A new member letter has been written and will be sent out early next week. In his letter, Edwin Pope discusses our attitude of generosity and our preparation for the Fall Festival Season.
Our new booklet, titled, “The Fall and Rise of Britain and America,” has been finalized and will be sent shortly to the printer in England.
The answer to your question, whether to send donations to organizations which help the poor, is one that requires a BALANCED approach. Considering the life of Jesus Christ, one must conclude that the focus of His life was in serving God. He put God FIRST. However, He also had great compassion on the poor: “‘…I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way'” (Matthew 15:32).
Consider what Jesus said about the fruit of His efforts in a similar occurrence following His miraculous feeding of another great multitude of people: “Jesus answered them and said, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled'” (John 6:26).
Even today, the Church is contacted by people who are seeking an association with us for purely financial gain. They are not joining with us to learn of God’s ways. Rather, they seek monetary support, and once that is not available they become offended and leave.
What Jesus ultimately gave people that had a lasting effect in their lives was the TRUTH! Here is what He said in this regard: “‘…If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free'” (John 8:31-32). In this same regard, note how Peter responded to a lame man asking for alms: “Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk'” (Acts 3:6). Peter acted as Jesus did, and we can gain an important principle to apply to our own circumstances–help those who immediately need our help.
God instructed the whole nation of Israel to “‘…not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother” (Deuteronomy 15:7). Then, in verse 11, God–through Moses–further explains: “‘For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, “You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.”‘” In this same context, note what is stated in Proverbs 19:17: “He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given.”
Christians must be careful in their approach to these kinds of activities, as Jesus taught: “‘Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, WHEN YOU DO a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly'” (Matthew 6:1-4).
In another example, a woman anointed Jesus’ head with a fragrant oil. When bystanders criticized her Jesus said: “‘…Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her'” (Mark 14:6-9).
Remember, too, that Jesus prioritized His actions in line with God’s purpose for Him: “‘For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me'” (John 6:38). This approach by Jesus is the same kind of course of action Christians are to follow.
We are to be lights to the world of the way of Jesus Christ–His pattern of living and the embodiment of His love for all of mankind. Our first area of responsibility has to do with what God has also called us to accomplish in our own lives. That involves the Church of God in unique ways, and it extends to doing good to all men. Romans 12 through 14 contain helpful instructions in this regard.
Note, in particular, this approach taught through Paul: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, ESPECIALLY TO THOSE WHO ARE OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH” (Galatians 6:10). That is why we have a Third Tithe fund, which is established to help the poor IN THE CHURCH. The Church has taught that we should have our main focus on serving the Church of God in its unique work of proclaiming the Gospel–the good news of God’s Kingdom when this world’s problems will be addressed and solved! Rather than seeking outlets that might engulf one in volunteer and charitable works or sending contributions to unknown poor persons in Third World countries, we would recommend that one maintain the role of “ambassadors for Christ” and address those needs that fall within one’s immediate opportunity to help (Compare 2 Corinthians 5:20)–especially within the community of believers, the Church of God (Compare Acts 2:44-47; 4:32-37).
Lead Writer: Dave Harris
On August 13, 2005, Dave Harris will give the sermon, titled, “Take Heed!”
The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at 12:30pm Pacific Time (which is 2:30 pm Central Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.
The Bible does not teach that when a Christian dies he goes to heaven. Let us be certain we understand the truth as pointed out in the Scriptures.
First, the Bible is very clear what happens to a person at the time of his or her death.
In Ecclesiastes 9:4-5 we find the following:
“But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. For the living know that they shall die; But the dead know nothing, And they have no more reward, For the memory of them is forgotten.” Their memory (the faculty of remembering) ceases to exist (See the marginal notes in the Companion Bible).
Verse 6 continues: “Also their love, their hatred; and their envy have now perished…”
Psalm 146:3-4 illustrates that the day one dies, his thoughts perish.
(For a further discussion on this topic, see our booklet, “Do We Have an Immortal Soul?”)
Once a person dies, he no longer has a part with the living, as long as he remains dead!
On the other hand, 1 Thessalonians 4:17 and John 14:2-3 are often used in an attempt to prove that when a Christian dies, he immediately is taken off to heaven to spend eternity with Jesus Christ. It is claimed that such is his reward for having lived his life according to the way taught in his faith. But what do these passages really say?
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 reads: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
Here, Paul was referring not to the day of a person’s death, but to the time of the resurrection of the just, which occurs at the time of Christ’s Second Coming; and to what is to happen then to those who have a part in that resurrection (vs.16). Those who have a part in that resurrection will also have a part with Christ as He re-establishes God’s government here on earth (compare Revelation 5:10).
