increased unity as a wonderfully progressive idea, others are warning that it will lead to catastrophe. And as you'd expect, some are insisting it is the fulfillment of doomsday prophecies. Be that as it may, some form of a United Europe is coming--ready or not!
This momentum toward unity is causing many small organizations and churches to think carefully about the future. The Worldwide Church of God is no exception.
Early in November, the national coordinators of the church in Europe met in Kenmare, Ireland, with John Halford, European regional director, and Randal Dick, superintendent of missions. The purpose was to begin serious discussion on how we should react as national churches, and as a denomination, to the changes in Europe. What are the dangers? And where are the opportunities?
Persecution is not an immediate threat. Most European governments are strongly rooted in democracy, and those that are not nevertheless guarantee freedom of religion. Among our multi-ethnic populations, Islam, Eastern religions and most expressions of Christianity more or less get along in most places (Northern Ireland remaining a notable exception).
However, recent years have seen a growing number of irresponsible activities, including mass suicides by fanatical cults. European governments are concerned about this trend, and are suspicious of organizations, particularly religious organizations, that seem to be controlled from other countries. Since unfortunately many of these cults are based in the United States, organizations with U.S. headquarters are under scrutiny.
Even countries known for their tolerance, such as Denmark and Sweden, are asking small European churches to demonstrate that they have responsible leadership residing in the country.
We have already made much progress in the last two years in establishing national boards and bona fide national leaders in most of the countries where we have congregations. This is time-consuming and expensive--since we not only have to negotiate the formidable bureaucracy of some governments, but also to get the formula right for ourselves.
All the European congregations, without exception, value their membership in a denomination that is worldwide, not only in name but also in fact. We share a deep commitment to keep it that way. So, when we discuss matters of national independence, we are careful to make it clear what we don't mean.
The challenge is for us to meet a state's requirements for national autonomy, while remaining firmly rooted as part of a worldwide church. These issues have to be balanced carefully.
In some countries in Europe our church is small, with just a few dozen members. In others, it is relatively large, but still tiny by most denominations' standards. Leaders in other churches often express surprise at how much effect our small church has. As one put it, "You punch way above your weight!"
That may be true, but the splits and schisms of the past few years have diminished and diluted our resources. We therefore ask ourselves whether there will be some value in forming some kind of Association of European congregations of the Worldwide Church of God.
We already have this on an informal basis, but the increasing momentum toward central institutions in Europe may mean there will be an advantage in doing this more formally.
Unlike the United States, any union of European nations is not natural. Language and culture are barriers, and what common history nations do share has been marred by bloodshed and aggression. There is still mutual suspicion. Even as we were meeting, France and the United Kingdom were engaged in a furious dispute over whether each other's beef was fit for human consumption.
Thankfully our church is not bogged down by national rivalries. Our common salvation and citizenship in heaven are a firm platform for discussion. And although the situation varies from country to country, we all recognize that we have a part to play in making the gospel message known.
In spite of its long Christian traditions, Western Europe today has become a spiritual wasteland. Europe has not "thought it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God" (Romans 1:28), and as Paul warned, our societies are paying the penalty. Church attendance is at an all-time low in nearly every nation.
However, even though the basic physical needs of life are met, people still have a spiritual appetite. In the easy-going, tolerant, post-modern environment, the truth of the gospel must compete with the occult, new age mumbo-jumbo--and a seemingly endless soccer season.
Without reference points, people rummage around in philosophical garbage bins, looking for comfort, reassurance and something--anything--to believe in. We have become a continent of spiritually homeless.
An Anglican bishop said, "In Europe today, evangelism is easy, but discipleship is almost impossible." People are not ready to make a commitment to something that demands life-style changes.
Our hope and prayer is that the Worldwide Church of God can be a voice in that spiritual wilderness. We want to work with fellow Christians in other churches who share our desire to reach our fellow Europeans with the truth of the gospel message. We also want to support and participate in the work of our own denomination around the world.
Our challenge is to strike the right balance between meeting the demands for national autonomy, effectively sharing our resources on a continentwide basis, while remaining firmly rooted in the Worldwide Church of God, which we recognize and love as our spiritual home.
We would appreciate your prayers, as we pray for you.
CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS--Some of the participants at the November
conference in Kenmare, Ireland, are from left: Torveig and Carl Aas, Santiago Lange, Pedro
Rufian, Jesse Korver, Jose Ribeiro, David and Nancy Silcox, Astrid and Paul Stoffel, and
Donat Picard [Photos by Randal Dick]
Europe in 2000 will be an exciting place to see. The Worldwide Church of God in Europe is planning to conduct eight-day festivals in France, Germany, Estonia, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Holland and the United Kingdom. We are also negotiating a site in Bulgaria, where we hope to share the occasion with some Bulgarian evangelical churches.
Why not come over and join us? It is not as expensive as you might think. With careful planning, you could even visit two or more sites, in different countries.
Interested? We are preparing a brochure giving information for all the European sites. We can send it to you by fax, e-mail or regular post. You can contact us by phone 011 44 20 8953 1633, fax 011 44 20 8207 1216, e-mail UKRD@wcg.org or regular mail Worldwide Church of God, Festival Department, Elstree House, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 1LU, England.
Paul's letter to the Romans is his most systematic presentation of the gospel. In it, he explains human sinfulness and the forgiveness that we have in Christ (chapters 1 to 8). After explaining that God is saving gentiles as well as Jews, he reassures his readers that God has not given up on the Jewish people (chapters 9 to 11).
He then moves into the practical results of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In chapters 12 to 13 he urges his readers to be living sacrifices, to love one another, to be patient in trials, to behave well.
In chapter 14, he gets more specific--he discusses a problem in the first-century Roman church. The situation was created in part because both Jews and gentiles were in the Roman church. They had different customs and religious ideas. Let's see what he wrote, and consider how the principles might apply to situations today.
"Accept him whose faith is weak," Paul begins, "without passing judgment on disputable matters" (14:1).
Here, we learn several important things:
* Some Christians are weak in the faith. Some are superstitiously strict; others show weakness in sins of the flesh.
* Weak-faith Christians should be accepted--not ridiculed. People grow in faith through love and acceptance, not through condemnation.
* Christians who think they are strong are sometimes tempted to judge others, to look down on people who have different ideas and customs.
* Some matters are disputable. The beliefs and practices that some Christians think are important, other Christians do not. One side may be right, but Paul tells us to view the matter as debatable.
Paul then addressed the dispute he had in mind: "One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables" (14:2).
Paul does not tell us why some people avoided meat. Perhaps they were influenced by ascetic false religions, but it seems more likely that the concerns came from Judaism. The terms "unclean" and "clean" (14:14, 20) were important in Judaism. Some Jews avoided meat because they could not be sure that the animals had been properly killed and bled. Maybe it had been offered to an idol, or touched by a pagan.
Some Jewish Christians may not have been as "careful," and some gentiles may have been as cautious as the strictest Jews. Paul is addressing attitudes, not ethnic groups. He was writing to a church that had both Jews and gentiles. He knew that his terms would apply to Jewish concerns just as well as to ascetic ideas.
Let's see how Paul dealt with this situation: "The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him" (14:3). The strong-faith Christian should not belittle the weak Christian, and the weak one should not condemn.
What shocking advice! Imagine that you are a vegetarian in the Roman church, and you believe it is a sin to eat meat. Paul is not only calling you "weak," he is also telling you not to condemn people who you think are sinning!
Why? Because God has accepted them. God accepts people on the basis of faith, not on works, nor on a perfect understanding of what sin is. The gospel of justification by faith alone tells us that we must accept believers who have different opinions about disputable matters, because the gospel tells us that God accepts sinners on the basis of faith.
Paul did not mean that we should accept idolaters, fornicators, thieves and drunkards (1 Cor. 5:11). The New Testament clearly tells us to avoid certain sins. But it doesn't address every situation and every behavior, and because of that, there will be differences of opinion within Christianity. In this chapter, Paul gives several examples of disputable matters: meat, days, unclean foods and wine (Rom. 14:5-6, 20-21).
For example, if we are convinced that we should not drink wine, we should avoid wine. But we should not call all wine-drinkers sinners, nor should we separate from them. Wine is one of the disputable matters, and so are days and foods. These are matters for mutual tolerance, not division and hard feelings.
Paul asks: "Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls" (14:4). The Lord has called us to serve, not to judge. If he has been so gracious as to include us, we must allow him to be gracious enough to include them, too. He will make the decisions and take care of his own servants.
