3 J. Phillip Arnold finally sets the record straight on Mr. Armstrong’s W 5 Henk Jens compares the old Amish with the old Worldwide Church of God 6 Mac Overton writes a book review you TheJournal won’t find in most COG publications 12 Walter Steensby says some Sabbath News of the Churches of God texts were never properly translated Vol. XIII, No. 4 Founded 1997 (Print date Sept. 29, 2009) Issue No. 136

Motorist believes helpful KenWestby’s truck driver was an angel still going strong By Dixon Cartwright The writer is editor of The Church some sort, we hardly ever attended. RAPEVINE, Texas—Ken of God Messenger, which she, along As I grew up, we also had Je- Westby was back in action with her husband, Darwin, publishes. hovah’s Witnesses at our house sev- Gin June 2009 for his eighth Write Mrs. Lee at P.O. Box 2333, eral times, and I had a girlfriend who annual One God Seminars, this Bismarck, N.D. 58502 U.S.A. Or see was Mormon, so I attended some- time in the DallasÐFort Worth area. [email protected]. times with her. Our baby-sitter was Mr. Westby began his series of Assembly of God. I got married the annual conferences in Seattle, Wash., By Laura Lee first time in a Baptist church. in 2002. This year’s had the same ISMARCK, N.D.—I did not From the time I was in third grade purpose and theme: to promote the grow up in the Church of God, until I was 17, I attended a Pentecostal concept that God is one and only Bnor as a child did I ever have church the most. one as part of what Mr. Westby contact with anyone who kept a I even attended that one and the calls a “unitary monotheistic” ap- Saturday Sabbath, at least not to my Baptist church throughout most of my proach to understanding Deity. knowledge. life until the early ’90s, when I first Unitary monotheism, some- So the true story I am about to tell learned about the Worldwide Church times called unitarianism (with a you may change the way you look at of God. lowercase u so people won’t con- those in other affiliations. As a young child I always knew that fuse it with the Unitarian Univer- Our family bounced from church to the Sabbath was Saturday, but never to salist Church), draws its share of church, starting with the local Con- my knowledge did I have contact with critics from within the Church of gregational church. I believe the Con- any Saturday-Sabbath keepers. When I God movement. gregationalists changed into or split asked my mother to explain why, if the Historical unitarianism into the United Church of Christ, where Sabbath is Saturday, do people keep I was sprinkled as a fifth-grader. Sunday, she got mad at me, and that Historically, the Churches of VOLUNTEERS AND REFUGEES—Legacy Institute volunteer teachers stand God of the 20th century, including I think that church lit candles, and was the end of the conversation. with a family of Burmese Karenni refugees. (See the article at the bottom of this my mother thought it seemed too what is now the Church of God God will reel you in page for more information.) From left: Nathan Kimmons of Bogue Chitto, Miss.; (Seventh Day) headquartered in Catholic, so she moved us to a Luth- Nay Blu Htoo (in hat) and five family members; Elainea Spivey of San Diego, See UNITARIANS, page 30 eran church, where the minister’s wife Now that you realize that at the Calif.; and Erika Pederson of Minneapolis, Minn. [Photo by Nathan Kimmons] ran off with another man. time these things happened I was not Because of that scandal, my moth- a Saturday-Sabbath keeper of any sort er moved us to the Methodist church. and that I hardly ever attended any At age 16 our Methodist church Sunday-keeping church either, per- sent me a bill that I was supposed to haps you can have more compassion Church member says learning you have cancer return with my offering, but I ripped it for those who are not yet called. up and mailed it back. Their time will come, and God will transforms your point of view on many matters reel them in, sometimes from the Church history deepest sin-infested life a person By Dixon Cartwright ous illness, it kind of changes your years before but had lost track of him. Even though my family generally could be living. IG SANDY, Texas—Mac Over- perspective on a lot of things. Finan- He heard from a mutual friend that his always had a church affiliation of See MYSTERIOUS MAN, page 7 ton had become lax in his Chris- cial trials don’t seem so big anymore.” friend was under hospice care in a tian practice, he says. But some- local nursing home and was looking B Fellow church member thing recently caught him up short and for a copy of Mystery of the Ages, the snapped him out of his indifference. Even before February 2009, when book by Worldwide Church of God That something was a diagnosis of Mr. Overton, 59, heard a doctor first founder Herbert W. Armstrong. UCG makes decisions on cancer in his pancreas. mention the “C word,” as Mr. Overton So Mr. Overton visited Mr. Tuel, a Since a doctor informed him of his sometimes calls it, he had undergone church member who had not attended findings after examinations that some life-changing experiences. One anywhere for many years, to present move, bloc voting, forums included CAT scans and endoscopic involved a fellow Church of God him a copy of the book. The writer is publisher of THE Alta., Canada; Aaron Dean, Glade- ultrasounds, Mr. Overton, a member member who also lives in Gilmer, a “I went out and gave him the book JOURNAL. This article reports on news water, Texas; William Eddington, of THE JOURNAL’s volunteer staff since few miles from Big Sandy. That man and we became reacquainted,” Mr. events but also includes opinions of Melbourne, Australia; Roy Holladay this newspaper’s beginning in 1997, is 57-year-old Robbie Tuel. Overton said. has turned introspective. “Robbie is an invalid brother,” Mr. the writer. (council chairman), Cleveland, Tenn.; ‘Give Robbie a harmony’ Paul Kieffer, Troisdorf, Germany; “I tell you there are trials and there Overton said recently. “He was in a By Dixon Cartwright Victor Kubik, Indianapolis, Ind.; Dar- are trials,” he began at the Church of nursing home about to have his legs Then something unusual happened. he United Church of God is ris McNeely, Greenwood, Ind.; Mel- God Big Sandy’s Fellowship Club after amputated, suffering from congestive A couple of weeks later, at maybe 2 on the move: altering, or at vin Rhodes, Lansing, Mich.; and Sabbath services here Aug. 15, 2009. heart failure, diabetes, many things.” o’clock in the morning, Mr. Overton Tleast tweaking, controversial Robin Webber, Romoland, Calif. “Once you’re told you have a seri- Mr. Overton had known Mr. Tuel See WHY IS GOD, page 8 policies and past decisions in at least (Two elders—Richard Thompson three areas. and Clyde Kilough—recently re- The church’s council of elders signed their seats on the council. over the past few months of 2009 Taking their place were the two men has addressed three touchy subjects: next in line in the most recent voting Refugees hope to attend Government honors What to do with the Texas prop- for council members: Mr. Franks erty now that the church no longer and Mr. Horchak. Mr. Kilough, al- Tabernacles in Thailand CGI regional pastor plans to move its home office from though no longer on the council, is Ohio to the Lone Star State. still church president.) The writer is a volunteer teacher at Legacy Institute INGSTON, Jamaica—The government of Unofficial Internet forums and Property for sale in Thailand. Mr. Kimmons’stay at Legacy is sponsored Jamaica announced Aug. 6, 2009, it will for- discussion groups some elders have by the Church of God Big Sandy. See a related photo Kmally honor Ian Boyne, the 52-year-old pastor participated in. Related to the decision to cease at the top of this page. See also legacyinstitute.org. of the Church of God International in Jamaica, for his Alleged bloc voting by elders the discussion about a proposed move achievements as a journalist. during the yearly general conference. from Ohio is the determination to By Nathan Kimmons Mr. Boyne will receive the Commander of the Order According to a report by official put up for sale the property near Den- HIANG MAI, Thailand of Distinction award, effectively council reporter Gerald Seelig and ton, Texas, that the church bought in —About 25 refugees who the third-highest distinction in an Internet blog operated by UCG January 2008. Care camped out in Thai- the land, for his work as a com- editorial employee Mike Bennett The general conference, in May land near the country’s border mentator, writer and reporter. (ucgmikebennett.wordpress.com), 2007, had voted by a 202-195 mar- with Burma hope to attend the Strictly speaking, it is the fifth- the council decided Aug. 13, 2009, by gin to approve the move to Texas. 2009 Feast of Tabernacles ob- highest government-sponsored a vote of 10-1, with one council mem- But, in a rapidly changing economic servance in Thailand, even though award. However, the No. 1 acco- ber absent, to kill once and for all dis- environment, five council members they were not allowed to attend lade is for a “national hero,” held cussion of the proposed move of the placed the question on a second bal- the 2008 festival. only by historical figures who home office from Ohio to Texas. lot a year later. That time the council Nathan Kimmons About 140,000 Burmese live fought against slavery (which Voting no was Doug Horchak of voted, by a similarly narrow margin, in 10 refugee camps in Thailand ended in 1838) and worked for Allen, Texas. Not attending, and 187-175, not to move to Texas. near the Thailand-Burma border. Ian Boyne Jamaican independence (accom- therefore not voting, was Jim Franks Private discussions Another estimated two million live in Thailand plished in 1961). of Cincinnati. (many illegally), integrated into the Thai economy. The No. 2 honor goes only to prime ministers and The other 10 council members, all On the question of “private dis- Why are refugees from Burma (also called Myan- the governor-general. voting yes, were Scott Ashley, Arva- cussion groups,” which can include mar) in Thailand in the first place? “I think the national honor is quite a tribute to the da, Colo; Bob Berendt, Edmonton, See ATTORNEY’S OPINION, page 27 See SEVERAL COG FAMILIES, page 8 See JAMAICA WILL FORMALLY HONOR, page 29 2 THE JOURNAL (Print date Sept. 29, 2009) Issue No. 136 Letters from our readers

How people are thanks to the Church of God hank you for THE JOURNAL! I left (Seventh Day) for supplying How to subscribe to THE JOURNAL the WCG in 1996 after 26 years. me this paper for the pur- Keep up with news of the Churches of God THE JOURNAL, c/o Lewis McCann, 24 Brad- THE JOURNAL provides informa- pose of preserving fur- and your friends in all the groups by sub- vue Cres., Bradville, Milton Keynes MK13 T scribing to THE JOURNAL:NEWS OF THE 7AJ, United Kingdom; £18 for 12 issues; tion I would not otherwise have (some ther aspects of Church CHURCHES OF GOD for (in the United States) [email protected]. former leaders, various activities, of God history.” $15 for six issues, $28 for 12 issues or $49 THE JOURNAL, c/o Walter Steensby, P.O. Feast sites, etc.). Often I wonder about Correction for 24 issues. Gift subscriptions to THE JOUR- Box 4305, Hawker, A.C.T. 2614, Australia; how and where many people are. NAL are available. For non-U.S. subscriptions [email protected]. $A30 for 12 is- The Web address you mailed from Big Sandy, the price is $17 for Recently I visited my former Mes- provided in the “Notes and sues, $A55 for 24 issues; for pensioners, sianic Jewish congregation in another six issues, $30 for 12 issues or $51 for 24 is- $A24 for 12 issues, $A43 for 24 issues. Quotes” article on Frank sues. For prices for ordering through one of Checks payable to Journal Services. city. A former WCG member (now a our international distributors, below, please Nelte (page 32 of the May THE JOURNAL, c/o Rosemary Morton, 9b member at that congregation), her check with the individual distributor. 31, 2009, issue)—tinyurl. James St., Plimmerton, Porirua 5026, New friend (a member of the Living Church To subscribe, renew or order a gift subscrip- of God) and I met for dinner, as I’d com/ltfh15—is evidently Zealand, or john.rosemary@paradise. incorrect. It brings up a tion in the United States, Australia, Britain, net.nz; $NZ30 for 12 issues; reduced rates previously planned, with my two very Web site completely dif- Canada, South Africa, New Zealand or on application if needed. Please make good friends who are members of Unity, liberty, love elsewhere, use the coupon on the last page checks payable to R.H. Morton. ferent from the subject of this article. or a plain piece of paper and mail to one of another “fragment” of the WCG. I read the article about Ross Jutsum Canadian subscribers: Please subscribe Paul Morin these addresses (when ordering from the What a wonderful, wonderful, [“Music Man’s Circuit Takes Him Out through the Big Sandy address. Canadian Via the Internet U.S. address, please remit in U.S. funds): blessed time of fellowship! of Town for More Than 40 Weekend subscriptions in U.S. dollars are $17 for six I share this in hopes that more read- Gigs Every Year,” May 31, 2009, is- Mr. Morin is correct. The address THE JOURNAL, P. O. Box 1020, Big Sandy, monthly issues, $30 for 12 issues or $51 for Texas 75755, U.S.A.; [email protected]. 24 issues. Please remit in U.S. funds drawn ers will reach out, put aside minor dif- sue] and noticed he was quoted as say- for Mr. Nelte’s paper, a response to (See subscription prices above.) on a U.S. bank or as a postal money order. ferences of current groups, and fel- ing, “I don’t think the day of worship unitarians, or believers in “one God,” lowship together sometimes at meals, is an essential.” is tinyurl.com/ltfha5. outings, etc. The Bible Answer Man, who had that he himself is doing while he church because it was—as it still is— May our great, awesome God con- an integral part in changing the World- Another church selling assets accuses others and says others void of understanding. Jesus Christ tinue to bless, keep and encourage all wide Church of God, often quotes the I think it was on Aug. 17, 2009, that shouldn’t be doing it. was replaced by human personalities. of us. Please keep up the good work. following: “In essentials, unity. In Fox 2 in St. Louis reported that the What about you? Will you say this Enough said. Helen Hickland nonessentials, liberty. In all things, long-standing classical station, Clas- is different? Will you just let it pass? George E. Padgett Lexington, Ky. love” (St. Augustine, A.D. 354-430). sic 99, KFUO, may be up for sale. Fox Paul and Micki Herrmann Consett, England Mr. Jutsum seems to be alluding to 2 said the decision was made in Metairie, La. WCG/GCI not a cult “secret,” that a tipster informed them. Shalom from Kitale this quote too. The Bible Answer Man Here in the real world Dr. Tom Roberts stated in his letter [Hank Hanegraaff] quotes Scripture KFUO went on the air in January Shalom, brethren! I’m in Kenya in [on page 2 of the May 31, 2009, issue] 1945 and is the oldest FM station west Each time THE JOURNAL comes a town called Kitale about 350 kilo- and enumerates what he thinks is es- through my letter box I wonder how that he disagreed with my comment in sential. of the Mississippi. It has been classi- meters north of our capital city, my interview [“A Former Managing cal since the beginning. much worse the division within the Nairobi. His set of verses provides him with church has become. Editor of The Plain Truth Wants to KFUO, at 99.1, St. Louis, may be Actually, I’d like to commend you the filter he needs to support his some- Can it become worse? Not really. Talk to Women In and Out of the the oldest classical station left. It is for the good work you are doing pre- what integrated (in my opinion) Cath- The falling away is the inevitable out- WCG,” January-March 2009 issue] one of only 21 classical stations re- paring and encouraging people for the olic-Protestant-evangelical beliefs. come of what is a terrible, tragic—but that the old WCG was not a cult. maining in the U.S.A. Kingdom. Please keep it up and our When we pick and choose the “es- avoidable—shambles. I would like to further state my rea- Since the beginning, KFUO has heavenly Father will bless you! sentials” and ignore simple biblical Why have so many people turned sons for that opinion, and it is my commands, godly obedience is an op- been owned by the Lutheran Church, opinion. Though the former church Missouri Synod. against their brethren? I’m also a Church of God member, tion that many will not choose. Since at least the mid-1960s, when although we are few here. Pray for us. has been labeled a cult by some evan- May the time come quickly when A spokesperson said, “We are con- gelical and mainstream sources, from sidering selling it for our ministry.” I was called, HWAdid nothing to alle- Thank you, and God bless you abun- we are all friends of God. dantly. my studies the title cult should not Then she became arrogant, saying it viate problems in Pasadena that Ben Rotich Bill Bartholomew caused the church to slide backwards. apply to the WCG. Fresno, Calif. was really nobody’s business anyway. [email protected] For one reason, the word cult has Why didn’t the LCMS want the For the brethren, however, every- taken on a new and more sinister con- Elder Kiesz’s CG7 history public to know? I guess a lot of people thing was running smoothly. See MORE LETTERS, page 4 notation in the past several decades, If you are interested in the recent would be mad at them for taking away In other words, it was a case of win- envisioning the Jim Jones, Heaven’s history of the Church of God 7th Day, their classical-music station. dow dressing, papering over the Gate and David Koresh tragedies, Please let THE JOURNAL along with the excesses of some of the Mormon spin-offs. know when you move Also, it is my opinion the word cult ‘Shalom, brethren! I’m in Kenya in a town called Kitale Please notify THE JOURNAL before you has been, and is, tacked on organiza- move or change your mailing ad- tions by other organizations that per- about 350 kilometers north of our capital city, Nairobi.’ dress. Post offices do not forward haps a century or less ago, by their periodicals-class postage, therefore THE JOURNAL must pay the U.S. Postal definitions, would have been labeled Service for each issue returned from cults themselves. an invalid American address. Send Cult has many definitions. By some you will find the writings of John Was the membership not allowed to cracks, while to the outside world, your old and new addresses to of them, various contemporary musi- Kiesz interesting, especially his work vote on the decision, much less ex- with excellent articles appearing in Change of Address, P.O. Box 1020, cal performers or groups, idolized by on Christology. press an opinion on it? The Plain Truth, Tomorrow’s World, Big Sandy, Texas 75755, U.S.A., or to their fans, could be considered cults. I met John and his wife on two oc- Joe Tkach Jr. and friends disman- etc., everything was as it should be. the appropriate address listed in the The large megachurches with their casions in the 1980s when they sang tled most of the WCG property and In my opinion the ministry as a box at the top of this page. Or you charismatic pastors could be consid- for Feast of Tabernacles celebrations sold most of its assets. whole was never comfortable with the may fax (903) 636-9097 or E-mail in Denver hosted by Jeff Booth and The Worldwide Church sold the real world, once the ministers came [email protected] to report your ered cults. address change. The WCG was no more a cult than his congregation in Amarillo. church and colleges. But at least the out of the protected environment of the Seventh-day Adventists or the Elder Kiesz lived into his 90s and brethren of the WCG knew about the the colleges. Seventh Day Baptists or the Seventh was a leading elder and teacher for sale. It appears the membership of the All too often there was a brashness Day Church of God, from which the much of the 20th century. He repre- Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, and arrogance about them that had an WCG sect originated. (Some of these sented a large group within the CG7 didn’t even know about the planned adverse effect on too many people. TheJournal groups are on cult lists as well but in that held to a one-God doctrine. sale of their 64-year-old station. Where did the arrogance come News of the Churches of God That unitarian voice within CG7 from? The very idea of spending a few my opinion should not be.) The LCMS sounds like another P. O. Box 1020, Big Sandy, Texas 75755 Catholics and Baptists have also has since been silenced. Elder Kiesz hierarchy, or at least an oligarchy. Joe years in a college, then trying to force the idea that they had all the answers THE JOURNAL:NEWS OF THE CHURCHES OF GOD is pub- been labeled cults. taught the preexistence of Christ but Tkach Jr. dismantled AU and the lished by JMC Associates. Yes, the WCG was a controversial denied that Jesus was God or was the goods and property in the name of to all the world’s problems, brought Creator or God of the OT. ministry. Now the LCMS is doing the about this pompous attitude. POSTMASTER: Send change-of-address no- group in the religious world, but it tices to THE JOURNAL, P.O. Box 1020, Big should not be labeled a cult. I believe I disagree with his preexistence same. When HWA was alive, the church Sandy, Texas 75755. conclusions, but I think he got the sin- Larry Graff was in a rotten state and had been the Worldwide Church of God experi- UBSCRIPTIONS deteriorating rapidly. S : U.S.: $15 for six issues; $28 ence is but yet another unique chapter gle-God issue right. House Springs, Mo. for 12 issues; $49 for 24 issues. Outside Craig White has specialized in the The causes were known to some in the history of American religion. Are potlucks a sin? U.S., mailed from Big Sandy: $17 for six As far as the theology of the WCG/ history of the Church of God in its brethren but apparently not to the min- issues; $30 for 12 issues; $51 for 24 issues. multifarious iterations. Many true Christians believe it is istry. The ministers were oblivious to GCI now, I would like to point Dr. wrong and sinful to eat out at a restau- THE JOURNAL is an independent publication Roberts to the GCI Web page, where Ken Westby the danger signs. not affiliated with any church organization. Seattle, Wash. rant on the Sabbath. When HWA died, the church was he will find a diverse group of the- They think this because they feel Printed in U.S.A. © 2009 JMC Associates. ologians from various Christian in- spiritually sick, yet it took another 10 All rights reserved. No part of this publica- Craig White of Sydney, Australia, that in doing so they are causing years for the mass exodus of minis- stitutions in conversation, not just has posted the CG7 history Mr. Westby waitresses and waiters to break the tion may be reproduced or transmitted in ters. What does that tell you about any form or by any means, electronic or APU graduates. mentions above at friendsofsabbath. Sabbath when they work at serving them? mechanical, including photocopying, record- Sheila Graham org/Further_Research/john_kiesz/kiesz. food. The ministers stayed for their sal- ing or any other information-storage-and- Lake Kiowa, Texas htm. Mr. White comments: “Many What about church Sabbath-day aries and a better pension, and the retrieval system without the written permis- potlucks? Aren’t female members brethren stayed to be spoon-fed by the sion of the publisher. doing exactly the same thing when people they genuinely believed were EDITOR AND PUBLISHER: Dixon Cartwright they serve food at the Sabbath meet- telling them the truth. MANAGING EDITOR: Darlene Warren Policy on letters to the editor ing place—on the Sabbath? Where are we now? We have min- CONTRIBUTORS: Ewin Barnett, Ian Boyne, Trey Because of limited space, please limit the length of letters. Longer letters are What about Christian men who subject to editing for length. All letters are subject to editing for length, clar- isters against brethren, minister against Cartwright, Earl Cayton, Steven Collins, Dave think it’s a sin to eat at a restaurant on Havir, Kathleen McCann, Mac Overton, Jamie ity and technical style. minister and brother against brother: a the Sabbath? They say that in doing so diabolical shambles. Payne, Eric Snow, Ellis Stewart, Bill Stough, Please include full name, city, state or province and country in letters sent they cause the men who do the physi- Do we read of even one minister John Warren, Wesley White, Kenneth Westby by regular or electronic mail. THE JOURNAL does not publish unsigned letters cal work of setting up the tables and genuinely calling for unity and har- CIRCULATION: Linda Cartwright, [email protected] but may occasionally publish letters with writer’s name and/or city of resi- chairs in the restaurant and doing the mony among everyone? No. Are min- WEB SITE: Alan Ruth, [email protected] dence withheld. work of a busboy to sin. But don’t isters sincere in what they say? THE JOURNAL will not knowingly print inaccu- Mail letters and subscription inquiries to THE JOURNAL at P.O. Box 1020, Big they do precisely the same thing at the Most definitely they are, and al- rate information. THE JOURNAL will run correc- Sandy, Texas 75755, U.S.A. Fax (903) 636-9097. E-mail [email protected]. Sabbath potluck? ways have been, totally insincere. tions if notification of errors is received with- E-mail the editor at [email protected]. God calls a person a hypocrite Many year ago the church hierar- in a reasonable time after publication. who declares something to be a sin chy banned Jesus Christ from His own Issue No. 136 (Print date Sept. 29, 2009) THE JOURNAL 3 Columns and commentary Cartoon by Earl Cayton, San Francisco, Calif. What’s the plain truth about the W? The writer, a 1970 Ambassador impression that I was eavesdropping Relieved that I had perchance side- College graduate and founder of The on the pearls of wisdom being cast stepped a mine that would have likely Reunion Institute, a Houston ministry, toward those before him. set off an apostolic explosion, I moved received his Ph.D. in historical theol- Before long, my turn came to make on to frame my question. ogy from Rice University in 1990. See my approach and greet the man and Mr. HWA’s eyes indicated, by their another article by Dr. Arnold begin- cast my question. narrowing, that he began to grasp that ning on page 30 of this issue of THE Looking back, it is rather puzzling a question, of all things, was being JOURNAL. why, after years of studying the arcane leveled at him. doctrines and lore of the WCG, I By J. Phillip Arnold wanted badly to have this particular Just what did he mean? OUSTON, Texas—It must question answered. I let loose the quizment somewhat as have been the spring semester Maybe it had to do with the uncon- follows: “Mr. Armstrong, I have read Hin 1970 that I waited in line troversial, decidedly nontheological, your autobiography in The Plain Truth after a Sabbath service in Pasadena to nature of my inquiry. A question about and do not see what the W in your name ask Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong a ques- the 1,335 days of Daniel 12 or the 19- stands for. You know, that W between “What’s the big deal about wireless communications? tion that I had wondered about. year time cycles, or the date for enter- the Herbert and the Armstrong. Just People have been praying for thousands of years!” I recall feel- Photo by Ken Westby ing Petra, might get me gulagged for what do you mean by the W in Herbert ing some trepi- a grand ol’ time in the Inquisition. W. Armstrong? Mr. Armstrong, what dation about ap- Whatever. does the W in your name stand for?” proaching him. The slight jerk of the head, the eyes This anxiety Receptive clasp now near slits, a metathought could came not simply At any rate, I respectfully shook his well be arising in his brain that the because of the na- small hand with an Ambassador- young man standing before him might Though I walk through the valley ture of the ques- trained firm grip, remotely noticing be one of those deviant students who tion, but also just that his hand was soft and pliable, not came to question, to distort, to wreck. The writer has been a member of paramount importance to excise them from the fact at all aggressive or controlling. This But then the double take and doubt God’s church since 1975. In 2007 and kill off every cancer cell, other- that I was going made me think he might be receptive lifted like a misbegotten mist, and his she was diagnosed with breast can- wise they will eventually grow again. cer and has spent two years recover- Before I could have the necessary to shake hands Phillip Arnold to my probing interrogative. face softened, like his hand, and he and look into the After giving my name and mention- matter-of-factly replied: ing. She lives in Milton Keynes with surgery, my eyes and direct an interrogative to- ing that I was a senior at the Pasadena “Nothing. It stands for nothing. I her husband, Lewis. Mrs. McCann mother was ward the apostle himself, a man not campus now that I had recently trans- added it years ago.” receives mail at 100702.2766@ diagnosed known to suffer fools gladly. ferred from Big Sandy, I said I had a I believe he said something about compuserve.com. with termi- question I had wondered about. needing to add an identifying letter for nal cancer Initial nervousness I almost added had “often” wondered postal purposes and that he wanted a By Kathleen McCann that had, in Standing aside as others spoke with about, but I deleted that adverb, realiz- letter that worked well with his name. ILTON KEYNES, En- fact, taken gland—From time to time over her him that Sabbath afternoon, I tried to ing that to add that to the verb could be Rooted incident appear unobtrusive, casting my eyes interpreted by this discerning man as a M we all walk through shad- body. Her up at the ceiling and then down rather abnormal fixation on minutiae He did not overspeak. He seemed owed valleys. life expec- toward the floor, and then all around; indicative of a spiritual malady in to feel a bit diminished, not being able In June 2007 I was diagnosed with tancy was breast cancer. For anyone who does two weeks. not fixating on the man, avoiding the need of fasting and prayer for its cure. See MAYBE YOU’VE WONDERED, page 7 not know about cancer, there are By the many forms, some growing more Kathleen McCann time I left quickly than others. The mutated the hospital from my own surgery, cells grow relentlessly until they she had lapsed into deep sleep and Was God involved in terrorist attacks? finally take over the body. It is of See WHAT COMFORT, page 6 The writer pastors the Church of A specific purpose This third theory concludes that God Big Sandy and is a regular col- God used Satan and men to fulfill a Other people believe that God al- umnist for THE JOURNAL. This column general purpose, but not a specific lowed Satan and men to plan the terror- first appeared in THE JOURNAL Oct. purpose for the people involved. 31, 2001. It is reprinted here because ist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and kill How do these people form such We’re engraved on the of its timeliness. those people—for God’s specific pur- conclusions? pose. Jesus asked: Were these Gali- By Dave Havir How do these people come to such leans sinners above all the Galileans? palms of God’s hands a conclusion? IG SANDY, Texas—Do you (Luke 13:1-3). The writer attends the Church of our home. He walked the walk and believe in the sovereignty of God allowed (watched) the sub- Jesus asked: Were 18 people who tle serpent beguile Eve (Genesis 3:1- God Big Sandy with her husband, talked the talk. He was a hard work- BGod? So do I. died in the toppling of the tower of Neil. This article also appeared in er and often had a money-making In Deuteronomy 32:39 Moses 5) for God’s specific purpose. Siloam sinners above all other people God heard a spirit volunteer to the “Edifying the Body” section of hobby to supplement his full-time wrote that God kills and makes alive in Jerusalem? (Luke 13:4-5). www.churchofgodbigsandy.com. job so he could provide for us. and that God wounds and heals. persuade Ahab and allowed the lying God encouraged people to spirit to influence Ahab (1 Kings We were not a wealthy family by In Isaiah 45:7-9 Isaiah quoted God choose (Deuteronomy 30:19). People By Martha McIver any means, but, because Daddy as saying that He forms the light and 22:19-23) for God’s specific purpose. can make choices. God told Satan: Do what you HITE OAK, Texas—God worked so hard, we did have extras creates darkness and that He makes God allows people to do evil never promised us a life on want with anything that belongs to Job, like piano lessons and braces for our peace and creates evil. This phrase works (Ecclesiastes 8:11). God also easy street. crooked smiles, and we took a vaca- “create evil” in the King James but don’t harm him (Job 1:6-12). This allows people to be the victims of evil W No matter how much we study tion every summer. Version is often described in other was done for God’s specific purpose. works. our Bible or pray, we can expect We were in church every time the sources as meaning “to bring about God told Satan: Make Job suffer At times God allows (watches) things will go doors were open. Daddy did not calamity.” as much as you want, but don’t kill random events. In other words, time wrong. We can drink or smoke or even use curse So I ask: How involved is the sov- him (Job 2:1-6). This was done for and chance happen to all (Ecclesiastes count on health words, so I know clean living does ereign God in the terrorist attacks that 9:11). problems, fi- not ensure a life without problems. keep occurring around the world? At times God watches, with- nancial bur- As I share three theories with you, out interfering, as the sun rises on dens, relation- Heart valve you will probably recognize your the evil and the good and watch- ship issues. Daddy had retired the year interpretation among the three. es, without interfering, while rain God did not before, and my mom and dad pur- Although other people may not falls on the just and the unjust promise us a chased a little RV and were finally believe your particular theory, they at (Matthew 5:45). life free of hard relaxing and enjoying the fruits of least believe in the sovereignty of God. Common foundation times. But He Martha McIver their many years of labor. Surely other people can acknowl- did promise us Then, in September of 1994, edge that you—even if you do not ac- For the record, I hope people to help us through the problems. Daddy had to have a heart valve cept their theories—believe in the sov- will be compassionate toward replaced. It was a harrowing surgery, ereignty of God as much as they do. other people who believe an Walked and talked yet he recovered at an amazing rate. interpretation different from their God plans and kills Nothing could have prepared me By December he was even playing own. for the events of 1995. It was the golf again. He was still hoarse, but Some people believe that God God’s specific purpose. No matter which personal theory year that I lost my daddy. the doctor said his hoarseness was planned the terrorist attacks on Sept. God will allow spirits (devils) to you believe, remember that God is Daddy was a devout Christian caused by the tubes down his throat, 11, 2001, and He killed those people. gather the kings of the earth for a sovereign. man. He was the spiritual leader of See THERE EXISTS, page 29 How does anyone come to such a tremendous battle (Revelation 16:14) He placed a hedge around Job conclusion? for God’s specific purpose. (Job 1:10). Thank God every day for God planned the Flood and killed the hedge He has placed around you. most of humanity (Genesis 6:7, 13, 17). Not a specific purpose God knows when a bird falls to God planned the destruction of Yet other people believe that God the ground (Matthew 10:29), and He Sodom and Gomorrah and killed the allowed Satan and men to plan the ter- knows the number of hairs on your When you’re out and about on the Web, stop in at residents of those cities (Genesis rorist attacks on Sept. 11 and kill those head (verse 30). 19:24). people, even though God had no spe- God will shorten the days before God planned a plague to wipe cific reason in mind for those specific Jesus’ return (Matthew 24:22). Other- TheJournal out the firstborn in Egypt and killed incidents at those specific times. wise no flesh would be saved. News of the Churches of God the firstborn at midnight (Exodus In other words, they believe the Give honor and glory unto the 12:29). basis of the second theory—with one King, who is eternal, immortal, invisi- God planned to send the Egyp- major difference. ble and the only wise God (1 Timothy We’re right where you’d expect us to be, at tians through the midst of the sea, The second theory concludes that 1:17). www.thejournal.org killing them in the water (Exodus God used Satan and men to fulfill a spe- Give honor and glory to our sover- 14:8, 26-28). cific purpose for the people involved. eign God. 4 THE JOURNAL (Print date Sept. 29, 2009) Issue No. 136 Plans change in the twinkling of an eye: A tribute to Leanna The writer is pastor of the Church school when she crawled onto the bed trial into a blessing. engagement photographer. In their ex- of God Cincinnati. next to her mom for a talk. And then Leanna made the most citement neither noticed the traffic as “Mom, I’ve got something to tell important decision any human being she pulled her car onto the rural high- By Jim O’Brien you,” she said. can ever make. She made a covenant way directly into the path of an SUV. EST CHESTER, Ohio—To Somehow mom sensed what was with God to repent and live by faith in Leanna was killed almost instantly. paraphrase King Solomon, coming and gave voice to her fears. Jesus Christ. W there are two things too Leanna was pregnant. She was always at church, frequent- Spirit in man wonderful for me. But Leanna made the decision to ly singing a selection of special music Wise old King Solomon expressed One is watching a child grow up to turn her back on the destructive influ- that reflected her commitment to faith. amazement over the wonders of cre- accept adult re- ence that was causing so much dam- ation. It’s a mystery how an eagle with sponsibilities. age. It wasn’t easy. How many times Change of plans such a tiny brain can catch an updraft The second is in one day must a person say no to She met Kevin at the Feast. He was and soar through the air. What part of witnessing a per- himself and how many days does it a teacher of young children and had a that brain senses the upward move- son who has been take before self-control is achieved? natural affinity for Conner. They were ment of air and directs the nuances of enticed along a de- ideally suited for each other. wings to the precision of flight? Leanna Hollon and fiancé Kevin Bradley structive path ex- Turning a trial Kevin asked Leanna to marry him, How does a ship move across the ercise the will to But she made the break. It was and he traveled to Cincinnati to spend ocean powered by an invisible sea of a scalpel. It is this characteristic that change directions clean, and it was permanent. She grad- time with her. He stayed with Lean- air? (Proverbs 30:19). separates men from animals. and become fer- uated from high school, and Conner na’s parents while she maintained her But even these marvels of nature In fact, the apostle Paul tells us: vent in the faith. was born. She took to motherhood house a few miles away. A late-De- cannot compare with the spirit God “Let a man examine himself. And so Sometimes Jim O’Brien let him eat of that bread and drink of both of these fac- that cup” (1 Corinthians 11:28). tors come together in a single individual. The secret of life A talk with Mom Leanna, it was a privilege to know you. Age, station in life, race or sex: All When I first met Leanna Hollon, The resurrection is a split second away. are irrelevant. The person who can she was an animated 3-year-old with see himself as he is and make course auburn curly locks. She progressed corrections has found the secret of through grade school, the years of life. braces and the friends at camp to be- like she was made for it. cember 2009 wedding was planned. placed in man. The ability of a human Not only is it true success, it is the come a young lady of beauty. I think she was. She was diligent, An engagement party was scheduled being for self-examination is beyond requirement for every person who There were the inevitable teen hard-working and self-sacrificing. She for Saturday night, Aug. 1. comprehension. wishes to be in the Kingdom of God. years when she made choices that worked to support herself while fami- But plans changed. Thursday morn- God seems to have given man the Leanna, it was a privilege to know brought severe consequences, like the ly, friends and the congregation gave ing, July 30, they were leaving her par- capacity to put his own heart on a you. The resurrection is a split second time during her senior year in high emotional support. God was turning a ents’ home for an appointment with the table and dissect it like a surgeon with away. More letters from our readers

