2 In letters from readers, they react to last month’s article about the debate 3 John Sash thinks we’ve not entirely understood the Bible regarding sex 3 Bernie Monsalvo and Reg Killingley TheJournal share their views of the UCG crisis 32 Murray Palmatier reports on a joint News of the Churches of God CGI-UCG feast-day observance Vol. XIV, No. 3 Founded 1997 Issue No. 140 (July 31, 2010)

No car, no bicycle and no young Beyond Today man: Must have been an angel on WGN-TV ILFORD, Ohio —The Mrs. Collins, a longtime Church of He did not pay child support for United Church of God God member, lives with her husband, our four preschool children, so for M has contracted with su- Thomas H. Collins, in Anadarko. two years the church supported us by perstation WGN-TV to air its televi- third tithe. sion program, Beyond Today. By Retta Collins Teaching full time As reported Photo by Victor Kubik NADARKO, Okla.—In 1969 in an article by in Oregon I encountered an Then I began to teach full time. Peter Eddington Aangel. But first I’ll mention After a few years teaching in Okla- in United News some background information. homa, I decided to apply for a posi- (members.ucg. In 1956 in Oklahoma, when I was tion in Eugene, Ore. A school hired org), the show almost 20, I was state president of me to teach gifted fourth-graders began airing on Future Teachers of America College across from the campus of the Uni- July 11, 2010, Level. As such, I was sent to the versity of Oregon. and appears each national conventions of the FTA and The only thing I found unpleasant Sunday at 8:30 National Education Association in about living in Oregon was that it a.m. eastern time. Peter Eddington Parkland, Wash., rained nearly every day of the school Mr. Edding- and Portland, Ore. year and was dry only in the summer. ton, the UCG’s interim media and A native Okla- Sudden skid communications manager, said the homan, I had station has a potential audience of never traveled One rainy day after school—by GAS ON ALERT PROPERTY—ALERT is drilling for natural gas on the former 75 million households in 209 TV farther west than now it must have been 1969—I was campus of Ambassador College, Big Sandy, Texas. For several weeks a crew markets. Carlsbad, N.M. driving my 1966 Dodge Dart around has labored to set up this derrick and related equipment in a field on what was Beyond Today features a trio of the farm on the AC campus until 1997, when Ambassador University closed. So when I saw the shore road of the Willamette River presenters: Darris McNeely, Steve from the train to pick up my two daughters from Since 2000 the campus has been the property and home of the International ALERT Academy, a Christian military-style training school for young men study- Myers and Gary Petty. the magnificent their junior high school, where they For more information go to forests of gigan- had to stay late for a meeting. ing religious subjects and disaster-relief procedures. An ALERT official did not respond to a request from THE JOURNAL for more information about the well. beyondtoday.tv. tic Douglas firs The pavement was grooved for [JOURNAL photo by Dixon Cartwright] in Washington Retta Collins traction, three lanes each way, and it and Oregon I was raining as usual. prayed: “Father, I’ve come home. I was not speeding. I didn’t sud- Please let me live here someday.” denly step on my brakes or do any- I returned to Oklahoma and married thing to cause it. But suddenly my car UCG’s crisis is the latest in a long line of ups my high-school boyfriend, and we had skidded sideways into the opposing four children in our first six years. traffic, with the passenger side about and downs since the church’s founding in 1995 Then I was called and baptized into to be struck by cars. the Worldwide Church of God. On the I could do nothing but cry out, By Dixon Cartwright President removed The UCG, founded at a conference day of my baptism my husband left us “God, help me!” IG SANDY, Texas—The Unit- in Indianapolis, Ind., in April and May When the council of elders of the and soon married an older woman. See I COULD DO NOTHING, page 32 ed Church of God an Interna- of 1995, has three governing entities: tional Association is in the United Church of God an Interna- The 12-man council of elders, B tional Association (UCGIA, or simply news again. It’s having to deal with directly elected by the church’s elders. unrest in its congregations ultimately UCG) removed the church’s presi- The general conference, made up traceable to differences in philosophy dent, Clyde Kilough of Cincinnati, of virtually every credentialed elder, Post-debate discussion: Just of church governance Ohio, on April 9, 2010, that decision whether on the payroll or not. It’s the same old, old story among marked the fourth time in its 15-year The administration team, com- conservative Christians everywhere: history that the organization had dis- prised of the president, director of min- what do you mean the Bible? Who’s in charge? missed its chief administrator. isters, treasurer, and media director. The situation in the UCG has espe- Removing someone from an ad- The writer is a researcher of Mich. Mr. Cartwright wrote: Difficult transition Bible-related topics, author and “During the discussion [in 2008] cially erupted in Latin America, with ministrative office is not as drastic an former university professor who at- this writer for THE JOURNAL com- the church’s council of elders firing its action as removing someone from the In an E-mail THE JOURNAL received tended Ambassador College in the mented that young people having Spanish-language and Latin American council of elders. The president— from Bruce Porteous of Manila, Philip- late 1950s. grown up in a church environment director. The Latin American breth- unlike council members and unlike the pines, Mr. Porteous commented on the A Sabbatarian Christian, Mr. go off to college and encounter star- ren, in turn, have reacted with ardent chairman of the council—is a church church’s current series of crises, which Rude is employed as a linguist by tling opinions and theories, philo- support for the director. official who is appointed and can be mainly involve issues of governance. the Confederated Tribes of the sophical and theological, they had But, first, here’s some background removed and/or reassigned at any Mr. Porteous previously attended Umatilla Indian Nation and works never heard before, and as a result to ease into the story. time by the 12 councillors. See PRESIDENT LUKER, page 6 with other American Indian tribes. many of them lose faith in the Bible In this article Mr. Rude com- and God. ments on the lead article in THE “Therefore, what about a discus- JOURNAL’s issue No. 139, dated sion about the Bible itself? June 17, 2010, which reported on a “Church of God and other preach- 2010 AC minireunion UCGIA names new debate in Texas about the nature of ers constantly sermonize from the the Bible. Bible and sometimes even debate happens in Houston administration members Bible subjects with other Chris- By Noel Rude tians. The writer attended Ambassador College, Big ILFORD, Ohio—The council of elders of the ENDLETON, Ore.—In this “But rarely does a Church of Sandy, in the late 1960s. United Church of God announced its new article are random comments God minister or scholar attempt to president, Dennis Luker of Bothell, Wash., By John Dickerson M P inspired by an article titled prove specifically that the Bible is and new treasurer, Aaron Dean of Gladewater, Texas. “Two Former what Church of God writers and INCOLN, Ark.—Some former Ambassador United News, a member newspaper, in its July 2010 Worldwide preachers say it is: the inspired, College, Big Sandy, students have established issue reported that the council chose the president from Church of God infallible (some say inerrant) Word L an annual tradition of gathering in Houston each four finalists: Gary Antion, Bill Bradford, Roy Holladay Pastors Face of God.” summer, and the summer of ’10 was no exception. and Mr. Luker. Off in a De- It all began in 2001 when Russell Bettis, 1970 grad- What about intelligent design? The group of four devolved bate About the uate, returned from Malaysia and located old AC from a list of 39 names of men Nature of the So the debate occurred on Feb. friends to meet for a dinner party. the UCG’s elders recommended. Bible” that ap- 21, 2010, near Tyler, Texas, and I’d Twenty-two of us met in 2009. This year, on June 1, The administration team con- peared in THE say that as debates go Dennis Diehl a total of 10 of us met for a dinner party at a Fogo de sists of the president, the direc- JOURNAL’s is- won—but not because I think his Chao, a fantastic Brazilian restaurant, to reminisce and tors of ministry and media, and sue No. 139, ideas have merit. enjoy each other’s company. the treasurer. dated June 17, Nobody seemed aware of intelli- The guest list: Phillip Arnold, Everett Oakley, Heading up ministerial ser- 2010. Noel Rude gent design. Intelligent design (ID) Beverly Thomas Henderson and Wes Henderson of vices is interim director Victor In that arti- changes everything because the Houston, Texas; Russell and Kim Bettis of Albia, Kubik, replacing Jim Franks. Dennis Luker cle JOURNAL publisher Dixon Cart- whole materialist enterprise is pred- Iowa, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Farell and Jane The new treasurer, Mr. Dean, wright mentioned an earlier discus- icated on Darwinism or some simi- Moughon of Katy, Texas; and John and Cathy replaces Jason Lovelady. Peter Eddington replaces sion involving himself and two lar materialist theory of origins. Dickerson of Lincoln, Ark. Larry Salyer as interim director of media services. other men, Art Mokarow and Ron The ID literature is vast, and at Please contact me at [email protected] if For more about the United Church of God, see the Moseley, at a conference in Detroit, See IN SERIOUS SCIENCE, page 4 you would like to attend next year. lead article beginning on this page of THE JOURNAL. 2 THE JOURNAL Issue No. 140 (July 31, 2010) Letters from our readers