Paul then addresses another disputable matter that affected the Roman churches: "One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind" (14:5).
In a church composed of Jews and gentiles, what kind of days might be considered better than others? Jews and gentiles may have had different opinions on this--but Paul describes it in such as way as to cover both situations. He knew that his words applied to Sabbath days just as much as they would to superstitions about the Ides of March.
Whatever a person does, though, should be done from conviction, not from fear of what others might think. Others should not condemn, but even if they do condemn, we should not allow their attitudes to boss us around (Col. 2:16). We cannot let their sensitivities create permanent obligations for what we do.
What an astonishing thing Paul is asking! He is asking fully convinced Sabbath-keepers to be tolerant of people who ignore the Sabbath. He is asking people who are fully convinced that the Sabbath is obsolete, to be tolerant of Sabbath-keepers. One view is wrong, but the people should treat this as a disputable matter calling for tolerance, not for separation.
"He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God" (14:6). Sabbath-keepers are responding to God as best they know how. So are the Sabbath-ignorers. Meat-eaters and vegetarians are both trying to do God's will. The specifics are simply not as important as the attitude behind them. When we are trying to please God, we must be gracious toward one another.
Why must we be convinced in our own minds? Because we will all be called to account for how we have lived: "For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone.... Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord" (14:7-8).
Our lives are bought at a price; we belong to Jesus Christ, and it is for him that we live. As stewards of our bodies and stewards of our time, we bring all of life into submission to him. We need to think about what we are doing, and live to the Lord as best as we understand.
We are to be like Christ in grace and patience; we are not to usurp his role as master and judge. We are not to look down on believers who have different opinions on debatable issues (14:10). If we condemn them, we are sinning. "Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another" (14:13).
How do we deal with our differences? "Make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." Instead of focusing on our rightness, we are considerate of others' needs. If we are strong, we are willing to set aside our preferences so we can help someone else (15:1).
Paul was "fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself" (14:14). He no doubt knew how a Jewish person would understand this, and they might be offended. But he had to make the truth plain. His clear statement here helps qualify what he said in later verses.
"If anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean." Christians shouldn't violate their own consciences. If people think it wrong to drink wine, they should not drink wine. They may have studied the question thoroughly, and yet persist in the "wrong" conclusion. Nevertheless, for these disputable matters, we must all exercise patience with one another.
"If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love.... Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil" (14:15-16). Paul wrote this even though some people were distressed because of what Paul himself considered clean. What he considered good, others said was evil--and he could not prevent that, no matter how hard he tried.
A Christian must balance two needs: 1) Do not let someone else's conscience dictate what you do and 2) Do not let your behavior offend them. We live for the Lord alone, but we do not live alone. The Lord calls us to live with others, and to be considerate of their needs, without letting their needs dictate what we do.
We cannot become so afraid of offending others that we comply with every sensitivity everyone has. Just because one person in our church thinks it is a sin to drink wine, does not mean that everyone else has to abstain. Like Paul did, we can freely say that we are convinced that wine is permitted. There is a time to be quiet (to seek peace), and a time to speak (to edify) (14:19).
"Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food," Paul writes. "It is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble.... So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God" (14:20-22).
But we must note that Paul did not "keep it between himself and God"--he made his own position clear: "All food is clean" (14:20). It is OK to state your conviction, but not in a deliberate attempt to offend. We are to be considerate, but we do not have to be secret.
Paul is clearly on the side of liberty, but he also sounds a warning: "Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves" (14:22). Even lawful things can be used in an inappropriate way.
Paul then warns the weak to not be pushed around by the strong: "The man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin" (14:23).
It all comes back to faith. We are saved by faith, not by observing or not observing days and foods.
Michael Morrison
By Ronald
Kelly
Last month we did not publish a financial update because of the fall festival break. Therefore, this month we'll bring you up to date through September and October.
Please note the accompanying charts and graphs for our traditional comparisons. The chart on this page includes about $1 million paid by La Roche College to extend escrow on the Big Sandy property.
September had fewer banking days, so our monthly income was a little lower than a typical month--$1,474,219, to be exact. The daily average for September was $92,139, still short of our projected income average of $95,000 a day.
