Unity of the Faith

by

We have the opportunity to meet once a week and now with the upcoming God-ordained Feast of Tabernacles, we will have the chance to up the ante.  Including the Last Great Day we will be meeting eight days in a row which will give us the occasion to be with like-minded people.

Will we be unified?  Will we all be on the same page spiritually?  If we all have the Holy Spirit of God, then we will be — case closed.

There is ONLY “one body and one Spirit” because there is only “one God and Father of all” (Ephesians 4:4-6).  So if we are of this body and have the same Spirit, then we will all be on the same wavelength.  We will be unified in our approach towards Christianity and one another.  We will all have a similar spiritual personality that will be exemplified in our daily actions and interactions.

In His last prayer before being wrongfully taken into custody, Jesus asked four times on our behalf:

  • “…that they may be one as We are,”
  • “…that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You,
  • “that they also may be one in Us,
  • “…that they may be one just as We are one” (John 17:11, 21-22).

For Him to ask this many times when He knew that His physical life was near its end, shows us just how important this was and is.  Do we assign it all due weight today?

As we fellowship with one another, realize that by the Power of God working in and through us, we can be a part of the solution… a part of the answer of this prayer of Jesus Christ.

Hope for the World

On October 8, 2011, is the Day of Atonement. Norbert Link will give the sermon, titled, “Hope for the World.”

The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org (12:30 pm Pacific Time; 1:30 pm Mountain Time; 2:30 pm Central Time; 3:30 pm Eastern Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

NOTE:

This will be the last Update for the next three weeks, due to the Church of God’s annual celebration of the Feast Of Tabernacles. Services during the Feast will be broadcast live over the Internet, at www.cognetservices.org. Speakers and times are posted as well. To listen in, just click on Connect to Live Stream.

The next Update will be published for the week ending October 28, 2011.

Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock

A new member letter was written and posted on the Web. It will  be sent out tomorrow. In the letter, Dave Harris examines the question as to how Philadelphia perseveres and stays faithful in these evil times.

A new StandingWatch program was posted on our Web site (www.standingwatch.org) and on YouTube, titled, “UK Enslaved and USA Rejected.” The relationship between the UK and Europe is deteriorating, and so is the friendship between the USA and the EU. The UK is fed up with Europe and has become a slave to the EU, according to the Telegraph. The EU rejects advice from Tim Geithner; and while Germany and France don’t care about opposition from the UK and the US, Sarkozy breaks with Obama in New York. The Pope’s visit in Germany has revived the hope for Church unification, which will come, but not in the way that most expect. This won’t be good news for the USA and the UK.

A new German AufPostenStehen program was posted on our Web site (www.aufpostenstehen.de) and on YouTube, titled, “Kommt die Oekumene doch noch?” [“Is Church Unification Still Coming?”]

A new German sermon was recorded and posted on YouTube and on our German Web site (www.aufpostenstehen.de). It is related to the Feast of Trumpets and titled, “Gottes Warnung an Uns” [“God’s Warning to Us.”] It is also the third part of our German series on the USA and Great Britain in the Bible.

Do you have guidelines for proper appearance and conduct in your worship services?

In previous Q&As, we published guidelines for opening and closing prayers, and for preparing and giving sermonettes. We pointed out that our weekly and annual Sabbath services begin with a song service (usually by singing three congregational hymns), followed by an opening prayer, a sermonette or short spiritual message of about 10 to 15 minutes, the singing of another congregational hymn, announcements, followed (occasionally) by a special music presentation (especially during the Feast of Tabernacles), the sermon or main spiritual message of about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, and we conclude with a final congregational hymn and the closing prayer.

As all of these elements are part of a worship service in honor of and dedication to God, it is important that we always appear before God in the proper attire and with the right attitude, and that we exemplify correct behavior throughout the entire service. In the past, we have published numerous Q&As, setting forth the principles and guidelines as to how men and women should dress in general; what should be the proper hair length for men and women; and especially, how we should properly dress at Church services and social functions during the Feast of Tabernacles, including at pool or beach parties.

Here are a few selected excerpts from the above-cited Q&As, as they apply to worship services:

“That we ought to appear properly dressed for worship services, has been the long-standing teaching of the Church of God, and for good reason:

“We must understand that we are appearing before GOD. God is a great King. God is the Creator of everything that is good and costly and priceless. He is the Creator of beauty. He most certainly is the Creator of quality. He owns all the gold and silver, and it is He who made it all. If we were to be invited by an earthly king, how would we appear in front of him?… Would you want to appear in unwashed, dirty clothing, wearing washed-out jeans, a T-shirt, and sneakers?