Lack of understanding March 25 to Jan. 1, became he Waco article is a good one. the ninth month of the Gre- How to subscribe to THE JOURNAL [See Phillip Arnold’s review of gorian year. Keep up with news of the Churches of THE JOURNAL, P. O. Box 1020, Big Sandy, Ta television show about the I guess historians God and your friends in all the groups by Texas 75755, U.S.A.; info@thejournal. 1993 Waco holocaust in issue No. 139 should at least be subscribing to THE JOURNAL:NEWS OF THE org. (See subscription prices above.) CHURCHES OF GOD for (in the United of THE JOURNAL, dated June 17, 2010.] grateful that Septem- THE JOURNAL, c/o Lewis McCann, 24 States) $15 for six issues, $28 for 12 is- I recall reading another analysis ber was not accord- Bradvue Cres., Bradville, Milton Keynes sues or $49 for 24 issues. Gift subscrip- years ago that said much the same ingly renamed Novem- MK13 7AJ, United Kingdom; £18 for 12 tions to THE JOURNAL are available. For issues; [email protected]. thing: The FBI and other agents of the ber. non-U.S. subscriptions mailed from Big secular state woefully misunderstood Henk Jens Belmore, Australia Sandy, the price is $17 for six issues, $30 THE JOURNAL, c/o Walter Steensby, P.O. the Davidians’ mentality, acted hastily for 12 issues or $51 for 24 issues. For Box 4305, Hawker, A.C.T. 2614, Austra- and caused great and unnecessary harm. Missing the point prices for ordering through one of our lia; [email protected]. $A30 for The media equally misunderstand I just read THE JOURNAL international distributors, below, please 12 issues, $A55 for 24 issues; for pen- and don’t deal with the fundamental [issue No. 139, dated June check with the individual distributor. sioners, $A24 for 12 issues, $A43 for 24 issues. Checks payable to Journal Services. issues in their analyses and reports. 17, 2010] cover to cover. To subscribe, renew or order a gift sub- Walter Steensby being where I am was unavoidable. Art Mokarow and Dennis Diehl scription in the United States, Australia, Canadian subscribers: Please sub- Canberra, Australia Had I gone to the original Metho- had an interesting debate. Can’t say I Britain, Canada, South Africa, New Zea- scribe through the Big Sandy address. dist seminary I was accepted to when agree with either side too much, al- land or elsewhere, use the coupon on the Canadian subscriptions in U.S. dollars Dear Abby I had to choose between Ambassador last page or a plain piece of paper and are $17 for six monthly issues, $30 for 12 I am writing because someone though they both brought out some and the WCG, I would still have ar- scholarly points I had never thought mail to one of these addresses (when issues or $51 for 24 issues. Please remit named Abigail Cartwright has a Web ordering from the U.S. address, please in U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank or as rived at my present truth, with just a about or had any information on. site up and running about the UCG- different story. remit in U.S. funds): a postal money order. IA’s “current crisis” (which is a pretty To me, if the scholars get too Spirituality is an inside job. Orga- embroiled in taking apart the Bible durable and relevant title, given the nized churches don’t like spiritual Genesis days were not real days but It will be so alluring, so awesome, organization’s history). and analyzing every minute detail of people because they think for them- Scripture, they miss the point of living were “periods of time,” then we can so convincing and so desirable that I don’t know whether Abigail is selves and often outside the box. toss out the Sabbath “day” as having most of mankind will embrace it and your wife, daughter, sister or cousin, a Christian life, developing godly Churches want religious people. character and the ultimate goal of sal- any relevance. give its power to it, along with some but I figure there can’t be too many Religion is where others tell you Even though God stated He rested of the elect, for a time—but only Cartwrights among the COG commu- vation. Without these, endless debates what is true and it is your job to ad- seem meaningless. on that seventh “day,” and blessed because God’s Word is rejected and nity to whom you are not related. If here. Or, as I have said in the past, “it,” and made “it” holy, we still can’t disbelieved and we don’t understand you can contact Abigail Cartwright It was good to read the article by “Pray, obey, pay and stay” (POPS). Walter Steensby [the angel story on believe God could create everything His plan, and we turn aside to false please tell her: The history of the WCG is pure like that, can we? teachings and beliefs that appeal to I appreciate the Web site and the page 1 of the same issue] since I know POPS, and the ongoing drama in the him personally. The seven days establish when the vanity and pride. chance to view all relevant documents splinters is pure POPS as well. day actually begins and ends, so we God help us to believe Him and His on the various turmoils that are cur- John Dickerson Life was meant to be lived. It is Lincoln, Ark. might as well accept midnight as the Son and Their ability to relate to mere rently afflicting the UCGIA Inc. meant to be a search, and, when one beginning of a new day like the rest of flesh and blood. Such an impossible I have tried to send her and sev- finds, he should be suspicious that Memory reboot the world. thing to believe could really occur. I eral others messages and have been maybe he has not found nearly as An FYI regarding the article in is- Another example: If Moses, Abra- believe God and Christ are far more unable to get the site to accept any- much as he might think. sue No. 139 called “Two Former World- ham, Isaac and Daniel didn’t really powerful than these gentlemen give thing I submitted except my original We are all one consciousness search- wide Church of God Pastors Face Off exist, we make Christ out to be a liar Them credit for. membership profile. ing through 12 billion sets of eyes and in a Debate About the Nature of the because He spoke of Adam (so evolu- Jeff Maehr That somehow I am listed twice six billion processors in our skulls. Of Bible”: tion is bunk), Abraham, Moses. Pagosa Springs, Colo. in the members’ gallery and that I did course, there is a purpose for our situ- In a paragraph under the heading So, then, we need to eliminate as not have that inflated an impression of “Read Everything He Could,” Art having any truth or relevance what Recommended reading ation. We see darkly in all attempts at In THE JOURNAL, June 17, 2010, I my own importance. being religious or becoming spiritual. Mokarow states: Christ said about them, and we can’t That part of the original message “About 12 years ago somebody logically stop there and then must began reading the article “Debate The guru leadership of the Church About the Nature of the Bible” with I tried unsuccessfully to post to her of God splinters is probably the most found where I was, and they put me reject all Christ stated. area read as follows: delusional. Sincere? Mostly, I hope. on the Internet, and on the Internet I Then we can simply eliminate the See MORE LETTERS, page 9 “Any story sounds true until some- Right? No. Worth the time and effort started getting E-mails from around entire Bible, because it can’t be trust- one sets the record straight” (Proverbs to be boxed in by them in a very small the world. They wanted to know what ed once we begin dissecting it and 18:17, NLT). package and stop seeking? No. I believed after all those years.” choosing what we want to accept. Please let THE JOURNAL “He who passes by and meddles in We all have a story in life, but we Unfortunately, my friend Art’s Then we are left to our own imagi- a quarrel not his own is like one who know when you move takes a dog by the ears” (Proverbs Please notify THE JOURNAL before you 26:17, NKJV). move or change your mailing ad- I pray that these quarreling min- ‘Thanks for your comments explaining dress. Post offices do not forward istries will somehow be able to solve periodicals-class postage, therefore their disputes in a Christian manner President Washington’s birth date changing from THE JOURNAL must pay the U.S. Postal Service for each issue returned from because, as it stands now, these con- Julian Feb. 11, 1731, to Gregorian Feb. 22, 1732.’ an invalid American address. Send tinuing crises show the incapacity of your old and new addresses to the UCGIA Inc.’s ministry and its Change of Address, P.O. Box 1020, elected council to tend to their own are not our story. The story can change memory is not very good. Rather than nations as to who or what God is or Big Sandy, Texas 75755, U.S.A., or to affairs (1 Timothy 3:5) or instruct their 10,000 ways, and does. We tend to rely on my own memory, I verified the what He expects of us. Can we not the appropriate address listed in the brethren by their example in anything box at the top of this page. Or you wallow in it. We counsel and rehash it. information below based on E-mails believe God could write a book and may fax (903) 636-9097 or E-mail resembling either servant leadership We want others to understand it. We and other correspondence kept from make sure it survived as He wrote it? (Mark 9:34-37) or reconciliation (2 [email protected] to report your get lost in it, yet it is still just our story. the period in question. We’re left with nothing to base our address change. Corinthians 5:18-19). It is not who we are in fact. In short, I was the “somebody” beliefs about God on except doing ¡Qué lástima! The last sermon I ever gave in the who “found” Art, not 12 years ago but what is “right in our own eyes.” Tim McCaulley WCG was “Nothing Is for Nothing.” eight years ago (2002). The initial Why do we bother having such Jacksonville, Fla. All forms of negativity are some form E-mails from around the world he got foolish discussions? Why do we have As far as THE JOURNAL knows, the of nonacceptance. were forwarded to him from BibleStudy. to believe we must be accepting of TheJournal publisher is not related to Ms. Cart- I choose to stop grasping at straws org’s Q&A service. He started an- whatever the imagination comes up News of the Churches of God wright. See her updated contact infor- and thinking that just being attached swering questions for the site in with regarding God, His Word and P. O. Box 1020, Big Sandy, Texas 75755 mation on her blog at ucgcurrentcrisis. to a group that spends more time in- October 2002. His plan? THE JOURNAL:NEWS OF THE CHURCHES OF GOD is pub- webs.com. fighting than encouraging is the final May 2002: I first contacted Can all three of those men be right, lished by JMC Associates. answer. George Crow in Texas about getting be standing on the truth, be serving POSTMASTER: Send change-of-address no- An old, old story The answers come from inside. some of Art’s tapes. Art used to pastor God and His Kingdom and furthering tices to THE JOURNAL, P.O. Box 1020, Big Again I want to thank you for re- They come from being spiritual and the Detroit churches (I live in a suburb the gospel? Sandy, Texas 75755. porting [in issue No. 139, dated June not religious. Perhaps the WCG reck- of Detroit), and I wanted to listen to There must be biblical “answers” to SUBSCRIPTIONS: U.S.: $15 for six issues; $28 17, 2010] the debate, which was more less-change splinter experience, which some of his studies he had recently the issues, the arguments, the objec- for 12 issues; $49 for 24 issues. Outside of an exchange than a debate, in Tyler perhaps we all agreed to have in this given to a small fellowship in Texas. tions, or we are stirring up a pot of U.S., mailed from Big Sandy: $17 for six with Art Mokarow. life, will not have been in vain. Sometime thereafter I asked George confusion and eating away at people’s issues; $30 for 12 issues; $51 for 24 issues. It was a good experience for me May our stories continue. how to contact Art. faith and beliefs and casting doubt on THE JOURNAL is an independent publication and helped give me some closure on Dennis Diehl September 2002: BibleStudy. God and Christ, and we are establish- not affiliated with any church organization. my experience as member/minister (in Greenville, S.C. org’s Q&A service started. ing and supporting false belief sys- Printed in U.S.A. © 2010 JMC Associates. that order) of the WCG. October 2002: Art Mokarow was tems that do not serve God. All rights reserved. No part of this publica- I pursued theology from a young Calendar facts tion may be reproduced or transmitted in Thanks for your comments in col- contacted regarding donating his time “All Scripture is given by inspira- age simply to know whatever the truth to answer questions for BibleStudy. any form or by any means, electronic or about life was. The journey has taken umn 4 of page 31 of issue No. 139 of tion of God.” So who decides what is mechanical, including photocopying, record- THE JOURNAL [in the article about the org’s “Personal Answers to Bible really scripture if we take apart the ing or any other information-storage-and- me in one side of the Bible and out the Questions” service. His first E-mailed other. I had to be where I was, and debate] explaining President Wash- Bible? What authority do we have? retrieval system without the written permis- ington’s birth date changing from answer to a question forwarded to him God has left us to drift in a sea of sion of the publisher. Julian Feb. 11, 1731, to Gregorian from BibleStudy.org was sent in Octo- confusion, but only when we toss out EDITOR AND PUBLISHER: Dixon Cartwright ber 2002. Art regularly answered Letters policy Feb. 22, 1732. the Bible, toss out sections of the CONNECTIONS EDITOR: Darlene Warren questions for the site until around All letters are subject to editing for I found that almost all are surprised Bible or rewrite it to mean what we CONTRIBUTORS: Ewin Barnett, Ian Boyne, Trey January 2006. want it to mean. length, clarity and technical style. when I point out that months with Alan Ruth Cartwright, Earl Cayton, Dave Havir, Kathleen Please limit letters to 300 words. In- Maybe I’m missing something sig- McCann, Mac Overton, Jamie Payne, Eric Snow, numerical names (September, Octo- Farmington Hills, Mich. clude full name, city, state or province ber, November and December) are no nificant here because this trend seems Ellis Stewart, Walter Steensby, Bill Stough, and country in letters sent by regular or to be growing in the COG, but it coun- John Warren, Wesley White, Kenneth Westby electronic mail. THE JOURNAL does not longer named correctly in the Gre- Why bother? publish unsigned letters but may occa- gorian calendar. I read the dialogue [during the de- ters all I read and understand about the CIRCULATION: Linda Cartwright, [email protected] sionally publish letters with writer’s For example, September, which bate] on the Bible between the three Bible and God’s plan and is in sync WEB SITE: Alan Ruth, [email protected] name and/or city of residence withheld. means “seven” (Latin septem), coin- gentlemen in the June 17, 2010, issue with Satan’s agenda to undermine THE JOURNAL will not knowingly print inaccu- Mail letters and subscription inquiries cided at least in part with the seventh of THE JOURNAL and must say I’m truth and establish fables. rate information. THE JOURNAL will run correc- to THE JOURNAL at P.O. Box 1020, Big tions if notification of errors is received with- Sandy, Texas 75755, U.S.A. E-mail month of the Julian year but, with the shocked at the seeming willing avoid- Christ’s warning about the very elect [email protected]. change to the Gregorian calendar and ance of the real issues that were not being deceived by the agenda being in a reasonable time after publication. the moving of New Year’s Day from even touched on. For example, if the shaped today is right on the mark. Issue No. 140 (July 31, 2010) THE JOURNAL 3 Columns and commentary Cartoon by Earl Cayton, San Francisco, Calif. Disillusionment is required for salvation The writer is founder and director I came across a requirement for salva- know that the sweeping process is of Christian Educational Ministries, tion that I had never considered. In the going to be painful. I will tell you my Tyler, Texas. A version of this article normal course of events one would story and then I will leave it at that. appeared in the Jan. 31, 1997, issue of never think of it. Herbert W. Armstrong was a great In Transition, a Church of God news- I will criticize no living person, or- man and a personal friend of mine. He paper published by John Robinson. ganization or doctrine, nor will I make was my mentor, my teacher and like a Mr. Dart is in a rehabilitation hos- an appeal for my father to me in many ways. pital recovering from an injury he sus- church over oth- I loved him then and at the hour of tained in a fall at his home on April 9, ers. It is just that his death, and I cherish his memory to 2010. See “Ron Dart Recovering Af- there is some- this day. ter Injury” in THE JOURNAL, issue No. thing I know that He was also, as many great men 139, dated June 17, 2010. I think you ought are, flawed. to know. It is During much of our acquaintance I By Ronald Dart this: did not see his flaws. Then I saw them HITEHOUSE, Texas— Disillusion- but overlooked them. Then I saw them Some of the things I have ment is required closer and denied them. W been reading lately prompt- for salvation. Like a lot of people, I had an illu- “If long-windedness is not a sin, it must be close.” ed me to post a message I wrote in Ronald Dart To whatever sion of the man. Late in 1978 my illu- another circumstance but seems en- extent we have sions were shattered. tirely relevant in this environment. illusions about our church, our lead- I won’t go into detail now, but I had In the past years I have heard end- ers, ourselves or our God, those illu- to sit alone in my study and speak less discussions about what is “re- sions must be swept away. One does aloud to myself the truth about the quired for salvation.” In the late 1970s not have to be a rocket scientist to See SALVATION, page 5 Is the UCG becoming the Untied Church of God? We’ve misunderstood the Bible on sex The writer has known Leon Wal- freude about schism is inappropriate. ker for 37 years and worked with Ask not for whom the bell tolls, it The writer is a longtime Church of Scared to death I had known Carrie casually for 10 him for 14, seven of those in Latin tolls for all the Churches of God. God member who attended with the After 36 years of marriage I found years. She was always kind and hard America. He attended the same Big For years the COGs have kept the WCG until 1994. He lives near the Lake myself single again. working, her employees loved her, Sandy congregation with Mr. Walker Feast of Tabernacles as a foretaste of of the Ozarks. His favorite bookends are and she was attractive. In fact, I until about 12 years ago. a millennium of peace after Christ’s a cup of coffee on the porch watching Six months had passed after my thought she was the most attractive divorce, and I wanted to start dating. return. Yet how can they preach that the sun come up and a glass of beer in woman I had met in my business. By Reginald Killingley the world will live at peace for 1,000 the evening watching it go down. I was scared to death. There were I had no idea she was getting a IG SANDY, Texas—The cur- years and that their members will be several women I thought of asking, divorce, and she had no idea I was rent crisis in the United kings and priests teaching the world By John Sash but I kept put- divorced. We both found out that day. Church of God an Interna- how to achieve peace when they can’t ting it off. B LEAN, Mo.—Sex stops when Bright idea tional Association burst into the live at peace among themselves now? marriage begins, so humorists Enough was open just be- Unlike information about ecclesi- Osay. enough, I decid- I arrived at her house and walked fore American astical crises of the pre-Internet past The best humor always has some ed. When the through the house to bid the job. My Independence that could be hermetically con- measure of truth. There’s a chance that next opportunity heart was racing. If I was going to Day, July 4, trolled, this one has produced a frigid air will drop from the Arctic and came around, I date, there was not another woman on 2010 (see the plethora of information accessible to freeze the flower garden. There’s also would ask for a earth I would rather go out with than related article anyone. The challenge now is dam- a chance that tropical breezes from date. Carrie. beginning on age control. paradise will make the flowers bloom. That very day I wanted only to take her out to eat. page 1). So who is to blame for this latest Like the weatherman predicting the Carrie (not her But why would she ever go out with Regrettably, fiasco? weather, in certain situations some- John Sash real name), the me? I was a short 60-year-old man with upheavals of times it’s best to say there’s a chance. manager of sev- balding gray hair, and I needed a cane this nature sel- Slow to resolve But first I want to tell you about a eral large retail clothing stores where I to walk. I was only a window washer. dom work out Reginald Killingley The 12 members of the UCG’s Bible study I recently embarked on, washed windows, asked me to bid the She was attractive, well dressed, amicably. Ohio-based council of elders (COE) and the events that led up to it. window washing of her home. See 60-YEAR-OLD’S DATE, page 5 People’s feelings get hurt, and long- have sometimes been way too slow standing friendships end. So schaden- See UCG RECENT, page 10 They meant it for evil, but guess what The writer pastors the Church of In verse 15 we read about the obvi- Are we mature enough to recognize God Big Sandy and is a regular col- ous concern that his brothers had after the real acts of rudeness, meanness Dear UCG Latin Americans: umnist for THE JOURNAL. their father died. They said something and, yes, sometimes evil? like: “With Dad gone, Joseph will re- By recognizing those negative real- Think on these things By Dave Havir member all the bad things we did to ities, you will not feel trapped to con- IG SANDY, Texas—There are him, and he will repay us.” tinue in bad relationships. Those bad The writer, along with his wife, lem involving church leadership in many stories in the Bible that They expressed their forgiveness to relationships can be with negative Paula, attends the Church of God the Latin American region. What we Bedify. Which stories motivate him (verse 17) and offered to be his people, or they can be with negative Big Sandy, where he serves as a had was a classical issue of “Who’s you the most? servants (verse 18). systems. board member. in charge?” For years, actually cen- Let me share a scripture about a That’s when Joseph made his If you choose to stay in a bad rela- turies, the churches have grappled story in the Old Testament that has famous statement about evil and tionship with negative people By Bernie Monsalvo with the issue of “How should we been an inspiration to me and to many good. or with negative systems, you LADEWATER, Texas—The govern our- of my friends as we have discussed it. can do so while accepting Recognizing evil oil spill in the Gulf of Mex- selves?” The scripture is Genesis 50:20: “But the freedom of Christ. ico stands as an example of G What to do? as for you, you meant evil against me; Have you ever had the Some believers living how an accident turned into an inci- but God meant it for good, in order to opportunity to practice the under dictatorships often dent that generated countless hours Should we bring it about as it is this day, to save approach of Joseph? Have you do not have the freedom to of pronouncements by state and fed- have one-man many people alive.” ever been wronged by people leave a situation. But they eral governments, news media, la- rule, a minis- and avoided the temptation to have the freedom of Christ What was the evil? bor and academia. ter’s rule, con- get revenge? in their minds. Plenty of blame was thrown gregational rule, You remember the story. Joseph had We must not be naive or gul- Maybe the day will come around. Plenty of people saw their bishops’ rule, two dreams. lible. when most believers in most of the livelihood threatened. Plenty of peo- Bernie Monsalvo geographical When Joseph told his brothers Some people have sought to do evil world will lose the freedom to leave ple are presenting claims. No end is rule, a group about the first dream, they were angry against others, some people are pres- situations. If that occurs, all believers in sight of the ramifications of this of laypeople’s rule or a group of with him (Genesis 37:5). In the first ently seeking to do evil against others, must claim the freedom of Christ in accident in which 11 people lost elders’ rule? dream the sheaves in the field of his and some people will seek to do evil their minds. (Please remember the sto- their lives. After we sort out the above, we brothers bowed down to his sheaf in against others in the future. ries of Holocaust survivors.) We’ve had a similar incident hap- have to solve the issue of who the field (verses 6-8). I do not mention this to suggest that Does good always come now? pen in the midst of the larger COG chooses the leaders: the princes of In the second dream the sun, moon people spend time looking for imagi- community due to the recent prob- See DON’T LET DIVISIONS, page 31 and 11 stars bowed down to him nary evil or becoming preoccupied As I conclude, I want to ask a ques- (verse 9). When Joseph told his broth- with real evil. I merely mention that tion: When people seek to do evil ers about this dream, they added jeal- this occurs. against others, does God always ousy to their anger (verse 11). directly intervene to bring about good That’s how it started. Dwelling on good in this life? When you’re out and about on the Web, stop in at In Genesis 50:20 Joseph was say- I would rather focus on the rest of Personally, I believe that God hears ing that they planned evil against him. what Joseph said. our prayers and oftentimes brings And they had. Although Joseph recognized the good to us in this life. You remember that some of the evil intent of his brothers, he focused However, even though God hears TheJournal brothers discussed killing him. You on God’s purpose in the matter. our prayers I don’t believe that He News of the Churches of God remember that they threw him into an Joseph believed that God meant the always brings good to us in this life. old well and later sold him to traveling bad circumstances for ultimate good. In Joseph’s case God brought good We’re right where you’d expect us to be, at merchants. Friends and brethren: I don’t want while Joseph was alive. www.thejournal.org You remember that Joseph ended to quote this concept as some invita- In Christ’s case God brought good up in an Egyptian prison for years. tion to go into airheaded denial. after Jesus died. 4 THE JOURNAL Issue No. 140 (July 31, 2010) In serious science, begin with a strong claim; e.g., inerrancy Continued from page 1 according to the Trinitarians was God refutation, nor perhaps to scientific Those predictions may be couched as his opponent reasoned from Aris- no time in the 150 years since Darwin the Father of Jesus by contributing a confirmation. How could you prove such that those without the Spirit of totle. published has the evidence against sperm (however produced) to unite they never happened? God will miss it, but it better be there The United States has been great with an egg in the womb of Mary. for those with ears to hear. for one reason only and that is the his theory been so overwhelming. YEC sticks its neck out The believer is advised to become They do not accuse God of adultery. Where would one start should he love and respect its founders had for familiar with the ID movement and to For them Mary was a surrogate So the atheists turned to Genesis, want to do a study of inerrancy? One the Scriptures, a love and respect that be aware of the fierce wrath being mother, and the creeds speak of “the which supposedly does make re- article I’d recommend—though it’s remained strong until recent times. unleashed against it. Father eternally generating the Son.” futable claims, claims that atheist been a while now since I read it—is The Scriptures, according to some Believers sometimes refer to the I can’t emend the text, but I can Richard Dawkins says have been Bill Dembski’s article in Unapolo- interesting articles by David Gelern- Bible as inerrant—which sounds sus- suggest that either there has been refuted. getic Apologetics, by Dembski and ter in Commentary (www.commen- piciously like the proposal that “the some corruption or that there is Mr. Dawkins is right when he says Jay Richards. To me it seems that tarymagazine.com), played a much Scripture cannot be broken” (John something there I don’t understand, that young-earth creationism (YEC) those who opt out of any kind of in- larger role in our founding than 10:35)—which is a pretty strong the latter being the more likely. is scientific—as opposed to the errancy are really left with nothing scholars realize, this in large part claim that few respectable scholars One point of particular interest to mushy BioLogos Forum (see biologos. but mush. because today’s scholars do not know would make today. me was a comment by debater Den- org), which claims that science and Yet once we accept the Bible as the the Scriptures and thus do not catch Though the Bible makes religion never the Word of God there remains the ques- the scriptural language and imagery such a strong claim, it has twain shall meet. tion of interpretation. Jonathan Sjor- in the founders’ writings. become de rigueur among At least YEC does dal rejects the New Testament and We are limping on the last legs of sophisticates to make no stick its neck out and rabbinical mode of midrash but fails the moral capital of centuries of Bible claims at all that could ever make claims that to realize that the Prophets and Psalms reading, and now those legs are buck- be proven false. could be proven employ it too. ling under, and when they have col- On the other hand, there wrong, which, as Modernist scholars too refuse to lapsed altogether there will be no are those out on the margins Richard Dawkins take seriously this style of interpreta- restraint whatsoever. loudly trumpets, sup- tion. who do proclaim inerrancy How long can belief last? but never put their exegesis posedly has hap- Moisés Silva, however, argues that of the Scriptures to the test. pened. we ourselves should return to this Dennis Diehl still believes in God. Scientific theories, at least In my opinion the kind of allegorical interpretation: How long can that last? He thinks in the sense expounded by YECs are blinded by “If we refuse to pattern our exege- Darwin explains our origins, which philosopher Karl Popper, are an unwillingness to sis after that of the apostles, we are in —as Phillip Johnson has reminded not theories unless they make question theological practice denying the authoritative us—renders God unemployed and bold predictions that could doctrines such as character of their scriptural interpre- therefore unnecessary. be refuted by evidence. original sin and the tation—and to do so is to strike at the Larry Arnhart (www.darwinian In serious science one be- fall of man that they very heart of the Christian faith.” conservatism.blogspot.com) believes gins with the strongest pos- see as demanding the we can derive conservative values YEC position. What happens when from Darwinism. He was kind enough sible claim. This, I believe, is the Bible is demoted? how we should approach the It turns out the real to exchange some E-mails with me Bible—for, unless we are reason they want a Is what some call “bibliolatry” sometime back, but I have to say that, willing to step out with bold young earth is that all really a negative? besides the fact that Darwinism finds claims that might be shot evil and death are I don’t think so. Ministers and lay- no support in the book of nature, it down and leave us embar- supposed to have en- men burned by Ezekiel 34Ðstyle cor- fares even worse than the pagan gods rassed, we will never really tered the cosmos ruption and tired of know-nothing when it comes to values. learn anything. nis Diehl (who argued against the through Adam’s sin (Romans 5), religious fanatics often forget that the Ethics in paganism has no connec- Rather, we will be, as the apostle divine inspiration of Scripture). therefore the dinosaurs couldn’t have battle for the West has been won. Not tion to the gods. The Indians end their Paul puts it, “ever learning, and never “All the people that are related to died before Adam sinned, etc. for nothing do we call it the post- myths with: “Now, children, let that able to come to the knowledge of Jesus in the genealogies are not relat- But are there any real difficulties Christian West. be a lesson. Don’t ever do like the the truth.” ed to Jesus if God is Jesus’ literal for the inerrantist? There always are, On this let me recommend Mel- gods.” Father,” Dennis said. “You can’t have of course, but no reason to throw in anie Phillips’ recent The World Turned The Greco-Roman or Nordic or Don’t be weak genealogies and the story of the vir- the towel. Upside Down: The Global Battle Hindu gods were no better. If we do not begin with a strong gin birth. They’re exclusive. Either One difficulty that remains un- Over God, Truth, and Power. Phillips The difference between biblical claim of inerrancy, we will never one stays or one goes.” solved for me at least is the “firma- herself is an agnostic, yet she writes faith (the Judeo-Christian) and all know whether such a claim might be Ron Moseley (who, alongside Art ment” that was created on the second (page 325): others is its particularism and excep- true. But, if we make the claim, we Mokarow, debated Mr. Diehl) wasn’t day in Genesis and which God called “Far from being in opposition to tionalism, something that is passion- can weaken it and adjust as further re- quite right when he responded: “heaven.” religion, Western science actually de- ately rejected today. “In Judaism it doesn’t matter who pends on it—and, contrary to much God has revealed Himself—not to search and facts demand. In the beginning Don’t get me wrong, however. I do your father is—if your mother is a popular assumption, specifically on everyone but to a few through the not believe that there is such a thing Jew—and it gives Mary’s genealogy “Heaven” in Hebrew is equivalent the Hebrew Bible.” ages—most notably to the patriarchs as “the scientific method.” Popper’s back to David.” to our “sky,” and “firmament” is sup- She is alarmed by the accelerating and those at Sinai and the 500 or so refutation works for theories. Mathe- The rabbis don’t say that at all! posed to refer to something solid or demise of reason and subsequent rise who saw the risen Jesus. matics, on the other hand, has no They insist that the scepters (such as hammered out. of anti-Semitism (page 303): Secularist or Islamic universalism need of it. David’s and Aaron’s) must be inherit- I already believe that Genesis 1 is “Indeed, the history of thought will not save us. Rather, the law will Theory is what physicists do; biol- ed through the father. And isn’t this more prophecy than history, that its since the Enlightenment might be yet go forth from Zion. ogy is mostly just descriptive. Iner- implicit in Jeremiah 33? historical sense is local (as in Genesis summed up as man first dethroning Without the hope of the Scriptures rancy is a theory and therefore should 2) but that it acts out God’s plan for God in favor of reason, then dethron- there is no hope. Fantastic but symbolic 7,000 years into the future. ing reason in favor of man, and final- be put to the test. Hitler’s admission Now, once we accept some form of The other question is content. Our Yet I’d like to believe that God ly dethroning man himself.” inerrancy, there is the problem of theory of inerrancy is strengthened if isn’t using a falsity to picture a truth. Western civilization was tamed, I have found that, after you dig to which text. The Jewish view of the Scripture makes no outlandish claims, I don’t want to believe that the not by Christendom, but by the Bible. the bottom of the activist’s unease Masoretic text is supported by Paul such as in the contemporary pagan Hebrews believed the firmament was Whenever churchmen strayed from and the hater’s hate, what they’re all (Romans 3:2) “because to them were literature with its satyrs and mino- solid, though interestingly the Amer- the Scriptures they were worse than really against is the Bible. committed the oracles of God.” taurs and other fantastic beings. ican Indians I work with believed just the pagans. But in the end their inqui- Hitler even admitted this. He thought But, as we know, the text of the if he could do away with the Jews he New Testament is controversial. Some would finally do away with the Bible. align themselves with the Byzantine I already believe that Genesis 1 is more prophecy than This is the whole foundation of the majority camp, whereas at least in International Left, of fascism and Marx- practice the Church of God often history, that its historical sense is local. Yet I’d like to ism and militant Islam and today’s would defer to the textual critics. Democratic Party. believe that God isn’t using a falsity to picture a truth. It isn’t so much religion or deities Discernible corruption or spirits or Islam that they passion- In this instance I think the church ately loath. It’s the Bible. was right. Bart D. Ehrman makes a The church fathers and also the that: that the “sky” is a solid sheet sitions and pogroms tended to be God can hear our prayers, and we pretty good case for discernible cor- rabbis take for granted the four clas- above. moderated by a return to the Bible. can see His hand in history and in our ruption in the majority text. (See Dr. sical elements (earth, fire, water, air), In one myth they shoot arrows into Islam rejects the Bible and so lives. Ehrman’s book The Orthodox Cor- which we now know to be a false pic- it. So, if it turns out that the Hebrews doesn’t have that safety valve. Secu- But God does not speak to us audi- ruption of Scripture.) ture of reality. The New Testament believed the firmament to be solid, larism has no safety valve either. bly. There is no knowledge of the But even here I think we should go never makes that mistake. The Bible then perhaps that’s no worse then Throw out the Bible and there is God of Israel apart from the Book with the strongest case for inerrancy: sometimes uses fantastic imagery, God using the imagery of Leviathan no way to hold onto our historic that reveals Him. Choose the reading you think coheres seven-headed dragons and such, but (in Isaiah 27:1 even with vocabulary belief in the sanctity of human life. Of those who had not been privy to best but only when there is textual always symbolically. identical to that in a Ugaritic text). Just ask Peter Singer. the Bible Paul says (in Ephesians evidence for it, otherwise do not Inerrancy is also strengthened by But I’m not ready to concede just Dr. Singer is the Ira W. DeCamp 2:12) “that at that time ye were with- emend the text. the internal coherence of Scripture. yet that Genesis 1:6-8, 14-19 pictures professor of bioethics at Princeton. out Christ, being aliens from the com- Matthew 1:18-25 (the first of the Rudolf Bultmann insisted that pastors a solid sky. He is a champion of the notion that monwealth of Israel, and strangers not assume coherence and therefore man has no preeminence above the from the covenants of promise, hav- two Gospel birth narratives), for me, Metaphors need to mean something is still problematic because it seems should avoid “proof-texting,” and, beast, a strong proponent of abortion, ing no hope, and without God in to contradict the Tanakh and logic. sadly, like sheep most respectable Modernists believe it’s all meta- euthanasia and infanticide, and he the world.” pastors have complied. phor—except for trivialities it’s al- even argues for bestiality. His Web Though there is evidence for the The word separates us from animals reading “and Joseph begat Jesus,” But why assume the negative? ways just meaningless metaphor— site: princeton.edu/~psinger/. Why not first take the Bible seriously but that’s an oxymoron. The Bible’s That which separates us from the there is still the fact that in all manu- Scripture vs. Aristotle scripts I know of Joseph seems to for its claim that “all Scripture is metaphors better mean something beasts is human language; in other think Mary has committed adultery. given by inspiration of God”? more than fluff or the proverbial I remember Mark Falcoff (my Lat- words, the word. It makes possible Interestingly, in verse 20 the angel How will we ever know that the “Don’t worry everything’ll turn out in AmericanÐhistory teacher) de- our receiving of a verbal revelation says that “that which is begotten in claim is false if we never put it to the okay.” scribing eloquently how Bartolomé from God. her is of the Holy Spirit.” test? Scripture had better cohere and not de las Casas petitioned Carlos V re- In my field (linguistics) we define The word for “begotten” implies The two central events of Scrip- only not say things that are wrong. It garding the Spanish mistreatment of human language—as opposed to ani- being sired by a father, yet of course ture—the Exodus and the resurrec- should make predictions that confirm the Indians. mal communication—as having the the Holy Spirit is not the father, nor tion—do not appear to be subject to its validity. Las Casas quoted Scripture where- See ART AND RON, page 5 Issue No. 140 (July 31, 2010) THE JOURNAL 5 Art and Ron didn’t want to think Dennis was a blasphemer Continued from page 4 is our judge (John 12:48): “He that Prophets; understanding Moses and these guys. At least they say some- the Gospels don’t harmonize; Paul ability to communicate complex in- rejecteth me, and receiveth not my the Prophets came by Jesus Christ. thing based on biblical motifs, word cannot base his theology on Jesus’ formation. words, hath one that judgeth him: the Whether the Bible is the Word of connections and typologies. teaching. word that I have spoken, the same God or whether it contains that Word Though disrespectful of scriptural The pagans mumble mantras, but Mr. Diehl’s straight talk it’s not the truth they seek—their en- shall judge him in the last day.” continues to cogitate. authority, they knew the languages lightenment is nonverbal—it’s an ex- So let me take issue with the It’s that slippery slope again, the and noticed things that neither Mr. Diehl, I think, took his inter- perience on another level of con- notion that the Bible isn’t the Word of one where we pick and choose and in our antifundamentalist churchmen locutors aback. sciousness. God. What, pray tell, other He says the most in the fewest And now postmodernism—which word of God do we have? words, and they were not used to denies that language communicates The Bible may not contain hearing such straight talk from a non- anything but power politics—has in- all the Word of God, never- believer. They didn’t want to think filtrated all the humanities and much theless it is the only word of that what they were hearing was blas- of the hard sciences. God we have. phemy. Neither paganism nor atheistic Scripture or scriptures is But there was nothing new there: nihilism provided the foundation for referred to 51 times in the the Torah cobbled together by post- our Western world, of its science and New Testament. “The scrip- exilic redactor(s) (though Mr. Diehl pursuit of knowledge, of the thinking ture cannot be broken,” as suggested it happened in Babylon), that went into our national founding. John has Jesus say. Peter and Paul battling it out for polit- At the root of it all was the Bible. Paul writes (2 Timothy ical hegemony, Paul lying about his But they don’t like the biblical 3:16), “All scripture is given Jewishness, etc. None of this is new. God because—aside from His strict by inspiration of God, and is All of it Mr. Diehl has absorbed from moral code—they say He can wipe profitable for doctrine, for the culture. out thousands in an instant and some- reproof, for correction, for DEBATE NEAR TYLER, TEXAS—The three on Feb. 21, 2010, are (from left) Ron Moseley, Few, it seems, survive the materi- times does. instruction in righteousness.” debaters, pausing here just a few minutes Art Mokarow and Dennis Diehl. [Photos by alism of the academy. Yet the sugar-and-spice god or Whatever is the sophisti- before the start of the event near Tyler, Texas, Dixon Cartwright] It isn’t always explicit, but it’s al- gods of their imagination are utterly cated thinking today, there ways there, however subtle and as- unrealistic. The reality is that people can be no doubt that for Jesus and the a couple of generations can’t agree on nor those committed to church or- sumed without dispute. Should any are wiped out in an instant—in natur- apostles the Old Testament was the what we agreed on in the first place. thodoxy could ever bring them- challenge arise, it is dealt with swift- al disasters and in sickness and in Word of God. America was a Judeo-Christian selves to see. ly and decisively, for there can be no wars and human cruelty—and stand- But does the Bible actually call nation and, though deeply divided on We know provisionally the really compromise whatsoever without ing by when you could stop it all is as itself the Word of God? One place I “doctrine,” was nevertheless united important things that we know, for risking the collapse of the whole house bad as instigating it in the first place. can think of is 2 Chronicles 34, where on ethics: on the sanctity of life, mar- who among us has encountered God of cards. Here I think debater Art Mokarow in the reforms of Josiah they found riage and the family, the right to directly or returned from the world to As intelligent-design proponent gets it right: “God did flood the world the book of the Torah (verse 15). property, the rule of law. come? Bill Dembski has noted, not the tini- and kill everybody. But God cannot And thus they explained their mis- This was true of us whether we But that doesn’t mean we should est aspect of ID can receive the murder. The reason He can’t murder fortune (verse 21): “. . . because our were Protestant, Catholic, evangeli- have no passion. We have passion be- slightest nod of acceptance. is because He can resurrect you.” fathers have not kept the word of the cal, Jewish. cause we know the secularist alterna- The naive student supposes he All death, in fact, is in one sense LORD, to do after all that is written in That day is past, and it was the tive and humility because we know walks the hallowed halls of intellec- by God’s design, for it is He who has this book.” abandonment of the Bible as our provisionally. tual freedom, and deep down even common heritage that opened the the dullest knows that none of the made us mortal, as it says (Hebrews Why not the high road? What Scripture can never mean 9:27): “. . . It is appointed unto men floodgates of utilitarian materialism. smart people respect the Bible. once to die, but after this the judg- Why should we position ourselves Bolstered by faith in the scientific Dennis Diehl says: “I have exam- The Bible is written such that ment.” before the fact against inerrancy? merit of Darwin’s creation myth, we ined Scripture. But, from my point of whatever framework of interpretation we operate under there always will be Humans require words difficult scriptures. Yes, there’s a book of nature too. In that day the greatest evil in the world will be those Danger of picking and choosing But it should be held at some distance from the book of Scripture, which has Israelis and right-wing American fundamentalists But what happens if the Bible con- been the genius of intelligent design. tains the Word of God rather than is Our physical environment doesn’t who still cling to their Bibles and their guns. the sum total of the Word of God? speak in plain words but in brute Then we are justified to assume that physical facts to which we must ap- YHWH—as the concept of Him ply reason. None of this can tell us Why not at least be agnostic? found it easy to abandon the Bible view, Scripture can never mean what evolved—had earlier commanded why we are here or the way out of our Or, if scientifically inclined and as and believe that reason alone would it never meant.” human sacrifice but later through the mess. I argued before, why not take the provide us our ethics. At first brush this sounds intelli- protest of the prophets came to be I’m a mathematical realist, and I high road? Weak theories are worth- Now the big question for our top gent, and I think it connotes more seen as proscribing it. believe in natural law, yet I don’t be- less. Strong ones can be adjusted as ethicists is defining personhood. than “don’t misinterpret the text.” If we can pick and choose, we also lieve that is nearly enough. Humans required. Though nowhere is the unborn a I think it eschews any kind of in- can dispense with miracles such as require a verbal revelation. The Gos- I make three suggestions: person, in Spain the chimpanzee spiration or any notion that the Bible the Exodus and the revelation at pel is framed in the written word and Go with the strong horse or, now is. could be a coded book (which of Sinai, and we are free to speculate “the foolishness of preaching” (Ro- rather, theory. And there is serious debate on course implies a divine hand). wildly as long as we frame it with mans 10:14): Be willing to adapt to facts as whether to confer personhood on It means, “I’m wise enough to de- valid linguistics, archaeology, etc. “How then shall they call on him they arise. robots. termine what it never meant.” But the day also arises when post- Know the consequences of join- From what Mr. Diehl says, it ap- modernism seeps into our discipline, in whom they have not believed? and Word connections how shall they believe in him of ing today’s culture in sloughing off pears he would agree with Rudolf when all objective truth is rejected and whom they have not heard? and how the Bible. Yes, some of those smitten of Bultmann that we should expect no one is left only to tell stories of op- shall they hear without a preacher?” materialism were nevertheless great behind-the-scenes guiding hand giv- pression by white heterosexual males. How much of the Word? biblical scholars, and they proved no ing coherence to the whole scriptural In that day—a day that is mostly Without the Bible, we I would argue that the words of life less ambitious in weaving together enterprise. here already—the greatest evil in the have no word of God that Jesus spoke (John 6:63, 68; etc.) speculative stories than the apostles Rather, each passage must be in- world will be those Israelis and As for bibliolatry, note that it says were His understanding of the Scrip- and rabbinical sages whose authority terpreted only in its immediate con- right-wing American fundamental- “and the Word was God” (John 1:1). tures. they rejected. text (textual, historic, etc.). ists who still cling to their Bibles I take this in the sense that the word The word came by Moses and the Maybe that’s why I liked reading The Prophets contradict Moses; and their guns. Salvation has never been based 60-year-old’s date leads to unexpected Bible study on something that was not true Continued from page 3 might also retract hers. extremely good-looking. She was the Continued from page 3 ings of many who read it. But, sophisticated, successful in business. I We went out to dinner and had an perfect 10 in every way imaginable, man. I had to do it to save my san- when you think about it, what was sure there was no way she would absolutely wonderful time. We ended the ideal Proverbs 31 woman, and she ity and perhaps my salvation. should we expect if we have come consider me. up at her house talking and laughing wasn’t even in the church. to trust a rock other than the Rock? Good advice Then I had an idea. I would offer to till late at night. Both of us wanted to I doubt that God will allow us to wash her windows, a $150 value, for date again the next week. Just what do you mean relationship? I still believe Mr. Armstrong was enter His Kingdom, His family, free if she would go out with me for We went out that next week and had A couple nights later I got a phone a great man. I still love him. I am with any of our illusions left. dinner. the same wonderful time, again ending call from Carrie. She was nervous. grateful to him, and I cherish his Salvation can never be based on up laughing and talking until late at “I want to talk to you about some- memory. But I have no illusions something that is not true. As King Zero hour night at her house. We scheduled a date thing, but I don’t know how to say it,” about him. As for the things I suf- David said, deep in the throes of Zero hour came. My heart raced, my for the next week. she said. fered at his hands, I have only repentance: “You desire truth in the throat was dry, my tongue parched, my By this time I was totally, hopeless- I kept telling her to just go ahead myself to blame. After all, he inward parts.” face flushed, my head dizzy. I won- ly and helplessly infatuated. I couldn’t and say it. Finally she did. always told me to prove all things Since no man is without illu- dered could I even speak. believe how we had the same opinions “I want to talk to you about having a and to be like the Bereans. sions, I said that disillusionment is I had rehearsed my line for 30 min- about everything, the same sense of relationship,” she said. I probably got hurt because I required for salvation. If God cares utes: “Carrie, if you will go out with humor, the same likes and dislikes. “Great,” I said. “I would love to depended on him too much. for us, He will no doubt sweep me for dinner I will wash your win- She listened to my long opinions have a relationship with you. That them away. If God cares for us dows for free.” without argument or interruption. On would be wonderful.” The sound I hear in the groups, Only after I had said those words top of that, she let it slip that she “Good,” she said. “So many young I was deeply touched by a letter along with the anger, is the sound did it register that she had enthusiasti- thought I was perfect. What more can a people have relationships right away from a man in a forum who de- of illusions shattering. cally said “Yes!” as soon as I had said man ask for? when they date and only later become scribed himself as a “nobody.” He But take heart. There has no “Would you go out with me?” Had I Well, several things. She was also friends, but I think people ought to be said that the church had been like a temptation taken you but such as is shut up and listened, I would have intelligent, devoted and sacrificing to friends first.” rock to him, and now that rock [as common to man. And all things saved myself $150. I thought about her husband and children, diligent and Of course I agreed. For the next 10 a result of the events in the WCG of really do work together for good to retracting the offer, but I was afraid she hard working, generous in giving, See THE BIBLE’S, page 30 the mid-1990s] was gone. those who love God and are called I expect that reflected the feel- according to His purpose. 6 THE JOURNAL Issue No. 140 (July 31, 2010) President Luker sends 15-page letter to address questions Continued from page 1 Although there had been friction Situation background He continued: “Brethren, let me be several men who are apparently with the UCG-NZ in New Zealand between the council and administra- clear: This type of deceived gover- aligned philosophically with himself and served as that UCG branch’s tors Kilough and Franks, the attempt Dennis Luker, the new full-time nance led by a well-respected man and Mr. Walker. He lists them (with board secretary. He attends with the to set up the special committee was president who succeeded interim pres- represents the very reason that hun- some of the spellings corrected here) Church of God International in Manila. the decision that prompted the council ident Holladay, wrote a 15-page letter, dreds of ministers collectively chose as “Joel [Meeker], Dave [possibly a “One of the difficulties UCG has to, in effect, remove both men from approved by the council majority, some 15 years ago to embrace and reference to Dave Register], [Clyde] faced from its inception,” Mr. Por- their administration duties. titled “Background to the Situation refine the administrative structure that Kilough, [Jim] Franks, [Leon] Walker, teous wrote, “has come about as a Mr. Holladay explained in his letter With Leon Walker and Latin Amer- we now have. [Tom] Kirkpatrick, [Doug] Horchak, result of putting together a democratic that the church’s lawyer “and at least ica.” It was dated July 1, 2010. “We have seen the destructive out- [Dave] Johnson, [Dave] Buchanan, government structure made up of a eight of the 12 Council members had The letter cited what it presented as comes that ‘one man rule’ in a Church [Richard] Pinelli, [Les] McCullough, ministry who were only familiar with not seen the Resolution before it was “evidence” that Mr. Walker sought to of God organization can wreak, and and all the Latins . . .” a hierarchical form of government. distributed.” influence the votes of Latin American this current experience in Latin Amer- “The transition [from hierarchy to a After reading the resolution and elders in Chile and other countries. ica underscores the reason we changed Persistent theme representative form of government] consulting with Mr. Darden and an Mr. Walker’s correspondence, accord- our model of governance years ago to The history of the United Church of has been much more difficult for the outside law firm, the council deter- ing to the letter, included an implied include safeguards from this happen- God reveals the behind-the-scenes ministry previously only familiar with mined that the resolution violated the recommendation to vote against three ing again.” friction between the two factions a top-down form of government.” church’s bylaws. incumbents: Bob Berendt, Roy Hol- within the organization since its incep- The council’s recent removal of Mr. Specifically, it went against bylaws laday and Victor Kubik. Only Mr. False rumors tion in 1995. Kilough as president (Mr. Kilough is “designed to protect the Church and Berendt was reelected. The 15-page letter from the presi- As Mr. Porteous noted in his E-mail still a church employee, a church pas- its members against the danger of The president and council majority dent and council majority mentioned quoted near the beginning of this arti- tor) was accompanied by a series of adoption of significant changes to the apparently believe Mr. Walker’s al- earlier in this article (not to be con- cle, tension has existed from day one noteworthy events. between the two main views of gover- When council members directed nance within the church. Mr. Kilough to resign, they also re- “Partly because of the ministry’s quested the resignation of Jim Franks Mr. Luker’s letter is notable, among other reasons, for background,” Mr. Porteous said, “the as director of ministerial services. ministry has always claimed they did On May 2, 2010, the 300-some its tenor, which seems inconsistent with the unflappably not want UCG to be a political organi- elders of the general conference voted zation, with decisions influenced by two incumbents (Roy Holladay of Cin- friendly reputation and history of Mr. Luker. party-factions and politicizing. cinnati and Victor Kubik of Indian- “Yet . . . the very structure of UCG apolis, Ind.) off the council. governing documents of the Church leged recommendations helped Mike fused with Mr. Luker’s letter quoted has ensured [that] it became a political On June 24 the 12-man council without careful review and input by all Blackwell and David Treybig gain immediately above) attempted to an- organization. of elders selected Dennis Luker as the Church constituents as well as grant- council seats in place of the two in- swer some of the questions that might “When you have elections to select church’s new president. ing powers or assignments to others cumbents. come up about the thinking of the the leadership of the church, politics is President Luker, following through that are reserved, both by applicable Progressive Mario Seiglie was also council majority in its decision to re- involved. on interim president Roy Holladay’s law and our governing documents, to elected at that time. move Mr. Walker from his oversight “Denying this is not accepting the earlier decision, removed Leon Walker the Council of Elders.” Over the several months that pre- duties in Latin America. reality.” from his duties as director of the “For reasons that will be explained Apparent backlash ceded the election in May, other letters Independent COG newspapers Spanish-language and Latin American appeared as Internet postings circulat- later,” the letter stated, “we have said operations of the church, a role he had Some UCG lay members said they ed by UCG elders criticizing the pro- little to date about this. However, When one rereads some of the his- played for the 15 years of the UCG’s wondered if the council’s removal of gressive majority on the council, in- since so many false rumors and alle- torical accounts found in two indepen- existence. the two men from their administrative cluding criticisms of the two incum- gations have been spread accusing the dent Church of God newspapers, In (Mr. Walker had served in the same posts irritated the majority of elders, bents who failed to be reelected. leadership of the United Church of Transition and THE JOURNAL, through- capacity in the Worldwide Church of thus leading to the elders’ decision not Differences of opinion have always God, an International Association out the years, one can observe the col- God for 16 years.) to return two incumbents—Mr. Hol- existed among Church of God elders, (‘Church’ or ‘UCGIA’)[,] of unethical liding dynamics at work. laday and Mr. Kubik—to the council but thanks to the Internet the opinions and unjust actions, we are compelled An article in In Transition dated Mr. Kilough and Mr. Franks removed in the election of May 2, 2010. and frustrations are seen by many peo- to set the record straight to protect the May 5, 1995, by John Robinson head- A May 2010 article in the UCG’s ple, including the lay members. Church from those who are spreading lined “150 Elders Convene in Indian- member newspaper United News Naming names, naming factions defamation and causing confusion and apolis, Organize the United Church of headlined “Council Sets Selection Observers have long noted that the ‘Spirit of rebellion’ letter division.” God” reported on the original council Process for President” reported the re- council, since the church’s beginning On June 24, 2010, the council se- The council terminated Mr. Walker of elders. moval from administrative duties of in 1995, has consisted of elders who lected Mr. Luker to be president. The from his job as Spanish-language and “The assembled elders,” Mr. Rob- Mr. Kilough and Mr. Franks. adhere to two contrasting views about council also considered three other Latin American director when he inson wrote, “all of them fresh out of “On April 9, the Council of Elders how the church should operate. candidates: Gary Antion, Bill Brad- declined to return from church head- the Worldwide Church of God, named asked Clyde Kilough to tender his res- Some have characterized the two ford and Roy Holladay. quarters after the council directed him nine of their own to the interim board: ignation,” stated the unbylined article. factions on the council and in the gen- On Mr. Luker’s first day as presi- to do so. Bob Dick, Jim Franks, Roy Holladay, “Following his resignation, Roy Hol- eral conference as the conservatives dent (July 1), he sent out a letter de- “On June 20, Mr. Walker was di- Doug Horchak, David Hulme, Victor laday asked Jim Franks, operation and the progressives. scribing some of the conditions he rected to discontinue his trip and re- Kubik, Mr. Luker, Burk McNair and manager of Ministerial Services, for Other names for the conservative says the UCG faces. His letter is not- turn to the home office,” but he chose Ray Wooten.” his resignation.” faction are the old guard, the old- able, among other reasons, for its not to obey that order. The board soon selected one of its Operation manager for media and timers, the traditionalists. tenor, which seems inconsistent with The next day he explained that he own as the first chairman: Mr. Hulme communications Larry Salyer re- Other names for the progressive the unflappably friendly reputation refused to travel to the home office to (see “UCG Board Refines Plans,” a signed later that day. The article did faction are the moderates, the liberals. and history of Mr. Luker. participate in the meetings because his July 21, 1995, In Transition article by not say the council asked Mr. Salyer to In an attempt to use descriptions In the letter he characterizes the trip was already in progress. Dixon Cartwright). Mr. Hulme would resign. that elders will not find offensive, this elders in Latin America as rebels, and When he refused to fly immediate- remain interim president until the next “During a teleconference on April article refers to the two factions as the he maintains that Jesus, from heaven, ly back to church headquarters in general conference, which occurred in 14,” the article continued, “the Coun- conservatives and the progressives. is “directly” leading the United Church Ohio, he was “relieved of his duties,” December 1995. cil approved Victor Kubik as interim More about the breakdown of con- stated the letter. of God an International Association. Second UCG conference Ministerial Services manager and servatives and progressives appears “You’ve probably already read or Peter Eddington as interim Media and later in this article. heard that the Council of Elders re- Supporting Mr. Walker Following is information from In Communication Services operation and Mr. McCullough Transition that ran in the Dec. 18, Some reasons cently directly intervened in Latin manager.” America and ordered the removal of The recent events in Chile, Mexico 1995, issue under the headline “800 El- Here are some of the reasons some Leon Walker as the regional coordina- and elsewhere in Latin America have ders, Wives Convene for UCG Con- Agenda-item withdrawal believe that the timing of the removal tor for that area,” Mr. Luker wrote. prompted widespread reaction from ference”: Mr. Holladay, who served as coun- of Messrs. Kilough and Franks so “Mr. Walker has served for many Mr. Walker’s supporters. Much of it Eight of the nine interim-board mem- cil chairman and interim church presi- close to the scheduled date of the 2010 years as a teacher and an administra- has prompted posts on blogs and other bers were elected to the new council dent until the council’s recent selec- general conference and to the annual tor, and both out of respect for that Web sites anonymously or attributed to of elders. Ray Wooten, a guiding force tion of a successor to Mr. Kilough, election of some board members had prior service and for the hope that he names that are obvious pseudonyms. at the organizational conference six wrote a letter to the church’s elders. an effect on the outcome: might see the scope of the terrible No one can ever claim that Lauro months earlier, was not reelected. In it he spoke of the withdrawal of Mr. Kilough and Mr. Franks spiritual errors that were being com- “Larry” Roybal, an elder from Mexico Four new board members were an administration-sponsored agenda (both conservatives) are popular with mitted, we deliberately refrained from City, lacks the courage of his convic- now sitting on the council: Gary An- item (a measure for the elders of the many full-time ministers. providing details earlier. Given recent tions. His letters have shown some of tion, Peter Nathan, Leon Walker and conference to vote on) that was sent to Since Messrs. Kilough and Franks actions, we must now disclose the full the most enthusiastic support for Mr. Donald Ward. The council named Mr. the church’s elders without the prior were active in the daily administration scope of this emerging tragedy.” Walker. Dick as its chairman and Mr. Hulme knowledge of the council and the legal While THE JOURNAL has chosen not as church president. of the church, their opinions were Sad duty department. more widely known. to quote some of the stronger, even The location of the new church’s inflammatory, statements from Mr. Mr. Holladay informed the elders They had the responsibility of se- President Luker said it was his “sad new headquarters, or, as church lead- Roybal about some UCG leaders, ers preferred to call it, the home office, that they had improperly received the lecting the speakers whose messages duty” to inform the brethren “that Mr. item from Mr. Kilough and/or other Walker and most ministers in Latin quoted below is an example of his was Arcadia, Calif. members of the administration team occasionally went out to congrega- strong support for Mr. Walker and Mr. tions on DVDs. They assigned the America are now openly attempting to The move to move to Ohio while Mr. Kilough was president. divide our members in the region, and McCullough. The letter stated that the item had speakers who would travel to Feast of have to a certain degree attempted to Mr. Roybal noted he had attended Here is a report from the second Tabernacles sites around the world. not passed through proper channels enlist the support of members and the annual general conference of issue of THE JOURNAL, dated March 26, and had not been vetted by the Even while various Web sites— ministers in the United States. elders in Cincinnati. He said the year 1997, headlined “UCG Elders Vote to church’s legal department. many of them owned and operated by “Together with the Council of was 2006, but, based on the events he Move to Cincinnati”: The council, Mr. Holladay informed UCG lay members—were posting Elders, we in this administration are described, it must have been 2001. “The dramatic moment of the con- the elders, “has decided to remove the information and opinions in support of moving swiftly to protect our mem- “The Latins were so very happy,” ference was the vote on the office- Resolution from the agenda.” the dismissed administrators, the coun- bers and our Church, and we will do he recently wrote, “as was all the relocation proposal. After earnest cil chose not to publicly explain in so with the full authority and power Church. Then we were told that [Mr. pleas by elders on both sides of the No special committee detail the reasons for the dismissals. available to us. McCullough] was to be replaced. I issue, elders voted to move the office The resolution, if the elders had Its decision not to explain was appar- “To those few who falsely think stood up and asked Roy Holladay [from Arcadia] to Cincinnati. passed it, allegedly would have direct- ently in line with its goal of maintain- that the United Church of God is not WHY?!!! Why replace him? We thought “The Ohio city won by 20 votes, ed the setting up of a special commit- ing peace in the church. being directly led in full authority by that he was going to be president for although the results on all 10 ballot tee that would sign off on measures After the election some have al- Jesus Christ, I must warn those who life or until he could no longer per- items weren’t generally known until before they went to the council for its leged that some elders voted as a bloc embrace a spirit of rebellion that form his duty.” two days after the conference. approval. against the two incumbents. appropriate action will be taken.” Mr. Roybal, in his letter, identifies See CURRENT RATIO, page 7 Issue No. 140 (July 31, 2010) THE JOURNAL 7 Current ratio of council progressives to conservatives is 8-4 Continued from page 6 seven votes needed for a three-year about whether a president should be Warren, reported the selection of a “Mr. Dean, who served as a person- “The vote tallies were delayed be- reconfirmation. reconfirmed and how many council new president of the UCG. al aide to Worldwide Church of God cause of the process involved in The article noted that the council votes it takes to remove a president. “Days before the general confer- founder Herbert W. Armstrong from counting votes from elders present passed a resolution “confirming Mr. “When Mr. Hulme was president, ence met, the 12-man council had se- 1974 until Mr. Armstrong’s death, in and those who stayed at home and cast McCullough as president for another the bylaw stated that a president could lected Clyde Kilough, 53, of Antelope, 1986, delivered a sermon and answered their ballots via telephone lines and year.” not be removed except by two thirds Calif., as the fourth president of the questions at a meeting of a Church of fax machines.” At the time, some observers said the of the council. church in its 10-year history.” God group in Huntsville, Texas, during council did not want to reconfirm Mr. “After a minority of council mem- Mr. McCullough replaces Mr. Hulme Vote to move to Texas the 2007 Feast of Tabernacles. McCullough at all but settled on a bers kept Mr. Hulme in office while “The action [delivering the sermon During Mr. Hulme’s term of office, compromise by agreeing for him to the majority wanted to remove him, Two years later the UCG clergy during the Texas group’s Feast obser- a behind-the-scenes disagreement serve for one more year. the council submitted an amendment was abuzz with talk of moving the vance] violated a UCG policy about strained the relationship between the The men who were on the council in the fall of 1999 to change the situa- headquarters offices from Ohio to speaking to other groups and brought council of elders and the president. when this decision was made were tion. The obvious purpose of the by- Texas. on the censure.” After a protracted struggle, THE JOUR- Mr. Antion, Aaron Dean, Mr. Dick, law was to support the desire of the In an article headlined “Elders Vote NAL ran as its lead an article in its issue Mr. Holladay, John Jewell, Mr. Kubik, majority of the council. The GCE by Slim Margin to Move HQ Office to Elders reelect Mr. Dean dated Jan. 30, 1998, headlined “Why Mr. McCullough, Burk McNair, Ma- passed the amendment at its annual Texas,” dated May 31, 2007, THE Many UCG members and observ- Would Council of Elders of United rio Seiglie, Richard Thompson, Leon meeting in May 2000 . . . JOURNAL reported that, “during ballot- ers were surprised, then, when, in the Remove David Hulme From Presi- Walker and Don Ward. “It is this bylaw that authorized the ing on Sunday during the meetings, wake of Mr. Dean’s official censure, dency?” THE JOURNAL speculates that the fol- council to consider reaffirming Mr. the ministers decided by only a seven- the elders reelected him to the council. The article, by Dixon Cartwright, lowing five people (and maybe one McCullough in March 2001. How- vote margin, 202-195, to move the From THE JOURNAL dated April 30, based on an interview with an anony- other) voted for Mr. McCullough in the ever, the majority of the council did home office from Milford, Ohio, to 2008, in an article headlined “Vote mous UCG official, listed 16 reasons hope that he would serve for three more not want to reconfirm him. Denton, Texas . . . Changes Complexion of UCG Coun- for Mr. Hulme’s removal. (Not long years: Bob Dick, Mr. McCullough, “When Messrs. Dick, Thompson “The surprise, for some observers, cil of Elders”: after the council removed Mr. Hulme Burk McNair, Richard Thompson and and Walker participated in the submis- wasn’t that the general conference as president, he and friends left the Mr. Walker. sion of the amendment to return the voted to accept the move that had “Members of the old majority that has included Robert Dick, Jim Franks, UCG and started another church.) THE JOURNAL bases its speculation on bylaw to the wording that was in been approved by the 12-man govern- Richard Pinelli, Larry Salyer, Richard THE JOURNAL reported in its March the information that follows in this effect while Mr. Hulme was president, ing council of elders. 30, 1998, issue that the UCG’s gener- article. they revealed a possible preference for “The surprise was that the measure Thompson and Leon Walker are di- al conference of elders met in Louis- keeping Mr. McCullough in office, almost lost. If only four men had minishing in numbers, with Messrs. ville, Ky. Willing to serve longer even though the majority of the coun- voted the other way, the proposal to Franks, Salyer and Walker no longer The headline was “United Confer- As reported in another article in the cil voted not to reaffirm him.” move would have died, at least for the sitting on the board. ence Meets for Fourth Time; Council same issue of THE JOURNAL, elder Joel time being. “Meanwhile, council members—in- of Elders Chooses New President.” Meeker asked Mr. McCullough dur- Declined a second time cluding the ones elected in 2008—who President Les McCullough an- ing a conference Q&A if he wanted to Later in the article: “Some observ- Two old-timers voted off council are generally seen as more progressive nounced, reported the article, “that he serve only one more year. ers say they believe Mr. McCullough “The other surprise concerned the include Bob Berendt, Aaron Dean, Bill was willing to serve as president for “I have to honestly say, no, my was one of the two finalists in the Feb. decision by the elders not to keep Eddington, Roy Holladay, Paul Kief- three years. Then, he said, he would preference would have been to serve 28 voting. If enough council members longtime Church of God elders Les fer, Clyde Kilough, Victor Kubik, ask the council to either reappoint him another two or three years,” Mr. Mc- continued to vote for Mr. McCullough McCullough and Leon Walker, both Darris McNeely and Robin Webber.” or select someone else.” Cullough answered. “The council in the early rounds, he would remain of Big Sandy, Texas, on the council.” “‘Progressive,’ in this case refers to (The church’s bylaws allowed for made a decision. It may not be what I in the running until the number of can- Mr. Holladay replaced Mr. McCul- an outlook that tends to promote for- the president to serve indefinitely until would like, or it may not be what I didates narrowed to two. lough, and Bob Berendt replaced Mr. ward-looking views of church gover- he resigned or was removed by a two- would want, but it is their decision to “The overriding question was which Walker. nance such as the founders of the thirds majority—eight votes—of the make . . .” of the other four candidates would UCG espoused at the first conference, council.) Mr. McCullough also commented also be a finalist. It turned out to be Joel Meeker steps aside in Indianapolis in 1995.” that the council has “the prerogative to Mr. Holladay. As reported in THE JOURNAL dated Throw out the council (THE JOURNAL and other observers ask me to serve longer if they choose “If Mr. McCullough did make it as August 2007: “Joel Meeker, an elder in later changed their opinion of the cor- Since people were upset with the in the future.” one of the final two candidates, the the United Church of God and member rect classification for Mr. Kilough, change of administration from Mr. council faced the same situation it had of the UCG’s governing body, the coun- Mr. Holladay chosen moving him from the “progressive” to Hulme to Mr. McCullough, some tough encountered in its March 2001 meet- cil of elders, [abruptly and unexpect- the “conservative” category.) questions arose in the question-and- THE JOURNAL, in its Feb. 28, 2002, ing when council members chose not edly] resigned his seat on the 12-man The article continued: “Council answer session during the 1998 con- issue reported that the UCG had picked to reconfirm him . . . board in a letter to church president members who also ran but did not re- ference. a new president. “Just as it had demonstrated in Clyde Kilough dated July 25, 2007. tain their seats were Leon Walker of THE JOURNAL reported: “The next “The council of elders of the United March 2001, a majority of the council “Filling the vacancy is Leon Walker Big Sandy, Texas, Jim Franks of Cin- question concerned a resolution, from Church of God an International Asso- of elders reiterated their decision to of Big Sandy, Texas, who in May cinnati, Ohio, and Larry Salyer, also European elders, demanding the recall ciation (UCG) selected Roy Holladay, remove Mr. McCullough as presi- had lost his bid for reelection to the of Cincinnati. (the resignation en masse) of the 12 chairman of the council, as the new dent.” council. “The biggest surprise for some council members. president of the church on Feb. 28 “Mr. Walker is back as a councillor President-elect declines to serve observers was Mr. Dean’s reelection. “The council had withdrawn this during council meetings at church because he was next in line in the tally The council had recently censured the resolution ahead of time, not allowing headquarters in Milford, Ohio” (Mil- THE JOURNAL reported in its April of votes cast by the general conference longtime Church of God member, it to be voted on, said the questioner ford is a suburb of Cincinnati). 15, 2002, issue that the new president- of elders to fill one of the three ‘inter- who was ordained many years ago as [during the Q&A]. How should this The article noted the contrast be- elect decided not to serve as president national’ seats on the council. an evangelist by Worldwide Church of kind of situation be handled in the tween the events surrounding the and council member simultaneously. “Mr. Meeker, although an American God founder Herbert Armstrong . . . future? removal of Mr. Hulme in 1998 and the “Mr. Holladay, who recently moved and resident of the Cincinnati, Ohio, “Jim Franks answered that the for- corresponding events involving Mr. from Hawkins, Texas, to Ohio in an- area, was considered one of three inter- “Whether a backlash occurred or mat of the resolution ‘was proble- McCullough in 2002: ticipation of his presidential responsi- national council members because of not, Mr. Dean is back on [the council], matic’ for technical reasons. ‘My “A major difference in the conclu- bilities in the Cincinnati suburb of his ‘editorial and membership over- with the majority of elders not seem- opinion,’ he said, ‘is that to remove all sion of the presidencies of Mr. Hulme Milford, will be the third UCG presi- sight responsibilities in the French- ing to mind that Mr. Dean ignored the 12 en masse is problematic. It is pro- and Mr. McCullough was that the dent and the first one not to serve in speaking areas,’ Mr. Kilough said. don’t-speak-to-outsiders rule.” vided in the bylaws, but there is no council terminated Mr. Hulme sponta- that position while simultaneously oc- “Mr. Walker [a resident of Big Texas move headed off at the pass methodology spelled out.’ ” Just as disgruntled people in 1998 The article also reported that the asked for the resignation of the entire elders voted to rescind the previously board in one fell swoop, some UCG The big news about the UCG in March 2008 included approved decision to move the home elders and other members in 2010 are the decision by the council majority to rebuff and censure office from the Cincinnati area to Den- asking for the resignation of the entire ton, Texas. board. one of its own: council member Aaron Dean. Observers believe that the manner Some observers say they are disap- in which some UCG officials dealt pointed when UCG ministers over the with the proposed move to Texas and years have stressed the importance of neously at a board meeting whereas cupying a seat on the governing coun- Sandy, Texas] handles similar respon- censured Mr. Dean did not sit well following the leaders and then change Mr. McCullough’s transition was part cil of elders.” sibilities for Spanish-speaking areas.” with many of the elders (with “pro- their mind when their preferred leader of a systematic process that by May 7 gressive” leanings) in the general con- is not in charge. will have taken 14 months.” Mr. Holladay not reconfirmed Council rebuffs Aaron Dean ference and resulted in the move to Another JOURNAL article in the Three years later, in its Feb. 28, 2005, The big news about the UCG in take back the vote to move church Attempt to reverse March 30, 1998, issue, this one head- issue, THE JOURNAL reported the end of March 2008 included the decision by headquarters. lined “Several UCG Personnel Leave The article described an attempt by Mr. Holladay’s term as president. the council majority to rebuff and cen- Posts,” mentioned that Mr. Hulme and council members to reverse the coun- “The council of elders of the United sure one of its own: council member Mr. Meeker’s two issues Peter Nathan resigned from the coun- cil’s decision made in March 2001 to Church of God an International Asso- Aaron Dean. When UCG elder Joel Meeker cil and Steve Andrews resigned as end Mr. McCullough’s term as presi- ciation voted Feb. 28 not to ‘reaffirm’ From THE JOURNAL: “A firestorm wrote a message on the church’s el- church treasurer. dent. It reported on a proposed amend- Roy Holladay as president of the was raging recently on Internet and ders’ Internet forum, he highlighted ment that revealed strategies to keep church. The decision by the 12-man other discussion forums fueled by the Mr. McCullough given an extra year the friction between the administra- Mr. McCullough as chief executive. body effectively marks the removal of recent decision by the council of tion and the council majority, which Three years later, in the March It said: “Later in the fall of 2001, the Ohio-based group’s third president elders of the United Church of God to was by this time 9-3 in favor of the 2001 issue, JOURNAL publisher Cart- some members of the council proposed in its 10-year history . . . By not reaf- ‘censure’ one of its members. progressives. wright reported that President McCul- an amendment to the bylaws related to firming him, the council in essence re- “The governing 12-man body sent a He specifically mentioned his frus- lough and the council agreed he would the council’s decision not to reconfirm moves him from office effective letter to the church’s general conference tration over two issues. They were the serve one more year as president. Mr. McCullough in March 2001. sometime after May.” of elders (GCE) in March 2008 inform- general conference of elders’ deci- The article stated: “Since three “This amendment may reveal the The men on the council at that point ing elders worldwide that Aaron Dean sions to (1) reelect Aaron Dean and (2) years have passed since Mr. McCul- identities of some of the men who were Mr. Dean, Mr. Dick, Mr. Franks, of Gladewater, Texas, a council member to rescind the planned move from lough became president, a discussion wanted to reconfirm Mr. McCullough Doug Horchak, Clyde Kilough, Mr. since January 1999, was officially cen- Ohio to Texas. of whether he would be confirmed to in March 2001. Kubik, Mr. McCullough, Joel Meeker, sured and prohibited from speaking at continue as president was one of sev- “Three council members (Bob Mr. Seiglie, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Wal- any UCG congregations until after the As reported in the April 30, 2008, eral listed on the council’s original Dick, Richard Thompson and Leon ker and Anthony Wasilkoff. 2008 Feast of Tabernacles. issue of THE JOURNAL in the article agenda for the scheduled three hours Walker) and a man who is now no “Although the general membership “Former COE Member Regrets Criti- of executive [private] session on longer a council member (Burk Mc- Clyde Kilough new president of the church was not generally aware cism”: Friday, March 16.” Nair of Victoria, Texas) submitted the In its issue dated May 31, 2005, of the council’s letter to the elders, “Elder Joel Meeker on May 22 had Mr. McCullough did not receive the amendment that addresses the issue THE JOURNAL, in an article by John word of the censure surfaced. See ATTORNEY, page 8 8 THE JOURNAL Issue No. 140 (July 31, 2010) Attorney: Constitution and bylaws don’t prohibit bloc voting Continued from page 7 pretty direct question. How do I feel? “ ‘I think it’s also important . . . to cluding there is nothing wrong with it. THE JOURNAL: What is your per- taken to task the church’s 360-strong Well, yeah, I believe so. That’s my sort our way out of being conflicted, “ ‘Elder attempts to both initiate sonal experience? Are you talking general conference of elders for re- feeling. whatever the conflict may be.’ ” and influence other GCE [general con- about from 1995 to 1998? electing Aaron Dean of Gladewater, “ ‘I believe there is a change in di- ference of elders] members to ballot a MR. HAVIR: Yes. It is my perspec- Texas, four days earlier . . . rection [of the council] in certain Two council resignations certain way on ballot issues of interest tive that Les McCullough, Leon Wal- “Mr. Meeker also criticized the ways. There is written into our gov- In its issue dated Sept. 29, 2009, THE to the GCE is permissible and even ker and Jim Franks were the main elders’ decision to reverse an earlier erning documents a word called over- JOURNAL ran “UCG Makes Decisions encouraged by the UCG Bylaws,’ Mr. forces instigating the separation of decision to move the church’s home sight ... The council has the preroga- On Move, Bloc Voting, Forums”: Darden wrote.” United away from our congregation office from Ohio to Texas.” tive to interpret [the concept of over- “The United Church of God is on The article continued: “Mr. Darden 12 years ago. [See “Largest UCG Mr. Meeker pulled few punches in sight] and apply it . . . the move: altering, or at least tweak- did go on to imply, however, that there Congregation Splits Over Gover- his comments. Here are a few of them: “ ‘My feeling about that: I think I ing, controversial policies and past is more than one kind of bloc voting: nance,” THE JOURNAL, May 31, 1998.] “But now we’ve disgraced our- offer that opinion without being ad- decisions in at least three areas.” good and bad. The good kind helps to By the way, I truly believe that the selves as a body and I for one am versarial . . . The article mentioned a continuing decide ‘issues.’ The bad kind selects leaders in United at that time actually ashamed to be part of this perception of friction when ‘nominees or candidates.’ did our congregation a favor. I am General Conference of Elders.” it reported on two resigna- “Elders may discuss among them- simply saying that I believe their pat- “Yes, I’m ashamed to be tions from the council. selves, even attempt to influence each terns and the political machinery have part of an association that sup- “Two elders—Richard other, before votes that decide issues, existed for years. posedly repudiates factions— Thompson and Clyde Ki- but are directed not to do so when it THE JOURNAL: Just what do you where a faction can behave lough—recently resigned comes to selecting who should occupy mean political machinery? Are you with such cunning, ruthless- their seats on the council. the 12 seats of the council of elders.” saying there can be politics in a ness and contempt for the Taking their place were the The article later said: “Attorney Church of God? truth, and still win its own two men next in line in the Darden wrote that, even though bloc Mr. Havir: It’s not on the same will.” most recent voting for voting isn’t inherently unethical, the level as Washington, D.C. But, yes, I “A majority of our bal- council members: Mr. council is within its rights when it pro- believe that the reason for United’s loting elders have shown they Franks and Mr. Horchak. hibits it.” tension is the fight over who is in will not support the consensus Mr. Kilough, although no Significantly, according to Mr. charge. of the GCE if they don’t feel longer on the council, is Darden’s opinion, the prohibition has I believe that much of the tension like it. They have shown that still church president.” nothing to do with the constitution or has occurred as the McCullough, they will listen to mud-sling- bylaws. Rather, bloc voting for and Walker and Franks faction has been ing and vituperation and even 10-2 makeup of council against candidates is prohibited only losing influence in the organization. lies, mixed with generous From the same article: by council policy. Those three men have been significant helpings of fawning and flat- WAY BACK IN ’04—Elder Larry Roybal of Mexico City (left) “The church’s council of figures in United for many years. and elder and Spanish-region director Leon Walker of Big Sandy Three new council members tery[,] and they will willingly pause for a picture during the UCG’s general conference of elders over the past few I believe that Les and Leon lost cooperate.” elders in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2004. [Photo by Dixon Cartwright] months of 2009 has ad- THE JOURNAL reported in its issue some influence in 2007 when both “I believe this is the dressed three touchy sub- dated June 17, 2010, about the confer- men were not voted back onto the beginning of the end for the jects: ence in Cincinnati the previous month. council. United Church of God as we have “If the degree of involvement in “ What to do with the Texas The article ran under the headline I believe that Joel Meeker resigned known it. The fissures caused by the that aspect of oversight is more hands- property now that the church no “ ‘Go Into All the World’ Theme of from the council in August 2007 as a moral earthquake we all just felt will on at one time than at other times, longer plans to move its home office UCG Elders’ Conference.” gesture of loyalty to Leon. no doubt be papered over for a while these things will happen . . .’ from Ohio to the Lone Star State. “The voters chose Mike Blackwell, Joel helped Leon be back on the and we will be assured that all is well “ Unofficial Internet forums and Mario Seiglie and David Treybig as board [council]. But then, in 2008, in the best of worlds.” Council provides direction discussion groups some elders have the three new council members and Leon again failed to be voted onto the “Mr. Dick [council chairman] invit- participated in. returned Robert Berendt (one of the board. And that time no one resigned Mr. Meeker apologizes ed additional responses to the same “ Alleged bloc voting by elders three international councillors) to his to give him a spot. The article also quoted an apology question. during the yearly general conference.” seat on the governing board. Mr. Also, in 2008, Jim Franks was also from Mr. Meeker for his criticisms “Roy Holladay commented: ‘It’s The article reported the council’s Seiglie had served on the council not voted onto the council. But he was that included the following paragraph: not a matter that we [on the council] method of dealing with the ill-fated some years ago but was not a current able to get back onto the board when “I want to apologize to the elders want to tell the administration how to attempt to move the home office. incumbent. one of the other fellows resigned from who submitted their ballots in all hon- do their job, or their daily job, but we “The council decided Aug. 13, “The conference also confirmed the council. esty, knowing that I don’t have insight do feel that in these areas where it’s 2009, by a vote of 10-1, with one David Baker and Jim Franks to serve THE JOURNAL: Do you believe that into the prayer, fasting, and sincerity the overall direction or where we’re council member absent, to kill once out the remainder of the terms of two what you call political machinery is with which you fulfilled your privi- going that the council has responsi- and for all discussion of the proposed men who had resigned their positions only one-sided? Do you think there’s a lege at the GCE.” bility of setting the overall direction move of the home office from Ohio to before their terms had ended: Clyde chance that politics was involved in Some observers believe that, al- and guidance,’ and ‘the administra- Texas.” Kilough of Cincinnati, Ohio, and the recent removal of Mr. Kilough as though some of the men who previ- tion has a responsibility of imple- Voting to end the discussion (that is, Richard Thompson of Eustis, Fla.” president and Mr. Franks as director of ously held leadership positions in the menting that . . . voting not to move) were Messrs. Ash- The article also mentioned that ministerial services? UCG probably agreed with Mr. Mee- “ ‘Back in February we were able ley, Berendt, Dean, Eddington, Hol- incumbents Mr. Holladay and Mr. Mr. Havir: Yes, it is possible. ker’s allegations, they were disap- to sit down with the administration— laday, Kieffer, Kubik, McNeely, Rhodes Kubik were not reelected to the THE JOURNAL: You seem to place pointed that his comments went I’m talking about our committee. We and Webber. Voting against (that is, council. more blame on the conservatives, who public. are presently in the minority. Some elders in the UCG apparently Do you believe the progressive were hoping that the censure of Mr. Someone asked then-president Clyde Kilough if he thought majority of council members is philo- Dean in March 2008 would influence sophically more in the right than voting elders not to reelect him to the the council was micromanaging the administration through conservative Mr. Walker and his sup- council in May 2008. porters? When Mr. Dean was reelected, and the media and strategic-planning committees. Mr. Havir: Yes, that is what I be- when the headquarters move was lieve. From what I understand to be rescinded, a trend visibly emerged of had a whole day with the administra- voting for the move) was Mr. Hor- As mentioned earlier, the makeup true, I think the majority of the coun- the conservatives, the old guard, los- tion where we were able to sit down chak. Mr. Franks was not present for of the council was apparently 10-2, cil is doing things more correctly. ing influence within the organization. with them and talk with them, and we the vote. with the progressives as the majority THE JOURNAL: Do you think doc- were able to, let’s say, get on the same and the conservatives as the minority. trine plays a part in the tension be- Two new council members page as far as various items.’ ” Unauthorized elders’ forums Some observers are identifying tween the two factions? As reported in THE JOURNAL dated The article mentioned how the Messrs. Blackwell and Treybig as Mr. Havir: No, I don’t believe that May 31, 2009, UCG elders chose Question about HQ move council dealt with unofficial Internet conservatives and Mr. Seiglie as a pro- the tension in United is over doctrine. Scott Ashley, managing editor of pub- The same article reported that Her- forums for UCG elders. gressive, making the new council Oh, I hear people say that the present lications, and Melvin Rhodes, a church chial Fisher, a UCG elder from Ja- “In a 31-page report called ‘An- breakdown 8-4. majority of the council wants to make pastor and writer, as two new council maica, asked three questions of the swers to Key Questions About Private Other observers are saying that it’s liberal doctrinal changes. members and returned Richard Thomp- council during the Q&A. Discussion Groups’ dated July 28, too early to know whether Mr. Black- But I don’t believe that this crisis is son and Bill Eddington to their seats “Mr. Fisher’s third and last question 2009, the council announced it has well, Mr. Seiglie and Mr. Treybig are because of doctrine. on the council. concerned ‘the vote to rescind the found nothing ethically amiss about properly numbered as progressives or I see no indication that the majority The article mentioned the council move last year.’ How could it be that, private discussions among elders, conservatives. on the council wants to steer the members who were not chosen: in- with God inspiring two votes after even if they are organized and occur church into any watered-down doc- cumbent Richard Pinelli and former much praying and fasting on the part on the Internet.” Interested observer trines. council members Antion, Franks and of the elders, the votes contradicted THE JOURNAL’S publisher asked THE JOURNAL: Let’s say that one Attorney’s surprising opinion Horchak. each other? JOURNAL columnist Dave Havir of Big group has an apostolic-succession “ ‘Have we now created a situation about bloc voting Sandy for his analysis of the situation. view of the clergy and an exclusive Should the council micromanage? where there is doubt as to whether the The article reported, and gave JOUR- (Mr. Havir is pastor of the indepen- view of its own church organization. The same issue of THE JOURNAL ran praying and fasting is inspired by NAL writer Dixon Cartwright’s opinions dent Church of God Big Sandy, a con- Wouldn’t those doctrinal differences an article headlined “Q&A Lets Elders God,’ Mr. Fisher continued, ‘and, if on, the subject of bloc voting. gregation that was associated with the be a part of the equation? Sound Off, Ask the Hard Ones.” we believe it is, did God change His “Speaking of bloc voting, THE UCG from 1995 to 1998 before the Mr. Havir: I wasn’t thinking of it that The comments from questioners mind about relocating and rescinding JOURNAL perceives a bit of confusion UCG terminated its affiliation with the way. When you say it that way, I sup- and answerers revealed some of the the vote?’ ” in the UCG’s discussions of that sub- Big Sandy group and started another pose I might have to stand corrected. tension between the council and the After a few comments from other ject. congregation that over the years has The primacy of Peter and other gover- administration team (the president, elders, Mr. Kilough said: “You ask did “UCG leaders and other elders have met in and near Big Sandy.) nance issues are certainly doctrinal. treasurer, director of ministerial ser- God change His mind. No way. God’s made statements on the official elders’ ______However, if any faction is leaning vices, and media director). not double-minded. God is not con- forum that soundly condemn the prac- THE JOURNAL: Are you familiar toward apostolic succession and an “Clyde Kilough, a council member fused. We’re the humans. We’re the tice of bloc voting, which by defini- with the recent situation in the UCG? exclusive view of their own organiza- who also serves as church president, ones who have the mind problems, not tion is the practice of voters influenc- If so, what do you think is the reason tion, it would appear to be the McCul- read a question: ‘It appears the coun- God. Did He change His mind? No.’ ” ing each other to cast their ballot for or for the tension in the church? lough, Walker and Franks faction, not cil is beginning to micromanage Later in the article: “He [Mr. Ki- against the same person or issue. MR. HAVIR: Yes, I am familiar with the majority of the council. through the media and strategic-plan- lough] described situations in which “Yet a careful reading of the UCG’s the challenges that United is facing. I THE JOURNAL: Do you think Mr. ning committees. Do you feel this is he has sensed that God ‘steps back’ own materials reveals that the have friends on both sides of the issue, Walker will start a new Church of God occurring? Please explain your point and lets people make their own deci- church’s attorney, Larry Darden, in an and I have personal experience deal- group? I would have asked Mr. of view.’ sions because those people have let April 12, 2007, legal opinion, signed ing with the political machinery in Walker this the other day but he de- “Mr. Kilough replied: ‘Well, it’s a themselves become ‘conflicted.’ off on the bloc-voting concept, con- their organization. See MR. WALKER’S POSITION, page 9 Issue No. 140 (July 31, 2010) THE JOURNAL 9 Mr. Walker’s position reflects his belief in apostolic authority Continued from page 8 Reg Killingley had worked with visit to Latin America, the council of ker was not employed by UCG in July, indeed what you are doing, then clined to participate in an interview. Mr. Walker back when both men were elders terminated his employment and 1995. He was not employed nor re- would it be proper for you to say you Mr. Havir: I believe the initial elders and employees of the World- revoked his UCGIA-elder credentials. ceived any salary until January, 1996.” did not seek or need the UCG’s ratifi- sound bites will be that no new church wide Church of God. Further, he wrote, he directed the cation of your status and that, since is being formed. But, if I understand Nowadays they’re neighbors out in Complicated relationship “Spanish Region” “without ever being they did not give it to you, they can- correctly, I believe a bank account has the country a few miles from Big Sandy. Mr. Walker’s view of his relation- supervised by any [UCGIA] president not take it away? already been established for Leon to “I ran into Leon Walker this morn- ship with the UCG entities is more or by the Council of Elders.” Is your situation analogous to receive money from people who sup- ing [July 26] and asked him about the complicated than a simple employer- At no time, he continued, did any Mr. Armstrong’s claim that he was port him. [Mr. Havir is right. See the situation in Latin America,” Mr. employee arrangement. UCG president indicate that “Leon never a member of the Church of God addresses for a new Church of GodÐ Killingley said. Mr. Walker traces his employment Walker should send reports to him or in (Seventh Day) in the 1930s, that he related entity at the end of this article.] “In response to my question, he status back to 1979, when, as an elder any way indicate that he was Leon only worked with that group but was But I don’t believe many full-time said he anticipated a split and de- in the Worldwide Church of God, Walker’s supervisor,” even though Mr. never actually a part of it? men will follow him. scribed the council as very liberal. WCG founder Herbert Armstrong Walker voluntarily did support the pres- Is your situation also analogous THE JOURNAL: Why do you think “He said Mario Seiglie described commissioned him to direct that ident and council because of their status to Paul’s when the apostle to the gen- that? himself as progressive, which even in church’s evangelism and feeding-the- as “spiritual leaders in the Church.” tiles argued that his authority owed Mr. Havir: I remember back in 1998 an ecclesiastical context meant liberal. flock efforts in Spanish-speaking Mr. Walker, in the same blog post- nothing to the Twelve? when many of the full-time elders “When I told him it probably seemed areas of the world. ing, said the UCGIA’s rules of associ- were emotionally supportive of David like déjà vu, he said that WCG had As a result of that defining moment ation “clearly state that the interna- View of the legitimacy Hulme when he was removed from actually treated him better when they in his life, Mr. Walker looks at his sit- tional areas choose and maintain their On the other hand, THE JOURNAL did the presidency and he ultimately went let him go than UCG did, in that the uation as a calling higher than simply own administrative structure. find information that came originally on to lead a new church organization. former gave him a severance package. his status as a UCGIA employee. He “There is nothing in the Rules of from a UCG source that supports Mr. Even though many of the fellows “He mentioned Larry Roybal and therefore concludes he has not com- Association that states that the admin- Walker’s view of the church’s rules of were emotionally supportive of him, Saúl Langarica had been fired and he mitted the sin of insubordination be- istrative structure in the international association. they stayed with United when David thought it was just a matter of time cause his affiliation with the United areas should be presented to the presi- It also seems to support his take on could not offer them jobs as pastors. before the rest were let go. Church of God is only incidental. dent or to the Council of Elders for the relationship between the UCGIA, Their retirement [compensation] was “He told me that, even though he In a post at the aforementioned approval.” based in the United States, and the through United. was no longer an employee of UCG, blog, in Mr. Walker’s own words, he UCG-affiliated branches elsewhere. Questions unasked In the same way, I believe that he was still functioning as regional described the legal arrangements in The May 31, 2001, issue of THE some of the full-time elders are pres- director for Latin America.” the “Spanish Region”: Chile, Mexico Mr. Walker’s interesting take on his JOURNAL reported on a Q&A session at ently emotionally supportive of Leon and other Latin American and Span- and his Latin American brethren’s sta- the general conference of elders in Mr. Walker’s status Walker. However, if he can’t offer ish-speaking countries (and, presum- tus brings questions to mind that THE Cincinnati that year. them [paying] jobs as pastors, I be- Speaking of Leon Walker, ques- ably, some Portuguese-speaking areas JOURNAL would have asked had he sat During the questions and answers, lieve they will stay with United at this Roy Holladay, a member of the council time. and its chairman at the time, was re- THE JOURNAL: What if Mr. Walker In 2001 Roy Holladay, who was council chairman, described sponding to Mexico City elder Larry could offer salaried jobs and a retire- Roybal, who was obviously upset that ment program to the pastors? Would the role of the church’s president: ‘The job [of president] is the council had decided not to reappoint that change the situation? Mr. McCullough as church president. Mr. Havir: Yes. the chief operational office for the U.S. corporation.’ As part of Mr. Holladay’s response THE JOURNAL: Would you care to to Mr. Roybal, he described the office elaborate? tions remain about his status with the including Brazil). for the interview. The questions would of UCGIA president as pertaining only Mr. Havir: No. United Church of God an Interna- He stated that the UCGIA’s “Rules have included the following: to the nonprofit corporation in the THE JOURNAL: Do you think an ero- tional Association and with the UCG of Association” allow for congrega- Are you still a UCGIA employ- United States. sion of membership numbers would branch or branches in Latin America tions and UCG affiliates outside the ee? Are you still a UCG elder? “The job [of president] is the chief be good or bad for United? In other and other Spanish-speaking areas. United States to exercise an autonomy (Although Mr. Walker did not an- operational office for the U.S. corpo- words, isn’t it good for a church to Days before this issue of THE that is not enjoyed by U.S. congrega- swer these questions for THE JOURNAL, ration,” Mr. Holladay said. “The only shake the tree every once in a while to JOURNAL was to go to press, this news- tions in their relationship to the this newspaper has reason to believe reason the term president is used is see what falls out? Didn’t Mr. Arm- paper asked Mr. Walker for an inter- UCGIA’s administration and govern- Mr. Walker is no longer a UCGIA simply for a legal means for certain strong at times talk about the benefits view about his evolving ministry and ing council. employee and no longer a UCGIA- documents that had to be signed, as to the church of shaking the tree? his relationship with the UCG branch- credentialed elder.) opposed to describing a duty. The duty Third person Mr. Havir: I see it both ways. From es including the UCGIA. Did you ever make clear to the is the chief operational officer.” a standpoint of providing a stable en- He politely declined to discuss his Here are excerpts from a statement leadership of the United Church of Mr. Holladay seemed to emphasize vironment for the young people and situation with THE JOURNAL. Mr. Walker wrote about himself (in God over the last 15 years your view that, indeed, the chief officer of the senior citizens who attend with them, Based on writings attributed to Mr. the third person): that you owed them no allegiance, that U.S. administration, and by extension I hope people can stay together. Walker that have appeared at ucgcur- “Part of the administrative structure your ministry in Latin America was other U.S. administrators, has no stand- But, if the behind-the-scenes ten- rentcrisis.web.com and other blogs of the nations which comprise the independent of them and began, and ing in areas outside the United States. sion continues to cause the same level and Web sites, here is a synopsis of Spanish Region is the position of re- continued, as a commission directly Contact information of anger and unrest among so many THE JOURNAL’s conclusions about Mr. gional director. from Mr. Armstrong? people, it is probably better for the Walter’s status: “This individual, Leon Walker, was Have the Latin American breth- Contact the United Church of God conflicting groups to move forward From the UCGIA’s point of view first appointed by Mr. Herbert W. ren, therefore, not been full-fledged at P.O. Box 541027, Cincinnati, Ohio separately in a way that will edify Mr. Walker is guilty of insubordina- Armstrong in November, 1979. When UCG members? Have they—and you 45254, U.S.A., or [email protected]. See each of their supporters. tion because he defied a direct order. the Spanish Region joined the United —only lived among us, so to speak? also www.ucg.org. ______The order was for him to return to the Church of God (UCG) in July, 1995, Would it be safe to say that you Contact a new nonprofit U.S. cor- Leon Walker came into UCG as direc- poration to benefit Mr. Walker and the Informal discussion UCGIA’s headquarters in Milford, and the Spanish-speaking brethren are Ohio, during a trip he had undertaken tor of the Spanish Region. more comfortable with a view that Spanish-speaking and Latin American A few days before this issue went to to visit some of the brethren in Latin “He was not appointed by the pres- their leader, you, is in his leadership brethren he serves at the following press, a man who occasionally writes America. ident nor by the Council of Elders, nor position thanks to apostolic authority? address: International Ambassador Out- opinion pieces for this paper talked As a result, at some point in the was approval sought from them for Since you are leading and serv- reach, c/o Matthew R. Gus, P.O. Box with Mr. Walker. days after his refusal to cut short his that position. Furthermore, Leon Wal- ing by apostolic authority, if that’s 251566, Plano, Texas 75025, U.S.A. More letters from our readers

