1 THE JOURNAL bids farewell to the Church of God’s pastor in Jamaica 1 John Warren recalls AC’s ‘big dig’ in Jerusalem in his brief history 1 The Feast reports in this issue are TheJournal probably THE JOURNAL’s final ones 5 F. Paul Haney asks what’s the News of the Churches of God point of prayer if it’s not answered Vol. XXI, No. 11 Founded 1997 Issue No. 201 (Dec. 31, 2017)

AC students suddenly found There’s only one themselves digging in Israel more Journal This is an updated version of an min Mazar to begin participation on to advertise in article that appeared in THE JOURNAL an archaeological excavation at the issue No. 80, dated Sept. 30, 2003. It Temple Mount in Jerusalem. HE JOURNAL: NEWS OF THE is part of THE JOURNAL’s continuing Mr. Armstrong told coworkers in a CHURCHES OF GOD invites series of history articles. letter dated Dec. 10, 1968: Treaders to take advantage of “Today I can announce this big the last chance to advertise in this By John Warren news at last. newspaper. THE JOURNAL’s 21 years everal hundred people—mostly “I have just returned from my sec- of publishing will end with issue Ambassador College students— ond visit to Jerusalem in approximate- No. 202, which will be dated Jan. Swere part of a continuing archae- ly four weeks. Four weeks ago all pre- 31, 2018. ological excavation known informally liminary discussions took place, and Advertising your Feast of Tab- as the “big dig” in Jerusalem from the [on] this trip it was made official! It’s ernacles site is a valuable way to late 1960s through the early ’70s. one of the most important things that make use of JOURNAL ad space, and THE JOURNAL talked with people ever happened for God’s Work. it’s not too early to announce your who were part of the big dig during “Ambassador College has just been 2018 observance. those years. given the great honor and responsibil- To ensure your message is heard, whether about the Feast or Ray Dick of Hawkins, Texas (who ity of entering joint participation with other topics, you may buy adver- Hebrew University of Jerusalem in was to die in 2004), in 2003 provided tising space in THE JOURNAL. For many details to this writer of his per- the most important archaeological ex- more than two decades we have fi- sonal involvement with the archaeo- cavation of our time—uncovering 3,000 FAREWELL, IAN BOYNE—Ian Boyne with his wife, Margaret, pauses for nanced this publication by selling logical excavation sponsored by the years of history!” a photograph among the books in the Boynes’ collection. Mr. Boyne was a subscriptions and ad space. Worldwide Church of God. Fruitful arrangement voracious reader with more than 2,000 volumes in his personal library. A For more information including Mr. Dick served from 1967 to 1970 media celebrity in his native land of Jamaica, he was also a frequent con- ad rates, write or phone Linda as manager of the church’s office near It is THE JOURNAL’s conclusion that tributor of articles to THE JOURNAL. Mr. Boyne died Dec. 18, 2017. See the Cartwright at lkcartwright@aol. the Holy City and was closely in- Mr. Armstrong’s public announcements article on this page and his obituary on page 7 of this issue of THE JOURNAL. com, P.O. Box 1020, Big Sandy, volved with the startup of the church’s about the dig in those early years were [Photo by Ricardo Makyn, staff photographer, The Gleaner] Texas 75755, or (903) 636-4779. and college’s participation in the dig. incomplete and in some cases inac- Although anyone who was a WCG curate. member during that era was well After the contacts had been made aware that there was a dig sponsored and much behind-the-scenes work in part by the church, many of the had been undertaken through the aus- CGI pastor was widely known as journalist and details chronicled in this article may pices of the church’s office in Jeru- not be so widely known. salem, the excavation arrangement in- In 1968 Herbert Armstrong, chan- deed came to fruition. media personality in his homeland of Jamaica cellor of Ambassador College and But Mr. Armstrong’s announce- pastor general of the WCG, announced By Dixon Cartwright server of Dec. 18, Mr. Boyne was chief Profile of Excellence, cowritten with ments were incomplete in that they an Boyne, whose photograph ap- executive officer of the Jamaica Infor- Glenford Smith, who has also written that the church had arranged with He- failed to mention that one of the men peared on page 1 of last month’s mation Service. articles for THE JOURNAL. brew University and Professor Benja- See THE BIG DIG, page 22 I issue of THE JOURNAL, died Dec. 18, He entered the University Hospital Mr. Boyne was known for what the 2017, in a hospital in Kingston, Jamai- of the West Indies on Saturday, Dec. 2, Observer called his “weekly unortho- ca, after a series of four heart attacks in and died 16 days later. dox television show Religious Hard- rapid succession from which he seemed While he was in the hospital recu- talk,” as well as newspaper columns. to be recovering. perating, this writer for THE JOURNAL Jamaican prime minister Andrew Mr. Boyne was E-mailed Mr. Boyne a get-well-soon Holness expressed his condolences at Branson and cruise file reports pastor of at least message. He responded on Dec. 9 that the passing of Mr. Boyne: east of Tabernacles reports within each sealed firstfruit through- five congrega- he was grateful for his friends’ love “It is with deep sadness that I ac- sent in by readers of THE out seven eras (congregations) tions of the Tex- and prayers. knowledge the death of veteran jour- JOURNAL continue below for that will make up the future com- as-based Church nalist and a true friend Ian Boyne. This F of God Interna- 30-year journalism career is a