“How much more should we appear before GOD, the KING over His creation, in proper clothes! The famous parable in Matthew 22:10-13 about the king’s wedding feast for his son contains a spiritual lesson, but it also describes a physical principle–that we dress appropriately for the occasion. It DID matter to the king–God the Father–how the guests were dressed for the wedding of His Son, Jesus Christ.

“In this context, we must not neglect culture. In the Western World, it is normally appropriate for men to wear a suit, or a nice combination, with a shirt and a tie… In the U.S.A., Canada or in England [and we might include continental Europe as well], men don’t dress up, when they appear in worship services with an open shirt, a T-shirt or jeans.

“Ladies should also wear appropriate clothing, of course. In addition, their dresses should not be too short or too tight or too revealing–but this principle would also apply in general, not just during Church services…

“God gives us the freedom to determine what is appropriate clothing, within the acceptability of proper dress in our cultures, but to clarify, God does not give us the freedom to violate His specific instructions so that we can follow our culture. For example, God has told us how to wear our hair. We are told that it is a shame for a man – young or old – to wear long hair…

“In addition, some brethren are scattered. They cannot physically join with other members on the Sabbath, so they listen to sermon tapes, or they sit in and listen to live Internet worship services (In passing, those who can physically attend are commanded to do so, and they are not permitted to just use Internet access as a substitute and as an excuse for not ‘having’ to attend Church services in person). If scattered brethren have Sabbath worship services ‘in their home,’ while listening to tapes or to live Internet Church services, they still appear before God during that time, and again, we don’t want to appear before God uncombed, unshaved and unwashed, or by just wearing our pajamas…”

“When God gave instructions for the creation of ‘holy garments’ for the priests of Israel, He specifically wanted them made ‘for GLORY and for BEAUTY’ (Exodus 28:2)… Regarding how both men and women dress when attending Church services, we find a meaningful example in the time when the children of Israel were commanded to wash their clothes in advance of appearing before God (Compare Exodus 19:10,14). Likewise, the priests were to wash themselves when appearing before God (Compare Exodus 30:19-20); and, they were to wear special clothing (Compare Exodus 28).

“It has been the practice of the Church of God to recognize that we are appearing before God when we assemble for Sabbath services along with other special commanded assemblies as given by God [such as commanded worship services throughout the seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles, even though only the first day is a Holy Day]. As such, we do recommend that each person present himself or herself in the best apparel they have available. The foremost idea is to specially prepare to appear before God to honor HIM!…

“God takes great exception to the self-absorbed and self-willed practices of people who lose all restraint. This applies to inappropriate sloppy appearance, as well as to the over-emphasis on wealth and riches… Our responsibility is to dress modestly and yet to dress with quality garments that reflect our honoring of God…”

It is critically important to understand that we appear in front of God during the entirety of our worship service; and this means that every aspect of the service is to reflect our worship of God. This is true whether we are attending together with our brethren in a Church hall, or whether we are, due to necessity, listening in to live Church services from our homes. This means we stand up respectfully and humbly when participating in the opening or closing prayer, and we stand up and participate joyfully in the singing of the congregational hymns.

We concentrate on and listen carefully to the messages (including the announcements, as well as the sermonette and sermon). It is understood, of course, that parents will have to take care of their babies and young children, which might even require at times to take them out of the Church hall, when they get too loud and disturb others. But apart from these sometimes inevitable distractions, there is no excuse for not paying close and undivided attention to services. It would be highly inappropriate to engage in jokes or unnecessary conversation during services (except for unavoidable situations, such as when our technical staff may at times have to communicate with each other to make sure that the services are being properly broadcast, etc.). It would also be offensive to God if someone were to get up during services (whether in a Church hall or at home) to walk to the kitchen for a snack or a meal, or even a cup of coffee or tea or water (excepting necessary circumstances), or to take a nap during services.

In services, most of us do not have many opportunities to audibly participate, except for saying “Amen” to the opening and closing prayers, after having listened carefully and attentively to every word of the prayers, and for singing joyfully during the song service. We cannot overemphasize the importance of participation in the song service with all of our heart, concentrating on each word which we are singing, and agreeing with it completely, knowing that we are not doing so to impress others, but because we are worshipping God when we sing out loud. There have been rare occasions when a brother or sister was told not to sing so loud, but this would be highly inappropriate “advice.” In fact, the song leader should encourage the congregation in words and by his own example to sing out loud and with enthusiasm.

Notice what we read about singing songs and hymns to God:

“Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious” (Psalm 66:1-2, AV).

Consider Psalm 95:1-3 (AV):

“O come, let us sing unto the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King…”

Notice Psalm 149:1-5 (AV):

“Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of the saints. Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King… let them sing praises unto him… Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud…”

And take note of Psalm 150:1-6 (AV), showing that God expects of us to sing to Him with emotion and with our whole heart:

“Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary… Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel…  praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbrals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.”