Continued from page 2 (and I paraphrase), follow me only as I and treat it like a prophetic mathemat- From Isaac to Moses is six genera- es: Our love for them aligns us with Too many days follow Christ. Give God THE GLORY for ical formula. tions, and Exodus 12:40-42 refers to them. We rarely see husbands and Matthew (26:17), Mark (14:12), everything, and “work out your own If we can base predictions on past the “children of Israel.” Isaac and wives taking different sides on doctri- Luke (22:7), Ezekiel (45:21) and salvation with fear and trembling!” performance, then probably the old Jacob were not the “children of nal issues. Moses (Deuteronomy 16:4 with Exo- Again, thank you for your letter, guard of the church will pass away, Israel,” a fact that indicates that the Doesn’t that seem strange if the dus 12:6) all knew the 14th was the and may God bless you as you seek to and what will we leave behind? time in Egypt did not begin from the issue is worth fussing over in the first first day of Unleavened Bread. serve and obey Him! Personally, I would like to see the birth of Isaac but started sometime place? Why didn’t Herbert Armstrong and Ken Browder leadership of the various churches after Israel went down into Egypt in Correct me if I am wrong but I company understand? Why do church Editor, The SevenTimes Journal pass their positions of leadership on to Genesis 47:9, when Jacob was 130 believe I read in Mr. Armstrong’s members today eat unleavened bread http://7times.org the next generation. I see a new gen- years of age. autobiography that, when his wife de- eight days, including at the Passover eration arising that is more service We are led to understand the four cided to keep the Saturday Sabbath, service, when they are supposed to eat Building for our descendants oriented and less territorial. generations that were enslaved were he studied the subject and said he unleavened bread seven days, includ- I think that an article on church I think one of the greatest blessings those of Levi, Kohath, Amram and could make a good argument for ing at the Passover service? (Deuter- buildings would be very helpful. It we could pass on would be some Moses. Jewish theologians have com- keeping Saturday or Sunday. onomy 16:2-3). has been on my mind for quite some physical property to build on and use mented about this for thousands of Apparently, at that time, anyway, The command to feast on the 15th time. in service to our Creator and those years, and the JPS Torah Commen- he made Saturday his choice to keep (Leviticus 23:6)—that is, to eat and A few years ago I attended the whom He calls in the future. tary tells us these things should not be peace in the family. drink—is not a command to start a graduation ceremony of a young per- The Waco church I attend was taken literally but are rhetorical (sim- It seems that most follow this seven-day festival. son in our extended group. She was formed after a split from the UCG. ply contradictory). example of making doctrinal, as well Jews’ traditions of preparing (John graduating from a private school, as Our form of organization is what most Some say the Israelites were never as other, choices based on what keeps 19:14) a lamb on the 14th and eating many of the youths in our tradition would describe as congregationalist slaves in Egypt at all and that this is peace in the family. their Passover on their high day, the Wes’s short list of reasons for sepa- 15th (John 19:31), lay aside (Mark 7:8) ration indicates he will go a long way the commandment of God to kill and eat ‘I would like to see the leadership of the churches pass to keep peace and harmony in a rela- the lamb at the beginning of the 14th, as tionship. No matter how far we go in Jesus did (Mark 14:12; Luke 22:7, 15). on to the next generation. I see a generation arising reaching out to others, it would be Well, maybe Jesus will come on nice if they would meet us part way, Pentecost (see Exodus 23:16; Numbers that is more service oriented and less territorial.’ especially if they are the ones who 28:26; Matthew 13:39; 1 Corinthians insulted us. 15:23) in a jubilee year (compare Phil Griffith Isaiah 34:8; 61:2; 63:4; Ezekiel 46:17; are. The school was actually spon- in that we make any decisions by pro- merely a Jewish folk story. Delight, Ark. sored by a Church of Christ. posal and vote. We do not have a Luke 4:18-19) and straighten it all out. I have comments about this at The size of a human being David Rydholm As I drove onto the campus—it “leader” or even a board. www.icg.org.au for those wanting was a 10- to 20-acre complex in a In the case of the possible building Genesis 1:16 says God made the Olympia, Wash. more. stars. Could God do that if He was the busy area of Austin—I thought of the project, we voted and formed a build- David Moffitt Distinguished list foresight that must have gone into the ing committee consisting of our size of a human being (like Jesus)? GTA Tape Library Astronomers say there are more stars Bob Eichholz, in regard to your let- building of that complex. younger members. North Sydney, Australia ter (titled “No Need to Apply”) in the The main buildings seemed to have Thanks for the service that you do. than grains of sand on earth. April 30, 2009, issue: been built in the ’30s. Everything was Feel free to use any of my comments. Is this why we keep the Sabbath? United’s Good News, November Thank your for reading some of my well maintained and improved over (The comments in this letter are my I was reading Wes White’s contri- 2008, page 6, says “Trinity” does not writings, and thank you for placing time. own and not necessarily opinions bution [“We Had Better Learn How to appear in the New Testament. But on me in a distinguished list of authors The Scripture indicates that a wise shared by the Waco congregation.) Reconcile”] in the May 2008 JOUR- the same page it fails to point out that and writers. It makes me feel very man leaves an inheritance for his chil- NAL. He leads us to the question “Do “God the Son” is also not in the Bible. Ben Mauldin Also, it says Dec. 25 was the birth- humble to be in such a list. dren and their children. Waco, Texas we understand love?” You are very correct when you say: It occurred to me that the men and I don’t believe an understanding of day of Mithras. The Mysteries of Mith- “What the Holy Spirit leads me to women who built the original build- The 430 years love is the problem, unless we think ras, by Cumon, is available from Do- prove . . . I will accept as truth. How- ings and who donated the property are I was interested to read the essay we can doctrinally define love instead ver, 31 E. Second St., Mineola, N.Y. ever, I will not follow any one of these long gone, but they left an inheritance by Bill Bartholomew on page 6 of of defining love in our affection for 11501, U.S.A. Dover reprints Ptole- excellent writers.” that is still useful and benefiting THE JOURNAL (January-March 2009, others and compassion for their my’s Geography and many low- God bless you! We should always young people of every denomination. “Is the Night to Be Much Observed a needs. priced, good-quality books. “prove all things and hold fast to that In our tradition it seems we have Commanded Celebration?”), where The problem seems to be where we Regan Castevens which is good!” (1 Thessalonians been obsessed with the shortage of Bill explains that the Israelites were put love on our priority lists. Love Sparta, N.C. 5:21). God is the only one who has the time, yet, of all the predictions and not slaves in Egypt for 430 years. seems to be jealous of our other prior- Time of final sentencing full truth and is the only one who does timelines, none has proven correct. It Stephen appears to disagree with ities, and, if we put anything before it Re John of Innsworth’s letter in not make mistakes. must add to a feeling of self-impor- Bill when he says in Acts 7:6 that they in priority, it just steps back and issue No. 132 (“A Hellish Contradic- The writings I put forth are simply tance to think that Jesus will return in were “in bondage” and oppressed for patiently waits until it becomes No. 1 tion?,” September-December 2008 is- what God has shown me through His one’s own lifetime. 400 years. on our list again. sue, page 6), about Luke 16:19-31: Holy Spirit, and, as anyone will find I read a scripture that says, “He will As Bill says, the 400 years began People have fallings-out over doc- Don’t you yet understand the doc- on The SevenTimes Journal’s Web confirm His covenant for a thousand with the birth of Isaac. Perhaps he trinal issues. What seems odd about trine of the resurrections? Indeed this site, we are simply trying to help pub- generations.” It seems like we (the should have also mentioned that this is they seem to be allowed to parable is used as a teaching aid to lish the gospel to this sin-sick world. Church of God) ignore scriptures like Genesis 15:16 says they would return align on only one side or other of the show what will happen to those who We have no grand ideas of anyone that (or call them figurative), yet take to the Promised Land in “the fourth issue. live for themselves and not for Christ, following us. As the apostle Paul said one that says “a day is as 1,000 years” generation.” This is the way it is with our spous- See MORE LETTERS, page 27 Issue No. 136 (Print date Sept. 29, 2009) THE JOURNAL 5 Columns and commentary If ever there’s a time to mourn, it’s now The writer attends with the United After months of growing sadness mourning if we expect God to hear us. Church of God in Minnesota. He lives about the state of our country, the sor- Notice in Hosea 7 God tells us why with his wife, Julie, and two daughters row and dread I feel came flowing out. He does not hear the cries of some. in Eagan. Mr. Przeslawski is a 1985 There are times in our life when only “They did not cry to me from their graduate of the University of Minne- God can spare us. I believe we are at heart when they wailed upon their sota. He has been in contact with the such a time now. beds” (verse 14). Churches of God since 1974. In the book of Esther, when the evil God insists on sincerity and truth. plot of Haman to exterminate the Jews In the call to repentance in Joel 2:12- By Luke Przeslawski of his day became known, Mordecai 13, the Lord demands: “ ‘Return to me AGAN, Minn.—Ecclesiastes followed the direction of his heart. with all your heart, and with fasting, 3:4 says there comes a time to “When Mordecai learned all what weeping, and mourning; so rend your Emourn. had been done, he tore his clothes, put heart and not your garments.’ Return We often associate mourning with on sackcloth and ashes, and went into to the LORD your God, for He is gra- the loss of a the midst of the city and wailed loud- cious and compassionate.” loved one. But ly and bitterly” (Esther 4:1). mourning is bib- Mordecai didn’t care what people Indifferent leadership lically encour- thought of him or how he appeared. Yes, there are times when we sim- aged at other He just knew that it was time to mourn ply must mourn and turn to God, even “Hate mail!” times as well, before God. if our leadership does not. such as when star- In Amos’s day God condemned the ing into the face Mordecai’s example leaders for not mourning when they of a disaster or Mordecai was not alone in this should have (see Amos 6:6). realizing we have reaction. There was “great mourning In Ezekiel 9 He instructs His obedi- strayed from our among the Jews, with fasting, weep- ent angels to place a mark on the fore- Luke Przeslawski Only God knows the bearded Eternal God. ing and wailing; and many lay on heads of all who “sigh and grieve over For a brief period our country did sackcloth and ashes” (verse 3). all the abominations which are being mourn and somewhat turned to God Evil Haman had a mandate to exter- committed in the land” (verse 4). darnel from the wheat after Sept. 11, 2001. Unfortunately, minate the Jews in all the land. Things Jesus taught that “blessed are those that was short-lived. I do, however, looked bleak. who mourn, for they shall be comfort- The writer is a member of the but with smaller seeds. The tares believe now is the time to sincerely But the Jews decided to neither eat ed” (Matthew 5:4). Church of God Big Sandy and a were usually left in the fields until and deeply mourn. nor drink for three days and beseech Jesus Himself mourned when He consultant to farmers and others in- harvest time, then separated from God to spare them. Our Father God, overlooked Jerusalem and knew the volved in agriculture. the wheat during the winnowing. Such a time being the merciful God that He is, trouble that would come upon it. He Jesus used tares growing with On a recent Sabbath morning I heard and answered them. The wicked wept openly (Luke 19:41-44). By Neil McIver wheat as a parable to illustrate evil opened to 2 Chronicles 20 and began Haman was hanged on his own gal- Yes, there is a time to deeply mourn HITE OAK, Texas— In in the world.” to read the prayer of Jehoshaphat. I lows, and the people of God dwelled for our country and genuinely turn our past a lot of well- didn’t get far before tears began to safely for many years. towards God. For our generation, I W known preachers in the Looks like wheat stream down my face. We must be wholehearted in our believe that time has arrived. Churches of God have misunder- The tares in the parable are the stood what the tares of Matthew bearded darnel (genus Lolium), 13:24-30 are. which is a species of ryegrass that They have looks like wheat until the harvest, tried to make and then the difference can be dis- Moving, producing aren’t the same thing the tares out cerned. as thorny, The seed of the bearded darnel The writer and his wife, Nancy, live teach employees about efficiency in Just because in Big Sandy, where they operate their movements by placing necessary prickly, ugly is toxic to man and beast. Some of DynamicChristianMinistries.org. ingredients and utensils closer to the Here are some variations of the weeds that are the symptoms, if ingested, are work area. This relocation of objects above Starbucks expression that mem- obviously dif- drowsiness, hypnotic episodes, By Wesley White keeps them from wasting time by bers of the Body of Christ might find ferent from convulsions, intoxication, drunk- IG SANDY, Texas—A recent walking all over helpful: the wheat. enness, trembling, inability to Just because a person keeps the This is in- walk, hindered speech, vomiting, Wall Street Journal article the work area Neil McIver talked about the improvements while a drink is Ten Commandments and attends ser- correct! Jesus diminished eyesight and giddiness. B vices every Sabbath doesn’t mean he had many rea- The farmers, dairyman and cat- the Starbucks chain of stores is being prepared. attempting to implement. Surveys Management must be living a Christian life. sons for telling the parable of the tle feedlots I work with in West show that most customers want to is trying to teach The Christian walk requires so wheat and tares. Some of the rea- Texas, Kansas, Colorado and New spend less time waiting for their the workers an many more good things, such as help- sons may have been: Mexico buy wheat hay to feed drinks to be made. important prin- ing the poor and actively showing Jesus knew there would be their livestock. As Starbucks managers work with ciple: Just be- love for one’s neighbor. unbelievers in the church till the If the bearded darnel is in the their employees to move things along cause you are Just because a person stands in end. wheat, it is not harmful while at the more speedily, they continually hear, “I moving doesn’t front of a congregation and preaches He knew there would be grass stage. It is when the grass those in leadership positions who goes to grain that fungus develops can’t improve my performance because Wesley White mean you are doesn’t mean he is feeding the flock. I am already moving as fast as I can.” producing. I recently heard a sermon online would lead the church into a under the seed skin. Starbucks management has found What a concept. Movement doesn’t during which the first 15 minutes watered-down religion through The men I work with have to that the employees are indeed moving necessarily mean production. was spent condemning pending fed- fraud and trickery. make sure that when the wheat is quickly, but very inefficiently. I think Christians should ponder eral legislation regarding health care He knew there would be harvested no bearded darnel is in greedy church leaders who would the harvest. If it is, they will have Corporate trainers are trying to this principle. See RECENT BIBLE STUDY, page 7 lure the church away sick animals, and some to their own benefit of the animals may rather than inspire even die. them to do what God Some may think the Handling truth: old WCG vs. old Amish intended. bearded darnel is not He knew there harmful because the The writer, who is no longer affiliat- recently they used only German vance. After all, no church era ever would be those in the hay containing bearded ed with any human church organiza- Bibles but can no longer understand had the whole truth, and that includes church who would be darnel is used for live- tion, is a former member of the WCG those, so they were dependent solely the former Radio/Worldwide Church poison to any they stock feed. and PCG. Baptized in 1990, Mr. Jens on their pastor’s message. of God (now known as Grace Com- came in contact with. But it is when the encourages Church of God ministries Now some are finding their pastor’s munion International). fungus develops in the to repent of their 1974 rejection of message differs from their English For the love of wheat The Amish example seed head that it can be God’s Garden of Eden Marriage No- Bible. When they ask questions they So, when Jesus gave Which is which? deadly. Physically the Divorce and No-Remarriage Law. Mr. are told to desist or face excommuni- It seems to me that, in spite of the the parable of the tares bearded darnel looks Jens, a native of the Netherlands, sees cation. The more enterprising young Amish lacking in true doctrine, they and the wheat in Matthew 13, He okay, but spiritually it is deadly the COGs’ problems as stemming from men and their families are being ex- were somehow much closer to the said it was best not to weed the and will be gathered and burned WCG founder Herbert W. Armstrong’s communicated but continue in an spirit that should have been in the tares from the wheat because doing when the good wheat is harvested rejection of the Garden of Eden law. Amish lifestyle. Church of God. so would harm the wheat. He said and put up into the barn. I could not help comparing this The Amish especially seem closer the tares would be dealt with at the By Henk Jens with what we experience in the to the spirit of 1 Corinthians 13 than end time. Darnel descriptions ELMORE, Australia—Last Churches of God, where ministers and was the former WCG, which rather So what are the tares? Here are some appropriate names night I watched a TV documen- other members increasingly question seemed to have the spirit of sounding Here is a quote from The Wy- or descriptions of the spiritual Btary on aspects of the former doctrines, lead- brass and rejection of those who asked cliffe Bible Dictionary: equivalent of bearded darnel: tare, the Amish way ing to instant excommunication. awkward questions. “The tares (weeds) referred to in cheater, deceiver, beguiler, trick- of life and how it Yet our Lord said He would leave Truth vs. our lives our Lord’s parable are without a ster, charmer, swindler. These all is beginning to His flock of sheep to go after even doubt the Bearded Darnel. This are of Satan the devil. unravel as some Certainly truth is important, but it straying sheep (Luke 15:3-7). Instead, destructive weed is almost indistin- Bearded darnel cheats and Amish acquire can be a double-edged sword that COG ministers quickly toss a straying guishable from Wheat in its early deceives the farmer of his yield English Bibles. divides and can destroy a way of life sheep to the wolves. growth. At Harvest time its true because the grain head of the dar- The Amish, that is better than what is available in The Amish move toward truth nature is disclosed and the farmer nel yields nothing. Likewise Satan who settled in the world. Could a way of living be separates the Bearded Darnel from cheats and deceives the church of America mainly more important than truth? Yet it seems the Amish are begin- the good wheat.” its yield and growth. in the 18th cen- I feel attracted to the family and ning to lose what made them an un- Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Bearded darnel charms and tury, no longer Henk Jens community spirit of the Amish and usually caring, God-fearing people in Dictionary defines “tares” as “a tricks the farmer into a false speak Pennsyl- believe it resembles that of apostolic the spirit of 1 Corinthians 13 because poisonous grass resembling wheat, See HOW WILL WE KNOW, page 8 vania Dutch (that is, Deutsch, or church, even if they believe in errors they now value truth over their family German) but now speak English. Until such as the Trinity and Sunday obser- See THE SWORD OF TRUTH, page 11 6 THE JOURNAL (Print date Sept. 29, 2009) Issue No. 136 Every once in a while something comes along that’s a challenge The writer is a 1976 Ambassador They at first thought James was “past life” while piloting This is a fascinating culminated in his and his family’s at- College graduate, longtime Church of influenced by something he had seen a Wildcat fighter plane. story, and I know that in tendance at a reunion of James Hus- God member and editor of the twice- on a TV program. But then they real- For example, young our religious tradition we ton’s Natoma Bay aircraft-carrier weekly Gilmer Mirror. ized he hadn’t watched any television James Leininger said tend to dismiss such out crew in 2004 in San Antonio, Texas. programs except for kids’ shows like his plane took off from of hand, blaming it on the Bruce and Andrea Leininger and By Mac Overton Barney and Teletubbies. a ship called the Na- “big D,” demonism. But, their son, James, traveled from their ILMER, Texas—Every once James was soon mentioning names toma. When his father please, don’t dismiss it Lafayette, La., home to attend the event. in a while something comes of ships, first and last names of squad- informed him that Na- without reading this in- As a direct result of the informa- G along that challenges my long- ron mates, details of air and sea battles toma sounded like a credible best-seller. tion provided by James, who was 6 established and numerous other obscurities, even Japanese name, James The writers—James years old at the time of the reunion, thoughts. A book though he had no access to books or responded, “No, not Leininger’s parents—are friendships were renewed, comfort published this movies about such. In fact, he was so Japanese, American!” obviously sincere, sane was given and mysteries were solved summer is one young he couldn’t read. Mr. Leininger’s Inter- Christians who are not that had perplexed James Huston’s of those things. net research discovered under demonic influ- surviving family and friends for Fighter pilot It’s Soul Sur- the U.S. Navy indeed James Leininger ence. Their son, now 11 almost 60 years. vivor: The Rein- His parents began years of research had an aircraft carrier years old, is a normal, carnation of a to determine whether any of the infor- known as the Natoma Bay operating healthy and happy little boy, even Heaven and earth World War II mation their son was coming up with in the Pacific during World War II. though he apparently remembers As a great philosopher said, there Fighter Pilot, by could be verified. World War II. are more things in heaven and earth Bruce and An- Their exhaustive detective work led The fruits of the experiences An important consideration: The than are dreamt of in your philos- drea Leininger Mac Overton them to conclude that James in his Other detective work, over the next fruits of the Leininger family’s expe- ophy. (Grand Central dreams was reliving the life of James few years, established that young riences are positive. (Here I could rea- If you don’t want to buy Soul Sur- Publishing, New York, 272 pages). vivor, get it on interlibrary loan. If you Soul Survivor is the story of James do want to purchase it, it’s in book- Leininger, who, from the time he was stores and, for about $17, at Ama- 2 years old in 2000, began having James’s parents began years of research to determine zon.com. See also the Leiningers’ recurrent nightmares while screaming: whether any of the information their son was Web site at soulsurvivor-book.com. “Airplane crash! Plane on fire! Little If you have comments about this man can’t get out!” coming up with could be verified. article, please send them to info@ thejournal.org or fax them to (903) Too many details 636-9097. James’s parents, Bruce and Andrea Huston Jr., a fighter pilot who was James Leininger had named his three sonably cite Jesus’ words in Matthew ______Leininger, were (and still are) Chris- killed during the battle for Iwo Jima in GI Joe dolls for three friends who had 7:20.) Editor’s note: See an article about tians whose faith was strained to the March 1945. served in James Huston’s squadron and For example, young James’s ex- Mr. Overton’s battle with cancer be- breaking point by the events that be- They also came to believe that, who had died in aerial battles not long traordinary knowledge of an air battle ginning on page 1 of this issue of THE gan that night. indeed, their son died at the end of a before James Huston’s fatal fiery crash. over an island in the Pacific in 1945 JOURNAL. What comfort had David from the Shepherd’s rod and staff?

Continued from page 3 sense of time. When time does not on earth at the time. here, but the valley is so dark that the to defend and staff to guide his people. exist, he is in a vacuum of space. To paraphrase Paul’s words in He- traveler is very cold and in danger of never spoke to me again. All of our needs If surgery could have eliminated One day on television I heard a lady brews 11:1, we need substance of the death. the cancer cells from my body, that say, regarding her experience of cancer, things we hope for and evidence of the The valley is a narrow gorge, the Life is easy when we are lying would have been one thing. But they “I just had to learn to live in the pres- things we do not see. walls too high to let the sun in. What- down in green pastures beside still had spread to lymph nodes, and the ent.” I know exactly what she meant. The psalmist David recognized that ever guides the traveler must come waters, with our cup running over, and prognosis for complete recovery was I think we human beings need to his faith needed evi- we should be mindful not good unless I took chemotherapy, live with a sense of continuum. I need dence to sustain him that the Good Shepherd radiotherapy, Herceptin and a daily to know that tomorrow and next week while he walked through gives us those things tablet for five years. I will still be here and such and such is the valley of the shad- too. The shepherd’s Now I am substantially through the what I plan to do. ow of death. staff guides us, and, if treatment, needing only the daily But the reality is that we are living “Yea, though I walk we go where He di- tablet, but I have spent an agonizing in just today, and tomorrow must look through the valley of rects, obeying His laws, two years, the darkest period being after itself. As Jesus said in Matthew the shadow of death, I we will find all of our during the chemotherapy in the 6:34, do not worry about tomorrow, will fear no evil; for needs supplied. for tomorrow will worry about its own You are with me; Your autumn of 2007. I am still dealing Christ’s presence with a residue of depression. things. rod and Your staff, they The truth is, no matter how much comfort me” (Psalm When we walk Human help help we may have, we must find the 23:4). through difficult times, resources within ourselves to come our mind can be quiet Knowing how much I would need Be not afraid sustaining as I groped my way through through the valleys of death. Someone because our life is not the forthcoming darkness, I harnessed else cannot do it for us. My brother used to fraught with anxiety for every source of human help available When we comfort a friend who is tell me not to be afraid. our daily needs, leaving to me. experiencing difficulties, it is impor- He believes Christ came us free to concentrate For example, my husband, Lewis, tant to remember that we cannot live to earth so men should on the dangerous walk did not leave the house in the morning his life for him. Whatever we say to not fear. through the valley. until I was up, showered, dressed and him comes from our own mind, not When Christ was However, like the fa- breakfasted. Sometimes it took monu- his. Hence, he must draw from us born, the angel said to the shepherds, from within himself. He knows the ther in Mark 9, we need physical evi- mental effort on my part to move from whatever comfort our presence or “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring Lord is always present because of two dence of Christ’s presence to ensure the bedroom chair to the shower, but I speech can give him. It is our friend you good tidings of great joy which things: his rod and his staff. our survival through the valley’s dark- who does it, not us. will be to all people. For there is born ness. David knew the Lord had entered knew I had to look forward, that I Two important implements would feel better afterwards. It is the simple fact of being there to you this day in the city of David a into an everlasting covenant with him, for our friend and allowing him to Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke The rod and staff are interesting for guaranteeing there would always be a Friendly practical help speak that enables him to feel valued. 2:10-11). what they represent. The rod in He- king, a monarch, on his throne. The good news was for all people, brew is shebet, and the staff is mish’e- 2 Samuel 7:12-16: “When your days We often wonder how best to help Something visible someone who is undergoing a trial. not only the shepherds. nah. While the staff is simply a sup- are fulfilled and you rest with your Benefiting the sufferer most is the Jesus Christ knew that the father Jeremiah told Israel: “Do not fear, port of any kind, the rod is more: a fathers, I will set up your seed after practical help his friends give him. who brought his demented son to Him O Jacob My servant,” says the LORD, branch, offshoot, scepter. you, who will come from your body, For example, my brother took me for healing (Mark 9:17-29) would “for I am with you; for I will make a The shepherd had two implements and I will establish his kingdom . . . If to the hospital regularly for blood require physical evidence for faith be- complete end of all the nations to for his work. he commits iniquity, I will chasten him tests, and my sister-in-law came most with the rod of men and with the blows days for a walk. These little things did of the sons of men. wonders for securing my relationship No matter how much help we may have, we must find the “But My mercy shall not depart with them and helping me to stay in from him . . . Your throne shall be es- contact with the world around me. resources within ourselves to come through the valleys of tablished forever.” Other important people were doc- death. Another person cannot do it for us. This throne would endure through- tor, counselor and neighbor. out the ages, showing future genera- Because it was hard to keep ex- tions that the Lord was faithful. plaining on the phone, I gave regular cause, humanly, the father needed which I have driven you, but I will not The staff, with a crook on the When we deny or belittle the throne updates to family by an E-mail list. something visible. make a complete end of you” (Jere- end, was to guide the sheep and rescue of David and the monarch currently As the winter darkness drew on, “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!” miah 46:28). them when they were caught in bushes occupying it, we deny ourselves a there were many hours looking into he cried (verse 24). or among rocks. It was also used to vital source of comfort. The father frankly acknowledged Deep empathy count the sheep at the close of day. blankness. I read a little and listened to Drawing comfort music. We kept a bowl of flowers in that his faith was limited. Why would I understand that “comfort” in The rod was a shorter, stronger the living room. his faith be limited? Because he was Psalm 23:4 “does not describe casual branch used to beat off marauding ani- Often we feel our valleys will never human, like all of us. sympathy, but rather deep empathy. It mals. end. I drew comfort from the good One day at a time is like weeping with those who weep” The rod and staff became symbolic things I have in this life, from my con- Would someday leave I learned to take one day at a time (New Spirit Filled Life Bible). as instruments of sovereignty, repre- tinuing recovery and from remember- and that yesterday and tomorrow do Jesus understood He would not al- The feeling is that the Lord is walk- senting the king protecting, defending ing the everlasting throne of David, not matter. My health challenge ways be with people on earth (verse ing with David through the valley, and leading his people. which exists for our comfort and faith. seemed to require the endurance of the 19). How would they manage when never leaving him alone. David understood why both rod I look forward to the return of Jesus long-distance runner. He was no longer with them? “The shadow of death” suggests and staff were important. The shep- Christ, when He will take up that The human being is reliant on a Fortunately, Jesus was still present that death is not actually occurring herd as king would need both scepter throne Himself. Issue No. 136 (Print date Sept. 29, 2009) THE JOURNAL 7 Mysterious man in white helps stranded motorist in Nebraska Continued from page 1 It could have been a worse accident interstate and got out and raised my before I walked into the gas station to for the day in Lake Mills, Wis., when I know a lot about the sin-infested than it was, and what happened after- hood to wait for the highway patrol or see if someone would fix my car. I had another strange encounter. world we live in because I was a wards was something I kept my mouth someone else who would help. I entered the gas station and I I had my own cleaning business in member of it until God called me and shut about for years because who My car was pointed west. Though I explained to the guy that I had a bro- Wisconsin at the time, and I also now changed my entire life little by little. would believe me? For the most part honked my horn at passersby, no one ken belt and that I had $30 and I need- had been a Sabbath keeper for about the people in the world just don’t be- stopped to help me. ed to have some of that money to be six years. Treacherous two-lane lieve the kind of story I’m about to tell. I was looking east because able to eat. I was tired after work, and I just In the mid-’70s I was on my way to the traffic going west on He said it would wanted to stop at the grocery store and pick my daughter up at day care when Power steering the side of the inter- cost me $25. go home. I had a car accident. It was faster for me to go from work state I was on was I had So I went in and got what I needed Many of you reading this are famil- down Highway 13 south to Church coming from the and walked to the checkout. I was in iar with the Wisconsin Dells area. I Avenue to pick up my daughter from east. line behind one or two people, and the was born and raised in the Wisconsin day care, so that is what I still planned Then I looked cash register was working just fine. Rapids, Wis., area and lived there until to do, even in the days and weeks after west and was sur- When it was my turn to check out, the the late ’80s. That is about one hour my car accident. prised to see cash register jammed. north of Wisconsin Dells. Highway 13 Not long after the accident I was on parked in front Even though three employees tried goes north from Wisconsin Dells to my way to pick up my daughter at day of my car the to get it to work, it would not. Wisconsin Rapids. care. I always had to stop for a four- back end of a Then all of a sudden the cash regis- Back in the ’70s Highway 13 in way stop sign on the edge of town. I full-size ter started working again. The em- Wisconsin Rapids was a treacherous stopped, and then my car would not go semi truck ployees were surprised and had no idea two-lane. There were a lot of acci- south on Highway 13. and trailer. Yet why it quit working or why it started dents on that stretch of road, and I was All on its own, my car turned down no semi-truck- working again all of a sudden. one of its statistics. County Road Z, and I had to take the and-trailer rig had passed me as I was money in a bank in Phoenix, but my I left Lake Mills and continued to I had just left work to pick up my back roads to go to the day-care cen- looking east. There was no truck, and ATM card would not work in Ne- the intersection of Highway 18 and daughter at day care and was headed ter. Those back roads hardly ever have then there was a truck. braska, although it would work when pulled up to the stop sign. There was a south on Highway 13. It was winter traffic on them except a car or two, but I got to Colorado. three-car pileup that had just hap- and I missed my turn. this day there were all kinds of cars Man of few words I left my car and walked to the pened at that intersection. Two cars I saw a driveway to a restaurant and going the opposite direction, coming A man got out of the truck. He was restaurant where the truck driver had were in a farmer’s field half a block drove in to turn around and found that toward me. They were detouring off dressed from head to foot in white. stopped. I wanted to thank him for from the intersection, and another one the driveway was not plowed and the of Highway 13 because of an accident. I clearly remember he was a man, helping me. was scattered on Highway 18. ditch was deep, so I was stuck. but, even though I looked right at him, The police were not yet there, so I I was on the opposite side of the Smart car I don’t know what his face looked like. It was there a minute ago had just missed this accident. road now, facing the wrong way in the My daughter attended the day care He was apparently a man of few His truck was still parked outside I then knew why the cash register lane, and I could see a car coming for a couple of more years before and words. He took one look under the hood the restaurant, so I went into the res- jammed and then started again all of a really fast in the lane I was now in. So after she started school. On any day of my car and said, “You broke a belt.” taurant and saw a waitress wiping off sudden. I did not have any time to back up and when there was an accident or about to He pointed and said, “You can go tables. The place looked empty, so I get back into the lane I had been in. be an accident on Highway, 13 my car up there and get it fixed.” asked her if a man had come in to eat. You may be a part I figured I was off on the shoulder These are the three incidents that of the road far enough and had my stick out most in my mind, but there headlights on so surely the other car All on its own, my car turned down have been numerous strange happen- going north would see my car and go ings throughout my life. around me. County Road Z, and I had to take the back To say that God doesn’t guide and As it turned out, he cut my car in half help those who are still in their sin is and never broke a single window in his. roads to go to the day-care center. not true. A person can be in the process My car’s trunk was now lying in the of being called for many years before ditch several feet from the rest of my his calling actually happens. Everyone car and me. His car was a quarter mile always turned onto County Road Z. I saw nothing “up there” due to a She said, “No, no one has come in will have a chance at some point. down the road in the opposite ditch. So we’re talking here about inter- small hill. in quite some time.” I didn’t tell anyone about these vention from God, intervention that Then he said, “Follow me.” I practically ran to the door I had events for many years because I Helpful CBers lasted for several years and happened I got into my car and followed his just entered. When I looked out, the thought no one would believe me. Back in those days it seemed like to a person in the world who was into truck. He turned in at a restaurant on truck was gone. God is probably working with far everyone’s car had a CB radio, and the sin of the world. the left, and I turned right at the place It wasn’t on the interstate either. I more people than we can even imag- mine was no exception. It took the It was as if a power were turning where he said they would fix it for me. could see for miles from where I was ine, so always be ready to give an police a half hour to 45 minutes to get my steering wheel and I was totally So far what makes this a strange standing. That semi truck, trailer and answer to those who ask, because you there, but I remember hearing almost unable to make the steering wheel go story is that a full-size semi truck and driver disappeared from sight, just as may be a part of their calling. everyone who went by calling in this the way I wanted it to go. trailer had to have passed me while I they had appeared. accident to the CB police channel Once my car was headed down was watching traffic going west on an Through the years I have had other while I listened. County Road Z, I could drive it just interstate highway, yet no semi had truck drivers help me when I broke You’re invited A man came to the window of my fine, and I always could see all the passed me, and yet there it was parked down on the road, but I saw them car and asked if I was okay. detoured traffic coming towards me right in front of my car facing west. come and go, and they were wearing Laura Lee’s article is the second in I said my leg hurt. I was holding while I took the back roads to the day- Also, the driver was dressed in blue jeans or a uniform of some sort. THE JOURNAL’s series about experi- down the brake pedal so hard when care center. white from head to foot. My dad and If this trucker in western Nebraska ences readers have had that they the accident happened that my leg three of my brothers were all semi- wasn’t an angel, then who was he? think may have involved angels. If you ached from the stress. Otherwise I and Trucker in white truck drivers. I grew up around trucks Remember, at this point in my life I have had an experience during which the guy who hit me—who had a kid in My angel sighting happened in the and truck drivers, and I never in my still did not know about the World- you think that perhaps angels played the same day care that my daughter late ’80s as I was traveling Interstate life to that day or after have seen a sin- wide Church of God, nor to my a part, THE JOURNAL is interested in attended—escaped with no injuries. 80 in western Nebraska on my way to gle other truck driver dress in white knowledge did I know any Saturday- hearing from you. Send your stories, The police understood what hap- Phoenix, Ariz. from head to foot. Sabbath keepers. along with your address and phone pened and I never did get a ticket for I was clipping along and noticed number, to [email protected] or Stranger story Registering surprise being in the wrong lane. that my SERVICE ENGINE light had P. O . B o x 1020, Big Sandy, Texas However, my insurance company come on. I had just recently bought The story gets stranger. I saw the As I was getting ready to move 75755, U.S.A., or fax them to (903) paid for the other guy’s car after nine the car and I didn’t want to wreck it, same helpful truck driver park his truck from Fort Atkinson, Wis., to Bis- 636-9097. THE JOURNAL will consider months of trying to get out of it. so I pulled over on the side of the in the parking lot at the restaurant marck, N.D., I had just finished work printing your article in a future issue. Maybe you’ve wondered Recent Bible study focuses on conspiracy theories Continued from page 5 Simple request on such subjects is nowhere encour- on the Sabbath. Yes, we can enjoy about the W and greenhouse-gas emissions. aged by any scripture. each other’s company by discussing These are important secular issues, Sometimes I make a request: “Please The Church of God has been world events. Continued from page 3 but preaching about them in a Sabbath feel free to send me all the prayer around since the Day of Pentecost to say that the W stood for some- sermon is not giving the congregation requests you receive. But take me off around A.D. 31. The Sabbath-keeping Unimportant subjects thing like Westinghouse or West- spiritual food. These subjects cannot your mailing list for all the political Church of God movement of which But we mustn’t lose sight of the Big moreland or Willy. be classified as strong meat. stuff. I just don’t have time to read it.” we are a part has been around for Three. Just because we spend a lot of To admit “nothing” seemed a bit Just because a person sits through I am told that the actions I just men- decades. time and effort on unimportant sub- hard for him to let out. But he did, a Bible study doesn’t mean he is learn- tioned fall under the heading of “We Yet many still don’t get it that our jects doesn’t mean we are being pro- and he did it with honest plainness. ing anything about the Word of God. need to watch and pray.” responsibilities are threefold. We ductive for God. He seemed relieved to let it out. He apparently felt okay trusting me Detailed information with his admission. I recently visited a church where Looking back, I think perhaps it the entire 40 minutes of a Sabbath At a recent 40-minute Bible study, great detail was the contrast of this plain Bible study was spent on conspiracy speech, learned from his Quaker theories and related subjects. was provided about how nefarious groups are upbringing, with the bombastic Great detail was provided about trying to take over the United States. orations that normally boomed how nefarious groups are trying to from Mr. HA that rooted this in- take over the United States. cident in my memory to this day. I am amazed at the amount of time I’ve got news for you. Pooling ig- should live our spiritual lives around Being productive doesn’t just build I liked him that day and the way some of our brethren spend surfing the norance about international conspira- the Big Three: up our rewards in heaven. It also helps he went about confessing that he, Net for “news.” cies and forwarding unsubstantiated Preaching the gospel. those around us both in the church and unlike most of us, had no middle I am even more amazed at the information in E-mails is not practic- Feeding the flock. outside of the church. name. —J. Phillip Arnold amount of E-mails that get forwarded ing the admonition found in Luke Helping the less fortunate. Starbucks is a genuine success The J is for James to me with false and slanderous infor- 21:36. Yes, we need to keep the Com- story. If Starbucks can do better, so mation about politicians. Wasting Sabbath Bible-study time mandments. Yes, we need to assemble can God’s people. 8 THE JOURNAL (Print date Sept. 29, 2009) Issue No. 136 ‘Why is God giving me that which I asked Him not to give me?’ Continued from page 1 Dixon Cartwright and others. a CyberKnife procedure that would be from the newspaper office at 5 p.m. February, and that’s without trying.” woke up and heard a voice, “maybe Mr. Tuel was so encouraged, com- less invasive than the Whipple. But his and then work for a few hours on free- As a result, “I have a whole new inside my head, that said, ‘Give mented Mr. Overton, that one day he doctors aren’t sure the CyberKnife lance articles for knife magazines. wardrobe.” Robbie a harmony.’ I said, ‘What?’ It suddenly announced: “You know, I’m would be effective in his case. (Mr. Overton is an acknowledged He summed up: “Either I’m going going to get out of here.” expert and consultant about anything to beat this and I’ll still be here with said, more emphatically, ‘Give Robbie Not as major a harmony.’ ” And from that day Mr. Tuel’s “feet to do with knifes: their manufacture, Mr. Overton, who owns hundreds started healing, and in six to eight Mr. Overton waxes philosophical: use and collectibility.) of books, searched through them and weeks he’d gone home. “Suddenly things that were major Now he doesn’t feel like doing found two copies of Christian Biblical “This year at Passover his feet were issues before, now they don’t irritate too much more than sitting and read- Church of God pastor Fred Coulter’s pink, with new tissue. Only God could me. I just let them slide off.” ing, listening to the radio or “just Harmony of the Gospels and took one have done that, and I found that to be He is heartened by the encourage- crashing.” such an inspiration.” ment from Church of God members of them to Mr. Tuel. East Texas warmth When he saw Mr. Coulter’s book, (See Darlene Warren’s article fea- and other friends and acquaintances. “Robbie was just like a Baptist kid on turing Robbie Tuel in the May 31, “My assistant [at The Gilmer Mir- “I’m washed out in the evenings,” Christmas morning,” Mr. Overton said. 2008, issue of THE JOURNAL.) ror] goes to Rosewood Baptist Church he said, “and heat just melts me . . . out by Harmony School. They put me “If I didn’t have the hope that I This wasn’t long before the Pass- Like Ping-Pong over of 2008, and Mr. Overton could on their prayer list. She gave me a have, I would be a mighty depressed see from Mr. Tuel’s condition that he The next thing Mr. Overton knew, book, Facing Illness With Hope: Lean- person right now. could not travel anywhere to observe he was faced with a serious health ing on Jesus,” by Tim Wesemann. “I tell you, it changes your perspec- tive from theory to practice. I used to think I was indestructible, and I lived Mr. Overton woke up and heard a voice, maybe inside his my life that way. Like they say, if I had known I would live this long I would head, that said, ‘Give Robbie a harmony.’ He said, ‘What?’ It have taken better care of myself. “I’d prayed for some time, ‘God, said, more emphatically, ‘Give Robbie a harmony.’ when it comes my time to go, give me a fatal heart attack, fatal stroke, fatal aneurysm, but don’t let me be eaten SO FAR SO GOOD—Mac Overton sits the Passover with other Church of challenge of his own: cancer. Mr. Overton read from the book a alive by an alien life-form.’ Cancer is for a photo after speaking to the Church of God members. “I feel like a Ping-Pong ball,” he few Bible verses including John like an alien life-form. So often you God Big Sandy’s Fellowship Club recently. said. “I’ve bounced around among so 14:27: don’t know you’re under attack until [Photo by Dixon Cartwright] Private Passover many doctors.” “Peace I leave with you, My peace it’s too late.” After his diagnosis Mr. Overton I give to you; not as the world gives do friends and family and brethren, or it’ll “I said to Robbie, and I would not A question for God have been offended if he’d turned me learned that, if his situation is judged I give to you. Let not your heart be beat me and I’ll wake up in the King- down, Robbie, would you like for me to be treatable, the advised regimen troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Lately Mr. Overton has had a ques- dom and see friends and family and to come to the room and have Pass- would be a drastic procedure called a And Romans 8:28: tion for God: brethren I hadn’t seen for some time.” Whipple. “All things work together for good “Why are You giving me that which over with you?” Late-breaking news During the Passover service in the The Whipple is named after Dr. to those who love God, to those who I asked You not to give me?” nursing home, with only the two of Allen Oldfather Whipple, the physi- are the called according to His pur- But “I think I know the answer. If I Just before this issue of THE JOUR- them present, Mr. Overton helped his cian who invented it in the 1930s. pose.” had a fatal heart attack, stroke, what- NAL went to press, Mr. Overton and his “As I indelicately term it,” said Mr. ever, I wouldn’t be around anybody doctors agreed he would undergo Cy- friend Robbie with the traditional cer- Pain and energy emony that included the foot-washing. Overton, during the Whipple “they gut else to help somebody else . . . I berKnife surgery, which is not as dras- “I was able to wash his feet,” Mr. you like a dead fish. They take out Mr. Overton says he’s thankful he’s wouldn’t be able to be here and talk tic as the Whipple procedure. your pancreas, your stomach, your still feeling pretty well. with you today.” Overton said. “He wasn’t able to wash Contact info mine. He was bedridden. Robbie’s gall bladder and your duodenum.” “I would make a pretty crummy Friends have commented on Mr. feet were black, covered with ulcers. At this writing he still has a few martyr,” he mused. “I’m allergic to Overton’s positive demeanor and Write Mr. Overton in care of THE Gangrene, I think, had set in.” more weeks before he must decide pain.” good humor in the face of a potential- JOURNAL at P.O. Box 1020, Big Sandy, In the following days several what he should do about the cancer. But so far so good in the pain de- ly devastating circumstance. Texas 75755, U.S.A. Or E-mail him at church members called on Mr. Tuel, But at this point he’s thinking he partment, he said. There is pain, but For example, a positive aspect of [email protected]. either in person or by phone. They would rather do anything, or even it’s bearable. his situation, he says, is he has more [Editor’s note: See a book review were Dave Havir, Fred Coulter, Ron nothing, than take such a drastic step. He doesn’t have as much energy as clothes to choose from. by Mr. Overton on page 6 of this issue Dart, Larry Watkins, John Warren, Another possibility: something called he once had. He used to come home “I’ve lost 25 pounds since early of THE JOURNAL.] Several COG families live in refugee camps near Burmese border Continued from page 1 women sometimes used as human return to, or immigrate to another coun- This year we hope to do the same Previously, Burma was governed minesweepers. try (only the lucky few can do this). for about 25 refugees near the border, mostly by a loose coalition of inde- So, when fighting breaks out, there including a new Karenni family in the pendent states. is often only one viable option for the Church of God families Ban Mae Surin refugee camp. (The In the mid-1980s the current mili- local villagers: run. Several Church of God families Karenni are an ethnic group also tary-junta government came to power. Since the early 1990s, with the help live in the refugee camps. Legacy In- known as the Red Karen.) Thus the nation of Myanmar formed. of the UN and various nongovernment stitute, a Church of God ministry and As you can imagine, leaving the There has been a less than peaceful organizations, refugee camps have set foundation in Thailand founded by camp to attend the Feast is exciting, transition, to say the least. An active up and are maintained. Leon and Gloria Sexton, has helped especially for the children. But getting resistance from local militias in Burma still exists within the country (especially in the northern and eastern areas), but, with the support of China, The ability to leave the camp to attend the Feast is North Korea and Russia, the Myan- mar government stays well armed and exciting, especially for the children. But getting funded to crush any resistance. permission to do that is far from easy. The United Nations has condemned Myanmar’s actions and advocated trade sanctions and the like, but that’s Some refugees have been in the support them for years, both spiritual- permission to do that is far from easy. about it. As in any war, when conflict camps for upwards of 20 years. ly and financially. Last year we could not get permis- breaks out civilians often feel the Children have been born and raised Legacy has at times received per- sion. Please pray that everything can brunt of the pain. Villages are de- RELIEF—Karenni refugee children take there who know nothing else. mission to take families out of the be arranged with the government stroyed, women raped, men forced to relief supplies into the camp. [Photo by These displaced people’s options are camp for the Feast of Tabernacles in agencies in Thailand to allow these labor as porters and both men and Nathan Kimmons] limited: Wait for Burma to be safe to Chiang Mai, Thailand. people to come attend God’s Feast. How will we know the difference between the wheat and tares? Continued from page 5 ference in the two grasses. The “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, dience to parents, ingratitude, unho- rig as chaff, or trash, and are burned expectation of a high yield. Corre- wheat seed is heavy and full of fruit, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, liness, lack of natural affection, up to return to the soil as humus. spondingly, Satan charms and tricks whereas the darnel is a small and goodness, faith, meekness, temper- truce-breaking, false accusations, I believe the wheat is the body of the church into a false expectation light seed with no fruit at harvest. ance: against such there is no law” incontinence, ferocity, despising of God’s church and the darnel is unbe- of true growth and yield when in God knows all along the good (Galatians 5:22-23). those who are good, treason, arro- lievers in the church. reality no fruit is borne in the fruit from the bad. But how can we When the tares, the darnel, are gance, love of pleasure rather than God says not to remove the tares, church. tell at our harvesttime the difference ready for harvest, the heads have no love of God, and false piety. the darnel, because doing so might Satan can promote false growth in between the good wheat and the fruit. A tare’s head is always upright, harm the true believers. the church with no actual fruit pro- tares? never bowing. It is vain, proud, Only God can know Only God can know the differ- duced. When the good wheat is ready for pompous. It exhibits the fruit of the These days, at the harvest, the good ence. He knows the heart that we the harvest, the head full of fruit will evil one, Satan. wheat is heavy with good fruit. When cannot. Only He knows who is His It takes time bow its head. The Bible lists many symptoms of farmers harvest their fields of wheat, and who is not. Looking at the wheat and darnel, The fruit of wheat is more wheat. the fruit of tares: scoffing, lust, igno- they gather the good wheat into the When Jesus returns, He will har- we can find it hard to tell the differ- Wheat exhibits something analogous rance, love of oneself, covetousness, harvest truck. The tares, the darnel, vest His wheat, and not one grain of ence. It takes time to see the true dif- to the fruit of the Spirit. boasting, pride, blasphemy, disobe- are blown out the back of the combine darnel will be harvested to the barn. Issue No. 136 (Print date Sept. 29, 2009) THE JOURNAL 9 Essay Out of the yod of God, maps of foundations and futures shoot forth