Continued from page 2 literal, seven-day, 24-hour day cre- settle much [June 17, 2010, issue]. we have the Bible or not. something other than collecting mon- great expectations. But soon the read- ation and believes the Bible Genesis Without asking us, here again peo- The big problem seems to be peo- ey, snowing people with endless talk, ing became expectations denied. creation account. This organization ple in the know are telling us what we ple trying to follow supposed Bible singing songs and patting each other Each side was given 15 minutes to has two excellent magazines that “ex- want and need or should want and examples and ignoring what it says. on the back. give its “view about the nature of the plain that.” need. They even seemed to know When we say we are going someplace I read the report with the hope of Bible.” As well, they refute evolution and what questions we want to ask. to worship God, aren’t we saying God being able to help people who have Ron Moseley, followed by Art Mo- document the fantastic design and It seems the brain trust was parrot- is not in us or with us? spent the better part, if not all, of their karow, said nothing regarding this beauty in nature, done by a great ing what someone had told them with- “All the law and prophets are lives in a delusion of self-importance. question. Dennis Diehl said some- Creator God. out checking things that anyone could summed up in one term, love your Apparently people still prefer the old thing but indicated little belief in the The magazines are Creation and check. neighbor as yourself.” That one gets wine to new. Knowing the truth is accuracy and/or truth of the Bible. To irrelevant if the truth doesn’t know us. quote Dennis: Phil Griffith “At Ambassador College you study ‘If we are not just playing church, we had better start doing Delight, Ark. the Bible . . . [believing] the first 11 something other than collecting money, snowing people with The power of one chapters of Genesis are literally true: Ken Westby’s article in the June that woman really did come from the endless talk, singing songs and patting each other on the back.’ 2010 JOURNAL rib of a man, that everything was creat- , “The Power of One,” was one of THE JOURNAL’s best ever, a ed in seven days, that Noah really did great inspiration. have penguins and polar bears and Journal of Creation. I suggest Dennis “Paul wrote two thirds of the New lost to rituals, observances, initiations Free Lazor such on the ark, wallabies and kan- (and Art) read these publications to Testament,” which he didn’t. Fourteen and ceremony. San Diego, Calif. garoos made the trip from Australia. broaden his perspective. is not two thirds of 27, and 50,000 I agree with Art that “the greatest “Nobody can explain that, nobody Ron Masek words are not two thirds of 180,000 mistake we make . . . is not starting Mr. Armstrong’s 119th year wants to bother with it.” Strongsville, Ohio words. basic enough..” We need to get more July 31, 2010, starts the 119th year Just prior, Dennis stated: “I’ve al- “The Bible is the Word of God?” basic than: Saturday or Sunday, which? since Herbert W. Armstrong was born. ways studied human origins.” Trust no brain Which one? The whole subject is irrel- I once heard a preacher say, “We Mr. Armstrong was born July 31, 1892. His studies appear limited. Creation The brain trust at the debate about evant because salvation is based on are not just playing church here.” If Geoff Neilson Ministries International believes in a the nature of the Bible didn’t seem to the way we treat other people, whether we are not, we had better start doing Cape Town, South Africa 10 THE JOURNAL Issue No. 140 (July 31, 2010) The Journal lists Feast sites for 2010

U.S. SITES Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry, www.yrm.org. com. Satler: Embassy of God at Kirby, Texas, E-mail: [email protected]. Collingwood, Malawi—Cape Maclear: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Alaska—Anchorage: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Montgomery: ICG, P.O. Box 1117, Tyler, TX Charles Jordan, 432 Frost St., San Antonio, TX Ontario: UCG, (513) 576-9796, www.ucg. www.ucg.org/feast. www.ucg.org/feast. Anchorage: LCG, 75703, (903) 561-7070. 78201, (210) 733-1136, E-mail: eogkirby@ org/feast. Collingwood, Ontario: Canadian Malaysia—Penang: LCG, www.cogl.org. Tawau www.cogl.org. Alaska Cruise: Church of God Kentucky—Land Between the Lakes: CGI, sbcglobal.net. Church of God, www.canadianchurchofgod.com. City, Sabah: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Big Sandy, Dennis Mouland, (928) 460-0230, James Pollitte, (903) 825-5921. E-mail: West Virginia—Snowshoe: UCG, (513) Niagara Falls, Ontario: CGI, www.cgi.org. www.ucg.org/feast. E-mail: [email protected]. [email protected]. Pennyrile State Park: 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Thornbury, Ontario: Canadian Church of God Martinique—Sainte-Luce: LCG, www.cogl.org. Arizona—Prescott: LCG, www.cogl.org. Church of God Omaha, (712) 764-2752, Wisconsin—Portage: The Church of God, (920) (CGOM), www.cgom.org. Mont Orford, Mauritius—Flic-en-Flac: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Arkansas—Conway: Points of Truth Ministries, E-mail: [email protected]. (Note dates: 349-3604, www.t-cog.org, E-mail: droth@ Quebec: LCG, www.cogl.org. Saskatoon, www.ucg.org/feast. Larry Lasiter, (479) 498-4524, P.O. Box 102, Oct. 24-31, 2010.) nconnect.net. Wisconsin Dells: UCG, (513) Saskatchewan: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Mexico—San Miguel de Allende: UCG, (513) Russellville, AR 72811, E-mail: lasiter@ Maryland—Baltimore: CGI and 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Wisconsin www.ucg.org/feast. 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Tolantongo, pointsoftruth.com. Harrison: CGI, Durand Affiliates–Baltimore, P.O. Box 2525, Tyler, TX Dells: LCG, www.cogl.org. Chile—El Quisco: LCG, www.cogl.org. Lican (Hildago): LCG, www.cogl.org. 75710, (903) 939-2929, www.cgi.org, E-mail: Ray: UCG, (513) 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. New Guinea—Wewak, Papua: LCG, Conference Center, Ron Elkins, (870) 653-6043, NON-U.S. SITES E-mail: [email protected]. [email protected]. Congo—Kinshasa: UCG, (513) 576-9796, www.cogl.org. California—Carlsbad: Rock Valley Christian Michigan—Eaton Rapids: Assembly of Yahweh, Argentina—Mendoza: UCG, (513) 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. New Zealand—Napier: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Church, www.feastoftabernacles.us/. 1017 N. Gunnell Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827, www.ucg.org/feast. Islas del Delta: LCG, Estonia—Saaremaa: UCG, (513) 576-9796. www.ucg.org/feast. Nelson, South Island: Escondido: UCG, (513) 576-9796, (517) 663-1268, www.assemblyofyahweh.com. www.cogl.org. France—Hyeres: LCG, www.cogl.org. Portbail, LCG, www.cogl.org. www.ucg.org/feast. Kings Beach: ICG, P.O. Box (Note dates: Sept. 25-Oct. 2, 2010.) Australia—Ballina, New South Wales: CGI, Normandy: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Nigeria: LCG, www.cogl.org. 1117, Tyler, TX 75703, (903) 561-7070. Lake Missouri—Branson: UCG, (513) 576-9796, www.cgi.org, 61-7-5463-2949, E-mail: www.ucg.org/feast. Peru—El Cusco: LCG, www.cogl.org. Tahoe: Lifesource Ministries, P.O. Box 66540, www.ucg.org/feast. Branson: LCG, [email protected]. Merimbula, New Germany—Schluchsee: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Huanchaco: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Albuquerque, NM 87193, www.liferesource.org. www.cogl.org. Branson: Church of God, in South Wales: UCG, (513) 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. www.ucg.org/feast. Mandalay Beach: Church of God in Peace and Truth, P.O. Box 1120, Kimberling City, MO 65686, www.ucg.org/feast. Caloundra, Queensland: Ghana—Mpraeso: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Philippines—Baguio City: UCG, (513) Truth, P.O. Box 929, Gold Hill, OR 97525, (417) 338-0033, www.postponements.com, Christian Educational Services, Australia, www.ucg.org/feast. 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Baguio City: LCG, www.cogpt.org. Pismo Beach: Church of the E-mail: cogit@flash.net. Branson: COGMl, www.cesa.org.au. Sunshine Coast, Guatemala—Antigua: UCG, (513) 576-9796, www.cogl.org. Baguio City: Church of God Eternal God, www.eternalgod.org, E-mail: nor- E-mail: [email protected]. Branson: Queensland: UCG, (513) 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Quetzaltenango: LCG, Sharing Village, Raul de Asis-Hipe, (632) [email protected]. Santa Rosa: Hallel International Congregation of Yahweh, P.O. Box www.ucg.org/feast. Victor Harbor, South www.cogl.org. 889-1191, www.sharingvillageone.org, E-mail: Fellowship, www.hallel.info. Squaw Valley: 208, Pocahontas, AR 72455, (870) 892-5419, Australia: LCG, www.cogl.org. Ulverstone, Guyana—Awarewaunau: LCG, www.cogl.org. [email protected]. Davao City: Guardian Ministries, P.O. Box 50734, Pasadena, E-mail: [email protected]. Kimberling: ICG, Tasmania: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Georgetown: LCG, www.cogl.org. UCG, (513) 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Davao CA 91115, E-mail: [email protected]. P.O. Box 1117, Tyler, TX 75703, (903) 561-7070. www.ucg.org/feast. Rockingham, Western India—Hyderabad: UCG, (513) 576-9796, City: LCG, www.cogl.org. Iloilo City: UCG, (513) Colorado—Colorado Springs: Churchlight Lake of the Ozarks State Park: Way, Truth, Australia: UCG, (513) 576-9796, www.ucg. www.ucg.org/feast. 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Indang, Cavite Publishing Association, www.churchlight.net/ Life, (417) 683-1929, www.waytruthlife.com. (near Tagaytay City): The Church of God in the 2010holydays. (Note dates: Oct. 24-31, 2010.) (Note dates: Oct. 3-12, 2010.) Lake of the Philippines based in Imus, Cavite, (046) 477-1121. Ozarks: Season of Our Joy, P.O. Box 1633, Manila: CGI, www.cgi.org. Marangkalan, Palisade: Christian Church of God, (970) 858- These are the Feast of Tabernacles sites for 2010 THE JOURNAL was aware of at press time. 9299, (970) 434-1284, or toll-free, (866) 202- Hawkins, TX 75765, (903) 769-2750, E-mail: Capiz Province: Church of God, in Truth, P.O. 0748, www.ccofgod.org, E-mail: staff@ccofgod. [email protected]. Pomona: Church of God Information for the listing comes from www.feastgoer.org, other Web sites and information Box 1120, Kimberling City, MO 65686, (417) org. Steamboat Springs: UCG, (513) Southern Missouri, 4333 State Route N, Pomona, sent directly TO THE JOURNAL by Feast organizers and JOURNAL readers. ¶ Unless otherwise stat- 338-0033, www.postponements.com, E-mail: 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. MO 65789, E-mail: [email protected]. ed, each listing represents an observance beginning Wednesday evening, Sept. 22, 2010, and cogit@flash.net. Florida—Daytona Beach: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Rocheport: Yahweh’s Assembly in Messiah, continuing through Thursday, Sept. 30 (referred to as the Last Great Day, Great Last Day or Portugal—Costa da Caparica: UCG, (513), www.ucg.org/feast. Destin: Church of God Big (573) 698-4335, www.yaim.org, E-mail: 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Sandy, P.O. Box 690, Big Sandy, Texas 75755, offi[email protected]. Eighth Day in many Churches of God). ¶ The listing abbreviates Church of God International Rwanda—Muhazi: UCG, (513) 576-9796, www.churchofgodbigsandy.com, (800) 946- New York—Cobleskill: LCG, www.cogl.org. (CGI), Tyler, Texas; Intercontinental Church of God (ICG), Tyler; Living Church of God (LCG), www.ucg.org/feast. 5545. Destin: ICG, P.O. Box 1117, Tyler, TX Oklahoma—Ardmore/Lake Murray State Charlotte, N.C.; United Church of God an International Association (UCG), Milford, Ohio; and South Africa—George: UCG, (513) 576-9796, 75703, (903) 561-7070. Fort Walton Beach: Park: Congregation of YHWH, Church of God Ministries International (COGMI). Note that some phone numbers refer to a www.ucg.org/feast. Still Bay: LCG, Christian Educational Ministries, P.O. Box 560, www.yahsaves.org. (Note dates: Oct. 22-29, www.cogl.org. Uvongo: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Whitehouse, TX 75791, www.borntowin.net. 2010.) Broken Bow: www.truthontheweb.org. church’s headquarters in the United States rather than a local Feast contact. www.ucg.org/feast. Fort Walton Beach: COGMI, E-mail: webser- (Note dates: Sept. 25-Oct. 2, 2010.) Wagoner: Sri Lanka: UCG, (513) 576-9796, [email protected]. Lantana: Florida Christian CGI, www.cgi.org. www.ucg.org/feast. Sri Lanka: LCG, Church of God, (561) 547-4952, E-mail: Oregon—Bend-Redmond: UCG, (513) 576- org/feast. Indonesia—Batu: LCG, www.cogl.org. www.cogl.org. [email protected]. (Note dates: Oct. 24-31, 2010.) 9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Newport: LCG, Bahamas—Nassau: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Israel—Jerusalem: Congregation of Yahweh Thailand—Chiang Mai: Legacy Institute, (626) Milton: Congregation of Yahweh, www. www.cogl.org. www.ucg.org/feast. Jerusalem, www.coyhwh.com. (Note dates: Oct. 357-2588, E-mail: [email protected]. congregationofyhwhmilton.org. (Note dates: Oct. Pennsylvania—Bushkill: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Barbados—Barbados: LCG, www.cogl.org. 23-30, 2010.) Jerusalem: International Togo—Kpalime: UCG, (513) 576-9796, 22-29, 2010.)Panama City: LCG, www.cogl. www.ucg.org/feast. Christ Church: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Christian Embassy Jerusalem, www.icej.org. www.ucg.org/feast. org. Panama City Beach: UCG, (513) 576- South Carolina—North Myrtle Beach: www.ucg.org/feast. Jerusalem: International Christian Zionist Trinidad and Tobago—Crown Point: LCG, 9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Panama City Church of God Big Sandy, (800) 946-5545, P.O. Bolivia—Cochabamba: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Center, www.israelmybeloved.com. Jerusalem: www.cogl.org. Trinidad: Church of God, Beach: Whole World Church of God, (850) 784- Box 690, Big Sandy, TX 75755, www. www.ucg.org/feast. Origins of our Faith, (253) 569-6228, www. Ministries International, E-mail: 0663, www.congregationyhwhpc.com. Pinellas churchofgodbigsandy.com. South Myrtle Brazil—Maloca de Moscou: UCG, (513) originsofourfaith.com, E-mail: rick@ [email protected]. Park: CGI, Pinellas Park Performing Arts, (727) Beach: CGI, Mike Nolen, (843) 761-5211, 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. originsofourfaith.com. (Note dates: Sept. United Kingdom—Kendal, Lake District, 541-0805. St. Petersburg: Church of God in www.cgi.org, E-mail: [email protected]. Burundi—Buseruko: UCG, (513) 576-9796, 21-Oct. 3, 2010.) England: Seventh Day Christians, Miami and CGI, P.O. Box 831566, Miami, FL Texas—Big Sandy: Church of God Big Sandy, www.ucg.org/feast. Italy—Sabaudia: UCG, (513) 576-9796, www.sdcuk.org.uk. Windermere, Lake District, 33283, (305) 752-5275, E-mail: info@ (800) 946-5545, P.O. Box 690, Big Sandy, Texas Cameroon—Douala: UCG, (513) 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. England: Church of God, John A. Jewell, 27 Old godschurch.org. 75755, www.churchofgodbigsandy.com. www.ucg.org/feast. Douala: LCG, Ivory Coast—La Me: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Gloucester St., London WC1N 3XX, England, Georgia—Helen: LCG, www.cogl.org. Kenne- Canyon Lake: South Texas Church of God, www.cogl.org. www.ucg.org/feast. Man: UCG, (513) 576-9796, whatnextmedia.com. Stirling, Scotland: UCG, saw: Congregation of God Seventh Day, Terry Post, P.O. Box 1089, La Vernia, TX 78121, Canada—Kelowna, British Columbia: UCG, www.ucg.org/feast. (513) 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. P.O. Box 2345, Kennesaw, GA 30156, (707) (830) 947-3564, E-mail: terrypost@aireplastics. (513) 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Penticton, Jamaica—Montego Bay: LCG, www.cogl.org. Llangollen, North Wales: LCG, 427-4189. com. Kerrville: UCG, (513) 576-9796, British Columbia: LCG, www.cogl.org. Ocho Rios: CGI, Ian Boyne, 926-765-2160, www.cogl.org. Newtown, Powys, North Illinois—Utica: Church of God Fellowship, www.ucg.org/feast. New Braunfels: LCG, Victoria, British Columbia: CGI, E-Mail: [email protected]. Wales: The Congregation of Yahweh in UK, www.feast2010.org, E-mail: feast@ www.cogl.org. San Antonio: Church of God www.cgi.org. Moncton, New Brunswick: Jordan—Amman, the Dead Sea, and Aquaba www.congyah.co.uk. feast2010.org. San Antonio, Julian Cruz, 219 Whitefield, Ave., UCG, (513) 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. tour: UCG, (513) 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Vanuatu—Orap, Malekula: LCG, www.cogl.org. Indiana—Auburn: COGMI, E-mail: San Antonio, Texas 78223, (210) 333-7229, Rocky Harbor, Newfoundland: LCG, Kenya—Isibania: LCG, www.cogl.org. Nakuru: Zimbabwe—Victoria Falls: UCG, (513) [email protected]. Jasonville: E-mail: [email protected], churchofgodsa. www.cogl.org. Halifax, Nova Scotia: COGMI, UCG, (513) 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. UCG recent experiences common to many if not most COGs Continued from page 3 sion and chose to keep the pastor, even formerly associated with the WCG. Money comes with strings at- elders. Mr. Walker claims he answered in resolving problems. Why did they if it meant leaving the church organi- Because Herbert Armstrong himself tached. If you choose to reject the con- their questions truthfully and openly, not act sooner to replace Mr. Walker? zation they had belonged to. placed Mr. Walker in that role within ditions that come with subsidization, without seeking to influence their After all, has any other administrator He was unsympathetic to the pleas the WCG in 1979, no one could remove you must be willing to say good-bye votes or decisions. in the WCG-UCG continuum re- of any congregants who believed an him. In the same role within the UCG, to the subsidies. Naïveté is cute in But how could he avoid influencing mained in the same role for 31 years? injustice had been done. he had no administrative supervisor. children but inappropriate in adults. them? Consider the current political The COE did not seem to under- He was unyielding even if the pas- The pastors in Latin America were Yet this seems to be the recent reac- situation in the United States. We are a stand the need to groom a replacement tor faced financial difficulties. therefore free to run things as they tion of at least some in the Latin nation strongly divided between those as regional director or coordinator for Yet, as one pastor removed by Mr. chose, under Mr. Walker’s sole super- American ministry who are backing who believe President Obama is lead- Latin America. Mr. Walker is in his Walker wrote recently, “It’s interesting vision. Mr. Walker. Did they not realize that ing the nation to perdition and those mid-70s and could not expect to to see how the outlook changes when They went so far as to produce an the money spigot would dry up? Did who believe he is seeking to improve remain in charge forever. No one is the tables are turned.” “administrative structure” document they not consider what they would do the country. immortal—or indispensable. in 2008, without any involvement once the bills start coming in sans sub- These opposing views cannot be Allowing a person to remain in the Stand up, stand up to Hitler from U.S. church administrators or sidy check? reconciled. If asked what he thinks of same position for 31 years (half of that One of the Latin American pastors officials. This document granted the the administration’s policies, I daresay time with the WCG’s Latin American who sided with Mr. Walker in this dis- Latin American pastors the sole right Money is a fact a Republican senator would give an members and the other half in a similar pute wrote a lengthy denunciation of to determine a successor to Mr. Wal- I doubt that Mr. Walker is in a posi- answer different from a Democrat’s position with the UCG) is unhealthy for the COE. The harsh and intemperate ker when the time should come. tion to provide long-term subsidies response. both the person and the organization. Would they be lying? Not necessar- This may be especially true in Latin ily. But, even when they were trying America, given its penchant for presi- Mr. Walker stated a few years ago that he hadn’t been at their best to be fair, the positive or dents for life. But an unfortunate negative spin they put on their replies predilection in politics has no place in Indianapolis and, furthermore, the decisions made there were would reflect their biases. a church. Apparently Mr. Walker has dis- Each side, of course, is interested in not relevant to him. What happened to change his mind? agreed with many COE decisions. He scoring points, often with selective sincerely believes the council mem- recall. bers are wrong. How could he possi- For instance, a recent message from criticisms he leveled at the council Yet, in spite of these claims of inde- out of his own pocket. bly respond to questions about their Mr. Walker to the Latin American members did not appear to reflect any pendence from the U.S. church, most Since the need for money is a fact decisions without leaving the impres- ministry referenced the spirit of In- desire for reconciliation. of the Latin American churches ap- of life, a tax-deductible address for do- sion that their decisions are indeed dianapolis, the founding meeting of He stated that not supporting Mr. pear to have been willing to accept nations for Latin America was recent- wrong? the UCG in the spring of 1995. Walker is “exactly” like not standing generous financial subsidies from the ly set up in Texas. Even if sufficient Yet a few years earlier, when he up to Hitler. United States for years. money comes in to offset the lost sub- The religious life took part in the expulsion of a pastor He also complained about the UCG sidies from the UCG, the Latin Amer- In the end, the people who are most and congregation from the UCG, Mr. decision to cut off funds to the pastors Naive isn’t always cute ican pastors who depend on it will be hurt—and disillusioned—by squab- Walker publicly stated that he hadn’t who reject the COE’s authority. Mr. Walker and his supporters in beholden to whoever controls the dis- bling of this kind are the rank-and-file been at Indianapolis and, furthermore, Latin America seem to be arguing bursement. members. They want to believe their the decisions made there were not rel- Global possibilities that they were and are autonomous Realistically, the setting up of any pastors and leaders are inspired and evant to him. Mr. Walker argues that he came into and legally independent of the U.S. new organization will very much de- motivated by spiritual concerns. What happened to change his the UCG after leaving the Worldwide organization, though graciously will- pend on following the money. Sadly, these struggles reveal that, mind? Church of God and after turning down ing to work with them even though for too many in the COGs, religious an offer to join Rod Meredith’s group, they have not achieved financial in- Irreconcilable differences life is really about power and money. An outlook can change the Global Church of God. He would dependence. Amid the tumult much has been ______Over the years Mr. Walker has re- have become Global’s regional direc- As any parent of adult children written about Mr. Walker’s E-mail and For another commentary about the moved some pastors from their pas- tor of Spanish-speaking areas, bring- knows, if you want to be truly inde- other communication with the minis- situation in Latin America, see Bernie torates and was never pleased when ing with him to Global the pastors and pendent you also need to be fully self- ters he supervised when they had Monsalvo’s article beginning on page their congregations rejected the deci- the congregations of Latin America supporting. questions about the UCG’s council of 3 of this issue of THE JOURNAL. Connections: MMeemmbbeerr ttooMMeemmbbeerr Issue No. 128 PUBLISHED BY THE JOURNAL: NEWS OF THE CHURCHES OF GOD July 31, 2010 Are we sleeping through the important stuff?