Whether we are speakers (giving sermonettes, sermons, opening or closing prayers, or announcements) or whether we are part of the “listening” congregation, we must all appreciate the truth that we are appearing before God and His holy angels, as well as with His chosen holy people. Speakers have to conduct themselves appropriately, when speaking from the pulpit; they are not to engage in improper comments or “foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks” (compare Ephesians 5:4).

The saying that “familiarity breeds contempt” must never be applicable to our conduct in Church services. This is one of the reasons why our speakers will generally refer to other brethren as Mr. and Mrs., when addressing them publically, rather than using their first names. Church services ARE FORMAL WORSHIP services, in dedication to God and in fellowship with His holy people, and all of us must always keep this in mind throughout the entirety of the service.

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock

A new StandingWatch program was posted on our Web site (www.standingwatch.org) and on YouTube, titled, “USA and Israel in Isolation.”  The international media speaks of the decline of the USA as a superpower, stating that it is demoralized, deeply divided, and at war with itself. It is also claimed that the USA has fought the wrong wars and that it has become estranged from the rest of the world, unable to fulfill its historical mission of shaping the world. At the same time, the state of Israel is isolated in facing Iran, Turkey and Egypt, and President Abbas’ anticipated application to the UN Security Council for a Palestinian state, which is expected to be vetoed by the USA, will create further problems in the Middle East. Why is all of this happening?

A new German sermon titled, “Die USA und Grossbritannien in der Bibel, Teil 2” [“The USA and Great Britain in the Bible, Part 2”], was posted on YouTube and on our German Web site (www.aufpostenstehen.de).

Priceless

by Louise Amorelli

One evening, I watched a public television special about natural disasters. The show touched upon what material possessions meant the most to people, when they needed to evacuate their homes. What do people really consider as being valuable or priceless, when it comes down to the “nitty-gritty,” and when there is little that they can actually take with them? The results of those findings were quite interesting.

Of course, the experts pointed out that people should have an evacuation plan as well as an emergency list of important papers and monetary items, etc., to take with them, when and if the time comes for them to evacuate. But the experts found that along with those items, people took those physical possessions that have the most meaning to them and are the closest to their heart. It did not matter how small, how insignificant and how valuable the items were. What mattered most was the sentiment that physical objects meant to that person–the memories attached to them.

In light of the most recent hurricane Irene that my husband, my family and I were directly involved in, I also had to evaluate the things most important to me. Thankfully, we experienced no injuries and no damage to our homes or possessions, and we did not have to evacuate to a shelter, although it was quite close to that. But I now have the time to meditate and reflect on what items would be closest to my heart.

While the PBS program made me realize that it is the “little” things that are most important to people, as a Christian, I have to think even deeper than that. What is most important to me?  What is “priceless” to me?? Although I do have possessions that carry a “priceless tag” and are close to my heart, they will not last forever. God’s Holy Spirit, and my calling, is what is truly priceless. If I stand strong in my calling, I will eventually be able to teach others as well as to what is truly priceless–the gift of eternal life, that stands the test of time.

Is it true that Christ will return on the annual Holy Day of the Feast of Trumpets?

Christ told us that no one knows the DAY of His return. He even said that He Himself does not know the DAY, nor the angels, but the Father alone. The reason is that it is within the Father’s sole authority to decide when the day of Christ’s return has come.

Note what we said in one of our Q&As, addressing certain numbers in the book of Daniel, and answering the question as to whether the 1,260 days, 1,290 days and 1,335 days mentioned there show us exactly when Christ will return:

“… we do not know the exact day of Christ’s return. Matthew 24:44 reads: ‘Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.’ In Mark 13:32-33, we read Christ’s words: ‘But of that DAY and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.’ Neither Christ, nor God’s angels, nor we ‘know’ [present tense!] the DAY and the HOUR of His coming. Christ seems to be saying that we won’t know the exact time — a phrase broader than just a 24-hour-day. The reason for this conclusion is given in Acts 1:6-7:

“‘Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” [They understood that Christ would establish the Kingdom of God on this earth, when He returns.] And He said to them, “It is not for you to know TIMES or SEASONS which the Father has put in His own authority.”’

“It is the FATHER’S decision to determine when exactly to send Jesus Christ back to this earth. That is the reason why even Jesus Christ does not know the EXACT time. All attempts to figure out the exact time are also futile in light of Christ’s words in Matthew 24:21-22: ‘For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were SHORTENED, no flesh would be saved [alive]: but for the elect’s sake those days will be SHORTENED.’