The writer, a Church of God mem- God basically believe the same doc- Galileo did not deny God when his does not devalue a little knowledge of 1’s account of the fourth day). ber for more than 40 years, research- trine, Sabbath and holy days, with telescope, invented 400 years ago, science, the cartographic tools of map- Yes, that’s what it says on the map es science, history and Hebrew lin- minor differences? Why can’t they helped him understand the earth was ping creation. To grapple with these of Genesis 1. Time has been, from guistics. She publishes maps and has get together and talk?” round and revolved around the sun concepts on the map of Genesis 1 their foundations, synchronized for owned a map store and marketing We focus on our differences of instead of a flat earth being the center helps us exalt and glorify the Captain earthlings to calculate festivals. But business for 25 years. She recently doodles on the map instead of com- of the universe. of our Salvation even more and we did not appear on the building completed a B.A. in journalism and monalties and learning to communi- stage until the sixth phase, or “day.” public communications with a geolo- cate, appreciate differences and syn- The Architect owns it all. He holds gy minor and is completing her mas- ergize talents that God has granted intellectual-property and all rights to ter’s in Northern studies. She receives individually and collectively. modify the time phases of construc- mail at alaskaonthemap@hotmail. Remember Johnson O’Connor Hu- tion as the plan progresses. com and P.O. Box 242211, Anchor- man Engineering Laboratory, old- age, Alaska 99524, U.S.A. © Joan timers? It maps our individual talents Step back, think big Tovsen 2009. All rights reserved. to use in this lifetime. So, if we put I don’t claim to know all the an- those together minus human nature, swers, not even all the questions. But By Joan Tovsen our collaboration could be amazing. I know that understanding some of NCHORAGE, Alaska—Where As Will Rogers observed, we’re all these elements can help us step back are we? Where have we been, ignorant, just in different subjects. and look at the bigger map. Aand where are we going? Maps Maybe we could learn some things That map can help us see how help us find our from each other. small our pettiness is in the grander way and stay on I comment to my friend that it took scheme of things. It can help us focus track to get there Catholics and Protestants 500 to on a truer image of our Maker and let and back. 1,000 years to reform the religious go of false concepts and false images “Concept map, but it took Churches of God of limited mind-sets. maps” document only five to 10 years initially to divide TRIPLET GALAXY—Joan Tovsen perceives that the shapes of galaxies reflect the yod How privileged we are to be called a plan. The Bi- into more than 300 factions. We con- of God, His creative signature in embryonic form. [NASA Hubble Heritage photos] to make a difference on the map, ble is our Mak- tinue to tear the map, fuss over pieces which can happen when we let our er’s map to help and too often miss the point of lessons Designer guide us instead of letting guide us through we need to learn. our egos trip us. life, set priori- Eternity born in time Let’s step out of the box, out of the ties and sort out Joan Tovsen comfort zone, to grow in knowledge what matters and Back to the first maps of our di- and understanding. Keeping an open what is just clutter or chatter. mension in Genesis 1: When we see mind empowers us, as long as it’s not Maps focus on time and space of the bigger map, details fall in place. so open our brains fall out or common place. Maps show us the way to our Astrophysicists call the particle that sense or trust in God gets lost. Hold chosen Feast sites. The map of salva- sparked the big bang the Higgs parti- fast to the faith once delivered. Help tion leads us to our place in our cle. It was, as physicist Dr. Robert restore it. Ask, seek, knock. Father’s business and family-expan- Piccioni delineates, a ten trillionth of ABOVE: The yod, sion plan. an atomic particle expanded outward the 10th character of Earth wobbled as space in a nano moment: a piece of the Hebrew alpha- Where to start bet, in Jewish mysti- The holy days use signposts of full eternity birthed into time. cal tradition repre- and new moons to measure sequences Where should we begin with the Yod is the 10th and smallest letter sents a divine point and cycles of time. The U.S. Naval story of maps? of the Hebrew alphabet, the one with of energy and God’s Observatory’s Web site posts charts of One of our founding Father’s fa- the greatest expansion potential. omnipresence. solar and lunar rises and sets for each vorite chapters launches from an Could it be that the yod of God place on earth. ancient text known by various names. formed what astrophysicists call the When a magnitude-9 earthquake It happens to be one of my favorite Higgs particle, then expanded out in It was a religious body of Catholic implants a stronger desire to carry on. generated the 2005 Sumatra tsunami, fascinations too, full of hidden trea- what is called the big bang and con- power brokers who feared losing con- Time in the universe measures dif- it affected earth’s wobble, and some sures, cosmic mysteries and geologic tinues to do so today? trol (and money) if their assumed ferently from time in our solar sys- observations indicated that sunrises histories, foundational patterns: a vir- It’s measured on the map of our wrong teaching about earth science tem. Moving from macrocosm to and sunsets “moved” slightly. tual map of beginnings. universe! Microwave radiation calcu- and the cosmos were acknowledged. microcosms, Dava Sobel eloquently Earth’s horizon is used to mark It’s the first light of the Pentateuch, lates back 14 billion years to the birth Hear any echoes through time? explains in The Planets that a day on solar and lunar transits “over” the the Torah, the first Old Testament of our universe and four billion years Ecclesiastes 1:5-7 alludes to the Jupiter does not measure a day on planet (from an earthly perspective). manuscript, called Genesis. to the foundations of earth, as astro- circuit of the earth and winds, imply- earth. On the circular map of plane- Genesis 1 reveals the earth per- physicists reckon. ing a round earth and related climate tary revolutions around the sun, Enoch and Jude spective of our initially mapped fun- The map in Genesis 1 merely patterns. Jupiter follows an orbit that requires In one of the Dead Sea Scrolls—the damentals of time and space. sketches a sequence and overview, as In 1609 Johannes Kepler published 12 earth years to travel around our Book (some say Books) of Enoch—are John 1 indicates that, before the a table of contents in a book or legend the laws of planetary motion and heliosphere, or sun. word maps or tables describing gates heavens and earth came into being (in on a map. understood that resonance, or sound Why? Rates of rotational spin and on the eastern and western horizons that order), the Logos, or Word, exist- waves, could determine distances. paths of ellipses (circuits) around our Science of God through which the sun and moon transit ed. These two inspired sources define Nearly two centuries later the Royal solar star are as different for each plan- through the rotation of seasons. They first maps brought into our dimension. A physicist, rabbi and author of British Observatory calculated the dis- et in the solar system as the age of the are referenced as numbers on the face Job 38-40 and Proverbs 3:19-20 The Science of God, Dr. Gerald tance between planets on Capt. James pharaohs is different from the Renais- of a clock to measure passages of time. define the cartographic tools used to The book of Jude refers to prophe- sketch this first map. cies of Enoch and how he spoke (and Instruments of the Logos As Will Rogers observed, we’re all ignorant, wrote) of the return of the Messiah and tens of thousands of His saints for Before the foundations of the earth just in different subjects. Maybe we could the millennial reign. were laid, knowledge, wisdom and Enoch’s message reflects the map understanding were instruments of learn some things from each other. of creation in Genesis 1 and the new the Logos, or Word of God, used to map of Revelation. The book of sketch the maps of creation, both the Enoch was part of the Hebrew her- spiritual and physical blueprints. Schroeder, elaborates on the consis- Cook’s voyage to Tahiti when the tran- sance age, or the length of Precambrian itage of 1st-century Christians. The Intelligent design in magnitudes tency of true science and Scripture in sit of Venus passed across the sun. era differs from the Cenozoic. translation by R.H. Charles remains a Genesis 1. Popular religious beliefs do not and decreed degrees beyond our com- Units for the work standard English-text edition. prehension reflect how great an Albert Einstein sought to under- always parallel what the map of It might take you far from the map Architect depicted the embryonic for- stand the music, or mind, of God. Genesis 1 reveals. True religion and Could the first day in Genesis 1 of status-quo church paradigms, but mations, the anatomical charts of our Isaac Newton, a Christian minister, true science, though, are consistent. have been a different unit of time Enoch gives an interesting perspec- past, present and future. mathematician and scientific inven- The Inventor of cosmic knowledge, from the standard of measure of sec- tive on creation time and space and Each of us has a distinctive DNA tor, acknowledged a Creator behind who brought time and space into exis- ond day or sixth? the festival plan in an ancient scroll. map to chart his designer genes and forces of creation or nature. tence on our dimensional map, is Why not? Time was not synchro- Don’t let it throw you off balance if greater than even we can wrap our nized on earth until the fourth day of navigate his particular assignments. Who’s in charge? you venture there. We know only a minds around. creation. little and still see through a dark glass. The God code A recent research poll indicates We set a clock after the timepiece Grappling with concepts Gregg Braden, author of The God more young chemists believe in God is manufactured. Signposts of time— Exciting time in space Code, shows how the elements of the than do any other scientists. Perhaps To understand a little science glori- the sun, moon and stars—were set As we pilgrimage to celebrate the universe comprise our chromosomes they recognize that amino acids— fies the One we worship. Remember and synchronized after those ele- festival master plan for earth’s hu- and the genetic memory of our her- building blocks of life—cannot as- the words to “I Sing the Mighty ments came into being. manity during the International Year itage carries forward in our family semble themselves into orderly for- Power of God”? They relate to these They were set for earth times, sea- of Astronomy, 2009, remember the bloodline and DNA. mations and spontaneously generate discoveries. sons and festivals (see the New Jeru- symmetry of first maps in Genesis 1. What manner of people ought we to life, as some evolutionists’ faith claims. To grow in grace and knowledge salem Bible’s translation of Genesis It is a symmetry of balanced knowl- be to reflect our Father and Elder edge, proportional understanding and Brother without taking the family name wisdom founded with equilibrium. in vain? Do our minds grasp the nature But beware. There are counterfeits. of human stewardship, the mission of Please notice Between the photons of light lie great restoration and message we have been expanses of unknown entities of dark commissioned to carry forward? Views stated in any article, letter or other feature in THE JOURNAL are those of the writers or energy and dark matter. The wisdom We rather seem to be doodling and sources quoted by the writers and should not be viewed as the official position of any group or or- and prudence of our Maker can guide scribbling on the magnificent Magna us and help us pass over the dangers Carta, or map, our Father has given us ganization, nor do they necessarily reflect the views of anyone on the staff of THE JOURNAL. of mapped and unknown minefields. to be about His family business. Articles, letters and features are presented in the interest of furthering communication and dis- We’re approaching an exciting time in the space of His master plan. Can’t we all just get along? cussion among the brethren of the Churches of God. Keep the map handy and prepare for A good friend continues to ask me: an exciting ride through times and “Don’t all these scattered Churches of places. Shalom. 10 THE JOURNAL (Print date Sept. 29, 2009) Issue No. 136 Essay America excels at keeping the Second Great Commandment

The writer is a longtime Church of state has in the Union is unique among money at the end time. With North from all evil, bless the lads; and let my treated nations they conquered: not God member who worked for the the world’s nations. Genesis 48 does Sea oil, England has something going name be named on them, and the very nicely. Worldwide Church of God for 17 not require Ephraim to be the only for it. It is the United States that is in name of my fathers Abraham and The leader is not the nation that ap- years as a programmer analyst. Mr. nation so organized. It just states that financial trouble. Isaac; and let them grow into a multi- pears the most religious, nor the most Curley looks at the Bible from an ana- it is thus organized and is made up of In normal economic times, Ger- tude in the midst of the earth” (Gene- organized, nor the smartest. I believe lytical perspective. He visits many Ephraim’s descendants. many might be able to bail out En- sis 48:16). it’s the nation that would be the best Churches of God in the Los Angeles gland, but the United States is a differ- “. . . He [Israel] set Ephraim before for all the other nations. area but is not aligned with any. Brotherly differences ent matter. Even before the current Manasseh” (verse 20). Instead of looking for perfection, it Ephraim and Manasseh have a lot economic crisis, America had gone so would be wise to ask: What nation By Harry Curley in common, but the Bible points out deeply in debt it would have asked too Birthright advantages, privileges, would you like to lose a war to? Japan, LTADENA, Calif.—Many of some differences. much of Germany. responsibilities Germany, Russia, a nation ruled by a us believe Britain is Ephraim. In ancient Israel, Manasseh was Ephraim does not have just Jo- religious extremist? No, thanks! AJ.H. Allen wrote Judah’s split in two because half of Manasseh What makes a nation great? seph’s personal birthright, but that of If you choose England or France, Sceptre and Joseph’s Birthright more wanted a good area to raise livestock In many areas the United States Jacob, Isaac and Abraham. you will become a colony, subject to than 100 years ago, long before all the (Numbers 32:1-5). comes out ahead of Britain: popula- Scripture indicates Ephraim is the the parent nation. Only the United facts were in. Consider that today England is on tion, geographic size, wealth, power, possessor of the birthright blessings States has a history of being kind and Even up until World War II, Great one side of the globe, and Australia individual freedom. Even in conquests: that were given to Abraham as to no supportive of defeated nations. Britain was the logical nation to be and New Zealand are on the other side Great Britain has Mount Everest, but other descendant. This is not common in most na- considered Ephraim because of her with great herds and flocks. the United States has the moon. As Abraham’s birthright descen- tions, and, sadly, the United States is greatness. Manasseh got along better with Much evidence connects Britain dant, Ephraim speaks for the family. losing these great traits. After that, Judah. That may explain why the with Joseph. Many feel this is proof As such, all other descendants of war world pow- throne of David is in England. that it is Ephraim. Abraham should look to Ephraim as Spiritual laws are in force er shifted and What nation would you expect to The facts are undisputed, but the the leader of the family and should Most people understand the laws of the United States say this: “ ‘What share have we in conclusion is a jump, not a product of support and back him on matters that gravity and centrifugal force. If you became the lead- David? We have no inheritance in the the facts. Who is most interested in affect the whole family. turn a corner slowly, your vehicle will ing nation. son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! keeping family genealogy? The first- This should not be limited to Israel, not turn over. But, if you turn a corner It has been Now, see to your own house, O David!’ born or the others? but includes the descendants of Esau too fast, centrifugal force will cause proven by gov- So Israel departed to their tents”? (1 It is the firstborn, of course. The and Ishmael (Arab nations), who your vehicle to flip. ernment studies Kings 12:16). more you can find to link Great Britain should follow Ephraim’s lead. There are also spiritual laws that that the human This sounds a lot like the United with Joseph, the more (I believe) you have automatic consequences. God Why did God select Ephraim? mind is not easy Harry Curley States’ response to British “taxation prove she is Manasseh (the firstborn) does not need to keep a scorecard to to change. It is without representation” 230 years ago. and not Ephraim (the second born). We know God does not always pick see if you have been naughty or nice. like we have ruts in our brain that keep The United States is willing to go its the firstborn. Isaac was chosen over leading us to the same conclusion, own way when other nations disagree. The two Great Commandments Ishmael, Jacob over Esau, Ephraim Impressing God even when the signs say we should go “ ‘And you shall love the LORD your over Manasseh and David over his Many have wondered why things another direction. Which nation acts like Ephraim? God with all your heart . . .’ This is the older brothers. have historically worked out so well I have a different opinion from We have biblical examples of how first commandment. And the second, If God wanted the nation that “re- for the United States. To say it was most and ask you to please consider Ephraim conducted himself in war, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your spected” God or “kept” God’s Word because Americans were descendants the points I am about to make and wait and we have present-day examples. neighbor as yourself.’There is no other the “best,” He would have chosen of Abraham is too shallow, because so to form your conclusions until you Which nation, Great Britain or the commandment greater than these” Judah, but He did not. are other nations. Blessings come for have heard me out. United States, would be more likely to (Mark 12:30-31). If God wanted a nation that would keeping God’s law. When Jacob (who later became respond this way: If you replace Joseph with Manas- have done what it was told, He proba- I believe it is the United States’ abil- Israel) spoke prophetically about “. . . We have heard that the kings of seh and Ephraim as direct sons of bly would have chosen a nation like ity to keep the Great Second Com- Ephraim, he said: the house of Israel [Ephraim] are mer- Jacob, then Ephraim would be the Germany, but He did not. mandment better than any other nation. “He [Manasseh, the firstborn] also ciful kings. Please, let us put sackcloth 13th son born to Jacob. That the Unit- God chose a descendant of Joseph. If other nations kept more of God’s shall become a people, and he also around our waists and ropes around ed States started with 13 colonies is laws than does the United States, then shall be great; but truly his younger our heads, and go out to the king of more circumstantial evidence that What about Joseph? they would probably receive more brother [Ephraim] shall be greater Israel; perhaps he will spare your United States is Ephraim. What do we know about Joseph? blessings than the United States does. than he, and his [Ephraim’s] descen- life”? (1 Kings 20:31). God is clear in His priorities. Judah Joseph did not hold hostility, bitter- I am not talking about being more dants shall become a multitude of religious. While proper religious exer- nations” (Genesis 48:19). cises have their own rewards, reli- gions (Jewish, Christian, Church of Great and greater It is my hypothesis that Ephraim—the United States— God or others) tend to cancel out Great Britain became great, but many rewards by teaching the com- truly the United States became greater. excels (not perfectly, but far above any other nation) mandments of men. Some have felt that “multitude of in keeping the Second Great Commandment. Even when the United States gets nations” pointed to the British Empire. mad—like when Japan attacked Pearl However, it lasted only a short while Harbor—it did not hold onto its anger compared to man’s history. It ended in and seek revenge. It forgave those 1967, and those nations were not of Continuing: “They quickly grasped excels (not perfectly) in keeping the ness or hatred for his brothers who who wronged her. British “seed,” a Genesis 48:19 re- at this word and said, ‘Your brother First Great Commandment. It is my sold him into slavery. Instead of tak- Things are changing and laws are quirement. (Ephraim’s descendants Ben-Hadad.’ So he said, ‘Go, bring hypothesis that Ephraim excels (not ing revenge, Joseph forgave his broth- being passed. We have made a great shall become a multitude of nations, him.’ Then Ben-Hadad [the defeated perfectly, but far above any other ers and provided for them in their leap toward being a corporate nation, not become other peoples.) king] came out to him; and he had him nation) in keeping the Second Great darkest hour, during the worldwide where companies (in league with the The word nation in Genesis 48 come up into the chariot” (verse 33). Commandment. famine (Genesis 50:19-21). government) and rich people have could have been translated “state,” By having Ben-hadad ride with Since God did not choose Judah, I These are characteristics of one more rights than the little guy. because both words are interchange- him, Ephraim treated defeated Ben- believe God would want His birthright who obeys the Second Great Com- It is okay to disagree, but groups able in this case. hadad as a political equal. nation, the nation given universal mandment, not of the First Great are holding onto their anger and hatred The United States, as its name de- The United States is the only nation dominance above all nations, to be the Commandment. God picked the na- for other groups and seeking revenge. scribes, is a multitude of nation-states. that treats its vanquished enemies as nation that most embodied his Second tion that would be kindest to its fellow When the United States looked af- It formed out of many individual equals. That is not a British trait. Great Commandment. nations and not force them into its box ter the interests of others, it enjoyed colonies, all of which could have be- Britain was made great by conquering No other nation shows the kindness culturally. enormous blessings. As the United come individual nations had they not and subjugating its enemies and and love to its neighbor and enemies What nation most fulfills these States starts to oppress people and joined together. The 14th colony, in colonies. If the United States had done that the United States does and also of- characteristics? The United States other nations, we can expect the bless- the New World, did become its own the same after World War II, it would fers the freedom to be different. Not does. The United States did not hold it ings to diminish. nation, Canada. have controlled more of the world even England has that kind of freedom. against Japan that it attacked Pearl Whereas in the past the United than Britain ever had. It has been said that in England Harbor. It shares its wealth with the States gave to the world, our recent Each state is like a nation “. . . They are the ten thousands of people can do what they want as long world like no other nation. The United housing greed problems have not only Each U.S. state is like its own na- Ephraim, and they are the thousands as they do exactly what they are told. States leads without subjugating other diminished the little guy’s invest- tion and could function well if Wash- of Manasseh” (Deuteronomy 33:17). The United States, on the other nations. We have to look only at the ments, they have robbed wealth from ington disappeared. hand, is the only nation where true treatment of Germany and Japan after many other nations of the world. It has its own constitution. It makes Younger shall be greater freedom exists. The desire for real free- World War II. The United States’ conduct, both its own laws and has its own supreme The nation with the larger popula- dom, which did not exist in England, The Philippines and Puerto Rico morally and financially, could play court. It specifies and collects taxes. It tion, the United States, is Ephraim. is the reason people came out of En- give us other examples of how the into prophecy by leading the whole has its own military, called the Na- There is a difference between how gland to form the United States. United States exercises control over nation into slavery (the tribulation). tional Guard, that operates under the a firstborn acts and how someone who other lands. Compare them to how God is forgiving. With repentance, state governor. is not a firstborn acts. Firstborns think Backwards from the conclusion England used its predominance over Ephraim’s (the United States’) free- The governor may call up for active they are hot stuff. What others think of Many think that loyalty to God and the British Commonwealth. dom and greatness will return. duty its National Guard to help re- them is important to them. England ministers is all that is necessary, but The United States has not been per- spond to domestic emergencies and and France both act like a firstborn. Jesus said otherwise. fect. Sadly, American companies have In conclusion disasters. The federal government The United States isn’t troubled by He said we must “give to the poor” often acted in their own self-interest. I believe that only the United needs the consent of the state governor such concerns, as long as it’s making a (Matthew 19:21; Mark 10:21; Luke Simeon was violent and scattered States, not the British Commonwealth, to use a state’s National Guard. buck on whatever is happening. 18:22) and do good works to others among Israel (Genesis 49:5-7), which truly fulfills the Genesis 48 require- U.S. governors act like heads of The United States looks to England (Acts 2:45; 1 Timothy 6:18). includes Ephraim. Could it be that ment that Ephraim be a multitude of state in many ways. The governor ex- as an older brother. Even though there If we start with what would be Simeonites in Ephraim have periodi- nation states and Ephraim’s descen- perience has been the path for many to is respect there, America still does its God’s will for His “birthright” nation cally given Ephraim a black eye? dants. become president of the United States: own thing. England acts with amaze- and then try to identify which nation Anyone who does not want to ac- The abundant documentation con- Carter, Reagan, Clinton and Bush 2. ment at how its younger brother can best fits those characteristics, I believe cept the United States as being God’s necting England with Joseph is evi- Each state, after the first 13, went take the lead in the world. You can we are led to the United States, not chosen nation to lead the world should dence that England is Joseph’s first- through a process to join the Union. detect that it kind of hurts her. England. ask himself what other nation would born, Manasseh. Hawaii and Alaska were the last two Besides receiving a double portion, he rather be conquered by. As the nation God has chosen to What difference does it make? states to join the Union, in 1959. the birthright recipient receives all the Who should lead? lead and serve (not rule) the world, the The American Civil War was Mislabeling Ephraim prevents a judicial authority and positions of his United States should act appropriately fought over the secession of 11 states full understanding of prophecy. Many father. History tells us how Germany, in a way that reflects positively God’s from the Union. The autonomy each think England will go to Germany for “The Angel which redeemed me Japan, Arab nations and other nations ways and is held to a higher standard. Issue No. 136 (Print date Sept. 29, 2009) THE JOURNAL 11 Essay Be fit to be an honored royal or priestly vessel in the Kingdom

The writer is a senior software ar- to be converted and have “the truth.” because they do not agree with us They are not talking about the noun deepest level behind “the truth,” until chitect and an elder in the Body of But all too often they practice a dis- about every little detail of “the truth”? spirit but the qualities of the noun; we inherently and automatically know Messiah. Over the last 38 years he has dain towards everyone else who does that is, spiritualness. It is not talking how to apply graciousness and wis- taught seminars and become an not measure up to their highly es- Angelic visitation about the noun truth but the qualities dom in every situation. accomplished speaker. He is acknowl- teemed understandings of truth. But what if last night you finally of its truthness. edged by many to be an expert in bib- Their measuring stick is “the truth,” figured out the last of all of the doctri- We are to worship the Father in Coming back to life lical studies. and they teach a salvation by knowl- nal issues? What if an angel appeared spiritualness and truthness. Ours is a The saints are to resurrect as kings edge rather than a salvation by con- to you in a dream and now you have balancing act that we need to learn. and as priests (Revelation 5:10). By Wayne Atchison version of the heart. full understanding of every single Which type of person do you think ENVER, Colo.—The most scripture and the correct interpretation Grace and knowledge will come back to life? Who is the important thing you can tell You must agree of absolutely every prophecy? We know we are to grow in grace person so precious, so valuable, that Dyourself You have seen this all too often. If Do you imagine yourself righteous and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18). But the Father would want to keep him and others con- you do not agree with their truth, then now? again these Greek words are in the around for all eternity? cerns the need to obviously you do not have the Holy You should not, because righteous- anarthrous. They are not talking about Is it the person who still has his self- improve oneself Spirit and therefore cannot belong to ness is doing what you know, not just the grace but graceness, or maybe gra- ish, carnal personality traits and cannot from the inside their group. being able to parrot it like a movie on ciousness. They are not talking about be trusted? Will dictators and egotists, out. But which scriptures tell us that only a DVD. knowledge, but knowledgeness, which those with a selfish, carnal personality, We are to be the most intellectual scholars among us “Little children, let no one deceive is wisdom. rule over the cities in the Kingdom? making our- stand fully in the light of the Father? you. He who practices righteousness Or will the resurrection be filled selves into a ves- Do you really think you know is righteous, just as He is righteous” (1 Self-willed ignorance with people who have made them- sel of honor. We everything and have figured out every John 3:7). When was the last time you grew in selves ready for selfless service by are to clean out truth? If the answer is no, then cut the I can program a robot to store in its graciousness? demonstrating they are not dictators, our old carnal, they are not egotists, they no longer selfish personali- Wayne Atchison have selfish, carnal personalities? ty and work hard Those are the people God can trust to prepare ourselves for resurrection Do you really think you know everything and have to rule righteously over His King- as a vessel of honor in the Master’s figured out every truth? If the answer is no, then dom’s cities. house in the Kingdom. “Let everyone naming the name of cut the other fellows some slack. Stop the bickering Christ depart from unrighteousness. It is time to stop bickering among But in a great house not only are there each other about every doctrinal issue vessels of gold and silver, but also other fellows some slack. You can tell memory all your vast knowledge. The The last time someone stepped on we can think of. Instead, we should en- wooden and earthen, and some to them “the truth” without putting them Creator could have made computers to your toes did you show him gracious- gage in intense self-improvement of honor and some to dishonor. down, and if they do not agree just know “the truth.” ness, or did you demand full satisfac- our deepest inner-personal character “If then anyone cleanse-out himself allow them some time to figure it out, But where is the heart of a DVD or tion as you insisted he kiss your toes traits. separated [from] these, he will be a ves- as you had to do. robot? Would you want to live under and rub them good? Our minds must be transformed sel to honor having been sanctified and In the judgment, when you stand in the rule of a robot that could dispense When was the last time you grew in (Romans 12:2), so we might as well made useful to the master into every front of the throne and hear the this- the laws of Torah but not know how to wisdom? set about doing just that. work good having been made ready” (2 and-that of your life, do you want the apply mercy and patience and gra- The last time someone disagreed Focus on how you will learn gra- Timothy 2:19-21, literal translation). Great Judge to cut you some slack for ciousness with a converted heart at the with your interpretation of the truth, ciousness towards everyone else, even all of the little truths you do not know same time? did you show wisdom, or did you get those you do not like. What to do or correctly understand? mad and demand he no longer attend Focus on applying your knowl- Billions of people are told they do This way of imagining that time Where’s the balance? church until he repented of his self- edge, whatever you happen to know not have to do much, just be a good will drive home that “the truth” is not We know we are to worship the willed ignorance? today, with understanding and wis- Christian and they will be saved. the measuring stick. Father in spirit and in truth (John Being a vessel worthy of honor is dom. The problem is these billions of We live on different levels of igno- 4:23). But shouldn’t we find the bal- far deeper than just knowing the Dedicate yourself to cleaning your- people have a faith in a God who lets rance. No one has all of the truth about ance? Both are important, not just “the truth. It is a personal, deep internal- self, working day by day at getting rid them stay carnal. They attend church all things. We are all at some level of spirit” and not just “the truth.” ization of what the Father has given of your old carnal, selfish personality and sing songs, but their innermost ignorance about things we know little Go grab your interlinear Bibles us to know. and becoming a truly righteous per- characters are no more converted than about. We know only what the Father and look these words up in the Greek. It is the cleaning out of our carnal, sonality. a church doorknob. has given us to know on this day. They are anarthrous (which refers to selfish, fleshly personality traits and Become fit to be an honored kingly Many in the Church of God claim Shouldn’t we quit excluding people certain characteristics of nouns). living out everything we know at the or priestly vessel in the Kingdom. The sword Buckaroo Bob, many visitors meet in Texarkana of truth has The writer, a longtime Church of why logic dictates that God member, lives in Whitehouse, our faith should remain Texas, with her husband, Bob, and in Him only. two edges daughters Rebecca and Melody. A potluck followed services, with plenty of Continued from page 5 By Lisa McComb food and fellowship. and close community lifestyle. EXARKANA, Texas—Bucka- Many of the brethren Is that really what God the Father roo Bob and his puppet friends expressed gratitude and and Jesus want? Is that really the visited a Church of God Inter- satisfaction for such an foundation on which God will build T national congregation here the Sab- uplifting Sabbath day. His family? Should it not be rather bath of Aug. 29, 2009. based on faith, hope and charity— The Texarkana congregation of the Strong churches and in particular on charity? The former WCG never learned CGI played host to a special service In discussions later to handle the double-edged sword of on that day with more than 70 people about how more breth- truth in the manner that Paul pre- in attendance. ren can better serve each scribes in 1 Corinthians 11-14. The meeting was combined with an other with such cooper- Chapter 13 describes the spirit in independent Church of God congrega- ative efforts, Mr. Skel- which Sabbath meetings should be tion from Hope, Ark. ton commented: conducted, and chapter 14 how they Visitors also came from Hot TEXARKANA KIDS—These unidentified young 2009. Although these children’s names may be elu- “I don’t know if now is should be conducted. Springs, Ark., and Tyler, Texas. members of the Texarkana, Texas, congregation of sive, THE JOURNAL learned that these young people necessarily the time for us 1 Corinthians 14:26 describes The event was coordinated by the Church of God International attend Sabbath are from Texarkana, Texas; and Texarkana, Hope to be creating new church- how each man (!) should bring to the Wynn Skelton of White Oak, Texas. services with adults and several puppets Aug. 29, and Hot Springs, Ark. [Photo by Wynn Skelton] es as much as we need to Sabbath meeting a psalm, doctrine, be strengthening existing revelation, interpretation—but al- Largest attendance the Roadkill Cafe and serve such deli- He was followed by brief announce- churches and building ways for edifying the church. “It was the largest attendance we cacies as Sunbake Snake, Collie Hit by ments and the puppet show. bridges between existing churches.” Chapter 13 teaches the spirit in have had in our building in 15 years,” a Trolley and Tortoise Rigor Mortis. After the show a special-music pre- Charles Groce of the Church of which we are to put, hear and an- local member Marvin Wherry said. An older puppet, Dr. Nelson, wakes sentation of “Are You Washed In the God International’s home office in swer such teachings as well as any The Buckaroo Bob puppet show up from his nap and, after discussing Blood?” was performed by Wesley Tyler, Texas, said: subsequent rejection or receiving of entertained 16 kids as well as children the advantages of the Lawrence Welk White, Nancy White, Kim Skelton and “CGI will continue to enthusiasti- these. of all ages. Show over Cheryl Crow’s music, Lisa McComb. cally work with other churches and Of course, none of this was ever ministries in our continuing efforts to practiced in the Churches of God. I preach the gospel and feed the flock. am still waiting for replies promised We hope to do more things like this in to me in 1993! ‘CGI will continue to enthusiastically work with other the future.” Instead, the ministers in the COG continue preaching down at the peo- churches and ministries in our continuing efforts to preach Hoped-for beginning ple from their raised podium and will not allow anyone to ask a bibli- the gospel and feed the flock,’ Mr. Groce said. “We hope this event is just the be- cally based question. ginning of utilizing existing tools for Rather, they seek absolute mind the purpose of bringing churches clos- control, and each issue of THE JOUR- er together and reaching out to the NAL shows it is not working. The show, which featured Bucka- insists that Miss Nancy teach the chil- Mr. White then delivered a sermon, community to teach God’s truth to ______roo, Miss Nancy, Yankee Dan, Suzy Q dren the importance of following the “Our Faith in Jesus Christ.” He point- others,” said Texarkana CGI pastor See Mr. Jens’ paper P3, The Gar- and Dr. Nelson, was titled The Road- Bible’s dietary laws. ed out that, if Jesus’ resurrection did Ron Elkins. kill Cafe and taught a biblical lesson not take place, we have no future. “Sometime after the Feast we hope to den of Eden No-Divorce and No- ‘Our faith’ Remarriage Law, at http://www. about cleanliness and uncleanliness. He also made some great points present a music concert and puppet show rightly-dividing.net. In the show, grade-schoolers Buck- The Sabbath service started off about why there is no way Jesus’ res- to the local community in an effort to aroo and Yankee Dan decide to open with lively hymns led by Mr. Skelton. urrection could have been a hoax and evangelize to the Texarkana community.” 12 THE JOURNAL (Print date Sept. 29, 2009) Issue No. 136 Some texts about the Sabbath were never properly translated The author, a 60-year-old former IT 16 and Luke 24 the same word, shabbat, the Sabbath, it can refer to the entire day To translate the weekday names using As a contrary example, Portuguese is manager, holds degrees in town plan- is correctly translated as “sabbath.” following the Sabbath day and to the only the first beth leads to terms such as a language in which most of the days of ning, the history and philosophy of sci- entire year following the sabbatical year. “one in sabbath” and “two on sabbath,” the week are numbered, and correctly so ence, and computing studies. He and his Seven years of research Monday is sheni (second) b’shab- which make no sense. The third beth from a Sabbatarian perspective. wife, Cindy, live in Australia’s capital, Mr. Kemmerer spent two years re- bat, Tuesday shelishi (third) b’shabbat, leads to terms like “third with sabbath” Sunday is domingo, Monday segun- Canberra, where for 11 years they have searching this problem using conven- Wednesday rebi’i (fourth) b’shabbat and and “fourth by sabbath” that are no da-feira or just segunda (literally sec- been part of a small, independent Sab- tional resources—textbooks, commen- Thursday chamishi (fifth) b’shabbat. clearer. ond), Tuesday terça, Wednesday quarta, bath group. taries, dictionaries—and found no trans- Thursday quinta, Friday sexta and This article is based on a conference lations that made sense. Literal translation Up for the count Saturday sabádo. Mr. Steensby attended in 1996, the He spent five more years going back What is this term b’shabbat, consist- However, if we use the second beth writer’s personal communications with to the original Hebrew biblical sources ing of the preposition b’ (beth) plus we end up naming the weekdays by Matthew 28:1 retranslated a conference speaker and some excerpts and to the extrabiblical: the Babylonian shabbat? counting them in relation to or in con- How do we now translate Matthew from the speaker’s notes. and Jerusalem Talmudim, the great com- To answer that, first consider that the junction with the Sabbath, such as “one 28:1 (“Now after the Sabbath, as the first mentators of Israel. Greek mia toøn sabbatoøn is evidently a in relation to [the] sabbath” or “fourth in day of the week began to dawn, Mary By Walter Steensby (Gerhard told me he found this mate- direct, literal translation of echad b’shab- relation to [the] sabbath.” Magdalene and the other Mary came to ANBERRA, Australia—Con- rial marvelous to read and Hebrew an bat, where again we see that theologians This usage is found in the Tanakh and see the tomb”)? ferences supply the occasional easy language to learn.) and translators have crossed out shabbat is widespread in extrabiblical Hebrew “The Hebrew is B’motzaey shabbat surprise, and the first Friends of and substituted week to produce “first of literature. But for some reason these b’aloth [amúd] haShachar l’echad C Remembering the Sabbath day the Sabbath conference in Sydney held the week.” meanings have not entered the dictio- b’shabbat ...,for which the KJV has ‘In 13 years ago, in July 1996, certainly In Exodus 31 we read that the Sab- Why? Like Greek, Hebrew has a per- naries or the grammars. the end of the Sabbath as it began to dawn provided one. bath is a perpetual sign of God’s cove- fectly good word for week, which is Why? Gerhard mused it may be toward the first day of the week . . .’ ” Gerhard Kem- nant, a very close relationship between shabúa, so the translators could have because doing so keeps the Sabbath out As we have seen, b’motzaey shabbat merer, graying, God and His people, a sign of Creator used that word. of sight, in effect eliminating it, and pro- denotes the outgoings from the Sab- lean, spoke quiet- and created for all eternity. The ancients meant what they wrote, duces notions about the early roots of bath; b’aloth [amúd] haShachar is a ly and earnestly Exodus 20:8 emphasizes our need to and Gerhard was adamant that we Sunday-keeping in the Christian church. phrase Gerhard Kemmerer finds most in fluent German- beautiful, meaning “in the rise of the accented English. pillar of morning” or, more prosaically, He claimed that sunrise; and l’echad b’shabbat means certain passages Mr. Kemmerer’s hunch was that, as the days immediately towards (l’), the No. 1 (echad) day in in the Bible had next to the Sabbath are named and seemingly numbered in the sequence of weekdays leading to never been cor- the Sabbath. rectly translated relation to it, so were all the other days of the week. It does not matter whether this verse into English and Walter Steensby is speaking of the evening or the morn- yet are of crucial ing of this day, because the entire day is importance in dealing with the question remember the Sabbath day. How shall should not try to force our 20th- and In the Talmud he found hundreds of wrapped up under motzaey, the outgo- of the Sabbath and its position in the we comply? By remembering it during 21st-century and Christian concepts into examples of the second beth. As just ings or the exits. New Testament. the course of the week. their thinking. We must read out of the one, consider the phrase b’hazaytim, The amended translation becomes In researching this matter, he had not From the Septuagint we learn quickly text and not into the text. consisting of b’ (beth) + ha (the) + zay- “At the dawn of the first day to(wards) revealed a new truth. Rather, he found that the day before the Sabbath was tim (olive trees). the Sabbath . . .” or, more colloquially, something neglected by Christianity for named prosabbaton (before-sabbath) or The preposition ‘beth’ If we use the first beth, it translates as “At dawn on Sunday . . .” centuries and whose implications are paraskeueø (preparation), and the day He found that the answer to the prob- “in the olive trees,” perhaps referring to We have five witnesses for this in the profound. after was opse sabbatoøn (after sabbath) lem lies not in changing shabbat to week a bird’s nest. NT: each evangelist and the apostle His rediscovery answered all the or mia toøn sabbatoøn—and this is all we but rather in the proper interpretation If we use the second beth it now Paul. In his letter to the Corinthians questions regarding the position of the learn. There are no parallels for the mys- and translation of the preposition beth. means a matter or a statement concern- Paul had no need to explain to them Sabbath in the New Testament and all terious mia toøn sabbatoøn in either it or Of all Semitic prepositions, beth has ing the olive trees, perhaps a regulation what this phrase meant, and this was arguments about just what was the first the Hebrew Bible or the Targum (Ara- the widest range of meanings, and the in connection with them—and this is some 25 to 30 years after the work of day of the week as far as the biblical maic Bible). rabbis have arranged these meanings how the rabbis consistently use the beth. the gospel had begun. writers were concerned. Mr. Kemmerer’s hunch, his theory, into three simple and logical groups. It should, he optimistically stated, was that, as the days immediately next to The first meaning is the usual one Help recalling Wrapping up “stop dogfights and strengthen the posi- the Sabbath are named and seemingly of “in and on a place or time.” This the A somewhat lengthy but helpful way We now know the Pharisee men- tion of Sabbath-keepers in the world.” numbered in relation to it, so were all the rabbis label the “beth of vessel” (beth of remembering how the Jews named tioned in Luke 18:12 fasted only every other days of the week. haKeli), with the meaning of “in.” the weekdays is to think of Monday— Monday, not on two occasions during Nine texts with a problem The second meaning derives from sheni b’shabbat, “second in relation to the week. (So he was human after all!) There are nine texts in the English Hebrew’s days are numbered observing that, if something is in the the sabbath”—as being “the second day Most important, the New Testament translation of the New Testament where Further, he postulated that this same place as something else, it is often in the sequence of days leading to the is shown to be Sabbath-centered and the Greek word sabbaton, the word for scheme must have something to do with also close to it. sabbath.” Sabbath-oriented, and this can be seen in “sabbath,” is usually translated as the Fourth Commandment: to remember This is labeled either the “beth of Similarly, Wednesday—rebi’i b’shab- NT texts written decades after Christ’s “week.” This is odd because Greek has a the Sabbath day. nearness and attachment” or the “beth of bat, “fourth in relation to the sabbath”— ascension. perfectly good word for week, hebdo- The writers and readers still knew mas. If the writers meant week, why not about counting the days with respect to use hebdomas? the Sabbath. They still kept the Sabbath The first eight of the nine are Mat- central to their reckoning of time. We are thew 28:1, Mark 16:2, Luke 24:1, John Scholar gave consistent linguistic explanation not removing the roots of Sunday from 20:1 and 19, Acts 20:7 and 1 Corinthians the NT—because these roots never 16:2. The writer is Gerhard Kemmerer’s However, the desire to travel abroad the texts. existed. The Greek phrase is variously mian son. This article is based on an intro- to Canada or Australia changed his As a result, Gerhard developed a At the conference Gerhard Kemmerer sabbatoøn, mias sabbatoøn and mia toøn agreed with a comment from the audi- sabbatoøn, all of which, while grammati- duction he wrote for books written by career, and he completed a welding consistent linguistic explanation for ence that now we have clarification of cally a little different, are equivalent in his father, who died in 2008. certificate in order to qualify for the the use of the terms week, Sabbath when Christ rose: early on Sunday, at the meaning and all of which are commonly skilled-migration pro- and first day of the week in outgoings from the Sabbath. translated as “on the first [day] of the By Ernst Kemmerer gram to Australia. the New Testament by dif- I don’t agree. All we know from the week.” The literal translation, however, LBURY, Australia—Shortly Arriving in Australia ferentiating between retro- foregoing is that, when the women came is “[on] one of the sabbaths.” after World War II, Gerhard in 1962, he worked as a spective counting, current- to the tomb at dawn, Christ was not in it. The other passage is Luke 18:12, AKemmerer completed his welder for more than 20 ly used to refer to the days It does not of itself prove that He did not where dis tou sabbatou has been trans- high school with an interest in the years. of the week, compared to rise until after the Sabbath had ended. lated “twice in the week” when the liter- languages of Latin and Spanish in During this time he forward counting towards Man has a goal and a climax: We are al translation is “twice of the sabbath.” Göttingen, in central Germany. never lost his interest in or with reference to the in preparation for the day of rest when The problem grows when we consid- He then began his study of theolo- biblical studies, lan- Sabbath as used in Jewish man’s time merges into God’s time. The er that mia (pronounced mee-a) is the gy at the University of Göttingen and guages and theological tradition. Sabbath is a constant waymark until, as feminine form of one and can refer only graduated in May 1950 in the faculty discussions, keeping in While this work is not the Talmud puts it, the time arrives when to a feminine noun, while sabbaton is of theology. During this time he was contact with both Luth- completely new (see all will be shabbat and rest for the life neuter and hence requires heni, the a student of Dr. Broukmann in He- eran and Seventh-day Ad- R.C.H. Lenski, 1943, and everlasting. neuter form of one. brew and Dr. Möller in the Greek ventist communities. Gerhard Kemmerer John Lightfoot, 1979), it Reporter’s note In modern Greece when ordering a language. In researching the top- does demonstrate that beer you ask for mia beera parakalo— Although of strong Lutheran fam- ic of the week in the New Testament, through independent and isolated Gerhard’s lecture made good sense to one beer, please—because beer is femi- me because it tied up some exegetical nine. (If you’re wondering, the masculine ily history, Gerhard later studied at Gerhard Kemmerer brought together research my father, Gerhard Kem- loose ends and clarified some texts, and form of one is heis, pronounced hice.) the Marienhöhe [Seventh-day Advent- a wide range of language skills and merer, arrived at the same conclu- I decided it would be useful to the ist] Seminary in Darmstadt and grad- persistence, over seven years, in sions, perhaps in a more compre- Sabbatarian community to make it Not Greek at all uated in 1953 in pastoral studies. seeking logic and harmony between hensive manner. widely available in some form. It is simply not correct to translate the A few years later he and I met again eight phrases as “on the first [day] of the at another conference where we agreed week” because that rendering would re- to work towards publication. quire the Greek to be proteø toøn sabbatoøn By combining references in the Sep- reference and relation” (beth haNegi’ah can be thought of as “the fourth day in For a number of reasons the work (which is also neuter). tuagint, the lists of the Psalms of the v’haDibbuk), with the meaning of “at.” the sequence of days leading to the sab- proceeded slowly, but even so we made Nor is it correct to translate them as Day (the Shir Shel Yom) in the writings The third meaning comes from bath,” and so on. progress. He completed a short book of “on the first [day] after the sabbath” of Maimonides and the list in the noticing that something close to you can The whole matter is nothing but a 23 pages for quick access to the argu- because the Greek would then have to Talmud Bavli, Gerhard completed a also be of help to you, thus we have the practical application of the Fourth Com- ment and had almost finished a more read meta ton sabbaton or, by analogy to table showing the Hebrew terms for the “beth of help” (beth haEzer), meaning mandment. The Talmud seems to take scholarly one of 89 pages with numer- Matthew 27:62, te [hemera] epaurion days of the week in relation to the “with” or “by” and indicating means, this for granted; it gives no explanation. ous examples and citations. tou sabbatou. Sabbath. agency or instrument. The commentators are more explicit. I’m sad to report that he died before To use “on Sunday” ignores the orig- Friday was ereb (eve of) shabbat, One meaning beth never has is For example, Rashi as quoted by finishing. His son Ernst and I are collab- inal wording altogether and is no trans- which denotes the eve going into the “after,” so a translation such as “[the Nachmanides in the commentary on the orating to complete the books and pub- lation. It is evident that mia toøn sabba- Sabbath, not the end of the Sabbath. day] after the Sabbath” is not correct. Torah: lish them. toøn is not a Greek phrase at all. Saturday, of course, was just plain (Here Gerhard’s stage assistant dis- “You should not count [the week- Gerhard was a gentle soul, a quiet The translation “on the first day of the shabbat. played an overhead transparency of days] as others count them, but you achiever, strongly and genuinely moti- week” is currently widespread and gram- Sunday has two names: motzaey Hebrew text upside down, provoking [Israel] should count them with refer- vated by a love of God and His truth. matically is the only correct one, but it (the outgoings, or exits, of or from) laughter from the audience. Never mind, ence to the Sabbath [l’shem shabbat].” The dedication in his books is Soli Deo would be interesting to know why the shabbat and echad (“one”) b’shabbat. said Gerhard. When he had visited the Many nations deal with the weekdays Gloria: To God Alone Be the Glory. mistranslation was made in the first place. Motzaey (pronounced motsa-eh) as august National Library in Canberra he on an individual basis, giving each day I extend my sympathy to his family This is especially so when we consider used in Hebrew literature is interesting. had found all the Hebrew books upside- its own name, perhaps that of a mytho- and friends and look forward to his heal- that in other parts of Matthew 28, Mark Apart from meaning the termination of down. More laughter.) logical god. ing in God’s good time. Connections: MMeemmbbeerr ttooMMeemmbbeerr Issue No. 124 PUBLISHED BY THE JOURNAL: NEWS OF THE CHURCHES OF GOD Print date Sept. 29, 2009 Keep on rolling with the flow