Income in October picked up to $1,814,516. However our daily banking average was only $86,406. Mail income for the year-to-date is running 9 percent below the same date in 1998. While we always hope for that negative figure to improve, we nevertheless appreciate the loving sacrifices our members are making.
One of the primary traditional sources of donation income has been our annual festival offerings. And once again members have responded generously to those special offerings.
This year we projected a special offering income of $4.2 million. I'm thrilled to report that we will exceed that figure. The special offering total from January through October is $3.8 million.
Some congregations take up special monthly offerings, rather than take up collections on or near any festival season. Some use the Thanksgiving and Christmas season as an occasion to show special appreciation.
Whatever our personal preferences regarding when and how to give offerings, I trust we all count it a privilege to participate in the ongoing work of the church. These special offerings, coupled with a slightly higher-than-projected increase in estate donations, have kept us close to our targeted income projections.
As you read this issue of the WN, we will be in the final days of the year. As we enter a new year, we look forward to exciting opportunities in our church fellowship. We solicit your prayers for a successful completion of our property sales before the end of 2000. We are diligently at work planning for the move to a different, and much smaller, headquarters facility.
During the coming year we will once again be conducting a series of pastoral and church leadership conferences around the nation. In addition to inspiring worship time together, our denominational leadership team will present a variety of informative and inspirational topics including open discussions on the future direction and funding of our church and its mission.
We'll be focusing on how to preach the gospel in our neighborhoods, in our communities and around the world through the mission efforts of our collective membership.
While we are but a small part of the Body of Christ, all together we have an opportunity to reach out far beyond what each of us could do individually. The coming years will hopefully find the WCG filling an important role in the greater Christian community.
All of you are in our daily prayers. We especially pray for God's blessings on you and your congregation during the coming year.
By David
Whited
BUFORD, Georgia--An interesting chain of events has begun that will enable us to become an effective community church. We are so encouraged we want to share the news.
If we are to be effective in carrying out the Great Commission, we must be integrated into the worship community and be welcomed by our fellow servants in Christ.
This article relates how we have been given the right hand of fellowship by several area church leaders.
Our story
begins with our co-pastor, Terry Cohron. Terry grew up in Buford and knows just about
everyone, including several in the ministerial community. Terry suggested at a vision
committee meeting that we invite all of the area ministers to a get-acquainted luncheon.
We thought this was a great idea. We needed God's blessing for it to succeed, so we committed ourselves to prayer asking God for his involvement and blessing. We made plans and issued the invitations. They were enthusiastically received.
As the people arrived for the luncheon, we were excited. We were to learn that the visitors were just as excited. During the meal, a man from the Pentecostal Church of God shared his long-held desire that a reconciliation of the churches would occur. All agreed that this reconciliation was long overdue.
The menu was roast beef with all the trimmings. Ferney and Marty Saunders, together with Suzie Cohron, outdid themselves. Lunch ended with a commitment to continue the fellowship with more luncheons in which each church would serve as host on a revolving basis on the first Wednesday of each month.
A number of community projects are being jointly planned in which we will be able to participate with other churches in more effectively serving our community and bringing Jesus Christ to those in need.
We eagerly anticipate God's inspiration in showing us how to join with our new brethren in extending a helping hand to all who desperately need God's saving grace. We know that we have been purchased and that we are not our own. We are learning how to submit to Jesus Christ and to allow him to live through us.
Pastor General Joseph Tkach admonishes us to stay the course and remain faithful to God and to trust his placement of us in the greater Body of Christ. The following comments emphasize how critical it is that we respond to his urging.
One pastor said that many of his friends in the ministry were watching us to determine if we are serious about our commitment to our doctrinal changes. Many are skeptical of our newfound embrace of new covenant truths. Others are worried as to whether we will be able to survive the unprecedented doctrinal restructuring that we have undergone.
Christian leaders are watching. Can God complete the miracle he began in the WCG? The answer involves us. Jesus said the fields are white with harvest and to pray that the Lord would send laborers to the harvest. What a priceless privilege it would be to be numbered among those laborers responding to the call.
We can be effective in our labors as a denomination only if we are united in Jesus Christ, which will allow us to continue receiving God's blessings. God has wrought a profound miracle in us that has amazed the religious community and has brought us to where we are.
The harvest is comprised of precious lives waiting to be released from the grip of sin. We must respond to God's call, as he urges us to submit to his desire to use us in carrying the gospel of Jesus Christ to all. We must be faithful to the blessing that God has showered upon us.