shock to me.” Feast 2017. Many, but not all, 2017 pleted Bride. tional, founded This writer and Mr. Boyne commu- observances started on the evening The 144,000 Government funeral of Oct. 4 and ran through by Garner Ted nicated numerous times over the past Oct. 12. The Feast also pictures Armstrong and two decades, by telephone and E-mail. Online media in Jamaica reported the future marriage of the associates in 1978. I considered him a close friend al- the nation’s government plans a funer- The following reports He was a frequent though I had never met him in person. al service worthy of a head of state. are from a Christian Edu- Bride (God’s church: contributor of Ian Boyne Mr. Boyne’s journalism career spanned Last month’s JOURNAL featured the cational Ministries cruise 144,000 sealed firstfruits) church news and 30 years, including his long-running tel- last article Mr. Boyne submitted to THE to the Groom-Lamb, and that visited the Church of other articles to THE JOURNAL. evision series, Profile, featuring inter- JOURNAL, his report of the CGI-spon- God International obser- their dwelling in Third Mr. Boyne was famous in his native views with famous people and others sored Feast of Tabernacles in Ocho Rios. vance in Jamaica and a Heaven, a temporary booth, land of Jamaica. He was a print jour- who weren’t as famous but who had See also “Pastor Boyne Celebrating site in Missouri sponsored for 1,000 years plus a nalist and radio and television broad- overcome significant hardships or had 30 Years of His Profiles Program” in by God’s Church. short season. caster and was one of the best-known other interesting stories to tell. issue No. 193 of THE JOURNAL, dated While people on earth MR. ROENSPIES’ media personalities in the country. He wrote and published a book March 31, 2017. See his obituary on Robert Roenspies will live through a human As reported in The Jamaican Ob- about his TV series in 2013 titled page 7 of this issue. SERMONS utopia for that 1,000 years RANSON, Mo.—Oct. 5-12, (with Satan confined to the pit), the B2017, another delightful, spiri- firstfruits will reign with Christ tually rewarding Feast of Taberna- while learning to become kings and cles and Great Last Day at the West- priests, and eventually return to gate Branson Woods Resort in Bran- earth to serve those who become CGI and CGBS combine for event son, Mo., occurred with brethren God’s children after the second IG SANDY, Texas—Members Bible study about Proverbs 3:5-6. formerly incorporated as God’s resurrection. of the Tyler congregation of At 2 p.m. John Reedy of Tyler pre- Worldwide Church, now called sim- During the Sabbath between the Bthe Church of God Interna- sented a Bible study, “The Changing ply God’s Church. Feast of Tabernacles and the Great tional (CGI) traveled to Big Sandy on of the Guard.” Sermons previously given by the Last Day, Mr. Roenspies explained Jan. 6, 2018, for combined activities During the service at 3 p.m. Jim late General Pastor Robert Roen- how the billions of human beings, with the Church of God Big Sandy Johns of Ephrata, Pa., gave a sermon, spies were played for services. after the second resurrection, will (CGBS) for a winter family event. “Forward-Looking Christians.” In a Feast sermon he gave 11 begin to joyfully live their daily “Our congregation enjoys it when Also during the service Bea Gus- years ago, Mr. Roenspies mentioned lives with excitement forever in our friends from CGI come to spend ner of Longview, Texas, played “The the past, present and future signifi- God’s Kingdom. a Saturday with us,” said Dave Havir, Holy City” on her violin, with Dixon cance of God’s sixth annual festival, What will it be like? pastor of the CGBS. “In the past year Cartwright of Big Sandy accompa- WINTER WEEKEND—Present for special activ- the Feast of Tabernacles. the two congregations have com- nying on the piano. ities centered on the Sabbath are (from left) Dixon Ancient physical Israel, miracu- Their former ways will be history, bined on the Day of Pentecost and on Cartwright and John Curington of Big Sandy and Jim After the service was a potluck Johns of Ephrata, Pa. [Photo by Reg Killingley] lously created, provided us with bones will be buried for seven the Feast of Trumpets. On Jan. 6 we meal. During the meal the congrega- God’s example of a people living in months, and weapons will be burned used a member turning 90 years of tions brought out a cake in celebra- thanks to Hurricane Harvey. booths: temporary dwellings. for at least seven years. age as an excuse for being together.” tion of Charles “Chuck” Calahan’s Later that evening young people God and Jesus Christ have been God will have allowed them to At 1 p.m. Daniel Botha of Round 90th birthday. Mr. Calahan recently played in two inflated bounce houses temporarily dwelling, tabernacling, See CEM CRUISE, page 21 Rock, Texas, moderated an interactive moved from Corpus Christi to Tyler set up in the spacious building. 2 THE JOURNAL Issue No. 201 (Dec. 31, 2017) Letters from our readers