By Darlene Warren God laid on Adam and Eve when they were mer—far more than last summer. My husband and I celebrated our 35th IG SANDY, Texas—Summer is gone escorted out of the Garden of Eden? wedding anniversary last week. My son and I don’t know where. The weather I prefer not to lay the blame at God’s feet Falling flat asked what I had learned in the past 35 years. Bwas hot and humid one minute and I for this one. After all, we are free to live our We have a saying in the Southern United Without hesitation I said, “To roll with the was making sure all the outdoor chores were lives as we choose. States—“They squatted to rise and then flow.” done before the heat of the day set in and baked on the squat”—a refer- But, as a friend pointed out to me, that now I’m wearing a sweater and thinking Oh, really? ence to biscuits that didn’t isn’t always easy. about firewood. (Well, maybe not entirely. We come out of the oven Many of the projects I had planned to do may choose to grow up to be quite as light and fluffy Don’t throw that biscuit out this summer will have to wait. Now I can do cowboys, but if we’re aller- as they should have. If the biscuits come out of the oven flat, the things I didn’t get to last winter while I gic to horses it just That’s a pretty good you eat them anyway. Life goes on. You was waiting for summer to come. (I think I wouldn’t work out.) description of my life make another pan of biscuits tomorrow. may have identified a pattern that needs to be “I stay busy but I don’t at times. I get fired up Whether you’re saying good-bye to the seriously addressed, but not just yet, maybe get anything done.” I hear and I try to do what I summer with regret or guilt for not getting next time.) people say that all the time. Could should, but many times I end certain things done that you had planned, or Do you ever get the feeling that, though it be we are accomplishing more up falling flat. I get discour- whether you are satisfied at what you got you are constantly in motion, not much gets than we give ourselves credit for? aged and begin to wonder why I even try. accomplished and are ready for a change of done? How is that possible? What universal For instance, just yesterday I was walking Thankfully, God overlooks my faults, and pace this winter, I hope you all have a great law is being broken to allow for this inex- around in my front yard and I started count- for reasons I can’t explain His Spirit rescues Feast of Tabernacles. And may your biscuits plicable dilemma? Is this part of the curse ing up all the projects I started this sum- me from myself. always come out light and fluffy.

Free live audio and video streaming of the weekly AVirtual Church Virtual Church is available at: Dial in Live Every Sabbath Call 916-233-0562 www.godward.org 11 am Pacific Time 1 pm Central 2 pm Eastern PLEASE NOTE THIS NEW CALL-IN NUMBER! Check website for coming topics and speakers

Connections: Member to Member Connections Darlene Warren, Advertising Manager God did not become a man! 2150 Catalpa Rd., Big Sandy, Texas 75755, U.S.A. ¥ Telephone Advertising God fathered a son who (903) 636-4470 ¥ E-mail: [email protected] CONNECTIONS:MEMBER TO MEMBER is published by THE JOURNAL:NEWS OF THE CHURCHES OF deadline GOD. © 2009 JMC Associates. All rights reserved. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising for any reason or for no reason. Classified advertisements are 25 was born as a man! cents a word. Prayer requests, obituaries and prayer-request updates of reasonable Contact Darlene length are run free of charge as space is available. For display-advertising rates and dead- www.logoslogic.info/triplemyth.html line information, please write Darlene Warren at [email protected] or 2150 Catalpa Rd., Big Sandy, Texas 75755, U.S.A. Or call her at (903) 636-4470. CONNECTIONS is an adver- Warren at rdladnier@ tising supplement to The Journal, P. O. Box 1020, Big Sandy, Texas 75755, U.S.A.

aol.com, 2150 Catalpa

Rd., Big Sandy, Texas

75755, U.S.A., or (903) 636-4470 to check on Assembly of Yahweh the deadline for the

current issue and to 2009 Feast of Tabernacles • Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Five Oaks Convention Center • 1620 Parkway place your ad today. Sevierville, Tennessee • October 5–12, 2009 CONNECTIONS can also

print your ad in black

and white or full Join us for eight wonderful days celebrating Rooms available starting at $48 per night. color. Call or write for the Feast of Tabernacles. We are an Those staying at the hotel will enjoy a full complimentary breakfast, indoor pool, more information! “open door” Feast site. Services will be held at the Five Oaks riding stables and restaurants within walking distance. Also, please let THE Convention Center on the same property as The Oak Tree Lodge—conveniently locat- Plenty of free parking at The Oak Tree JOURNAL know when ed across from the Tanger Outlet Mall, Lodge, 1620 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37863, you move. Write P.O. next door to Red Lobster, Olive Garden 1-800-637-7002 or 1-865-428-7500: Box 1020, Big Sandy, and Fairfield Inn. www.theoaktreelodge.com

Texas 75755, U.S.A., We are a group who meets regularly at 2:00 P.M. every Sabbath in Hendersonville, NC, at Family Christian Center, or send an E-mail to 520 S. Allen Rd., Flat Rock, NC 28739. For information about what we believe go to: www.search-the-scriptures.org. [email protected]. Contact information: [email protected]. Or call Elder Woodrow Pryor, 864-457-2912.

This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL 14 ★ ★ ★ THIS PAGE CONTAINS PAID ADVERTISING ★ ★ ★ (Print date Sept. 29, 2009) Issue No. 124 How Often Do You Repent?

hen Peter said to them, ‘Repent, edly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a statutes from me” (Ps 18:22). 119:124). A gloss read is insufficient to “ and let every one of you be bap- slave of sin’ ” (John 8:34). If we’ve Have the churches of God taught really understand their depth. Ttized in the name of Jesus repented why are we still living like the their people to focus on His statutes “Cast away from you all the trans- Christ for the remission of sins; and you old man? and judgments? An unofficial survey by gressions which you have committed, and shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’” It seems that God allows that we this author has found most of their get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. (Acts 2:38). may repent multiple times (Luke 17:4). membership does not even know For why should you die, O house of Israel?” Did you repent, get baptized and Is this what we do? Wouldn’t that indi- specifically where to find them. Yes, (Eze 18:30-31). “But this is the covenant then receive the holy spirit? Do you cate that we really didn’t repent the they’re in the Law of Moses. That that I will make with the house of Israel know this because your are “. . . partak- first time . . . or the second . . . or the includes five fairly large books. Can one after those days, says the LORD: I will put ers of the divine nature, having escaped the third? To repent means to change and focus on all that effectively? In fact, the My law in their minds, and write it on their corruption that is in the world through do things differently. Did we do that or original doctrine of the WCG allowed hearts; and I will be their God, and they lust”? (2Pet 1:4). not? If we didn’t really repent what that “We do not accept the statutes shall be My people” (Jer 31:33). We do what Do you know you are Christ’s be- makes us think we received the holy [and judgments] as binding law, but is in our heart (Deu 8:2, Rom 2:14-15). cause “. . . those who are Christ’s have cru- spirit? Does the spirit of God waffle rather, appropriate to the culture.” No Sinning is contrary to the spirit of God. cified the flesh with its passions and desires”? back and forth between good and evil? wonder few know exactly where they Don’t wait for someone ordained of (Gal 5:24). Are you patiently waiting for Perhaps we should consider what are! How can we effectively repent if men to grasp and then clarify for you everyone else to join you as “. . . a perfect Peter’s Pentecost audience knew of the we don’t fully respect His instruction the concentrated Law of God, includ- man, to the measure of the stature of the full- holy spirit. Jewish education around that shows us what to change? ing His statutes and judgments. He ness of Christ”? (Eph 4:13). the world revolved around the Hebrew The good news is that the funda- can’t help us write them in our heart if Actually, everyone this author has Scriptures. They knew Ezekiel equated mental Law of God, His statutes and we don’t diligently seek Him ourselves. interviewed on this matter claims none receiving the spirit of God with keep- judgments, are a small fraction of the “And everyone who has this hope in Him of these things. They all acknowledge ing His statutes and judgments. “I will Law of Moses. If one knows where to purifies himself, just as He is pure” (I John being sinners. But, if they repented, put My Spirit within you and cause you to look, most people could read them in 3:3). If they are in your heart you will why are they still sinning? walk in My statutes, and you will keep My 15 minutes. Pondering them could take have no trouble doing them and no “. . . How shall we who died to sin live judgments and do them” (Eze 36:27). the rest of your life. David never need to repent again. Develop your any longer in it?” (Rom 6:2). It seems David also focused on His statutes and claimed a complete understanding. own relationship with your Creator. Paul would be baffled at this situation judgments. “For all His judgments were “Deal with Your servant according to Your Examine His Law using Moses record today. “Jesus answered them, ‘Most assur- before me, And I did not put away His mercy, And teach me Your statutes” (Ps as a basis, not tradition. ★ www.creatorscovenant.org ★ PO Box 1002 ¥ South Pasadena, CA 91030

What did David mean, “The LORD and His Christ”?

When John and Peter returned safely from remained an unmarried Father, who had This point is made clear in my 2-page by the KJV translators. the Jewish authorities, they were received begotten his Son through his Son’s Wife paper Q7 and which also explains the mys- Second, would Jesus have followed with the following quote from Psalm 2:1-2 Israel by Mary. That would have meant tery behind “I AM” and that “I AM” does Israel had He been the God of Exodus? recorded in Acts 4:24-27, 24 “. . . LORD, both adultery and incest. Paul says that not denote Jesus but God the Father. In par- Surely He would have led rather than fol- thou art God, which hast made heaven, God the Father begot his Son under the law ticular that 2-page paper explains that Jesus lowed Israel—see for example Exodus and earth, and the sea, and all that in them (Gal 4:4) and so God the Father rather than did not name himself “I AM” in John 8:58 13:18. In other words the verb “followed” is: 25 Who by the mouth of thy servant Jesus must have married Israel. but that God the Father did name Himself has a different meaning! Namely that Jesus David hast said, ‘Why did the heathen “I AM” in Exodus 3:14. Calvary’s Passover Lamb sacrifice “fol- rage, and the people imagine vain things? In Acts 3:13 Peter taught, “The God of Paper P1, “Laodicea’s Lamp!” shows lowed” Israel’s partaking of the OT 26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the why the former WCG taught this error. Passover symbols in Egypt, just as it pre- rulers were gathered together against the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son ceded the NT church’s Passover symbols Jesus, whom ye delivered up, and denied But does not John 1:3 say that all things LORD, and against his Christ,’ 27 For of a of bread and wine. truth against thy holy child Jesus . . .” Unfortunately Mr Armstrong followed at Acts 4:24-27 with, “against the LORD least to some extent Mainstream’s 2nd cen- and his anointed,” quotes accurately Psalm WHICH GOD SPOKE TO MOSES FROM THE BURNING BUSH? tury error that God the Father would not 2:2 and links the OT all-capitals “LORD” have soiled himself creating the “vile” phys- with “his anointed” and where “anointed” Acts 3:13 shows God of Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob = God the Father. ical universe and that Jesus did this for him. is the KJV rendering of the Hebrew “Mes- siah” and not surprisingly Acts 4:26 ren- Exod 3:6 shows God of Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob = God in the Bush. There are many OT and NT verses that ders “anointed” as “Christ.” show God the Father was the Creator, the Therefore God the Father was the God of Exodus who spoke to Moses! God of the OT, and is the Husband of Israel How plain that “LORD” in Psalm 2:2 denotes God the Father and “anointed” His and, although some NT verses suggest that Son Jesus. Therefore Psalm 2:2 and Acts Jesus was the Creator and God of the OT, 4:26 both identify God the Father as the as the above examples show, these are him in the presence of Pilate, when he was were made by the Word, who is claimed to readily refuted. LORD God of the OT. determined to let him go.” be Jesus? No, it does not because as shown This point is further established when Paper P2, “God the Father Is the Creator we read together Acts 4:24 and 27 because From this it is plain that The God of in my study paper P2 the KJV rendering of Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob was the John 1:3 is in gross error. and Husband of Israel,” is a detailed study these two verses jointly declare that the of God the Father being the LORD God of NT God the Father. Hebrews 1:1-2 says that in OT times Creator of all things has a “holy child the OT. Useful introductions to this are the Jesus” and therefore the Creator of all Now notice from Exodus 3:6 that the God the Father was His own Word through God speaking to Moses from the Burning short articles Q7, Q6, A2, A3 and my May- things must be God the Father! the prophets but that Jesus became the 2009 page-20 Connections advertisement. Bush, said: “. . . I am the God of thy father, Word of God only in NT times! Paper P1, Laodicea’s Lamp! explains why Of course that conclusion does not agree the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and this was not understood, when, so to speak, with the teaching of the former WCG the God of Jacob, and Moses hid his face; But does not 1 Corinthians 10:4 declare virtually every page of the Bible declares under the late Mr Herbert W Armstrong. for he was afraid to look upon God.” that Jesus was “the spiritual Rock that fol- lowed them” and through this that Jesus that the Father was the Creator and God Instead the WCG taught that Jesus was the When we read side by side Acts 3:13 of the OT. Creator, and the God of the OT and the and Exodus 3:6, we must conclude that was the God of Exodus? The following two God of Exodus who spoke to Moses from God the Father spoke to Moses from the points show this is not the case. The papers mentioned may be downloaded the Burning Bush and who married the Burning Bush. And that from then God the First the above underlined pronoun from www.rightly-dividing.net or request- nation of Israel. Father spoke to Moses as the OT LORD “them” does not occur in the Greek text of ed by writing to: Henk Jens, P.O. Box 121, But that would mean that God the Father God of Exodus. 1 Corinthians 10:4 but was added in error Belmore, NSW, 2192, Australia.

This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL Issue No. 124 (Print date Sept. 29, 2009) ★ ★ ★ THIS PAGE CONTAINS PAID ADVERTISING ★ ★ ★ 15 Connections runs classifieds

Resources Obituaries Obituaries ONNECTIONS phone (501) 915-8843. Her E-mail runs classifieds: The Living God Ministry, Bill Glover, (541) John Sisk passed away Sept. 9, 2009. Emma Kantak, 87, was born Dec. 23, help wanted, for sale, pen addresses are prayerlines@sdcog. 461-3337, [email protected]. Doctors could not stop the bleeding after 1921, in Detroit, Mich. She left us on July pals, prayer requests and org and [email protected]. C Virtual Church, Ken Westby, every Sabbath, his double-lung transplant. He had suf- 12, 2009, at her home in Prescott, Ariz., more. Send ads (including prayer As space is available, requests to 11 a.m. Pacific, 1 p.m. central, 2 p.m. east- fered with pulmonary hypertension for after a truly God-blessed marriage of 68 requests and obituaries) to CONNEC- Mrs. Halley will also be printed in ern, (916) 233-0562, www.godward.org. several years. His father and two of his years. Emma is CONNECTIONS. each month. brothers had died from this disease. A survived by her TIONS (see the address and more Www.creatorscovenant.org, P.O. Box few years ago John’s and Brenda’s only information in the box elsewhere in When submitting prayer requests 1002 South Pasadena, CA 91030. husband, Bob, a CONNECTIONS). You may also send on behalf of others (whether you child, a son, died. A few months ago retired Detroit fire- ICY, P.O. Box 208, Pocahontas, AR 72455. Brenda died. The Sisk family receives prayer requests to Rosy Halley at send them directly to CONNECTIONS fighter; her daugh- The Full Gospel Revealed, www.TheFull mail at 6620 Lothrop Road, Imlay City, ters, Carol, Jackie 24 Jumilla Ln., Hot Springs or to Mrs. Halley), please do so MI 48444. with their permission. Gospel.info, 1-888-795-4272. and Roberta; her Village, Ark. 71909, U.S.A., tele- son, Tim; and a Jan Aaron Young, jan_aaron_young@ Robert “Robbie” David Whitesell, 63, of q.com; articles: http://23jan.spaces.live.com. Mustang, Okla., died July 14, 2009, in an loving brother, aircraft accident in Wasilla, Alaska. Rob- Bruce; plus five Joel 2 Art Mokarow, P.O. Box 1197, Mont- bie was born May 11, 1946, in Wichita, grandchildren and gomery, TX 77356, [email protected], Kan., to Robert and Alta (Rogers) White- two great-grand- www.GodsPuzzleSolved.com. CPUHEHBXCJZHJWCWANP S sell and grew up with his three siblings on children. She be- SAZSUTPRIESTSWEEPNAX Biblical & Spiritual Facts, mtcogsm.com. their family farm came known to Emma Kantak in Clearwater, many in the area CWLNMDR Z DYXOEAHBZNWN The Ezekiel Watchman, P.O. Box 8819, Modesto, CA 95357, ezekielwatchman. Kan. Each sum- as Bob’s “Hungarian Queen.” As a dedi- P LJLGOQAOEUMSUBPCJRX org, (209) 772-0737 or (209) 524-1304. mer, as a teenag- cated housewife, homemaker and devot- er, Robbie worked ed wife and mother, she was loved and AAOZAEOSENSSWLUTHANC Ministry Publications, P.O. Box 715, Cot- on his father’s respected by all who knew her. Emma tonwood, AZ 86326. RGAUWSKLDHEEOWI L I XOB custom-combin- and Bob were loyal Sabbath keepers and FZAQDHATGMRWR FQBMNER Zwbrt89, P.O. Box 80338, No., 6833, ing crew, cutting were members of the Christian Biblical Chicago, IL 60680, [email protected]. wheat from Texas Church of God for 26 years. Bob V BYRQSHCBDTUYTMUSQKI Henk Jens, P.O. Box 121, Belmore, NSW to South Dakota. remarked, “It was God’s plan for my BFVHDEALRHNCOIWEJKXD 2192, Australia. From 1969 to sweetheart to move on and I’m looking 1972 Robbie forward to joining her soon in the first res- BROHAEENEEOAGYCANQKE Radio4living.com, whatnextbroadcast.com, served in the U.S. urrection, thus our separation is very [email protected]. TGRLBENTDNDHSRDCSLBG Robbie Whitesell Army, two years temporary.” Memorial donations in XWAR L Z ROGBTAASXNATAR Robert Schmid, www.logoslogic.info, as a personnel Emma’s name may be made to Granite [email protected]. clerk in the Vietnam War. Robbie used his Mountain Hospice, 3107 Clearwater Dr., HR I DOURRFYLTSGESEEEO GI Bill benefits to earn his private pilot’s Some belief that leaven almost always pic- Prescott, AZ 86305. license and begin his lifelong career in MDEPMMEQAEEAHSRNJRXO tures sin, and that, therefore, the Two Wave aviation. Robbie worked as a flight Cyndi Briscoe Brock, 62, of Gainesville, ERVPZGURZADMCBEBKMEM Loaves of Leviticus 23 have sin. Is this Texas, died Sept. 2, 2009. Memorial ser- true? G. Joan Henderson, (425) 778-2087. instructor and charter pilot at various SNEAAZMPFCJERKGMQRAB Fixed Base Operations until he was hired vices were Sept. 7 Assembly of Yahweh, Hendersonville, N.C., F TUTFYYATALGNINCBXAV by the Federal Aviation Administration at Clement-Keel Woodrow Pryor, (864) 457-2912, Hender- (FAA) in 1987 as principal operations Funeral Home chap- U AIVPESBKBJWFRSEGLAD [email protected]. inspector in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1990 el with Doug Hor- HO I YVTXCNTQBSHLY S J YM Robbie transferred to the FAA Academy chak of the United Announcements in Oklahoma City as a General Aviation Church of God offi- NZHLBPCWCQDPQWGLHSLZ Women, want to tell your story? Present instructor. For the past four years Robbie ciating. Survivors and former members of GCI/WCG are had worked in the Light Sport Aviation include her sons, assemble elders clouds and blackness mighty army invited to write Sheila Graham, 111 branch of the FAA certifying pilots and Jason Brock, Mi- blow the trumpet consecrate a fast priests weep Pueblo Dr. E., Lake Kiowa, TX 76240. Or designated pilot examiners. Robbie also chael Brock and bride darkness and gloom rend your heart E-mail [email protected]. spent the last six years meticulously con- Jeff Brock, and a bridegroom desert waste sanctify congregation Prayer requests structing his own aircraft, the RV-7. sister, Hollace Banks. Cyndi Briscoe Brock Robbie had three passions in life: his call a sacred assembly Garden of Eden sound the alarm Nelson Doucet died Aug. 27, 2009. Mr. Shelby Faith, 3724 Laura Ct., House rewarding 22-year career with the FAA; Doucet is survived by his beloved wife of Springs, MO 63059, diagnosed with his exhilarating determination to pursue breast cancer and is scheduled for his own aviation achievements; and, nearly 51 years, Jenora; a son, Scott; a surgery. Complications of diabetes, asth- most of all, his deep love for his family daughter, Saundra (Doucet) Hadley; and ma and high blood pressure. and friends. Robbie is survived by his two grandchildren. He Zaden Raney, Yuma, Ariz., is due to be children, Dara Whitesell of Atlanta, Ga., was preceded in Why do you born on Jan. 15, 2010. His spine is not and Carson Whitesell of Mustang, Okla.; death by his developing correctly. Doctors are planning two sisters, Judy Bauer of Waco, Texas, brother Dennis. tithe on money? surgery immediately after birth. and Peggy Liljestrand of Wichita, Kan.; Nelson was origi- nally a Cajun from Willow, great-granddaughter of Herb and one brother, John Whitesell of Anchor- Few of us have taken a closer look at the Joan Morrow of Prescott, Ark., was born age, Alaska; and nieces and nephews. Louisiana. He worked many with hydrocephalous and recently under- Leanna Hollon, 20, of Ross Township, Scriptures to see what it really says about y ears for the went a successful surgery. Please contin- Pa., died July 30, tithing. Honestly, where does the Bible say, or church in Pasa- ue prayers. 2009, as the re- dena before retir- even hint, that we are to tithe on the money we Rory Ries, St. Louis, Mo., battling brain sult of an automo- ing to Indiana. His earn? What truly is Biblical “increase”? Few doc- cancer. Recently finished chemotherapy bile accident. She love for God, fam- trines have been as badly misrepresented as the and radiation treatments. is survived by her parents, Glen and Nelson Doucet ily and friends was Bill Albright, Ava, Mo., cancer. doctrine of tithing. If you now tithe on money, on Rebecca Hollon; of the utmost. Be- your paycheck, then you owe it to yourself and Karen Alexander, sister of Wade Hamil, son, Conner; and cause his friends and family are all over more cancer found. fiancé, Kevin Brad- the United States and the world, an your family to get the facts. Read this detailed Kris Bond, 13, Lindale, Texas, viral menin- ley. (See the trib- online memorial has been set up at www. study of tithing which has been freeing people from the false teach- gitis, encephalitis and a herpes infection ute to Leanna on nelsondoucet.com. Cards may be sent to ings on tithing for over 20 years. (Suggested donation, $3 ppd) in brain. Released from Children’s hospi- page 4 of this is- Jenora Doucet, 8701 Lower Mount tal to therapy in Waco. Improving slowly. Leanna Hollon sue of THE JOURNAL.) Vernon Rd., Mount Vernon, IN 47620. A sunset-to-sunset weekly CONNECTIONS:MEMBER TO MEMBER, Darlene Sabbath is not in the Bible! Warren, Advertising Manager, 2150 Catalpa God’s Annual Celebrations Rd., Big Sandy, Texas 75755, U.S.A., phone It is an old story: assuming a belief comes from the Bible, when in (903) 636-4470, E-mail [email protected]. We have published a new book titled: The Biblical Annual Connections is published by THE JOURNAL: Festivals. It was written to explain the purpose for God’s feast cel- fact the Bible says nothing of the sort. Most of us came out of NEWS OF THE CHURCHES OF GOD. © 2009 JMC ebrations, how each observance date is calculated, and the impli- Protestantism because we saw exactly that. The Associates. All rights reserved. The publisher cations for our modern time. Each feast time is described from the truth, the Scriptural truth, is the sunset-to-sunset reserves the right to refuse any advertising for any reason or for no reason. Classified aspect of both Old and New Covenant scripture. weekly Sabbath doctrine is just ANOTHER ONE of advertisements are 25 cents a word. Prayer Most people outside of the Church lack basic knowledge about those beliefs that has no Biblical basis whatever! requests, obituaries and prayer-request up- dates of reasonable length are run free of God’s feast times. We wanted them to understand to have a Shocking though this may be, it is the provable charge as space is available. chance at attaining spiritual salvation they must become involved truth. For nearly 20 years the book, The Scrip- with the things in which God is interested and involved. tural Weekly Sabbath is NOT from Sunset-to- Therefore The Biblical Annual Festivals has received both Sunset, has shown the vital truth on this crucial ISBN and Dewey Decimal numbers. It is listed in WorldCat and subject. The Biblical facts and history do not lie. Illinois has the book in their Statewide Library Catalog. A growing Read the facts for yourself. Is Lev. 23:32 really number of other public libraries are placing it in their collections. proof of a sunset-to-sunset weekly Sabbath? Could it be an ancient You can help further the work of God by offering a copy of The Babylonian method of reckoning the day gradually replaced the Biblical Annual Festivals to a public library near you. Write us and we will send a free book and a fact sheet you can offer to your observance of the true Biblical day? This book is a must read. Order acquisitions librarian. Some might not be interested, but there yours today. (Suggested donation $3, ppd) always has been more truth than demand.

To order these books write: Ministry Publications ICY P. O . B o x 715 P.O. Box 208 • Pocahontas, AR 72455 Cottonwood, AZ 86326, USA

This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL 16 ★ ★ ★ THIS PAGE CONTAINS PAID ADVERTISING ★ ★ ★ (Print date Sept. 29, 2009) Issue No. 124 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). “Meaningful Numbers in Our Time”

Dear Brethren, Gospel, so He has decreed for its world- sent to mankind, and no human chief Twenty years Israel waited for a deliver- y viewing national and world events in wide proclamation AT THE CLOSE of the shepherd to RESTRAIN the forces of Satan er from Jabin’s oppression, Judges 4:3. view of end-time prophecy, we should age—preparing the way for His return! (II Thessalonians 2:7), the type (within Twenty years Israel waited for deliver- Bknow, as individuals and as a Church, we “The first week in 1934 that SAME the Church) of the lawless one to come (the ance through Samson, Judges 15:20, 16:31. are extremely close to the time of sorrows that Gospel of the Kingdom started going pope), who replaced God’s apostle, began But his work was never much more than was prophesied by Christ to fully befall both once again to the world. Christ had “begun,” Judges 13:25. Israel and the Church of God (Matthew OPENED THE MIGHTY DOOR of radio and the Though others claim they are preaching the Twenty years the Ark of the Covenant 24:8)—having also been forewarned printing press. gospel, based on their departure from some waited at Kirjath-jearim, 1 Samuel 7:2. over many years by God’s late apostle and the “But just before it is the Church of the doctrinal teachings, and rulings made Twenty years Solomon was waiting for Elijah to come! (Ezekiel 6:11; Leviticus 26:14- which carries this end-time vital Mes- by Jesus Christ through him, there is no real the completion of the two houses, 1 Kings 39; Deuteronomy 28:15-68). sage! It is small. It is weak. But it is indication that Jesus Christ is using any of 9:10; 2 Chronicles 8:1. This will affect terribly those in God’s faithful, as few have been, with GOD’S them to do it (Matthew 7:15-20; Luke 6:46). Expectancy! It is because of the ex- Church who have forsaken Him (Matthew WORD! It rises at the time Daniel proph- pectancy of the fullness of the horrors to begin 25:10-12; Jeremiah 23:1-2; Ezekiel 34:1-10). esied, when “KNOWLEDGE shall be in- falling out on Israel and the Church that Jesus And, unless we are on track doctrinally and creased” (Daniel 12:4).... almost immediately to unravel the doctrinal Christ has once again OPENED THE DOOR to clinging to God in truth, we could very well “Now I want to tell you the TRUTH teachings Christ had used him to restore with- His gospel message and the Ezekiel warning die with them from either the famine and dis- about the two 19-year time cycles, end- in His Church. message—as a last ditch-warning! ease epidemics (100 million in the United ing January 7, 1972 . . . But MORE The 1991 Time Cycle—Though rulings It was through a series of miracles that States alone, Ezekiel 5:12), or end up in the ASTOUNDING than I had noticed, or writ- and teachings had taken place during the last Jesus Christ made known to this little flock Great Tribulation and have to endure a ten then: We started on the air on the five years of the 1972 time cycle, MAJOR ONES that He was once again opening the door martyr’s death (Revelation 6:9-11). little station in Eugene, Oregon, the begin taking place in the very beginning of the to the preaching of the gospel and sounding How close are these horrors? A very strong first Sunday in January, 1934. That first new time cycle that SEVERELY AFFECTED the the Ezekiel warning message by REVIVING and indication of the answer can be found within a Sunday was January 7. For some time I meaning of the true gospel: USING the recordings of His late apostle’s study of the 19-year Time Cycles; as did talked of starting also on the air in R/Mills—On the http://wcg.org web- voice and writings via the use of the 14 web- God’s apostle learn from them in former years: Europe during the FIRST WEEK of 1953— site, their about us/history page http:// sites that were freely and voluntarily given The Good News of Tomorrow’s 19 years later—not the first Sunday, but wcg.org/lit/aboutus/history.htm tells to this tiny little flock during the Passover World—Personal from the Editor (Mr. the first Wednesday . . . that Wednesday the following for 1991: “In 1991, [Jo- season—2006! In this manner He made Herbert W. Armstrong), February, was January 7, 1953! 19 years to the seph] Tkach revised the church’s expla- known that He would be using it as His 1972—The 19-Year Time Cycles—What exact SAME DAY OF THE YEAR—19 years TO nation of what it means to be born instrument (Isaiah 29:14; Habakkuk 3:2; 1:5; HAPPENED January 7— THE VERY DAY! That seemed SIGNIFICANT, again, noting also that humans will 2:2-4). “I think I have told you in former let- to say the least! never become Gods. He also announced TIME CYCLE 2010—January 7—This ters how 19 years is a complete time- “One point remains. The question, a study about the modern identity of the coming year, month, and day (Thursday), cycle. Days, months, and years, as God HOW THOROUGHLY does God intend His lost ten tribes [later rejecting it], and undoubtedly will prove to be very significant— counts time, are measured by the move- Work to reach the nations? It DID take a accepted the divinity of the Holy Spirit. just as in the previous time cycles! For it ties in ments of the earth, moon, and sun, in second 19 years to get the message into Membership, attendance, and income with the previous 19-year time cycles and with relation to each other. The earth, moon, all nations—but, as of January 7th, began to decrease slowly.” them the gospel message. It is highly pos- and sun come into the same relation to 1972, we had reached many of them The Satanic changes reached their objective sible Christ will at this time close the door to one another only every 19 years. ONLY SUPERFICIALLY—not intensively! during the month of December, 1994, when it the gospel message going forth to Israel and “The preaching of Christ’s Gospel to “I know of no place in the Bible was announced by the apostate leader that the the Church (Revelation 3:7). This would mean the world by the Apostles covered exact- where, in specific plain words, this laws of God had been done away with the the beginning of the famine of the Word ly two 19-year cycles. The first 19 years question is answered. The one possible claim they were under the Old Covenant. His (Amos 8:11-12). was confined to Palestine and Asia answer is in Matthew 24:14, the very tenure as pastor-general with the death of Mr. Prophecy makes known that in the very Minor. The second 19 it expanded into prophecy defining our COMMISSION for Armstrong on January 16, 1986, was only beginning years of this coming new 19-Year Europe. this latter day. There we are to preach NINE DAYS after naming his successor) and Time Cycle, 2010, will bring with it the fullness “. . . Jesus began teaching His disci- and publish this Gospel OF THE KINGDOM ended with a horrible and painful death in the of the prophesied famine, disease epidemics, ples in the autumn of 27 A.D., and I was in all the world FOR A WITNESS unto all hospital—NINE YEARS AND NINE MONTHS later Great Tribulation, the DEMISE of Israel as converted and started being taught the nations. ‘God never sends judgment January 1986-September 23, 1995). The nations, captivity, slavery, and martyrdom true Gospel from the written Word without previous warning.’ number ‘nine’—marks the complete- of the saints! (Jesus was the spoken Word of God) in “In Amos 3:7 may be found a corol- ness, the end and issue of all things as There is an urgent need to make fully sure the autumn of 1927—exactly 100 time lary: ‘Surely the LORD Eternal will do to man—the judgment of man and all from Scripture where the physical cycles later. The Apostles were or- nothing, but He revealeth His secret his works. remnant is that Jesus Christ is using dained and started on their ministry of unto His servants the prophets’ (Amos Twenty years after the death of of the Philadelphia Era of God’s Christ’s Gospel in the spring of 31 A.D., 3:7). The inference is that God’s ser- God’s apostle, the door to the preach- true Church and then and precisely 100 time cycles later, late vants warn the people, as Jonah did ing of the gospel OPENED once again become an active part spring or early summer 1931, I was Nineveh, of God’s judgment to come. during the Passover season of 2006. of it. This is essential ordained and started full time preach- “If that is the meaning intended, then Doubling the number 10 x 2 = 20 signifies the for it is only the mem- ing Christ’s Gospel. we must say that God does intend many same meaning—a new beginning! Notice bers of it who will be “Christ OPENED THE DOOR of radio and nations to be warned more intensively the following from the Internet: counted worthy to the printing press early January, 1934. than as of now. Twenty is the double of ten, and may in ESCAPE those horrors. And 19 years later, early January, 1953, “In view of WHAT DID HAPPEN, on some cases signify its concentrated meaning. (They can be easily He opened the door for the broadcast to January 7th, it seems God has revealed But its significance seems rather to be con- identified by the leap over to Europe!” in no uncertain language, BY THE VERY nected with the fact that it is one short of study of the 6th The Plain Truth, January, 1968—THE THINGS THAT HAPPENED on that day, that twenty-one, 21 – 1 = 20; that is to say, if 21 is Church era in BIBLE ANSWERS Short Questions FROM we must now reach all nations MORE the three-fold 7, and signifies Divine 3) com- Revelation 3:7-13.) OUR READERS—By Mr. Herbert W. Arm- INTENSIVELY!” pletion as regards spiritual perfection 7), then My heartfelt plea strong The Death of Mr. Herbert W. Arm- twenty, being one short of 21, it would signify to all members is to please “. . . But Jesus also had declared, pro- strong—January 16, 1986—He died a what Dr. Milo Mahan calls expectancy, and consider WHERE YOU NOW ARE—and where you phetically: “This Gospel of the Kingdom peaceful death in his home five years short of certainly we are not without illustrations in should be! It could make the difference. Time shall be preached [and published— the beginning of the third 19-year time cycle. support of it: is running out! Mark 13:10] in all the world for a wit- With the death of God’s apostle, and the Elijah Twenty years Jacob waited to get pos- Your caring friend and servant in Christ ness unto all nations; and then shall the to come, the very man that God had sent to session of his wives and property, Genesis Jesus our Lord and Savior, end [of this world’s civilization] come” mankind (Malachi 4:4-6; Matthew 17:10-11), 31:38, 41. —Don Billingsley (Matthew 24:14). This proclamation the door was then closed by Jesus Christ was to be the SIGN of His coming! for preaching the gospel and the Ezekiel Entire contents copyrighted. © The Church Of God. All Rights Reserved. The copyright subsisting in “Just as God had allotted two 19-year warning message (Revelation 3:7). material quoted in this publication and trademarks appearing in this publication belong to the respec- time cycles at the BEGINNING of this New With the door being closed to preach the tive owners thereof and no claim of ownership therein is made by The Church of God. Testament era for the proclaiming of HIS gospel due to the death of the man God had

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“An end! The end has come upon the four corners of the land! Now the end has come upon you, and I will send My anger against you; I will judge you according to your ways and I will repay you for all of your abominations. My eye will NOT spare you, nor will I have pity; but I will repay your ways and your abominations shall be in your midst; then you SHALL KNOW that I am the Lord” (Ezekiel 7:2-6).