The Christian world is watching.
John & Pat Halford, European regional director
Carl Fredrik & Torveig Aas, Scandinavia and Estonia
Daniel & Colomba Bosch, Italy
Jack & Betty Brunet, French West Indies
Gerard & Bernadette Claude, Belgium
Jesse Korver, Netherlands and Flanders
Santiago Lange, Germany and Austria
Donat & Monique Picard, France
Jose & Helen Ribeiro, Portugal
Pedro & Brigida Rufian, Spain
David & Nancy Silcox, United Kingdom, Ireland and Middle East
Paul & Astrid Stoffel, Switzerland
Belgium
John & Norha Lamb, Brussels
Andre Vanbegin, Brussels
Estonia
Leo Kaagjarv, Tartu
France
Dominique Alcindor, Montargis, Paris
Bienvenu Alvarez, Marseille
Jean-Luc Bernier, Angers
Gilbert & Gisele Carbonnel, Paris
Eric & Therese Dubois, Angers
Jerome & Lara Feltracco, Paris
Tony & Malika Gallagher, Paris
Roland Girard, Paris
Israel & Laurette Gregoire, Bordeaux and Toulouse
Roger & Christiane Guilbert, Lille
Sam & Marilyn Kneller, Paris
Jean-Paul & Marie-Therese Njamta, Lyon
Jean-Pierre Paul, Metz
Tony Perozziello, Narbonne
Max Rakotoniaina, Angers
Gerard Stevenin, Rouen
Raymond Stutz, Selestat
French West Indies
Hubert Dintimille, Martinique
Michel Feler, Guadeloupe
Guy Myrtil, Martinique
Lambert Martial, Martinique
Germany and Austria
Benno Benter, Hannover and Munster
Klaus & Agnes Domes, Stuttgart
Manfred & Ursula Meier, Salzburg
Hans Juergen & Rosina Mittag, Munich and Nuremberg, Germany; and Vienna, Austria
Siegfried Pietralla, Hamburg
Wilhelm & Charlotte Rademacher, Hannover
Paul Sonntag, Bonn
Reinhard Wiedermann, Bonn,
Darmstadt
Italy
Sebastiano Patelmo, Catania
Malta
Tony & Dora Stagno
Netherlands
Henk Buist, Jesse Korver, Hans & Denise de Moei, Zwolle, Doorn, Eindhoven and Pijnacker, Netherlands; and Antwerp, Belgium
Ivo Cuypers, Antwerp
Johan & Mieke Wilms, Doorn
Scandinavia
Alan Beal, Sweden
Don Boddie, Copenhagen, Denmark
Ulf Stahle, Sweden
Switzerland
Hermann & Rosmarie Birawe, Zurich
Pierre Cosandey, Geneva
Fred Wahlen, Basel
United Kingdom and Ireland
Francis & Ruth Acquah, Liverpool
Frank & Eunice Archer, Birmingham
Malcolm & Elizabeth Arnold, Bradford
Michael & Joy Barlow, Watford
Alan & Tricia Bates, Cambridge
Chris & Gerrie Bayley, Llandudno
Herbert & Mavis Beare, Belfast
Steve & Julie Bearman, East Hyde
David & Margaret Bedford, Manchester
Robert & Heather Beggs, Belfast
Francis Bergin, WCG company secretary
David & Judith Boardman, Stoke-on-Trent
Barry & Thelma Bourne, Bournemouth and Southampton
Martin & Mavis Brown, Shenfield
Paul & Jackee Brown, London South, Camberwell, Maidstone, Brighton
Ken & Hilary Buck, Brighton
Olivier & Susan Carion, London North
Hugh Carton, Ballymena
Roger Clark, Northampton
George & Meryl Davidson, Edinburgh
Peter Davidson, Birmingham
Richard & Cathryn Dempsey, Belfast
Hamish & Jean Dougall, Scotland
Barney & Dorothy Dowson, Nottingham, Sheffield
Bill & Maudie Duncan, Aberdeen
Denys & Agnes Fell, Hull
David & Alberta Gibbs, Birmingham
Anthony & Penny Goudie, district supervisor, south & east England
John & Pat Halford, European regional director
Jim & Mary Hammond, Ramsey
Robert & Margaret Harrison, Bradford, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Preston, Penrith
Keith & Marion Hartrick, Bradford
George & Sueann Henderson, Watford
James Herst, Watford
George & Sheila Hinds, Newcastle
William & Elsa Huston, Belfast
David & Helen Jones, Aberdeen
Robin & Shirley Jones, London
Tony & Wendy Lodge, Bristol, Exeter, Llanelli, Plymouth
John Lord, Maidstone
David & Audrey Lyon, Perth
Douglas & Doreen Macdonald, Irvine
Michael & Gillian Maher, Nottingham
Cliff Marsh, Bristol