The fragmentation Good things ou’ve performed an essential I’m sorry there are only How to subscribe to THE JOURNAL service to COG members and a couple more issues to be Ywatchers for how many years? published. I imagine Keep up with news of the Churches the last issue. (Please remit in U.S. A lot! You’ve provided a regular and it’s been a lot of work of God and your friends in all the funds.) reliable news service about the COGs, all these years. Thank groups by ordering the last issue To order, send your name and ad- and you’ve also provided an invalu- you for your efforts. that will be published of THE JOUR- dress along with a check or money able platform for differing views. You’ve provided a NAL:NEWS OF THE CHURCHES OF GOD order to THE JOURNAL, P. O. Box 1020, Considering the differences in wonderful connectivity for (in the United States) $2.33 for Big Sandy, Texas 75755, U.S.A. both emphasis and theology that (without the bias found the last issue. Non-U.S. subscribers, please remit there are within this small family of other places) for those of For non-U.S. subscriptions mailed in U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank churches, that has been so important. us with a Worldwide Church from Big Sandy, the price is $3 for or as a postal money order. Personally, I would have found it of God past. I hope you so much more difficult researching have good things lined up and writing my Ph.D. thesis on the for the future. for your reasons to end THE JOURNAL. other things you do behind the schisms from Worldwide without important factor in one’s health. Lynn Cole You were so transparent and authen- scenes. I pray you enjoy your retire- your assistance—and that of the late They guess: diet, exercise, clean Eugene, Ore. tic. Please know how touched I was ment. Of course I know that always Gavin Rumney. living, etc. I tell them, no, the most and how I admire and respect and includes family and friends, but I A ‘30’ for THE JOURNAL You provided ideas, introductions, important factor is choosing your par- agree with your positions stated. also hope you enjoy travel and criticisms and corrections—and much- ents properly. You cannot beat DNA. I’ve only just now seen the news Thanks always being there for me too. doing things just the two of you needed encouragement. My book My dad died at 95 (he used to be that THE JOURNAL will write “–30–” at I just so admire that not only were like. I have wonderful memories of The Fragmentation of a Sect (New on the AC grounds crew and went to the beginning of February. I’ve long you willing to revisit doctrinal and things Ben and I did together. May York: Oxford University Press, 2013, church. You probably remember appreciated the work you and Linda salvation stands, but that you spoke God bless you in all things. 2016) would have been so much him.) My mom is blowing and going have done, and I’m grateful to have about it publicly. Such an honorable Shirley West poorer without your help. in Tyler at 96. Lives in her own home been published in your pages once or thing to do. Big Sandy, Texas We’ve never met, but I feel that I with help two or three times a week. twice. Thank you for your many I knew when I met you in Indy that Next chapter can count you as a friend. All the best Still does crossword puzzles and her kindnesses over the years. first time when you were persecuted Thank you for all the hard work in for your retirement from THE JOURNAL! own checkbook. May you both find health, happi- by church people and took it with such keeping THE JOURNAL going for so David V. Barrett many years. We will miss it. Best London, England wishes on your next chapter. Christine and Rex Jamerson Second opinion ‘I still remember working with you and John and Klaus and the Overland Park, Kan. You did not deserve this comment [in a letter that appeared in issue No. bunch at the press, and David Robinson was one of my best Long run 200 that stated: “Congratulations on I am saddened that THE JOURNAL shutting down THE JOURNAL. It should friends there. But I guess that soon they and us will be gone.’ will be closing shop, though I do have been done years ago”]. understand your need to do so. It’s I have enjoyed your prestigious been a really great long run. You’ve provided an immeasurably valuable JOURNAL for years. You kept us in This is my 39th year at KC. Plan is ness and joy in the years ahead, and grace that you were a special man. contact with other people in other source for these many years, and a to retire after 40 and then teach a cou- may our God bless you today—and Stuart Segall unique one that no one and nothing congregations. ple of basic online class for some every day! Burlington, Wash. You have always had editorial else came close to providing. I look extra money and brain stimulation. Mark Kellner Entire staff forward to the last two issues, and I integrity and not a partisan denomi- Forty years ago AC Big Sandy Columbia, Md. national outlook. Thank you for the wealth of infor- thank you also for your personal care closed. But I still remember working COG forum mation you provide and the labor of to me in getting THE JOURNAL to me I congratulate you and Linda on with you and John and Klaus and the your courage to keep this going in Thank you for your hard work all love from the entire staff. for so long at your own expense. bunch at the press, and David Robin- spite of all naysayers. these years with THE JOURNAL. The Blanca Botero Free Lazor Bernie F. Monsalvo son was one of my best friends there. paper provided an important forum for Pasadena, Calif. Soledad, Calif. But I guess that soon they and us will Mobile, Ala. the COG. Best wishes for an enjoyable Red-letter day be gone. Church activities retirement. Your friend always— Thank you for keeping us updated On this 84th anniversary of Her- All the years I do not go to church but still con- Dr. Richard Griffiths Whatever amount is left monetari- on the activities of the Churches of bert W. Armstrong’s first official sider myself as a member of the Church Elgin, Texas radio broadcast on 7 January 1934, ly on our subscription, please just of God. I think your explanation about God. I wish you well on your further keep it and do not worry about send- Differing views endeavors. which became The World Tomorrow respecting others was very good. program: ing us a refund check. We appreciate Feel sad JOURNAL is shutting down