By Darlene Warren off because Christians aren’t supposed to be United States is a land of immigrants, from them. In the same way, I believe He expects IG SANDY, Texas—I’ve spent a lot concerned with this world. We’re supposed all walks of life, from every ancient tribe, us to cherish and fight for the liberties He of time lately thinking about the to be talking about who got voted off which from every part of the world. People came gave to us. Bproblems we are facing as Amer- church board and who’s the next apostle of searching for freedom and a better way of icans and what exactly is happening to our God’s one true church. We’re supposed life. They were looking for liberty in a Heed the call country and, for that matter, the rest of the to be praying and fast- world of tyranny. Is this a call to arms? Of course not! It is world. ing so we can escape I think of it as the last bastion of a call for humility and thankfulness toward A lot of people are upset about job loss- hellfire and brimstone. hope in a world of hopelessness. God. Just as we care for our children and do es, the uncertainty of the economy, mount- That mind-set re- We’ve grown from 13 tiny colonies our best to protect them, let us do the same ing national debt, tax hikes, bigger govern- minds me a little bit of to the greatest power in the world. for our country. ment and the tack that the current Wash- the old days when we And, yes, I believe God’s hand In the biblical story of Jonah, he was ington administration is taking. weren’t supposed to think, just was in it all. ready to condemn Nineveh, but God heard Where are we headed? It’s not just a U.S. pay and pray. God has been so good to us the Ninevites’ prayers. Could He do the problem. Wherever we’re headed, the rest Land of immigrants in the U.S.A., even though same for us? of the world goes with us. I can remember from the time I was a we’ve taken His blessings for I think a lot of us have been sleeping for Probably not uncertain little kid hearing that God had blessed this granted. We’ve turned our back on a long, long time, even though we’ve been I’d like to think that it’s the uncertainty of land we live in, that it was the lost tribe of Him and haven’t yet humbled ourselves and admonished for decades to watch, be vigi- all these situations that gives us concern, Manasseh. Some today claim we are the prayed for forgiveness, but I think we may lant, don’t let the bridegroom find you but I lean more toward the thinking that it’s descendants of Ephraim. be at a turning point. I think people are sleeping. not the uncertainty of where we are headed Whatever. Does it really matter? The beginning to wake up. Sometimes I wonder: If our friends and but the high probability of where we are New Covenant makes us all children of Blessings come in many forms and fash- neighbors wake up and turn to God, will we headed that causes outrage among so many God, those who accept Jesus Christ as their ions. Our children are on the top of that list. be humble enough to follow their example, Americans. Savior. God gives us blessings and expects us to or will we still be talking about the latest I realize I’ve already turned most of you To me it’s important to remember that the care for them, to protect them and cherish church gossip?

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CCoonnnneeccttiioonnss AAddvveerrttiissiinngg ddeeaaddlliinnee Contact Darlene Warren at rdladnier@ aol.com, 2150 Catalpa Rd., Big Sandy, Texas 75755, U.S.A., or (903) 636-4470 to check on the deadline for the current issue and to place your ad today. CONNECTIONS can also print your ad in black and white or full color. Call or write for more information! Also, please let THE JOURNAL know when you move.. Write P.O. Box 1020, Big Sandy, Texas 75755, U.S.A., or send an E-mail to [email protected].

Connections: Member to Member 2150 Catalpa Rd., Big Sandy, Texas 75755, U.S.A. ¥ (903) 636-4470 ¥ [email protected] Celebrate the Feast in the Texas CONNECTIONS:MEMBER TO MEMBER is published by THE JOURNAL:NEWS OF THE CHURCHES OF GOD. © 2010 JMC Windermere Associates. All rights reserved. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising for any reason or for no reason. Classified advertisements are 25 cents a word. Prayer requests, obituaries and prayer-request updates of reasonable length are run free of charge as space is available. For display-advertising rates and deadline information, please write Darlene Warren at [email protected] or 2150 Catalpa Rd., Big Sandy, Texas Feast 2010 75755, U.S.A. Or call her at (903) 636-4470. CONNECTIONS is an advertising supplement to The Journal, P. O . B o x 1020, Big Sandy, Texas 75755, U.S.A.

The Feast site for the Church of HillCountrywith the South Texas Church of God God in 2010 will once again be in Finally Understood! Windermere in the millennial Lake District of England at the Marchesi Come and experience the Feast of Why Did God Use Centre, Windermere. There is plen- Tabernacles where Southern hospitality “Between the Evenings” ty of inexpensive accommodation and home cooking are in abundance with the located within a short walk of the South Texas Church of God on for Passover and Marchesi Centre. There is also a September 23 –30, 2010. We have good range of hotels, some within plenty of time to hug your babies and The Evening Sacrifice? sit on the front porch and truly get to a short walk of the lake or actually know you. If you are looking for a A great controversy has raged for centuries as to whether between on the edge of it. Contact the Tour- small, intimate site, this is the place for the evenings is an idiomatic expression for “sunset to dark” or ist Information Office,Windermere, you (60 to 100 Feastgoers). Services, “afternoon to sunset.” Just go Google “between the evenings” and Cumbria, for details of accommo- traditional as well as interactive, will see! But it is a simple prepositional phrase in Hebrew grammar.* Its dation, or check their website: www. be held at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in real meaning as known by Moses is not idiomatic. But why did God BownessOnWindermere.com. Canyon Lake, Texas. Pristine lodge rooms with use “between the sunsets” for the 14th meal? At last the truth of daily For Feast details, contact me, John kitchenettes, RV and tent camping under big oak timing can be fully understood by the modern Church of God! Erase trees are available on the same property where services will be A. Jewell, 27 Old Gloucester St., the confusing arguments! Realize God’s jealousy for His Day between held. Learn all about this great Feast location on the Web at sunsets against man’s day between midnights!!! London, WC1N 3XX, England, or www. jellystonehillcountry.com. Call the resort toll-free email: [email protected]. 877-964-3731 and mention you are with the Church Group. *“[grammatico-historical] is such an interpretation [of scripture] ...as required by the laws of gram- mar and the facts of history. [It] applies . . . the same grammatical process and exercise of common sense and reason....”(Milton S. Terry, Biblical Hermeneutics, pgs. 173, 203). whatnext For more info about this site contact or to request a Feast packet, please contact: E-mail: [email protected] for a thorough article of clear Terry Post • P.O. Box 1089 • La Vernia, TX 78121 understanding about Passover and the evening sacrifice timing phrase. media.com 210-392-4891 • [email protected]

This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL 12 ★ ★ ★ THIS PAGE CONTAINS PAID ADVERTISING ★ ★ ★ Issue No. 128 (July 31, 2010) God’s Magnified Law By Art Mokarow P.O. Box 1197 • Montgomery, TX 77356 • [email protected] • www.GodsPuzzleSolved.com

The Law Is Never Done Away! judgment [justice] mercy [grace] and faith [total trust] The Letter of The Law in The Letter, by your “human hy do churches and denominations debate these ought you to have done and not to leave the oth- effort” makes you carnal according to Paul. Keeping whether The Law is done away? What is ers undone.” The Law in The Letter still makes you unprofitable to done away? “Then said he, Lo, [Christ] I The Law is still “in force” and “always will be in God (Luke 17:10). You should keep The Law because it come to do your [God’s] will, O God. He force” forever and ever. But not placing “more impor- gives you a better life but no Salvation. Always remem- takes away the first, that he may establish tance” to what carries greater weight than tithing is ber, it can never give you Salvation. theW second” (Hebrews 10:9). What was the first law and completely forgotten or unknown. Jesus magnified the You need to magnify God’s Law and make it spiritu- what is the second law? meaning of God’s Law to be given greater honor or sig- al without the demands of The Letter which finally “Wherefore the Holy Spirit also is a witness to us: for nificance. kills. Only by having a change of your carnal nature, in after he had said before, This is the covenant [contract] Tithing should be done but only can be given to “the your heart or desires can you have Salvation. Chris- that I will make with them [Israel] after those days said priesthood,” like The Levites or Melchizedek. “Min- tians are to keep The Magnified Law which is spiritual the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts [desires] isters” who are only “diakonos servant waiters” on and actually changes you from having a carnal nature and in their mind [intellect], will I write them.” This is tables in Greek, Ministers are not priests. Are ministers to a Godly nature guaranteeing you Salvation, as long simple! The Law is never done away. Christ said The called Levites or Melchizedek (who is Christ in heaven, as, you keep faithful. Old Covenant is changed from “the one” given to Israel scripturally)? When you tithe by command the tithe It is God’s Holy Spirit which makes you Holy just at Mount Sinai to a New Covenant. The New Covenant only goes to the priests, widows and orphans. Giving like Jesus, The Author of Your Salvation (Luke 1:35 and changes your human nature by God’s Holy Spirit. God’s tithes by command to ministers is robbing God Hebrews 12:2). Keeping The Law in The Letter without This “covenant change” (Malachi 3:8). It is exactly the problem they had in The spiritually writing The Law in your heart and mind is exactly what Jeremiah Book of Malachi. makes you an “unprofitable servant.” There is nothing wrong to give the church ten per- prophesied would happen Old Covenant A Shadow (Jeremiah 31:31). What is cent or fifty percent or everything. The widow gave her done away with is—The last two mites. But to “demand tithes” as “a dogma to The Law administered by Moses was a shadow. Old Covenant was only ministers” is robbing God. Either way, as Jesus said, “For the law having a shadow of good things to come made with Israel (Deuter- “Tithing is of least importance” to God. What is and not the very image [God’s righteousness] of the onomy 5:3). The Law now weightier is to have justice, mercy and faith. Why? things, can never with those sacrifices which they becomes a part of your Because it gives The Law more honor or greatness. To offered year by year continually; make the comers per- human nature by God’s be fair and honest in judgment or merciful, forgiving fect” (Hebrews 10:1). “Perfection” is God’s “goal” of Holy Spirit “In You.” and faithfully trusting God, you will receive Salvation His “righteousness” (Matthew 5:48). “Be you perfect From your human nature (Life Eternal). as your Father in heaven is perfect.” The subject in Hebrews 10:1 is perfection. (like an animal) to a What The Law Could Not Do Godly nature like God and God is making man in God’s image, which is perfec- Christ. God’s Law is not A change of priesthood requires a change in The tion (Genesis 1:26). Perfection is aprocess which what is done away but Law (Hebrews 7:12). Jesus magnified The Law as includes the entire Word of God (Matthew 4:4). The how Christians keep Melchizedek, which made The Law more significant. Law with its works is a prophecy of good things to come God’s Law “spiritually” The Book of Hebrews’ answer to the change in The (Colossians 2:16-17). It is only Jesus who brings grace Law from The Old Covenant with Levi. “Who is made, and truth and not The Law of Moses. “For the law was rather than in The Letter. Art Mokarow That is why Paul said not after the law of a carnal [human] commandment given by Moses, but grace [mercy] and truth [perfec- but after the power of an endless life [Salvation]” tion] by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). Christ was that The Letter of The Law kills you but The Spirit of The Law gives you life or Salvation (II Corinthians 3:6). The Old Covenant is based upon “human efforts” or ■ Yes, please send the free literature checked below “works.” Doing “the works” through human effort only gives you a good, long, prosperous life but no Salvation. God’s Puzzle Solved Spiritual Growth ■ Who Is God?* The Old Covenant only reveals what sin is (I John 3:4). ■ The New Covenant is administered by God’s Holy God’s Work Faith That Saves The Mark of the Beast* Revelation Uncovered God’s Kingdom ■ The True Churches of God* Spirit “without any works of human effort.” In The New Christ In You History of Revelation ■ Covenant it is God doing the work by His Holy Spirit The Mystery of God* The Great Apostasy The Wedding Feast ■ History of God’s Law* which gives you power and a sound mind (II Timothy The White Throne Judgment Morality and Economics ■ The Christian Sabbath* 1:7). The Old Covenant is replaced with The New Discovering God What’s It All About? ■ Eighth Head of the Beast* Covenant. Don’t confuse The Law with The Old Faith With Works ■ God’s Old & New Covenant* ■ Testimony of the Messiah* ■ Covenant. The Old Covenant is replaced with The New God’s Story Tr uths, Creeds and Doctrines* ■ Bible Study—God’s Way* ■ Covenant because Christ died for you. Christ died to be God’s Sabbath and Holy Days God’s Two Priesthoods* ■ A Minister of God* ■ able to give you The New Covenant. The New Covenant God’s Will What Is Idolatry?* ■ World History and the Bible* allows you to be helped through God’s Holy Spirit. Satan’s Image ■ Sons of God* The Holy Spirit helps you keep The New Covenant God’s Plan of Salvation ■ The Temple of God* *Not yet available (in various stages of editing) within your heart. With the Holy Spirit in your heart, you will never think of stealing, lying, dishonoring your par- Send to: Art Mokarow Your name and address: ents, committing adultery. And, you will always worship P.O. Box 1197 God. Without God’s Holy Spirit, Israel, when given The Montgomery, TX 77356 Old Covenant could never keep The Law. When Christ [email protected] died giving you this great gift, “God’s Holy Spirit,” only www.GodsPuzzleSolved.com Your Email: then can you keep The Law in “your heart.” The Law becomes “part of you.” That is what Christ did for you. God’s Holy Spirit “In You” is now the “first” in place of (Hebrews 7:16). “For there is verily a disannulling of shadow of good things to come. He is the Author of The Old Covenant. This is why Jesus is The Mystery of the commandment going before for the weakness and God’s Word to receive Salvation. God, Christ “In You,” the hope of glory (God’s righ- unprofitableness thereof. For the law made nothing per- Wow! The Magnified Law by Christ as your Messiah teousness) (Colossians 1:27 and Exodus 33:18-19). How fect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the is “The One” who makes The Law more honorable by easy and simple and wonderful is your God. which we draw nigh to God” (Hebrews 7:18-19). How writing God’s Law in your heart and mind (Jeremiah The Law Magnified many times do you need to be told? The magnified Law 31:31-33). Jeremiah clearly prophesies that this New by Christ is made more honorable because it can pro- Covenant will do away with The Old Covenant. God’s “righteousness” occurs by magnifying God’s duce Eternal Life (by faith). “Not according to the covenant that I made with Law to be more honorable (Isaiah 42:21). Magnifying, All The Law of Moses could do is tell you what sin is their fathers in the day that I took them out of the land enlarging its scope, produces more honor or praise and (I John 3:4) but never could give Salvation. Only per- of Egypt, which my covenant [old] they broke, respect. How did Jesus magnify The Law? fection can save you by God’s righteousness and “Holy although I was an husband to them said the Lord” When He speaks to The Pharisees and scribes, notice Spirit.” God is there doing the work. (Jeremiah 31:32). what Christ tells them. “Woe to you scribes and Phari- My, my, my, THE LAW IS NEVER DONE AWAY but mag- sees, hypocrites [movie actors] for you pay tithes [mak- God’s Law Must Be Kept—Spiritually nified by Christ, which actually makes you perfect so ing a big deal] of mint and cumin [small profit] and have You must keep The Law of God spiritually, creating you can be in God’s image. Praise be to God, who does omitted [forgotten] the weightier matter of the Law, an internal change in your nature and conscience. Doing the work, and not man.

This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL Issue No. 128 (July 31, 2010) ★ ★ ★ THIS PAGE CONTAINS PAID ADVERTISING ★ ★ ★ 13 Connections runs classifieds

Resources Obituaries Obituaries ONNECTIONS runs classifieds: (501) 915-8843. Her E-mail ad- Virtual Church, Ken Westby, every Sabbath, Helen Alene Snyder, 78, of Big Sandy, Mary Helen Edwards Norrod was born on help wanted, for sale, pen dresses are prayerlines@sdcog. 11 a.m. Pacific, 1 p.m. Central, 2 p.m. Texas, died June 16, 2010, after a lengthy April 3, 1929, and passed away on June 6, pals, prayer requests and org and [email protected]. Eastern, (916) 233-0562, www.godward.org. illness. She was born in Sterling, Okla., Feb. 2010, after a very short battle with cancer. C 4, 1932, and was the 11th of 14 children She was born in Runge, Texas, the second more. Send ads (including prayer As space is available, requests to Www.creatorscovenant.org., P.O. Box 1002, South Pasadena, CA 91030. born to Lee Franklin and Della Tennessee of five children. At 16 she graduated from requests and obituaries) to CONNEC- Mrs. Halley will also be printed in McCarter Sims. They were a farming family Taft High School and met her future hus- ONNECTIONS ICY, P.O. 208, Pocahontas, AR 72455. that traveled throughout the South, primarily band, William A. Norrod. When she was 17, TIONS (see the address and more C . each month. picking cotton. She is sur- they reconnected and began courting until information in the box elsewhere in When submitting prayer requests Jan Aaron Young, [email protected]; vived by four sisters and a she proposed to him. They married the day articles: http://23jan.spaces.live.com. CONNECTIONS). You may also send on behalf of others (whether you brother and her children, after she turned 18. Mary The Ezekiel Watchman, P.O. Box 8819, Lenora Feeney of San was a medical secretary, prayer requests to Rosy Halley at send them directly to CONNECTIONS Modesto, CA 95357, ezekielwatchman.org, Antonio, Leonard Gregory model and actress in 24 Jumilla Ln., Hot Springs Vil- or to Mrs. Halley), please do so (209) 772-0737 or (209) 524-1304. Smith of Big Sandy and commercials for WOAI- Johnny Snyder III of Mc- TV as well as in the lage, Ark. 71909, U.S.A., telephone with their permission. Ministry Publications, P.O. Box 715, Kinney, Texas. Helen had movie Cactus Barrier. Cottonwood, AZ 86326. six grandchildren and five When she had her sec- Zwbrt89, P.O. Box 80338, No. 6833, great-grandchildren. She ond child, in 1959, she Chicago, IL 60680, [email protected]. was buried on June 17 in Helen Snyder became a full-time at- 2010 Feast Sites Around the World Chilton Cemetery, Big home mother. Mary and Henk Jens, P.O. Box 121, Belmore, N.S.W. Sandy, followed by a service the next Bill lived in Corpus Christi Mary Norrod UT I CACHI ANGMAI XFOWGU 2192, Australia. www.rightly-dividing.net. Sunday conducted by family. Times were and Dallas during the Radio4Living.com, whatnextmedia.com, hard and, as most of her siblings reached early years of their marriage but in 1956 set- VWOL BK S F LMEMANE L EHDR [email protected]. the age of 5, they were sent to the field to tled in San Antonio, where she lived the rest pick cotton from sunrise to sundown. Helen of her life. Mary was most identified by her YIWD J BTACCCHNMCAAUEJ Robert Schmid, www.logoslogic.info, RGS@ recalled picking cotton until her hands bled. beautiful smile, engaging personality, love of socal.rr.com. She left home at the age of fifteen and reading, wealth of friends and strong faith. XNLXQHEBZOJCCOHYNCSY worked as a housekeeper, nanny, and tele- She is survived by her husband of 63 years PDNWGVABWLELHNGEAVTJ Free, complete set of Children’s Bible Story. phone operator. In 1951, at the age of 19, and five children: Teeka Glasgow and hus- You pay S&H. (573) 392-8783. she married Leonard Smith. They had two band, Rich, of Dallas; Byron Norrod and EEZSAOMRLORVOTJATV I A Windermere Feast 2010, John Jewell, 27 children, Lenora Jean and Leonard Greg- wife, Cathy, of Los Angeles; Rebecca No- Old Gloucester St., London, WC1N 3XX, ory. The marriage ended in divorce in 1959 rrod of New York; Rachel Norrod and hus- VRYNRIBOORWIRGQMNFNY England, E-mail: [email protected] and she moved to Big Sandy, where she band, Rich, of Austin; and Laura Alcott and resided until her death. On April 23, 1963, husband, Tim, of San Antonio. She is also EMYODNOKRAHCAOOXAXDT Hill Country Feast 2010, South Texas she married John L. Snyder of Bay City, survived by her sister, Margaret Bowne, and Church of God, Terry Post, P.O. Box 1089, Texas, and had her third child, Johnny L. eight grandchildren. KEEWNOAEHDATGMMF LNTN LaVernia, TX 78121, (210) 392-4891, terry- Snyder III. They resided in Big Sandy, where [email protected]. the family operated the Ambassador Col- Kathy Jean (Hall) Houser, 59, of Sapulpa, ARLSUTTNZOROEETVAOOR Okla., passed away peacefully in her home God’s Magnified Law, Art Mokarow, P.O. Box lege dairy for several years. As a member of the WCG, she dedicated her life as a volun- on June 21, 2010. She LELHONSBOSDRKRNSCSEX 1197, Montgomery, TX 77356, art@ was born March 24, 1951, mokarow.com, www.GodsPuzzleSolved.com. teer caregiver, cleaning houses, cooking, NMAO LAPOCPMI LYGSNNXU sewing and doing just about anything for in Hazen Ark. Kathy was a Family-Friendly Feast Site, Harrison, Ark., anyone in need in and out of her religious loving wife to Dennis OCVEANRWHROAB I EAOXZU Church of God, International and United affiliation. Helen also spent many years Houser for 40 years. She YHWYCA I XO I RFBRRGRAJR Christian Ministries, (870) 653-6043. serving as a midwife in the East Texas area. will be remembered by As a cancer survivor, she was known to those who love her for her Identifying The One True God And Jesus passion for life, which NFAZ J SNZRNEAPBAEHFAO Christ, www.cgministry-inchrist.org. most in her community as knowledgeable in treating health issues with alternative meth- shone the brightest when AWUFOKGD I GELXWGXK IMK Colorado Springs Feast site, Western Re- ods such as herbs, vitamins and healthy she was around her fami- gion Church of God, Phill Dunagan, (505) eating habits. Her passion for alternative Kathy Houser ly. Kathy is survived by CEQGOOSOOSXLANNXOLMV 286-0991, [email protected], www. cancer treatments led her on several occa- her husband, Dennis; wrcog.net. sions to chance rotting in a Mexican jail in sons, Robbie and Ryan Houser; daughter- YYSQCDJVSNOS I RRAHAAL order to smuggle the cancer-fighting prod- in-law, Jennifer Houser; grandson, Ashton J QYDNAMRONCONWAYYHNS Passover Symbols of the New Covenant, uct known as laetrile for other cancer victims Houser; four stepgrandchildren, Kal-El, Brian Convery, www.abibofgod.com. in her community. After a close call at the Gabriel, Bailey and Christian Miller; brother, Keith Hall, and his wife, Beverly; sister, Kim S EKALEHTNEEWTEBDNALD “Between the Evenings,” E-mail: Bhille777@ border where perspiration caused the con- cealed bottles taped on her legs to drop to Smith and her husband Terry; numerous gmail.com. nieces and nephews; and too many friends Amman Caloundra Halifax Montgomery Steamboat her ankles as Mexican officials search her car, her family insisted that she never do this to count. Kathy was preceded in death by Anchorage Canyon Lake Harrison Normandy Springs Announcements again. She owned and operated Vita-Nook her parents, Gaylon and Emma Jean Hall. Ocho Rios Ardmore Chiang Mai Helen Utica Food Store in Big Sandy in the 1980s and Prescott In search of someone who would like to buy Charles B. Neff Jr., 40, of Bascom, Fla., died Victoria Falls early 1990s. In recent years she turned her Big Sandy Colorado Springs Land Between San Antonio property in the Triangle area, North Carolina, June 28, 2010, in Dothan, Ala. A native of Branson Conway the Lakes Wagoner who could permit me to make payments on it energy to gardening and milking goats. Texarkana, Texas, Charles had resided in Snowshoe to own it in the range of $1,000-$1,500 a Jackson County, Fla., for many years. He Broken Bow Destin Lantana Squaw Valley Windermere Archie Hall, 73, died April 21, 2010, follow- month. I am an owner of a tutoring/editing ing a battle with cancer. He is survived by was a retired corrections officer with the business, working on Ph.D. in education, and his wife of more than 55 years, Lavern, and State of Florida in the Jackson County area. instruct part time at a college. Can’t borrow by his son, Stephen. Mr. Hall was a retired He was a U.S. Army veteran, a member of money. Destroyed credit due to ex. Nervous longtime employee of Ambassador College, Chosen Heirs Gospel Group, which he about the economy so seeking a way to be Pasadena, where he worked in the loved to play music with, and was an avid safer. No family. Write June Narber, 1289 Transportation, Postal and Security depart- fan of aviation. Survivors include his wife, Fordham Blvd., Ste. A185, Chapel Hill, NC ments. Archie and Lavern came from West Judy Neff; one son, Mathew Giglio; one Why do you 27514, or [email protected]. Or phone Virginia to work for Ambassador College, daughter, Deanne Giglio, all of Bascom; his (919) 349-6425. and he began as service manager in Trans- parents, Donna and Charles B. Neff Sr. of portation in 1968. He retired from active Ashdown, Ark.; two brothers, Michael W. tithe on money? Personals employment in 1996. Cards may be sent to Neff and wife, Robbin, of Jacksonville and Mrs. Lavern Hall and family, 27930 Mallard Robert E. Neff and wife, Kassie of, Tex- Retired Detroit firefighter (widower) seriously Rd., Montague, CA 96064. arkana, Ark.; and maternal grandmother, Few of us have taken a closer look at the seeks a long-term rela- Louise Falkner of Ashdown, Ark. tionship with a like-minded Lateef Edalere, died in May 2010. He was a Glenn Alan Lay, 63, a resident of Okmul- Scriptures to see what it really says about Sabbath-keeping Chris- native of Nigeria and faithful minister and gee, Okla., died June 28, 2010. He was tian lady 55-70. Finan- member of the Body of Jesus Christ for more tithing. Honestly, where does the Bible say, or than 35 years. He lived and served in born Feb. 4, 1947, to Lester and Maxine cially secure, enjoys travel Lay in Harrah, Okla. Glenn served six years even hint, that we are to tithe on the money we and dancing. I’ll be at England, Nigeria, America and Jamaica. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him, in the Oklahoma National Guard as a radio the La Quinta (Palm operator during the Vietnam War. He was earn? What truly is Biblical “increase”? Few doc- Springs) Feast site, or call including his wife of 44 years, Yvonne; sons, Peter (Australia), Paul (England); daughters, employed at C.E. Natco as a machinist for trines have been as badly misrepresented as the me at home, (928) 776- 12 years and owned/ and operated an auto 0306, or write me at Box Anthea (Jamaica), and Alison (America), as Bob Kantak well as their spouses, Shehana, Charmaine, repair-business in West doctrine of tithing. If you now tithe on money, on 228, 2105 Blooming Hills Tulsa. Glenn retired from Dr., Apt. 228, Prescott, AZ Gregory and Leaford. Lateef and Yvonne your paycheck, then you owe it to yourself and were blessed with five grandsons and three Denver Truck Sales of 86301. A picture would be appreciated. Bob granddaughters. He was known and loved by Colorado, where his pas- your family to get the facts. Read this detailed Kantak. (Reference: Fred Coulter.) many, young and old, as Daddy Edalere as sion was designing and he touched the lives of those he pastored. A building specialty trucks. study of tithing which has been freeing people from the false teach- Prayer requests thanksgiving service to honor and celebrate He returned to Oklahoma ings on tithing for over 20 years. (Suggested donation, $3 ppd) his life was held on May 29, 2010, in in 2004 and was working Alan Phillips of Connecticut recovering from Brentwood, Essex, England. Letters of con- in oil production at the a brain aneurysm. dolence may be sent to Mrs. Yvonne Edalere time of his death. Glenn Jim (Buddy) Quarles, 226 Plum Creek Rd., and Family, 29 Kiln Way, Badger’s Dene, was well known for his Longview, TX 75605, suffering neuropathy Grays, Essex RM17 5JEUK, United Kingdom. Glenn Lay love of race cars. Accord- ing to local legend and to from having the shingles. He is in much pain Wendy Hendrickson of Austin, Texas, A sunset-to-sunset weekly and discomfort. the chagrin of law enforcement, he once passed away June 4, 2010. Services for owned the fastest Chevelle in Okmulgee Norene Martz, Big Sandy, in severe pain due Wendy were held in California, where her County. During his racing years at Tulsa Sabbath is not in the Bible! to broken vertebrae. late husband rests. Cards and letters may Speedway, Glenn accumulated a collection be sent to 11409 Robert Wooding, Austin, of muscle cars that fueled his passion for It is an old story: assuming a belief comes from the Bible, when in Bertha Arnold, longtime member of the Tulsa Texas 78748, in care of her son Matt. racing. Glenn, his sense of humor and his Church of God and mother of Jim Arnold, Vernon L. Shaw, 82, passed away on July mechanical ability are greatly missed by fact the Bible says nothing of the sort. Most of us came out of recovering from a broken femur due to a fall. 24, 2010. He was born Jan. 21, 1928, in friends, family and loved ones. He is sur- Protestantism because we saw exactly that. The Clyde Benoit, 73, recovering from lung Cedar Glades, Ark., to William Charles and vived by his mother, Maxine (Sivils) Lay of surgery. Mary Ellen (Masner) Shaw. Vernon was a Morris, Okla.; three brothers, Larry Lay, truth, the Scriptural truth, is the sunset-to-sunset devoted family man, an Army veteran and Richard Lay and Kevin Lay; three sisters, Robert Goodson, kidney blockages. member of the Church of God Fellowship. Luane Harris, Louise Barlow and Karen weekly Sabbath doctrine is just ANOTHER ONE of Barnett; and many nieces, nephews, William Laughlin, 51, Tulsa, Okla., suffering Loving survivors include his wife of 57 years, Inez L. Shaw; daughter, Linda Shaw cousins and friends. Glenn was preceded those beliefs that has no Biblical basis whatever! from back injuries due to a motorcycle acci- (Richard Jaques) of Pueblo, Colo.; sons, in death by his father, Lester Lay. Services dent. Shocking though this may be, it is the provable Bobby Shaw (Terri) of Bauxite and Tim were July 1 at Beggs Cemetery with Law- Paul Herrmann, Metairie, La., suffering from Shaw (Jonna) of Conway; nine grandchil- rence Burchfield, minister of the Church of truth. For nearly 20 years the book, The Scrip- prostate problems. dren; and five great-grandchildren. God, officiating. tural Weekly Sabbath is NOT from Sunset-to- Sunset, has shown the vital truth on this crucial subject. The Biblical facts and history do not lie. radio4living.com Read the facts for yourself. Is Lev. 23:32 really Please let Preaching a message of warning and hope to the nations. radio4living includes . . . proof of a sunset-to-sunset weekly Sabbath? Could it be an ancient HE OURNAL T J know What Next broadcast ¥ Letter from London ¥ Making Sense of Life ¥ Babylonian method of reckoning the day gradually replaced the when you move Creation v Evolution ¥ Your Questions Answered ¥ Weekly News Review ¥ observance of the true Biblical day? This book is a must read. Order Programming changes and updated each week. Write P.O. Box 1020, Radio4living is also streamed throughout the United States yours today. (Suggested donation $3, ppd) via the Mobile Broadcast Network. Big Sandy, Texas 75755, Web site: whatnextmedia.com ¥ Email: [email protected] U.S.A., or send an E-mail to Regular mail to BCM What Next (Attn: John A. Jewell), London, WD1N 3XX, England To order these books write: Listeners and readers in the United States write to: ICY [email protected]. PO Box 30332, Little Rock, AR 72260 P.O. Box 208 • Pocahontas, AR 72455 Tell your friends about radio4living, the 24/7 radio station on the Internet serving the Church of God