Jim & Myrtle McCracken, Irvine
Henry & Kitty Miles, Bristol
Richard & Annette Milligan, Llanelli
Graham & Margaret Mitchell, Northampton
Karl & Brigitte Moore, Watford
Cliff Neil, East Hyde
Peter & Mary Noon, Southampton, Bournemouth
Stuart & Joyce Powell, Bradford
James & Ann Robertson, Shetlands
David & Margaret Rose, Ipswich
Gus & Nora Roycroft, Craigavon
Martin & Elizabeth Ryan, London North
John & Ann Shotliff, Norwich
Andrew & Dana Silcox, district supervisor south & west England
David & Nancy Silcox, national coordinator, United Kingdom and Ireland, Middle East
Ian & Ann Smillie, Glasgow
Edward & Irene Smith, Shenfield
Philip & Gillian Stevens, Cambridge
David & Audrey Stirk, district supervisor, Ireland, Scotland, northern England
Harry & Tina Sullivan, East Hyde
Joseph Wainaina, Newcastle
Ray & Margaret Walker, Bradford
George Webb, Ross-on-Wye
Richard & Carol Whiting, Sheffield
Ron & Gail Stoddart
Concord, New Hampshire,
and Portland, Maine
David & Piedad Mosquera
Elder
Bogota, Colombia
Daniel & Mary Vazquez
Jalpa de Mendez, Veracruz,
Orizaba, Jalapa, Poza Rica, Mexico
Charles & Dixie Marino
Jacksonville, North Carolina
Duane & Alberta Marquis
Lincoln, Nebraska
NORFOLK,
Virginia--After the sermon Aug. 7, pastor Timothy Brassell invited the congregation to
come forward for individual prayer.
Many in the congregation formed a line and relayed their prayer requests to Mr. Brassell, and he anointed them with oil and prayed for their specific requests.
Then elders Jerry Hall and Calvin Sledge anointed Mr. Brassell and prayed for him.
On Aug. 21, instead of having a prayer meeting after the worship service, the congregation used the sermon time for a prayer meeting. The Norfolk congregation has a vision and hope of reaching out to serve their diverse community. They petitioned God to achieve the vision to reach out to the community. Waneece Jones.
In July, the congregation collected sheets and blankets to send to Voice of Martyrs, which sponsors a hospital in southern Sudan. The hospital provides basic health services for more than 100,000 people who have been displaced by years of war and famine.
Members wrote scriptures and messages of encouragement on many of the sheets. "To the Christians in southern Sudan, the cross of Christ remains their heritage and salvation, which inspires hope," said member Ann Busto. "Our gifts also inspire hope, which lets them know they are not forgotten."
On Oct. 17 the congregation took part in a community praise and worship service at the Church of the Living Word in Norview, the community that houses the church the congregation uses for its weekly services. Participants represented several ethnic groups and religious persuasions.
Host pastor Brian Forester gave opening remarks. Then Jerry Johnson, who heads a nursing home ministry, introduced the various pastors. Then the participants divided into groups and prayed for the Norview churches to be salt and light; for the revival and salvation of the community; and for Christians of all denominations and ethnic groups to be in unity.
They then found new groups and prayed for area schools, crime and families in the Norview area. In the last session of prayer the participants prayed for whatever was laid on their hearts.
Larry Bateman, who brought the diverse group together, ended the evening in prayer. Ann Stewart.
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Missouri--Retired pastor Arthur Docken and his wife, Marie, received a plaque of appreciation Sept. 12 from district superintendent Bob Taylor and his wife, Jan.