Christ said in John 14:2-3: “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
The Greek word for “mansions” refers to dwelling places. It literally means, “dwellings” (compare the margin of the New King James Bible). The same word is used in John 14:23, where it is translated as “home.” According to the Nelson Study Bible, “Everybody has a longing for a permanent, secure place. Such places have already been set aside for all of God’s children.”
As our booklet, “The Gospel of the Kingdom of God” points out, Christ is preparing for us places or positions of rulership, depending on our conduct in this life.
But the passages in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and John 14:2-3 don’t mean that we go to heaven, when we die. Not even righteous King David went to heaven when he died (Acts 2:34). Christ told Nicodemus that “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man…” (John 3:13). Christ will return to this earth to bring our reward with Him (compare Revelation 22:12).
We will be resurrected or changed and meet the returning Christ in the clouds, in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Then, we will descend with Him on the Mount of Olives. When Jesus ascended to heaven, from the Mount of Olives, the angels told the apostles: “This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).
Zechariah 14:4 shows that in that day, Christ’s feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives, which is located on the earth! This is the “dwelling” place Christ will have prepared and where He will be at that time! We will be ruling with Christ when He rules here on earth (compare Revelation 20:4-6). “…thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). We will be where Christ will be (compare John 14:3) — here on earth. After all, Christ’s disciples are to “inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).
Christ is coming in all His glory, with His holy angels, to begin a millennial rule upon the earth (Matthew 25:31-32). The saints of God, who will have been resurrected from the dead at that time, along with those saints still living, who will be changed to spirit at that time, will be given power to rule with Christ (Revelation 2:26-27).
The saints will have positions as Kings and Priests, and will reign with Christ during the 1,000 year period on the earth. The rest of the dead, who had no part in this resurrection, will await in their graves for a future resurrection (Revelation 20:5).
No Biblical passage tells us that we go to heaven when we die. Rather, we will rule with Christ here on earth, when He resurrects those of us who died, or when He changes those of us, who are still alive at His Coming, from mortal to immortal.
On August 6, 2005, Norbert Link will give the sermon, titled, “A Remarkable Psalm.”
The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at 12:30 pm Pacific Time (which is 2:30 pm Central Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.
A new StandingWatch program, titled, “Right or Wrong?”, was placed on the Web.
The text for our new booklet on the Ezekiel warning, titled, “The Fall and Rise of Britain and America,” has been sent to our Graphic Designer, Mrs. Shelly Bruno, for finalization of the booklet.
You Got Served
by Laura Harris (35)
Volunteering offers great opportunities to learn new skills, meet new people and help others in need. We don’t need to build a home with Habitat for Humanity or join the Peace Corp to make a difference. But where should we donate our time? We can start with the church by doing good, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Some people may think that we need a title or position in order to help with church activities, but this is not true… anyone can serve! If we want to be more involved with the church, the first step is to ask how we can be of assistance. Although the ministry will know how best to utilize our talents, here are a few suggested activities we may want to get involved in, if appropriate:
–Lead music during weekly services, if you are a man
–Assist with the sound system and audio equipment.
–Provide flowers for services.
–Help set-up and clean-up during services.
–Contribute to potlucks.
–Photograph special events for the church website.
–Teach Bible lessons to younger members in the church, under the instruction from the ministry.
–Contribute money to help another family during the holy days.
–Perform special music.
–Assist with the coordination of special church events, such as the annual dance during the Feast of Tabernacles.
–Keep in contact with brethren, particularly those who are not well.
No matter what volunteer activity we choose — the important point to remember is to be a good example and serve with a positive attitude.
So, what are you waiting for?
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, who, when he was known as Saul, had been persecuting the true saints, was converted on the Road to Damascus. Christ commanded Ananias to baptize him, so that he could receive the Holy Spirit, telling Ananias: “I will show him [Paul] how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake” (Acts 9:16).
Paul, throughout his converted life, understood the fact that he had to go through much suffering and through many trials. At one time, God refused to heal him of a sickness, and Paul responded: “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Paul understood that he received the strength to continue in trials, through Jesus Christ Who lived in him through the Holy Spirit. He said in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…”
With this background, let us consider Paul’s statement in Colossians 1:24, where he said:
“I now rejoice in my sufferings FOR YOU, and FILL UP in my flesh what is LACKING in the AFFLICTIONS of Christ, for the SAKE OF HIS BODY, which is the CHURCH.”