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carbide are very hard and erode aircraft engines. Alaska Airlines Flight 261 in 2000 was determined to crash killing 88 due to many trips through the dust-laden skies eroding parts, making grease like liquid Now and New World Order sandpaper. A chemtrail insider claims even commer- Part 7 cial airlines release chemtrails, too. By fake hollowed out wicks on the wings (a photo is shown). Chemicals are supplied when the Weather Warfare (2006) A tropical storm has energy of 10,000 one or quakes. lavatory waste is disposed of, no one want- ing to stand by that. Pumps for spraying are y Jerry E. Smith: US Secretary of De- megaton hydrogen bombs. Hurricane An- Nikola Tesla almost flattened New York drew destroyed Homestead Air Force Base City in 1890s by a mechanical shaking de- activated when the plane reaches a certain Bfense William Cohen in 1997 claimed altitude. terrorists are using nature as a weapon. De- in Florida. In 1996 the US military devel- vice amplifying small waves into larger as oped Weather as a Force Multiplier: small pushes on a swinger at the right time The ionosphere is like crinkled paper that vising pathogens to wipe out ethnic groups, rises and falls according to weather condi- insects to destroy certain crops; alter cli- Owning the Weather in 2025, future forms of can make the swinger go higher—harmonic weaponry. A force multiplier is a factor that resonance. He claimed a large scale device tions below. An artificial ionosphere could mate, set off earthquakes or volcanoes. [Of disable a missile temporarily or destroy it. course, he kept secret anything the US was amplifies combat effectiveness as technolo- could cause the earth to split in two. ”Within gy, morale, land features, training or number a few weeks I could set the earth’s crust into Rather like an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) doing!] after a nuclear blast wipes out electronics. Some people wondered if the 2004 Asian of men. Weather-related weapons have plau- such a state of vibrations that it would rise sible deniability—blame it on freak weather. and fall hundreds of feet, throwing rivers out Hundreds of missiles could be knocked out tsunami or the 2005 record-breaking at the same time. Atlantic hurricane season were secretly Project Cirrus in 1947 had a US Navy plane of their beds, wrecking buildings and practi- drop dry ice onto a hurricane by orders of cally destroying civilization.” HAARP is a civilian project but funded manmade. [Or so many tornadoes striking at by the military and kept secret in Alaska once in the US.] Known methods include General Electric scientists. The storm quick- Moving to Colorado he developed his ly moved toward US shore causing mass electric generating coil that set up standing (Smith has a book on HAARP). An ionos- cloud seeding to increase rain or snow pack phere heater patent tells it can focus 3.6 mil- for skiing. [Scientists have envisioned for devastation. Did the US government pay for waves in the earth allowing extraction of damages caused? No, it denied involvement. energy at the nodes. So he lit 200 of Edison’s lion watts of radio frequency waves in the decades of terraforming other planets to upper atmosphere and heat it several thou- make them more earthlike.] Dowsing is a form of detecting energy biggest lamps 13 miles away without wires. and force fields. Radionic devices are used Light bulbs within 100 feet of the coil sands of degrees. Called ionosphere en- The sunspot cycle depends on factors hancement, it likely can move the jet stream such as positions of planets. The sun’s mag- to aid detection of these subtle differences. A remained on long after they were turned off. rainmaker in 2004 was hired in northern In the nearby town sparks were flying every- which affects weather to create droughts or netic field is solar system-wide so anything floods, or multiple tornadoes—crazy US inside it affects it. Roger Jewell in Riding the India to end a long drought using radionics. where. The 1976 China earthquake killed His units pointed toward the nearest cloud 650,000 people and was likely done by the weather. The Russians claim it is a geophys- Wild Orb found certain factors other than ical weapon, comparable in magnitude to seasons. A North America January Thaw system thousands of kilometers away and Russians experimenting on a Tesla Magni- pulled them in five days to rain over the fying Transmitter. The sky just before the nuclear weapons over conventional arms. every 8 years happens when Venus inter- Affects mental health of humans in vast venes between earth and sun during the win- desired area. But the local folk begged him 3:42 AM quake lit up as daylight, multi-hued to stop when a torrential rain fell. lights seen 200 miles away. Lightning regions, jams radio communications on ter solstice there. earth and outer space devices, and causes Nations have long known weather can be Another odd method used orgone, sup- storms were created. posed to be the creative force in nature. “In The US deep freeze winter of 1967 origi- electric and gas pipeline disruptions. ally or foe. In the 1960s geophysicist HAARP is based on 12 patents including Gordon MacDonald wrote of futuristic 1954 all books dealing with orgone were nated from the Russians also. When the banned and burnt by the U.S. government.” Soviet Union broke up, this technology was over-the-horizon radar. It can destroy weapons: control over weather, destructive ICBMs, fry electronics of spy satellites or use of ocean waves, melting polar ice caps, Likely top secret. sold to the Japanese ‘Mafia’ and was used to produce the Asian Christmas Tsunami. The disrupt radio messages. The space shuttle intended ozone depletion (so radiation kills Creating earthquakes Columbia may have passed through a enemy crops or people), trigger quakes and New Zealand Herald reported in 1999 that Quakes can be induced by fluid injection Australia had tested a tidal wave bomb in HAARP beam and was destroyed intended control human brains in a region by earth’s or not. HAARP was known to be running at energy fields. Already ice caps are melting or extraction, mining or quarrying, nuclear 1944-45 according to declassified files. A testing, and dam or reservoir construction. series of bombs amplified small waves into full power at the time (and for a month after and holes are in the ozone layer (whether 911, for mind control?). The Chinese had manmade or not). Disposal of waste fluid injected underground giant ones. in 1960 in the Denver area caused quakes North Korea send up a missile with Chinese Rome salted Carthage land after they con- Environmental Modification warhead fired at Kansas—heart of the quered it to prevent farming. The US killed according to frequency and magnitude. High pressure released stored strain energy in the EnMod was talked about openly. US USA—to test HAARP when Columbia was off buffaloes on which native Americans near. If the missile was knocked out, yet thrived. In Vietnam the US defoliated the rocks. China’s Yangtze Three Gorges Project Congress passed the Magnusson Bill to fund is the world’s largest dam complex to hold 5 EnMod work. Then in 1978 nations signed Columbia was not, HAARP was selective. If jungle, and seeded rain clouds to drench the both succumbed, the entire region was enemy’s Ho Chi Min Trail in Project trillion gallons of water. Designed to with- the UN EnMod treaty limiting hostile use, stand a 7.0 Richter scale quake which the and things got quiet. Research and develop- affected. Columbia had triple and quadruple Popeye. Regarding this “The Secretary of redundancy electronics systems, yet had Defense was forced to lie to Congress!” dam may cause. What about other damage? ment merely went secret [as with antigravi- Air explosions of nuclear bombs were halt- ty]. There is no national debate because that total system failure. China spends $40 million a year moderat- Sounds too crazy to be true? The earth’s ing droughts and stopping hail damage on ed to stem fallout and radioactivity, but under- would reveal what nations are doing covert- ground tests triggered quakes. Complaints ly. Countries have been using threats of ‘nat- Van Allen radiation belts were studied by crops. Russians claim to make clear skies for setting off atomic bombs there in 1958. Moscow’s May Day parade by saturating about tests near Las Vegas caused a move to ural’ disasters as bargaining chips for nego- central Nevada, and somehow explaining to tiations. Reagan promised to share HAARP technol- clouds with dry ice. In Mexico a Russian ogy with the Russians, though advocating firm ionized and de-ionized targeted regions residents there that the move would benefit House Bill HR 2977 or Space Preserva- them. Covering up such facts that tests leave tion Act of 2001 called for stopping 3 types: ‘Star Wars’ weapons. Jane’s Defense Weekly of the sky providing enough rain to fill up lists HAARP as a weapon system. depleted lakes due to drought. Rainmakers dangerous plutonium with half life of 24,500 radio frequency, mind control weapons and years capable of affecting ground water. Tests chemtrails (shows all 3 are existing prob- Smith claims a system as HAARP affect- are in demand in times of drought, and paid ing the mind could be used to simulate the well, but who pays when it rains too much also triggered quakes, one causing a million lems). Urged that outer space be used for dollars worth of damage. peaceful purposes, and the US should work coming of the Antichrist by mind control causing damage or death? and imaging. South American Indians would set fires A 1975-76 Japanese study Recent Ab- toward banning them among nations. The when they needed rain. Some inventors normal Phenomena on Earth and Atomic US Air Force denies that chemtrails exist. Secret Mysteries of noted many battles seemed to cause heavy Power Tests stated “Abnormal meteorologi- “The truth is there’s an entire program in the America’s Beginnings cal [weather-related] phenomena, earth- Department of Defense Vision for 2020 rain, that explosions in the air aided precipi- 3-volume DVD series awarded best docu- tation. An 1880 patent used aerial concus- quakes and fluctuations of the earth’s axis that’s developing these weapons.” Later the are related in a direct cause-and-effect to bill was changed, avoiding the 3 topics. mentary: Founding of USA was steeped in sions. Later, balloons sent explosives aloft, Masonry. Masonry claims it originated from or rockets with chemicals. testing nuclear devices . . . Nuclear testing is During war both sides commit crimes, but the cause of abnormal polar motion of the only the loser is made to pay. The EnMod (the evil) Tubalcain and Nimrod (Genesis US patent in 2001 for Dyn-O-Mat Corp. 4:22; 10:8-9), and based on Gnostic teach- uses an aqueous polymer or gel dispersed in earth. By applying the dates of nuclear tests treaty allows nations limited natural change with a force of more than 150 kilotons . . . the as using a defoliant around military bases for ing. clouds and claims to lower wind velocity 20 position of the pole slid radically at the time defense to see enemy attack, and permits a Francis Bacon is called the founder of mph. On a test run it made a cloud buildup of the nuclear explosion . . . up to one meter corporation to spew out pollution down- America, which he termed the new Atlantis. disappear, witnessed visually and on radar in distance.” Does not sound like much, but stream [as usual!]. Intentional destruction of A Newfoundland stamp called him its guid- seen from two different locations. It might what if many blasts were set off at once? And farm land is prohibited, but collateral dam- ing spirit. He was Chief Rosicrucian in- aid diffusing hurricanes, but no way has sometimes small effects cause greater ones. age done by bombing is not restricted. En- volved in Mystery Religion. He claimed to been proven yet. Plans call for using organic And massive deaths occurred: In 1978 the Mod damage must be proven, yet natural learn from familiar spirits science or wisdom polymers, but the present chemicals are not British magazine New Scientist told that Ger- disasters do happen, and conditions before and learned from gods Apollo and Athena organic. They absorb several times their man and British scientists think the 1978 the event are not always known, unusual known to be spear-shakers. (This was before weight of water. What if they were swal- earthquake in Tabas, Iran, killing 25,000 peo- weather does occur on its own. the man known as Shake-speare lived, an lowed? There are concerns that it will ple may have been caused by an underground ABC News 2002 report Weather As a actor, not playwright who had trouble writ- adversely affect lungs. Soviet nuclear blast 36 hours before it. Weapon? Cited US Air Force’s Director of ing.) These gods shaking their spears in front US Army’s Project Skyfire in 1960-61 A UN presentation entitled Earthquakes Weather Brigadier General Fred Lewis: “We of people to accept the truth. Bacon was experimented with millions of metallic nee- and Nuclear Testing: Dangerous Patterns want to anticipate and exploit the weather.” aided by a literary society he paid for to help dles released to seed clouds. Actually and Trends cited quakes more than 5.8 on Public documents tell how many groups him write the plays. The Shakespeare folio dipoles with electrical charges at each end, the Richter scale. In the 50 years before are injecting substances into the air for with the plays had pictures of the god Pan on same used by fighter jets as chaff to avoid nuclear tests, large quakes averaged 68 each decades on mountains, by balloons, aircraft them. Some of the plays seemed Christian, radar detection. They were released in thun- year, but with testing rose to 127. The mili- or rockets. Committee on Science, Engi- but others were openly pagan as Mid- derstorms to trigger lightning strikes very tary claims this pure coincidence, but quake neering and Public Policy in 1992 described summer’s Night Dream. high up. time and locations match closely with these means to prevent global warming such as by The US steeped in Freemasonry has From the 1960s US placed 3.5 billion cop- quakes. “More than a million people have injecting dust (aluminum oxide) by rifles or national and state buildings built by Masons per needles each an inch long to form a new now died in earthquakes that seem to be by balloons. One system involves aluminum with vast amounts of occult symbols on ionosphere 6 miles deep and 25 miles wide to related to nuclear tests.” oxide chemtrails. them or pagan gods. Their pagan temple at maintain radio communications. This may Charlotte King predicted seismic activity Aluminum is toxic to the nervous system Washington DC resembles an Egyptian one have caused the 8.5 Alaska earthquake and by how she felt. A research panel found and brain. Residents of Espanola, Canada, with sphinx and statues of gods. David Chile lost some of its coast, interfering with Charlotte’s Syndrome was because she was complained of neck pain, breathing prob- Ovason’s book The Secret Architecture of the planet’s magnetic field. In 1980 and sensitive to fluctuations in the earth‘s elec- lems, dry coughs, headaches and burning Our Nation‘s Capital shows photos and onward the US put barium into the ionos- tromagnetic field caused by piezoelectricity eyes after US jets ‘strafed’ their town in a describes the profuse number of secret signs phere, said for testing. It is highly toxic to or the flow of electricity in crystals subject to military exercise [obviously unwanted and and symbols His book’s foreword is by humans, causes breathing trouble, stom- high pressure. She would feel abdominal without warning]. Rainwater there had 7 33rd-degree Freemason Kleinknecht, former achache, brain swelling and muscle weakness, pains or even a minor stroke due to earth times the allowed aluminum level. Injected head of NASA, who endorses it. DC was raises blood pressure and changes heart rate. trembling in advance of volcanic eruptions substances of aluminum oxide and silicon CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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was diverted on the start of the Iraq war 3/20/03. German U-boats may have drug a mile long antenna for Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) wave communication and/or to re- Now and New World Order charge using a Tesla-type of technology dis- tant from the generator. Nazis used several kinds of swastikas, meaning the sun. Some with more arms, and perhaps bent twice. Referring to the Black CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE online service Prodigy; similar to the use of never breached. His war crimes for using the Eye of Horus for logos of AOL and slave labor came up twice after the war, but Sun, possibly a black hole at the center of our laid out by Masons according to the stars for galaxy. The black hole sucking in all matter the star gods to empower them. [Mason Illuminati Online. Phoenix, Arizona is on 33 he was not prosecuted. degrees north latitude and capital city of The German U-boat U-234 with a disas- and light would act as a generator for the astronauts performed Masonic rites on the galaxy and may be the source of zero point moon, and a Mason lodge claims the Moon is Arizona with 5-point star flag or blazing star sembled Me 262 jet fighter, numerous German flag of Sirius.] specialists and technicians were all surren- energy. (Some believe the supposed atomic their lodge.] explosions in our sun produce less that the The Washington Monument was made to Mainstream Christianity synchronized pa- dered to the US on May 19, 1945. It also con- gan customs, renamed them by Christian tained ten barrels of uranium oxide U-235, energy we record so that method is not how resemble Egyptian obelisks or shafts to Baal the sun produces energy. The sun may be get- for the sun god. Statue of Liberty was a gift names, though the practices were the same, irradiated in an atomic reactor to enrich it for such as Halloween, Christmas and Easter [for an atomic bomb [later dropped on Japan by ting energy from the Black Sun.) of Masons in France to Masons in the USA German technology after the war was and depicts a goddess, copying the spikes or fertility rituals as tree ornaments or the the US]. Hitler claimed to have a bomb with a ridiculous Easter bunny laying eggs]. force which will surprise the whole world. introduced slowly into American industry [as rays like those of the Greek sun god Helios. the fake reverse engineering claimed from The torch depicts a god enlightening men. FDR was superstitious in not scheduling Stevens relates details of a Nazi atomic blast speeches on the 13th of a month, or having 13 test on Oct. 12, 1944. The A-4 and A-9 rock- alien ships captured]. German tanks would [As the Olympic torch relay conveys the fire freeze up in the low temperatures fighting from Mount Olympus, home of the gods, to people eat at dinner (and US buildings avoid ets were going to be fitted with atomic war- naming the 13th floor), yet he set up the US heads of 10 and 15 tons, though plans to bomb Russia. The crews had to dangerously use sanctify the games.] fires underneath to start them in the morning William Morgan exposed 3 of the lowest Great Seal on the dollar bill with many sym- New York City by planes were ready. bols of 13 and was a top Mason. US was The Horton 9 was an advanced fighter jet since the cold turned the oil into asphalt. orders’ blood-curdling oaths in a book, claim- Germans finally came out with a revolution- ing Freemasons run most everything— founded with 13 colonies, and Benjamin that was almost invisible to radar by a special Franklin’s flag used 13 parts of a cut up snake paint, so Nazis invented the first stealth craft. ary oil which worked well in very low and police, judges and newspapers—that the US high temperatures. This technology did not is not democratic. He was tortured according to symbolize 13 colonies. They also applied it to subs, and Hitler Albert Pike said top Masons (as himself) claimed to have imperceptible U-boats. come out for 30 years until Mobil One made to the oaths and murdered for exposing their a lot of money from synthetic motor oil. scheme. Because of his book and gruesome worship Lucifer. Pike said it was a strange The first digital computer was created in name of Light-bringer for prince of darkness. 1938 by Konrad Zuse with the first program- Stevens believes more Nazi technology will death, the first major 3rd party or Anti- be coming out. Masonic party began. The perpetrators had Manly Hall claimed Masons can tap into the mable software. He used magnetic tape for death-bed confessions, but no one was arrest- seething energies of Lucifer. storage. Dark Secrets Russell of US was allowed to copy the Liquefied air was stored and used later for ed since Masons hold power in key positions. Inside Bohemian Grove and Order of We cannot have a free society with secret Skull and Bones club from Germany of the energy. A prototype gun using liquefied air Bavarian Illuminati into the US. Members for propulsion was tested on 30 cows and Death 2007 DVD by Alex Jones uses video societies ruling. As a result of the Morgan he gained himself and by an employee (see event, Joint Committee of Massachusetts in drink from a human skull. A member protest- horses in a wide area and all died by crushing ed that it was just a plastic replica, but does lungs. The firing crew had to be 10 meters free online). A club member said they run 1834 declared Freemasonry “a distinct inde- around naked though he himself did not. No pendent government within our own govern- that make the practice good? Top US leaders away from the gun when firing it. A death ray doing so (the Bushes and Kerry)? Why own was developed and tested on rats. They women were allowed at the camp including ment . . . found Freemasonry to be a moral workers, but changed recently, yet still not as evil . . . and a political evil.” four (stolen) real human skulls? And why use glowed for a split second then disintegrated. the skull and crossbones symbol of danger or In 1936 Mussolini told his wife ahead of members. The wealthy and well-played meet Boston Tea Party and the Revolution were here removed from public scrutiny. hatched by men as Paul Revere in the [Green poison? time a kind of wonder would occur when she The Phrygian cap or limp cap shown on was on the road the next day. Her car and Mock human sacrifices occur here called Dragon] Masonic lodge. Benjamin Franklin Cremation of Care. An effigy of a man is and Francis Dashwood of England were US statues, flags, state seals and many public many others ahead and behind her all stopped buildings comes from the god Mithras, a fake running. He later told her that Marconi had burned as sacrifice to the Owl idol 45 feet involved in spying and were members of the tall. Up to four effigies are burned while Hellfire Club bent on devilish activities as messiah, cup bearer for the gods. devised a means of halting engines—a kind Looking at a map of DC’s street layout of EMP? In 1945 a similar German effect members are dressed in hooded garments as orgies. Had motto of Do what thou wilst or do priests on their high holy day for the summer your own thing (that eventually was the shows a pentagram with point downward at was noted of those in the vicinity of a trans- White House. Detractors claim it is not even mitter would have their car stopped. A sentry solstice while other members watch and yell motto of the 1960s frenzy). Though Franklin Hooray when the fake body is burned. The publicly taught frugality. Dashwood had complete, but this partial pentagram is men- would tell them it was useless to try and start tioned in Faust written by Goethe of the their cars until he notified when. The 1945 owl is noted for wisdom in pagan lore, and a audience with the king of England, and other side of the owl has an image of the god members had high positions. He and Franklin Illuminati. Since the orbit of Venus describes Osenberg document tells that electronic a 5-point figure in 8 years as seen from earth, devices can be disrupted by ionization of the Molech noted for human sacrifices. were Rosicrucians. San Jose Rosicrucian Signs in the camp have a human skull headquarters features an Egyptian museum but lacks 2 days of being complete. The air by ultra short electromagnetic waves. women’s version of Freemasonry has the A car will misfire if one ignition wire depicted. If your neighbor performed mock with occult books and claims it is the fore- human sacrifice you would call the police. runner of Freemasonry. symbol of a 5-point star downward [as does induces a current in another, especially at So are the Knights Templar that began the US Medal of Honor with goddess high rpms, and why they are highly insulated Here the police protect the perpetrators. The somewhat Christian, then embraced pagan- Minerva]. A woman Mason used to promote from each other. Cars produce radio waves color picture handed out to members features ism. Their Rosalyn Chapel in Scotland has a women Freemasonry, until she had night- throughout their ignition cycle. They must be a human sacrifice, likely a child by the size of mix of all religions with symbols of Masons mares of being assaulted by a demon. These shielded in order to hear the radio. An anten- him, tormented in the flames. Four times in and Rosicrucians. Many edifices Mason-built halted when she quit Freemasonry. na device receiving the car’s ignition radio the ritual it is said Midsummer sets us free. At have a Green Man on them, a fertility god, A new trend is to have a Christ figure on a signal could amplify it and send it back, the end the owl idol is thanked. The ritual this chapel has 100. They believe all religions cross at churches like a crucifixion but the received by the car’s wiring and metal parts resembles that of Druids who burned alive worship the same God, that they blend reli- man is robed and has a bright light emanating and induce misfiring. animals to experience the torture and divinate gions, and this will eventually lead to the behind. Depicting Maitreya, a Messiah figure Occasionally Germany’s production of the remains to predict events. NWO. George W. Bush claimed all religions as Buddhism. Maitreya is claimed to be the synthetic gasoline is mentioned in the press. Many US presidents, European leaders have the same goal (as Christians and true Messiah, that the Christ was only the The Dallas Morning News Sept. 4, 1990, and celebrities join. Arnold Schwarzenegger Muslims) and favored the NWO. Messiah for 3 years and had power from reported on a Nazi paper used by a US plant was picked as governor-to-be here. George Masons laid every major DC building’s Maitreya. Most all religions are awaiting the to produce synthetic gas for 1.6 cents a gal- H.W. Bush is here nicknamed Magog—just cornerstone, wearing the All-Seeing-Eye of real Messiah, Maitreya. lon, and a storehouse of German technical good clean fun? the god Horus on their aprons while wine, Recent stock market crash had whole page documents was at Texas A&M. There are 175 Bohemian club members join together corn and oil were offered. This practice is newspaper articles about the NWO and rea- tons of German documents on synthetic here to bond and promote one world govern- traced to the god Dagon, god of corn or grain son for a common currency for all. So the petroleum production made from powdered ment. Sharing experiences in nature. Nature (1 Samuel 5:2-7). Dagon’s son is Baal (Hosea dollar will fail, but another kind of money coal that the Allies obtained after the war and is calling them. Many of these top leaders are 2:8). The numerous faces at DC of a bearded will take its place. Like the phoenix, the was given without cost to the oil industry. It bisexual, though a comment spoken during a man with strong features stand for Baal. A mythical fire bird. It burns up, but a new hardly produced any since it would be 25% meeting made fun of those who believe in Baal resurrection or awakening is depicted of phoenix emerges from the ashes. A better higher than natural gasoline at the time. just sex with women. Members are captured a giant statue of The Awakening in DC of a ‘dollar’ is suppose to be the end result, the Though this disparity changed dramatically on videotape used for blackmail later (as the giant coming out of the ground. ‘Mark’ of the Beast? later, the oil industry opposes it. Illuminati plan long ago). Freemasonry Today magazine founder Two concentric spheres outside the UN Nazi super lubricants were such that used Is it so hard to believe that top leaders are claims Washington DC is the Masonic City. It feature a globe emerging from another that is in a car’s engine it could all be drained and involved in devil worship? Ronald and is festooned with occult symbols and pagan cracked open, depicting the NWO emerging the car still run. Not produced now since con- Nancy Reagan ordered their lives strictly by gods on national buildings. The street layout from the old one. sumers would quit buying after one purchase. occult practices, he gave speeches according of DC shows an inverted pentagram or 5- Most nations have Antarctica bases. Ger- to good astrological times down to the point star. Prolific Masonic writer Manly Hall By Henry Stevens (2007) many had one during WWII and may have minute. Eleanor Roosevelt and Hilary claimed the pentagram as the DC figure is the Hitler’s Suppressed and Still-Secret Weap- been the last resort for after the war. The con- Clinton were known to conduct séances to footprint of the devil, and he was not knock- ons, Science and Technology: The US got 30 tinent is almost split in half by a rift where raise the dead and consult with demonic spir- ing that idea as bad. Initiates are given one box cars of papers from the German Patent deep hot springs are at thermal vents and its. The UK’s Tony Blair admitted he tried meaning of a symbol, but higher ups another. Office at war’s end. Germans invented night never freeze. Since Iceland despite its glacial accessing spirits. As the sun symbol, but really refers to star vision equipment amplifying light or using environs is able to produce plenty of geother- The Cremation of Care ritual mimics the Sirius or dog star and became the US ubiqui- infrared. Also synthetic blood plasma for mal energy, parts of Antarctica should, too. Ku Klux Klan with hooded men sacrificing tous symbol. [Other nations use 5-point stars commercial use. Russia’s Lake Votok base is by a lake 2000 Blacks. Supreme Mason Albert Pike founded for national symbols as China and Russia.] Hans Kammler rapidly built bombproof feet deep and subterranean 3/4 of a mile with the KKK and his picture is venerated at Ovason wrote that US Independence Day underground facilities so well ahead of 50 degrees F, 65 degrees by hot spots. The Masonic lodges. Surprisingly, the black man was made July 4 for the dog star Sirius, and schedule he advanced himself. Some of these lake is hidden from view by a dome of ice, up Jesse Jackson does not protest Pike or the source of the term dog days of summer about are still unknown and unexplored now. Secret to a half mile in height. There is a metal KKK since Jackson is a 33rd-degree Mason that time. Top Mason Albert Pike named the underground factories resembled small cities anomaly there which might indicate a city of himself. [Most world leaders are Masons and Masons’ Blazing Star as Sirius, of Egyptian with rails connecting them without detection metal, New Berlin? wear the All-Seeing-Eye apron.] lore and liked the All-Seeing-Eye inside a above ground. He employed slave labor, per- By seismograph recording of movements Mystery religion, as that of Freemasonry, pentagram. The leading occultist Aleister haps up to 14 million. He was in charge of at Antarctica, the US may have exploded a involves secret knowledge of science for Crowley used the encircled 5 pointed star for missiles and jet production. He mostly bomb called popularly MOAB or Mother Of power. occult acts. [The same as the logo for the worked at Skoda Works with triple security All Bombs, a fuel air bomb when attention Mr. Jan Young

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This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL 16 ★ ★ ★ THIS PAGE CONTAINS PAID ADVERTISING ★ ★ ★ Issue No. 128 (July 31, 2010) Where Is the... True Church today? Jesus Christ said, “I will build My Church.” He did not say “Churches,” denominations, “sects.” He said the gates of hell would not prevail against that Church. Somewhere that original true Church exists today. But WHERE? WHICH? . . .” (WHERE Is the True Church booklet, Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong). “The Feast of Tabernacles”

xcitement is building in men, women, vision they are afraid to show you the reality brethren, and you will see that God is corporate Churches of God! The vast and children, with joyous anticipation of of it and that it really will happen, and it is showing me what is coming! It’s not majority are sleeping! No longer is E being able to observe another Feast of going to happen! I want to read a description going to be easy! It’s not going to be just any real value placed on the true Tabernacles at the site of their choice—while that is here: peaches and ice cream from here on, teachings as taught by God’s late apos- not taking into consideration that it is Jesus “ ‘In the first millionth, milliseconds and just getting into the Kingdom of tle and His promised Elijah; the rea- Christ who chooses the location where He after detonation, gamma radiation God, and everything is going to be all son being—HE IS DEAD! And the UNAC- places His Name, and not places chosen by men would kill everything within six miles,’ wonderful. We are going to be TRIED CEPTABLE TEACHINGS HE TAUGHT DIED WITH who have gone ASTRAY from His teachings just in milliseconds. ‘An electromag- and TESTED and PURIFIED! Have you got HIM—so they reason!!! (Deuteronomy 16:13-15). Be assured—Jesus netic pulse created by the nuclear what it takes? Are you going to be able? As it was with Moses, who had Christ will not be in those Feast sites!!! blast would fuse all unprotected cir- “We’re right close to final exams [Luke gone up into the mountain to be with To most it is a fun time with no serious cuitry within several hundred miles, 21:29-36]. We are supposed to have been God, Israel cast aside the teachings thought of where we are in time: a time we knocking out communication. A fire- learning. Where are each one of you? of God, so the 450-plus corporate have now entered of which we were fore- ball would consume everything within “Now, here is this Babylon, and God calls us Churches of God have cast aside THE warned over many years by Jesus Christ 280 square miles.’ Now, this is only out of that in verse four, Revelation 18, ‘I UNACCEPTABLE RECORDED WORKS OF A through His late apostle, Mr. Herbert W. one bomb, 280 square miles, ‘in 10 sec- heard another voice from heaven say- PROVEN APOSTLE OF GOD while prefer- Armstrong. onds, followed by a blast wave that ing, COME OUT OF HER, my people.’ That’s ring to retain all or some of the here- Since the terrorists struck on 9-11-01, would flatten remaining structures out of this world’s church, which is really the sies taught by AN APOSTATE PASTOR-GEN- 1 America and Britain have lived in the fear of within 4 ⁄2 miles and severely damage church of Satan. ‘That ye be not partakers ERAL, while using human reason (Prov- further strikes by terrorists! other buildings doz- of HER sins, and that ye receive not of erbs 14:12; 16:25). Further, the witness of this ens of miles away. If HER plagues.’ History is repeating itself, as we find in the being the end-time is wher- the device exploded “SHE WILL PUNISH YOU IF YOU KEEP THE parallel of the time of the Book of Judges, the ever we care to look: the near the ground, SABBATH. THAT TIME IS COMING, AND YOU’RE bloodiest Book of the Old Testament: “Be- flooding of the Gulf with BP hundreds of tons of GOING TO HAVE TO STAND UP AND BE COUNT- cause there was no king in Israel; oil, the acceleration of debris, now highly ED. HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES? IT’S everyone did that which was right in earthquakes, volcanoes, radioactive, would GOING TO COST YOU MONEY. IT’S GOING TO their own eyes” (Judges 21:25). tornadoes, hurricanes, be thrown into the COST YOU EVERYTHING. WHERE ARE YOU God’s Church for the most part is asleep— floods, and drought (Mat- air, returning and GOING TO BE, BRETHREN? indifferent to the seriousness of these sober- thew 24:6-7). settling for days af- “Well, brethren, I just know we are in very ing times—and there seems to be no way to Though none of these terward as fine, perilous times in the very last days [II wake everyone up! If they place any real value have been destructive deadly ash. And the Timothy 3:1, 12-14] . . . I don’t like to have to on the hereafter, they would do well to awak- enough to devastate this long-term effects are come and talk this way and tell you about it. en and heed very seriously the following quot- nation, they are only a pre- as devastating as the I’d like to just tell you that everything is just ed writings of Mr. Armstrong: lude to what Jesus Christ said! “All these initial blast, if the device exploded on nice and easy and is going to be easy and “The Holy Spirit of God is given to those are the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew the ground, the surrounding area everything is just wonderful—and it will be! who have REPENTED of—TURNED FROM—sin 24:8). would be uninhabitable for decades.’ But I have to tell you the bad news is going to ... If we do not FOLLOW where God’s Spirit They are intended by Christ to wake us up “Now, imagine if that was New York City. come first. YOUR METTLE IS GOING TO BE TRIED, leads, the ‘lamp’—or its light (the Holy Spirit) to where we are in time while living with the This is only talking about one bomb on one city! BRETHREN! Are you going to come through?” leaves us” (Romans 8:14; John 16:13). ever-hovering threat of more frightening “ ‘The high radiation would kill (End of Quotes.) “YOU LET DOWN YOUR GUARD AND ALLOW dangers to life hanging over us! It is His most, if not all, of the local bird popu- The End-Time is Here! SATAN TO DECEIVE AND USE YOU when, once intent and desire that in the little time lation, allowing the exponential you have known the truth, repented, received remaining we find shelter under His wings of growth of radiation resistant insects. God led Moses (as He has Mr. Armstrong) God’s Spirit, started on GOD’S WAY, you take protective loving care. Radioactive particles would cause to forewarn the nation of Israel what would a step away from that way, begin to liberalize, This can only be done by returning to God Beta burns and kill plant life. Radio- happen to them in the LATER DAYS—first, the compromise with Satan” (Hebrews 6:4-8; with real repentance and to His true teach- active fallout would be carried into PRELUDE— then Nuclear Devastation! 10:26-31). ings, as taught by His late apostle, Mr. water supplies and aquifers through Note his prophetic words: “He, if deceived by Satan and used by him, Herbert W. Armstrong. They can be found in streams and lakes rendering drinking “For I know that after my death you is one who, like Lot’s wife, began to ‘look the book of his last writing, the original water unfit in many areas and many will become totally corrupt, and turn back’—even if just a little at first. He may have YSTERY OF THE AGES, and areas outside of the area of the city in unedited M aside from the way which I have com- been willing to compromise on a minor point. fully supported by His Holy Bible. which the bomb fell.’ And they know how manded you. And evil will befall you in Within the very next few years, or less, the to hit the target right on the nose today. He became a little ‘liberal’ on some point.” the LATTER DAYS, because you will do evil “Brethren, ministers and even chief evan- most frightening of all dangers that have been “ ‘Burn victims and the injured in the SIGHT of the LORD, to provoke foretold by Jesus Christ through His prophets would find the hospitals obliterated in gelists in God’s Church: ‘EXAMINE YOUR- Him to anger through the work of your SELVES to see whether you are holding will strike with fury. God’s apostle both wrote the blast and clogged with other vic- hands . . . and spoke of this in a very descriptive sermon tims. In short, society as we know it to your faith. Test YOURSELVES.’ ” “I will heap disasters upon them; I “For GOD IS NO RESPECTER of this befalling both America and Britain: would be taxed to its limit by a single will spend My arrows upon them. They blast and unable to function in the OF PERSONS. For if God shall be wasted with hunger, devoured spared not even the Excerpts from the Sermon— event of a minor nuclear attack.’ by pestilence and bitter destruction. I The Unthinkable Will Happen, “Now, that is just one nuclear bomb! ANGELS that sinned (II will send against them the teeth of Peter 2:4), He would by Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong, Just one nuclear bomb! ...And now, we beasts, with the poison of serpents of need to realize what’s prophesied, and it’s not no more spare YOU!”— June 19, 1982: the dust. The sword shall destroy out- Mr. Herbert W. Arm- going to be one city only, but many cities side; there shall be terror within for ell, brethren, . . . there is both good [Ezekiel 6:6; 12:20] . . . What would be left of strong, “Satan De- the young man and virgin, the nursing ceive and Use Me? “Wnews and bad news. And there is some the United States of America? THE NATION child with the man of gray hairs . . . wonderfully good news, clear beyond human WOULD BE GONE! “Oh, that they were wise, that they Never!!,” The comprehension coming, but there is some bad (The timing is now!) “And I think we understood this, that they would con- Worldwide News, 1980. news still completely beyond comprehension are going to be tried and tested in the next sider their LATTER END! . . . Vengeance is that is coming first. And God has told us TO MONTHS, this year, because SOME ARE PRE- Mine, and recompense; their foot shall My heartfelt plea to all is to please con- PREPARE for it and shown us how He is going DICTING A WORST DEPRESSION THAN EVER SLIP in due time; for the days of their to protect us, but THE UNTHINKABLE IS COMING HAPPENED! THE ECONOMY IS GOING TO TAKE calamity is at hand, and the things to sider where you now are—and where you should be. It could mean the difference ...” (Matthew 24:21-22; Luke 21:29-36). A TERRIBLE TAILSPIN NOW ECONOMICALLY come HASTEN upon them” (Deuteron- “[A] quotation from a former Harvard pro- AND UNEMPLOYMENT WILL GROW VERY omy 31:29; 32:23-25, 35). between life and death! Time is rapidly run- fessor who gave this report to the Plain GREAT AND IF THAT HAPPENS IT’S GOING TO “For they are a nation void of coun- ning out!!! Truth: SURVIVAL IS THE ONLY ISSUE THAT HIT GOD’S PEOPLE! sel, nor is there any understanding in Your caring friend and servant in Christ MATTERS NOW! The other issues pale into “And it’s a warning, and I have warned you. them” (Deuteronomy 32:28). Jesus our Lord and Savior, total insignificance if we don’t do any- I warned you a couple of years ago to Sadly this also applies to the many —Don Billingsley thing about it—that is the nuclear war tighten your belts and get ready for a threat—within 10 to 20 years we’ll all LOWER cost of living. Because you are The quotes above are intended for educational purposes only. Entire contents © 2010 The Church of God. All Rights be killed anyhow. not going to be able to ENJOY all of the Reserved. The copyright subsisting in material quoted in this publication and trademarks appearing in this publication “And most people don’t realize what the MATERIAL things and the GOOD LIVING you belong to the respective owners thereof, and no claim of ownership therein is made by The Church of God. hydrogen bomb will do! It seems that in tele- have had, and I tell you now once again,

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Critical Food Shortages or thousands of miles from food sources. the global food supply/demand situation back into balance. Stores have only an average of 72 hours of inventory on hand This never happened because the United States Department of Coming Very Soon! and very few families are capable of producing their own food, Agriculture (USDA), instead of adjusting production estimates so even a temporary shortage of food supplies could be cata- down to reflect decreased production, adjusted estimates By Alton “Don” Billingsley strophic. upwards to match increasing demand from China. In this way, hen I send against them [Israel] the terri- Previous generations lived much closer to the food supply or the USDA has brought supply and demand back into balance ble arrows of famine which shall be for grew their own vegetables and could therefore weather prob- (on paper) and temporarily delayed a rise in food prices by their destruction, and which I will send to lems in the food distribution chain. ensuring a catastrophe in 2010. [Bill] Heid [spokesman for Survival Seed Bank] explains why “ destroy you, I will INCREASE the famine Overconsumption is leading to disaster upon you and cut off your bread. So I will so many people now are focused on food independence and not just financial planning in the event of a collapse. sendW against you FAMINE and wild beasts, and they will It is absolutely key to understand that the production of bereave you . . . I, the LORD, have spoken” (Ezekiel 5:16-17). “In a real crisis, food will be more valuable than gold or sil- agricultural goods is a fixed, once-a-year cycle (or twice a year ver. When you’re hungry, gold or silver coins won’t always help in the case of double crops). The wheat, corn, soybeans and Pestilence follows Famine you, and the few people who have food may not be willing to other food staples are harvested in the fall/spring, and then that How many will die because of the Famine and Pestilence? trade for something which can’t be easily converted. Open pol- is it for production. It doesn’t matter how high prices go or how Scripture makes known the answer: “One-third of you shall linated seeds are truly the ultimate barter item in a meltdown. desperate people get, no new supply can be brought online It seems like folks are waking up to reality of some very dan- die of the pestilence, and be consumed by the FAMINE until the next harvest at the earliest. The supply must last until ...” (Ezekiel 5:12). gerous market conditions ahead.” the next harvest, which is why it is critical that food is cor- See also www.marketskeptics.com/. rectly priced to avoid overconsumption, otherwise food short- This means at least 100 million people will die in the United ______States alone. Are there strong indicators of the timing of the ages occur. approaching critical food shortages? It was said to me many ★ ★ ★ The USDA—by manufacturing the data needed to keep sup- years ago by Dr. Herman L. Hoeh that the thing of value in the 2010 Food Crisis for Dummies ply and demand in balance—has ensured that agricultural com- future will be food. And he was right! ★ ★ ★ modities are incorrectly priced, which has led to overconsump- We are very close to that time—closer than many may real- tion and has guaranteed disaster next year when supplies run out. ize! Though there have been many writings on this subject, I By Eric deCarbonnel An astounding lack of awareness intend to take excerpts from a couple of them to enable an hursday, December 17, 2009—If you read any economic, understanding of how serious the food scarcity is coming to be Tfinancial, or political analysis for 2010 that doesn’t mention The world is blissfully unaware that the greatest econom- and how close it is to us. the food shortage looming next year, throw it in the trash, as it ic/financial/political crisis ever is a few months away. While it is is worthless. There is overwhelming, undeniable evidence that understandable that the general public has no knowledge of Government cover-up of food shortage the world will run out of food next year. When this happens, the what is headed their way, that same ignorance on the part of feared—Reports show demand growing, resulting triple digit food inflation will lead panicking central professional analysts, economists, and other highly paid finan- production declines estimated at 30% banks around the world to dump their foreign cial “experts” is mind boggling, as Posted: January 10, 2010, © 2010 WorldNetDaily: reserves to appreciate their currencies and lower it takes only the tiniest bit of the cost of food imports, causing the collapse of research to realize something hile trend experts, economists and investment gurus the dollar, the treasury market, derivative mar- is going critically wrong in have been predicting food shortages for some time, new kets, and the global financial system. The U.S. agricultural market. Wevidence indicates the U.S. Department of Agriculture may be will experience economic disintegration. covering up the greatest food shortage in modern history. The MYSTERY OF The 2010 Food Crisis Means THE AGES Beginning in 2009, global agricultural markets faced a supply Financial Armageddon and demand imbalance, caused by a substantial drop in output If we really believe that Mr. resulting from the financial crisis and extreme weather around Over the last two years, the world has faced Herbert W. Armstrong was God’s the world. a series of unprecedented financial crises: the apostle, and the promised Elijah, At the same time, growing economies in Asia have begun collapse of the housing market, the freezing of then it is incumbent for each of consuming record amounts of raw goods, particularly food sta- the credit markets, the failure of Wall Street us to USE this original unedit- ples as consumers move to higher protein, higher calorie diets. brokerage firms (Bear Stearns/Lehman Broth- ed book with the Scriptures to When supplies are reduced and demand is constant or growing, ers), the failure of Freddie Mac and Fannie keep free from the very strong prices normally rise. Industry observers and economists re- Mae, the failure of AIG, Iceland’s economic deception that continues to be mained mystified by the low agricultural prices in spite of this collapse, the bankruptcy of the major auto upon the 450-plus Corporate trend. manufacturers (General Motors, Ford, and Churches of God. One analyst, Eric deCarbonnel from MarketSkeptics.com, Chrysler), etc. In the face of all these chal- This Book will also enable the believes the answer is found in data he believes the U.S. lenges, the demise of the dollar, derivative mar- scattered members to know Department of Agriculture has manipulated to keep food kets, and the modern international system of where the Congregation is that prices low. credit has been repeatedly forecast and feared. Jesus Christ is yet using to do His “Instead of adjusting production estimates down to reflect However, all these doomsday scenarios have so end-time Work via our 14 web- decreased production, [the USDA] adjusted estimates upwards far been proved false, and, despite tremendous sites with the Recorded Works of God’s late apostle and the to match increasing demand from China. In this way, the chaos and losses, the global financial system has held together. promised Elijah to come on them. USDA has brought supply and demand back into balance (on The 2010 Food Crisis is different. It is THE CRISIS, the one To read and view many of the recorded works (restored teach- paper) and temporarily delayed a rise in food prices by ensuring that makes all doomsday scenarios come true. The government ings), please go to our following website: http://www.herbert- a catastrophe in 2010,” he said. bailouts and central bank interventions, which have held the warmstrong.us/. DeCarbonnel points out that across the Midwest United financial world together during the last two years, will be pow- States, many counties already have been declared federal disas- erless to prevent the 2010 Food Crisis from bringing the glob- The Philadelphia Remnant ter areas, which is defined by a decrease in crop production of al financial system to its knees. at least one type by 30 percent or more. Hundreds of other To continually be informed of the warnings that are com- counties across the country have experienced crop failures of Financial crisis will kick into high gear ing much closer together and the destruction that is soon to strike the nations of Israel, and the Church of God, we offer 10–20 percent, not enough to qualify as federal disaster areas So far the crisis has been driven by the slow and steady but still contributing to the overall poor harvest. freely a subscription to our bi-monthly magazine. It can also be increase in defaults on mortgages and other loans. This is about In some states, including Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas read on our website (www.cog-ff.com). to change. What will drive the financial crisis in 2010 will be and Alabama, the majority of counties have been declared dis- The Three Elijahs aster areas, and yet the USDA is predicting record harvests. panic about food supplies and the dollar’s plunging value. DeCarbonnel’s conclusion is that the government is inten- Things will start moving fast. Though the first 14 updated chapters of the proposed book tionally covering up the nature of the food shortage because if Dynamics Behind 2010 Food Crisis of The Three Elijahs can still be read in serial form on our the public realized the true extent of the crisis and/or prices website (www.cog-ff.com), hopefully the complete book will be rose dramatically, economies could collapse and governments Early in 2009, the supply and demand in agricultural mar- available to read in its entirety in the near future. could fall. kets went badly out of balance. The world experienced a cata- God had ample reason for these three men to have the same He’s not alone in his claims, as researchers around the world strophic fall in food production as a result of the financial cri- name as Elijah—though John and Mr. Armstrong had their own are now publishing similar accusations. sis (low commodity prices and lack of credit) and adverse names, they were “. . . to go forth before Him (Jesus Christ) Consumers in the United States are responding to the latest weather on a global scale. Meanwhile, China and other Asian in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:16-17). The revelations with an unprecedented private-sector emergency exporters, in an effort to preserve their economic growth, were identity of the end-time Elijah is proven with Biblical proof preparedness plan. Websites such as SurvivalSeedBank. unleashing domestic consumption long constrained by infla- and by his fruits. com are struggling to keep up with orders as people tion fears, and demand for raw materials, especially food sta- make plans to go “off-grid” in pursuit of food indepen- ples, exploded as Chinese consumers worked their way towards The quotes and pictures above are intended for educational purposes only. Entire dence . . . American-style overconsumption, prodded on by a flood of contents © 2009 The Church of God. All Rights Reserved. The copyright subsisting in Survival experts also note that one of the real risks of the cheap credit and easy loans from the government. material quoted in this publication and trademarks appearing in this publication belong to the respective owners thereof and no claim of ownership therein is made current crisis is that consumers have become dependent on Normally food prices should have already shot higher by The Church of God. just-in-time delivery systems and retail stores that are hundreds months ago, leading to lower food consumption and bringing

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Passover Symbols of the New Covenant