Mr. Docken studied at Ambassador College from 1959 to 1962. He married Marie Coverdell, a registered nurse, Nov. 23, 1960. He was ordained a deacon in 1961 and an elder in 1965. That year they were sent to the Philippines, and he directed the church's work there for five years. From 1971 to 1973 he worked in the Australian Office in Sydney.
From 1975 until his retirement in 1996, they pastored several congregations in the United States, including Omaha, Nebraska; Lafayette, Indiana; and Palm Springs, Santa Rosa and Fairfield, California. He was also a contributor to our magazines.
The Dockens live in Jackson, Missouri, and attend the Cape Girardeau congregation, where their daughter, Abby, is the wife of pastor Jeff Williams. Haydn Fox.
HICKORY, North Carolina--Nineteen members of the Hickory congregation, along with people from other area churches, participated in Harvest Crusade '99 Oct. 1 to 3 with Greg Laurie, senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California.
An estimated 35,000 people attended the crusade. About 2,350 people either accepted Christ for the first time or rededicated their lives to him. The WCG members served in ushering, secretarial duties and counseling with the new believers and those who rededicated their lives to Christ.
The crusade featured musical guests including Jennifer Knapp, Audio Adrenaline, Crystal Lewis, Big Tent Revival, the Harvest Crusade Band, Dennis Agajanian and Paul Overstreet.
"It was a great experience," said member Shelly Miller. "I was so moved emotionally. I was thrilled to be a part of the crusade." Carolyn L. Tedder.
BOISE, Idaho--The
Boise and Ontario, Oregon, congregations combined Oct. 9 to say good-bye to Fred Davis,
former pastor of the two congregations and the congregation in Baker City, Oregon, his
wife, Beverly, and their family as they move to Grande Island, Nebraska.
Mr. Davis gave the sermon on Paul's letter to the Colossians.
Afterward, the congregation gathered in a circle and holding hands, they sang, Bind Us Together. Noel Sorenson, a deacon in Ontario, sang for the Davises, Always Be Friends, a song he wrote for the occasion.
The congregation laid hands on the Davises and prayed. Then, photo albums, cards and money were given to them. After a potluck, the Davises traveled to Baker City for a farewell service there.
BATON ROUGE,
Louisiana--Pastor Anthony Rice was the honored guest at a reception during Pastors
Appreciation Month Oct. 16.
The Baton Rouge congregation was host for the occasion. After a sermon by Mr. Rice's father, Richard, a men's group serenaded him by singing "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." Refreshments were finger sandwiches, punch and cake. Marguerite Burrell.
DALLAS,
Texas--Murdock "Doc" Gibbs, an elder in the Dallas North congregation, is
co-star of a television show called "Nana Puddin."
The show teaches children values and life-building concepts through puppet characters, music, sketches and comedy with a host of kid-friendly entertainers.
"As kids laugh and listen, they learn lessons in living," said Mr. Gibbs, a songwriter and cast member for the show.
Nana Puddin' also produces a religious version of the show to point children to faith in God and the teachings of Jesus.
Nana Puddin' also presents live shows for schools, church camps and community events.
LAUREL HILLS STATE PARK, Pennsylvania--Twenty-eight youths along with adult staff spent July 31 to Aug. 3 at a youth camp. Activities included swimming, hiking, camp fires, volleyball and tag football.
Along with instruction in Christian living, the campers were challenged to learn the Apostles Creed. J.C. Burkett and Cliodhna Graven were honored for memorizing the creed. Jon Kurnik.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa--During the weekend of July 10-11, 44 people found a treasure in Jesus Christ at the Cedar Rapids congregation's second vacation Bible camp, which took place at the farm of directors Todd and Jane Wardenburg.
This year's theme, "Treasure Hunt Bible Adventure," taught the children that the Bible is the map, and Jesus is the treasure.
The children participated in two days of praise and worship, Bible teaching, missions work and footwashing. The camp ended with a service during which pastor John Bailey showed the children that once Jesus is inside them, no one can take him away.
The complete curriculum is available at Christian book stores or on the Group Publishing website at www.grouppublishing.com Loretta Bushlack.
SPOKANE,
Washington--Pastor Glen Weber spoke at the farewell service for pastor Dennis Sunderland
of First Assembly of God, Oct. 24. The two pastors had become close friends while planning
community church services.