“Some have speculated that Christ will return exactly three-and-a-half years after the beginning of the Great Tribulation (and the Church’s protection at a place of safety). This does not take into account, however, that these last days will be shortened. We also read in Hosea 6:1-2: ‘Come, and let us return to the LORD; For He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up. After two days He will revive us; On the third day [not: AFTER three-and-a-half prophetic days or years] He will raise us up.’”

Some have taught that Christ will come back on the Day of Pentecost, or on the Day of Trumpets, or on the Day of Atonement.

Regarding the Day of Pentecost, please read our booklet, “The Meaning of God’s Spring Holy Days” and the Q&A on the firstfruits. The Day of Pentecost pictures the spiritual begettal of God’s disciples—the firstfruits–and their receipt of the Holy Spirit in this day and age. It does not picture the birth of God’s firstfruits as Spirit beings in the first resurrection. One reason is that the two loaves, representing the firstfruits, which had to be presented to the LORD on the Day of Pentecost, had to be baked with leaven (compare Leviticus 23:17). Leaven symbolizes sin. Today, converted Christians still sin, but once they are born again in the Kingdom or Family of God and have become God, they will not and cannot sin anymore. Therefore, the Day of Pentecost does not represent the resurrection and change of God’s saints to eternal life in God’s Family, and it is therefore very unlikely that Christ will return on that day.

It is true that the Feast of Trumpets represents Christ’s Return and the resurrection of the saints, which will occur when the seventh trumpet sounds. But the Feast of Trumpets represents much more. On that day, not just one trumpet was blown, but the Levites blew several trumpets. In the book of Revelation, we read that seven seals will be opened, and the seventh seal consists of seven trumpets, which will be blown by seven angels. But these seven trumpets, which are all pictured by the Feast of Trumpets, will not be blown in just one day, but for a longer time. Also, even when the seventh or last trumpet sounds, the events that will occur at that time will take longer than just 24 hours. All the events that are described to occur during the blowing of the seven trumpets and even the seventh trumpet cannot possibly just occur during a 24 hour-time span allotted to the Feast of Trumpets.

Please see the time sequence of events pictured by the seven trumpets, as explained in our Q&A

“The SEVENTH seal consists of SEVEN TRUMPETS, which are blown by seven angels (Revelation 8:2, 6). The first FOUR trumpets are described in Revelation 8:7-12.

“(7.1) The FIRST TRUMPET

“It describes, what appears to be, a firestorm destroying one third of all trees and of the grass (compare Revelation 8:7)

“(7.2) The SECOND TRUMPET

“It depicts, what appears to be, a huge burning meteorite falling into the sea, destroying one third of all sea creatures and one third of all the ocean ships (Revelation 8:8-9).

“(7.3) The THIRD TRUMPET

“It describes, what appears to be, another huge fiery comet or asteroid, destroying or poisoning one third of all the sweet drinking water (Revelation 8:10-11).

“(7.4) The FOURTH TRUMPET

“It brings further cosmic disturbances, blocking one third of the light of the sun, moon and stars (Revelation 8:12-13).

“Revelation 8:13 speaks of the last three remaining trumpets as the last ‘three woes’—because of their great and extreme severity.

“(7.5) The FIFTH TRUMPET (the ‘first woe’)

“The first of the last three woes—or the fifth trumpet—is described in Revelation 9:1-12. It identifies the final resurrection of the Roman Empire, coming out of a ‘bottomless pit’ (Revelation 9:1-3, compare Revelation 11:7; 17:8), an end-time European power bloc, referred to as the ‘beast’ elsewhere. It is depicted to be at war with other nations. Its instruments of war are symbolically portrayed as ‘locusts’ (Revelation 9:3) or helicopters, causing pain and harm on humans for five months, without killing them (Revelation 9:4-5, 10). The real ruler of this power bloc is ‘the angel of the bottomless pit’ (Revelation 9:11)–Satan the devil. This war occurs after the Great Tribulation—after the time of war between Europe and the modern nations of the houses of Israel and Judah. By that time, the modern nations of the houses of Israel and Judah will already be destroyed, and their surviving people will have become captives of this European power. The war depicted in Revelation 9 is alluded to more fully in Daniel 11, commencing with verse 41.

“(7.6) The SIXTH TRUMPET (the ‘second woe’)

“Revelation 9:13-21 describes the second woe or the sixth trumpet—the appearance of an invading army of 200 million soldiers (Revelation 9:16) from the east (Revelation 9:14)–shortly after Europe’s invasion of the Middle East (Daniel 11:41-43, 45)–to kill ‘a third of mankind’ (Revelation 9:15). Apparently, this is the second stage of a total world war between, at that time, mainly the European power bloc and a power bloc of eastern nations (compare Revelation 9:17 with Joel 2: 4). This second stage is also alluded to in Daniel 11:44.