Relliford Hygh Strange things have happened in Here is a reminder of the two wit- all the years of hard work on THE but your reasons for doing so are Fort Collins, Colo. the past, but God is still in charge, and nesses whom God originally used, to JOURNAL’s publication. understandable. You and John Rob- His Son at his right hand. Don Ward Happy subscriber proclaim His end-time message to Lenny and Diane Cacchio disfellowshipped me in 1978 for inson might not have fully realized It saddens me to learn that THE Lee’s Summit, Mo. the far-reaching impact In Transition the world through that medium. It is divorcing Carol Neff and remarrying. JOURNAL will soon cease publication. a 30-minute video (http://www. and THE JOURNAL have had in enlight- Eras eventually end Yet now he is on my joke list, and I I’ve been a happy subscriber for 21 tinyurl.com/wt-broadcast). ening many of us around the globe years and I will miss reading news of Dixon, so sorry to hear that THE have been put on his United Church Geoff Neilson with thought-provoking articles from old friends and acquaintances. I wish JOURNAL is coming to an end. But I news list. Who would have figured? Cape Town, South Africa understand that all good things come I may come to the BS COG with differing viewpoints. Yes, you’ve you success in your next endeavors. to an end. Do not send me a refund for Havir and the crew in the future. May provided a commendable service and Annelle Mundt any issues still on my subscription. see you there. I appreciated it very much. Longview, Texas Read your explanation in the latest Best wishes to you, my friend and Rosalind Yong Family and friends TheJournal issue. I will turn 75 next month but in your lovely bride. Singapore Thank you for your service to us News of the Churches of God fairly good health. I ask my students Michael C. Kusheba Reasons why through the years, not only in pub- P. O . B o x 1020, Big Sandy, Texas 75755 at Kilgore College what is the most Gladewater, Texas I was deeply inspired and moved lishing THE JOURNAL but the many THE JOURNAL:NEWS OF THE CHURCHES OF GOD is published by JMC Associates. Telephone (903) 636-4779. POSTMASTER: Send change-of-address no- tices to THE JOURNAL, P.O. Box 1020, Big Sandy, Texas 75755. In January, after a run of 21years, THE JOURNAL is an independent publica- tion not affiliated with any church organ- ization. Printed in U.S.A. © 2017 JMC Asso- The Journal will come to an end ciates. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or trans- mitted in any form or by any means, elec- The writer and his wife, Linda, are still have issues due them subscription run. Present plans tronic or mechanical, including photo- 15 Ambassador update: Will anybody buy the campus and keep it open? copying, recording or any other informa- republication 1 WCG sues Gerald Flurry over Mystery of Ages HE OURNAL 5 You’ve probably never heard of post- publishers of T J . past our shut- ponements, but you will. are for our website, thejour- tion-storage-and-retrieval system without 4 United Church of God in Louisville: down date. For Elders get ready to decide nal.org, to continue under the the written permission of the publisher. 8:32 February 26, 1997 OHN TheJournal EDITOR AND PUBLISHER: Dixon Cartwright By Dixon Cartwright example, they News of the Churches of God oversight of Alan Ruth. Vol. I, No. 1 J an that no m e festivals.s rethren, saye th rison B postpon pa ly CONNECTIONS EDITOR: Linda Cartwright cattered eek S ht to direct com the w cal- has the rig d ebrew uate Outlook on postponementsents— They draw annual feasts an stponem —to een ents IG SANDY, Texas—After 21 may have re- terested in the H em e betw oes so far as tonem eq Plans also are, over the ast anyone in the poainst th on th Sabbath. ssell g e be r ag r. Ru f the postpo of th g nds endar and s or cons M nce o ark affects festivalIf you whether dfor present o proobservancesaccepta uilding on grou e an ssell’s article beginnin read in 1956. out th attend e still haven’that are with bearingu the m ened B ig By Dixon, T Cartwrightexas — ab n: W r. R ing nleav ONTRIBUTORS AS ject? W (see M ent critics ethdon’t ediately after the C : Ewin Barnett, Ian Boyne, L subject. 1). em m m AL yet heard ents, juste hat sub page 1 —This is the tabernacleart imb en’t nem t th W e big questio on people HER od during U g hav - ered th lays Other postpont they do feel sould oly GET at Stew eek-long springblin ar postpoestions abouy sub answ ents? ll, de hy sho the h TO the church property near B calend u e touch em ns rong. W ith same AYS llis or P hile. Q nd th postpon ulatio go that far, wbu per w HT D adio Church of G D nts are a hotf ments are, we to tam EIG y the R eir first visit to veling to andood assem Building,. is HE OUR ait a w e es o is terribly bath to pus T J - w calendar anem rch ostpone ar that can ed ab ned b as taken by E edw years of publishing cently renewed hu nd llow next several months, to ebrew ostpo ents P ents are reg be a ow during th H nem e onem ish cale e begin-f ep- ptism any of the C Postp e Jew ays th four o days? Isn’t thatstponing precisely the Sthe ur ke This picture w in those years of tra ject of its p eople postpoey’re th to th o d e ith o warts’ ba .Fifteen hundred brethren, later attended called the that R w Trey Cartwright, Earl Cayton, Dave Havir, g as po te pic in m e p thers th built in to tw he rules— thin es that S exas mbassador University cam to o som re under th ? e pleased ws at tim andy, T he tabernacle od. T deal; to o rethren delay for up Sunday od b day en? S G e b o of the year.laced T the illel II inas an G ts, o big beast. o th ? D ning ere p amed H C ere m en festival, following them customer Library on the A are n ey? D ut them —w i n hedrin were stponem ulty Ham mark of the ay or them of a rabb an ts w ing the festivalsined on by em po at spring-feastoy sites. T hat are thcerned abo emen at f th he R W con nce one w direction 8 when thestpon S were determocates o , note the diffic now t to be differe . 