The Sunderlands are Canadians who became naturalized U.S. citizens, and the Webers are U.S. citizens who became naturalized Canadians while pastoring in Canada for 21 years.
Mr. Sunderland asked Mr. Weber and four others to speak during the service. Others speaking were the president of the ministerial association, the executive director of the ministerial association and the mayor of Spokane. The Sunderlands are moving to assume duties at Trinity Church in Sacramento, California.
REDDING, California--In the early morning hours of Oct. 16 what is believed to have started as a smoldering camp fire north of Bella Vista, an eastern suburb of Redding, erupted into a wind-driven inferno that consumed more than 26,000 acres of residential, farm and ranch lands in what became known as the Jones Valley Fire.
Several members of the Redding congregation live in the affected area and were ordered to evacuate their homes during the afternoon and evening hours. While more than 100 homes were destroyed, God spared all of our members' homes, according to pastor Larry Van Landuyt.
Most seriously affected were Bob and Linda Hoffman, who live in Bella Vista. Although the fire burned quickly through their property, destroying two sheds full of winter wood and an unused chicken coop, their home and equipment building and vehicles were untouched, except by smoke.
Others who were evacuated from southeastern Redding and Anderson were Diane and Katie Tomich, and George and Gail Watkins.
The Redding congregation, which meets in the Community Church of God a few miles west of the fire's path, prayed during the Oct. 16 worship service for God's protection for all living in the fire's path.
"Many prayers of thanks were offered as our evacuated members were allowed to return to their homes and found them still standing," Mr. Van Landuyt said.
HOHOE, Ghana--Missionaries Francis and Margaret Ablordeppey were sent by the Ghana church to Hohoe to evangelize and to strenghten the WCG's existing congregations there, and they were asked by their landlady to pastor a group of 50 student seamstresses.
Two of the seamstresses, Ruth Amedzro and Rejoice Akoto, attended the festival in Kutunse, outside the capital city of Accra.
Ruth explained how she and the others have benefited from their connection with the WCG: "It is good for us. The church is strong in teaching us the Bible. It is what we need in our society. The most enjoyable parts of the convention have been the sermons. They point us to Jesus, and help us be his disciples."
CINCINNATI, Ohio--The Cincinnati Central congregation helped two charities with their fund raisers: Church World Service's Crop Walk, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's MS-150.
Bill Miller worked with the Northern Hills Ecumenical Council to get
the WCG involved in the Crop Walk, a 10 kilometer walk to raise money to feed the hungry.
Several area churches were involved.
This group of 20 walkers, including some from the Cincinnati East congregation, raised $1,692. This money will be used to help Church World Service feed the hungry in more than 70 countries, including Kosovo.
Bill Davidson has been involved with the MS Society's MS-150 since 1993. The MS-150 is a two day, 150-mile bike ride to raise money to fight multiple sclerosis (MS). This year Mr. Davidson recruited two other members of the Central congregation, Dave Butz and Russell Taylor, to join in the MS-150. They raised more than $2,200.
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Missouri--Members in Cape Girardeau occasionally drop their loose change or dollar bills into a mite bottle before and after services.
The money is donated to the Haiti office of Child Evangelism Fellowship, a worldwide Christian faith organization headquartered in Warrenton, Missouri. Its purpose is to evangelize boys and girls, disciple them in the Word of God, and establish them in a local church. Haydn A. Fox Sr.
PENSACOLA, Florida--The Pensacola-Milton congregation celebrated its 25th anniversary Aug. 14.
The anniversary celebration began with a worship service that included a history of the 25 years of the Pensacola church.
Pensacola's history is quite diverse, according to pastor John Young. Throughout the years, members have attended services in various areas across the Florida panhandle.
After the worship service, refreshments were served, and three individuals were recognized. Van Hall, Willie Latham and Michael Ingram have attended the Pensacola congregation since the beginning.
Former and current members were invited to celebrate the event. The anniversary celebration concluded with a family dance and fellowship.
LINCOLN, Nebraska--The Lincoln congregation will celebrate its 20th anniversary Jan. 29.
The worship service will be at 10, followed by a potluck. Pictures, church history and reminiscing are planned.
To attend, please contact Duane Marquis at 6405 W. Davey Rd., Raymond, Nebraska, 68428-4007; telephone 1-402-783-5115; or by e-mail at duane_marquis@wcg.org