Our Peace We Give to You

April 3, 2010 special thing to happen in the life of a embedded throughout the bible: here a lit- mands. Christ has made it abundantly t has been a little over 10 years since human being. The Father decides who tle, there a little, precept upon precept, clear that He desires His bride to be fol- I last addressed the symbols of the will be a candidate for marriage to His precept upon precept, line upon line. lowing them as He instituted them. We I New Covenant Passover, which son and thus be trained as to how to func- For those who are called of the Father are not to add to or take away from them. Christ instituted the night prior to His tion in those responsibilities in the house- are called to a very specific road to walk. We will be covering a lot of ground on death. We covered them in a study enti- hold of God. That phase of the plan of It is well defined when we are allowed to the symbol of foot washing as part of our tled “Baptisms of God” back in March of salvation and the building of the God understand it as we are drawn near to our responsibilities of keeping the Passover 2000. My thoughts have been focusing family is rehearsed each year with the Savior. It is a difficult path, which goes of this New Covenant in a worthy man- on writing this article and addressing this keeping of Passover, days of Unleavened contrary to this world secularly and spir- ner. So many today misunderstand its subject anew since this past Passover ser- Bread, and the feast of Pentecost. The itually. It is not defined or illuminated in primary intent. It is an annual gift given vice the other day. symbolism and meaning of each are truly the trappings of man’s governments or to the body of Christ which rejuvenates There was a time, many years ago, awesome in scope. religions. Those are just some of the rea- our relationship in Christ’s body as well when I belonged to a church organiza- The Father and the Son are in place in sons why we are instructed that many are as with the Father. It is a crucial under- tion. That organization had doctrinal the household of God, and after the pat- called and few chosen. standing as to our relationship with our paths it required its members to comply tern of creation we see a bride being The plan of salvation and the building Husband. with and follow. Of course that could be called and chosen to occupy the next of the family are rehearsed each year in Let’s first establish some very simple said of most every other religious organi- function in the family structure. Christ the keeping of the annual holy days or biblical facts about ourselves. zation. If you want to play in our sandbox had to suffer to qualify to occupy His feasts of the Lord, which are actually 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, “For you see you need to play by our rules and as we function in the family, and so does the appointed times of meeting. They were your calling, brethren, that not many direct you. When we allow such lordship bride as well. Being the bride is not an given to us as annual reminders of that wise according to the flesh, not many to come between ourselves and our easy role to qualify for. Scriptures remind plan so we could keep focused on our mighty, not many noble are called. But Savior and Head of the body, we separate us of this when we read them and under- part in it and our relationship with God. God has chosen (to be called) the foolish ourselves from His direction and allow a stand the pattern of such things. “Many This plan starts off with the keeping of things of the world to put to shame the benefactor of sorts to come between us. are called but few chosen” should res- Passover and the events and responsibil- wise, and God has chosen the weak Christ often teaches us that such behavior things of the world to put to shame the and relationships are not conducive to things which are mighty, and the base being a member of His body. Orga- things of the world and the things which nizations of men which attempt to have His death resulted in my opportunity are despised God has chosen (to be dominion over our faith and thus our for forgiveness and life. That is something called), and the things which are not, to actions in Christ are to be avoided. to be very happy about, and that is the bring to nothing the things that are, that I remember well my first Passover ser- no flesh should glory in His presence. vice in that organization. It always fol- way He wants us to function. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who lowed the same routine year after year. became for us wisdom from God, and We were cautioned to refrain from com- righteousness and sanctification and municating with one another before, dur- redemption, that as it is written, he who ing and after it. To smile at another was onate in our minds. God implies no threat ities leading up to it. glories let him glory in the Lord.” not acceptable behavior, for this was a here when stating such things but rather Scriptures clearly tell us the Passover Let’s give this a little thought here. somber event. As time went on I would makes it clear it is difficult to qualify for of the Lord is kept during the 14th of the Should there be any reason after reading often think to myself how disturbing because of the awesome responsibilities first month, which is Abib. It is to be kept this that someone would doubt the fact such somber conduct must have been to it will entail. with all its ordinances in that day as that God says, “Many are called but few our Lord. Yes, it is true we were sad that It is not talking about salvation, for Leviticus 23:37 instructs us. “These are chosen”? It would seem the Father has our Lord and Savior was required to die that is a gift, which God will offer to all the feasts of the LORD which you shall stacked the deck against Himself and the for our sins and not His, for He had none, mankind at one time or another. That proclaim to be holy convocations, to successful outcome of His plan. Look at but I used to think of how happy and “gift” is not being offered to “all” at this offer an offering made by fire to the those who are called. Not wise, not blessed I am for Him doing so. That was time and in this phase of the plan. LORD, a burnt offering and a grain offer- mighty, not noble, foolish, weak, base, exhilarating to me! He died once for my Everything has its time and place. The ing, a sacrifice and drink offerings, ev- and nothing. sins and I mourned once for Him doing biblical pattern clearly shows us that, if erything on its day.” Since God clearly We need to understand who we are so, but now I wish to acknowledge His someone who is called by the Father at states the Passover of the Lord is to be and where we came from. Scriptures death for the very purpose He undertook this time is not chosen to be part of the kept in the 14th day of the first month reveal to us that out of the many that are it for and not focus on the gruesomeness bride of Christ, they are not to suffer any throughout the scriptures, then that called only 144,000 will be chosen by of it. His death resulted in my opportuni- shame or take it as a possible loss of sal- means everything associated with it is to Christ to be His bride. That certainly ty for forgiveness and life. That is some- vation. In Proverbs 31:10-31 we are happen in that 24 hour day starting from speaks volumes and certainly consists of thing to be very happy about, and that is given the resume of the bride of Christ. It sunset on the end of the 13th to sunset at just a “few” in context of the number the way He wants us to function. is a very difficult task to perform. the end of the 14th. That is a biblical day. who are actually called over the millen- Jesus the Christ is my Savior in spite In verse 29 we are told that “Many Many years ago I put together a very nia. Brethren, it is a tough field to plow of myself and the stupid things I contin- daughters have done well, but you excel lengthy study on this subject of the without the assistance of being yoked to ue to do at times. He is also my spiritual them all.” Oh, yes, there are definitely Passover of the Lord, and it is available Christ. We need to read the scriptures and husband whom I have been betrothed to. qualifying standards which are to be met on the web site as well as in tape version, believe them to get the hope we need to That applies to every one of us who are to occupy the function of the bride, the so I will not be addressing a lot of histor- do so. He confirms to us that He will help called to be a member of His body. He wife, the mother in the household of God. ical/scriptural facts about it in this study. us to grow far beyond being foolish, has opened our minds to understandings But notice how God looks upon those They are already in print. However, I will weak, base and unwise to the extent that that most human beings have never expe- who do not make the cut. These other be focusing on many biblical and scrip- our growth will put to shame the things rienced. Just think, we have been called daughters have done well! That is not tural facts about the symbols we have which are mighty, noble and wise. by the Father (John 6:44, 65). The Father something to be ashamed of but rather been given to keep the Passover of the Some have asked: How in the world calls us to His son. That is a very, very encouraged by. The pattern of all this is Lord under the New Covenant com- CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE verse 39. This entire process is applied wash away or off. It is important we un- a lesson in humility, and that is one of its can He accomplish such a task with me? only to those who are called. God is not derstand that the words used in Scripture purposes but not the main purpose. If we I don’t have to go beyond myself to calling everyone at this time in the plan. are inspired of God. They are used to look to Scripture we can find foot wash- understand what weak and base and fool- That is not a misprint! This part of the form patterns, which in turn become doc- ing referenced as far back as Genesis. It ish represented. My life’s actions prior to plan of salvation has a very specifically trines. Our sins are washed away at bap- was a function used for greeting a wel- conversion, and to some extent after- defined purpose, and it is not for every- tism. The question can be asked if we comed guest, friend, etc., into your home. wards, are a dictionary definition of them. one. It is for the purpose of the Father stay sin-free after that. The answer is, no, The pattern is simple to follow. It was also The answer to the question, however, drawing candidates close to His son so we don’t, but we have to improve as we used for a very defined purpose, which we is found in the understanding of the plan He, the Son, can select or choose a bride grow. Christ has actually put a specific will see. In Hebrew and Jewish society it of salvation and the doctrines of God. from them. The bride must be in place in function in place in the life of His bride- was a task to be performed by the lowest God instructs us that we are to grow in the household before the family can grow to-be, to deal with that recurrence of sin. ranking servant of the household, thus the the grace and knowledge of our Lord larger after the pattern of creation. We He has done so for the express purpose of reason for much of the exchange between Jesus Christ. Here in verse 30 we are will see from Christ’s own words that it being able to present her to Himself. Peter and Christ: told, “But in Him you are in Christ Jesus, is not for “all” at this time. Once again I Ephesians 5:22-27, “Wives, submit “Then He came to Simon Peter. And who became for us wisdom from God, reiterate that “Many are called but few (willing yield) to your own husbands as Peter said to Him, Lord, are you washing and righteousness and sanctification and chosen” does not refer to salvation. to the Lord. (Just as we are not to allow my feet?” redemption.” Let’s take a look at the first or initial anyone to come between ourselves and Peter understood the menial nature of “ordinance” in the journey of the bride. It our spouse, we are not to allow another to the task being performed here as to soci- Thank you, Father! is called baptism. The word for baptized come between ourselves and our spiritu- ety. He was confused as to why Christ The Father and the Son have set a plan in verse 38 is a Greek word, baptizo, al husband, Jesus the Christ.) For the would lower Himself to do so. and a way in place for us in which we can #907 in the Strong’s Concordance. It husband is head of the wife, as also Jesus replied to Him, “What I am leave our past behind and grow into a very simply means to “baptize as in the ordi- Christ is head of the church; and He is the doing, you (meaning all the disciples) do different person who can gain wisdom, nance.” It is a verb and references dip- Savior of the body. (The second Adam not understand now but you will know understand right from wrong, and be set ping in completely. It is used in the New and second Eve.) after this.” apart, sanctified, through Jesus Christ. Covenant Scriptures of the act of baptism “Therefore just as the church is subject Did Christ mean right after He fin- To understand this let’s take it from the and of washing. We will see the two are to Christ so the wives to their own hus- ished? Apparently not, for we read in beginning. The journey starts when we are inseparable functions in the life of one bands in everything. (No muckety- Luke 22:24 the following account just called by the Father. We need not ask why, who is called and converted to the way of mucks’ interference.) after the same time frame: “But there was for we just read the reason. To postulate on God at this time. “Husbands, love your wives, just as rivalry among them as to which of them why after that would reek of false humili- At baptism we are washed clean of our Christ loved the church and gave Himself should be considered the greatest.” ty. We were clearly told we were nothing past sins if we have truly repented. We for it (the first Adam certainly did not do Two things are very important to un- to boast about, so let’s get over it. When die to them as we are submerged into the that for the first Eve. He threw her under derstand here in this context. Christ goes we are called by the Father we are drawn symbolic watery grave. It is the blood of the bus, so to speak), that He might sanc- on to correct them and instruct them on to His son for a purpose. The Son will Christ applied to us at that time which tify and cleanse it with the washing of how they should function in that regard, evaluate if we are going to be a compati- allows us to be forgiven. Now, does that water by the word, that He might present and, secondly, it is shortly after the Pass- ble helpmate for Himself for the rest of mean at that point we become wise, it to Himself a glorious church, not hav- over symbols were given and taken. eternity. Not a thing to be unsure of, is it? mighty and noble? Absolutely not! This ing spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but But back to John and the simple lesson Christ will use His powers and abilities in humility. As we read, Christ instructed through His spirit to assist us in the neces- them to do as He had done. Verse 12, “So sary training and growth, to either accom- What an awesome Savior and Husband when He had washed their feet, taken His plish the task or not. We begin to under- we have. He will never leave nor garments, and sat down again, He said to stand simple truths we never understood them, do you know (understand) what I before. We gain a basic understanding of forsake us. It is we who do the leaving have done to you?” what is right and wrong according to God and the forsaking, not Him. Of course this was a rhetorical ques- and not men. He leads us to living waters. tion, for He knew they did not and He We gain a deeper understanding about our was using it to set up an opportunity to present actions and those we have walked instruct them. in. This understanding leads us to see our is only the point at which we have be- it should be holy and without blemish.” Verses 13-16: “You call Me Teacher errors, and we are grieved with what we come a clean vessel and are able to host What an awesome Savior and Hus- and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. have done. We come to understand that the spirit of God. Christ made that all band we have. He will never leave nor If I then, Lord and Teacher, have washed our past actions required the death of our possible. We are then infants in the Lord, forsake us. It is we who do the leaving your feet, you also ought to wash one new friend. We wish to change from them babes in Christ. We are inexperienced in and the forsaking, not Him. another’s feet. For I have given you an and ask God to forgive us and help us to God’s way and not able to stand on our When we trip and stumble after bap- example that you should do as I have change, to become a good son or daughter own two feet spiritually speaking. We tism, how are we washed again so we can done to you. Most assuredly I say to you, of the Father and a loyal and trustworthy need a lot of the milk of the word to be without spot and without blemish, and a servant is not greater than his master; partner for the Son. We want to grow in strengthen us. We are also in need of a the wrinkles of sin, so that we can be pre- nor is He who is sent greater than He Him, and through Him glorify our Fa- sanctuary to be able to grow in. The great sentable to Him as we grow in His grace who sent Him.” ther’s name. Yes, we come to repentance, ones of the organizations try to convince and knowledge? The lesson being taught here is to the true repentance, before God. us that they are that sanctuary. That, brethren, is answered in the members of the body of Christ. Regard- We are now ready for the process to The true sanctuary is the body of Gospel of John. John wanted to leave us less of how they are placed in the body, continue and ready for the commitment Christ, which He is the head of. We are all with a very clear understanding of this with whatever gifts they may have, they of our lives. not to look for an earthly sanctuary, for process put in place by Christ to which are not greater than the Head and are not Peter sums it up in Acts 2:38-39: His purpose is not of flesh and blood. we conduct ourselves once a year prior to greater than one another. We are to all be “Then Peter said to them, repent and let Other members of the body are to tend to our renewal of our vows and commit- willing and able to assist and help the rest everyone of you be baptized in the name us, to help us to grow so we can get ments to our Husband. It is truly an awe- of the body in all things regardless of of Jesus Christ for the remission (for- beyond the use of just the milk of the some understanding and doctrine in the how menial the task or function may giveness) of sins; and you shall receive word. Yes, they help us to grow to the body of Christ. Many understand part of appear to be. We can and have followed the gift of the holy spirit. For the promise fullness and stature of Christ. the process, but there are few who under- this pattern through Scripture often, but is to you and to your children (descen- We are to be aware that there are many stand the true importance of the function that is not the primary focus of what we dants) and to all who are afar off, as pitfalls in the process, which are de- we call foot washing. are looking at here in John as to the many as the Lord our God will call.” scribed in the parable of the sower and its In John 13 we read about some very importance of the foot washing function The process of being called first leads subsequent explanation by Christ. Many vital ordinances and functions associated at Passover and the washing of the bride. to repentance. Then comes baptism into have started the race and many of have with the New Covenant Passover of the We are going to see how important this the name of Jesus Christ and the forgive- failed to finish it. Lord. function or ordinance is to the well-being ness of sins. Then we are given God’s In Acts 22:16 we read, “And now why In verse 15 Christ states, “For I have of the bride and the body of Christ and holy spirit to help us grow in grace and are you waiting? Arise and be baptized given you an example, that you should do the plan of salvation. It is not for every- knowledge. Yes, we are now ready to (#907, baptizo), and wash away your as I have done to you.” A simple and clear one at this time but only those who are grow in the things of God. Many who sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” command. Christ is talking about the foot called of the Father and working dili- read these verses contain their thoughts Wash here is apolouo, #628 (from 575 washing He had just performed on the dis- gently within their personal relationship to what is said in verse 38 and overlook and 3068) and means to wash fully, or ciples. Today it is commonly looked at as CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE ing part of the body.” righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid bers of His body. They use those gifts to with Christ as their Husband. One does not replace the other. We food is for those full grown, having exer- edify or build up one another. The This is not talking about a somber were all fully washed at baptism. How- cised the faculties through habit, for dis- stronger strengthen the weaker until they event here. It is actually a very exhilarat- ever, we do continue to stumble through- tinguishing both good and bad. Therefore are able to support themselves and oth- ing time. Verse 17, “If you know these out our life after that. We are a work in leaving the discourse of the beginning of ers. Ephesians 4:7-8 and 11-16 give us a things, happy (in a blessed way) are you progress. Christ has mercifully given us a Christ, let us be borne on to full growth, vivid description of the process. Let’s if you do them.” method to wash ourselves of the sins we not laying down again a foundation of pick it up in verse 11. That is not what I was taught by my have walked, or I might say tripped repentance from dead works, and faith “And He himself gave some (gifts of overlords early on. I was taught the exact through, after our initial full cleansing. toward God, of baptisms, of teaching, of function) apostles, some prophets, some opposite. I was to keep my mouth shut We are able to be washed again each year laying on of hands, and of resurrection of evangelists, and some pastors and teachers and go through the motions as expres- at the start of the Passover service. The dead ones, and of eternal judgment. (not to have dominion over the body of sionless as possible. File into a room and body of Christ in all humility performs “And this we will do, if indeed God Christ), for the equipping of the saints, for mechanically wash someone else’s feet this outward function, and then Christ the permits.” the work of ministering, for the building and mechanically walk out and sit down internal one. We are completely clean There comes a time in our Christian up of the body of Christ, till we all come for the next somber function of the way once again just prior to internalizing the growth when our Husband expects us to to the unity of the faith and the knowledge they kept the Passover service. body and blood of our Savior. move beyond being bottle-fed and to dine of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the Growing in the grace and knowledge of This is why He tells us to be happy in with Him one on one at the table, eating measure of the stature of the fullness of our Lord will set us free from such things. doing so. What a blessing when we come the solid food He has prepared for us. Christ; that we should no longer be chil- We are to be happy to wash one another’s to this understanding of the truth of this This process is very visible in Scrip- dren, tossed to and fro and carried about feet, and there is a big reason why and simple function. This understanding is ture as it relates to the pattern in creation by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery when we understand what it is we will lost to many who are under the dominion itself. It does not happen overnight. It is of men, in the cunning craftiness by which never look at it the same ever again. of another man. a process that takes time, for it is a matur- they lie in wait to deceive, but by speaking Why? John 13:8, “Peter said to Him If you have never heard this doctrine of ing process, a growth process. During the truth in love, may grow up in all things you shall never wash my feet! Jesus God before, you should be jumping for our initial growth we learn about all the into Him who is the Head, Christ, from answered him, if I do not wash you, you joy. Just think, you have been completely basic or beginning doctrines of Christ. whom the whole body, joined and knit have no part with Me.” unleavened by our Christ entering into We internalize them and understand them together by what every joint supplies, Did we just get that? Look at the the 7 days of UB and the 50 day count to so that we are spiritually aware of their according to the effective working, by incredible significance and importance Pentecost. That is one of the very reasons meaning and intent in our lives and in the which every part does its share, causes Christ just placed on this function we are my family and I have all leaven out of our plan of salvation. growth of the body for the edifying (or to do to one another as He did. If Christ homes on the 14th of Abib for it is the We are not talking about the household building or growing) of itself in love.” does not wash our feet, we have no part physical symbolism of what Christ has rules of God here, which are the Ten This pattern and process are shown with (or in) Him. That is staggering to and is doing for us prior to the 15th and Commandments, for that is something repeatedly throughout the Scriptures. It is think about. Many today reject the sim- the start of the feast of Unleavened Bread. we comprehend from the very beginning one of love and loyalty to the family of plicity of the foot washing function, let Christ will never leave nor forsake us. He so we are aware of what we are repenting God. As we grow and mature into it we alone anything of greater importance in keeps His promises whether we know of prior to baptism. become more aware of the other mem- its being conducted. Just a lesson in them or not. He will sanctify us and Here we are talking about specific bers of that spiritual body and we assist in humility, not quite, as we will see. their growth as we are placed in the body How does Christ wash our feet today? until they also can do the same for others. Through the members of His body, His I personally feel that the lesson It is through this process that we learn called-out ones, His church. We are all about the responsibilities of the bride of one with Him. If we do it to one, we do it taught in Hebrews 5:12 through 6:3 Christ in the household of God the Father. to all. When one part hurts we all hurt. It is one of paramount importance It is a qualifying process. It is not for is vital to understand that only baptized everyone at this time, as we will clearly individuals are to participate in the foot to the bride of Christ. see if we have not done so already. washing. It is a function vital to our spir- Let’s go back now to Hebrews 6:2 and itual health and well-being. learn about a doctrine which needs to be Remember the context here as to the cleanse us with the washing of water by doctrines enumerated in 6:1-2. When the understood before we can move on to a function Christ is instituting and that we the word that He might present us to time comes in our growing that we are deeper understanding of our relationship will be without spot or blemish, and that Himself a glorious church (ekklesia, proficient in them, then God makes a with our Husband. Scripture calls it one we do and will sin after baptism, but #1577, from ek, “out of,” and klessia, “a decision to allow us to go beyond that of the elementary or beginning doctrines. hopefully not of a willful nature, for then calling” or called out) not having spot or intermediate stage and onto full growth. It is called “baptisms.” What will strike there is no sacrifice left, as Hebrews 6:4- wrinkle or any such thing, but that it Christ allows us to partake of the knowl- many is the use of the plural here. That is 6 tells us. should be holy and without blemish. edge of the fullness of God as it pertains no mistranslation. But the pattern in John 13:9-10, “Simon Peter said to It appears to me that this entire process to the calling of the bride at this time. We Scripture clearly tells us we are baptized Him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my of Christ washing His bride of all sin and begin to understand that we are called for only once. Ephesians 4:4-5 tells us, hands and my head! Jesus said to him, he leaven after baptism and prior to the a very specific purpose in the household. “There is one body, and one spirit, just as who is bathed needs only to wash his renewal of her vows to Him at Passover At that time we enter into a truly eternal you were called in one hope of your call- feet, but is completely clean; and you are each year is a mystery to most. It in actu- commitment with our Husband, we with ing, one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” clean, but not all of you.” ality is quite a simple and yet a perfectly Him and He with us. It is one that gives So what does this mean? Is there a Two very clear statements here. The complete system of doing so. It should us a full understanding of who we are contradiction in scripture to what we obvious one is the last part of the sen- not be a mystery to the members of His and what our responsibilities are and the understand as one baptism? tence in verse 10: “and you are clean but body, His glorious church, or as the promises we are in actuality claiming. Baptism here is baptisma, #908. It is not all of you.” Greek word ekklesia means, “called out.” There is no turning back, as verses 4-6 from baptizo, #907, and is the process of The Interlinear has verse 10 right as to The book of Hebrews contains some clearly tell us: immersion or submersion and is describ- grammar and punctuation. The NKJ does incredible lessons for us all. I personally “For it is impossible for those who ing the ordinance of baptism or fully not. It should read as follows, “Jesus said feel that the lesson taught in chapter 5:12 were once enlightened and have tasted washing by submersion under water. So to him, the one having been bathed (fully through 6:3 is one of paramount impor- the heavenly gift, and have become par- if there is one baptism why does washed) has no need other than to wash tance to the bride of Christ. It teaches us takers of the holy spirit, and have tasted Hebrews 6:2 state there is a doctrine of the feet but is wholly clean. And you are about our journey from being an infant in the good word of God and the powers of baptisms? The answer is very simple if clean but not all.” Christ to entering a stage of growth, the age to come, if they fall away to we believe God and the words He left us The last sentence is in regard to Judas which will in essence allow us to grow in renew them again to repentance, since in the Scriptures. and is not applied to any substance of the grace and knowledge as a spiritual adult. they crucify again for themselves the Son The Greek word used for baptisms in lesson of the foot washing ordinance. From the Interlinear Bible: “For indeed of God, and put to an open shame.” Hebrews 6:2 is baptismos, #909. Vine’s Verse 11 teaches that for clarification. because of the time you are due to be Very sobering words to consider. tells us it denotes the act of washing, So Christ tells us we have been bathed. teachers, you need to have someone to Christ will give us the strength we need ablutions (religious functions), with spe- That is the Greek word iouo, #3068. It is teach you again the rudiments of the to complete our journey if we do not cial reference to purification. That is very a prime verb meaning to bath the whole beginning of the oracles (scriptures) of allow another to come between us and significant, and so is the fact this is the person. Vine’s tells us it is used to distin- God, and you have become in need of Him. He is our Husband, and there is no only place in Scripture that it is translat- guish the act from washing of feet, which milk, and not solid food; for everyone par- room for a go-between or a benefactor of ed as “baptisms” to the best of my is the Greek word nipto, #3538, “wash- taking of milk is not skilled in the word of any type. Christ gives gifts to the mem- CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE chapter involving lots of correction. they were doing and his correction of it into such stupid and careless actions as knowledge. The other occurrences are Maybe it will take on a new significance and not to do so, he continues in verse 22: this. We will see that it has resulted in the translated “washings.” Does that set off for us after what we have reviewed to “What! Do you not have houses to eat sickness and death of many brethren who the doctrinal bells and whistles? I hope date so far in this study. and drink in! Or do you despise the had been called. Paul now will also teach we all got that and are processing it as to Lets start in 17-19. “Now in giving church of God and shame those who have us how we are to avoid such deceived what we have been talking about. What is these instructions I do not praise (talking nothing! What shall I say to you? Shall I behavior prior to Passover on a personal Christ doing to His church to present it to about what he had said prior to this), praise you in this? I do not praise.” basis and to evaluate our relationship Himself? since you come together not for the bet- Well, that’s pretty clear. He was dis- with our Husband who desires to present Vine’s goes on to tell us that bap- ter but for the worst (church gatherings). gusted by their conduct and this factional us to Himself without spot or wrinkle. tismos, “washings,” is distinct from bap- For first of all, when you come together doctrine. They were not to come together Verses 28-30, “But let a man examine tisma (the actual ordinance of baptism) as a church, I hear there are divisions as a church to eat any meal, let alone one himself and so let him eat of bread and and is used of ceremonial washing of among you, and in part I believe it. For called the lord’s supper. This is very drink of cup. For he who eats and drinks articles, etc. Are we to wash articles there must be factions among you, that important, for there are many today who unworthily eats and drinks judgment to under the terms of the New Covenant? those who are approved may be recog- are being turned to this same factional himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. No, we are not. Under the terms of the nized (made evident) among you.” error of doctrine. Paul will now go on For this reason many are weak and sick First Covenant those who entered the We have just read in John how doc- and teach the Corinthian church some among you, and many sleep (are dead).” inner portions of the temple were to wash trine will do just that. Here Paul is telling very lifesaving instructions. These are very sobering instructions themselves as well as their clothes. us that the Corinthian church has doctri- The first is about the Passover and from Paul. They are not my opinion but Brethren, Vine’s is correct that this nal divisions. how and what they are to internalize and clear biblical statements from Scripture. I word means washings here in Hebrews Verse 20, “Therefore when you come even when they are to do so. have heard preachers make light of such 6:2. We need to ask ourselves what these together in one place (to keep the Pass- Verses 23-26, “For I received from the things, stating they are something com- washings are. It is obvious to me it is the over), it is not to eat the lord’s supper.” Lord that which I also delivered to you; pletely different in manner, especially ordinance of foot washing, for it is not a It should be abundantly clear that Paul that the Lord Jesus in the night in which when it comes to the use of “unworthily” one-time function but recurs prior to tak- is correcting an error in doctrine here. He He was betrayed took bread; and when here by Paul. This pattern of being wor- ing the Passover symbols of bread and is addressing one of the faction’s errors! He had given thanks, He broke it and thy and unworthy as it pertains to the wine once a year, year after year. It is an They are actually coming together to eat said, take eat, this is My body which is bride is placed throughout Scripture. extension of our original baptism but not something called a lord’s supper. His broken for you; do this in remembrance Matthew 22 tells us about the wedding a full washing, for we are not in need of clear instructions here state they are not of Me. In the same manner also the cup supper. If we read verse 8, we will clear- such. We are in need only of cleaning off to be doing so. The actual Greek as it was after supper, saying, this cup is the New ly see this concept of worthy and unwor- the part of our body which has walked in written before English grammar is added Covenant in My blood. This do as often thy reiterated again in context. sin on our journey through the year. Christ reads, “Coming together, then you to- as you drink in remembrance of Me. For We can eat and drink in an unworthy has put into place an annual function or gether, not it is of the lord a supper to as often as you eat this bread and drink manner. It is not just talking about the mechanism in which we can wash away eat.” That is the true translation and this cup, you proclaim the Lords death type of food or format here. That is why the spots and blemishes year after year. meaning made very clear. Let’s read on till He comes.” Paul tells us to examine ourselves prior to Let’s not fool ourselves either, for we and see what this factional doctrine We are to take the bread and the wine Passover. We need to understand what our do walk in some sin during the year. relationship with our Savior is before we Once again we hopefully do not do so in renew our vows with Him at Passover. We a willful way, however. The symbolism need to evaluate ourselves and our con- is incredible as to this function of doc- There are folks who call themselves duct since the last time we partook of trine of washings. There is a lot to it, as Christians who actually allow their them. We need to recognize that we are we will continue to see. children to participate in the foot washing not perfect and can’t be on our own and Some have told me that there are folks acknowledge that Christ was, is and will who call themselves Christians who keep ordinance. This, brethren, is not to be. always be ready to help us get washed the Passover and actually allow their clean of the errors we have stumbled in, children to participate in the foot wash- the sin or leaven, which has fouled us in ing ordinance. This, brethren, is not to be. part. That should be of immense encour- Only baptized members of the body of entailed. They were supposed to be com- and eat and drink them on Passover. We agement to each and every one of us. Christ are to participate in the foot wash- ing together to keep the New Covenant are not to eat a big seder meal! We are Christ is prepared to wash us prior to ing and in the internalizing of the bread Passover service as Christ did, as verses also to conduct this remembrance on the internalizing his body and blood. It is a and wine. Just think of what the prereq- 23-26 will clearly show us. same night that Christ did, not the next function of humility for us and one of uisite of baptism is. Being called by the Verse 21, “For in eating (this lord’s day in the afternoon and certainly not on vital spiritual significance for ourselves Father and, as Acts 2:38 tells us, repen- supper), each one takes his own supper the next night, which is a completely dif- and the entire body of Christ. Do not let tance! How does a child understand ahead of others; and one is hungry and ferent feast day with a different lesson to anyone step between you and Christ and about the repentance from dead works another is drunk.” be taught. These are very simple instruc- try to water down this very important doc- and the part they have played in the death Now just imagine that. This faction or tions from the apostle Paul here. There trine of God. It is not a doctrine of fear but of Christ? The answer is simple, for they division was eating a big meal together are some who completely twist them into of faith and of happiness and of immense don’t and they can’t. I hope such things on the evening of the Passover with no utter confusion and relating chaos. blessings. It is full of hope and promise. need no further explanation. regard to others in the church, the body He also told us we are not to call the It should, however, be coming more There are many sections of Scriptures of Christ. Some were even drinking to Passover of the Lord a lord’s supper. Tra- evident why God says many are called which are used by God to instruct us the point of being drunk. That is really ditional Christianity has been deceived but few are chosen to be the bride. about specific doctrines. All our doctrines sloppy behavior caused by a terrible doc- on this, but we should not be. Let us now look at the next part of the must come from clearly stated patterns trine of men. One of the traditions of Paul does not conclude his correction New Covenant Passover. which run through the bible. It is our only Judaism today is to eat a seder meal of here, though. There is much more which In Matthew 26 we can read a lot of source for doctrines, for they are of God drinking, eating and singing on their is vital to our spiritual health. information about the last day of Christ’s and not men. Christ gives us a good les- Passover, or as John calls it the Passover Verse 27, “Therefore whoever eats this physical life. Starting in verse 17 we read son in this regard in John 7:16-18: “Jesus of the Jews. To make it more “Christian”- bread or drinks this cup of the lord an account about Him instructing His dis- answered them and said, My doctrine is palatable to erroneously keep this meal, unworthily will be guilty of the body and ciples about activities leading up to His not mine but His who sent me. If anyone some started calling it the lord’s supper. blood of the Lord.” and their keeping of His last physical wants to practice His will, he shall know They made a doctrine out of it. This Can we see how staggering a state- Passover. In verse 20 we read the follow- concerning the doctrine, whether it is deceived attempt at returning to Judaism ment this is from the apostle Paul? To ing, “Now when evening had come, He from God or I speak on My own.” had nothing over the circumcision party’s partake of the symbols of the New sat down with the twelve.” Evening is This is a very helpful admonition. Are attempt to circumcise all members of the Covenant Passover in an unworthy way opsia in the Greek. It means “late we accepting doctrines which are con- body. This faction in Corinth seems to be will render us guilty of the body and evening, after sunset.” Mark 1:32 says, trary to the biblical patterns found in working from the same playbook. blood of Christ. That means we will once “When evening (opsia), when the sun had Scripture? We need to know whether There were a lot of these types of again be held responsible for His brutal set . . .” The original Greek reads here as they are of God or of men. activities permeating the early churches. beatings and crucifixion unto death! such, “evening and coming, when set the In 1 Corinthians 11 we have some We are warned by Titus to beware of Hebrews 6:4-6 told us there is no sec- sun . . .” We have chronicled such things excellent instructions from Paul on the “Jewish fables and commandments of ond chance for doing such a thing. Paul in great length in many of our studies of subject of Passover. These Passover men who turn from the truth.” here is delineating one of the instances in the past, but it is important to reiterate instructions are found in the context of a So, after Paul’s description of what which this applies. We never want to fall CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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New Covenant Passover Symbols

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE Passover with you before I suffer.” defeated our adversary. He was without sense you are very happy and not sad. such things over and over. The clear bib- Yes! It was the Passover of the Lord sin and offered His body to be broken so The Father was pleased and delighted lical pattern as to when the Passover was they were keeping on the day they had that our sins could be forgiven. If we suf- His eternal friend did what He did. Look kept in both Covenants is obvious to any always kept it together. It was the exact fer with Him, our sins are no more at exactly what He did do. who follow the patterns in Scripture. It is time that Israel had kept it in Egypt because of this act of dedication and love Philippians 2:5-8, “Let this mind be in after sunset entering the 14th of Abib or (Exodus 12). of Christ. When we die to our sins at bap- you which was also in Christ Jesus, who the first month of the biblical year. We see Here in Luke, Christ states He was tism, He made it possible for us to live in being in the form of God, did not consid- Paul teaching the very same doctrine in about to suffer. This is a very big under- righteousness and thus have access to the er it robbery to be equal with God, but the later years of his life. standing here for we have a complete his- next symbol of promise, which we will emptied Himself of His privileges, taking There is no controversy on this in tory of how the Passover lamb was to be cover shortly. the form of a servant and coming in the Scripture, just confusion and deceit treated prior to its death. It was taken Is there more to it than a spiritual likeness (exactly as) of men. And being taught by men. Simple scriptures like from the flock on the 10th day of the first aspect? found in appearance as a man, He hum- John 18:28 show Christ kept it on the month, which is Abib and not Tishri as Isaiah 53 gives us a very detailed ac- bled Himself and became obedient to 14th and not the 15th like the Jews were Judaism proclaims. It was kept close to count of what Christ was to, and did, en- death, even the death of the cross.” doing. Some actually state He only did so the family who were going to kill it and dure. Verses 4-5, “Surely He has borne I don’t know about you, but I am for He knew He wouldn’t be alive on the consume it. our sicknesses and carried our pains (this ecstatic that Christ did so! Happy and night of the 15th. How convenient. Does Why? Because its death had to be very is in a physical reference) yet we reck- blessed is an understatement. that mean we can keep Pentecost or personal. The lamb became a part of their oned Him stricken (plagued), smitten by Look what this means for us outside of Trumpets the day before? It’s ludicrous daily life, not just those who tended to God and afflicted. all the temporary physical benefits and to think such things. Jesus says He is the the sheep but to the entire household. But He was pierced through for our relief it brings. Romans 8:14-17, “For as same yesterday (old covenant), today Then after sunset and before dark on the transgressions (sins), crushed for our many as are led by the spirit of God, these (new covenant), and forever (the king- 14th they all were present when it was iniquities (moral evil), the chastisement are sons of God. For you did not receive dom). We do not keep the Passover of the killed. Now, I ask: Was it beaten to death for our peace was upon Him, and by His the spirit of bondage again to fear but the Jews in any way, shape or form! Confu- or beaten in any manner? No. Was it blows that cut in we are healed.” spirit of sonship (much better promises sion reigns around this doctrine at the bludgeoned to death? No. The carotid Yes, Christ suffered for all of our than under the first covenant), by it we end of the age. Remember how Paul put artery was cut on the side of its neck and transgressions, be they physical or spiri- cry out, abba Father. The spirit itself bears it, “For there must be factions among it slowly bled to death. The individual tual. This is not a light matter but one that witness with our spirit that we are chil- you, that those who are approved may be who cut its artery also had his hand on its can bear heavily on us. That is just one of dren of God, and if children then heirs, made manifest among you.” head to comfort it. As the blood flowed the motivating factors behind why we are heirs with God (the Father) and joint heirs Now continuing in Matthew 26 and from it the lamb weakened and died. It to examine ourselves prior to the with Christ, if indeed we suffer with, that verse 26, “And as they were eating, Jesus was very humane. The Passover lamb Passover as taught to us by Paul. we may also be glorified together.” took bread, blessed and broke, and gave was not traumatized. Once we realign our understanding That is absolutely awesome! We will to the disciples and said, Take, eat, this is On the other hand, we read that Christ and actions from stumbling at times, we be co-heirs with Christ and glorified with My body.” knew He in fact was going to suffer as understand that we have a Savior who is Him. In Mark 14:22 we read the same thing. Suffer with here is sumpascho, #4841. In Luke 22:19 we read, “And He took It is a combination of two Greek words, bread, gave thanks and broke it, and Remember how Paul put it: #4862, sun, “in union with, or together,” gave to them saying, This is My body and #3958, pascho, “to suffer pain.” which is given for you; do this in re- ‘For there must be factions among you, If we are of the body of Christ we will membrance of Me.” that those who are approved may be suffer with Him. When one part hurts, the We have a command to do the very rest of the body hurts. We are one with same thing that Christ did at the onset of made manifest among you.’ our Husband and Savior. We respond to the New Covenant Passover service of Him as our head. His mind is in us, and the Lord. There are some who teach that that is why we work out our own salva- this service or function being kept here the Lamb of God. “Suffer” here is active in our lives. He willingly was beat- tion with fear and trembling and not by Christ and His disciples was actually pascho, #3958, and it means to feel pain en, crushed and pierced for you and me. being led by any man or organization. not the Passover. Once again their rea- in any form. Christ was about to endure Yes, there is a real degree of sadness in Christ gave up His body to be broken soning is He knew He was going to die great physical and mental pain and trau- each of us for having put our Savior and bruised for us. We to some extent so He kept it a day earlier so it is actual- ma. Under the pattern of the First Cove- through this. But there is also a great should be willing to do that for Him as ly the lord’s supper being conducted nant scripture, the lamb was not to suf- degree of happiness in us that He did. well. I am very happy that He did what here. Just think of what blasphemy this fer in any way leading up to its death. Isaiah 53:10 tells us,” Yet it pleased He did, and that is a very big part of what is. Here we have the Creator of all the However, under the New Covenant the LORD to bruise Him.” Have you ever I reflect upon prior to Passover. He died appointed times of meeting, or as they scriptures the Lamb of God was going asked yourself why God would say this? for our physical and spiritual healing. are called the feasts of the Lord, which to suffer greatly. Remember who the Lord is here in So we have seen two of the functions He chronicled throughout Scripture but Why? Because it has everything to do verse 10. It is the being we will come to He left with us as examples to follow for in sequence in Leviticus 23 somehow with us, the called-out ones who are know as the Father. Remember, God’s the New Covenant Passover of the Lord. breaking His own command. Some placed in His body. He certainly did not ways are not our ways of thinking as The third is of great important in many would say what command? The com- have to endure such a beating to shed men. We are to grow in the grace and ways, for Scriptures teach us the life is in mand that everything needs to happen on His blood, did He? But Jesus elected to knowledge of our Lord. the blood. That would be spiritual life in the prescribed day (Leviticus 23:37). do so for us. He allowed Himself to be The Father was pleased (#2656, chep- this context. Their thinking would be in tune with beaten and abused to the point of disfig- hiets, pleasure or delight) because of Matthew 26:27-28, “Then He took the the thinking and teaching of the Rabbis urement. Why? what Christ willingly endured for us. He cup and gave thanks and gave it to them after their Jewish Fables who float the The broken bread at Passover is the is the second Adam. He suffered every- saying, Drink from it all of you for this is feasts of the Jews on different calendar symbol of this great suffering. It was a thing on our behalf. He has completed My blood of the New Covenant which is days to accommodate their traditions and tremendous act of love to those who what the first Adam failed to do. Christ’s shed for many for the remission (forgive- commandments of men. A good example would be a part of His spiritual body. actions made it possible for the plan of ness) of sins.” is their Passover being kept on the 15th of 1 Peter 2:23-24 (Interlinear): “Who salvation, with all its awesome promises, Christ poured out His life for us. That Abib. They often keep their days 1 or 2 having been reviled (#3058, abused) did to continue full force. He humbled is extremely important. He laid down His days different from what God says. They not revile (#486, railing) in return; suf- Himself and became a sacrifice for us. I life for the second Eve first, and for “all” actually start the year in the 7th month but fering, He did not threaten, but gave hope we can grasp the magnitude of it, secondly. Now, why do I say it like that? actually usually start it one of the last two Himself up to Him who was judging and if it pleased the Father it should Because the plan of salvation at this days of the 6th month, thus keeping righteously; who Himself bore in His delight us. time is focused on the bride of Christ and Trumpets outside of God’s commanded body our sins onto the tree; that dying to How do we display our delight in it? not all of mankind. Once the bride has day. To try and place this type of behav- sins we might live to righteousness, of Do we conduct ourselves in a manner of been chosen and numbered, then Christ ior on Christ is more than just an error. whom by His wounds, you will be false humility after the manner of men? will return for her and the plan of build- In Luke 22:14-15 we are taught, “And healed.” No, we do exactly what Christ told us to ing the family will resume, for the second when the hour had come (after sunset on He bore our sins in His body. Only the do in John 13:17, “If you know these Adam and Eve will become fruitful and the 14th) He sat down and the twelve Messiah, the Son of God, the Lamb of things, happy are you if you do them.” multiply after the command given at apostles with Him. Then He said to them, God, could do that. Only His life could Happy is #3107, makarios, “blessed, creation. with desire I have desired to eat this be worth more than all creation. He happy.” When you are blessed in this CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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New Covenant Passover Symbols