35 e po the Adv age 5 need Inn A.D . Th ns establishedine biguous cbiblicale, p ld not be ake any illtop p anded latio eterm nam feren e H disb d on the other hand s Con ual has Reg Killingley, Edward Malone, Kathleen NAL EWS OF THE HURCHES OF they m e calcu ing u oice shou id : N C at th take u s to as nd Dalla div the but they will re- e in post an archive on the site nce e od’s ch the other? ened to illed as a part of the for Jew in fi S use an s to A confere ents, such od ncil, “G eca its -5 conv ether, that tim observe the nemfestivals. cou d just b secutive termment lim s in earnest.th g Bet-tog y a es to ostpo hurch of fG the ould ite con end ice on here Jan. 3 ba red b tim ber c lim o the am ose questione Sab onso Critics of p aayeh o em tive “ il.” th ere sp rethren. - ussell of ther. MC ncil m nsecu served tw ference’s choounc nds of ths w red B in es R M o co council,” and on lution Frie eeting is a m Jam t no cou have to eneral C d the Scatte aayeh in Truth and e tha ould ould the G dget reso the m Brethren vid more than tw ber w best served buon the C ed McCann, Jamie Payne, Linda Moll Smith, B p calle em o can ose grou cattered wrence M vited serve hree years aw m wh rop prov he S by La aayeh in flict of inter- s. T ch . em- The p rrent- T nded r. M xecu- term efore su ther term ithin an ape cu t fou g the e r ano ncil m r ould grant latitude to theith thcouncilith toou OD istry , Texas. M e calls a “conwin cil. elapse b now, cou r-yea w ony w ” w G , lano what h p- d r fou arm plan we plan to shut down this ceive only one the coun of all 202 issues as PDFs, t in allo reallocate funds w of P with eren cially o be eligible gsfo stan e varied soe. al under e serve on As thin o-, three- oic e tim budget, “in h operating pprov elp th est” inh cer to ent is offi rs, in esa e tw u- pproved nce a s to h ission e offi endm f elde gu bers serv ngths of servat the sam ly a fere ill also tiv ouncil o s, the le ll end eral-con ns. w d system His am e c ” that ar term ot a read the infl gen nditio nference “Sharing Eric Snow, Ellis Stewart, Bill Stough, ent an e d by th position ent also to will n ce over u-a co lled nvironm Dav pose s the they limits can sp cum certain eneral co n ca nsibility,” e order. by ent of op r- erm er of the offie ac p,” The g lutio espo uy urch to dcarry in outroposed its m exas, “statem ing the presid hono “T pow nt th R UCG preparesch entfor p an dy,Louisville T council “allowde inconferencee d preve y one grouof eldersation olis elder Gould verton embers decently anendm ig S rticle that allow f latitu ence and up an e in an xt of his consider a reso ap ac O il m e n am e B end A - unt o ishes of th enc e te e Proclamy Indian e that By M ounc at th A ld am serve on theo d w larger gro flu th b , if approved, w of - astor of thou ent, date an n the n of in g in the handse, can proposed hich ork h no c Havir, p ation, w require presidthat offi greatest aman e in their selection latio cNeely said in th son, w strategic issue w - newspaper after one more issue. The more. Therefore, lthoug od’s genuis- greg s to e at g the m rve og the r. M wer, restinngthy tim Swen t “it is a wer th grega beginning with issue No. p for reelection of G o ylaw rv in onferenc M po are u hurch L con ration—not se eral C ish to se ablin le osal. “Po for a le ct tha d em d con Wesley White rs in en ey w ossib prop rson n.” dire s an of the nited C f elde G elders 9.1 of the be corpo rer— G mptatio ’s controller ort an ristian ation U C rma- d treasu uncil. inat- hile also enest p of any pe s te CG ent of we supp al Ch age 4 8-10, U pe cers of th of those th e its b - cide, p A arch e the e on the co cer ouncil, w mak d a statem ain individu the proclamill De ce, a secretary an ber is nom C ncil of be a seriouudge, the Ule W eral conferencey., M o e offi e tim em - ncil to resident. ou ent Ted B er, fi ent, m s in lders , K m , a the sam ouncil m sition as an offiem Cou r p ind, the C endm anag endm tion See E ville f the ho ns plan d ouncil m si- ction fo d tax m e am olved will cast ballots o to decid an “If a C ts a po e C sele an prayerful consider- cation -98 rch d accep n, th n his po e “With this in m se choices.”arris osition to th to be inv nent lo , an operatior 1997 ed an rporatio resig f th ls that this am by D opp that, since od bers to the ic plan et fo e co ediately text o o lders fee osed e for G em strateg budg ents to chu of th m s. “N E duly restrictt prop tho congrega- tainingis mad of m osed endm ill im ouncil,” thet state in ould un men CG ayne, ation ok HE OURNAL prop unday ber w dmen w amend selection ng’s bo n the C en ncurrently An ncil stro IRCULATION T J eral am n o in the last issue, No. 202, will be dated Jan. we at rm 1, published in Febru- Linda Cartwright e place S C : tio sev s. ill tak e sed am serve co d- eely, pastorapolis of Uand Forts of Wcou - . A e bylaw lan th propo ay en McN ian e term ould pro ert W essag otes w 9. p ce.” al- ns in Ind ak erb ges.” urch The v , March officer m e offi d that the am b tio ould m free H of the A Malachi’s rM Ch oon e strategice: ieve a ears and w Mystery ofystery the Ages hat aftern clud more thanav onir state elp ach uncil of Ind., w it filed in M lurry said ealed fo ith w bjectives in th e in spel to the the Mr. H ed to h co or- embers three y su Mr. F ly rev iliar w O ay approv the go ching ed een the rch c m ain e ing - nt is ne er betw blem g to the lawe article, 