“(7.7) The SEVENTH TRUMPET (the ‘third woe’)

“The third woe or the seventh trumpet is not described until Revelation 16. Previous chapters are interludes—flashbacks—setting the stage for the climax of the last or seventh trumpet, as identified in Revelation 16 (compare Revelation 10:7).

“The seventh trumpet of the seventh seal consists of SEVEN LAST PLAGUES, which are described in Revelation 16:1-21. Seven angels pour out these seven last plagues, also referred to as the seven bowls of the wrath of God (Revelation 15:7; 16:1).

“(7.7.1) The FIRST OF THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES or bowls:

“It causes ‘a foul and loathsome sore’ on those who worship the beast and its image, and who have accepted the mark of the beast (Revelation 16:2).

“(7.7.2) The SECOND OF THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES or bowls:

“It causes every living creature in the sea to die (Revelation 16:3).

“(7.7.3) The THIRD OF THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES or bowls:

“It causes the sweet water supply to become ‘blood’—that is, undrinkable (Revelation 16:4-7).

“(7.7.4) The FOURTH OF THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES or bowls:

“It brings about increased solar radiation which horribly scorches mankind. Despite this punishment from God for their sins, man will not repent, but rather blaspheme God (Revelation 16:8-9).

“(7.7.5) The FIFTH OF THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES or bowls:

“It causes total darkness to cover the Headquarters of the beast—again, people will blaspheme God and will refuse to repent even then (Revelation 16:10-11).

“(7.7.6) The SIXTH OF THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES or bowls:

“It will dry up the waters of the ‘great river Euphrates’ (Revelation 16:12) to enable the ‘kings from the east’ to advance to the place of ‘Armageddon’ (Revelation 16:16) to ‘gather’ there in preparation for ‘the battle of that great day of God Almighty’ (Revelation 16:14, 16). These kings from the east, as well as all the other kings of the earth, will be influenced by Satan and the demonically possessed beast and the false prophet (Revelation 16:13-14). All of them will gather at ‘Armageddon’ or the ‘hill of Megiddo’ (‘har’ meaning ‘hill’ in Hebrew), about 55 miles or 90 kilometers north of Jerusalem, and about 15 miles or 25 kilometers inland from the Mediterranean Sea. Megiddo is a huge mound with a commanding view of the long and fertile valley of Jezreel—an ideal place for armies gathering there. Then, they will converge from there on Jerusalem to fight the returning Christ. We don’t read that there will be a battle at Armageddon—the battle will be fought farther south in the valley of Jehoshaphat, which is called today the ‘Kidron Valley,’ bordering Jerusalem on the east.

“(7.7.7) The SEVENTH OF THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES or bowls:

“It causes a tremendous earthquake to shake the earth ‘as had not occurred since men were on the earth’ (Revelation 16:17-18; compare Isaiah 2:12-19; 13:6-13; 24:1-20), causing the ‘great city’ of Jerusalem to be ‘divided into three parts’ and ‘all the cities of the nations’ to fall (Revelation 16:19). Further, every island disappears, and mountains are leveled (Revelation 16:20). A great hail of tremendous size destroys everything in its path. Again, man will not repent, but blaspheme God because of the hail (Revelation 16:21).

“To obtain the entire picture of the events at the time of Christ’s return, we need to consider additional passages.

“The battle in the valley of Jehoshaphat and the mighty earthquake are more fully described in the nineteenth chapter of the book of Revelation, which describes the return of Jesus Christ (Chapters 17 and 18 are again interludes—flashbacks—setting the stage for the climax of the destruction of this world’s civilization–called ‘Babylon’–which is being dominated or influenced by a military-economic and religious power).

“Chapter 19 describes the returning Jesus Christ, riding on a white horse, to establish the government of God here on earth (Revelation 19:6, 11, 14-15).

“When the seventh angel sounds and when Christ returns, the saints–converted Christians–will be resurrected to immortality, if they have died, or they will be changed to immortality, if they are still alive (1 Corinthians 15:50-56; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). They will at that time be born again and inherit salvation, by entering the Kingdom or very Family of God. They will meet Christ in the air and descend with Him on that same day on the Mount of Olives. Zechariah 14:3-5 indicates that, apparently due to the great earthquake of the seventh bowl, mentioned in Revelation 16:17-18, the Mount of Olives shall split in two, making a very large valley, where the final battle of God Almighty will take place.