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE instructed us. Prior to taking the bread where we have come up short in being appointed time takes place on the day He Do not overlook what Christ clearly and the wine we are washed clean every without blemish. When we do so we dis- says. states in verse 28, “For this is My blood year by Him if we truly suffer with Him. cover things about ourselves in which we So in looking at these exceptions or of the New Covenant, which is to be shed We examine ourselves as to our part, our need to overcome. We repent of them and conditions for skipping the Passover in for many for the remission of sins.” commitment to the agreement. And, yes, ask our Savior to clean us up so we can the first month can we say they apply The Interlinear translates it as follows, we can take it unworthily but we are be presentable to Him and thus to be under the terms of the New Covenant? “For this is My blood of the New under penalty if we do so in a sloppy and truly part of His body, His glorious Not a chance in my mind! Covenant which concerning many is careless manner. church, His called-out ones. Can we be unclean because of a dead being poured out for the forgiveness of Jesus has set the pattern of the New We have covered how that process body? Not when it comes to the Pass- sins.” Covenant Passover of the Lord. He gave works in this study as it relates to inter- over, for we are washed clean prior to The Greek here translated many is us all the means of keeping it: the day, nalizing His body and blood at the taking it. #4183, polus, “much or many.” It is the the time of day, the month, and the renewal or anniversary of our vows to Can we be exempt from it if we are on same in Matthew 22:14, “Many are method, if we are willing to believe Him Him and to the Father. a long journey? No, we can’t for God’s called, but few are chosen.” and follow Him as the Lamb of God. We have seen that it is a fact that we spirit is in us. We are the holy temple of What is significant is it is not talking In Revelation 14:5 we read about the can take of these symbols of life and the spirit of God. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, about all by a long shot as traditional bride, “And in their mouth is no guile promise through His death and subse- “Do you not know that you are the tem- Christianity professes. The blood is not (falsehood) for they are without fault quent resurrection in an unworthy state ple of God and the spirit of God dwells in being applied to “all” at this time in the before the throne of God.” or manner. Paul clearly articulates there you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, plan’s sequence. That is a biblical fact. It Why? Because we willingly yield to is a penalty to be paid for such careless- God will destroy Him for the temple of will be later on, as the plan unfolds in its our Husband, and He washes us with the ness under the terms of the New God is holy which you are.” stages. Remember, His blood is shed water of the word so that He can present Covenant. And let us be clear on this 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Or do you not only once for us. Hebrews 6:4-6 and us to Himself not having spot or wrinkle point. It only spiritually applies to those know that your body is the temple of the many other scriptures make that abun- or any such thing, but that we should be who actually know better, holy spirit which is in you, which you dantly clear. holy and without blemish. These are very important differences have from God, and you are not on your Christ certainly was not being forget- We are members of His body, of His from the first covenant. own. For you were bought at a price; ful at this sobering time of His life. He flesh and of His bones. Paul tells us if we are sloppy in our therefore glorify God in your body and in meant what He said. It is also recorded in These should be no mystery to us. The approach to the Passover we bring judg- your spirit, which are God’s.” Mark 14:24. “And He said to them, this truth has surely set us free from the doc- ment on ourselves and for that reason Absolutely no excuses for not taking is My blood of the New Covenant, which trines and commandments of men, and many are weak and sick and it has even the Passover of the Lord on the 14th day is to be shed for many.” Look what we are thus bound to Christ. resulted in death for some. of the first month in sequence with the 7 Matthew 20:28 tells us, “Just as the Son While on this subject of Passover, it is He tells us we need to judge ourselves days of unleavened bread. We are cleaned of Man did not come to be served, but to important to address another difference in such things so He would not judge us by the Lord prior to taking the symbols of serve and to give His life for a ransom for with the New Covenant tenants from in them. He promised the Corinthian the bread and wine. If there is not anoth- many.” er baptized member of the body of Christ In Revelation 14:1-5 we are told in close to us, we wash our own feet as part very clear language about the bride of There is no second Passover under of the very body of Christ. There are no Christ. In verse 4 we are told, “These are the terms of the New Covenant, which excuses to the contrary. There is no sec- the ones who were not defiled with ond Passover under the terms of the New women, for they are virgins. These are is working in our lives to eliminate Covenant. This is a spiritual covenant, the ones who follow the Lamb wherever sloppy behavior on our part. which has worked, and is working, in our He goes. These were redeemed from lives to eliminate sloppy behavior on our men, firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.” part. We are in a time to qualify to be a How many? co-heir with Christ and to function as the Verse 1, “one hundred and forty four those of the First Covenant. church he would set in order other things bride in the household of the Father. The thousand.” Hebrews 8:6 confirms to us that Jesus pertaining to the Passover when he came resume of that position and job descrip- Verse 3, “One hundred and forty four has obtained a more excellent ministry to them in person. tion is articulated in Proverbs 31:10-31. thousand who were redeemed from the and better covenant established on better Prior to Passover this year several We all have choices to make. Our earth.” promises because He is its High Priest brethren brought up situations in which Husband and Father are very merciful Christ’s shed blood, His life, was and Mediator. Chapter 7:22 confirms this they or others they know would be taking beings. If we fall short at this time and do given for us at this time under the terms as well for it states, “By so much more the second Passover for any number of not make the cut for the function we have of the New Covenant. By us, I clearly Jesus is become a surety (guarantor) of a reasons. been called for, there is no shame in it mean the many who have been called by better covenant.” The question must arise if such a func- unless we do so willingly. As Proverbs the Father unto the Son. It is a qualifying Why is it a better covenant than the tion exists under the terms of the Second 31:29 says, “Many daughters have done period of time for the bride in the house- first? Because it is founded on a spiritual or New Covenant. My answer would be well, but you excel them all.” hold of the Father. Just think, of all the basis and not one of flesh. He has put His no! How focused are we, brethren? Are we many who have been called and are cur- laws in our minds and written them in To think you can take a second Pass- willing to be satisfied with the promises rently being called and who will be our hearts. That was not the case under over outside of the 8 days of the Passover for salvation, or do we desire to finish the called, only a few will be chosen to be the terms of the first covenant. They were season and in the middle of the seven- race we have been called to at this time the bride. What an incredible calling we put in a book and written on tablets of week count to Pentecost goes against the and be part of the bride? have before us. How serious is it to us? stone. spiritual pattern so clearly embellished We individually hold that prize in our The parable of the sower teaches us The promises of the first covenant by the Scriptures. own hands. We have all the needed assis- about the pitfalls which can inhibit or ter- were physical and national in nature. There were two reasons why Moses tance in place from our Husband to be minate that process. It is a calling of great Those of the second are spiritual first and allowed some to take a second Passover able to finish it. vigil, and determination, and awareness, foremost, and then the physical follows if under the terms of the first covenant. Let us all make a willing and knowl- and one we should be ecstatic about God desires. Numbers 9:10-12, “Speak to the children edgeable effort and commitment to be when we understand its fullness. Hebrews 8:8 tells us the problem with of Israel saying, If any one of you or your chosen by Him. And we must ask Him Satan wants to strip this understanding the first was due to the people. God has descendants is unclean because of a dead constantly to provide us with His faith to from all the called of God, and for that moved to correct that by imparting His body, or is far away on a journey, he may do so, for as we read in Revelation 17:14 matter from all of mankind. It is a great holy spirit to us to assist us after baptism still keep the LORD’s Passover. that those who return with Him will be, hope in us. It is far more than the promise to overcome and finish the race under the “On the fourteenth day of the second “called, chosen, and faithful,” for they will of salvation, which is a gift, which is Second Covenant terms. month at twilight they may keep it. They be clothed in fine linen, clean and bright going to be made available to all. This is We have looked into some of them shall eat it with unleavened bread and which is representative of their righteous all about a very specific function in already today. Some things have definite- bitterness. They shall leave none of it acts which by them, they have made them- God’s household. ly changed. The functions and thus sym- until morning nor break one of its bones. selves ready (Revelation 19:7-8). Yes, we are most blessed and happy to bols of the Passover have changed, as has According to all the ordinances of the We hope we have provided you with participate in it in all its fullness. The our required conduct. We need to prepare Passover they shall keep it.” some understanding you can use to draw Passover service commemorates our for the Passover now by examining our- Please notice that all these ordinances closer to Christ in a very personal rela- vows, between ourselves and our Savior selves spiritually rather than examining a were to be kept when? On the 14th. No tion as only husband and bride can share. Husband, which we made at baptism. We lamb from the flock for blemishes and 15th allowed! God tells us in Leviticus Our peace we give to you. are not to take them lightly, as Paul spots. We need to inspect ourselves to see 23:37 that everything pertaining to an —Brian Convery

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I Corinthians 7:15 does not allow divorce

any within the churches of unbeliever to avoid separation. The vorced, they would no longer be hus- doesn’t mean they must live together. God believe I Corinthians believer would be little better than a band or wife and would have little or In I Corinthians 7:15 Paul is not M 7:15 does allow divorce. Let’s slave to the unbeliever. no influence on the unbeliever. allowing us to divorce, but explaining look at a translation that reflects the Paul made his judgment here based In I Corinthians 7, Paul is not talk- how to live in peace and still honor our original Greek without ambiguity. on the overriding need to make peace. ing of divorce at all. The NKJV uses commitments. God is faithful. He ex- “And, if the unbelieving doth separate him- Jesus’ instruction was to Jews. Jesus did the word in verses 11-13. In fact a mean- pects us to be faithful too. “For how do self—let him separate himself: the brother not address a situation where a mate ing of ‘divorce’ for the Greek aphiemi is you know, O wife, whether you will save or the sister is not under servitude in such was an unbeliever from a different cul- very questionable. The three or four your husband? Or how do you know, O hus- cases, and in peace hath God called us” ture. Paul understood that the believer good lexicons that point to examples band, whether you will save your wife?” (I (Young’s Literal Translation). was not absolutely required to live with of ancient usage supposedly intending Cor 7:16). If the unbeliever totally sev- Although the English is somewhat the unbeliever, even though Jesus’ ‘divorce’ all point to Herodotus 5:39 to ers the relationship, that is on him/her. ‘His disciples said to Him, “If such is the case archaic, Young’s translation reflects statement taken literally would indi- justify this meaning. That passage does of the man with his wife, it is better not to the unambiguous meaning of the cate otherwise. talk of a monarch sending away his marry.” But He said to them, “All cannot Greek douloo, which primarily means Paul’s statement is also an example wife and marrying another, but it does- of typical Hebrew parallelism. This is accept this saying, but only those to whom it ‘become a slave.’ I Corinthians 7:15 is n’t use aphiemi at all. It would not have the proclivity of Hebrew speakers to been a typical divorce in any case. has been given” ’ (Mat 19:10-11). not saying anything about a marriage be somewhat redundant. “A brother or a Former queens were not typically Are you serious about honoring your being unbound, but that the believer is sister is not under bondage in such cases” is allowed to remarry (I Kings 2:13-25). Creator and understanding His mind? not enslaved by the unbeliever. How just another way of restating and rein- The primary meaning of aphiemi is This is simply one chunk of the iceberg could the believer be enslaved? forcing his instruction: “But if the unbe- ‘send away.’ Depending on circum- of misunderstanding that blinds (Rev Jesus taught, “Therefore what God has liever departs, let him depart.” The believ- stances it can also mean ‘leave.’ Paul is 3:17) the churches of God. Don’t as- joined together, let not man separate” (Mat er is not his/her mate’s slave. making judgments based on the teach- sume this is the only thing that is mis- 19:6b). Paul paraphrased this in I Doesn’t a separation imply a di- ing of Jesus Christ. Paul knew Jesus’ understood about the marriage rela- Corinthians 7:10c. “A wife is not to depart vorce? This doesn’t follow. The very instruction was based on “the two shall tionship. Don’t wait for someone or- from her husband.” If the believer were next verse Paul exhorts those involved become one flesh” (Mat 19:5c) and “There- dained of men to look into this for you. absolutely required to ‘not separate’ to keep in mind that their conduct fore what God has joined together, let not Develop your own relationship with from the unbeliever, wouldn’t the could still win over their husband or man separate” (Mat 19:6b). If one uses the real head of the congregation of believer be at the mercy of the unbe- wife. “For how do you know, O wife, the primary meaning of aphiemi, there God by an in-depth study of His word. liever? The unbeliever could simply whether you will save your husband? Or is no conflict with Jesus’ instruction. (Click ‘Other Studies / Divorce & threaten to leave and the believer how do you know, O husband, whether you Paul knew “A wife is bound by law as long Remarriage’ at the web site address would be forced to do the will of the will save your wife?” If they were di- as her husband lives” (I Cor 7:39a). This below.) ★ www.CreatorsCovenant.org ★ PO Box 1002 ¥ South Pasadena, CA 91031

In Beautiful Colorado Springs! Sept. 23–30, 2010

314 West Bijou Services daily at Clarion Hotel Contact hotel at (719) 471-8680. Rooms $69 plus tax. (Must reserve rooms before 9/1/10 to receive Church rates.) Complimentary shuttle to airport.

A hearty welcome to all! Come celebrate the Feast with us beneath the majestic beauty of Pikes Peak. Feast activities include a Fun Show, Raffle, Picnic in the Pines and, our yearly favorite, a Western Show and Dinner at the Flying W Ranch! We follow a Traditional Format, with daily services and many scheduled activities. Those staying at the hotel will enjoy a full complimentary hot breakfast. We are an “open-door” Feast site. Everyone welcome! See our schedule at wrcog.net.

Western Region Church of God Phill Dunagan, Feast Elder • P.O. Box 11873 • Albuquerque, NM 87192 Phone (505) 286-0991 or (505) 286-0995 • [email protected] • www.wrcog.net

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on’t miss our 9th annual semi- He has produced a series of Still Here Also presenting two seminars this Has the passion for study and learn- nar in this ongoing series. This books to counter the popular rapture- year will be Sean Finnegan, an experi- ing grown cold? Are those days over? year we have a surprise speak- promoting Left Behind series. He will enced pastor and now a full-time stu- Are you comfortably settled in your Der who will make a compelling present two seminar sessions. dent at Boston University, where he is Christian tradition and doctrine? Is case for the true identity of Jesus. The two-day weekend event will fea- pursuing an advanced degree in biblical your mind no longer intellectually, the- Kermit Zarley, a noted Evangelical ture 10 seminars presented by highly studies. Sean is a prolific writer, web- ologically open? Are you no longer a leader and author, has crippled qualified students of Scripture. master, debater and media personality. seeker, challenging orthodoxy, affirming Trinitarian arguments including the You will hear from Noel Rude, a pro- Our speakers will be joined by five or the truth, examining your assumptions? notion that Jesus was a preexistent fessional linguist and former professor six other presenters in what promises I hope not. Many have found that God before becoming a man. His 600- of linguistics at the University of to be our most dynamic seminar yet. these One God Seminars have rekin- page book The Restitution of Jesus Christ Oregon. His mastery of the biblical Do you have a yearning to recapture dled the passion regardless of whether presents a high hurdle of evidence languages and cultural milieu in which your first love and that excitement of in agreement or disagreement with the Trinitarians will not be able to jump. they were written are needed skills in discovery that moved you closer to thrust of our arguments. Kermit Zarley has authored other understanding the critical but misun- truth? Do you remember those heady Come see for yourself. You’ll enjoy books on Christian themes, including derstood texts relating to the nature of days when Bible study was fun and the relaxed, friendly, collegial spirit of one recommended by Billy Graham. God and nature of Jesus. sorting truth from error was thrilling? our seminars. Everyone is welcome. A Post-Biblical Invention

ore are coming to admit where Jesus was declared “very God of How did Jesus see himself? As a These propositions need expanding, that the entire Trinity for- very God,” and in 381 the Creed of human or as a preexistent God? This is but I believe the biblical record shows mulation was a post-biblical Constantinople, where both the per- not a trick question, and the Gospels that Jesus is the revealer of God’s plan M invention, the work of 3rd sonality and full deity of the Holy offer one clear answer. Jesus confessed to bring “many sons into glory” and the and 4th century Gentile theologians Spirit were added, thus making the himself totally dependent upon his revealer of God’s character of perfect attempting to understand the Christ Trinity doctrine complete. heavenly Father: “I can do nothing of goodness. I believe we can, with God’s Event according to the religious forms The Trinity is the result of rejecting myself” (John 5:19). He also said his help and grace, become, as Jesus of the day. It was part of an anti-Jewish “Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh” (2 message was not his own but that which taught, “perfect as your heavenly push-back that required translating John 7); that is, denying the fully he received from God. He even prayed Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48). He the Hebrew concept of God into more human Jesus and all that his humanity for strength to suppress his own human did. We, in God’s mercy, will too. acceptable (pagan) Greek concepts. teaches us in relating to God. This is will in favor of his Father’s will. Yet this Ye s, Jesus was tempted in all areas The motives were good, but the result why the nature of Jesus is so important thoroughly human Jesus grew in grace common to his fellow humans, but was the Hellenization of the Christian to the understanding of our salvation and knowledge, moving steadily God- God was able to perfect his image in Church. The church lost its Hebrew and to knowing God as he knows God. ward in character and love to the point him because Jesus humbly and totally roots, and the effects of that loss were Our One God Seminars seek to follow of losing his life in service to God. submitted to pleasing God and doing serious and destructive. Biblical truth how Jesus thought of God, how he Our conception of God must come his will. Jesus did what Adam failed to was corrupted. pleased God, how he worshiped God, to mirror that held by Jesus. It must, do. Jesus became the model for us to Many new doctrines appeared how he fellowshipped with and joined with sound reason and logic, be har- follow, and God appointed him Savior, among Christians for the first time. the life of God, and how we can follow monized with the facts of Scripture. a greater than Moses to lead us from Doctrines such as the immortality of the way Jesus has shown toward be- Jesus was either God masquerading as mortal to everlasting life, from this evil the human soul, the saved going to coming glorified sons and daughters of a man or God ignorantly thinking him- age to the promised land of the King- heaven (replacing the gospel of the the Heavenly Father. self man. The factual record of Scrip- dom of God. God can take a human Kingdom of God coming to earth), the Jesus spoke of himself as Son of God ture shows us a man in human relation and make him or her into his image threat of an ever-burning hell and, per- in the sense of having unique knowl- to God; a man to whom temptation and fit for glory. It’s been done. Just haps the most egregious of all, a Trinity edge of God together with the power of was a reality and to whom, therefore, look to Jesus and follow him Godward. of Father, Son and Holy Ghost—each a imparting that knowledge to others sin was a possibility; a man who prayed Sadly, the theologians who came God in a mystical “Godhead” oneness. (Matthew 11:27; Luke 10:22). Jesus was to God as man prays; a man who knew along in the centuries after the apos- Fr. Roger Haight, a leading Catholic the unique bearer of truths of God of the possibility of a difference between tles of Jesus couldn’t accept the central theologian, described the Trinity as which he himself was the evidence. The God’s will and his own (Mark 14:36). core of God’s plan: God making man unintelligible and challenged its credi- Father confirmed this at Jesus’ baptism Is God capable of producing a per- into his image. That God did it with bility. He said the church “must refor- and transfiguration: “This is my beloved fect man or woman? He calls us to Jesus, a mortal human man of God’s mulate the doctrine.” He made the son, hear you him!” (Mark 9:7). become perfect in both the OT and own choosing, seemed too impossible case (in his 500-page scholarly work The gospel (as in Romans 1:16-17) is NT. Does one need to be preexistent in a thing. For them, Jesus had to be more Jesus: Symbol of God) that “there are the truth about God, a truth which order to become “perfect” and “sinless” than a man: a God. Jesus’ path to glory problems concerning the historical Jesus makes available for us: “The light in God’s merciful sight? If to be sinless and rulership with his Father could not genesis of this [Trinity] doctrine.” of the gospel of the glory of Christ, implies other than common human be the common calling for mankind. Haight, who is a past president of the who is the image of God. . . . The light origin, how are men of ordinary birth Man needed to twist in his sins and Catholic Theological Society of Amer- of the knowledge of the glory of God to blame for their sinfulness? hope for a ticket to heaven, where per- ica, declared that “trinitarian theology in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corin- Did a “miracle birth” or “incarna- haps a beatific vision of God would is completely dependent upon christol- thians 4:4, 6). tion” make Jesus sinless for life? If so, provide ageless happiness and a better ogy, that the doctrine was generated in Christ embodied the power of God then God did something for Jesus that option than the torturous fires of hell. the course of the development of chris- and the wisdom of God, but Jesus is he is not willing to do in the case of Christianity jumped the tracks of tology, and that, as in the case of chris- more than a transparency through other men. If the goodness of Jesus truth by denying the power of God to tology, the only way critically to under- which men see God. Jesus invites us to rests upon his preexistent status, then “recreate” himself in the heart of a stand the doctrine of the trinity is to know God as he knows God and Jesus has a presupposition that we must mortal man. Jesus proved God able to trace its historical development.” become one with God as he became lack, and how then can he realistically do his good work. God is working with He is correct, of course. The early one with God, and to be loved of God function as moral ideal for other men? his firstborn son, Jesus, to repeat the “church fathers” had a hard time as he was loved of God “that they may If God is not willing to do for all men process in you and me. Yield, for God accepting the (biblical/Hebraic) idea of know you, the only true God.” This is what he did for Jesus, he cannot want knows how to do this and he will not a human messiah. It didn’t fit into their the central theme of Jesus’ impassioned all men to be like him, and Jesus is fail. This is truly Good News. Hellenistic religious worldview. The prayer for his disciples then—and therefore not the interpreter of God’s —Kenneth Westby result was the creed of Nicaea in 325, those who would follow (see John 17). will or the revealer of God’s character. —Association for Christian Development

Visit ACD’s website for seminar details: www.Godward.org ACD View the Virtual Church live every Sabbath at 11 AM Pacific time. Link in via the website. 27013 Pacific Hwy. S #400 Des Moines, WA 98198

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Three Signs of Laodicea but Which Few Noticed and Fewer Heeded!

Until the 1970s most of Christendom, including the former WCG, understood that a lawful consummated marriage is an unbreakable covenant for life that no man may put asun- der. Our Lord explains in Mark 10:2-12 that Moses had erred in replacing God’s No-Divorce & No-Remarriage (No-D & No-R) law with his contrary Divorce & Remarriage (D & R) concession for the hardness of Israel’s heart. In 1974 Mr Armstrong repeated Moses’ concession for the hardness of our heart but unlike Israel we had received God’s holy spirit and should not have needed that concession. This article shows that by 1974 the WCG was in error on three doctrines related to marriage and that Mr Armstrong led from 1934 to 1974 God’s seventh and final church era of Laodicea and was spewed out in 1979.

THREE RELATED ERRORS OF 1974 I show in paper P4 that all three of his Pen- are then in an unbreakable marriage covenant It is also plain from Jesus teaching in Mark By 1974 the Worldwide Church of God had tecost dates are wrong but I will demonstrate for life that may not be put asunder. Paul puts 10:2-12 that God’s Garden of Eden No-D & wrong three doctrines related to God the this here for only his pre-1974 Monday and it as follows in 1 Corinthians 7:39:— No-R law is to be upheld in the NT church and Father and marriage, namely:— post-1974 Sunday Pentecost. 39The wife is bound by the law as long as her by extension in God’s Kingdom. Indeed how (1) Not knowing that God the Father was the Exodus chapter 20 describes the Assembly husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, can members of God’s Church expect to be God of Exodus and Husband of Israel, at Mt Sinai and chapter 19 describes Israel’s she is at liberty to be married to whom she born again and allowed to teach and uphold (2) Not knowing the date of God the Father’s preparation on the two days before the will; only in the Lord. God’s No-D & No-R law in His Kingdom Pentecost marriage to Israel at Mt Sinai. Assembly. Exodus 19:9-16 identifies three Paul’s agrees that should a consummated when they refuse to live by this law today? (3) Replacing God the Father’s Garden of days, the third of which is the day of the marriage end in divorce under man’s D & R Yet In 1977 our pastor general HWA mar- Assembly or Pentecost. God required Israel Eden No-D & No-R law with Moses’ law, then God’s No-D & No-R law overrides ried another man’s wife contrary to God’s to build a fence around the mountain and contrary D & R concession for the hard- this in the NT church. law for priests (Lev 21:7, 14) and to God’s wash their clothes on the first two of these ness of our heart. Let us return to Mark 10:10-12 and note No-D & No-R law (Mark 10:2-12) and to three days. Now plainly neither of these two how the surprised disciples questioned Jesus Paul’s teaching of 1 Corinthians 7:39. These errors will now be explained and their days could be the weekly Sabbath for on that again but that He leaves them in no doubt that The former WCG said Amen to HWA’s shocking consequence examined. day not even manna could be collected so let for them and therefore also to the NT church 1974 and 1977 sins against God’s Garden of alone building a fence or washing clothes. GOD THE FATHER WAS THE GOD OF EXODUS applies God’s No-D & No-R law. Eden No-D &No-R law and this was possibly Yet for both a Monday and a Sunday Pen- the worst apostasy ever in the Church of God. Throughout his long ministry Mr Armstrong 10And in the house his disciples asked him (HWA) taught, as does mainstream Christen- tecost one of those two days would have to be Why don’t (won’t?) members and ministers the weekly Sabbath. Therefore the Assembly again of the same matter. dom, that Jesus was the LORD God of Exo- of today’s Church of God repent of this sin? or Pentecost could not have been on either a 11 And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall dus. This he based on a number of mistrans- WHY? lations, falsifications of the NT Greek text Monday or a Sunday and so both HWA’s pre- put away his wife, and marry another, com- and some misinterpretations and which are 1974 Monday Pentecost and his post-1974 mitteth adultery against her. Although HWA taught beautifully the deeper discussed in papers, Q6, Q7, A2 & A3 and P2 Sunday Pentecost are wrong 12And if a woman shall put away her hus- meaning of salvation and mankind’s purpose at my Homepage. Space does not allow showing that for band, and be married to another, she com- and destiny, he was not given to know either Several scriptures plainly state that not Exodus year-1 Pentecost was on the weekly mitteth adultery. the OT identity of God the Father or the date Jesus but God the Father was: the Creator Sabbath of Sivan 7 and that therefore God the By saying that remarrying after divorce re- of God the Father’s marriage to Israel (Sivan b a Father married Israel on Sivan 7, which is the 7) or the importance of God the Father’s (e.g. Acts 4:24 & 27 ), the God of Abraham, th sults in adultery against one’s original of Isaac and of Jacob ( Acts 3:13). Hebrews 7 day of the 3rd month—see papers A5 and spouse, Jesus reveals that in God’s eyes the Garden of Eden No-D & No-R law. 1:1-2 reveal that God (the Father) was his the in-depth study P4. The Jewish Sivan-6 original spouse remains one’s lawful spouse Why wasn’t HWA given to understand own Word in OT times and that Jesus became Shavuot is one day out as is their Abib-15 and that a lawful consummated marriage is a those three by marriage related truths? My the Word of God only in NT times. In Mark Passover (see paper P7). HWAhad been clos- covenant for life that no one may put asunder. paper P1, Laodicea’s Lamp!, essays that he 12:26-27 Jesus revealed his Father spoke to est with his 1920s Sivan-6 Pentecost. Jesus’ words are plain and can not be mis- had always been lukewarm to God’s pivotal Garden of Eden No-D & No-R law and which Moses from the (Burning) Bush:— 1974 REJECTION OF THE NO-D & NO-R LAW taken and one can only wonder what pos- he finally rejected in 1974 and which sin he 26And as touching the dead, that they rise: Our grandparents’ generation understood sessed HWA in 1974 to replace God the Father’s No-D & No-R law with Moses’ con- exacerbated in 1977 by marrying another have ye not read in the book of Moses, how God does not allow either divorce or remar- man’s wife. That therefore HWA had led in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I riage after divorce. The Pope understands this trary D & R concession for the hardness of our heart. from 1934 to 1974 God’s seventh and final am the God of Abraham, and the God of and so did the current head of the Church of church era of Laodicea and that he had been Isaac, and the God of Jacob? England, Queen Elizabeth II, when she for- In 1973 HWA asked a team of his AC scholars to look into the uncompromising spewed from our Lord’s mouth in 1979 after 27He is not the God of the dead, but the God bade her sister Princess Margaret marrying he fled from his Pasadena headquarters and of the living: ye therefore do greatly err. the divorced Group Captain Townsend. So No-D & No-R law. In 1974 the WCG was presented with “new truth” in the form of the left it to the late Mr Joseph W Tkach to save Some may claim that with “God” Jesus re- why doesn’t our generation understand this? D & R concession. Jesus’ teaching of Mark the WCG from the State of California. The ferred to himself but that can not be because It is not rocket science provided you are 10:2-12 should have told those scholars they events of the 1990s show Mr Tkach was in verse 27 He referred to God by the 3rd per- willing to listen to what our Lord Jesus taught had resurrected an ancient error. They failed unconverted and no saviour of the WCG. son pronoun “He” and therefore Jesus was the Pharisees and his astonished disciples in to understand that Paul’s teaching on mar- referring to His Father. Let us not ignore Mark chapter 10:2-12. Since few are able THE PROPHECIES FOR LAODICEA FULFILLED riage of 1 Corinthians chapter 7 must not be Jesus’ testimony that His Father was the God (willing) to understand our Lord’s teaching of The Bible does not state that HWA led Phila- twisted contrary to Jesus’ teaching of Mark of Exodus who spoke to Moses. Mark 10:2-12, let us study this important pas- delphia and therefore that claim was an as- 10:2-12 and also not contrary to Paul’s own Therefore Exodus chapter 3 describes God sage verse by verse. sumption. Philadelphia means “Brotherly the Father appearing to Moses in the Burning 2And the Pharisees came to him, and asked summing up in verse 39 of 1 Corinthians 7. Love” but that was largely absent in the for- Bush. And in verse 6 God the Father identi- him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his THE MATTHEW 19:9 EXCEPTION CLAUSE mer WCG, whose ministers were quick to fied himself as, “... I am . . . the God of wife? tempting him. What about the Matthew 19:9 exception? throw to the wolves members who strayed or 3 Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of And he answered and said unto them, What 9 asked awkward questions. By contrast our Jacob....” Then in verse 14 God the Father And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put Lord explained he would rescue straying did Moses command you? away his wife, except it be for fornication, named himself, “. . . shalt thou say unto the 4 sheep (Luke 15:4-7) but not so our ministry. And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill and shall marry another, committeth adul- children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto of divorcement, and to put her away. Laodicea means the “People judged” and that you.” My 2-page article Q7 explains that not tery: and whoso marrieth her which is put is a far better description of the former WCG. In verse 2 the Pharisees set Jesus a testing Jesus but God the Father named himself, I away doth commit adultery. The description of Laodicea in Revelation question concerning divorce and Jesus made The exception applies to putting away AM. HWA had adopted mainstream Chris- them answer from the Law as recorded by 3:17 fits perfectly the spewed out WCG. tendom’s false Jesus-is-I AM concept. women rather than men. Indeed fornication 17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and in- Moses and accordingly they said, that Moses refers to the bride’s failure to disclose loss of Most will reject this through being wedded allowed (suffered) divorce. creased with goods (abundance of litera- to man’s church tradition rather than God’s her virginity. When the groom discovers this 5And Jesus answered and said unto them, For ture), and have need of nothing; and know- Word of Truth. A major stumbling block is on the wedding night, he has the momentary est not that thou art wretched, and miser- the shockingly false translation of John 1:3 the hardness of your heart he wrote you this option to not consummate the marriage (Deut precept. able, and poor, and blind (unwilling to see) (paper P2). 22:13-21). If he takes that option, then the and naked (D & R). As further proof read Deuteronomy 18:15- Jesus reminded them that Moses had given two do not become one flesh and no marriage his D & R concession for the hardness of covenant is established and no divorce is There can be no doubt that HWA led from 19 and recognize that there the LORD God of 1934 to 1974 Laodicea and was spewed from Exodus (Father) told Moses He (Father) will Israel’s heart. Moses knew that carnal Israel involved with their separation. However, if without the holy spirit would rebel against the groom consummates the marriage, the our Lord’s mouth in 1979 over possibly the send a Prophet (Jesus) and will put His worst apostasy ever in the Church of God. (Father’s) word (Gospel) in this Prophet’s God’s No-D & No-R law. He remembered two become one flesh and the marriage The events of the 1990s show how liberal (Jesus’) mouth. Then read Acts 3:20-23 that following an earlier rebellion God had covenant stands for as long as both live. HWA had allowed AC’s “scholars” to be- where Peter confirms this by quoting Deuter- considered destroying Israel and raise a peo- Under God’s No-D & No-R law for con- come and with this also the WCG. I suspect onomy 18:15-19 and identifying Jesus hav- ple from Moses (Exod 32:9-14). It is no sur- summated marriages not even adultery justi- that the principal causes were the effects of ing been that Prophet. My paper P2 gives prise that Moses gave that concession and fies divorce. Adultery can be the basis for his advancing years and the 1967 loss of his more OT and NT examples of this truth. that God did not countermand it. separation but not for putting asunder the original inspiration and spiritual backbone, The reader may object that Jesus said in Jesus next explains that Moses’ D & R marriage covenant. When the erring spouse Mrs Loma Armstrong. John 5:37 that no one had heard his Father’s concession was contrary to God’s Garden of repents the marriage must be resumed. voice but this I answered in my advertise- Eden No-D & No-R law. God the Father shows how to conduct a The spewed out WCG is now much splin- ment on page 22 of Issue 139 (June 17, 2010) 6But from the beginning of the creation God difficult marriage and foretells He will tered with ministers and members unable to of The Journal and in my paper P10, How made them male and female. resume His marriage with Israel, once His agree on much. They need eyesalve offered God the Father Was Seen and Heard! 7For this cause shall a man leave his father wife repents and returns to Him (Hos 2:6-19). by Jesus to see even so basic a truth as God and mother, and cleave to his wife; That too was missed by HWA’s scholars. the Father’s Garden of Eden No-D & No-R GOD THE FATHER MARRIED ON SIVAN 7 8 law. Is there even one minister to lead us back And they twain shall be one flesh: so then THE LAW FOR PRIESTS AND NT CHURCH The date of God the Father’s marriage to to God with sincere repentance over 1974? Israel is also the date of Pentecost. During the they are no more twain, but one flesh. Although Moses gave Israel for the hardness 1920s HWAadopted for Pentecost the Jewish 9What therefore God hath joined together, let of their heart his D & R concession, God did Email comments etc to [email protected]. Shavuot Sivan-6 date. During the 1930s he not man put asunder. not countermand this for the people but He Papers mentioned above are available at changed to his private Monday Pentecost The reference to one flesh refers to the mar- did stop this spreading to the priests as we my home page www.rightly-dividing.net or reckoning. In 1974 he changed once again riage being consummated after which the can see from Leviticus 21:7 & 14, which for- by writing to: Henk Jens, P.O. Box 121, but now to a Sunday Pentecost. man and the woman become as one flesh and bids priests marrying divorced women. Belmore, NSW, 2192, Australia.

This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL Issue No. 128 (July 31, 2010) ★ ★ ★ THIS PAGE CONTAINS PAID ADVERTISING ★ ★ ★ 27 “I will build MY church!”

By Robert Schmid petition to the Church of God. Mr. Armstrong wrote that the true “Church of God” is to identify where it hen the Lord God called Abram Considering the deceiver and liar he is, Church was to be KEPT in the name of is located. This does not mean that and said, “Go . . .” “Abram he did not call his church by its true the Father—God and he listed the 12 every church organization with the W went . . .” name, rather than he called his church passages that speak of the CHURCH(es) name “Church of God” has all the That was the beginning of what “The Catholic (or Universal) Church,” OF GOD in the N.T. He then explained right doctrines, but, at least it tells us became the physical Nation of Israel, and since he had to enter into an that in some N.T. instances, a descrip- that it is not the “Catholic Church,” not the Congregation in the Wilderness. God alliance with the Roman Government, tive term is added to the name, as the the “Lutheran Church,” etc., etc., etc. entered into a marriage relationship his church became known as the “Church of God” at Corinth, or the Is there any church organization, or with Israel. But, because of adultery, the “Roman Catholic Church.” That church “Churches of God” in Judea. Church of God, that has all knowledge, (old) covenant was broken and Israel is a mixture of good and evil:Yes, So, after writing a whole chapter all understanding, all correct biblical was scattered throughout the world. there is a church—that’s good, but it’s explaining that the only correct name of doctrines, so that they can teach Then, in the fullness of time, the another church—that’s evil. the true church is “Church of God,” he everybody else? I don’t believe so. I Lord God came to earth by causing His The true Church of God, after an ini- suddenly makes the statement that believe that we all need each other so Word to become His firstborn son via tial growth period, became the perse- “today, it (the name) is the “Worldwide that we can all learn from each other. being born of the virgin Mary and cuted “little flock,” scattered through- Church of God.” Undoubtedly there were Most importantly I believe that the called His name Jesus. The Lord Jesus channels of communication must be Christ then lived, suffered, died and kept open amongst all people. How- was resurrected (born again) according ever, people must be free from human to the scriptures. bondage so that the Spirit of God can At the appointed time, “when the No one can organize the teach us all in spirit and in truth. day of Pentecost had come,” God sent I can’t help but be reminded of forth His Holy Spirit and established a true ‘Church of God’ into a Herbert W. Armstrong’s words from his new covenant with the spiritual nation February 1939 Good News article, “DID Israel consisting of people from every human organization! CHRIST Reorganize THE CHURCH?” where nation who received the gift of the he said: “What has split and divided up Holy Spirit. This then was the begin- the saints in the Church of God? ning of the New Testament Church, ful- Nothing but ORGANIZATION—which has let filling Jesus Christ’s prophecy when to politics, ministers lusting for rule He told His disciples: “I will build my out the world, lost historically, whereas some valid, human reasons for changing and for power—striving against each church; and the gates of hell shall not the false Roman Catholic Church con- the name from “Church of God” to other, lining up the brethren on THEIR prevail against it.” tinued to grow to eventually engulf the “Worldwide Church of God,” but in doing side, against the other! It is SUCH PREACH- Let’s consider a very basic, biblical whole world. so Mr. Armstrong followed a concept and ERS who have split up and divided our fact. Jesus said: “I will build my A false concept and pattern was set pattern established by the false church. brethren! . . . Organization and church church,” but He did not call His church in motion when Satan raised up a com- Let’s understand that no one can GOVERNMENT has brought us only strive, the “Church of Jesus”! We all know that peting church organization by giving organize the true “Church of God” into jealousies, divisions, bitterness! It is not the biblical name of the church is the that church a new name. Eventually a human organization. Human organi- of God, and it can bear no other fruit.” “Church of God.” Twelve times the N.T. this false church/state organization zations are inherently divisive. The Mr. Armstrong’s words were speaks of the “Church of God” or the splintered into hundreds of false Church of God is inherently united. prophetic and (I believe) inspired. “Churches of God.” There is only one church organizations each under its Every time someone raises up a new History has already proven that he conclusion we can draw; Jesus must be own distinct new name—each compet- church organization with a new dis- was correct. God, otherwise His church that He build ing against the others. tinctive name, a fence is erected that What is the solution to the problem? could not be the “Church of God.” In the booklet “Where Is the True is causing division (1 Cor. 1:12). I am afraid that the only solution is: Well, as we know from history, no Church?” Herbert W. Armstrong wrote: Church organizations can be a useful “Our Father who art in heaven, Hal- sooner did Jesus Christ raise up the “WHERE IS the original true Church tool to serve the Church of God, but lowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Church of God, Satan laid the ground- that Jesus Christ founded—the one the they cannot be the Church of God. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in work for a counterfeit church in com- living Jesus Christ STILL HEADS today?” The only acceptable Biblical suffix to heaven.” Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Robert Schmid, Westminster, CA • www.logoslogic.info • E-mail [email protected]

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This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL 28 ★ ★ ★ THIS PAGE CONTAINS PAID ADVERTISING ★ ★ ★ Issue No. 128 (July 31, 2010) Just How Righteous WERE the Jews? — Part 2 —

hy do the Catholics in the church’s decisions since his, the “And I say also unto thee, that thou art worship on Sunday? Or host’s, salvation was at stake. Now we all Peter, and upon this rock I would build my why do they pray the should know that was going to be the result church . . .” Verse 23: “But He turned and Rosary? Exactly WHY is of that conversation. said to Peter, Get thee behind me Satan, it that they do the Another call had the do with be- thou art and offence to me . . .” In Wthings they do for their religious beliefs? seeching Mary or other saints verses 18 and 19, Christ tells Unless you were raised as a Catholic you to intervene in a person’s Peter that He, Christ, is may not know. And what does this have to life, and why that did working with Peter in do with what I started last issue? I intend not constitute pray- some manner (there are to show you by the end of this article. ing to another being differing opinions about On my drive home each day I have the besides God the Fa- this verse, but all agree opportunity to listen to the radio for about ther. For this one the that Peter is to be used in one half hour before I pick up my wife. host (a different man some manner). Then, just five During that time I usually listen to talk each day) explained that verses later, Christ tells Peter that Satan is radio. Typically after listening for a few Catholics do not pray to the saints or Mary, Peter’s father and that Peter is an offense to minutes, I can tell what direction the show but that they ask them (the saints or Mary) Him, Christ. My point is, no matter how is going in so I may not listen very long. to intervene on their (the worshiper’s) much good we do or how much God uses About two months ago I happened to tune behalf. My Bible tells me that there is one us, when we turn and work against God’s into the local Catholic station’s question mediator, that being Jesus Christ. But if you purpose, we are working FOR Satan. and answer show. It became obvious very aren’t too picky about how you read and Last issue I pointed out how the Jews soon that this would answer some interest- apply God’s word, then you could easily evidently exhibited a greater level of zeal ing questions I had. This prompted me to accept this rationalization. and commitment to God than most of us in start a more detailed study of why the I’m not trying to beat up on the Catholic the U.S. and the Commonwealth nations do Catholics do some of the things they do. Church in this article. They sincerely now. But Christ tells us that they didn’t do Most of us realize that Sunday is ob- believe they are right, and that’s their pre- enough. We know that they weren’t follow- served based on a decision by the church at rogative. My reason for giving you these ing God and were following people’s ideas the Council of Laodicea in 360 A.D. This is examples is to point out that, even though of right and wrong. That’s what Christ had also backed up by in Cannon 29 and reiter- people may be sincere, they can still be to reprimand Peter for. Peter was trying to ated in Mater Et Magistra dated convince Christ to follow hu- May 15, 1961, issued by Pope man reasoning instead of the John XXIII. During one of the When we turn and work plan that Christ knew God had programs one of the callers was against God’s purpose, we are for Him. asking for some scriptural proof working for Satan. That’s also what HWA and of Sunday observance. The host the WCG told us happened was not able to offer any (as we after the apostle John died. The well know), but the answer he gave was very wrong. The ministry in the WCG used to church was overcome with leaders who suc- instructive to my point for this series. say that a lot. Most Catholics don’t think cumbed to human ideas, as opposed to Even though pressed heavily by the they are doing anything wrong. In fact, strictly following God’s word. This is clear- caller, the host repeatedly had to refer back most believe they are specifically following ly evident in the justifications the Catholic to the church tradition and church author- what God expects of them. Church uses to explain their teachings. We ity. He did give what he saw as scriptural This is where I want us to try and see also know that Jews in Christ’s time were authority for the church to make binding where we could be following the lead of doing the same thing. Mark 7:11 is one decisions which he implied were valid rea- the world: how we may be following Satan example of this. My question for you is, sons for the church to declare Sunday as instead of God. DOES YOUR CHURCH OF GOD JUSTIFY MAN’S the day of worship. However, his last stance That may sound extreme, but please IDEAS, CLAIMING THEY ARE GOD’S INSTRUC- was that he, the host, would place his trust consider the following. Matthew 16:18: TIONS??!!

zwbrt89 • P.O. Box 80338 #6833 • Chicago, Illinois 60680-3338 • [email protected]

This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL Issue No. 128 (July 31, 2010) ★ ★ ★ THIS PAGE CONTAINS PAID ADVERTISING ★ ★ ★ 29

King Solomon

is a man remembered as one who about not straying from the ways of born with a golden spoon in his mouth amassed a prodigious assortment of The Lord. In no uncertain terms David inheriting a ready made kingdom. female companionship—700 wives, warned Solomon of the consequenc- Solomon truly was a man who had plus 300 others as extra sexual part- es of forsaking The Lord: “Honor and everything anyone could reasonably ners. He also is remembered as hav- worship the true God of Heaven. If want. ing been spoken to, personally, by you do not, you will be cast off for- On the other hand, as a man of God The Lord God of Heaven and being ever!” (1Chronicles 28:9). Solomon was an unredeemable fail- given a special gift of ‘wise discern- But sometime during his second 20 ure. That is something recognized ment’ from God. The biblical record years of reign as king over Israel even in the genealogy of Jesus. says before Solomon was born he Solomon turned his back upon The Christ’s bloodline did not come was ‘known’ by The Lord. It says God Lord. He allowed the voices of his for- through Solomon, but through Na- loved Solomon, and Solomon loved eign wives to taint his opinion about than, another son of David (2Samuel The Lord (1Kings 3:3). God. He compromised with righteous 5:14 / Luke 3:23-31). Sadly, Solomon Solomon did many positive things principles and began building mark- forgot one of his own gems of wis- for the ancient Kingdom of Israel. He ers to the pagan deities of his women, dom: built new cities for the growing popu- markers that exalted idols of wood, It shall not be well with the wicked, lation. He built more connecting road- stone, brass and gold, idols that nei- neither shall he prolong his days . . . ways between communities. His large ther saw, nor heard, nor ate, nor could because he fears not before God. army patrolled the countryside keep- smell (Deuteronomy 4:28 / Daniel (Ecclesiastes 8:13) ing it safe from highwaymen and 5:4). In so doing, Solomon committed King Solomon—the man who had other troubles. Solomon even had a unpardonable sin. Arrogance took everything is the title of our newest navy of ships which prowled down the hold, and as time progressed Solo- book. A free copy is yours for the ask- coast of the Red Sea all the way to mon came to think of himself as ing. Just send us a request with your Africa bringing back riches for the omnipotent. name and postal mailing address. benefit of all the citizenry of Israel. As a king, Solomon was unique. And, as a reminder, you never will Solomon loved The Lord and had Riches, authority and respect were receive letters from us begging for been counseled by David, his father, his from the very beginning. He was donations.