1985“the was m d those fam , w elders m claim g and tea s com me rdin an th in - “ ers an ght. enly f ■ Pro achin t Jesu ce of pow ficers of the chu “Acco r ritten orld emb ng tau w, sudd pre an d of ddress a pro ngeles,” as w e W m rmstro o illions o rld and of all tha and to a s A ok w f th erbert r. A hun- wo nce elders an and Lo hted bo M o you can seeess ageh for b serva uilding . ration verton pyrig eneral ood, H “S a m EBSITE ob r b po co astor g f G ave W : Alan Ruth, [email protected] d. love l WCG acsues O to stope p o h essage for a few The 31, 2018, and be printed and mailed plan to mail refunds ande h in By M by th hurch now ot a m ary 1997. m izationa itor of ■ Strategies fochurc rgan d!” ter- ing the o wide Cng.” people, onusan nior ed an in ngthen ping an he Philadelphia ChurchMystery of God, of rmstro edi- red th eap, se et, in PCG stre evelo e A t d nnis L rump the ■ D which announced plans earlier ase at PCG ruary’s pe De T NAL said rst issu ph Trum OUR ctu- this year to republish New l in Feb ia HE J d this s, with its fi ort a which some feel was the erald Philadelphiaith T e suit. ante - The Journale New to rep T In his editoriahiladelphder G ed iew w to th ng w pos id en free e the Ages, The P foun nounc v nding rmstro dience Worldw d be Th of CG ., an id it r. A est au 3, ha st magnum opus of the late Herbert Arm- tion kla d sa is respoe feel M wid lcome toiss a in 197 ents. rst five se agazine, Pmond, O ook an G: “W to the . one m et ews ev r its fi e clo ad. strong, is being sued by the Worldwide - m e b e PC to go p said HE OURNAL ny , fo as th h of th ork k a will not knowingly print rm o e T J We ld a ity to g al n ally ws w CG Church of God, which holds the r.copy- A Flurry of Edtion hase in th ur W bo r. L wou Actu W pec- f M CG ublica p rs of o arn- ,” M s any out in early February. to subscribers who hy hurch of wide Ne ress the right on the book that rswas o publishede W rep nts a new yea on w sible opie had m Thank you to many n opportun t- yea w golde be World e p izational ex ress, few d, se en arily s. g for c ave st fe Or a y to a fre organ free p by Dodd, Mead & Co. 1 986,in 1985. th repre e first sev rim urche , courin G] h e pa d- out of the ss?C h thing by ally a Within a in print anoc- “Th n ch ay S e PC over th use usine nity, w pered ’t re f that grewn ok from any d centratedLa p odicea e [th ook uring to spaper b insa chal- Ham asn atio ng’s death ned m as con n ck on “W r the b n sco end Wew rring ttle the the ave a staf form stro the bo do g. - w od’s ow assive falling kn oaw ests fo e bee God–n n: Ba to ba tations, it w h ithdrew ban rmstron rm us to g mes- requ hav pies to s it to stio stay rinting ing bits of in set. w ecently, a r. A Mr. A n ing G as a m arnin nd et co publish ter que yone d p but it didt slipp ore r y M Ages There w w k by years a res to g to re HE OURNAL a f m ght b ings o ed f inaccurate information. will sto T J uld an ding an at? f the clo ch hrist directed [a boo r id wo r or th erstat- skilled aders. reds o y of the hat is and C ith a strong e e of ou book e dec le. atte its re und n be trines tauMyster ed his teaand w r w essag iec as ple. W ailab ake lenge of finis m riously und ll that to cross h e ca In ound ho an, civ- their doo lachi’s M centerp peo ore av m th of th Now it’s tteallred out a oups, w e xp Ma phasis w ke it m anted to tru risk of se ere isn’t rcha es of sca e are fre g e ries”: w d the sage. as the ma el that it’sg win the spirit oe 4 t the n, th Chu rite ugh d gro t w NAL. stron yste an lurry] w nt the em le. to e fe stron , pag A the to w Tho tions an tha JOUR n “m nd evil spirits,rch m r. F ea n peop ifted “W rm Sues Since this is a subscription-based have paid for more the situatio able niza sense HE n- seve els a e chu M hat m r. A CG readers for staying ition in rga the T , ang l, th os . T od’s ow ari- ee W ing trad ing o in all its co God Work G sis has sh ond what M S ng a orters be ays unified per like ith n, Israe od. reaching pha ly sec ave lo f rep ill alw s ad a pa ree w free to fel- ilizatio of G eb. 10 on that em d on e h od o s. re w to re e ag e are ugh its m ervice, basedase Fin L od “Now orld, an s. W ork. run corrections if notification of errors is G s S ed, the agazine r w Kingdo ew le w dicean od’s W actual new ledg se m an Whethe t, at least w City N ted in a releurch of G ho ao in G ay cknow rtainly ch other thro ip ide Ch ainst the the w od’s L hase iving aw A d ce publi- tent or no ith ea sh ngeles, sta w to G w p a need for in-hou trolled h ship w fellow are A orld suit ag od that ly ne g and g be sletters anr con ac low we at the W ral law of G d dis- tered a printin w fo is to pre ges. ore free to se. th fede hurch G ha en now and ne ason ose pa e are m t sen led a e PC We are cellent re se purp rch- If w rethren, surelyportan ing fi lphia C ing th s of a ex ho chu hilade laim es. tions w ot be s- ith our b in an im ou’re read P day, c l reproduction ca spel. l que w nified re. Y same of the Ag received within a reasonable time after publication, many subscribers will than the length of this ere cann g rea ore u gress. kful d illega with us for 21 years. e go kin m ro ystery th rs as bers and e’re still he g p tribute M But, if th h mem W akin edingly than called ber reporte hurc e’re in real e’re m exce s. book mem er c , w this. W e also bscriber f oth cles arti- We’r r su tions o ted r charte riting real arti a rela last for ou w le. des, in hat the troub o rs w The elvin Rh nde n like if M ge 3, wo e bee publication. le on pa ould hav c ars w 25 ye Issue No. 201 (Dec. 31, 2017) THE JOURNAL 3

Cartoon by Earl Cayton, San Francisco, Calif. Columns and commentary Just what do you mean turn the other cheek?