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful Day of the LORD” (Malachi 4:5).

The Real Beginning of Jacob’s Trouble come to be the prophesied famine, disease epidemics, then to about four years. However, it is like shouting into a very strong be followed by the Great Tribulation and the demise of Israel wind—going nowhere! “This Coming Feast Season” as nations, captivity, martyrdom, slavery, and Armageddon! Contrary to others, I seek no fame or monetary gain from The culmination of these horrors will lead to the final my writings! Rather, my objective and heartfelt desire is to see Alton B. (Don) Billingsley, meaning of the Feast of Trumpets—the sounding of the 7th a return to godly unity and brotherhood that can only be pro- Church of God, Faithful Flock Tr umpet that will herald the return of Jesus Christ back to this vided by Jesus Christ with the return to His ONE Church and hough we focus on the Feast of Tabernacles as a time earth and the dawning of a new age! to the fullness of His true teachings! (I Corinthians 12:12-13; of great enjoyment and fellowship it is introduced by Scripture reveals those of the Sardis and the Laodicean Ephesians 4:1-16). the Feast of Trumpets that holds significant meaning Church eras won’t be counted worthy to escape the Great The Mystery of the Ages that should seriously be considered—especially this year Tribulation. It will only be those who remain faithful to Him in time! while experiencing horrible deaths at the hands of the military Shortly before the apostle Peter died, Jesus Christ led him to TThe Feast of Trumpets is always observed on the 1st day of of the Revived Holy Roman Empire that will be among those write to the people of God the importance of reading and reread- the 7th Month that pictures another beginning—the new who will be harvested in that first resurrection. ing his writings to aid them to survive after his death: “. . . civil year (Leviticus 23:23-24), as does the first month of God’s Does this strike any real fear in us that we might not make it? If not, Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have Sacred Calendar that pictures new beginnings (Exodus 12:2). we are in bad shape spiritually! It is a sad ongoing fact that A REMINDER of these things AFTER my decease” (II Peter In view of the fact that this coming Festival Season might many thousands of the mem- 1:12-15). be the last one to be observed as it has been in the past due to bership appear to be totally UN- Jesus Christ the very dark and stormy clouds that are now hovering over a CONCERNED. This is terribly tragic! also led His apos- dying and evil age (Galatians 1:4), we would do well to consid- REAL CONCERNS: It appears tle and the prom- er the possible ominous meaning of this coming Feast of that a revolution is develop- ised Elijah—His Trumpets. ing within this country. At the teacher—to write “United Israel: In the Torah itself, this holy day is same time the greatest of the last book of never called Rosh HaShanah. Rather it gets a different depressions of all time to befall his life, THE MYS- name—Yom Teru’ah, that is ‘day of the blast.’ Teru’ah this country is at our door! TERY OF THE AGES, in Hebrew refers to raising up a loud noise, whether a Also, it is being said we are in a to be A REMINDER of shout or the blast of the trumpet or Shofar . . . There is, state of a pandemic of Swine all of the doctrinal however, an association of this day with a ‘trumpet,’ or Flu. Either of them could teachings Christ more properly, a ‘shofar,’ in Psalm 81. But notice care- quickly lead into a real short- RESTORED within fully, our word TERU’AH also occurs, in the very first age of food supplies, and real His Church after verse, here translated ‘shout.’ It really means to raise hunger, and then Famine! his death while up a noise, and it can be voices, instruments, and of Each day the news makes knowing of the course the piercing sound of the Shofar. known the terrible state of strong deception “. . . The best clues to the BIBLICAL meaning of this day our country and worsening coming down on are found in Psalm 80 and 81 . . . the connection here to all the time! Realizing we His Church by Joseph is amazing. And to the redemption as a whole. are going to be affected by Satan the devil. Judaism is surely right to connect the sound of the these grave problems when Mr. Armstrong Shofar as a call to the Tribes, and a call to all humanity to they reach their fulfill- said, in a sermon awaken, a call of judgment and preparation . . . as it falls ment, the question comes in that closing ten days before Yom Kippur, the Day of Covering, and to mind: Why aren’t we as year of his life, there seemed to be a voice inside of him, say- then leads into Sukkoth, which seems to be a picture of concerned as are the conserva- ing, “Write! Write!” And he did! The writings in this original the Kingdom of God with Israel once more dwelling in tive speakers and writers? Do unedited book will help any serious-minded member to locate ‘booths’ or ‘huts,’ that is temporary shelters, as in the we not realize our eternal the Congregation Jesus Christ is using today that is yet of the days when they were led out of Egypt and had that inti- future is at stake? original Church that Jesus Christ founded in 31 A.D. mate, ‘face to face’ relationship with YHVH. God has a CURSE on the The Philadelphia Remnant “Each year this sequence is pictured . . . this is the house of Joseph because of ‘LAST’ month of the holy calendar, the SEVENTH month our rejection of Him and To continually be informed of what is now coming down (no festivals really in months 8-12), so it seems to pic- His Holy righteous laws. very hard and fast on the Church, and on the nations of Israel, ture somehow the ‘end of history,’ but in a mini-form, As the result our sins have we offer freely a subscription to our bi-monthly magazine. It year by year ....” James D. Tabor, President, UIWU reached the cup of COM- can also be read on our website (www.cog-ff.com). You need Tr ue!—The Feast of Trumpets is a call to AWAKEN before PLETENESS, and judgment this magazine, for it is unlike any other with very timely arti- the 1st Trumpet begins to sound! It also makes known the is now at our door (Gene- cles making known what we now see taking place in view of Day of Judgment is now poised to begin falling fully upon sis 15:16; Jeremiah 30:7). the end-time prophecies. It is also the most graphic and beau- Israel and the Church of God! The end is virtually in sight! tiful of all. Though it always has had the same meaning, it now holds Jesus Christ made known the SIGNS to be watching for and The Three Elijahs even greater meaning now than ever—for it is also a time of they should enable the people of Israel and those within the PREPARATION for the dawning of a new age and of the Church to realize—those signs are pointing to the closeness of the Though the first 10 updated chapters of the proposed book Kingdom of God to be established by Jesus Christ at the end-time! (Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21). of The Three Elijahs can still be read in serial form on our web- sounding of the 7th Trumpet! It has been said there are none as blind as those who REFUSE site (www.cog-ff.com), very soon the complete book will be The Scriptures from the writings of Ezekiel (that can be seen to see even when the facts are presented to them. This idiom available to read in its entirety on our website. This book makes above) should strike godly fear in each of us! But they do not! clearly makes known why so many in Israel and the Church are known how these three men were used by God to perform basi- Tr a gically, Israel and the corporate Churches of God are in a turning their heads away refusing to see where we are in time, cally the same responsibilities and for the same reasons. sleepy-time state of mind, and nothing, it seems, can startle them suffi- and what they will be soon facing—just as the Jewish people failed God had ample reason for these three men to have the ciently to awaken them to see how little time we now have and to do in Germany prior to the outbreak of World War II! Unless they same name as Elijah—though John and Mr. Armstrong had the vital need of Spiritual preparation for it! come to be awake in time, the result will be horrifying and their own names, they were “...to go forthbefore Him When considering the overview of our national unresolv- terrifying deaths during the Great Tribulation! (Jesus Christ) in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke able problems, and where we are now in time, this coming With the knowledge I have of the major corporate 1:16-17). The identity of the end-time Elijah is proven with Feast of Trumpets could possibly be the final WAKEUP warn- Churches of God, and some of their erroneous teachings, and Biblical proof and by his fruits. ing before the door closes! (Revelation 3:18-22; Matthew 25:6-13). the acceptance of them by both ministers and members, In association with this Feast of Trumpets will be the new apparently with no questions, just sleepy-time contentment, I The quotes and pictures above are intended for educational purposes only. Entire 19-year Time Cycle, 2010. As I wrote on the previous page, am left discouraged, sad, and grieved at their lack of concern. contents © The Church Of God. All Rights Reserved. The copyright subsisting in I love all of these men and women I have known for many material quoted in this publication and trademarks appearing in this publication January 7, 2010, could mark a major milestone in regard to end- belong to the respective owners thereof and no claim of ownership therein is time prophecy. This date will undoubtedly prove to be very years and do not want to see anyone have to suffer the horrors made by The Church of God. meaningful in regard to the gospel. Shortly thereafter will just in front of us. This is why I write as I do and have for

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or they would not get any further coverage. Official theory claims the jet blew up in a fireball destroying most all the evidence, yet officially all the passengers were quickly Now and New World Order identified by their fingerprints! Most every- thing about the official 911 story is absurd or impossible! Part 2 In the aftermath, instead of the usual smell of jet fuel of kerosene, there was the smell of cordite, ‘gun smoke’ or explosives. Only a ome despair of conspiracy theories, yet orders remain ignorant of the fact. On May 3, 1994, Clinton signed Presi- bunker-busting missile could penetrate a H.G. Wells wrote The Open Conspir- On Feb. 3, 1913, the 16th Amendment of dential Decision Directive 25 as classified to hardened, reinforced wall and leave a small Sacy (1928) about some of the elite’s the Constitution set up an income tax, just as hide it from US citizens. Its summary issued 16-foot wide hole. Seen in the 1st 20 min- plans for one world government. Nation- The Communist Manifesto stipulated. On to Congress authorizes the President to turn utes before the wall collapsed. alism or patriotism for one’s country was to Dec. 23 the Federal Reserve was passed, over control of US troops to the UN. Such World Trade Center explosions be changed by a mental sanitation process creating a private company, despite its name, laws are in effect, only needing a crisis to be to a world citizen. Property ownership re- empowered with creating US money. implemented. First responders reported bombs, but were Congressman Charles A. Lindbergh Sr. (avi- told by leaders to keep quiet. Some as Fire placed by tenants and a feudal system—he The Terror Conspiracy (2006) claimed this was to impose freedom! (Like ator’s father) warned: “When the President Captain Dennis Tardio spoke out. “I hear an the US destroying the Iraqis and calling it signs this act the invisible government by the By Jim Marrs: The 911 attacks did not explosion and I look up [at the South Tower]. their freedom!) money power, proven to exist by the Money prompt invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq since It is as if the building is being imploded from Trust Investigation, will be legalized.” They plans existed already, they only provided an the top floor down, one after another boom, New World Order history knew the conspiracy theory was true. excuse. The very defense agencies that per- boom, boom.” In 1773 Mayer Amschel Rothschild gath- (Thomas Jefferson: “If the American peo- mitted the attacks as the CIA had their budgets New Jersey Fire Officer Sue Keane: “It ered 12 business friends to rule the world, ple ever allow private banks to control the doubled after 911. US defense budget is half a sounded like bombs going off [in the South and Adam Weishaupt to lead. May 1, 1776, issue of their currency, first by inflation, then trillion, yet a plane wandered around DC air- Tower]. That’s when the explosions hap- he founded the Order of the Illuminati to by deflation, the banks and corporations that space for an hour unharmed? The Pentagon pened . . . there was a massive explosion ... establish the NWO with no nations, private will grow up around them will deprive the itself has surface to air missiles. [In the North Tower] another explosion . . . I property or families. He soon joined Freema- people of all property until their children Republican lawyer Stanley Hilton in 2004 can’t tell you how many times I got banged sonry to gain recruits of the highest orders. wake up homeless on the continent their filed a suit for 400 911 victim families around. Each one of those explosions picked They planned to use financial and sexual Fathers conquered . . . I believe that banking against the Bush Administration. Charged me up and threw me.” bribery to control nations’ leaders. If that institutions are more dangerous to our liber- they “all conspired with the government of Paramedic Daniel Rivera: “Do you ever failed, their family members would be ties than standing armies . . . The issuing Saudi Arabia prior to 9/11/01 to knowingly see professional demolition where they set threatened, even killed. Those scouted out as power should be taken from the banks and finance, encourage, recruit, permit and aid the charges on certain floors and then you potential leaders would be granted funds for restored to the people, to whom it properly and abet, certain individuals to carry out the hear. ‘Pop, pop, pop, pop, pop’? . . . I schooling (indoctrination) and later belongs.”) 9/11/01 attacks on the World Trade Center thought it was that.” advanced into high offices of nations. The 1917—Aided by financiers in New York and Pentagon, in order to orchestrate a con- Assistant Commissioner Stephen Greg- media would be bought or controlled for City and London, the government of Russia trived, stylized and artificial 2nd Pearl ory: “I saw low-level flashes . . . flash, flash, propaganda. was overthrown by Lenin. He said: “There Harbor event for the purpose of galvanizing flash . . . like when they demolish a building, 1785—A courier died, struck by light- also exists another alliance—at first glance a public support for their military adventure how when they blow up a building, when it ning. Bavarian officials found the Illumi- strange one, a surprising one—but if you agenda in the Middle East, and in order to falls down? That’s what I thought I saw.” nati’s French Revolution plans. They tried to think about it, in fact, one which is well persuade Congress to enact their repressive Deputy Commissioner Thomas alert France, but to no avail. They arrested grounded and easy to understand. This is the Patriot Acts for the purpose of suppressing Fitzpatrick: “It looked like sparkling around Illuminati members, though most hid. alliance between our Communist leaders and political dissent inside the US.” one specific layer of the building . . . exactly Most all US founding fathers (and many your capitalists.” Hilton was informed by top military offi- the way it looks when they show you those following presidents) were Freemasons. But H.G. Wells wrote in 1928: “The political cers and FBI agents under gag rules, saying implosions on TV.” John Adams (1796) and his son John Q. world of the Open Conspiracy must weaken they would testify if subpoenaed that high- Firefighters thought the fires manageable. (1825) won the presidency by opposing ... and supersede existing governments. The ranking government officials were complicit “Ladder 15, we’ve got two isolated pockets them. So the 1st US 3rd party was Anti- Open Conspiracy is the natural inheritor of in the 911 attacks. The lawsuit was dis- of fire. We should be able to knock it down Masonic. socialist and communist enthusiasms; it may missed, the judge cited Doctrine of Sover- with two lines.” Yet official story claims an 1798—Freemason John Robinson of be in control of Moscow before it is in con- eign Immunity that allows a king to do what- inferno so hot structural steel melted causing Scotland wrote Proofs of Conspiracy. Told trol of New York. The character of the Open ever he wants. failure. about Illuminati trying to get him to join. Conspiracy will now be plainly displayed. It Bush and others stated that no one consid- Survivors were seen peering out the jet’s They planned to get rid of all religion and will be a world religion.” ered terrorists would use airliners as crash hole in the North Tower just before it col- existing governments to rule all. George Louis T. McFadden, Chairman of the weapons. Yet that very day were several war lapsed. Still alive despite alleged raging Washington was sent a copy, and, though a House Committee on Banking and Cur- games to simulate that. A US Defense Dept. fires. The Twin Towers and even building #7 Freemason, he admitted their diabolical rency: “When the Federal Reserve Act was contract operative, Timothy McNiven, said fell within a few hours at almost free fall influence in the US. passed, the people of these United States did his military unit conceived a mock terrorist speed into their own footprints. They had to 1815—Nathan Mayer Rothschild re- not perceive that a world banking system attack on the WTC as part of 1976 exercis- be rigged for implosion beforehand (likely ceived word of Napoleon’s defeat at Water- was being set up here. A super-state con- es! “As I watched the twin towers really col- when parts of the Towers were evacuated for loo a day before official messengers. With trolled by International Bankers and indus- lapse on the morning of Sept. 11, I realized I “security” purposes weeks before). that report he manipulated the London stock trialists acting together to enslave the world was watching the very same thing we Other witnesses: Ross Milanyich watched market to gain a fortune. for their own pleasure. Every effort has been devised in 1976.” He passed a lie detector from his office a few blocks away. “I saw In 1828 Mayer Amschel Rothschild said: made by the Fed to conceal its powers, but test, and named 40 men involved with con- small explosions on each floor.” “Allow me to issue and control the money of the truth is—the Fed has usurped the cocting Mid-East terrorists with plastic box Wall Street Journal reporter John Bussey a nation, and I care not who writes the laws.” Government. It controls everything here, cutters high-jacking airliners. Initially he saw the South Tower collapse: “I looked up 1848—Karl Marx of the Illuminati group and it controls all our foreign relations. It told his superior officer that if this was ever out of the office window to see what seemed League of the Just wrote The Communist makes and breaks governments at will.” done for real, he would expose it, so was like perfectly synchronized explosions com- Manifesto to abolish families and religion. Global conspiracy! scolded and beaten. Yet a week later he was ing from each floor . . . One after the other. The Illuminati founded Communism, later About the Great Depression and US ordered to do everything in his power to From top to bottom with a fraction of a sec- Fascism and Nazism, to create enemies to acceptance of FDR’s New Deal he said: “It reveal it if it did happen! ond between, the floors flew to pieces.” war, to profit by funding both sides and re- was no accident. It was a carefully contrived On Nov. 3, 2000, The Pentagon Mass You would think the greatest loss of life building afterward. occurrence. The International Bankers Casualty Exercise simulated a crashed air- by firefighters in history would prompt care- (Fascist Francis Bellamy got schoolchildren sought to bring about a condition of despair liner into the Pentagon’s courtyard. After ful examination of the evidence, and studied to recite the Pledge of Allegiance with straight here so they might emerge as the rulers of us June 1, 2001, Cheney was placed in charge to prevent future collapses of high rises. arm salute—according to Wikipedia. See all.” [Same with the economic crisis of of jet intercepts, formerly under military Instead, federal officials allowed the debris image of straight arm salute by US school 2008+; much due to trillions spent on war in control. On 911 he ordered no intercepts! to be hauled off as trash quickly without kids. Later, because of Hitler’s similar salute, Iraq and Afghanistan.] Stupid or clever? investigation, and photos of ground zero FDR changed it to hand over heart when the The insignia of the Order of the Illuminati Members of bin Laden’s family in the US were not allowed. Though the dump trucks Pledge was adopted by the US in 1942. was made the US Great Seal, but it was hid- were picked up by jumbo jets to fly out of were closely tracked by GPS, and a trucker Though this indoctrination was in use 50 years den, deemed too occult for most US citizens. the country, yet Osama was chosen as prime who took 1.5 hours for lunch was fired. already. Bellamy was hired to sell a children’s It first appeared on $1 bills in 1933 thanks to culprit. Why weren’t they interrogated? Tom Russian Dr. Tatyana Koryagina’s predic- magazine and employed the US flag and Freemason FDR. Its NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM Kinton, director of aviation at Boston’s tion of imminent US attack appeared in Pledge as an advertising gimmick: “In 1888 means New World Order. With pyramid and Logan International Airport, complained, “I Pravda in Aug. 2001. Later “She also said the Youth’s Companion had begun a campaign Eye as capstone, the Seal is the same sign of wanted to go to the highest levels of the 9/11 attacks were not the work of 19 ter- to sell American flags to public schools as a the Illuminati from its inception. It’s their Washington, but realized that the operation rorists but a group of extremely powerful premium to solicit subscriptions.”) money! had the blessing of top federal officials.” The private persons seeking to reshape the world. 1870—Highest Freemason Albert Pike in In 1945 the United Nations Charter was CIA created al Qaeda in the 1980s when This group has assets of about $300 trillion, a letter to Italian revolutionary leader Giu- activated, and US Senate Resolution 183 George H.W. Bush was CIA Director. The which it will use to legitimatize its power seppe Mazzini wrote about a secret group: called for a world republic with internation- Bush families and the bin Ladens have close and create a new world government.” “We must create a super rite which will al police force. business and social ties. No 911 jet sent a hijacked transponder remain unknown, to which we will call those In 1950 CFR member James Warburg told Several witnesses saw some of the flight code. “This was the first hard proof that the Masons of high degree of whom we shall Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee: recorders or black boxes recovered, but were target aircraft had been hijacked electroni- select.” Most Masons are rich and get richer “We shall have world government whether told not to say anything. cally from the ground [to fly remotely].” The through business contacts in Freemasonry. or not you like it—by conquest or consent.” April Gallop inside the Pentagon heard a black boxes would record nothing after- Its secret oaths and rituals lends itself to In 1961 US State Dept. issued Document bomb. She and her infant son exited the hole wards. more perversions in the higher orders. 7277 to disarm all nations and instead arm in the wall, so fire was not a main problem at In 2004 Qualcomm joined with American 1889—Pike revealed to the 23 world the UN’s peace force. first. While at the hospital, unidentified men Airlines to use a Pico cell of a satellite sys- Supreme Councils that the true object of George H.W. Bush in 1991 stated: “What told her to take the Victim Compensation tem so in-flight cell phone calls can now be Masonic worship is Lucifer: “To you, is at stake is more than one small country; it Fund money and shut up. “They also kept in- made. “Before this new Pico cell it was nigh Sovereign Grand Instructors General, we is a big idea—a new world order . . . to sisting that a plane hit the building. They on impossible to make a call from a passen- say this, that you may repeat it to the Breth- achieve the universal aspirations of mankind repeated this over and over. But I was there ger aircraft in flight. Connections were ren of the 32nd, 31st and 30th degrees: The ... The illumination of a thousand points of and never saw a plane or even debris from a impossible at altitudes over 8000 feet or Masonic religion should be, by all of us ini- light.” Theosophist Alice Bailey used the plane. I figure the plane story is there to speeds in excess of 230 mph. Noted Alan tiates of the high degrees, maintained in the same expression “points of light” to describe brainwash people.” She heard that news re- Cabal of the NY Times.” So the Flight 93 cell purity of the Luciferian doctrine.” The lower occult enlightenment. porters were told not to cover survivor stories, CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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and birth defects. For 40 years PCBs in the US were dumped in the nearby town while fish went belly-up in ten seconds. Even after these fiascoes, the FDA allowed Monsanto to police itself, since Monsanto has so much Now and New World Order clout. Top FDA leaders dropped objections about GM food by its employees, so it could claim GM food was no different than natural. Years later, Congress found that due to CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE tity theft. Similar to Sandra Bullock’s film The indicates they were reacting to it. Reagan’s deregulations, the Office of Man- phone calls were faked. Some claim the calls Net, so one’s property can be confiscated, and After Margaret Miller became head of the agement and Budget’s regulatory powers were made using the jet’s Airfones, but they the person wanted for crimes by the police. FDA, she changed the allowed amount of were neutered. Good scientists left in disgust were not in locked lavatories as Olson and “The idea that America today is run by cor- antibiotics from 1 part per 100 million to 1 while politicians took over so products were Felt reportedly were. porate executives for corporate executives is million so the extra antibiotics to treat the approved without much investigation. The Flight 93 had debris strewn over 8 miles, no conspiracy theory; it is a fact. And they are infections would not stop the approval. EPA claimed a GM potato, though a food, more in line with a missile strike that crippled doing their best to see that it all operates in Dairies that claim they do not use BGH was labeled a pesticide because it produced it. Cleveland Flight controllers were told not secrecy.” were sued by Monsanto. Canadian Analysis its own pesticide, and thus not subject to reg- Report noted BGH-injected cows suffered ulation by the FDA! to speak about what they saw on their radar More of Seeds of Deception screens at flight’s end. “birth defects, reproductive disorders, higher In 1994 181 Congressmen sponsored a bill The 911 false flag operation was preceded 5. When genes are shot at a pile of cells incidence of mastitis [udder infection] . . . to label all GM food, but it was stalled and by another for the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution they are doused with antibiotics, so new dis- Other sources report high incidence of foot thus defeated by the Dairy Livestock and to start the Vietnam war by the US, falsifying eases with antibiotic resistance could transfer and leg injuries, metabolic disorder, uterine Poultry Committee funded by Monsanto. a Viet Cong attack. The US News & World to humans. Biotech companies claimed tests infections, indigestion, bloat, diarrhea, Since segregating natural and GM crops is Report July 23, 1984 called it The ‘Phantom showed resistance was not a problem, but lesions and shortened lives . . . Some treated difficult, most major world food suppliers Battle’ that Led to War. later more sensitive devices found new DNA cows are so lean and wasted by the end of reject US foods of corn, soy, canola and cot- Regarding the Oklahoma Murrah Federal in most every part of the body, and remained their lives they offered little value to slaugh- ton. Found in most US packaged foods, so building bombing: Six people testified they in the intestines for five days after death. terhouses that normally convert the cows’ they are also banned in most of the world. saw the bomb squad there early that morning. 6. Where the gene is inserted along the carcasses into meat. [Also] the injection site (Canola was derived from toxic rapeseed Bruce Shaw looking for his wife after the DNA can make a difference on how it is used. was killed, sometimes leaving a swollen mutated by radiation to get rid of toxins.) blast was told that all ATF agents were A common position effect is silencing of the mound. It would have to be cut out.” Though GM products were touted as sav- warned by pagers not to be in the building. gene or adjacent native genes. It was found after approval that Mon- ing the world, because of these losses the US The 1991 Persian Gulf war began when a 7. Environment may change. Petunias santo’s study had found double the number of government subsidizes farmers of GM crops. girl named Nayirah told Congress of babies inserted with a salmon red gene to make them cows at the high pus level. Rates were higher So the US trade deficit is worsened by GM dumped on the floor from incubators in a red turned different colors depending on the at the end of the study, yet reporting ended foods. GM potatoes and tomatoes did so bad Kuwaiti hospital by Iraqis. Later she was found season when certain genes turned off. early to avoid counting those. Farmers are they were taken off the market. “GM sugar to have rehearsed her crying as a $11 million 8. Every cell of your body may have the charged penalties if the pus level is too high. beet, flax and rice while approved, were publicity stunt by the public relations firm of blue gene so your eyes are blue, but in parts The more pus there is, the more likely it is to never commercialized. GM wheat was Hill & Knowlton and lied about the babies. other than the iris it is turned off. When a for- get into the milk. pushed, but 80% of US and Canadian wheat After 911, Bush stressed attacking Iraq for eign gene is inserted, how is the cell to know The FDA was going to demand a waiting farmers rejected it . . . [Firms of] Frito Lay, a number of drummed-up reasons, though the if a strange gene is to be on or off and when? period of 5 days before the cows’ milk could Gerber, Heinz, Seagram and Hain have also link there was never made to the attacks. Biologists attach a ‘switch’ or Promoter made be sold, or its meat sold in 15 days from decided not to use GMOs in their products.” Saddam did not have WMD at the time. of genetic material permanently on so its being injected, but so many days wasted was StarLink corn was not approved for North Korea did, nuclear, chemical and bio- effect is nonstop. Some biologists fear cells not economical since injections were twice a humans since it forms its own pesticide that logical weapons. Not mentioned in the press with genes always on will wear out the cell. month. So Monsanto did the short rat test to can cause allergies and survive the human was that North Korea’s supply of weapons- 9. Cells may over-express themselves and get this restriction removed. digestive system. It was allowed for animal grade plutonium came from the US, ap- produce cancer. Monsanto’s milk test pasteurized it 30 feed. The EPA required it to be kept separate, proved by Bush in April 2002! Cheney has 10. Hot spots occur where the promoter is minutes at 162¡F, but pasteurization should but farmers and grain elevators did not know. close ties with Halliburton, once its CEO and and may cause a break there so genes are be quick and only 15 seconds at that temper- It got mixed in with other human corn foods profited from two Iraq wars. Halliburton had exchanged with other chromosomes—like a ature. It was cooked so long to get rid of the as corn chips and tacos causing allergic reac- sold Iran key parts for a nuclear reactor! heavy dose of gamma radiation. hormone, but 81% remained, and the milk tions, even life-threatening anaphylactic Congressman David Bonior objected to 11. Inserting modified virus genes into after 30 minutes was worthless. shock. The massive recall off shelves was the causing more suffering for the Iraqis, particu- crops may cause new infectious viruses. Less BGH in milk was tested on humans, and largest in history. The public began to ques- larly kids suffering from cancers caused by than 2% of human genes make up the DNA, insulin-like effects were found. Of 15,000 tion GM foods. The system was not equipped US depleted-uranium shells that he described the other 98% is called junk DNA of men tested, they developed prostate cancer at to separate the grain. as horrific and barbaric. Instead, more were unknown use, some claim leftover from evo- 4 times the normal rate; 15,000 women had 7 The FDA gave it a quick study and still used in the 2nd Gulf war and hurt US troops, lution. [That was said about 280 vestigial times the breast cancer rate. approved it. Claimed any StarLink products too. US military personnel were polled and human parts, but later uses were found for all The White House touted BGH to increase still in the food supply would have to remain. 85% thought they were in Iraq as revenge for of them.] Dormant viruses could be activated. milk supply and lower prices, but later the Because of factors as cross-pollination, it 911 attacks, though Bush by then had pub- 12. Breathing in pollen of GM crops may government slowed dairy farming 5 years would remain forever in the food supply, and licly admitted Iraq played no such role. cause allergic reactions. Filipinos next to a paying farmers not to produce, and had 1.5 has migrated to sweet corn, popcorn and His speech on 9-26-2001 to the CIA: “My GM cornfield had respiratory, intestinal and million cows killed to boost prices! There white corn. report to the nation is we’ve got the best intel- skin reactions during pollination. was a global glut of milk before BGH came Before GM food was banned in the EU, the ligence we can possibly have.” For utter fail- More than one gene may be inserted so on the scene, anyway! Royal Society tried to suppress any unfavor- ure? Or for orchestrating 911 as a false flag multiple effects occur. “Monsanto’s New Akre and Wilson of WTVT Fox 13 of able media reports on GM food, claiming rep- operation? Leaf potato was stacked with eight different Florida were ready to report the BGH facts, utable scientists should be consulted, and these In late 1960s personal data on a million traits—it created its own pesticide, resisted but were pressured by Monsanto to keep experts approve it. Monsanto sponsors web- law-abiding citizens was gathered secretly to diseases, was tolerant to herbicide, increased quiet, and it threatened to withdraw its adver- sites that seem to be grassroots movements in quell anti-war demonstrations, predict riots its weight and reduced bruising.” tising money. Fox gave in, but not the favor of GM food, and gets them listed at the and discredit protesters. They may be audited In 2003 400 pigs used in GM studies were reporters who became whistle-blowers. Their top of the list for search engines. Monsanto got by the IRS as punishment for testifying about accidentally allowed to be sold as meat for video is available on YouTube. They won a the government to increase the level of the monitoring to Congress. Over 1000 con- livestock instead of destroyed. [Livestock lawsuit, but many Fox lawyers won on Roundup residue on soybeans by threefold. centration camps are ready across America to should be fed plants, not dead animal parts appeal so the reporters have to pay legal costs Pulling on heartstrings, Monsanto claims handle dissidents. Vaccines are ready, too, anyway, which is still common practice pos- to Fox. This multi-million dollar cost damp- blindness can end. Its GM rice makes its own whether inmates want them or not. sibly leading to Mad Cow disease as the UK ens whistle blowing. [The court said it is all beta-carotene, a precursor for vitamin A, and Dissidents against war may be put on the found out.] right if the news a company tells is false will end blindness. But a two-year-old needs to no-fly list to slow them down. There are plans An Iowan farmer put natural and GM corn information, it is not against the law!] eat 7 pounds of it daily for the desired dose, an in separate troughs so 25 cows could eat. All adult 20 pounds. And many are so malnour- to even execute them, similar to the Phoenix Monsanto’s tragedies Program in Vietnam. Any Vietnamese could be the natural corn was eaten, and only a few ished they cannot metabolize beta-carotene. arrested by US troops by just one anonymous nibbles of the GM corn was. About 12 other “In 1990 more than 5,500 consumers filed An FDA survey in 2000 was conducted to call, held indefinitely, tortured or assassinated. farmers noted the same thing by their cows. complaints to the FDA describing adverse find out if people knew they were eating GM Many were merely victims of a grudge. Many Later when he was at a meeting with Al Gore reactions to this sweetener (Aspartame). That food. Most people did not know they were in the military warned that captured US troops promoting GM foods claiming there is no accounted for 80% of all complaints about a eating GM food at most every meal and are likely to be tortured for revenge. noticeable difference, he said his cows were food or additive for the whole year.” In 1996 urged that GM food be labeled. Non-food Rep. Ron Paul voted against the Patriot smarter than the scientists Gore mentioned. it was linked with human brain cancer, so items can contain GM-derived sources as Monsanto reaffirmed how good it was. “The cosmetics, soaps and shampoo. Food labeled Act because it is against the Constitution. He Bovine Growth Hormone said it was so lengthy and printed so late that FDA’s lead spokesperson to defend the prod- organic are not allowed to have any ingredi- no Congressman was able to read it before Canada’s leading paper, Globe and Mail, uct became vice president for clinical re- ents GM-derived, including added vitamins. voting. He was insulted when some thought told how Monsanto tried to get Health search at Searle two years later.” Most US meat and dairy products come him unpatriotic because he voted against it Canada to approve bovine growth hormone Leading to FDA approval of BGH were from animals fed GM feed. “There are genet- (obvious ploy of the name chosen). (BGH) to increase milk production in cows, land grant colleges highly funded by biotech ically modified food additives, enzymes, fla- The Patriot Act was so long that it must by a $1 million bribe, stealing data and pres- companies urging approval, and threats that if vorings and processing agents in thousands have been prepared in advance of 911. It sure to get the critics off the case. Similarly, a farmer did not use BGH he would likely go of foods on the grocery shelves as well as allows the US government to monitor reli- drugs are commonly ruled unsafe by scien- out of business. Milk from one source is com- health supplements. For example, the rennet gious and political institutions without any tists, but are overruled by someone in author- monly mixed with another, so the hormone used to make cheese is often a genetically known criminal activity as possible terrorism. ity without science backing him up, and get- (or pus) gets into almost all milk. Though modified version . . . GM bacteria and fungi Search and seize individual and business ting rewards from the drug company. organic dairies and others avoid the hormone. are used in the production of enzymes, vita- papers without cause and without search war- The FDA’s approval of BGH was based Monsanto claimed its defoliant Agent mins and processing aids.” rants, and jail Americans indefinitely without on one rat study of 28 days, and the raw data Orange was safe for humans, but thousands Due to pressure of customers not buying a trial or charges. In the war on terrorism, any was not given by Monsanto, only conclu- of vets and tens of thousands of Vietnamese GM products, companies are getting rid of citizen can be called an enemy combatant and sions. Though a few in the FDA claimed it suffered cancer, nerve disorders or birth them. Even the cafeteria in Monsanto’s head- held as long as the war on terrorism lasts, was not safe (and were punished). Years defects from it. Monsanto also claimed its quarters states that GM foods served there are which is to take a very long time. Dissidents later the data was found telling of more than electrical insulator of PCBs was safe, yet they being replaced with non-GM ingredients! could have their personal data changed—iden- 20% antibody response in the rats which were outlawed in 1978 for link with cancer Mr. Jan Young