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This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL 30 THE JOURNAL Issue No. 140 (July 31, 2010) The Bible’s instruction on sex? Maybe we have a problem here Continued from page 5 Then a little voice in the back of my could find in the Old Testament about part in the lake of fire. If fornication Pretty much the only sexual acts minutes we talked about how wonder- head said, “John, what if she’s right the remaining 95 percent of sex out- was what they said, then that’s what that were sin in the Old Testament ful a relationship would be. As I hung and you’re wrong?” side of marriage. they meant. were incest, homosexual acts, adul- up I thought to myself she didn’t need “Shut up,” I said. Here’s what I found: “____.” That’s The little voice piped up, “John, the tery, adulterous prostitution and bes- to be so bashful. Who wouldn’t want right! Nothing! Absolutely nothing! writers of the New Testament wrote in tiality. That’s all. We cannot add “all I graduated from AC Greek, not English.” sex outside marriage” to that list, just to have a relationship with her? Obvious lack Two days later I was working out in I hated that little voice because I Like I said, I hated that voice. as we cannot add “all sex in marriage” a gym with a few friends. One man knew it wouldn’t go away until I stud- Commentaries have noted this ob- English fornication should be good to that list. had lost his beloved wife of many ied the subject in the Bible. vious lack of instruction in the Old enough for anybody. But why do that? I already knew ev- Testament regarding sex outside of Handy study guide years. After a year and a half he was Four Greek words still grieving. erything about sex. I am an AC grad. I marriage. Maybe we have a problem The four words I’ve mentioned “I envy you, John, because you had taken Principles of Living class. here. There are four closely related here are used 54 times in the New have a woman you can talk to,” he Our textbook was Mr. Armstrong’s Maybe I could learn from my own Greek words that are translated in the Testament. Here is the list for your said. “I wish I had that.” Missing Dimension in Sex. We were study of the examples in the Old KJV as “fornication,” “commits forni- own study: “Why don’t you start dating taught everything about sex. We were Testament. cation,” “whore,” “harlot,” “fornica- Porneia, Strong’s No. 4202: Mat- again?” I asked. taught to know nothing about sex until I thought about Abraham having tor” and “whoremonger.” They are thew 5:32; 15:19; 19:9; Mark 7:21; “I could never have a relationship after we were married. sex with Sarah’s handmaid as well as porneia, listed in Strong’s Exhaustive John 8:41; Acts 15:20, 29; 21:25; with a woman again after being mar- My mother taught me that all sex his concubines. Concordance as No. 4202; porneuo, Romans 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:13, ried to my wife for so many years,” he was bad if you weren’t married. She I considered David and his wives 4203; porne, 4204; and pornos, 4205. 18; 7:2; 2 Corinthians 12:21; Gala- replied. learned it from the puritanical church and concubines. As they say, the devil is in the de- tians 5:19; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians What? Suddenly I realized that in she then attended, which got it from I knew about Solomon’s 1,000 tails. Let’s start with pornos, No. 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Revelation today’s parlance having a relationship puritanical preachers hundreds of wives and concubines and about the 4205. Pornos is a masculine noun. It 2:21; 9:21; 14:8; 17:2,4; 18:3; 19:2. means having sex! As soon as I re- years ago who beat, scourged, brand- many wives and concubines of many comes from pernao, which meant to Porneuo, Strong’s No. 4203: 1 turned home I called Carrie. ed, tormented, humiliated and burned of Judah’s and Israel’s kings. sell, as a merchandiser would. Corinthians 6:18; 10:8; Revelation “Carrie, when you called and we enough women to know what they I had read about the virgin Esther, In the Greek world of Paul, a 2:14, 20; 17:2; 18:3, 9. talked about having a relationship were talking about. along with many other women, having pornos was a male prostitute who ren- Porne, Strong’s No. 4204: Mat- were you talking about having sex?” Still, I had to admit I had never ac- sexual relations with the king so he dered his services for pay, as opposed thew 21:31, 32; Luke 15:30; 1 Corin- “Well, duh, yesss,” she said. thians 6:15, 16; Hebrews 11:31; James “Carrie, I had no idea. I thought we 2:25; Revelation 17:1, 5, 15-16; 19:2. were talking about having an extra- Pornos, Strong’s No. 4205: 1 Co- close friendship. I’m not going to have rinthians 5:9-11; 6:9; Ephesians 5:5; 1 sex with you. I’m a devout Christian Please notice Timothy 1:10; Hebrews 12:16; 13:4; and I believe sex outside of marriage iews stated in any article, letter, editorial, essay or other feature in THE JOURNAL Revelation 21:8; 22:15. are those of the writers or sources quoted by the writers and should not be is wrong.” Use the real meanings Pleasant but subdued viewed as the official position of any group or organization, nor do they nec- Vessarily reflect the views of anyone on the staff of THE JOURNAL. Articles, letters and fea- Let’s try using the real meanings of Carrie patiently listened while I lec- tures are presented in the interest of furthering communication and discussion among these words in their context in the tured for the next 15 minutes about Bible and not the misleading words how wrong sex was outside of mar- readers of this newspaper. JOURNAL readers are invited to submit letters and articles of fornicator and fornicating. riage. When I finally finished I asked response to JOURNAL articles they agree or disagree with. Paul tells Christians not to “compa- her what she thought. She politely said ny with pornos” (male prostitutes), 1 that she did not believe it was wrong Corinthians 5:9, even though they had for a single person to have sex. tually studied the subject in the Bible could decide who would be his wife. to a malakoi, No. 3120, which was a to sometimes associate with pornos in We went out the next week, but I myself. I knew about Hosea, whom God male homosexual who provided his the world. A brother should never be a could tell something was very wrong. A no-brainer, I thought. Nearly ev- commanded to love a prostitute and services for free. pornos, 1 Corinthians 5:11. No pornos She was pleasant but subdued. A cou- eryone acknowledges the validity of the father her children. I recalled and dis- Both terms are used in 1 Corin- would inherit the Kingdom, 1 Corin- ple days later I received a phone call. Ten Commandments, and the seventh covered many other examples. thians 6:9, where Paul says neither thians 6:9 and Ephesians 5:5. And the “John, this is very difficult, but I’ve reads, “You shall not commit adultery.” No, I wasn’t going to get any help pornos (male prostitutes) nor malakoi law was made for murderers of fathers been thinking this over for several days. Oops. I think God messed up a lit- from examples. (practicers of homosexual acts) would and mothers, for manslayers, and for I respect you very much for your close tle here. He should have said, “You I was repulsed by many of the Bible inherit the Kingdom of God. pornos, 1 Timothy 1:10. relationship with God. I think it’s won- shall not have sex outside of mar- stories. Think, if you were a wife back Unfortunately, the words are trans- Hebrews 12:14-16 says, “Pursue derful. But I don’t have that. We’re just riage.” I’m sure He meant that and it then, how would you feel if your hus- lated as “fornicators” and “effemi- peace with all people . . . lest there be too different. It’s not going to work. We was only an oversight. He would word band had a few concubines or several nate.” This gives a considerably dif- any pornos” (male prostitutes) or “pro- have completely different backgrounds, it differently today. Maybe He could other wives? ferent meaning. Pornos is translated fane person like Esau, who for one and you really don’t know me.” add it as the Eleventh Commandment, Many of you would feel utterly as “fornicator” or “whoremonger,” morsel of meat sold his birthright.” I was devastated. I asked if our dif- like the amendments to the U.S. Con- devastated, betrayed. whereas the correct translation is A Christian who became a pornos stitution. “male prostitute.” (a male prostitute) was selling his ferent views on sex outside of mar- Needed better examples riage were one of the differences. But I had to admit that “adultery” The Greek world, as well as the birthright into the Kingdom for a “Yes,” she said. “I believe adultery applies only to married people. It I was becoming quite disappointed Jewish world of the 1st century, was morsel of monetary payment. is very wrong, but I don’t see anything doesn’t address single people. in the examples of the Old Testament. far more licentious than today’s soci- Hebrews 13:4 says marriage is total- Often it spoke of sexual acts that we ety (excepting maybe San Francisco). ly honorable, but God will judge por- wrong with having sex if you are sin- Practices God hates gle and dating.” would consider immoral today, a few It was common for the wealthy, both nos (male prostitutes) and adulterers. Then she informed me: “I’m not I went to Deuteronomy 22, where a downright horrendous. But they were men and women, to own sex slaves. Revelation 21:8 says murderers, young married woman was to be not condemned. sorcerers, idolaters, liars and pornos going to date you anymore.” A society obsessed I suspect that Carrie thought enough stoned if she was not a virgin. What I I turned to the Song of Songs—the (male prostitutes) will have their part of God and His commandment against found from the commentaries was that Song of Solomon—the one book in Homosexual practices were rife. in the lake of fire. the sin was in not telling her husband the Bible totally about sex. Surely this Society was obsessed with sex. That adultery that she was broken up be- Our children aren’t murderers cause she felt she was sinning against she was not a virgin. Had she said, “I would state that sex outside of mar- was the world Paul preached in. God by wanting to date and, hence, want to marry you but you should riage is wrong. Everyone knew who a pornos was. He I don’t think our children who may have sex before her divorce was final. know I’ve been with a dozen men,” Songs is a series of poems about the was a male prostitute. have slipped up in the backseat of a there would have been no problem. sexual relationship between two Let’s go to porne, No. 4204. Porne car and then gone on to marry and Arguing outside the Bible isn’t fair I went to Leviticus 18 and 20, lovers. It describes in the most evoca- is a feminine noun. It also comes from have a wonderful family are the same Carrie is intelligent, logical and a which list all the sexual prohibitions, tive terms the desire and longing, the pernao, to sell, as in merchandise. A as murderers, sorcerers and idolaters good person, but she is secular. I capital offenses. meeting, the consummation and the porne was a female prostitute, a har- who will be tossed into the lake of fire. couldn’t use the Bible on her. I want- Yes, this surely was what I was aftermath of sex. lot. She was the female counterpart of John, the writer of Revelation, had ed to point out to her the Old Testa- looking for. These were sexual prac- It’s one book of the Bible that Puri- the pornos, a male prostitute. a specific definition of pornos. They ment scripture that says if a woman tices that God hated so much among tan schoolteachers would never dare This is how the word is used in all were male prostitutes. wasn’t a virgin when she married she the gentiles that this was the very rea- teach their class. the New Testament references. Porne Revelation 22:15 says murderers, was taken out and stoned. But I son He was driving the gentiles out There’s only one problem. The is translated as “whore” or “harlot.” In idolaters, sorcerers and pornos (male thought God might be calling her and before Israel. lover and the beloved weren’t mar- the Septuagint Old Testament, a porne prostitutes) will not be in the King- I didn’t want to scare her away. Great! Carrie was a gentile, and ried. Six times in chapters 4 and 5 the was also a prostitute (Genesis 38:15; dom. Besides, she didn’t know the Bible surely having sex outside of marriage man’s beloved is said to be the Joshua 2:1; Isaiah 1:21; Ezekiel Do you really want to put your sons well and she would probably say she would be on the list. betrothed, the promised bride. The 16:20; Hosea 3:3). and daughters (or your parents) who was a gentile and those laws about I went over the list again and again. amorous pair are only engaged. The third word, porneuo, No. 4203, may have had sex before marriage in There must be some mistake, I thought, comes from pornos, 4205. It is a verb, the same category as murderers, idol- stoning applied only to ancient Israel. The Christian covenant I would have to rely on logic and another oversight by God. and it means to play the harlot, to be a aters and sorcerers? That’s pretty bad reason to convince her that sex before But basically all I could find were Right then and there I said I’m prostitute. company. and after marriage is wrong. incest, adultery, homosexual acts and going to the New Testament. Forget In both the New Testament and the Let’s look at 1 Corinthians 6:12-20. As far as I could see, the only fault bestiality. the Old Testament. Septuagint it is used only to describe Paul addresses the libertines who in all the world she had was that she Elsewhere in the Old Testament, Christians are under the New Cove- what a prostitute, or a wife who has maintained that sex was as essential to thought it was okay to have sex out- cultic prostitution—in which sacred nant, and lots of scriptures say sex out- turned to prostitution, does. the body as food and drink. They said side of marriage. I realize most single prostitutes, both men and women, side of marriage is wrong and fornica- The KJV translates porneuo as it was lawful, or “permissible,” as the men wouldn’t view that as a fault. were used in pagan worship—was tors will burn in the lake of fire. That’s “commits fornication.” NJB (New Jerusalem Bible) translates For the next three days, try as I condemned. where Carrie was headed for an un- Do you begin to see a problem it, to go to the temple prostitutes. I now had a problem. Incest, adul- comfortable swim. here? When we think of fornication might I could not think of one logical What was Paul thinking? reason (apart from the Bible) that it tery, homosexual acts, bestiality and I defined fornication as sex outside we think of all sex outside of mar- was wrong for a single person to have cultic prostitution accounted for may- of marriage. The proof that that defin- riage, not solely prostitution, which If all sex outside of marriage was sex. No marriage covenant was being be only 5 percent of all the sexual ac- ition was accurate was that sex outside porneuo really refers to. wrong, why didn’t Paul say so? broken, and Carrie was not under the tivity outside of marriage. What about of marriage is fornication. That’s all The fourth word, porneia, 4202, is Astoundingly, Paul said the oppo- authority of any pastor, priest or mul- the remaining 95 percent of sex apart the proof I needed. I prided myself on a feminine noun and comes from site. He conceded that, although it was lah. She was free to do as she chose. from marriage? my impeccable circular reasoning. porneuo, 4203. not good, it was permissible. I gave up. I was still convinced I I wasn’t looking for an excuse. I Paul and other New Testament Porneia is a sexual sin. The writers The next few verses show the was right and she was wrong, but, was trying to see what the Bible really writers said flee fornication, that forni- of the New Testament were careful question was whether it was permis- unless I could use the Bible, I couldn’t said about sex outside of marriage. cators will not inherit the Kingdom of about what sin was: the breaking of sible to go to pagan temple prosti- prove it to her. In this article I am focusing on all I God, that all fornicators will have their God’s Old Testament laws. See HOW SHOULD WE, page 31 Issue No. 140 (July 31, 2010) THE JOURNAL 31 How should we proceed when Scripture is silent on a matter? Continued from page 30 porneia, 4202, is used to describe Yes, Paul knew a stable husband- know what is proper, moral and up- many examples of couples who love tutes. Paul develops a convoluted but adulterous Israel in the Old Testament. wife relationship was a bulwark right as opposed to what is lascivious, each other, plan to either marry or stay excellent argument that as Christians Christ was not referring to anything against the temptation of unmarried lustful and immoral. committed, have sexual relations, and the spouse might have done before illicit sex. all is well. we are joined with Christ, and our Strive for the highest bodies are in essence Christ’s body, marriage. Sex gravitates to licentiousness or Kings of the earth Maybe God is a little wiser than we to marriage. A Christian should view the temple of God. Typical divorce Thus it was not right to take that In Revelation Jezebel is a type of give Him credit for. Think of the un- sex as a priceless gift from God to be body and join it to a temple or cultic The phrase “causes her to commit pagan prostitute who practiced por- speakable, unthinkable tortures count- used only to lead to marriage. Ideally porne, No. 4204 (female prostitute), adultery” refers not to the wife but to neuo, 4203 (verb form meaning illicit less women have suffered from in- it should be only in marriage and per- for porneia, 4202 (illicit sex). the second woman in the situation. By sex), with those of the Thyatira church quisitors in the witch-hunts of the haps during engagement, but “ideally” This was the specific practice that this I mean that nearly all divorces and caused them to commit porneia, Middle Ages. Think how much worse doesn’t always happen. Paul was discussing. He was not talking involve a situation in which one per- 4202 (noun form referring to illicit it would be if sadistic, evil inquisitors There is that gray area during about fornication as we define it today. son begins an affair with someone sex), and eat things sacrificed to idols. were armed with a scripture that said which a couple is developing a rela- Pagan temple prostitutes were con- else. The person then divorces his or The great harlot, porne, 4204 (pros- all sex outside marriage is wrong. tionship that leads to marriage that demned in the Old Testament. They her present mate to marry the other. titute), of Revelation prostitutes (por- A Christian should strive for the often involves sex. At what point does were common in Greek society. Cor- Both parties to the affair are com- neuo, 4203) herself with the kings of highest level of morality. We are be- it suddenly become good? inth was notorious for temple prostitu- mitting adultery, not the innocent wife the earth. She is guilty of porneia, trothed to Christ and should seek those In common-law marriages, on what tion. Men would come to the pagan who was divorced by her husband. 4202 (cultic prostitution). things above. Ideally, sex should be particular night does a relationship go temples, give their donations and have Remember, God divorced Israel for The four Greek words porneia, only one man, one woman, one mar- from being bad to good? sex with the temple prostitutes. this very reason, porneia, and porneia porneuo, porne and pornos, are used riage, with one vow “from this day I am against fornication as most Paul continues by advising Chris- was legitimate grounds for divorce. several times in Revelation and refer forward till death do us part.” But the practice it. My point is that God is tians to “flee” porneia, 4202 (illicit silent on the matter. He nowhere con- sex), but in the context it means flee- demns it as sin, and sometimes sex ing the pagan temple prostitutes. Ideally, sex should be only one man, one woman, one outside of marriage leads to a wonder- Paul continues: “He that commits ful marriage, and sometimes it leads porneuo [illicit sex] sins against his marriage, with one vow ‘till death do us part.’ But the away from a wonderful marriage. own body,” which is the temple of The introduction to the Song of God (1 Corinthians 6:16-18). world is not ideal, and not all people are Christians. Songs in the NJB reads: “It [Songs] It’s unfortunate that porneuo is deals with human nature, and in fact translated as “fornication” because that treats of one of its most vital aspects. translation completely changes what In John 8:41 the Pharisees protested to the prostitution of Jezebel and the world is not ideal, and not all people In its own way, it teaches the excel- Paul was saying. Paul was talking they were not born of pornei through great whore and to male prostitutes. are Christians. lence and dignity of the love that about visiting pagan temple prostitutes. an illegitimate concubine of Abraham. They never refer to fornication as we One negative consequence of the draws man and woman together, it They were not referring to Jesus and today define fornication. belief that all sex outside of marriage exorcises the myths attaching to love Know the context any sex Mary was suspected of having is wrong is that often it leads subcon- in those remote times and presents a NT and OT agreement 1 Corinthians 10:8: “Neither let us before marrying Joseph. sciously to feeling there is something love as free of puritanical restraint as it commit fornication [porneuo, 4203], There are many examples of good unclean about sex, even in marriage. is of licentious excess.” Jerusalem conference marriages in the Old Testament. God Thus it can hurt marital relations. as some of them committed, and fell in Who’s right? one day three and twenty thousand.” In Acts 15 the participants in the created one woman, Eve, to be The 95 percent of sex outside of Again, look at the context of the Jerusalem conference decided to write Adam’s one wife. Abraham had one marriage is a vast gray area with thou- Can there legitimately be sex be- Old Testament reference in Numbers to the gentiles to advise them to abstain wife, Sarah. God gave one wife, Rebe- sands of shades from almost white to fore or after marriage rather than only 25 that Paul was referencing. Paul is from porneia, 4202 (illicit sex), blood kah, to Isaac. Boaz was given one almost black. Most of secular society during marriage? Based on my study talking about the Moabite women and pollutions of idols. This was a wife, Ruth. Ahasuerus married only gravitates to the black. of the Bible, outlined here, I’ll answer who prostituted themselves with the direct reference to the prohibitions of one queen, Esther. The words of many of today’s songs that tricky question like the weather- Israelite men and had them worship eating blood and worshiping idols in We find the New Testament con- are filthy. Sex is pursued as an end in man would answer it: I think there’s a their pagan gods. Sacred prostitution Leviticus 17 and the illicit sexual prac- demns only and exactly the same sex- itself, a false god millions are enslaved chance. and idolatry were condemned in the tices of Leviticus 18 of incest, homo- ual practices the Old Testament con- to. In the Bible, lust—coveting—is as- I keep going back to what Carrie Old Testament. That’s what Paul was sexual acts, and bestiality that God said demned, which were adultery, incest, sociated with idolatry, which is associ- said: “I don’t think sex outside of mar- talking about, and that only. he hated even among the gentiles. homosexual acts, sacred or temple ated with temple prostitution. riage is wrong.” In Romans 1:29 Paul scathingly prostitution and bestiality. I was convinced I was right and she Matthew 5:32 and 19:9: Christ says Christians know the difference it is permissible to divorce a spouse condemned the worst of society, say- But what does the New Testament was wrong. Now I’m convinced she for porneia, 4202 (illicit sex), which ing they were filled with porneia, say about the other 95 percent? Noth- Although the New Testament doesn’t was right and I was wrong in that sex included and in this case meant gross 4202 (illicit sex). Specifically in the ing, absolutely nothing. say all sex outside marriage is wrong, it outside of marriage is a vast gray area adultery. context, he was talking about male and I’m scared to speak for God and say does give guidelines. Christians belong that God’s Word is apparently deliber- The word moicheia, 3430, is trans- female practicers of same-sex acts. all sex outside of marriage is wrong to Christ. They are not to be licentious. ately silent on. Something in a gray area lated “adultery.” It specifically means 1 Corinthians 5:1: “It is reported when God’s silence is deafening. If They, along with everyone else, know can be good or bad but not necessarily adultery, whereas porneia, 4202, is a that there is porneia among you . . . God says nothing about the 95 per- the difference between love and lust. totally right or totally wrong. more general word meaning all illicit that one should have his father’s cent, then we have no choice but to Sex is not love. It is an attraction. Recently Carrie and I talked again sex, including adultery. wife.” It was the illicit act of incest. make our own choice. Without love and the pursuit of a mari- on the phone. She informed me she In the Septuagint (the Greek trans- 1 Corinthians 7:2: “To avoid por- We have minds with consciences tal relationship, sex can be very bad. had begun dating again. I wished her lation of the Old Testament Hebrew) neia, let every man have his own wife.” and the ability to think and reason. We On the other hand, we all know of all the happiness in the world. Don’t let divisions, clever speeches, rushed words affect you Continued from page 3 read field reports by ministers in the a false idol of hierarchy set in some ties seem to collide with each other. good of all concerned. These times are the church, votes by laypeople, a com- Spanish-speaking regions. people’s hearts. I speak from the experience of hav- stressful for all involved. bination of the votes of elders and lay ing visited many of the countries people, etc. Is bloc voting a sin? The Lord’s position affected, and I have personally met Two questions for the brethren Once you have voting, you have the I have a few observations: Once again Ezekiel explains the with many of these people over the Having gone through a similar situ- possibility of bloc voting; that, is a If bloc voting happened, is it a Lord’s position: years. I have sat face to face in their ation a couple of times, I urge the scat- group of people in the voting class sin? If so, why? And is it a serious sin “And the word of the LORD came to kitchens or living rooms discussing tered brethren to think about the situa- deciding as an informal group how that merits firing? me, saying, ‘Son of man, these men the hope that is within us. tion in the following terms: they will cast their ballots for a partic- If the president and 12-man rul- have set up their idols in their hearts, On June 15, 2010, you had a ular candidate or measure. ing council did not supervise the and put before them that which causes People aren’t property Bible, you had the Holy Spirit, and regional director, why not? them to stumble into iniquity . . . I the I met with people in Colombia, you had a relationship with God. God’s business This brings to mind a scripture I LORD will answer him who comes, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, Chile, Brazil, On July 15 you still had a Bible, In some organizations bloc voting have wondered about that speaks of according to the multitude of his idols, El Salvador, Venezuela, Argentina and you still had the Holy Spirit, and you seems to be a big problem. But, in protecting the flock: that I may seize the house of Israel by Guatemala. These people are not the still had a relationship with God. matters of choosing leaders, is God in “Should not the shepherds feed the their heart, because they are all property of an organization. They The trunk of the tree has not the business of inspiring votes one flocks? . . . The weak you have not estranged from Me by their idols.’ ” were purchased with the blood of changed. Jesus Christ is still your way or another? Savior. He still sits at the right hand of I remember an article in the distin- God. Don’t let all that is going on guished publication THE JOURNAL: Relationships with men are important, but not as affect you. Don’t let divisions, clever NEWS OF THE CHURCHES OF GOD in speeches and rushed words affect your which Dixon Cartwright posed the important as your looking up to God. Don’t take relationship with God. same question with several variations Relationships with men are impor- to one of the UCG’s voters. sides, and don’t take your eye off your goal. tant, but not as important as your look- (See “UCG Elder Reports on Re- ing up to God. Don’t take sides, and cent General Conference,” THE JOUR- don’t take your eye off your goal. NAL, issue No. 135, May 31, 2009.) strengthened, nor have you healed those The problem with having idols in Christ, as Paul tells us in Acts 20: I point you to the Father and His In the latest incarnation of bloc-vot- who were sick, nor bound up the bro- your heart is that the idol is invisible, “. . . I know this, that after my de- Son, Jesus Christ. Listen to men only ing rage, Leon Walker, director of the ken, nor brought back what was driven even though the actions of the man with parture savage wolves will come in as they follow Christ. Latin American region of the United away, nor sought what was lost; but this kind of idol are there for all to see. among you, not sparing the flock. Also Analyze whether they speak ac- Church of God an International As- with force and cruelty you have ruled I can’t understand why people from among yourselves men will rise cording to the law and the testimony sociation (UCG), lost his job. them. So they were scattered because who don’t know the brethren in all up, speaking perverse things, to draw or not. Analyze whether they are I read church president Dennis there was no shepherd; and they became these countries can be so dismissive of away the disciples after themselves” helpers of your joy or not. Luker’s letter in which he quoted cer- food for all the beasts of the field when their input and feelings. (verses 28-30). Be strong and of good courage. tain scriptures. they were scattered” (Ezekiel 34:2-5). These brethren, quite naturally, go I don’t know what will become ______I read the writing of affected minis- Did bloc voting rise to the level through the internal turmoil of having of the organizations and the alignment For another commentary about the ters and letters pro and con concerning of insubordination? If so, are some to think through their loyalty to their of personnel. I do hope there might be situation in Latin America, see Reg the decisions made by the UCG’s who are making the accusations of minister and their loyalty to their a good measure of reconciliation, for- Killingley’s article beginning on page council of elders and president. I also insubordination themselves bowing to headquarters, even when such loyal- giveness and brotherly love for the 3 of this issue of THE JOURNAL. 32 THE JOURNAL Issue No. 140 (July 31, 2010) The tie that binds: CGI-UCG Pentecost Notes and quotes Mr. Palmatier, 39, who has ob- tions transformed the banquet hall at While they sang, the offering was served the Sabbath since age 5, at- the Glengarry Sports Palace into the collected together, showing that we Church of God in Training incorrect information. tends services in the Ottawa and Mon- place where God’s people gathered to are ultimately giving to God. PALO CEDRO, Calif.— The call-in phone number for Northern California has a new Mr. Westby’s Virtual Church, treal areas with his wife, Lissa, and partake of a feast of both spiritual and After this, the UCG choir presented which attendees may dial any their two children. physical food. a beautiful selection, “In His Time.” Church of God group, announced Jason Busa. Saturday at 11 a.m. U.S. Pacific Gentlemen from the three churches The singers were accompanied on time, is actually (916) 233-0562. By Murray Palmatier looked after the technical aspects of piano by Marianne Connell, on re- Pastor Dan Cafeo has been a ONTREAL, Que., Canada the setup and showed that God’s Spirit corder by Carole Trottier and on guitar Church of God minister for 40 Coulter Bible doing well —The sleepy hamlet of is indeed a spirit of cooperation. by Dave Hebert. years and “teaches biblical doc- PASADENA, Calif.—Bob Alexandria, Ont., was home trines restored to the church by Ellsworth of CenturyOne M Joint effort Comfort and power God through Mr. Herbert W. to a very special Bookstore says Fred Coulter’s Pentecost cele- UCG deacon Richard Moulton led The second message of the split Armstrong,” Mr. Busa wrote in a Original Order Version Bible is bration on May song services. With the help of French sermon time was presented by me, press release he sent to THE selling well. JOURNAL. 23, 2010. The translator Christian Caron, he selected CGI elder Murray Palmatier. I spoke Mr. Ellsworth For more information write furnished small town of hymns common to the English UCG, on the two reasons God gave the Holy P. O. Box 564, Palo Cedro, Calif. 3,300 halfway French UCG and CGI hymnals. Spirit to His people. THE JOURNAL 96073, U.S.A., or info@ with some between Ottawa, What an inspiring start to the ser- Christ told us that it was a com- cogintraining.org. Or phone Ont., and Mon- vice to hear three congregations sing- forter (to be used to change us inter- statistics. (530) 474-1283. See also The first treal played host ing praises to our Father in heaven in nally) and powerful witness (to bring cogintraining.org. to a historic fes- two languages! the message of change to others). edition of tival observance. After an opening prayer, given by After Pat Delfino gave the closing Music man 10,000 copies sold Eighty of the CGI deacon Jim French, Joseph prayer, brethren renewed old friend- SIERRA MADRE, Calif.— Murray Palmatier out almost brethren from Moulton, an elder from the UCG Ot- ships and built new ones while partak- Music man Ross Jutsum immediately United Church tawa group, gave the first sermon. He ing of the meal. Fellowship lasted well announced July 31, 2010, he is in June 2009, of God (UCG) congregations in Mon- reviewed the history of God’s Spirit into the early evening. making available books of sheet Fred Coulter so Mr. Coul- treal and Ottawa, as well as the throughout the Bible and how God has Brethren from all three congrega- music and instrumental-accom- ter has taken Church of God International (CGI) chosen to give it to a select few at any tions wondered aloud when we could paniment tracks for his Tr uly delivery of a printing of another congregation from Ottawa, met to- given moment in time. do this again. While all of God’s feasts Amazing and The Heart of 12,000 Bibles. gether to commemorate the anniver- After a brief offertory message, are annual blessings reminding us of Praise CDs. “As far as we can determine,” sary of the New Testament church and UCG member Achille Vitale and CGI God’s plan, this one was extra special. His extensive travels take him Mr. Ellsworth said, “this surpris- the giving of the Holy Spirit. member Lissa Palmatier sang a duet God’s Spirit builds bridges of unity to Sabbatarian and other con- ing sales record made this the The ladies of all three congrega- titled “Faithful One.” when we get out of His way. gregations for concerts during best-selling new Bible of 2009.” which he plays piano and sings. The success of Mr. Coulter’s “There are still quite a few Bible translation makes it “the open dates on our schedule for first major commercial publishing the last quarter of 2010, and I success by any Ambassador Congregation conducts annual election hope that you might consider the graduate and/or former WCG possibility of my coming to serve minister,” Mr. Ellsworth said. in your area,” Mr. Jutsum said. IG SANDY, Texas—The Church top four vote totals in the nomination Hawkins and Jim Wilkins of Hawkins. The Bible “eclipses in quali- THE JOURNAL featured a major ty and craftsmanship even the of God Big Sandy concluded its phase this year proceeded to the elec- At their meeting on July 6, 2010, interview with Mr. Jutsum in its annual election of board mem- tion phase, which occurs in June. The board members elected their officers famous Oxford and Cambridge B issue dated May 31, 2009. wide-margin Bibles.” He said he bers on June 26, 2010, by reelecting other two people whom members of for the year. For more information contact the congregation nominated in May Mr. Monsalvo, who served as pres- thinks of the volume as “the Neil McIver of White Oak and Don Mr. Jutsum at rossjutsum@ Envoy of Bibles.” Mischnick of Big Sandy. (besides Mr. McIver and Mr. Misch- ident for the past three years, an- stateoftheheart.org or P.O. Box For more information write The board of trustees has seven nick) were Marcia Chambers of nounced he would like to give some- 56, Sierra Madre, Calif. 91025, CenturyOne Bookstore at 111 S. members who serve three-year terms. Pritchett and Travis Self of Big Sandy. one else the opportunity. U.S.A. Orange Grove Blvd., Ste. 300, Each year at least two trustees finish The other five board members are The new officers are Mr. Roden as Celebrate with Pasadena, Calif. 91105, U.S.A., their terms. A nomination process David Havir III of Hawkins, Bernie president, Mr. McIver as vice presi- or [email protected]. occurs each May. Monsalvo of Gladewater, Melodee dent, Mrs. Overton as secretary and friends in Colorado The four people who received the Overton of Big Sandy, J.L. Roden of Mr. Mischnick as treasurer. SEATTLE, Wash.—“Celebrate COG sponsors best-seller the coming Kingdom with friends BIXBY, Okla.—The Tulsa in Colorado Springs” on Sept. (Okla.) Church of God plans to 22-30, 2010, invites Ken Westby sponsor a lecture by best-selling of the Association for Christian author Joe Kovacs on Aug. 6, ‘I could do nothing but cry God help me’ Development (godward.org). 2010, in the church’s building. The ACD will play host to a Mr. Kovacs, an editor at Continued from page 1 Then he copied another of my own have involved angels. Feast site of “enriching messages WorldNetDaily.com, a popular The next thing I knew, my car was speech habits and asked, “Are you If you have had such an experience, and relaxed fellowship,” he said. conservative news Web site, on the right shoulder, heading the right sure?” THE JOURNAL would like to hear from Speakers will include CG7 wrote Shocked by the Bible: The way. It had stopped so suddenly that I said, “Yes, thank you very much.” you. Send your story, along with your pastor Troy Gedack, former Most Astonishing Facts You my books and purse were thrown off He then asked if he could help me address and phone number and a WCG pastors Ben Morrison, Have Never Been Told. the seat onto the floor. But I, with no and I said that I did not need more good-quality recent photograph of Owen Murphy and Mr. Westby, Besides talking about his help but would be okay. elder Merle Vines and Bob book, Mr. Kovacs “will also have seat belt, was not thrown forward at all. you, to [email protected] or P.O. Woodburn. the sermon time on Saturday, I turned to pick up my books and Box 1020, Big Sandy, Texas 75755, Talking Southern Write [email protected] for Aug. 7, at the Tulsa church build- purse, and an instant later when I U.S.A. THE JOURNAL will consider looked up he had disappeared. I saw more information. ing at 1 p.m.,” announced Aletha Then I saw a young man at my win- printing your article in a future issue. Dennis. dow. Had he been dressed like the no car, no bicycle and no young man. Two corrections Then I remembered that he was not For more JOURNAL articles about In anticipation of the event, other University of Oregon students, angels, see “Did an Angelic Couple THE JOURNAL published incor- The Tulsa World ran an article, even wet from the rain. “Book Challenges Bible Myths,” as a long-haired, sloppy hippie, I I said to myself: That was my Visit a Texas Hospital in 1981?” in rect biographical information in would have been afraid to roll down issue No. 134, “Motorist Believes two editor’s notes that appeared on July 31. angel! If I had realized that, I would before the bylines of two writers The article noted that Mr. my window to talk to him. have asked him a million questions! Helpful Truck Driver Was an Angel” But he was dressed like a Mormon in issue No. 136, “Angels Can Be of articles in issue No. 139, Kovacs’ book was an “instant He knew that, so that’s probably dated June 17, 2010. sensation” on Amazon.com, missionary, with dark trousers, white why he disappeared so quickly. Helpful, but They Don’t Like to So- ranking No. 1 in three categories. shirt, dark tie, glasses, short dark hair. The note before Luke ______cialize” in issue No. 137, “CGI Przeslawski’s editorial on page 3 As the Tulsa paper noted, he I felt no fear at all. Member Believes Angel Protected Series of angels that ran under the headline writes of a Wednesday-afternoon He said, “Are you all right, ma’am?” Him During Crash” in issue No. 138 “Better to Prune Now Than crucifixion and late-Saturday res- I thought: Wow! He even talks The above article is the sixth in THE and “Someone Warns Him: Slow Languish Later” should have urrection; that Christmas obser- Southern. JOURNAL’s series about experiences Down, Your Car’s Out of Oil” in said that he and his wife, Julie, vances are pagan; that people And I answered, “Yes, I am.” readers have had that they think may issue No. 139. attend Sabbath services with the don’t go to heaven when they United Church of God. die; and that (and here the Tulsa The note that preceded Ken paper quotes Mr. Kovacs) “when Westby’s byline before his essay the Philistines stole the ark of on page 9, “The Power of One the covenant, God whacked Suffices Even If You’re the Last them with a seven-month-long The Journal: Man Standing,” also included case of hemorrhoids.” Subscribe or renew! Prsrt Std To subscribe, send a check or money order. Or you can pay with a credit card. (Fax 1-903- TheJournal US Postage 636-9097 or write [email protected].) Be sure to check your mailing label. If you have only News of the Churches of God Paid P. O. 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