The writer is a longtime educator kind. “You hurt me, so I will hurt you No wonder Christians who prac- who attends the Church of God Big in a similar fashion. Now we’re ticed such a response were accused of Sandy. even.” And so the natural demand for having turned the world “upside equity or fairness is met. down” (Acts 17:6, KJV). By Reg Killingley Under such an ethos if someone And no wonder either that Jesus IG SANDY, Texas—What did slaps you you slap him back just as calls this behavior “perfect” (verse Jesus mean when He told His hard. That just makes everything 48). Perfection for the Christian re- Bdisciples even. That’s just normal. quires going completely against the to “turn the oth- Jesus, though, is telling His follow- grain of the normal and natural human er cheek” (Mat- ers that they should not seek payback response to mistreatment. thew 5:39; Luke for hurt. His disciples should not be- Jesus Himself demonstrated this 6:29)? have as normal. perfect behavior when He showed us Did He mean It would be hard enough to obey if His love by suffering and dying for us we should allow He were telling them—and us—sim- even when we were His enemies (Ro- Satan gladly forgives folks for all their sins. people to bully ply not to retaliate, not to hit back mans 5:6, 8, 10). and abuse us, when hurt. If we’re still wondering about jus- letting them But Jesus doesn’t stop there. The tice, if we’re asking ourselves wheth- physically slap response He expects goes much fur- er God condones the mistreatment of us around willy- ther. He tells His disciples: Don’t just His people, the answer is clear. We nilly? Was He Reginald Killingley passively refrain from retaliation but are not to plot revenge. We are not to really telling us proactively seek to behave in a way seek payback. Ezekiel is about comfort to give away our clothing to those that defies every expectation. Do the Justice—revenge, if necessary— who might sue us or assault us for it? diametrically opposite thing. Your re- belongs to God. He will mete out per- to Israel, past and future As with any kind of understanding, sponse must be 180 degrees from fect justice, with perfect love, in His context is everything in determining what it normally would have been. perfect time. Kathleen McCann lives in En- to the Israelites, but it is important how to apply Scripture. In other words, don’t just not retal- In the meantime, our job is to emu- gland, with her husband, Lewis. to establish which ones and with In verse 38 of Matthew 5 Jesus es- iate. Actively help your adversary. late the perfect love Jesus has for us. They have been in God’s church what task: tablishes the context. He cites the Don’t just remain neutral towards We “retaliate” with love for those who since 1975. Kathleen recently grad- “And He said to me: ‘Son of man, principle of retaliation enunciated in your enemies (which would be still mistreat us. uated with a B.A. honors degree I am sending the Pentateuch: an eye for an eye and be a good step above seeking re- Jesus was willing to love us in spite from The Open University. She you to the chil- a tooth for a tooth. venge), but go much further by ac- of all our faults and sins and failings. receives mail at 100702.2766@ dren of Israel, In other words, the normal re- tively loving them and blessing them He freely gave us His love when we compuserve.com. to a rebellious sponse of human beings to mistreat- and doing good to them and praying had treated Him with evil. He expects nation that has ment has always been to pay back in for them (verse 44). us to do no less for those who hurt us. By Kathleen McCann rebelled ILTON KEYNES, En- against Me; gland—What was Eze- they and their M kiel’s task given to him by fathers have Jehovah? Did he give it to the transgressed Commencement address: I wish you bad luck Israelites of his day or a future age? against Me to This discussion of the book of this very day’ ” The writer is pastor of the Church of son should dogmatically claim something persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s Ezekiel seeks to answer these ques- Kathleen McCann (Ezekiel 2:3). God Big Sandy and a regular columnist from God and He is required to give it. sake. For when I am weak, then I am tions and try to establish a basis for Because the for THE JOURNAL He also writes a week- While I believe in the importance of com- strong’ ” (2 Corinthians 12:8-10). describing Ezekiel’s mission. tense of the verbs is in the perfect, ly article that appears at churchofgod- municating with God and in the power of bigsandy.com. Good recommendation this clearly refers to past Israelites. faith, I don’t think that religious people Ezekiel the man The phrase “to this very day” sets should be bossing God around. (Can you As I mentioned earlier, I am associat- By Dave Havir imagine physical parents being required ed with people who are interested in The first verse of Ezekiel is puz- Ezekiel’s work (or rather the Lord’s IG SANDY, Texas—In my circle to acquiesce to the demands of 2-year- helping people face their challenges. zling because, while it places Eze- message to His people via Ezekiel) of life I am associated with peo- olds, 16-year-olds or 20-year-olds?) At an interactive Bible study, one of my kiel by the River Chebar when he in the present moment of Ezekiel sit- Bple who are interested in helping It is true that the Son of God taught friends recommended that the audience started to see visions from God, ting in Tel Abib at that time. people (including family, friends, neigh- people to be persistent in prayer (Luke become familiar with a speech given by which “thirtieth year” is it talking “. . . Yet they will know that a bors and coworkers) to deal with the 11:1-8; Luke 18:1-8). Think about it. Per- U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts on June 3, about? prophet has been among them” challenges of life. While we enjoy the sistence in prayer is important because 2017, during his son’s ninth-grade com- Then verse 2 tells us a second (verse 5). many blessings that God bestows upon the Father (who is in charge of the fami- mencement at Cardigan Mountain School time