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ing in ‘rubber rooms’ costing $20 million a year to warehouse them. Nationwide migra- tion or dance of the lemons occurs when burned out teachers or ones who do not get Now and New World Order along are hired by schools desperate for teachers. Charter schools are growing where waste is reduced, performing higher than Part 3 normal public schools. Students pick up lit- ter and prepare lunch setup each day. Unions block charter schools by getting restrictions Daniel Estulin’s book (2007) about George W. Bush being a heart-beat CFR political pundits. placed on them and get them assigned underachieving students. he True Story of the Bilderberg Group, away from the presidency.”] Reagan spoke against Carter’s White In Woodrow Wilson’s presidency, Edward House in 1980: “I think there is an elite in Drug companies push their drugs so most international bestseller: Its founder Americans are overmedicated. Doctors Prince Bernhard said “It is difficult to House ran things. He helped the Federal this country, and they are the very ones who T Reserve get adopted in 1913. He wrote the run an elitist government. They want a gov- receive many bribes, outright or in the form re-educate people who have been brought up of vacations or products from them and pre- on nationalism to the idea of relinquishing League of Nations plan and proposed it in ernment by a handful of people because they 1919, but it was rejected by the US Con- don’t believe the people themselves can run scribe their drugs for patients in return. Also, part of their sovereignty to a supra-national drug companies use mass advertising direct- body.” The Bilderbergers got rid of Margaret gress. House co-founded CFR in 1921. their lives.” Yet Reagan later switched and Senator William Jenner warned in 1954: embraced CFR members on his team. ly to people. Massive advertising affects Thatcher when she balked at giving British publications so they do not write articles sovereignty to their European Union creation. “Today the path to total dictatorship in the U. S. can be laid by strictly legal means; unseen Outrage (2007) knocking their drugs. New drugs are coming Bilderberg meetings are completely closed to out without much testing. Doctors are more outsiders. Some brave souls working inside and unheard by Congress, the President or By Dick Morris and Eileen McGann the people . . . We have operating within our against corruption in high places. UN scan- likely to prescribe a new drug if another doc- disclose info to Estulin on who attends and tor endorses it at a seminar, so drug compa- their agenda, risking any future job. government and political system another dals: “Drug dealing among its bureaucrats, body representing another form of gov- incredible overruns in its budget for renova- nies ‘hire’ them for that. “A clique of the richest, economically and “Sales reps are so friendly, so easygoing, politically most powerful and influential men ernment, a bureaucratic elite which believes tion of its headquarters, sexual abuse, [rape, our Constitution is outmoded . . . All the pedophilia and prostitution] by its peace- so much fun to flirt with that it is virtually in the Western world, who meet secretly to impossible to demonize them. How can you plan events that later appear just to hap- strange developments in foreign policy agree- keeping forces.” ments may be traced to this group who are A drug ring operating out of the UN mail demonize someone who brings you lunch? pen.”—The Times of London 1977 ... Doctors look forward to the arrival of the “World events do not occur by accident: going to make us over to suit their pleasure.” room used diplomatic pouches to smuggle George Wallace, 3rd party presidential drugs into New York. Repressive nations as UPS truck bringing a delivery for the staff, They are made to happen, whether it is to do trinkets for the kids . . . drug samples on the with national issues or commerce; and most candidate, said: “There is not a dime’s worth Libya and Cuba get on the Human Rights of difference between the Democrat and Re- Commission in order to not be scrutinized. house.” of them are staged and managed by those Big drug corporations have clout so who hold the purse strings.”—Denis publican parties.” They may appear to be “The UN Secretary-General [Kofi Annan] different, but are two sides of the same coin. made the Rwanda Genocide Possible.” A generic drugs as good as their high-priced Healey, former British Defense Minister drugs are not available. Generic makers may The Bilderbergers’ worst defeat occurred Many voters realize that, leading to declining million deaths from weapons he sold to the voter turnout. Change may be touted, but Hutus. be bribed to keep them off the market. US when they met in Toronto May 1996. The Medicare costs are sky-high partly due to normally quiet press leaped when word nothing much does. Even perpetual 3rd party Oil-for-Food Program scam profited 270 presidential candidate Ralph Nader is funded world leaders, including the Vatican. Iraq not being able to negotiate for lower-priced leaked out that Canada was slated to join drugs or using generic ones. If they cannot USA and Mexico in a Continental Union in and advised by John D. Rockefeller IV! was to sell some of its oil for humanitarian James Warburg, son of CFR co-founder supplies for its people. The UN received $2 buy them off, drug companies will conduct 2000. A date pushed back several times since smear campaigns. due to opposition. [It was the reason for the Paul Warburg, told the Senate Foreign Rela- billion, and Kojo Annan (son of Kofi) got tions Committee in 1950: “We shall have $2500 a month for 4 years. Saddam got $12 “Fannie Mae is exempt from Securities and closed session of Congress in 2009, and Exchange Commission rules.” It is guaran- anticipated massive dissent by Americans world government whether or not you like billion for his own use. The Iraqi people got it—by conquest or consent.” scraps. Almost no one was punished. teed by the government so it cannot fail. It against it.] does not pay income taxes to state or local Most Presidents since Eisenhower have FDR in a 1933 letter wrote: “A financial Half the illegal immigrants in the US (11.5 element in the large centers has owned the million) came legally as visitors and stayed. governments, though headquartered at DC belonged to the Group, though most let rep- with many very poor people, with dilapidated resentatives go to the actual meetings. government ever since the days of Andrew Why take the risky way crossing a US border Jackson.” Jackson tried to fight it. illegally when you can do it as a tourist legal- schools and shortage of fire trucks. The firm is Globalization is pushed—what’s good for Plan is to create another world company ly? “In Los Angeles 95% of outstanding to aid the poor in getting housing, but the banking and big business is good for every- as the British East India Co. that ran the homicide warrants are for illegal immi- average is $118,000, too high for most. It con- body. About 80 people attend for many world. Called the Commonwealth, but grants.” Yet in LA and many other major ducts business similar to failed Enron, making years, others are invited to contribute their enslaved the world. As the Disney Corpora- cities it is against the law for police to report money for executives while the poor are not expertise on occasion. Some are obscure but tion owns ABC and produces products in immigration violations to federal authorities! served. Giving $50 million in grants each year like Bill Clinton are recruited and used later nations with the lowest paid workers and in Or ask school kids who is illegal. to those the CEO needs to persuade. when maneuvered into high office. For his very cruel working conditions. Congressmen took good care of the rich- Congress allowed credit card companies election he wanted the Russians to hide “What most Americans believe to be Pub- est people by keeping wages low. They to extract high interest and late fees causing some facts of his personal history. He prom- lic Opinion is in reality carefully crafted and declined to raise the minimum wage for the many bankruptcies, besides high medical ised if they did, when elected he would scripted propaganda designed to elicit a de- poorest workers, while in the same 9-year bills or job loss. Yet corporate bankruptcies allow Russian warships full refueling and sired behavioral response from the public.” period raised their own pay 7 times. Instead are allowed or bailouts for them. other port privileges at all US Navy bases, The elite brought about and funds Social- of voting for an increase now, it is automat- Tobacco companies, reeling from having and he did! ism and Communism. David Rockefeller in ic and does not appear on the record. to pay huge fines and loss of customers, Donald Rumsfeld and Ireland’s General 1973 said “Whatever the price of the Chi- Many take luxurious flights on corporate began increasing nicotine in cigarettes by Peter Sutherland are active Bilderbergers. nese Revolution, it has obviously succeeded jets with family and receive donations for 10%. Even in ‘light’ brands to get more They as Swiss energy company ABB board not only in producing more efficient and ded- their campaign funds in return for favors addicted, particularly teens who prefer high- members in 2000 secretly sold two nuclear icated administration, but also in fostering done for the firms as earmarks or favorable er content. Despite public belief, the US reactors to North Korea of the axis of evil! high morale and community of purpose . . . laws. Put family members on campaign pay- government does not regulate tobacco use! Its nuclear missiles set up by the Group for The social experiment in China under Chair- rolls, as well as lobbyists, so a brother may American taxpayers have to pay more terror. They create a state of perpetual imbal- man Mao’s leadership is one of the most lobby his own brother. Former officials because of imposed quotas on products from ance with financial crises, wars or threats of important and successful in human history.” become lobbyists and back again in the other nations, to benefit US industry, as 70% war as the Cold War, and later war on terror- Praising the totalitarian regime that kills and revolving door. This used to be considered a of farm subsidies goes to the richest 10% of ism. Funding both sides of conflict to make imprisons millions of its own citizens. scandal, now a perk. Senate Majority Leader farming firms. One of the worst offenders is money. They helped collapse the savings “According to hundreds of U.S. State De- Harry Reid on the Senate Select Committee limiting imports of benzenoid chemicals for and loan, and banking industries; and with partment documents, the Soviet industrial on Ethics is one of the worst offenders, with suntan lotion, $300 million a year in higher Reagan’s urging to collapse the steel indus- and military capabilities such as trucking, his 3 sons and a son-in-law. prices to benefit 216 US workers! It would try, then auto and housing industries. aircraft, oil, steel, petrochemicals, aluminum The 1948 House of Representatives be better just to pay them not to work! “The Trilateral Commission doesn’t se- and computers were constructed at the U.S. Truman called the Do Nothing House, in The Corporation DVD (2005): cretly run the world. The Council on Foreign taxpayers’ expense in the Soviet Union! . . . session for only 108 days. Yet in 2006 it had Relations does that.”—CFR President 1978 The U.S. apparently wants to make sure this only 103 days. They did raise interest on stu- Corporations were first chartered to Winston Lord and of the US State enemy remains in the business of being an dent loans and ended individual bankruptcy. improve goods and services to the public. Department plainly admitted. The TC and enemy.” Mark Twin said “No man’s life, liberty or Over time their lawyers demanded more CFR are offshoots of the Bilderbergers. The TV documentary The Secret Govern- property is safe while the legislature is in rights until the firms were treated as persons. Most every White House post is run by a ment in 1980 told that “David Rockefeller is session.” Even Truman, when a Senator, put The 14th Amendment declared slaves as cit- member of these groups. Presidents, if not the most conspicuous representative today of his wife on the Senate payroll with wages izens, but is used mostly by lawyers for cor- members (as George W. Bush and Obama), the ruling class, a multinational fraternity of higher than anyone else, yet she did nothing. porations to be treated as persons by law. are their ‘puppets’ or marionettes. men who shape the global economy and Most insurance companies did not pay for They became immortal and powerful gods, [Did the 2008 presidential election change manage the flow of its capital . . . [He] is losses by hurricane Katrina since their poli- slave drivers. Workers for Nike have their much? Dick Cheney has been described as a accorded privileges of a head of state . . . He cies only covered wind damage, and the pol- work timed downed to 10,000th of a second twin of Joe Biden, both of CFR. Cheney is untouched by customs of passport offices icy holders were informed by their agents that such as .6884. stated in his Feb. 15, 2002, CFR speech (on and hardly pauses for traffic lights.” flood coverage was not needed. The compa- “The law considers the corporation a per- YouTube): “It’s good to be back at the Barry Goldwater wrote in With No Apol- nies paid even less, only above any water son. What kind of person is it?” According Council on Foreign Relations. I’ve been a ogies that the Trilateral Commission was damage, above the ceiling in some houses. to the Personality Diagnostic Checklist by member for a long time, and was actually a “David Rockefeller’s newest international But witnesses who rode out the storm saw the World Health Organization a psychopath director for some period of time. I never cabal . . . intended to be the vehicle for hurricane force winds well before the flood- fulfills these traits: multinational consolidation of the commer- ing. The Army Corps of Engineers for mentioned that when I was campaigning for A. Callous unconcern for feelings of oth- cial and banking interests by seizing control Louisiana had used funds greater than any reelection back home in Wyoming.” And his ers—workers paid low wages. audience laughed since they pulled a fast of the political government of the US . . . other state, but politicians had them working B. Incapacity to maintain enduring rela- one on the public. Former US Assistant What the Trilateralists truly intend is the cre- on other projects than maintaining levees. Attorney General Bruce Fein said Dick ation of worldwide economic power superi- US student performance is declining. tionships—jobs shifted overseas to workers Cheney exercises all the power of the presi- or to the political governments of the nation- Teacher unions make firing teachers diffi- who work for lower wages. dency. That has never happened. Ever. In the states involved . . . As mangers and creators cult. One principal complained: He was only C. Reckless disregard for the safety of 911 attacks Bush was exposed, reciting a of the system, they will rule the future.” able to fire 2 of 80,000 for incompetence. others—worker safety lower to cut costs; goat story to kids in school, while Cheney The Media Monopoly in 1983 told how One who sent sexually oriented emails to a pollution abounds. was in a protected bunker. Due to multiple the US media is controlled by 50 corpora- 6-year-old sued his firing and had to be paid D. Deceitful, repeated lies and conning heart attacks and an implanted pacemaker, tions. The New Media Monopoly of 2004 for years while his case was tried. Many others for profit—so corporate leaders can Cheney revived “late-night talk show jokes describes only 5 now. Even PBS has many teachers are not allowed near children, stay- CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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Cleanup cost was almost a trillion dollars. Official reports claimed radiation release was low, but two books reported on high doses causing “metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, deaths of pets, farm and Now and New World Order wild animals and damage to plants.” And higher death rates of infants. Though officials claimed this was because of high natural radon in the area. Courts did award $40 million in CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE pipe by inserting a basketball wrapped in tape permanently shut down. A severed pipe was damages to families, including birth defects. be rich at expense of everyone else. to make it two inches bigger, and then started found so a safety system would not have US nuclear tests on natives E. Incapacity to experience guilt—compa- cutting the pipe. Pressure was so great the functioned in case of an accident. nies fined may pay but not admit guilt. ball popped out, and 14,000 gallons drained On four separate occasions the emergency Nuclear plants were derived from studies on Government oversight waned (by influ- into the basement. A core meltdown would system protecting a plant was shut down by nuclear bombs. Jack Niedenthal’s article ence of company lobbyists on legislators) so have occurred, but luckily a gate that should mistake. Two because the workers were told Mushroom Clouds in Paradise tells of US evil only profit mattered over public good. A US have been closed was not and saved the day. to fix the wrong system, and two because against natives in the Bikini atoll by atomic consumer can pay $100 for a sweater, but the Water is used for cooling, and helps protect they picked the wrong system to fix. bomb testing. They were forced to move to worker gets less than $1 for it. Kathy Lee workers from radiation. In 1970 an operator used a dust cloth to other islands not able to support them, and Gifford found out in court that Wal-Mart was In 1981 there was so much waste water clean switches and moved one to the off posi- promised US aid was scant so they starved. making her line of products in sweatshops. that the basement was deliberately flooded, tion so the plant shut down. Operators were When the wind was blowing from the blast site Public outrage led to her promise not to do so but 150 metal drums were stored there, float- told to use feather dusters in the future. to where the natives were relocated, tests ran in the future, but still several years later the ed and spilled their waste into this indoor “Hopefully, nuclear power plants will only anyway to see how humans were affected with practice continues. Her company contributes pool. The level of radiation was 500 rem per have easy accidents.” radiation, and no warning was given. “Children to charitable groups to help children, yet the hour, a lethal dose for a worker exposed there In 1971 an Air Force B-52 bomber crashed played in the fallout; mothers watched in hor- sweatshops employ 13-year-old girls, the for an hour. About 50,000 gallons of contam- about 20 seconds short of a plant in ror as night came and their children began to ones the charities are supposed to be helping. inated water was dumped into the lake. When Michigan, and all its crew died. The Air show physical signs of radiation exposure.” Desperate people work for meager wages, the story leaked out, the plant was under Force conducted simulated bombing runs Vomiting, diarrhea, hair fell out—panic. not even able to afford adequate food and more scrutiny, but inspectors never checked near the plant for years. So they were evicted from their own land housing. Eventually they may raise their stan- the basement. Too lethal! In 1997 an instructor took a flash picture of and afflicted on their bodies by radioactive dard of living only to have the corporation The 1979 movie The China Syndrome a fire detection panel and triggered the Halon fallout, and their new land was contaminated. move elsewhere for cheaper workers. showed a tense situation when a pressure gauge gas to discharge. Operators watched the con- If a person did these criminal acts, he would Chemicals produced by corporations are was stuck indicating no water was cooling the trol room through a window. When an alarm be imprisoned. responsible for much pollution. They were core. When struck it moved to its true value. A blinked on, one of them quickly entered the Yet similar to over 300 treaties with inadequately tested and applied in profuse core meltdown might reach China. The nuclear room to respond without any equipment on. Indians that the US broke. And similar treat- amounts directly on people. [As with the pes- industry ridiculed the film as pure fiction since In 1984 8 workers used a neutron probe ment as the US gained the best land by force, ticide DDT dusted on people; the people even backup gauges are used. Yet in 1986 a gauge detector to check the reactor core’s power. killed off the buffalo to starve Indians and put laughed, fooled by the hype. They were showed the normal range of water at a plant When water began leaking out they ran out of Indians on the worst land for reservations. shown in a photo in National Geographic while its power output was ramped up, but in the room, and in seconds water burst out and This US genocide and concentration camps then and 50 years later.] Cancer spread so that reality the water level decreased. Fortunately, flashed into steam. The plant was shut down. Hitler said he noted was effective so copied 1 of 2 men get it, 1 of 3 women. Babies were an automatic shutdown occurred. A backup For 11 hours 16,000 gallons of reactor coolant them for his Holocaust of Jews. born with no eyes. gauge had shown the correct level, but the leaked out. Later it was found that a group of The European Dream (2004) Pollution by corporations is a form of tax- worker did not bother to check it. workers had disabled the outer door for 30 min- ation without representation on future gener- In 1984 a flotilla of jellyfish clogged the utes to do welding. If this door was locked shut, By Jeremy Rifkin (who writes in favor of ations. Companies form alliances to fight inlet water supply of a plant, bending in the the 8 workers would have been stuck inside. the NWO): “The American Dream, once so anti-pollution movements, while they plun- metal screen two feet that keeps out debris. When they did escape, one tried to call control coveted, has increasingly become an object der and leave a poisoning legacy. Two plants had to be shut down 11 days until room operators but the phone was dead. of derision.” US was envied but no longer US Patent Office balked at companies’ a hurricane swept the jellyfish away. “Good thing that was the only thing dead admired; 22% of US kids live in poverty. The request to patent modified life forms. Later In 1979 a test caused a false signal of high ... These stories suggest why nuclear power US Centers for Disease Control reports that that was adopted so any could be, except pressure, thus a reactor stopped and power is like sausage: The more you know about the rates of childhood homicides, suicides humans. But genes related to illnesses are ceased. Backup power supply kicked in, but how it’s made, the less likely you are to like and firearm-related deaths exceed those of patented. one transformer was being worked on so two it. They also explain why so many people the other 25 wealthiest nations in the world. Big corporations are so large they dwarf feedwater pumps did not work. A third pump around the world are nuclear vegetarians.” “The genocide of the American Indian and most governments. Globally, governments was off since its oil pump was broken. the internment of their remaining numbers More on nuclear plants had their services taken over by companies. Because of steam the reactor was making, have continued to haunt Americans, under- Bechtel gained the rights over the water sup- water level dropped to one foot above the The nuclear recycling complex in Sella- mining any claim we might have about our ply in Bolivia, even for collecting rainwater! reactor core, normal is ten feet. With loss of field in the UK emits the most radioactivity in special moral status among the peoples of the A worker there earning $1 a day had to pay a all three feedwater pumps, the only water Europe, more than Chernobyl. A garden near world. So, too, with regards to slavery.” quarter for water. The people revolted. Police supply to the reactor vessel was by two small Sellafield was found to contain radioactivity, BSE or Mad Cow Disease occurred and the army, ordered by bribed leaders, shot pumps that did not provide enough water. and part of the soil had to be hauled away. because farmers fed cattle remnants to cattle at protesters, maimed many, killing a few About 36 minutes later, workers got one of Pigeon droppings were radioactive, the birds to save costs—a form of cattle cannibalism— including kids. At the climax, this caused fur- the feedwater pumps going. coming from the nuclear plant. Food from the precipitated the brain-wasting disease. Ulti- ther outrage so finally leaders hid, the police At a research reactor in the 1980s was a garden was at risk. mately, some humans who ate contaminated and army stayed away so the people could sign Please Don’t Flush the Toilet While the Decommissioning nuclear plants in Lithu- beef died of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. [Same again control their water supply. Reactor Is Running! Since water to the reactor ania costs $2 billion. Conventional power practice in the US but not tested.] US General Butler claimed he and his shut down five times for that reason, because plants do not have so hazardous supply, usage “While wild animals are seeing the shrink- troops were used by many US firms so they both were hooked up to the city water supply or chance of exploding as an atomic bomb ing of their habitats and precipitous decline in could gain such control in overseas markets, and flushing triggered a larger response. with a large fallout area. Nor high cost to put their numbers, research animals and domestic not much for defense of the US but econom- In 1972 workers opened valves to allow them out of commission, and their fuel used farm animals face perhaps the grimmest exis- ic force against other nations. steam to bypass the turbine, and a leak caused as source of atom bombs. People are tence of all the creatures on earth. Subject to The rich man is so greedy for profit he scalding on two of them, and they later died. destroyed who mine radioactive elements or barbaric experiments in research laboratories thinks he can sell you the rope to hang him- At the same plant in 1986, a pipe ruptured store them. There is no good place for or raised under horrific conditions on factory self—why the mass media will sometimes releasing 30,000 gallons of hot water scalding radioactive waste to be dumped. farms, these animals suffer cruel fates.” Chick- make such DVDs as The Corporation for 8 workers, 4 who died later. The pipe’s walls New US plant construction ceased due to ens commonly live in crowded wire cages with profit but are opposed to the content. were eroded by use. The high temperature an accident at Three Mile Island in 1979 and clipped beaks, and brittle bones that snap. Many big US firms helped Germany recov- caused the sprinkler system to activate so led to sweeping changes of existing plants. Animals show they are clever: Two crows er from WWI and continued business with water flooded and made the Halon fire-sup- The main feedwater pumps stopped running were given two wires, one hooked and anoth- Hitler during WWII. Some changes were pression system come on, thus workers had and 3 extra pumps came on, but did not work er straight to gain a bit of meat in a tube. Both made to hide the fact that they were doing trouble breathing, became nauseous and dizzy. because their water was turned off for main- chose the hooked wire, but the male won and business with the enemy, as Coke sold their In 1981 it was found that two valves were tenance. The reactor automatically shut used it to get a morsel. The female wedged product renamed Fanta in Germany. US cor- in the permanent closed position when they down. Signals to the operators did not show the straight wire in a crack and made a hook porations routinely do business with declared should have been open in case of an accident. a valve was stuck open (it was known to to retrieve her piece. She was given a straight enemies of the US. IBM continued selling The plant’s owner was fined $40,000 or $80 have malfunctioned 11 previous times), so wire ten more times and repeated this. their products as punch cards and services to a day. It costs a plant owner $250,000 each cooling water left the reactor core and it A parrot named Alex can identify 40 ob- Hitler. Since many of the machines were day the plant is shut down, so is an owner overheated. No device indicated the coolant jects and 7 colors, and separate objects into leased, IBM had to know how they were used, going to shut down and fix a problem or is he level of the core, operators instead judged it categories. Koko, a 300-lb gorilla, learned such as punched cards used at concentration more likely to continue operating? by the pressurized level. Since it was high, sign language of 1000 signs and understands camps listing data about prisoners, some slat- In 1987 a whistleblower reported that night they assumed adequate coolant. Despite 2000 English words, rating an IQ of 70-95. ed for gas chambers listed on the cards. operators at a plant were sleeping. Over a 5- many alarms flashing, they did not know the “Tragically, 80% of the world’s hungry chil- California-based Unocal was tried to be month period inspectors found at times 3 of 4 coolant was low, so they did a series of dren live in countries with an actual food sur- ousted by the people, for human rights viola- were asleep while one was reading a maga- actions that made matters worse. Only when plus, much of which is in the form of feed tions overseas. But the attorney general kept zine or even out of the control room; or all a new shift began without the assumptions given to animals, which, in turn, will be con- it from happening, though he admitted he had were playing a computer game. The plant made did workers react properly. sumed by only the well-to-do consumers of the the power to end Unocal. was shut down two years and opened with a The company downplayed bad effects. A world. It’s important to bear in mind that an new staff. “A spokesman for the nuclear small hydrogen explosion shook the plant and acre of” vegetables produces 2-15 times more Fission Stories article industry’s trade group explained why opera- blew hinges off doors, but was merely called a protein than an acre devoted to meat produc- Nuclear Power’s Secrets by David Loch- tors sleep on duty: The problem is that’s its an hydrogen burn. Half the core was found melt- tion. “The irony of the present food-production baum: He monitors US nuclear plant mishaps extremely boring job.” ed and there were two million gallons of con- system is that millions of wealthy consumers and reports from various sites. Nuclear plants To make a long story short, a plant was taminated water. The same sequence of events in the first world are increasingly dying from are touted as a cheap source of energy and cited for 20 failures by workers in one emer- had happened at another plant 18 months ear- diseases of affluence—heart attacks, strokes, safe, but are they? [You may wonder if gency. The $600,000 fine meant $30,000 for lier. The difference being it was operating at diabetes and cancer—brought on by gorging Homer Simpson is at the controls!]: each error. 9% power while TMI was 97%, and operators on fatty grain-fed beef and other meats.” In 1968, to save time, workers blocked a In 1997 a plant that operated 35 years was figured out the problem in 20 minutes. Mr. Jan Young

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few years ago my wife decided that she When we put it in the trap, we were deliberately And I can say from past experience that there wanted a fishpond with a creek in the trying to catch him. He knew that there was are plenty of other traps out there. Money is a yard. She and her son dug it out, and I something wrong, and he knew that he was in prime example, but sex and affection are others A helped her create the ‘creek.’ We popu- danger if he went into the trap. So he tried to find that many walk into. People want to be loved, lated it with some goldfish and a couple of ways to get to the bait without entering the trap. and want attention. When they don’t get it at bluegill. Over the years we have also purposeful- Sort of like Satan does with us. We find out home, they look elsewhere. It’s been going on ly and inadvertently added plants, snails and that it’s easier to rely on getting whatever we since there have people on the earth. It’s a REAL other aquatic animals. As some of you may think we need from society than going to God. easy trap to get caught in. The bait is VERY desir- know, fish will winter over if they are given a Like the seeds from the feeders, instead of get- able. Your husband is busy at work 60 hours a place to do so, and we made the pond deep ting them in the wild. Then, when we get used week, and when he gets home he’s not much for enough for them to do this. Two years ago, we to getting whatever it is we want or need from conversation or cuddling. Your old high school had four gold fish, a 12-inch koi and the two society, Satan sets the trap for us. He places the sweetheart finds you on Facebook, and all of a bluegills at the end of the season. When spring bait in the trap. Just like our raccoon, we are sudden you are looking at that bait and trying to came, only one fantail goldfish was left. We had trained well enough normally to know it’s dan- figure out how to get it out of the trap you know the pond covered with a net to catch the leaves gerous to go into the trap. So we work all around it’s in. “Well, a few emails won’t hurt anything,” and had it staked down all around except at the the edges, trying to you justify to yourself. creek. We still aren’t sure what happened to the get the bait. Now, Pretty soon you’ll have rest of the fish, but my wife named the goldfish we didn’t deliber- that same expression Hannibal (Lector). ately let him raid my raccoon did. She also loves to feed the birds. We have the trap the first Or you’re working spent a lot more money that we probably should two times. But I those 60 hour weeks, have on feeders, and seed. Again two years ago, suspect that Satan trying to keep the boss the feeders kept getting knocked down might go that far happy so you can keep overnight. We thought we knew what it was, but and let us get the your job, when the weren’t sure. I borrowed a ‘deer camera’ from bait sometimes. pink slips start being my boss, an avid deer hunter, and found out it But, just like passed out. It’s hard was a raccoon. We have a picture of him hang- humans, our little going home and being ing from his hind legs on a tiny little limb, raccoon let his lust dog-tired and hearing stretched all the way out, working to get the for the seeds over- complaints about nev- seeds from one of the feeders. come his training er being there to see This year she put the birdseed out on the and wisdom, and little Suzie grow up. front porch in two big plastic tubs so it wasn’t he entered the And Monica, your as- taking up room in the laundry. We came home trap, and he was sistant, is really very one day, and both tubs were turned over, the CAUGHT! I know understanding about peanuts were all gone and half the sunflower HWA said animals don’t think, but I know they all of this kind of thing. After all, she lost her seeds were gone. We put back out the bird feed- do. Maybe not as much as we do, but I can’t help husband because of all the hours she had to put ers and, sure enough, they started getting but wonder how much our raccoon was berating in to keep her job. “Hey, it’s late, and a quick cup knocked down again. And one of the special himself for getting caught. of coffee at the Starbucks in the building lobby water plants she bought was getting systemati- Just for the record, I took him about 15 miles with Monica surly won’t hurt anything.” Same cally chewed up. We started worrying about away and let him go. Yes, if he had a family I kind of justification. Same kind of expression Hannibal also, thinking it was a coon that was suppose they are separated now, but he’s better when the trap springs shut. getting in the yard and making havoc of things, off gone than dead. Which is where this was I can go on and on. My old boss (the hunter) and may have eaten the other fish. Each morn- headed if he kept coming back. was telling me about his ex-receptionist and ing we drive out past a farm field that backs up So why did I think of this and how it applies assistant bookkeeper. A woman I would have to our property, and almost every morning there to people and Satan? About two years ago, I was NEVER in a thousand years have suspected of is a small raccoon coming across the field, across approached about investing in a house to ‘flip,’ embezzlement was cashing company checks into the road and down the gully on the other side meaning to purchase at a discount, repair and her own account. It was going on even before I into the woods. We suspected left. She’s now being prosecuted that this was our thief. for that, in addition to extortion. My wife finally said enough We find out that it’s easier to rely on getting I suspect that her expression was enough, and we had to catch whatever we think we need from society than when she was served papers was whatever it was tearing up the going to God. Like the seeds from the feeders, similar to the raccoon’s. We yard and eating the birdseed. We instead of getting them in the wild. humans never seem to be able to put out an box-type animal trap really overcome that temptation the first day, with a Tupperware to go for the bait in the trap. top filled with sunflower seeds Unless we have God’s help. behind the trigger. Our little friend reached sell at market value. The bait was the idea of a I still have my weaknesses. But I know God OVER the trigger (a flat plate to be stepped on) substantial profit. Wisdom told me that this was has been merciful to me and helped me over- and ate all the seeds. The next night he knocked not a good idea, but I let my desire to make a come one thorn that has prevented me from over the trap and went into the trap, on its side, profit get in the way of a sound decision. The reaching my potential and caused me to hurt a and ate the seeds. We finally wedged the trap bait looked really good. From the outside of the great amount of people. But, even now, I know under a bench and pushed the seeds halfway trap, at least. I have to be careful. Satan is like one of his under the trigger so he would have to walk on it As anyone not living under a rock knows, two favorite sons, Nimrod, the great hunter. Always to get to all the seeds. I went out Friday morn- years ago was the bust of the housing bubble. I setting traps. ing and there he was. Our little raccoon. He had bought in right before it burst. Now that bait dug all around the trap, tying to get to the seeds. doesn’t look so good, sitting on a house that I Please keep in mind that we have set up an email dis- He tunneled under it, went at the back, and I may be able to sell for what I put into it. Not cussion group. You can check out our home page at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/COG_email_ suppose finally went inside. counting the interest I have spent to hold it for discussion_group/ for information about our group The point is we had inadvertently created a two years. HWA told us to simplify our lives. and a preview of some of the discussions and topics we temptation for him by putting out the birdseed. Flipping houses is not simplifying your life. have covered. If you have any questions you can email He learned that he could come into the yard and Working for an adequate wage, making ends me at the address below, or, if you want to join, just get food easier than hunting for it in the wild. meet, is simplifying your life. click the button at the upper right of our home page.

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

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By Art Mokarow P.O. Box 1197 • Montgomery, TX 77356 • [email protected] • www.GodsPuzzleSolved.com

ver the years some amazing and wonder- God called the light Day, and the darkness he ful discoveries have been found through called Night. And the evening and the morning Art Mokarow is the former Director of Ministerial Training science. The world is no longer flat, but were the first day” (Genesis 1:5). for the Worldwide Church of God and taught Pastoral the universe might be. Cosmology has Now you know why God starts His day at night Administration at Ambassador College. Art is author of conjectured many shapes to this curtain rather than at dawn at the first light. The new earth more than 35 books about the Bible, with more than OGod calls the “universe.” started in darkness first, and then light or day fol- 800,000 orders in 85 countries. He holds a Ph.D. in Coun- Some cosmologists (who study the universe) lowed it. God called the light or day good for a seling from Pacific States University in California. believe they have found another universe, a dupli- very good reason which in turn made the night Presently, he is a Co-Chairman with the Association of Biblical Studies. All Bible references are from the Webster cate of ours. What they have discovered is God’s “dark” which is the absence of good. Bible (WEB). Third Heaven, where He dwells. The New Earth started with darkness All are familiar with the but concludes in the light. God actually movie called Star Wars and its created the earth, which was originally in him: but you know him: for he dwells with you, sequences. The spaceships travel darkness, to be full of life, which needs and shall be in you” (John 14:16-17). at warp speed. Warp speed the light to exist. It wasn’t until the God’s very Holy Spirit brings truth to light just occurs by being caught into one fourth day that God created other stars as God’s “word” made the light through this spir- of the holes or dips in the flat (suns) and planets (Genesis 1:14-18). it. Until the light came which was good, the earth garment of the universe. As one These two great lights, the sun and was in darkness or was without the good much plunges into these holes, the moon, were to rule over the universe. It like a black hole. downward pull causes gravity. was the day or light of the day which was From this perfect beginning in The Garden of This gravity becomes so intense good (according to God). The moon Eden, it was the first earthly house where God it warps the unraveled cloth so a itself, giving off some light during the dwelt. God said everything was very good (Gen- force or a light cannot escape night, is part of The Mystery of God. esis 1:31). All in The Garden had God’s Holiness this powerful downward pull. God declares, “For the invisible [spiritu- or goodness and was offered eternal life through Science calls such distortions in al] things of him [God] from the cre- The Tree of Life. the universe black holes. Art Mokarow ation of the world are clearly seen, Adam and Eve had free choice to eat of The Tree being understood by the things that are of Life and live forever in God’s “rest,” His The Event Horizon made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so “house.” But they chose The Tree of Good and At the entrance of a black hole is a rim. From its that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). Evil. Since day is light and night is darkness, with rim this hole proceeds downward just like looking God gives you the answer to The Mystery of the moon giving some light, they could be either into a cup. The rim of this cup is known as an event horizon. It is at this event horizon that other objects are caught and absorbed into the cup, being ■ New free book this fall: THE MYSTERY OF GOD ■ pulled inward with increasing force. They achieve warp speed where they cannot overcome this gravity to escape. No “matter” can escape a black Discover the Two Mysteries of God and of Satan. How do they hole. Stars which disappear when trapped are gone. relate to our world, and how do God’s Mysteries save us? They have been fully absorbed. Some scientific findings are believed to have found the reverse. Some cosmologists believe there Send to: Art Mokarow Your name and address: are also white holes. Instead of absorbing light, P.O. Box 1197 they give off light, and at their event horizons Montgomery, TX 77356 they catapult outward at intense warp speed. In [email protected] some cases faster than the speed of light. www.GodsPuzzleSolved.com Your Email: In the Beginning God’s Spirit looked upon a new earth filled with God. It is revealed by observing His creation, the good or evil. The sun is light and therefore good- water and darkness. As it moved over the dark- entire universe. ness. The darkness at night is the absence of good ness, “God said, Let there be light and there was or evil and with the moon giving some light it can Spiritual Revelation light” (Genesis 1:3). What might have been a be both good and evil. black hole was now receiving light from God, It is by God’s “word” and the power of God’s Through God’s creation, He is manifesting the which possibly was a white hole. God’s “very Holy Spirit that you can resolve the question of goodness, the light, as the sun with the moon giv- what is good and what ing some light through goodness, which can be a is evil. God said good- combination of good or evil. God’s goodness from Now you know why God starts His day at night ness is light and dark- the beginning has been declared. The Psalm of David rather than at dawn. The new earth started in ness is the absence of sings His praises. Through a song the praises of God good. Light is holy and reveal The Gospel of God’s creation (Psalm 19:1-4). darkness first, and then light or day followed it. sin is darkness. The The sun is the light. The moon then reflects some world begins in dark- light or goodness even at night in the darkness to ness or sin but ended in see and you have both good and evil. The Two word,” which became Christ, was able to give off goodness, God’s goodness or righteousness. This Mysteries from the beginning were known. Adam light to this new earth (John 1:1-5). holiness is achieved by God’s Holy Spirit, which and Eve chose The Tree of Good and Evil and reject- Then for an amazing, wonderful statement: reveals the light of the truth, “And I will pray ed God’s goodness, The Tree of Life. At this point “And God saw the light, that it was good: and the Father, and he shall give you another you are ready to read prophecy, which is history in God divided the light from the darkness” Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; advance, of the resolution of these two mysteries, (Genesis 1:4). A division was made between the Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot one of God and the other of Satan who deceived Eve, good light and called the darkness night, “And receive, because it sees him not, neither knows The Mother of All—The Queen of Heaven.

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If you want to view the current “Edifying May 2—Lessons From Job, by Melodee July 25—Engraved on the Palm of His Hand, the Body” article, go to the Web site and Overton by Martha McIver click the prominent “Edifying the Body” May 9—Moms Are Special People, by Pam August 1—Covetousness: What’s the Anti- icon on the home page. Havir dote?, by Bernie Monsalvo If you want to view previous articles, go to May 16—Sometimes It’s Hard to Be a Friend, the “Publication” section and click the prom- by Martha McIver August 8—Disfellowshippers Should Take a inent “Edifying the Body” icon on that page. Break, by Dixon Cartwright May 23—Iron Sharpens Iron, by Gerald Gill Here is listing of the titles of the articles on May 30—Here’s a Point to Ponder: Promote August 15—A “Crisis of Conscience” Opens the section of the Web site called “Edifying Peace, by Reg Killingley Eyes, by Dave Havir the Body.” June 6—What’s Next When the Formula in March 14—Overwhelmed With Love, by August 22—An Attitude of Gratitude, by Matthew 18 Doesn’t Work?, by Dixon Jeanine Case Jeanine Case Cartwright March 21—Jesus and the Temple in Jeru- June 13—On Being a Mother, by Martha August 29—Only God Knows the Tares from salem, by Bernie Monsalvo McIver the Wheat, by Neil McIver March 28—Overcoming a Root of Bitterness, June 20—The Blessing of Godly Fathers, by September 5—Has God Dealt Well with by David Maas Pam Havir You?, by Bernie Monsalvo April 4—The Power of Forgiveness, by June 27—Sharing Some Pearls From the September 12—Circulate, Don’t Coagulate, Michele Mischnick Bible, by Loren Edelbach by David Maas April 11—The Angel of Goliad, by Stan West July 4—The Fourth of July in Thailand, by September 19—Rough Roads and Rivers to April 18—Jesus and “Believing Thomas,” by Nathan Kimmons Refugees, by Nathan Kimmons Bernie Monsalvo July 11—It’s About Time, by Betty Foster April 25—What’s on Your Menu?, by Reg July 18—But Will You Love Me Tomorrow?, September 26—The Journal’s First Grand- Killingley by David Maas child Arrives, by Dave Havir

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This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL Issue No. 124 (Print date Sept. 29, 2009) ★ ★ ★ THIS PAGE CONTAINS PAID ADVERTISING ★ ★ ★ 25 The Two Leavened Wave Loaves: Firstfruits unto the LORD

There is a belief that leaven almost always pictures sin, and that, therefore, the Two Wave Loaves of Leviticus 23 have sin. Is this true?

few years back, I looked into the subject of rest of the offering? If leaven pictured sin, Harvest was waved on the Morrow, of the Sab- the Leavened Loaves with the belief that wouldn’t these offerings be blemished? bath, during the Seven Days of Unleavened Bread Athe waving of the Two Wave Loaves (First- (NOTE: Green’s Interlinear made a mistake to be accepted for the Children of Israel, so Christ fruits unto the LORD) pictures the resurrection of when translating “leavened” in Lev 7:13. They rose after His resurrection to be accepted for us the Firstfruits, the Bride. I considered the follow- put Strong’s number for unleavened over the on the Morrow of the Sabbath (John 20:1-17-23). ing scriptures: Hebrew word chamets/ leavened and put unleav- Similarly, Fifty Days later, the Two Wave Loaves, ened instead of leavened. This is easy to prove by the Firstfruits unto the LORD, are waved (along Rev 19:6-9: And I heard as it were the voice of a great mul- simply comparing the Hebrew characters in verse with an Offering Made by Fire, a Sin Offering and titude and as the voice of many waters and as the voice of 13 with those in verse 12 . . . they are different. a Sacrifice of Peace Offering) picturing the future mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the LORD GOD Then compare the Hebrew characters in verse 13 raising-up of the Bride of Christ. omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give honor with those in Lev 23:17 regarding the two wave Presently, I believe that the Firstfruit of Barley to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come and His Wife loaves, “they shall be baked with leaven” ... the pictures Christ, First/ Principal of the Firstfruits, has made herself ready. And to her was granted that she characters are the same. King James, New King the Firstborn of many brethren; and that the should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and shining: for the fine James, Strong’s and Young’s concordances all Firstfruits of Wheat picture the Bride: that Christ linen is the righteousness of saints. And he said unto me, translate Lev 7:13 “leavened.” Brown-Driver- Jesus is the First Harvest (of three harvests), dur- “Write, Blessed are they that are called unto the marriage Briggs Lexicon supports this.) ing the Feast of Unleavened Bread; and that the supper of the Lamb.” And he said unto me, “These are the Bride is the Second Harvest, on the Day of the true sayings of GOD.” I came to believe that leaven rarely pictures sin: that it can actually be used to picture GOD’s Firstfruits / the Day of the Fiftieth. The Fifty-Day Rev 14:1-5: And I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on the Count unites the Bride with the Groom! (Many of Mount Zion, and with Him a hundred forty-four thousand Holy Spirit working (Matt 13:33, Luke 13:20-21). There are only eight days out of the whole year in us assume that the 144,000, the Firstfruits unto having His Father’s name written in their foreheads. And I God and to the Lamb, are also the Bride.) heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters and as which we are commanded to eat unleavened the voice of a great thunder, and I heard the voice of harpers bread; and during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, it is the Bread of Affliction that is emphasized: Lev 23:15-21: “And you shall count unto you from the harping with their harps: and they sang as it were a new song Morrow after the Sabbath, from the Day that you brought before the throne and before the four living creatures and the Deut 16:3: You shall eat no leavened bread with it (a the Sheaf/Omer of the Wave Offering, Seven Sabbaths shall elders; and no man could learn that song but the hundred be complete: even unto the Morrow after the Seventh forty-four thousand that were purchased from the earth. passover sacrifice). Seven days shall you eat unleavened bread therewith, the Bread of Affliction, for you came forth out Sabbath shall you number Fifty Days: and you shall offer a These are they that were not defiled with women for they New Meal Offering unto the LORD. You shall bring out of are virgins. These are they that follow the Lamb whitherso- of the land of Egypt in haste that you shall Remember the Day when you came forth out of the land of Egypt all your habitations Two Wave Loaves of two tenth deals: they ever HE goes. These were purchased from among men, the the days of your life. shall be of fine flour, they shall be baked with leaven: the Firstfruits unto GOD and to the Lamb. And in their Firstfruits unto the LORD. mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault Ex 23:18 and 34:25 say, “You shall not offer the blood of My sacrifice with leavened bread/leaven.” I believe this is “And you shall offer with the Bread, seven lambs without before the throne of GOD. speaking of the Feast of Unleavened Bread or blemish of the first year and one young bullock and two rams: Ephesians 5:25-27: Christ also loved the church and gave Feast of the Passover that begins on the fifteenth they shall be a Burnt Offering unto the LORD with their meal Himself for it that HE might sanctify and cleanse it with the day of the first month (Lev 23:6) detailed in Deut offering and their drink offerings: an Offering Made by washing of water by the Word: that HE might present it to 16:1-8. This passover sacrifice is different from Fire, of sweet savor unto the LORD. Then you shall sacrifice Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or the LORD’s Passover that was killed at twilight at one hairy goat for a Sin Offering and two lambs of the first any such thing, but that it should be holy and without the beginning of the fourteenth day of the first year for a Sacrifice of Peace Offerings: And the priest blemish. month (Lev 23:5). This passover was sacrificed, shall wave them with the Bread of the Firstfruits, a The Bride is arrayed in fine linen, clean and shin- Deut 16:6, “at even (sunset), at the season (appointed Wave Offering before the LORD with the two lambs: ing! And she, spiritually speaking, is a virgin and time) that you came forth out of Egypt.” Num 33:3, “And they they shall be holy to the LORD for the Priest. without fault, through the sacrifice of Christ! So I departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth “And you shall proclaim on the selfsame day, it is a holy believed that leaven could not picture sin in this day of the first month; on the morrow after the Passover the convocation unto you: you shall do no servile work: a statute instance. I considered the following scriptures: children of Israel went out.” (There is a study, “The forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.” Passover of Deuteronomy 16”, in the Feb. 28, Ex 34:22: “And you shall observe the Feast of Weeks, of Matt 13:33: Another parable HE spoke unto them, “The 2003 issue of The Journal, with more input.) the Firstfruits of Wheat Harvest.” Kingdom of Heaven is like unto leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of meal: till the whole was leav- Also, as you can see in the above verse and the A recent discovery is a correct translation of ened.” following verses, coming out of Egypt is stressed, Exodus 12:15. Young’s Analytical Concordance shows that “shall put away” is shabath, meaning, Luke 13:20-21: And again HE said, “Whereunto shall I liken out of the House of Bondage, and thus out of Sin, the Kingdom of GOD? It is like leaven that a woman took and out of the world: to cause to rest or keep Sabbath; Strong’s number hid in three measures of meal: till the whole was leavened.” 7673, rest, interruption, cessation. The emphasis Ex 13:3-4: And Moses said unto the people, “Remember appears to be on ceasing to cause or to make Matt 16:6-12: Then Jesus said unto them, “Take heed and this Day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees leaven rather than putting it out. Rather than, House of Bondage, for by strength of hand, the LORD “even the first day you shall put away leaven out ... How is it that you do not understand that I spoke not to brought you out from there. There shall no leavened you concerning bread, that you should beware of the leaven of your houses”, The Interlinear Bible by Green bread be eaten. This day came you out in the month/new translates this verse, of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?” Then they under- moon of the abib.” stood how that HE bade not beware of the leaven of Deut 4:35-37: Unto you it was shown that you might know “Indeed, on the first day you shall cease to cause leaven bread: but beware of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of that the LORD,HE is GOD, none else is beside Him. Out of from your houses . . . ” the Sadducees. heaven, HE made you to hear His voice that HE might This continues to be a wonderful adventure in Matthew 13:33 and Luke 13:20-21 show leav- instruct you; and upon earth HE showed you His great fire, and you heard His words out of the midst of the fire. And the Word of GOD! I have come to realize that leav- ening as a positive force . . . quite possibly GOD’s en and the leavening process seldom pictures sin. because HE loved your fathers, therefore HE chose their seed Holy Spirit. And Matthew 16:6-12 shows that A leavened loaf of wheat is beautiful. Leaven- Jesus bade them not beware of the leaven of after them and brought you out in His sight with His mighty power out of Egypt. ing /fermenting is a process that causes the prod- bread. As I continued searching, I learned more: uct to be more nutritious and have longer life! Deut 5:6-7, 15: “I am the LORD, your GOD, who brought Lev 2:11-12: “No Meal Offering that you shall bring unto you out of the land of Egypt, from the House of GOD has provided seven weeks (spiritually speak- ing) for the Bride to reap and gather fruit unto the LORD shall be made with leaven: for you shall burn no Bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me ... And Eternal Life! leaven or any honey in any Offering of the LORD Made by remember that you were a servant in the land of Egypt, Fire. As for the Oblation/Offering of the Firstfruits, you and the LORD, your GOD, brought you out thence through John 4:34-38: Jesus said unto them, “My meat is to do the shall offer them unto the LORD: but they shall not be a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD, will of Him that sent Me and to finish His Work. Say you not burnt on the altar for a sweet savor.” your GOD, commanded you to keep the Sabbath Day.” there are yet four months and comes harvest? Behold, I say Lev 7:11-13: “This is the law of the Sacrifice of Peace Heb 11:24-27: By faith, Moses, when he was come to years, unto you, Lift up your eyes and look on the fields, for they are Offerings which he shall offer unto the LORD. If he offer it refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing white already to harvest. And he that is reaping receives for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the Sacrifice of rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to wages and is gathering fruit unto Life Eternal that both HE Thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil and unleav- enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, esteeming the that is sowing and he that is reaping may rejoice together! ened wafers anointed with oil and cakes mingled with oil, of reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: And herein is that saying true; ONE is sowing and anoth- fine flour, fried. Besides the cakes, he shall offer his offer- for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By er is reaping. I sent you to reap that whereon you bestowed ing leavened bread with the Sacrifice of Thanksgiving of faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king, no labor. OTHERS labored and you are entered into Their his Peace Offerings.” for he endured as seeing Him Who is invisible. labors!” (John 5:17: Jesus answered them, “My Father works Rev 11:7-8: And when the two witnesses shall have finished hitherto, and I work.”) As you can see, the Two Wave Loaves are not to their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless be burned for you are not to burn leaven; and an Psalm 79:9,13: Help us, O GOD of our Salvation, for the pit shall make war against them and shall overcome them and glory of Thy name; and deliver us and purge away our sins for Offering of Firstfruits can contain leaven for it is kill them. And their dead bodies shall be in the street of the not to be burned. Part of the law of the Sacrifice Thy name’s sake . . . So we, Thy People and Sheep of Thy great city that spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, Pasture, will give Thee thanks forever; we will show forth of Peace Offerings was that leavened bread was where also our Lord was crucified. to be offered with the Sacrifice of Thanksgiving. Thy praise to all generations. There is no indication in these verses that leav- So I continue to believe that the Two Wave Psalm 95:6-7: O come, let us worship and bow down: let us ened bread pictures sin. Is one to offer sin in their Loaves picture the Bride, the Firstfruits unto God kneel before the ETERNAL, our Maker: for HE is our GOD, and offering? The sacrificial animals are to be without and to the Lamb, and she is without sin. As the we are the People of His Pasture and the Sheep of His Hand. blemish (Lev 1:3, 10, etc.), doesn’t that go for the Sheaf/ Omer of the Firstfruits / the Principal of —G. Joan Henderson (425-778-2087)