“Christ will overcome the armies which will be trying to fight Him, as well as the modern leaders of modern ‘Babylon’–the military ruler (‘the beast’) and the religious leader (‘the false prophet’) (compare Revelation 19:19-21). The destruction of the armies is more fully described in Zechariah 14:12, 15. The beast and the false prophet will be cast into ‘the lake of fire burning with brimstone’ (Revelation 19:20).

“Revelation 19:7-9 also states that Christ will come to ‘marry’ His ‘wife’—His Church—and that those are blessed ‘who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ Other passages shed more light on this marriage and the marriage supper, compare Matthew 22:1-14; 25:1-13; Luke 12:35-38; 13: 25-30.

“Beginning with Revelation 20, further events are described, which will occur after Christ has returned to this earth. An angel will bind and imprison Satan and his demons for 1000 years or a ‘millennium,’ so that Satan cannot deceive mankind during that period (Revelation 20:1-4; compare also Revelation 12:9). The immortal saints will rule with and under Christ on and over this earth for those thousand years (Revelation 20: 5-6; Daniel 7: 22, 27). The results of this rulership will be peace, prosperity and a correct understanding of God and His ways (Isaiah 2:2-4; 9: 6-7; 11:1-10; 35:1-10; Amos 9:13-15; Micah 4:1-5). Ultimately, the saints will reign under God ‘for ever and ever’ (Revelation 22:5)…”

Some might say: But did not critical events take place prior to Christ’s return exactly on the corresponding day and at the time pictured by the annual Holy Days? And will not exactly the same happen in the future?

The answer to these questions is: Not necessarily.

For instance, the Day of Passover is to be observed at the beginning of the 14th of Nisan, when the Old Testament Passover lamb was slain during the two evenings (after sunset and before nightfall), and its remains were to be burned in the morning. But Christ, our true Passover Lamb, did not die on the evening of the 14th of Nisan, nor was He buried in the morning of the Passover Day. Rather, He died several hours later, in the afternoon of the 14th of Nisan, and He was buried just before sunset at the end of the 14th of Nisan. Passover pictures the death of Christ, the true Passover Lamb, and Christ died on the Passover Day, but He did not die exactly at the time when the Old Testament Passover lambs died; that is, He did not die at the beginning of the Passover day, but towards the end.

Jewish tradition states that the Israelites crossed the Red Sea and that Jericho fell on the Last Day of Unleavened Bread, but the Bible does not specifically say so. Even though it is entirely likely that these events took place on that annual Holy Day, if it was critically important that those events did take place then, the Bible would have told us that.

Jewish tradition also states that God proclaimed the Law of the Ten Commandments to Israel on the Day of Pentecost, but, again, even though it is very likely that this is true, the Bible does not specifically say so.

Many claim, based on Jewish tradition, that the Messiah will come on the Feast of Trumpets, but the Bible does not specifically say that, either. Further, let us consider this:

The Day of Atonement, which is celebrated ten days after the Feast of Trumpets, pictures the replacement and banishment of Satan, but this does not mean that Christ will wait ten days after His return before He will banish Satan, allowing him to rule mankind for another ten days after Christ’s return. Some even suggest that the ten days stand for ten years. Are we to assume that Christ will allow Satan to rule ten more years after Christ’s return, before he will be imprisoned?

The First Day of the Feast of Tabernacles is celebrated five days after the Day of Atonement. The Feast of Tabernacles pictures the Millennium, when Christ rules on earth, together with the immortal saints. But we are not to assume that Christ and the saints will have to wait fifteen days after Christ’s return and their resurrection and change to eternal life, and five days after Satan’s banishment, before they will begin to rule here on earth.  Some even say that the fifteen days from the Feast of Trumpets to the First Day of the Feast of Tabernacles represent fifteen years. But are we to assume that Christ and the saints will wait fifteen years before they begin to rule on earth?

The Feast of Tabernacles lasts one week or seven days and pictures God’s rule on and over the earth for a thousand years. It is obvious that thousand years of godly rule cannot be compressed into one week. Rather, the Feast of Tabernacles just pictures the time of the Millennium.

Also, the Last Great Day or the Eighth Day, immediately following the Feast of Tabernacles, pictures the Second and even the Third Resurrections. (For more information on the Second and Third Resurrections, please read our free booklet, “Is That in the Bible? The Mysteries of the Book of Revelation!”). But these events do not take place in just one day—rather, they comprise a period of more than 100 years.

The weekly Sabbath and the annual Holy Days picture certain events in God’s master plan for mankind. It is not necessary that the events pictured by the particular Holy Days occur on those very days—in some cases, that would be quite impossible. Even though God’s master plan existed since the creation of man, the annual Holy Days were made for the nation of Israel—the Church in the wilderness (Acts 7:38, Authorized Version)—and the New Testament Church of God—spiritual Israel. They did not exist when man was created; some of them came into existence at the time when Israel was about to be freed from Egyptian captivity (compare Exodus 12), and others came into existence later (compare the list of God’s annual Holy Days in Leviticus 23).