Paul did not mean to convey that Christ had not suffered enough, while here on earth. Rather, he was pointing out that he, as well as all of Christ’s disciples, had to become PARTAKERS of Christ’s sufferings (compare 1 Peter 4:13; 2 Corinthians 1:7). We have to know or experience the FELLOWSHIP of His suffering (Philippians 3:10), in order to attain to the resurrection (verse 11). Only if we suffer with Him, will we be glorified (Romans 8:17). God GRANTS US as a special favor the GIFT of sufferings for Christ’s sake (Philippians 1:29; compare, too, Acts 5:41, where Christ’s apostles rejoiced because they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.)
The Nelson Study Bible states:
“Paul is not saying that Christ’s death was insufficient… [but] that a Christian will endure the sufferings that Christ would be enduring if He were still in the world [and which He DID endure when He WAS in the world]… Paul believed he was suffering the afflictions God wanted him to endure. Instead of facing his difficulties with dread, Paul saw his troubles as a time of joy… because they were producing an eternal reward…”
Christ was made perfect FOREVER (Hebrews 7:28) “through suffering” (Hebrews 2:10). Likewise, we must be growing in perfection through suffering. As Christ suffered, so must we. This is why Paul says that he must fill up in his flesh what is still lacking in his life in Christ’s afflictions, so that he can become more and more perfect.
We read in 1 Peter 5:9 that our brethren “experience” the same sufferings that we experience. In the Greek, the word for “experience” is “completed” or “ended.” As Christ became PERFECT or COMPLETE because of sufferings, so must we.
Suffering as a Christian or follower of Christ (1 Peter 4:16) motivates us to stop sinning; thereby growing in perfection. We read in 1 Peter 4:1-2:
“Therefore, since Christ suffered FOR US in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for HE WHO HAS SUFFERED IN THE FLESH HAS CEASED FROM SIN [Christ never sinned; so this is talking about us], that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.”
Notice that Peter said that Christ suffered FOR US. Notice, too, that Paul said in Colossians 1:24 that he had to experience Christ’s afflictions FOR THE CHURCH. The Ryrie Study Bible states: “Because of the union of believers with Christ, Paul’s sufferings for the sake of the church can be called Christ’s sufferings as well.”
Although true, this explanation is not sufficient. Rather, Paul makes clear, what he means by his statement that he had to suffer for the church, in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, 6:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, THAT WE MAY BE ABLE TO COMFORT THOSE WHO ARE IN ANY TROUBLE, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God… Now if we are afflicted, it is FOR YOUR CONSOLATION AND SALVATION, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for YOUR CONSOLATION AND SALVATION.”
Our suffering is, in the final analysis, for the purpose of helping others. Christ suffered FOR US. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:26: “And if one member suffers, ALL the members suffer WITH it.” Suffering makes us more sympathetic–fills us with empathy. We suffer to learn what it is like, so that we can FEEL the pain of those who are suffering. When we suffer, we receive comfort from God in many different ways, so that we can also comfort those who suffer, with the same comfort which we ourselves received from God. We learn more and more how God pities His children (compare Psalm 103:13), so that we can also pity our brethren. Christ became our MERCIFUL High Priest Who CAN sympathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15).
Christ suffered for us, because He loved us. Love is outgoing concern for the welfare of others. We suffer, so that we can comfort others, when they suffer. Again, the driving force and motivation for our Christian life is love. Even our resurrection and membership in the God Family as born-again spirit beings are for the purpose of helping others to reach their potential of inheriting eternal life (For more information on this vital aspect of God’s plan for mankind, please read our free booklet, “God’s Commanded Holy Days.”)
John sums up God’s plan and purpose for us, including the reason WHY we must become partakers of Christ’s sufferings, in 1 John 3:16:
“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”
Many hope to be identified as Christians by the implement of torture they wear around their neck, the fish on the back of their car or by a big building with icons and a steeple.
This may sound a bit silly, but these are the symbols that have been appropriated by those who want others to know they are followers of Christ. What is further disconcerting is the fact that these items come out of paganism or have less than Christian roots.
That being said, there are symbols that designate us as Christians. These are not signs that are easily read and may not be as obvious as the tangible ones, because they are inward. They are a broken heart and a contrite spirit (Psalm 34:18). These are the symbols of Christianity that God recognizes. If we are truly Christians, then we will have the Word of God written in our hearts and minds, thereby transforming our inner selves. The end result will be an outward manifestation of Godly fruit and a shining example, not a man-made object.
To truly be identified as a Christian, we must work from the inside out.
On Saturday, July 30, 2005, Edwin Pope will give the sermon, addressing the topic of commitment.
The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at 12:30 pm Pacific Time (which is 2:30 pm Central Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.