This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL 26 ★ ★ ★ THIS PAGE CONTAINS PAID ADVERTISING ★ ★ ★ (Print date Sept. 29, 2009) Issue No. 124 An answer to the question ‘Who is the God of the Old Testament?’

n an advertisement in the May who created the heavens and the matter is that the idea of exis- not through a second person in a 2009 The Journal, page 19, earth and did all the speaking in tence before birth comes to us trinity or godhead, not through a I the answer to the question Old Testament time, there would from the Roman Catholic Trini- second God, or a spokesman! Not ‘Who is the God of the Old be no need for another God, the tarian teaching which claims that until the WORD of God became the Testament?’ was that: “From all Father (God would, and probably the second person of the Trinity, SON of God, 2000 years ago, was past eternity there were two God is asking: “If then I am a Father, the Son of God, Jesus, existed the ONE God Family established, Persons who are God the Father where is my honor?”). But the from all eternity. This false now consisting of God the Father, and his Son Jesus.” This is the sin- universe and the world did not premise has its roots in the the firstborn Son of God—Jesus, cere, but mistaken, belief and have their beginning with the Son mythological beliefs of the immor- and many begotten children who teaching of Messrs. Roderick but with the Father. Much of the tality of the soul and in incar- will be born again by a resurrec- Meredith, Henk Jens and others. Old Testament is prophecies that nation and reincarnation. tion, just as our example, our First of all, let’s establish the fact look forward to the most impor- Here are a few questions we elder brother, was. that this two-God teaching was the tant event in human history: the need to ask: If Jesus, as the Son That leaves us with the scrip- teaching of Herbert W. Armstrong birth of the Son of God—Jesus. of God, already existed in O.T. tures that are used to support a and the pre-1995 Worldwide Why make a big deal about the time, what happened 2000 years “two God” model of God in O.T. Church of God. Apart from that, birth of Jesus when he already ago when he was born as the Son time. Unfortunately, as long as there is little in recorded history existed throughout Old Testament of God? Was he born only as the someone’s foundational, unalterable that would support a “two God” time? Why was he hidden away son of man? Is not birth, at least paradigm is that Jesus existed doctrine of the nature of God. Such throughout Old Testament time? according to the natural, created before he was born (an oxymoron), a teaching must be rejected if, for Why is there no “Jesus,” no “Son order, always a beginning, just as these scriptures will support one’s no other reason, that it constitutes of God,” no “God the Father” in death is always an end? What (false) understanding of TWO Gods. polytheism, a problem God O.T. time? For the simple reason about the fact that God is the Not until someone, as a minimum, Almighty had with his chosen that Jesus, the Son of God, was father of Jesus and Mary is the can consider the possibility that nation Israel from the beginning not yet born; God was not yet a mother of Jesus; must not there- Jesus truly and literally became (Ex 32). Over and over He had to father and therefore there was not fore God be the legal husband of the Son of God 2000 years ago can remind them that, “I am the LORD, yet a God Family. Mary, and Mary the legal wife of and will these same scriptures sup- and there is no other.” “And (that) We need to ask here: Where God? How can anyone continue to port a ONE God understanding of there is no other god besides me does the idea of existence before teach that it was Jesus who mar- God in O.T. time. What makes a (not us), a righteous God and birth come from? I am obviously ried Israel when Israel/Mary was change, from a “two God” to a “one Savior; there is none beside me familiar with the individual Bible the wife of his father? God” understanding of God, so diffi- (that means there is only ONE God). verses that are used to support Let it be known that, from all cult are not the scriptures, but tra- If this would be Jesus speaking this idea. But Bible verses are sub- eternity and throughout Old dition, organizational considera- (which it is not) then there would ject to (human) interpretation, and Testament time, there was only tions, and pride. Fortunately, “with be another God beside him! every verse can and is being inter- ONE God Being who created and God all things are possible.” Aside from that, let’s apply preted in more than one way, spoke the universe into existence For answers to “two God” (so some logic to this whole issue. If depending on the paradigm one is through and by the power of His called) proof texts, contact me at indeed it would have been Jesus coming from. The fact of the living Word. Not through Jesus, one of the addresses below.

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 Issue No. 136 (Print date Sept. 29, 2009) THE JOURNAL 27 Attorney’s opinion states UCG actually encourages bloc voting Continued from page 1 NAL perceives a bit of confusion in the authorized by section 7.5.4 of the selves do not prohibit bloc voting. That article indirectly quotes a UCG Internet forums separate from the offi- UCG’s discussions of that subject. church’s bylaws, could prohibit bloc “Before previous GCE meetings, elder, who was at that time a council cial one for elders that began in 1995, UCG leaders and other elders have voting for candidates if it chose to. the council has issued letters to the member, as saying the problem with the council concluded there was noth- made statements on the official elders’ He said this even though the same ministry instructing them not to partic- bloc voting is that it makes a mockery ing inherently wrong with ministers forum that soundly condemn the prac- memo strongly implies there is noth- ipate in bloc voting,” Mr. Ashley said. of the concept of seeking God’s Spirit participating in, and even setting up tice of bloc voting, which by defini- ing intrinsically unethical about any But there is nothing in the bylaws to guide elders’ decisions. and coordinating, unofficial discussion tion is the practice of voters influenc- kind of bloc voting. groups as long as participants’ conduct ing each other to cast their ballots for Attorney Darden wrote that, even does not violate ethical standards. or against the same person or issue. though bloc voting isn’t inherently In a 31-page report called “An- Yet a careful reading of the UCG’s unethical, the council is within its swers to Key Questions About Private own materials reveals that the church’s rights when it prohibits it. He wrote: Discussion Groups” dated July 28, attorney, Larry Darden, in an April 12, “The prohibition on ‘bloc voting’ in 2009, the council announced it has 2007, legal opinion, signed off on the the nomination and election of Coun- found nothing ethically amiss about bloc-voting concept, concluding there cil members by Council resolution private discussions among elders, is nothing wrong with it. pursuant to their authority to do so even if they are organized and occur “Elder attempts to both initiate and under Bylaw 7.5.4 was appropriate.” on the Internet. influence other GCE [general confer- Mr. Darden didn’t say why the The report referred to council mem- ence of elders] members to ballot a “prohibition” was “appropriate,” but ber Paul Kieffer, who had set up an certain way on ballot issues of interest he mentioned bylaw 7.5.4. So THE ongoing alternate Internet discussion to the GCE is permissible and even JOURNAL looked up the bylaw. encouraged by the UCG Bylaws,” Mr. that he called the Leadership Infor- 233 words mation for Elders (LIFE) forum. Darden wrote. CURRENT COUNCIL—This is the council of elders of the United Church of God. Front row, In the LIFE forum’s “guidelines,” That statement, taken at face value, This writer was taken aback for a from left: Aaron Dean, Jim Franks, Roy Holladay, Paul Kieffer, William Eddington, Bob Berendt. Mr. Kieffer had written: is obviously speaking of bloc voting moment because the 233 words of the Back row: Darris McNeely, Doug Horchak, Melvin Rhodes, Scott Ashley, Robin Webber, Victor “The Leadership Information For and clearly states it is not only permis- bylaw seem to say nothing about bloc Kubik. [Photo by Peter Eddington, © 2009 United Church of God an International Association] Elders (LIFE) Forum is a ‘principle sible but is supported by the church’s voting. centered forum,’a tool for elders inter- bylaws. It talks about the use of printed against bloc voting in the UCG min- Another council member agreed, ballots for nominations and elections. istry, is there? stating that attempts to influence a fel- ested in communicating on issues Two kinds related to our church slogan, ‘Preach- It mentions that ballots must be “To my knowledge, there’s never low elder break the spirit of proper ing the Word, Preparing a People.’ ” Mr. Darden did go on to imply, signed. It emphasizes that the winner been one definitive statement of poli- balloting. however, that there is more than one of an election must attract more vot- cy on bloc voting,” he said. But other council members, men- Why the need? tioned in the same article, made the Why do some UCG elders feel the point that no one seems to be clear on need to participate in conversations ‘The Ministerial Code of Ethics does not contain any proviso what can acceptably be discussed be- apart from the official elders’ forum? fore balloting and that bloc voting needs For one thing, unofficial forums can which would make the participation with other elders in “bloc to be defined, and if it’s wrong some- write rules that are different from the voting” on a particular issue unethical,’ Mr. Darden wrote. body needs to explain why it is wrong. official forum’s. For example, the This writer and UCG elder Ellis LIFE forum (which shut down in early Stewart of Big Sandy discussed bloc 2008) allowed kind of bloc voting: good and bad. ers than a loser. “Obviously most of us would view, voting in an article in the April 30, elders’ wives, The good kind helps to decide “is- The last sentence of the bylaw, quote, political, unquote, moves to get 2008, issue titled “Should the UCG’s not just elders, sues.” The bad kind selects “nominees however, does veer off into murky certain people on or off the council as Headquarters Move to Texas? UCG to participate. or candidates.” prose that sounds suspiciously as if a being wrong and unethical. Elder Offers His Opinion on Move Another pos- Elders may discuss among them- lawyer had written it: “But on some issues, like the relo- and GCE.” sibility: The of- selves, even attempt to influence each “The Council shall prescribe such cation to Texas, how do you bloc-vote Bloc voting also came up in anoth- ficial forum al- other, before votes that decide issues, other procedures as are reasonably ne- on a yes-or-no issue? You’re either for er JOURNAL interview with Mr. lows no discus- but are directed not to do so when it cessary to insure the integrity of ballot- it or you’re not, or you choose not to Stewart, “UCG Elder Reports on sion of church comes to selecting who should occupy ing with respect to the nomination and vote at all.” Recent General Conference,” in the doctrine. An un- the 12 seats of the council of elders. election of elders for the Council.” Mr. Ashley indicated he had read May 31, 2009, issue. official forum, About deciding issues, Mr. Darden Could that last sentence create a THE JOURNAL’s analyses of bloc voting THE JOURNAL has offered the opinion assuming it con- was quite specific, even though he no- loophole just large enough to invite in past issues. that bloc voting happens any time two ducts its busi- where explained why one kind of bloc council members to define bloc voting “And, frankly,” he told this writer, voters discuss an issue or candidate ness ethically Scott Ashley voting is good and another is bad. as a serious unethical practice? “I thought your analysis of bloc voting and then vote the same way. Therefore, and politely, “The Ministerial Code of Ethics does was brilliant.” at least in a technical sense, it is as not contain any proviso which would All kinds of statements much a proper part of the democratic could discuss doctrine. Earlier articles Mr. Kieffer stated that the LIFE make the participation with other That seemed like quite a stretch. So process—which the UCG chose to forum had conducted itself honorably elders in ‘bloc voting’ on a particular THE JOURNAL contacted a council elder, THE JOURNAL appreciates the com- embrace in 1995—as balloting itself. and ethically and, in fact, had never issue unethical,” he wrote. Scott Ashley of Arvada, Colo., to ask pliment. Mr. Ashley was apparently In a democracy—whether it’s a even participated in “bloc voting.” him if the council had enacted a rule, referring to an article—more or less an church or a country—it is impossible Appropriate prohibition maybe written up as a policy state- opinion piece—in the Feb. 29, 2008, and ill-advised to try to outlaw bloc Bloc voting? However, the same memo from Mr. ment, that the church’s elders must issue titled “UCG Council Worries voting or to pretend it does not rou- Speaking of bloc voting, THE JOUR- Darden implied that the council, heed, even though the bylaws them- About Blocs of Balloters.” tinely occur in every election. More letters from our readers

Continued from page 4 Bible says the parable is “a parable- Lazarus is the Greek word from the been a faithful remnant. tribes of Israel had Moses and the who do not know Christ and who story without any historical basis.” Hebrew word Eleazar, which is the The point is that Jesus came to be a prophets. They never listened. refuse to obey Him. Not! name in Genesis of Abraham’s be- light to the gentiles as well as the Then, most interesting, the rich Both died, but Lazarus rises in the I can’t take credit for the following loved senior servant who found the Jews. Salvation was now possible to man says: first resurrection. The rich man, who explanation because I heard it else- bride for Isaac. This is third-grade the gentiles as well as to God’s be- “Ah, no, father Abraham, but if was an Israelite and an acquaintance where. Like every other parable of the knowledge for any Pharisee or Jewish loved Jewish people. someone comes to them from the of Lazarus, rises in the second resur- Bible, it’s a lot deeper than we give it student of the Bible of the time. After death in the judgment, the dead they will repent.” rection to judgment (John 5:29). credit for. Eleazar was a gentile. The Phari- rich man is in torments in the flames. Abraham shakes his head and With time running out and the Ge- When are we in the COGs going to sees utterly despised the gentiles and “Cool my tongue” is a colloquialism replies: henna fire spreading over the earth, stop reading the Bible like a third- associated them with dogs. The dogs meaning he is scared speechless when “If they will not listen to Moses or ready to engulf it, he makes his last grade storybook like the rest of the licked the sores of Lazarus; i.e., he sees his impending punishment. to the prophets, they will not be con- appeal through an acquaintance, not Protestants? Come on! The Bible was Eleazar. He is unable to cross over the gulf vinced even if someone should rise through Christ, for his family, while written by brilliant men who intended The gentiles had no share in the to be with Abraham and his servant from the dead.” seemingly resigned to his fate as a the readership to at least read on an riches of Israel, not even the crumbs Eleazar. This is a veiled prediction from condemned man. adult level. that fell from the table. He begs Abraham: “Father [as Jesus that Judah as a whole would not His request is to see his family be convinced to repent even after God saved though he rejects God’s salva- raised Him, Jesus, from the dead. tion himself. ‘ “Cool my tongue” was a colloquialism John Sash Therefore he is in torment because Eldon, Mo. it is the very end, the time of final sen- meaning he was scared speechless when Digital painting tencing. If he continues refusing to Here is a digital oil painting I did of bow to Christ, the fire will make him he saw his impending punishment.’ Mr. Armstrong. bow in the second death. Some will It’s meant to be go down weeping, others gnashing enlarged to at with their teeth. Here’s what the parable is about: Upon his death, Lazarus (Eleazar) Abraham in fact was to Judah], send least your screen Ned Dancuo Jesus is in the midst of a confronta- is in Abraham’s embrace. Lazarus [Abraham’s gentile servant] size, or zoomed Stoney Creek, Ont., Canada tion with the Pharisees. He has just Judah had all the riches of the to my father’s house, since I have five to 200 percent, said (Luke 14) that in the great ban- Torah and God’s favor. Judah was brothers, to give them warning.” The parable of Eleazar and Judah then printed and/ quet of the Kingdom the poor and the rich man. Throughout the history Details are important in the Bible. or framed after John Veal in a letter to the editor a humble would be invited after those of the Old Testament and throughout They’re not trivial. Of all the person- while back (September-December, enlargement. who had been first invited had spurned Jesus’ ministry, the leaders of Judah ages of the Bible, only Judah had five Geoff Neilson 2008, THE JOURNAL) expressed frustra- the invitation. repeatedly rejected God and went brothers and could call Abraham his tion about the parable of Lazarus and The Pharisees hate Him and want into idolatry. That’s why God sent father. Cape Town, the rich man and asked, “Is there any- His blood. them into captivity both in 585 B.C. Abraham replies: “They have Moses South Africa one out there who can shed some light He then gives the parable of Laza- and A.D. 70. and the prophets. Let them listen to To see more of Mr. Neilson’s digital on this?” I can in a “Dear John” letter. rus and the rich man (Luke 16), aimed I’m not saying all of Judah. Many them.” creations, click on “Photo Gallery” Dear John: The footnote in my at the Pharisees. Jews obeyed God. There has always Again, only Judah and the other at freewebs.com/usa-in-prophecy. 28 THE JOURNAL (Print date Sept. 29, 2009) Issue No. 136 The Journal lists Feast sites for 2009