(Compare our Q&A, asking and answering the question: “Were the Holy Days given at the time of Moses actually observed before—including even in the times before the flood?”)

In conclusion, as members of the Church of God, we are duty-bound to observe today God’s annual Holy Days, as we obey God’s instruction in this regard. The Holy Days remind us of God’s plan for us and for all of mankind. They are picturing seven steps in God’s master plan, but they do not necessarily tell us the exact days or hours when  those steps were or will be implemented. Since we know that the steps pertaining to Pentecost have already been implemented, we can say that it is highly unlikely that Christ will come back on the Day of Pentecost. As Christ will banish Satan, after He has returned, it is unlikely that He will return on the Day of Atonement, which pictures Satan’s banishment. However, for all the foregoing reasons explained in this Q&A, we should not state dogmatically that Christ will come back on the Feast of Trumpets, and worse yet, attach a particular year to the Feast of Trumpets, and say, “Christ will come back on the Feast of Trumpets in the year of…”

Remember, Christ clearly told us: “But of that DAY and hour [of His return] no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mark 13:32).

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock

The finalized new booklet, “Paul’s Letter to the Philippians,” was sent to our printer in the USA.

A new StandingWatch program was posted on our Web site (www.standingwatch.org) and on YouTube, titled, “The Frightening Future of Europe.” Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder advocates a United States of Europe and claims that Britain causes the biggest problems. Angela Merkel speaks now of a Europe of two speeds. She wants to give the European Council President even more power. This program shows what it all means.

Norbert Link’s video-taped sermon, “What about the Secret Rapture? Part 2,” was posted on YouTube and our Web site (www.eternalgod.org).

A new German AufPostenStehen program, “Wie Kriege Gemacht Werden,” [“How Wars Are Being Made”] was posted on YouTube and our German Web site (www.aufpostenstehen.de).

A new German sermon titled, “Die USA und Grossbritannien in der Bibel”  [“The USA and Great Britain in the Bible”], was posted on YouTube and on our German Web site (www.aufpostenstehen.de).

Activities at the Feast of Tabernacles 2011 in the USA

This year’s theme for the Dinner Dance on Sunday, October 16, will be “Broadway.” If you have suggestions and music and/or would like to help with decorations, please contact Michael Link at mrmikey24@yahoo.com .

The Talent/Fun Show on Monday, October 17, will be hosted once again by Kalon Mitchell and John Amorelli. Anyone who is interested in performing can contact Kalon at thesupeman@gmail.com  or John at amorejonjon@gmail.com or Michael Link.

As in previous years, Phyllis Bourque will be responsible for organizing special music. Please contact her as soon as possible at bourque@q.com if you are still interested in participating.

The speaking schedule for the Feast in the USA has been posted on our Web site (www.eternalgod.org), under http://cognetservices.org.

Also, if you have not already done so, you still have opportunity to proceed with making reservations for the Feast of Tabernacles 2011 with the Hilton Garden Inn at 601 James Way, Pismo Beach, CA 93449. When you call under 1-805-773-6020, please make sure that you mention that you are attending the Feast convention of the Church of the Eternal God. Further information is available on our Web site (www.eternalgod.org), under “Feasts.”

You recently wrote in one of your Q&As that Arabs were present in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost in 31 AD, when the Holy Spirit was given. This seems to be incorrect as Gentiles were only admitted much later to the Church of God, beginning with the Roman centurion Cornelius.

You seem to be referring to our Q&A on Saudi Arabia, where we wrote the following:

“Turning to the New Testament, we find that Arabs were present in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost when God poured out His Holy Spirit on the New Testament Church (Acts 2:11), and that Paul, after his conversion, went to Arabia (Galatians 1:17) and stayed there for a while, perhaps, as Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible suggests, to associate with those Arabs who had been converted on the Day of Pentecost.”

It is true that some commentaries seem to suggest that the “Arabs,” who were present in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost in 31 AD, were Jews who were living at the time in Arabia and who had come to worship in Jerusalem. However, even though people of Jewish descent were included, they were not the only ones mentioned in Acts 2. Note carefully the inspired record in Acts 2:5-11:

“And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, ‘Look, are not all these who speak Galileans [i.e., the apostles]? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Phartians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them [the apostles] speaking in our own tongue the wonderful works of God.’”

Notice carefully that several categories of people are listed here—Jews dwelling in Jerusalem—and Jews and proselytes who were dwelling in other parts of the world, and who had come to Jerusalem to worship God on the Day of Pentecost.

Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible explains:

“Devout men, out of every nation – Either by these we are simply to understand Jews who were born in different countries, and had now come up to Jerusalem to be present at the passover, and for purposes of traffic, or proselytes to Judaism, who had come up for the same purpose…”

Gentiles who had been converted to Judaism were called “proselytes”—and we read that they, too, were present when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Day of Pentecost. Barnes’ Notes on the Bible explains that the term “Jews” refers to “native-born Jews, or descendants of Jewish families,” while  the term “Proselytes” speaks of “those who had been converted to the Jewish religion from among the Gentiles. The great zeal of the Jews to make proselytes is mentioned by our Saviour as one of the special characteristics of the Pharisees, Matthew 23:15.”

Barnes explains how a Gentile could become a “proselyte” or a “convert”:

“Among the Jews there were two kinds of proselytes:

“1. ‘Proselytes of righteousness,’ or those who wholly and fully embraced the Jewish religion, who were baptized, who were circumcised, and who conformed to all the rites of the Mosaic institutions.

“2. ‘Proselytes of the gate,’ or those who approved of the Jewish religion, renounced the pagan superstitions, and conformed to some of the rites of the Jews, but were not circumcised or baptized.”

However, as the People’s New Testament explains, “To make one proselyte [means:] Induce Gentiles to become circumcised and to keep the Jewish religion. This is the sense in which proselyte was then always used.”

Christ was not too impressed with the Pharisees’ efforts to proselytize someone, as they introduced those converts to and compelled them to abide by the traditions of Judaism, which were in many aspects contrary to the commands of God, as revealed in the Old and New Testament. Still, we note that Jews and proselytes were present in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, and we also note that later, one of the seven original deacons in the Church of God was Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch (Acts 6:5).

The People’s New Testament states that Nicolas was a “Gentile (Greek) of the great city of Antioch, who had been converted to Judaism and been circumcised. This is the meaning of proselyte in the New Testament.” Barnes’ Notes on the Bible adds, “The word does not mean here that he was a convert to ‘Christianity’ – which was true – but that he had been converted at Antioch from paganism to the Jewish religion. As this is the only proselyte mentioned among the seven deacons, it is evident that the others were native-born Jews, though a part of them might have been born out of Palestine, and have been of the denomination of ‘Grecians,’ or ‘Hellenists.’”

Still later, “Jews and devout proselytes” followed Paul and Barnabas in the city of Antioch and were encouraged and persuaded to CONTINUE in the grace of God (Acts 13:42-43).

The concept of Gentiles becoming proselytes was already taught in Old Testament times. We read in Exodus 12:43-49 that a stranger—a Gentile—dwelling in the nation of Israel, could partake of the Passover, but only after he had been circumcised.

We also note that some time before the Roman centurion Cornelius was baptized by Peter (compare Acts 10), an Ethiopian eunuch was already baptized by Philip (Acts 8:26-40). The eunuch was obviously a proselyte who had embraced the Jewish religion; he had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning to Ethiopia (verses 27-28).

The controversy which led to the first Council of the New Testament Church in Jerusalem, as described in Acts 15, evolved around the fact that Peter had baptized a Roman centurion who had NOT first become a proselyte by turning to Judaism; that is, he had not been circumcised and baptized to become a proselyte, according to the rites of the Pharisees, and he had not embraced all of the injunctions listed in the entire law of Moses—including temporary and by then superseded rituals—as well as man-made traditions and customs of the elders, which were not included in the Law of God (compare Acts 15:1, 5; see also Matthew 15:1-9; Mark 7:1-13; Galatians 1:14).

The apostles concluded, based on the godly vision of Peter and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that “Gentiles who are turning to God” could become members of the Church of God without having first to become proselytes by being circumcised (verse 19), embracing Judaism, committing to keeping the rituals and sacrifices which Christ had abolished with His death, and by embracing man-made traditions. They made clear, however, that God’s law had to be kept, including certain permanent injunctions which were found in Old Testament passages that ALSO described temporary ritual requirements (compare verse 20, 29). The apostles emphasized, for instance, that Gentiles who were turning to God were still required to keep the Ten Commandments, including the Sabbath (verse 21)—a requirement which is still binding for Christians today.

It is therefore NOT correct to conclude that only native Jews were present in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost in 31 A.D, when the New Testament Church of God began. There were also Proselytes in attendance, including Arabs. Our statement, as quoted at the beginning of this Q&A, has therefore merit; namely, that “Paul, after his conversion, went to Arabia (Galatians 1:17) and stayed there for a while, perhaps, as Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible suggests, to associate with those Arabs who had been converted on the Day of Pentecost.”

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

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