U.S. SITES CGI, James Pollitte, E-mail: jamespol- Texas—Big Sandy: Church of God Big Bahamas—Christ Church: UCG, (513) Messianic Messages, www.feastgoer. Alabama—Orange Beach: Independent [email protected]. Pennyrile State Park: Sandy, (800) 946-5545, P.O. Box 690, 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. org. (Note dates: Oct. 1-11.) Jeru- group, John Warren, 2150 Catalpa Rd., Church of God Omaha, (712) 764-2752. Big Sandy, Texas 75755, www.churchof- Barbados—Christ Church: UCG, (513) salem: International Christian Embassy Big Sandy, Texas 75755, (903) 636-4470, (Note dates: Oct. 4-12.) godbigsandy.com. Houston: CBCG, 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Christ Jerusalem, www.feastgoer.org. E-mail: [email protected] or Dot Maine—Wells: CBCG, P.O. Box 1442, P.O. Box 1442, Hollister, Calif. 95024, Church: LCG, www.cogl.org. Italy—Sabaudia (South Rome): UCG, Ussery, P.O. Box 1291, Big Sandy, Texas Hollister, Calif. 95024, (831) 637-1875, (831) 637-1875, www.cbcg.org. Belgium—Butgenbach: RCG, P.O. Box (513) 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. 75755, (903) 636-4364, E-mail: www.cbcg.org. Ivory Coast—La Me: UCG, (513) 576- [email protected]. Maryland—Baltimore: CGI and Destiny 9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Arizona—Prescott: Sabbath Keepers of of Hope Ministries, www.cgi.org. Jamaica—Montego Bay: LCG, Arizona Our Father’s Festival, www. Michigan—Eaton Rapids: Assembly of www.cogl.org. Ocho Rios: CGI, Ian ourfathersfestival.net. (Note dates: Oct. Yahweh, (517) 543-9417, E-mail: bob- Boyne, phone 1-876-925-2260, 2-12.) Prescott: LCG, www.cogl.org. [email protected] or Theresa@ www.cgi.org. Ocho Rios: UCG, (513) Tucson: Church of God Fellowship, P.O. praiseyah.com. Port Austin: P.O. Box 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. St. Ann: Box 1279, Richland, Wash. 99352, 474, Port Austin, Mich. 48467, (989) RCG, P.O. Box 23295, Wadsworth, Ohio E-mail: [email protected]. Tucson: 738-7700, E-mail: info@ 44282, (330) 334-2266, www.rcg.org. CBCG, P.O. Box 1442, Hollister, Calif. ServantsNews.com. Kenya—Isibania: LCG, www.cogl.org. 95024, (831) 637-1875, www.cbcg.org. Missouri—Branson: UCG, (513) 576- Lake Naivasha: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Arkansas—Conway: Church of God 9796,www.ucg.org/feast. Branson: www.ucg.org/feast. Mombassa: Voice Fellowship, P.O. Box 1279, Richland, LCG, www.cogl.org. Branson: Church in the Wilderness Church of God, Bill Wash. 99352, E-mail: hsmith@ of God, in Truth, E-mail: cogit@flash.net, Goff, (609) 489-1565, E-mail: cgfnw.org. Hot Springs: (501) 352- www.postponements.com. (Note dates: [email protected]. Nyandhiwa: Church 2664, (501) 246-4552, E-mail: Oct. 2-9.)Kimberling/Branson: ICG, of God, in Truth, E-mail: cogitik@yahoo. [email protected]. Shady (903) 561-7070, P.O. Box 1117, Tyler, com.uk. (Note dates: Oct. 2-9.) Lake/Mena: Body of Christ Church Texas 75703, www.intercontinentalcog. Malawi—Lake Malawi: UCG, (513) 576- 7th Day, (479) 216-9446, E-mail: org. Lake of the Ozarks State Park: 9796, www.ucg.org/feast. [email protected]. Way, Truth, Life, (417) 683-1929, www. Malaysia—Penang: LCG, www.cogl.org. California—Carlsbad: Rock Valley waytruthlife.com. Lake of the Ozarks: Penang: RCG, P.O. Box 23295, Christian Church, www.rockvalley United Christian Ministries, P.O. Box Wadsworth, Ohio 44282, (330) 334- christianchurch.org. Escondido: UCG, 608, Roanoke, Ind. 46783, (260) 672- 2266, www.rcg.org. (513) 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. 9800 or (888) 985-9066, E-mail: ucm- Martinique: LCG, www.cogl.org. Hollister: CBCG, P.O. Box 1442, [email protected], www.4ucm.org. Mauritius—Flic-en-Flac: UCG, (513) Hollister, Calif. 95024, (831) 637-1875, Pomona: Church of God Southern 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Missouri, 4333 State Route N, Pomona, Mexico—Acapulco: UCG, (513) 576- www.cbcg.org. Kings Beach: ICG, UNCERTAIN FEAST (903) 561-7070, P.O. Box 1117, Tyler, Mo. 65789, E-mail: [email protected]. —Feast of Tabernacles observers in 2007 ride The 9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Texas 75703. Lake Tahoe: Montana—Bozeman: CBCG, P.O. Box Graceful Ghost steamboat on Caddo Lake, near Uncertain, Texas. [Photo by Huatusco/Veracruz: LCG, www. LifeResource Ministries, Bill Jacobs, 1442, Hollister, Calif. 95024, (831) Dixon Cartwright] cogl.org. (505) 890-6806, P.O. Box 66540, 637-1875, www.cbcg.org. Myanmar (Burma): LCG, www.cogl.org. Albuquerque, N.M. 87913, E-mail: New York—Lake George: RCG, P.O. Box New Guinea—Papua: LCG, [email protected]. Palm Springs: 23295, Wadsworth, Ohio 44282, (330) Kerrville: UCG, (513) 5769796,www. 23295, Wadsworth, Ohio 44282, (330) www.cogl.org. CBCG, P.O. Box 1442, Hollister, Calif. 334-2266, www.rcg.org. ucg.org/feast. Lake Conroe/ 334-2266, www.rcg.org. New Zealand—Orap, Vanuatu: LCG, 95024, (831) 637-1875, www.cbcg.org. New Mexico—Albuquerque: Church of Houston: South Texas Church of God, Bolivia—Cochabamba: UCG, (513) 576- www.cogl.org. Rangiora: RCG, P.O. Box God New Mexico, P.O. Box 35365, 9796, www.ucg.org/feast. 23295, Wadsworth, Ohio 44282, (330) San Diego: Church of the Eternal God, Terry Post, P.O. Box 1089, La Vernia, P.P. Box 270519, San Diego, CA 92198, Albuquerque, N.M. 87106 (505) 889- Brazil—Maloca de Moscou: UCG, (513) 334-2266, www.rcg.org. Taupo: UCG, 2939, E-mail: [email protected]. Texas 78121, (210) 392-4891, E-mail: 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Brazil: (513) 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. www.eternalgod.org. (Note dates: 2- [email protected]. New 10.)Squaw Valley: Guardian New York—Cobleskill: LCG, LCG, www.cogl.org. Taupo: LCG, www.cogl.org. www.cogl.org. Help me plan from Braunfels: LCG, www.cogl.org. San Cameroon—Douala: UCG, (513) 576- Nigeria—Abuja: RCG, P.O. Box 23295, Ministries, P.O. Box 50734, Pasadena, Antonio: Church of God San Antonio, Calif. 91115, www.daveantion.com/ New Your: Responders to a Calling, Al 9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Douala: LCG, Wadsworth, Ohio 44282, (330) 334- Hillmeyer, (518) 584-0766. Julian Cruz, 219 Whitefield, Ave., San www.cogl.org. 2266, www.rcg.org. Nigeria: LCG, feast_of_tabernacles.htm. Antonio, Texas 78223, Ph. (210) 333- Colorado—Colorado Springs: North Carolina—Sunset Beach: LCG, Canada—Red Deer, Alberta: LCG, www.cogl.org. www.cogl.org. 7229, E-mail: [email protected], www.cogl.org. Kelowna, British Philippines—Baguio City: UCG, (513) Churchlight Publishing Association, P.O. churchofgodsa.com. San Antonio: Box 9901, Colorado Springs, Colo. Oklahoma—Ardmore/Lake Murray Columbia: UCG, (513) 576-9796, 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Baguio State Park: Congregation of YHWH, ICG, (903) 561-7070, P.O. Box 1117, www.ucg.org/feast. Victoria, British City: LCG, www.cogl.org. Davao City: 80932, www.churchlight.net. (Note Tyler, Texas 75703, www.intercontinen- dates: Oct. 5-12.) Colorado Springs: www.yahsaves.org. Tulsa: CBCG, P.O. Columbia: CGI, www.cgicanada. UCG, (513) 576-9796, www.ucg.org/ Box 1442, Hollister, Calif. 95024, (831) talcog.org. Waco: CBCG, P.O. Box org/feast.htm. Midland, Ontario: feast. Davao City: LCG, www.cogl.org. Western Region Church of God, Phill 1442, Hollister, Calif. 95024, (831) 637- Dunagan, (505) 286-0995, www.wrcog. 637-1875, www.cbcg.org. Wagoner: UCG, (513) 576-9796, www.ucg. Davao City: RCG, P.O. Box 23295, CGI, Ron Elkins, www.cgi.com, E-mail: 1875, www.cbcg.org. org/feast. Niagara Falls, Ontario: Wadsworth, Ohio 44282, (330) 334- net, E-mail: [email protected]. Utah—Snowbird: RCG, P.O. Box 23295, Colorado Springs: Church of God Big [email protected]. www.cgi.com. St. John’s, New- 2266, www.rcg.org. Don Carlos: LCG, Ohio—Cincinnati: CBCG, P.O. Box 1442, Wadsworth, Ohio 44282, (330) 334- foundland: UCG, (513) 576-9796, www.cogl.org. Iloilo City: UCG, (513) Sandy, P.O. Box 690, Big Sandy, Texas 2266, www.rcg.org. 75755, www.churchofgodbigsandy.com, Hollister, Calif. 95024, (831) 637-1875, www.ucg.org/feast. Halifax, Nova 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Los (800) 946-5545. Colorado Springs: www.cbcg.org. Virginia—Virginia Beach: CBCG, P.O. Scotia: Church of God Halifax, Banos Laguna: RCG, P.O. Box 23295, Colorado Springs Church of God (7th Oregon—Bend: Church of God in Peace Box 1442, Hollister, Calif. 95024, (831) www.feastgoer.org. Charlottetown, Wadsworth, Ohio 44282, (330) 334- Day), 7290 Lexington Dr., Colorado and Truth, P.O. Box 929, Gold Hill, Ore. 637-1875, www.cbcg.org. Prince Edward Island: LCG, 2266, www.rcg.org. Manila: CGI, Springs, Colo. 80918, (719) 578-9818, 97525, [email protected]. Bend- Washington—Port Townsend: CBCG, www.cogl.org. Mont Orford, www.cgi.org. Maranding: LCG, www.cscog7.org. Grand Redmond: UCG, (513) 576-9796, P.O. Box 1442, Hollister, Calif. 95024, Quebec: LCG, www.cogl.org. www.cogl.org. Marangkalan, Capiz Junction/Palisade: Christian Church www.ucg.org/feast. Newport: LCG, (831) 637-1875, www.cbcg.org. Saskatoon,Saskatchewan: UCG, Province: Church of God, in Truth, of God, (866) 202-0748 (toll free), E- www.cogl.org. Sunriver: Sunriver West Virginia—Snowshoe: UCG, (513) (513) 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. E-mail: [email protected]. (Note mail: [email protected], www.ccof- Independent Feast, Bruce Barrett, (831) 576-9796,www.ucg.org/feast. Caribbean cruise: Church of God dates: Oct. 2-9.) god.org. Steamboat Springs: UCG, 427-2275, Steve Moyer, (541) 330-1892, Wisconsin—Portage: The Church of God, Downers Grove, (630) 416-7115, Peru—Carhuaz: RCG, P.O. Box 23295, Pennsylvania—Bushkill: UCG, (513) www.wherecog.org. Wadsworth, Ohio 44282, (330) 334- (513) 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Don Roth, P.O. Box 406, Hustisford, Wis. Florida—Destin: Church of God Big 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Chile—Lican Ray: UCG, (513) 576-9796, 2266, www.rcg.org. El Cusco: LCG, Transfer: Congregation of Yahshuah, 53034, (902) 349-3604, E-mail: www.ucg.org/feast. El Quisco: LCG, www.cogl.org. Huanchaco: UCG, (513) Sandy, P.O. Box 690, Big Sandy, Texas [email protected]. Wisconsin Dells: 75755, www.churchofgodbigsandy.com, E:mail: [email protected] or www.cogl.org. 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. [email protected]. UCG, (513) 576-9796, www.ucg.org/ Congo—Kinshasa: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Philippines—Baguio City: Oring-ao (800) 946-5545. Ft. Walton Beach: feast. Wisconsin Dells: LCG, Christian Educational Ministries, P.O. (Note dates: Oct. 4-12.) www.ucg.org/feast. Hall, Teacher’s Camp, Anna Cardona, Box 560, Whitehouse, Texas 75791, Rhode Island—Newport: The Called www.cogl.org. Wisconsin Dells: Estonia—Saaremaa & Tartu: UCG, (632) 889-1191, sharingvillageone.org, (903) 509-2999. Lantana: Florida Out of God, John Cloud, (781) 291- CBCG, P.O. Box 1442, Hollister, Calif. (513) 576-9796. Church of God Sharing Village. Christian Church of God, (561) 547- 1792, E-mail: [email protected]. 95024, (831) 637-1875, www.cbcg.org. France—Portbail, Normandy: UCG, Puerto Rico—Fajardo: RCG, P.O. Box 4952, E-mail: [email protected]. (Note 23295, Wadsworth, Ohio 44282, (330) dates: Oct. 4-12.) Navarre/Navarre 334-2266, www.rcg.org. Beach: CBCG, P.O. Box 1442, Hollister, Rwanda—Muhazi: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Calif. 95024, (831) 637-1875, www. These are the Feast of Tabernacles The listing abbreviates the Church of local Feast contact. www.ucg.org/feast. cbcg.org. Panama City Beach: sites for 2009 THE JOURNAL was aware of God an International Community (CGIC), Attendance policies: Most of the South Africa—George: UCG, (513) 576- Belleville Church of God, Al Buchanan, at press time. Information for the listing Pasadena, Calif.; Church of God Inter- Feast sites listed here have an open 9796, www.ucg.org/feast. George: LCG, www.cogl.org. Glentana: LCG, (618) 288-4529, E-mail: albuchanan@ comes from www.feastgoer.org, other national (CGI), Tyler, Texas; Interconti- attendance policy; that is, visitors are bellevillecog.org. Panama City Beach: www.cogl.org. Pennington, UCG, (513) 576-9796, www.ucg.org/ Web sites and information sent directly nental Church of God (ICG), Tyler; welcome. However, it is THE JOURNAL’s Kwazulu-Natal: RCG, P.O. Box 23295, feast. Panama City Beach: ICG, TO THE JOURNAL by Feast organizers and Living Church of God (LCG), Charlotte, understanding that some Church of God Wadsworth, Ohio 44282, (330) 334- www.intercontinentalcog.org, (903) JOURNAL readers. N.C.; Philadelphia Church of God organizations—for example, the CGIC 2266, www.rcg.org. Uvongo: UCG, 561-7070. Pensacola: RCG, P.O. Box Unless otherwise stated, each listing (PCG), Edmond, Okla.; Restored Church and PCG—allow Feastgoers to attend (513) 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Sri Lanka: UCG, (513) 576-9796, 23295, Wadsworth, Ohio 44282, (330) represents an observance beginning of God (RCG); and United Church of with them only by special permission. 334-2266, www.rcg.org. St. www.ucg.org/feast. Sri Lanka: LCG, Petersburg: Church of God in Miami Friday evening, Oct. 2, 2009, and contin- God an International Association (UCG), Therefore, if you wish to attend one of www.cogl.org. and Church of God International, (305) uing through Saturday, Oct. 10 (referred Milford, Ohio. Note that some phone those churches’ Feast sites, THE JOURNAL Thailand—Bangkok: UCG, (513) 576- 752-5275, E-mail: [email protected]. to as the Last Great Day, Great Last Day numbers refer to a church’s headquar- recommends you first contact the spon- 9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Thailand: Georgia—Jekyll Island: UCG, (513) 576- or Eighth Day in many Churches of God). ters in the United States rather than a soring church or its representative. LCG, www.cogl.org. 9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Jekyll Togo—Kpalime: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Island: multiple Assemblies, (423) 580- www.ucg.org/feast. 4598. E-mail: joeythompson777 Trinidad and Tobago—Crown Point: @aol.com. Kennesaw: Congregation South Carolina—Myrtle Beach: Church NON-U.S. SITES (513) 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. LCG, www.cogl.org. of God 7th Day, 2751 S. Main St., of God Big Sandy, (800) 946-5545, P.O. Argentina—Mendoza: UCG, (513) 576- Forges-les-Eaux: LCG, www.cogl.org. United Kingdom—Chatsworth, Peak Kennesaw, Ga. John Pinkston, (770) Box 690, Big Sandy, Texas 75755, 9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Sierra de la Germany—Schluchsee: UCG, (513) 576- District, England: Global Church of 427-4189, www.watchamerica.com. www.churchofgodbigsandy.com. Ventana: LCG, www.cogl.org. 9796, www.ucg.org/feast. God, E-mail: bgofderby@ Hawaii—Maui: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Myrtle Beach: CGI, Mike Nolen, Australia—Bellina, New South Wales: Ghana—Accra: UCG, (513) 576-9796, compuserve.com. Kendall, Lake www.ucg.org/feast. Kauai: LCG, www.cgi.com, E-mail: CGI, www.cgi.com. Coffs Harbour, www.ucg.org/feast. District, England: Seventh Day www.cogl.org. [email protected]. Myrtle New South Wales: LCG, Guatemala—Antigua: LCG, Christians, www.feastgoer.org. Poole, Idaho—McCall: Celebration Church of Beach: ICG, (903) 561-7070, P.O. Box www.cogl.org. Merimbula, New www.cogl.org. Antigua: UCG, (513) Dorset, England: Church of God God, (866) 549-2537, www. 1117, Tyler, Texas 75703, www.intercon- South Wales: UCG, (513) 576-9796, 576-9796, www.ucg.org/feast. Farnborough, www.feastgoer.org. celebrationchurch ofgod.org, E-mail: tinentalcog.org. www.ucg.org/feast. Nelson Bay, New Panajachel: RCG, P.O. Box 23295, South Molton, Devon, England: festival@celebration churchofgod.org. Tennessee—Pikeville: True Words of South Wales: ICG, (903) 561-7070, Wadsworth, Ohio 44282, (330) 334- RCG, P.O. Box 23295, Wadsworth, Ohio Illinois—Utica: Church of God Fellowship, Yahweh Yahshua Assembly, (912) 224- P.O. Box 1117, Tyler, Texas 75703, 2266, www.rcg.org. 44282, (330) 334-2266, www.rcg.org. (573) 896-9248, E-mail: feast@ 0251, (912) 656-3467, Email: www.intercontinentalcog.org. Guyana—Awarewaunau: LCG, Portrush, Antrim, Northern feast2009.org. (Note dates: Oct. 2-12.) [email protected]. Sevierville: Caloundra, Queensland: Christian www.cogl.org. Georgetown: LCG, Ireland: Christian Biblical Church of Indiana—Goshen: CBCG, P.O. Box 1442, United Christian Ministries, P.O. Box Educational Services, Australia, www.cogl.org. Lethem, Rupununi: God, P.O. Box 1442, Hollister, Calif. Hollister, CA 95024, (831) 637-1875, 608, Roanoke, Ind. 46783, (260) 672- www.cesa.org.au. Maroochydore, UCG, (513) 576-9796, www.ucg. 95024, USA, (831) 637-1875, www.cbcg.org. Montgomery: ICG, 9800 or (888) 985-9066, E-mail: ucm- Queensland: RCG, P.O. Box 23295, org/feast. www.cbcg.org. Llandudno, North (903) 561-7070, P.O. Box 1117, Tyler, [email protected], www.4ucm.org. Wadsworth, Ohio 44282, (330) 334- India—Hyderabad: UCG, (513) 576- Wales: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Texas 75703, www.intercontinentalcog. Sevierville: Assembly of Yahweh, Elder 2266, www.rcg.org. Sunshine Coast, 9796, www.ucg.org/feast. www.ucg.org/feast. Llangollen, North org. North Webster: Yahweh’s Woodrow Pryor, Ph. (864) 457-2912, E- Queensland: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Indonesia: LCG, www.cogl.org. Wales: LCG, www.cogl.org. Restoration Ministry, (573) 896-9248, mail: [email protected], www.ucg.org/feast. Devonport, Israel—Jerusalem: Congregation of Zimbabwe—Harare: RCG, P.O. Box www.yrm.org. (Note dates: Oct. 4-12.) www.search-the-scriptures.org. (Note Tasmania: UCG, (513) 576-9796, Yahweh Jerusalem, www.feastgoer.org. 23295, Wadsworth, Ohio 44282, (330) Kentucky—Land Between the Lakes: dates: Oct. 5-12.) www.ucg.org/feast. (Note dates: Oct. 2-16.) Jerusalem: 334-2266, www.rcg.org. Issue No. 136 (Print date Sept. 29, 2009) THE JOURNAL 29 There exist a good reason and lesson for every test of our faith Continued from page 3 He did say these words of wisdom of his closet, where it had rested very first time he saw her he wanted 40 deacons were present. and it was just taking time to heal. to me: “Life is short. You better have untouched for 35 years, and shot him- my mother to be his wife. He wrote Daddy was well loved. Mama and Daddy started traveling your priorities in order because you self, aiming right at that stainless-steel about my birth, then my sister’s, and I spoke at the service. I did not again, planning RV trips at least once never know what tomorrow holds. It heart valve. how he had loved having daughters. know what I said until I heard the tape a month. seems like only yesterday that your Mama heard the noise, ran into the He wrote about lifelong friends and later, but I remember thinking that mama and I were dating in that old room, saw him lying face down on the the new friends they had made since speaking was the least I could do. Pea-sized bump white truck, and then we got married, carpet and called 911. they had started RVing. Brother Steve gave a moving ser- In early January 1995 Mama no- and a few years later you were born, Although she had cared for him and The one thing he did not mention in mon. He said you learn the mettle of a ticed a tiny pea-sized bump on Dad- then Becky came along, and we have had been lifting him for months since the journal was his two precious man when you play golf with him and dy’s throat. She pointed it out to his been very happy all these years.” his heart surgery, she was unable even grandchildren, Jessica and Bryan. when he hits a really bad shot the heart doctor, who ordered a test. That was almost the only thing he to turn him over. Daddy also left a note: “My heart is worst that comes from his mouth is One test led to another, then came a God was there. He protected her very heavy, my mind is a blur. This “rats” or “brother.” referral to a specialist, more tests, then from seeing. It wasn’t until the para- thing around my neck is like a snake Brother Steve addressed the sui- a referral to a surgeon, and all the medics talked to her, as they wheeled squeezing its prey. I cannot face the cide. Did Daddy make a bad decision while the tiny knot grew larger. him into the ambulance, that she had days to come. Maybe time will heal all that Monday night? Yes. Did that de- Then there were three, and by this any idea of what had happened. wounds left behind. I am in a cold cision affect his eternity with Jesus? time several weeks had passed. Daddy was gone before he ever hit sweat. Jesus must have been in a cold No. Nothing can separate us from Near the end of February on a Sun- the floor, yet the EMTs took him to sweat when He stood in court know- God’s love. day afternoon, I called Daddy. In his Baylor’s emergency trauma unit. ing what the day would bring. The hoarse whisper he told me they were Mama made some phone calls, then doctors cannot identify it. God sure Years later going to operate the next day. she sat down to wait on me. gave them a challenge this time.” Years have passed, and, as predict- Although the doctors were opti- ed by so many, time has made the loss mistic, Daddy admitted to me that for Deep shock Whirlwind of people easier to cope with. I never read Psalm the first time he was frightened. I don’t Howard, a lifelong family friend, The next few days were a foggy 139 without thinking of Daddy. That think I ever heard him admit that to called me. He just said Daddy had whirlwind of people coming and go- was one of his favorites. me before. He was my superman. He been rushed to the hospital, that it was ing and endless phone calls. While we Some of what he wrote in his jour- could fix anything. How could there bad and to come. I quickly packed a had been at the hospital that night, the nal was about Jesus and what He did be a problem that scared him? bag, instinctively including a navy- neighbor next door (who had been the for us by dying on the cross. I will blue suit and my pearls—appropriate little “brat next door” decades before) never hear “Amazing Grace” or “How 26 friends and relatives attire for a funeral. came in and cut away the blood- Great Thou Art” without missing him. Even though Daddy said there was The drive to Dallas seemed to take soaked carpet and removed it. What I so wanted him to be there when no need, I drove to Dallas early the forever. About an hour into the trip I an unspeakable blessing. God was Jessica walked down the aisle last next morning, Monday, Feb. 27, 1995. Jack Spradlin used a borrowed cell phone (in those certainly there. summer and when Jessica and Bryan They had just taken him into surgery days not everyone had one) and called My sister flew in, and then her fam- graduated from college. My sister when I walked into the waiting room. said all weekend. At that point he could my sister in Colorado Springs to see ily arrived after the long drive from wondered why Daddy didn’t mention I looked around in amazement. There, barely swallow. He was unable to do when she and her family would arrive Colorado. We were together, holding Jessica and Bryan in his journal. waiting with my mother, were 26 the two things he loved: talk and eat. and if they were driving or flying. each other up. Mountains of food I know why. He couldn’t bear to. friends and relatives. He had always been the life of the party, My sister answered in a sleepy arrived, but we didn’t feel like eating. He couldn’t bear facing that he would After what seemed like an eternity and it was hard to see him so broken voice. I was alarmed. Why weren’t never see them again before he died. the surgeon came out. Mother and I and defeated and in such pain. they up and packing? Why weren’t Daddy’s hobby stood there in front of Daddy, with the Because he could barely speak, I they on the road? Didn’t she realize Daddy’s hobby for years had been What could have been? others in the waiting room crowding gave him a journal. I thought that this could be it? picture-framing. Something happened There was speculation about wheth- in behind us. maybe he could write and record his She asked me what Howard had that involved some unfinished frames er we could have done something to The news was devastating. Daddy’s recovery. told me. Then there, at the big green and some angels—a story for another change what happened. There is al- major blood vessels were threaded road sign for the exit to Van, Texas, I time—and God was definitely there. ways that question when someone around and through the knots, and the Last words learned that my precious father was We speculated about that Winchester takes his own life. So many whys. masses had invaded his thyroid, lar- After the birthday party we pre- dead and that he had shot himself. rifle. Forty years before, right before the I think the why is clear. Daddy was ynx and neck muscles as well. There pared to travel back home to East Deep shock washed over me. Army deployed Daddy to Korea, a pal already unable to speak above a whis- was no “removing” to be done. Texas. As he hugged me good-bye But God was there to ease this of his wanted to sell the rifle, and Daddy per or eat solid foods. The doctor said With the mention of the dreaded C that day, he hoarsely whispered, “I awful journey. wanted to buy it. that, after a few more treatments, word, my knees buckled and someone love you, Martha.” Those were the last Mama said they did not have the Daddy would lose his ability to speak caught me and eased me into a chair. words I heard him speak. The journal money, but Mama’s plans were to at all, and in a few days, when he Everything after that was a blur as a By this time the knots on his throat Finally we reached the hospital. My move back to the farm while Daddy could no longer swallow at all, he wave of shock settled over me. had grown to look like one of those mother had waited those hours in that was away and help care for her little would eat with a feeding tube. The numbness of shock let me Daddy knew the doctors would keep know that God was there. on putting in tubes and hooking up machines just to keep him alive, and Intense chemo As he hugged me good-bye that day, he hoarsely then, when all of his life’s savings had Daddy was a realist. If the doctors whispered, ‘I love you, Martha.’ Those were the been depleted by hospital bills, they had told him the cancer would get him would finally let him die. and to get his affairs in order, he would last words I heard him speak. Maybe Daddy made a bad decision have spent the last weeks of his life that night. Nevertheless I believe God differently. He would have boarded an was there with him every moment. airplane and gone to see his beloved big collars paramedics use after an bleak room because she knew I would brothers and sisters. grandchildren one more time. accident, only it was covered in have to see Daddy right away. Even at The little black-and-white TV There are reasons Instead, the doctors assured him the Daddy’s skin. 3 a.m. my mother was surrounded by would not even work out in the coun- There is a reason and a lesson for massive chemotherapy would work. On Monday, exactly three weeks 15 to 20 friends and relatives and both try, so she suggested that Daddy trade every trial we go through. But the chemo just made the cancer from the surgery, Daddy was fitted pastors from her church. the little TV for the rifle. The death of my daddy, Jack Sprad- mad, and it grew like wildfire. The with the armor he would wear during I arrived to hugs and tears, and then Daddy used the rifle to hunt for lin, at age 62 has taught me compas- affected area was now halfway into the radiation treatments. The area to Brother Steve led me into the trauma quail and squirrels with his daddy sion and sympathy, and I have certain- Daddy’s brain and all the way down be radiated was staggering, covering room where Daddy lay. I had to see until 1960, when my grandfather died. ly learned the things not to say when past his heart, below that brand-new almost half of his body. him. I had to see that his face was okay. From 1960 until 1995 the rifle rested someone has lost a loved one. stainless-steel heart valve. On that Monday night Daddy went in the corner of Daddy’s closet, pro- At some point I will be able to help On Saturday, March 18, not quite to bed. Because his sleep had been so Reading the journal tected by its green-padded sleeve. and comfort someone else who has to three weeks after the surgery and sub- fitful and because he was in such pain, We went back to Mother’s, and at 4 deal with suicide. sequent cancer diagnosis, I again went Mama had been sleeping in the bed- a.m. there were still eight or 10 people Packed church Time helps us accept the death, but to Dallas. The family was gathering to room that had been my sister’s. with us. I asked Mama where “it” was. On family visitation night at the I’m not sure that anything helps us deal celebrate my grandmother’s 85th She knew I meant the journal. I sat and funeral home, the funeral people had with the suicide, except knowing that birthday. Antique Winchester read it aloud to the circle of loved to open up extra rooms to accommo- nothing can separate us from God. As he lay down that night, his ones. Daddy must’ve written in it all date the crowd. Isaiah 49 says God holds us so tight- Order your priorities throat closed even further, and it day long on Sunday, because I had On Thursday we buried Daddy. ly we are engraved on the palms of His Daddy’s voice was only a whisper became a labor to gasp for breath. He given him the notebook only two days The church was packed, including the hands. by then, and he asked me to stay close took a pen and scribbled a note on a before, and there were a dozen or more balcony, standing room only. There I know I will see Daddy again some- by him so that I could “talk” for him if scrap of paper. Then he took an an- pages scribbled in his familiar scrawl. were 129 family members there—we day because my Bible says so. needed. tique Winchester rifle from the corner He wrote about how he knew the filled the first 20 rows of seats—and In the meantime God is always here. Jamaica will formally honor CGI pastor on National Heroes Day Continued from page 1 writes a weekly newspaper column. Jamaica CGI, commented on the from the cave of religious darkness to Boyne’s award on Jamaica’s Indepen- COG movement,” Mr. Boyne told THE Desmond Allen, founding editor of Jamaica Observer’s Web site: let in the sunlight, and expose the dence Day, Aug. 6. Jamaica achieved JOURNAL. “We have been told by our the Jamaica Observer (jamaicaobserver. “What a fitting tribute to one of myths, beliefs and rituals of every its independence from Britain in 1962, critics that our minds are so much on com) congratulated his colleague: Jamaica’s most hard-working, versa- faith and spiritual tradition. although it remains a realm of the the world tomorrow that we are of no tile, consistently excellent and intellec- “It is apt that Ian Boyne should Commonwealth of Nations, with Queen earthly good. This award to a long- Inspiring source tually gifted journalists. [Mr. Boyne’s] receive this honour when Jamaica’s Elizabeth II as monarch. time, quote, Armstrongite, unquote, “Boyne has been a standard bearer television programme Profile has been Independence theme is ‘We Believe in proves otherwise.” and has generally managed to avoid the a remarkable source of inspiration to Jamaica.’ He, more than any other Formal presentation isms and schisms that divide journalists countless Jamaicans through the years. journalist, has done more to promote Mr. Boyne is scheduled to formally COG tribute and reduce our prestige, a bad streak in “His newspaper column brings a self-belief and inspire personal great- receive the award on National Heroes The Jamaican pastor is a celebrity us but for which we all need to take rare but refreshing intellectual rigour ness throughout his long, exemplary Day, Oct. 19. in his country. responsibility,” Mr. Allen wrote. “Big to issues of relevance to the nation. and multifaceted career. His is a well- Read about the work of the CGI in He appears weekly on national tele- up, Ian. You have done us proud.” “His television programme, Reli- deserved honour.” Jamaica and elsewhere at www. vision with his show, Profile, and Glenford Smith, a member of the gious Hard Talk, has smashed the door The government announced Mr. cgi.org. 30 THE JOURNAL (Print date Sept. 29, 2009) Issue No. 136 Unitarians in Dallas area for eighth annual One God Seminars Continued from page 1 must have no beginning. Christianity’s Self-Inflicted Wound. Had Mr. Obelenus been at the con- and author of several books on the Denver, Colo., were unitarian. That is, Speakers have also numbered among Sir Anthony, originally from En- ference, he would have presented Hebraic roots of the New Testament. they believed the Father is God but other kinds of unitarians. Some believ- gland, is a retired professor at Atlanta “Godless: The Current State of Affairs Mr. Trimm presented “What Juda- Jesus is not. (The CG7 Denver is no ers in “one God” do believe Jesus “pre- Bible College in Georgia and founder in Defining Who God Is,” which is an ism Offers for an Understanding of longer officially unitarian.) existed.” That is, He was alive as a spir- of Restoration Fellowship (www. introduction to a “historically, literary Christology.” But the churches that hold to the it before His human birth. But those restorationfellowship.org). and sociologically sensitive method As a Trinitarian, Mr. Trimm served tenets offered by Radio Church of God unitarians believe that, although He Sir Anthony presented “ ‘Unitar- for approaching the Jewish texts that as this year’s “opposition speaker” at founder Herbert W. Armstrong begin- existed before the Father created the ians’ and the Need to Keep Christ at talk about God.” Mr. Westby’s conference. ning in the 1920s are generally binitar- world, He was also a creation (or some the Center of Faith, Along with the However, he fell ill just before he Write Mr. Trimm at jstrimm@ ian. That is, they believe in two beings, say procreation) of the Father. Gospel as Jesus Preached It.” was to leave for Texas and could not trimmfamily.com. Father and Son, in a “God family.” Therefore, even though He existed His second presentation was “The make the trip. Anthony Buzzard read a Ken Westby of Seattle, Wash., is Mr. Westby, a former Radio/World- before Mary, He had a beginning and Amazing Abuse of Simple Language printed version of Mr. Obelenus’s pre- founder and director of the Associa- wide Church of God pastor, was a bini- therefore cannot be God. to Undermine Jesus’ Creed.” sentation. tion for Christian Development, spon- tarian even after he left the WCG in Mel Hershberger of Akron, E-mail Mr. Obelenus at jobelenus@ sor of the annual One God Seminars. 1974. But in 1982 a friend, Anthony Buz- The speakers Ohio, is a building contractor who has gmail.com. Known for leading the “East Coast zard, challenged him to update his think- Mr. Westby’s preference is always had a lifelong interest in the Bible and Noel Rude of Pendleton, Ore., is Rebellion of 1974” in (and then out ing and consider that the oneness of God to invite an “opposition” speaker, usu- has led Bible studies in the Akron a researcher of Bible-related topics of) the Worldwide Church of God, Mr. was more literal than he had thought. Westby serves as host of the weekly Not long after that, Mr. Westby de- Virtual Church telephone and Internet cided his friend Sir Anthony was cor- In 1982 a friend, Anthony Buzzard, challenged Ken Westby network, editor of The New Millen- rect, and two decades later, in 2002, nium journal and operator of the began his One God Seminars. to update his thinking and consider that the oneness godward.org Web site. Mr. Westby, who presented “Let’s This year’s presentations of God was more literal than he had thought. Argue With God,” receives mail at In following the format of the One [email protected]. God Seminars, each of several pre- Bob Woodburn of Houston, senters, usually nine or 10 men (but, at ally one who is a binitarian or a area. He presented “Who Is the and a writer. The former university Texas, is a businessman and founder of least in 2007, a woman numbered Trinitarian. Creator?” Write Mel Hershberger at professor is employed as a linguist by the Institute for Scriptural Theology. among the lecturers), speaks for 45 The speakers for 2009 and brief [email protected]. the Confederated Tribes of the Uma- The Methodist minister’s son and for- minutes or so, then fields questions mentions of their topics are as follows: Michael Keas of Fort Worth, tilla Indian Nation in Oregon and mer WCG member lives with his wife, from the audience. Mark Bosserman of Minneap- Texas, earned his doctorate in the his- works with other American Indian Janice, in the Houston area. Mr. and The majority of the speakers are olis, Minn., is a businessman, musi- tory of science from the University of tribes as well. Mrs. Woodburn participate in races “unitarians,” usually of the Socinian cian and Bible student who receives Oklahoma. A Fulbright scholar, Dr. Rather than limit his talk to whether with other drivers of Miata sports cars. variety. Socinians, historically, have mail at [email protected]. He pre- Keas is a leader in the intelligent-de- Jesus is God or not, Mr. Rude’s pre- Mr. Woodburn presented “Preexis- held that Jesus’ literal existence began sented “The Greatest Commandment sign movement. He presented “Intelli- sentation, “Time, Transcendence and tence: A Different Understanding.” in the womb of Mary. vs. the Greatest Deception.” gent Design, Unintelligent Evolution Theodicy,” featured questions he says He receives mail at bwoodburn@ If He had a beginning, goes the rea- Anthony Buzzard of Fayette- and the God Hypothesis.” “Judeo-Christians” ask that are “legit- sbcglobal.net. soning, then He cannot be God. He ville, Ga., a leader in the one-God John Obelenus of the Boston, imate” and others that are “silly.” can be the Son of God, the sinless movement, is a graduate of Oxford Mass., area, a computer programmer by Mr. Rude’s Web site: hebdomad.com. Summaries and reviews Savior, the Messiah, the Teacher and University and author of many articles profession and Bible scholar by passion, James Trimm of Hurst, Texas, is For summaries and reviews of all God’s Apostle, but He cannot be God and books including, with Charles writes for Glad Tidings magazine and president of the Worldwide Nazarene the presentations, see the two articles as God is God because, to be God, one Hunting, The Doctrine of the Trinity: manages a blog at Kingdomready.org. Assembly of Elohim (www.wnae.org) at the bottom of this page. 2009 One God Seminars: A review 2009 ‘opposition’ speaker: A review Almost a decade ago Mr. Shockley, the seminar host, Ken Westby. He intro- The writer, a 1970 Ambassador College gradu- Lord and in the NT as the Son. God is transcendent, who comes from an Adventist heritage, duced Anthony and had him present some ate and founder of The Reunion Institute, a Hous- but also immanent. reawakened with a passion for biblical opening comments as well. Ken’s opening ton ministry, received his Ph.D. in historical theol- In the Q&A period after his presentation, some study and promoting the truth of Scripture in the seminar booklet mirrored this intro- ogy from Rice University in 1990. in the audience wanted Mr. Trimm to explain in its Hebrew setting. He has degrees in duction. Here it is: THE JOURNAL interviewed Dr. Arnold in 1998 exactly how and in what way God exists, in Mr. business management and multimedia “There can be no more important and 1999 about his role as a mediator in the Trimm’s view, in heaven and in space and time. development. He lives in Dallas, working knowledge than that about God Himself. Branch Davidian siege and holocaust at Waco, as a software engineer. He is married and These seminars are dedicated to growing Texas, in 1993. Modern mind-sets has a baby girl. in understanding of our Creator and His Dr. Arnold is founder of the U.S. Air Hockey He first pointed out that these questions are what See page 31 for presenters’ photos. son, Jesus Christ. Rightly understood, the- Association and holds the association’s official title we moderns do to the Bible. We bring our Greek ology (the study of God) is the granddaddy of Number One in the World. analytical questions to confront the divine revela- By Ron Shockley of all fields of knowledge and science. See a photo of Mr. Trimm on page 31. tion of Scripture. RAPEVINE, Texas—On both Sat- “The zenith of knowledge is to understand But the Jewish Bible is not a philosophy book or urday and Sunday, June 13 and 14, and know the one who planned the cosmos, By J. Phillip Arnold a text written with logical syllogisms. The Bible is G I attended the 2009 One God to know the one who created us in His image RAPEVINE, Texas—James Trimm be- a story, a narrative, about God in heaven coming to Seminars put on by the ACD (Association and to discover His unique plan for us. lieves in one God. At the same time, Mr. man on earth. for Christian Devel- “We will never ‘arrive’ at a complete G Trimm argues that the Bible and Judaism Nevertheless, Mr. Trimm responded to these opment), based in understanding, but there is no more noble are the main source for a high modern questions with biblical verses and some Seattle, Wash. use of our time, energy and material than Christology that recognizes analogies. He also offered some Jewish concepts to This was the first the pursuit of knowing God.” Yeshua the Messiah as the illumine how the NT could affirm that the Jew such conference I divine Son of God. Yeshua was also the YHWH who was pierced. had gone to in per- No. 1 Commandment In his “opposition” pre- Some of his explanations were taken from the son, though I’ve read “The Greatest Commandment vs. sentation at Ken Westby’s Jewish mystical tradition and from early-church a lot about previous the Greatest Deception!” by Mark Bos- One God Conference in June thinkers. The Bible is rich enough to convey all of years’ conferences at serman. 2009, Mr. Trimm rejected the this in its references to God, the Word and the Kingdomready.org, The first presentation was by the uncle three-God idea in tritheism Spirit. Anthony Buzzard’s of the Trinitarian who debated Sean Finne- and the two-God idea in Restoration Fellow- Ron Shockley gan at last year’s One God Seminars in bitheism and also criticized Nestorian understanding ship Web site (www. Seattle (and launched a very long series of popular Trinitarianism. Phillip Arnold Mr. Trimm cited the 1st-century Jew Philo as focusonthekingdom.org) and monthly news- debates on Kingdomready.org afterwards). He adamantly rejected the someone who was a monotheist but described the letter (Focus on the Kingdom) and at con- Naturally, I first assumed that Mark Arian idea of Christ as a created being and argued Jewish God as a “triad.” ference organizer Ken Westby’s site, would be of the Trinitarian persuasion, but strongly for the preexistence of Yeshua as the Word Mr. Trimm sees this Jewish understanding as www.godward.org. it seems that the Bosserman family is split of God and YHWH. found best in the Eastern churches, the Nestorians I’ve always wanted to attend one but for among Trinitarian and unitarian Chris- and others, that never submitted to Roman Catholi- one reason or another was never able to tians, with Mark being a unitarian. Reading and explaining cism and survived through the centuries in Syria, make the journey to the host location. Mark’s presentation was good, though I James Trimm’s presentation was in two parts. Iraq and China. However, this year’s chosen location thought he really had three topics worthy of The first consisted of his reading passages from the These Aramaic-speaking believers emphasized the happened to be on my home turf of deeper and more intense separate coverage. Bible about Yeshua/Jesus and YHWH. The second oneness of God while trying to use Hebrew ideas DallasÐFort Worth. Even more convenient He started contrasting the First Command- was his explanation of how Judaism could be to show some distinction in relationship and function. was that the actual meeting place was a ment, in Exodus 20:3 (“Thou shalt have no monotheistic, yet call the Messiah YHWH. whole 15- to 20-minute drive from my other gods before me”), with the greatest In the first part Mr. Trimm read verses from Mat- Dynamism within God house. What could be more perfect? lie of Genesis 3:4 (“You will not surely thew to Revelation where Jesus is specifically des- Rejecting popular Trinitarianism that reduces to I was ecstatic about it and even more so die”), then went into his three main points: ignated as fulfilling specific OT prophecies, such as tritheism, and rejecting a stale unitarianism that when I learned that Sir Anthony Buzzard Why is this the first and greatest Com- “They shall look upon whom they have pierced.” reduces the Son of God to a mere human with no would be a presenter. I had always wanted mandment? Who knew this truth and lost Then he went directly to these OT prophecies preexistence, Mr. Trimm’s view is best understood to hear him speak in person and meet him it? Who still has this truth? and showed they refer specifically to God as a Nestorian Trinitarian that holds to a Godhead and possibly have a discussion or two on Can a spirit being be destroyed? Almighty. Ergo, Yeshua of the NT passage was best described as one person who is three in es- our mutual biblical interests. Where in Scripture does Jesus speak YHWH in the OT. sence, rather than the other way around. Below is a listing of the seminar topics as God? If Jesus were God, He would have He considers his view to be a variation of the as they were presented on Saturday and spoken His own words. No static monotheism concept of the “Three Pillars of the Godhead” con- Sunday, along with an overview and I did really like his points about how the Mr. Trimm drew on the Hebrew language in cept in Orthodox Rabbinic Judaism. review of each. Old Testament presents Yahweh in the role Psalm 110 and other passages, such as the Shema James Trimm told me he appreciated the warm of a father-to-child (us humans) relationship. (Deuteronomy 6:4), to show how Jewish monothe- welcome and fair hearing the audience gave him. Why worry? Jesus’ “son” with that Father is similar and ism was not a static concept of God, but is a He expressed his availability to continue the dis- Introduction: “Why Study the Na- therefore more of a “big brother” of ours, dynamic one. cussion in a formal debate on the divinity and pre- ture of God?” by Ken Westby and An- the “firstborn” who sets the example for the He argued that the Jewish God moves in and out existence of the Messiah at any time and place the thony Buzzard. rest of us to follow as fellow children. of time in His nature as Father, Son and Spirit. God One God Seminars would choose. He says he is Opening intro comments were given by See ATTENDEES HEAR NINE, page 31 speaks in the OT as the Word and the Angel of the awaiting a reply to his challenge. Issue No. 136 (Print date Sept. 29, 2009) THE JOURNAL 31 Attendees hear nine presentations at 2009 One God Seminars Continued from page 30 the first presentation by building con- Bob also brought up that God is be from the viewpoint of Orthodox Ju- Excellent anti-Trinitarianism If Jesus were God, the father-to- tractor and part-time theologian (a presented as a Father figure and Jesus daism about the Messiah. “The Amazing Abuse of Simple son-relationship concept would have coincidence, since that is exactly what as a Son figure in Scripture over and But, after hearing speaker James Language to Undermine Jesus’ zero meaning in a relationship of my dad was) Mel Hershberger. over again. Coequal beings would not Trimm and learning a little about him, Creed” by Anthony Buzzard. coequal beings who both are God. Mel is a former Armstrong believer warrant such a description. It would I realized the title of the presentation Sir Anthony’s second presentation of of the “God family” view, which is not make sense. was missing one very important word: The state of the present the conference was another of his excel- basically a “binitarian” Christology, Also, the only preexistence that can Messianic. lent anti-Trinity arguments for letting “Godless: The Current State of with Jesus being the preexistent God come from a father-son relationship is The title should have been “What the words that Scripture uses to com- Affairs in Defining Who God Is” by who did the creation and carried out a metaphysical or genetic one. Messianic Judaism Offers for an Un- municate mean what they really mean. John Obelenus. all the OT speaking and actions. We all “preexist” inside our parents derstanding of Christology.” God chose to communicate with us Kingdomready.com’s own John However, since being politely chal- as part of them (in a genetic sense) Had that been the title, I would using simple language, and we should Obelenus was scheduled to be a pre- lenged many years ago by Anthony before we are born, but we do not have known to expect to hear how heed that simplicity instead of twisting senter (and one whom I was excited to Buzzard to show where Scripture says become literal until our parents actual- Jesus is God because I know that is it and attempting to make it say things meet and talk to in per- it doesn’t. son), but, alas, he be- God has used Scripture to tell us that came very sick just be- He is one and is alone God, that there fore he was to fly down were no Gods before Him or after Him, to Dallas. that He is the one and only Yahweh. So John had to stay As children in grammar classes, we home and Anthony Buz- learn that singular personal pronouns zard did his best to fill in refer to a single person. This is exact- and present John’s paper. ly what the Bible uses in reference to John’s work was in- God—singular personal pronouns— depth, and Anthony just thousands of times. didn’t have the time to The word one in biblical Hebrew really get a true feel for it, means exactly what one in English and of course he just means. One is one and does not couldn’t present it the mean two or three. Other words exist way the John would have. Mark Bosserman Anthony Buzzard Mel Hershberger Michael Keas John Obelenus to communicate Focusing on Christ groups or combi- nations. But one “ ‘Unitarians’ and still means one. the Need to Keep Christ at the Center of Faith, Yet we humans Along with the Gospel have taken such as Jesus Preached It,” simple concepts by Anthony Buzzard. and created a huge This was an excellent mess out of them presentation by Sir An- by trying to read thony that cautions uni- into them added- tarians not to throw the on complexities, baby out with the bath- such as the Trinity water when it comes to concept. going overboard in mak- A hands-on ing God the Father “the Noel Rude James Trimm Ken Westby Bob Woodburn only true God.” Parent As Messiah, God’s cho- ONE GOD SEMINARS—Nine students of the Bible not attend this year, although his paper was presented, “Let’s Ar- sen ultimate representa- (above) shared their research and conclusions at this and this year’s photos of Mr. Bosserman were out of gue With God” tive, Jesus, is God in ev- year’s One God Seminars in Grapevine, Texas. (Seven of focus.) See also the article beginning on page 1 and the by Ken Westby. ery way possible without the above photos are from this year’s conference. The two articles beginning on page 30. Photo at right: Merle The final pre- photos of Mr. Obelenus and Mr. Bosserman are from the and Jo Beth Vines of Mansfield, Texas, are caught in the sentation was the literally being God. 2008 conference. Mr. Obelenus, because of illness, could act of reading THE JOURNAL. [Photos by Dixon Cartwright As Anthony put it in second one on the his presentation: “Jesus subject of open is doing Godlike things. He is doing that Jesus was the OT God, Mel has ly “act” to create us, to bring us into what Messianic Judaism typically theism and was given by One God what God does.” changed his beliefs. He now sees that physical existence. teaches. Seminars organizer Ken Westby. Of course, this is because God has the Bible plainly says that God the Messianic Jews do this because God is with us in time Ken showed several books on open chosen to do this with a human being Father was the God of the OT and Messianic Judaism is mainstream theism, including Gregory Boyd’s unlike any other, who accomplished Jesus did not come into actual being “Time, Transcendence and The- evangelical Christianity with tradi- God of the Possible: A Biblical Intro- what no other accomplished. until God’s Spirit created Him in the odicy” by Noel Rude. tional Jewish customs and practices duction to the Open View of God. womb of Mary (as Luke 1:35 says). Noel Rude is a biblical researcher thrown in to convince Jews to believe Unintelligent Darwinism Two others were books I also have Mel’s paper is somewhat of a rebut- and writer who is also a former uni- that Jesus isn’t just the Jewish Mes- on my wish list: John Sanders’ The “Intelligent Design, Unintelli- tal to his own paper he did several versity professor and linguist. His pre- siah but God in the flesh as the second God Who Risks: A Theology of Provi- gent Evolution and the God Hy- years back that said Colossians 1:16 sentation was one of two in the subject member of the Trinity. dence and Clark Pinnock’s Most Moved pothesis” by Michael Keas. shows Jesus as the OT Creator. area of “open theism,” which happens Having a Messianic presenter was Mover: A Theology of God’s Openness. The afternoon presentation on Sat- Now Mel rightly identifies the OT to be of great interest to me. not that much of a surprise, because Throughout Ken’s presentation he urday was by Dr. Michael Keas, a pro- God as Yahweh and concludes that, in Noel’s presentation paper was very each year Ken Westby invites one did a fine job of showing why the fessor at the College at Southwestern, NT times, nobody ever “changed” in-depth and could be discussed for “opposition” speaker to present at the “classical” view of God just doesn’t an adjunct professor at Biola Univer- Gods from Yahweh to Jesus—or ever hours or even days. But he did a pret- One God Seminars, and this year match the biblical view. Instead, sity and a senior fellow at the Dis- thought Jesus was Yahweh. ty good job going through it in sum- James Trimm was exactly that. throughout Scripture we find a God covery Institute. Mel did a pretty good analysis of mary during his 50-minute session. James presented the view that Jesus who chooses to directly involve Him- Dr. Keas’ presentation centered on self with His creation and wants a how scientists should always look to give-and-take relationship with us. where the evidence leads even if it God is not some static, unchanging being who follows only His God is not a static, unchanging be- leads to a designer. ing who follows only His own perfect, His PowerPoint presentation gave a own perfect, predestined plan for His universe, Mr. Westby said. predestined plan for His universe. God lot of evidence that leads to the in- Instead, God wants to roll up His sleeves and work with us. is a hands-on Parent who wants to role escapable conclusion of design. He up His sleeves and work with us. showed a lot of examples of how the Ken states as much when he says fossil record simply doesn’t support Colossians 1 to show that the creation Noel’s basic premise is that the was the Yahweh of the Old Testament that “God can and does change in what should be seen from evolution. discussed there is not the physical cos- classic view of God as outside of time (the Jewish Bible, or Tanakh). response to circumstances and human For example, instead of a gradual mos but the new creation of God’s is incorrect and leads to all sorts of He made his presentation in such a requests, that He does not know the appearance of different species evolv- church and the world to come in the problems, one specifically being that, rapid-fire manner that it was hard to future perfectly, that the future is part- ing and splitting off into other varia- Kingdom of God. according to Scripture, God acts as if follow all his verse quotes and how ly open and partly set. The biblical tions, we see the sudden appearance of Mel stated: “Jesus was the first one He is in time with us. they fit with the points he was attempt- record will reveal that we humans many species of animal life that pretty harvested from the dead. He was a That was Noel’s argument: that ing to make. have the freedom to affect the future: much stay within those species lines perfect prototype who was going to be God is in time with us. If free will is a In his Q&A session he didn’t seem both our own and God’s.” throughout the fossil timeline. used to create many others into His gift from God or one of the ways we to have an answer for Anthony Buz- Amen to that. I too view God as Dr. Keas showed a video later in the image.” are made in God’s “image,” then God, zard’s question of how many Yahwehs that loving Father who desires a gen- afternoon about how the study of the although timeless and immortal, is in are there if Jesus is Yahweh. (If God uine relationship of love and trust, observable universe also shows evi- We all preexist the present with us and determining the Father is Yahweh and Jesus is with a future of working openly with dence of design. He recommended “Preexistence: A Different Un- the future along with us. Yahweh, then you have two Yahwehs. one another. That is a future to look two films, Lee Strobel’s The Case for derstanding” by Bob Woodburn. Noel states this nicely on page 5 (of But Scripture says there is only one.) forward to. a Creator and The Privileged Planet Bob Woodburn comes from a Meth- his 23-page paper): “Open Theism, In trying to locate a possible paper by John Rhys-Davies. odist background and studied at the which argues that the future is open for of Mr. Trimm’s on this subject, I saw Final thoughts Even though Dr. Keas joked about Houston Graduate School of Theology. God, presumes presentism, which says that he posts regularly on what seems Ken Westby’s One God Seminars being a typical evangelical Trinitarian Bob’s presentation on preexistence that only the present exists, that the to be his main Web site, www. made for an enjoyable two days, fea- in his religious life—while attending was an interesting take. He argued that past is the past and the future hasn’t nazarenespace.com. turing some intriguing topics. the One God Seminars with so many Jesus’ preexistence was “notional” in happened yet from any perspective. If I will say that, from the length of I enjoyed each presentation and unitarians and binitarians (Arm- God’s mind, His foreknowledge. the open theists are correct, then there time he has been involved in the getting to talk to and visit with many strong people)—his knowledge of his God’s logos was how God’s blueprint really is a ‘now’ even for God.” Messianic movement (20 years or so) of the presenters. I look forward to subject matter was first rate. was a part of Him because it came and the sheer number of words he has next year’s One God Seminars and en- from His mind and thoughts. Opposition speaker written in various forums, the man courage everyone to try to attend one Perfect prototype But there was not actual existence “What Judaism Offers for an seems to be very dedicated. in person. “Colossians 1:16: Who Is the of Jesus until God brought about His Understanding of Christology” by [Editor’s note: For another view of I think you too will find the experi- Creator?” by Mel Hershberger. Son in the womb of Mary, with God’s James Trimm. Mr. Trimm’s presentation, see Phillip ence enriching to your quest to better Sunday morning kicked off with Word then finally becoming flesh. I assumed this presentation would Arnold’s article on page 30.] know and understand God. 32 THE JOURNAL (Print date Sept. 29, 2009) Issue No. 136 The Journal’s first grandchild arrives Notes and quotes By Dave Havir lived in Kellyville, Okla., until his Cater of the Potawatomis Robert Roenspies dies to explain what really will and will IG SANDY, Texas—THE JOUR- death in 1996. not happen in 2012,” he said. Cater, through a lineage that in- ELGIN, Ill.—General Pastor NAL’s first official grandchild, a The second Dixon is publisher of It is timed to come out just cludes his great-grandmother Martha Robert Roenspies, founder of boy, arrived in the Texas capi- THE JOURNAL. before the release of a major B Clement, grandmother Pam Kurr and God’s tal, Austin, on June 17, 2009, weigh- Dixon No. 3, or Trey, is Cater’s 29- motion picture called 2012 that is mother, Brandi Cartwright, is a citizen Church, also ing 7 pounds 3 ounces. year-old father. known as the based on Mayan prophecies that Cater has four living great-grand- of the Potawatomi tribe of American some say point to the time just Family history Indians. Church parents: Outreach ahead. Dixon “Cater” Cartwright IV is Helen Cartwright, widow of Specifically, he is an enrolled mem- Dr. Thiel researched ancient ber of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Program the son of Trey and Brandi Cart- Dixon Sr., lives in White Oak, Texas. (COP), died prophecies from many sources, wright of Austin. He is the grandson Ruth Isom, widow of Louis, lives based in Shawnee, Okla. More than including Mayan, Hindu, Cath- 10,000 Potawatomis live in Oklahoma. Sept. 16, of Dixon and Linda Cartwright of in Clinton, Ark. 2009. olic, Byzantine, Buddhist and Big Sandy and Ray and Pam Kurr of Harold and Martha Clement live What kind of name is Cater? Mr. Roen- Islamic. Mounds, Okla. Cater is also Mr. and in Mounds, Okla. For more information, see Mrs. Kurr’s first grandchild. Cater’s aunts and uncles are Rob Dixon IV’s nickname, Cater, is an Robert Roenspies spies is survived by thesecretsect.com and Cater is the fourth Dixon Cart- and Jamie Payne, Tyler, Texas; Brid- old word—an English word that still nazarenebooks.com. wright. Once upon a time there was get Kurr and Brittney Kurr, Tulsa, appears in some dictionaries—that a brother, Dave, of Lake his great-grandfather, Dixon Sr., who Okla.; and Raymond Kurr, Mounds. means “four.” Geneva, Wis. Darts injured on way to Feast No details of the circum- WHITEHOUSE, Texas—Ron stances of Mr. Roenspies’ death and Allie Dart, founders of Chris- were immediately available. tian Educational ministries, were The last address THE JOURNAL injured in an auto accident on has for the COP is P.O. Box their way to the CEM’s Feast site 6111, Elgin, Ill. 60121, U.S.A. in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., in The jubilee principle late September just before the HARTVILLE, Mo.—WND festival, which begins the Books, an imprint of the popular evening of Oct. 2. conservative Mr. Dart, in an E-mail to 1 2 3 4 news service friends, reported, “We will be World Net fine.” He and Mrs. Dart visited a Daily, has hospital emergency room and published a were quickly released. book by What happened? “I went to Church of sleep at the wheel,” Mr. Dart God member reported, “and I hit a guard rail Dan L. White which spun the car around.” called The Mr. Dart said his sleep apnea could have been a contributing Dan White Jubilee Principle: factor. God’s Plan for Economic The accident occurred in or 5 6 7 Freedom. near Lucedale, Miss. “The book begins with a dis- New church to inaugurate CATER AND COMPANY—Here are pic- and aunt Bridget Kurr. Photo 7: Cater with cussion of the well-known paral- GERMANTOWN, Md.—Pastor tures of Cater Cartwright and members of aunt and uncle Jamie and Rob Payne. lels between the jubilee cycle of his family. Photo 1: Cater with his mom and Photo 8: Cater as part of four generations Lennox Abrigo announced the the Bible and the economic dad, Brandi and Trey. Photo 2: Cater with of Cartwrights. He’s looking at the camera inauguration service of the aunt Brittney Kurr. Photo 3: Cater with along with his father, Dixon “Trey” Cartwright boom-bust cycle,” Mr. White told great-grandfather Harold Clement. Photo 4: III; grandfather, Dixon Cartwright Jr.; and Seventh-Day New Covenant THE JOURNAL. Church on Dec. 12, 2009, at Cater relaxing. Photo 5: Cater with grand- great-grandmother, Helen Cartwright (Mrs. The topic of the “jubilee princi- parents Pam and Ray Kurr. Photo 6: Cater Dixon Cartwright Sr.). [Photos by Brandi and 8 7550 Buchanan St., Hyattsville, with great-grandmother Martha Clement Trey Car twright] ple” is timely, Mr. White said, be- Md., and you’re invited to attend. cause of the recent recession and The church is unusual, Mr. 11 economic state of much of the Abrigo said, because of its vision world. It’s also appropriate for this statement and goals. time in history, he said, because The statement: “God’s military of “the upsurge of worldwide is churches in fraternity.” Its two interest in the festivals of God.” vision-related goals: Order The Jubilee Principle To pursue its mission daily, directly from WorldNetDaily.com as the first or from booksellers such as Christian Amazon.com. church pur- 9 10 12 GTA tape library sued its (see Acts 2:46). NORTH SYDNEY, Australia— CATER AND MORE—Here are more pictures of Cater Cartwright mother Linda Cartwright explaining a giraffe to a skeptical Cater. To “part- and members of his extended family. Photo 9: Cater being cute. Photo 12: Grandfather Dixon Cartwright walking Cater. [Photos by The GTA Tape Library an- ner with non- Photo 10: Uncle Raymond Kurr holding Cater. Photo 11: Grand- Brandi Cartwright and Bernie Monsalvo] nounced the recent addition of SDA Sab- more than 150 television pro- bath-keepers grams taped by Garner Ted and Sunday Armstrong. worshipers” The library hopes “to soon add Lennox Abrigo to “build up Congregation conducts annual election many more in the coming God’s King- IG SANDY, Texas—The Church has seven members who serve three- nominated in May (besides Messrs. months,” announced David dom through spiritual warfare, of God Big Sandy concluded its year terms. Havir and Wilkins) were Marcia Moffitt. See www.icg.org.au. believing that saving grace alone Bannual election for board mem- Each year at least two trustees fin- Chambers of Pritchett and Ron Feaker New take on 2012 —Jesus’ death on Calvary—qual- bers on June 27, 2009, by reelecting ish their terms. A nomination process of Hawkins. ifies sinners to become members trustee Jim Wilkins of Hawkins and occurs each May. The other five board members are ARROYO GRANDE, Calif.— of His spiritual body, not devotion adding David Havir III as a trustee. The four people who received the Neil McIver of White Oak, Don Bob Thiel’s new book 2012 and to their day of worship.” Incumbent Ron Avey of Big Sandy, top four vote totals this year proceed- Mischnick of Hawkins, Bernie Mon- the Rise of the Secret Sect (list Pastor Abrigo, a dedicated who concluded his three-year term, ed to the final phase of the election salvo of Gladewater, Melodee Over- price $20) will be an “invaluable Sabbatarian, likes to point out chose not to allow his name to enter process, which occurs each June. ton of Big Sandy and J.L. Roden of guide” to anyone worried about that “you don’t have to leave your into the process. The board of trustees The other two people who were Hawkins. the period beginning with 2012, church to be active in ours.” Dr. Thiel told THE JOURNAL.” For more information see The book “goes past the hype seventhdaynewcovenant.org.

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