that the Lord came and spoke These were real people alive at us, we understand that our Heavenly ly) allows His children to express their (a New Hampshire boarding school for to Ezekiel, but this time it was “in the time. Verses 6-7 obviously tell Father allows people to face challenges desires with Him—in an effort to con- boys in grades six through nine). the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s Ezekiel that he should not be afraid and trials. vince Him, not demand from Him. captivity.” and that he should speak the Lord’s We believe that God has promised to Helpful words Abraham negotiated Jehoiachin was taken captive by message. help people through those chal- The speech has been advertised with the Babylonians in 597 B.C., one lenges and trials. When Abraham talked to God a phrase from the speech: “I Wish You No language barrier Before we go any year into his reign, so the fifth year we saw him negotiating with God Bad Luck.” I want to quote from a por- from his captivity was 592. In chapter 3:1-4 it was Ezekiel further, I want to (Genesis 18:23-33). Notice some tion of the speech. briefly state my ob- of the things that he said. “Now, the commencement speakers Some scholars say verse 1 refers himself who was told to eat the jection to two popu- “Far be it from You to do will typically also wish you good luck to the 30th year of Ezekiel’s life, and scroll. lar theories among such a thing as this, to slay and extend good wishes to you. I will there has been no more satisfactory “For you are not sent to a people many religious people. the righteous with the not do that, and I’ll tell you why. explanation of unfamiliar wicked, so that the righ- than this. It is speech and of Health and wealth “From time to time in the years to teous should be as the come, I hope you will be treated unfair- certainly rea- Ezekiel 3:12-15 tells us hard lan- I don’t believe in the wicked; far be it from ly, so that you will come to know the sonable to say guage, but to “health-and-wealth” gospel. You! Shall not the Judge value of justice. I hope that you will suf- that he went he was lifted into a chariot the house of The premise of that theory is of all the earth do right?” fer betrayal because that will teach you into captivity and taken to Tel Abib. Israel, not to twofold. First, if you obey God, you will (Genesis 18:25). the importance of loyalty. at about age many people be healthy and wealthy. Second, if you “Then Abraham answered and said, “Sorry to say, but I hope you will be 25 and that of unfamiliar are unhealthy and poor, the reason is “Indeed now, I who am but dust and lonely from time to time so that you his call by God came when he was speech and of hard language, whose because you did not obey God. ashes have taken it upon myself to speak don’t take friends for granted. 30 years old. words you cannot understand. The apostle Paul wrote to the church to the Lord” (verse 27). “I wish you bad luck, again, from Surely, had I sent you to them, at Philippi about his perspective on fac- “Then he said, ‘Let not the Lord be time to time so that you will be con- The chariot from heaven ing suffering. they would have listened to you” “Yet indeed I also count all things loss Ezekiel was transported to Tel (verses 5-6). for the excellence of the knowledge of Abib on the Chebar River in a char- Ezekiel spoke Hebrew. The Is- Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have Persistence in prayer is important because the Father iot (3:13-15) to deliver his message raelites spoke Hebrew. Ezekiel was suffered the loss of all things, and count allows His children to express their desires with Him to the Israelites living there, so he not being sent to strangers who them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ must have been there by the age of could not understand his language, and be found in Him, not having my own in an effort to convince Him, not demand from Him. 30. He even seems to have been nor he theirs. righteousness, which is from the law, but annoyed at being carried off like this “And go, get to the captives, that which is through faith in Christ, the (“in the heat of my spirit”). to the children of your people, righteousness which is from God by faith; angry, and I will speak but once more: scious of the role of chance in life and Where Ezekiel lived for the first that I may know Him and the power of Suppose ten should be found there?’ and speak to them and tell them” understand that your success is not five years of his captivity is unclear, (verse 11). His resurrection, and the fellowship of And He said, ‘I will not destroy it for the completely deserved and that the but quite possibly Babylon itself, His sufferings, being conformed to His sake of ten’ ” (verse 32). failure of others is not completely de- considering that he was a young It was the Israelites who had been death” (Philippians 3:8-10). served either. taken captive that Ezekiel was being Different answer man from the Judean Court and The apostle Peter contrasted the dif- “And when you lose, as you will from probably the Temple too. sent to, the next generation of his ference between suffering for mistakes Notice an example in the New Tes- time to time, I hope every now and then Chaldea, the word used in Ezekiel own people. and suffering for Christ. tament where Paul sought God to your opponent will gloat over your fail- “But let none of you suffer as a mur- answer Him in a certain way. But God ure. It is a way for you to understand the 1:3, was a Hellenistic name for The heavenly chariot again Babylon. “He settled in Tel Abib on derer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busy- chose to answer him differently. importance of sportsmanship. Chapter 3 verses 12-15 tell us body in other people’s matters. Yet if “Concerning this thing I pleaded with “I hope you’ll be ignored so you the Chebar Canal near Nippur” (New Spirit Filled Life Bible, page 1050), Ezekiel was lifted up into a chariot anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not the Lord three times that it might depart know the importance of listening to oth- much like the one he had seen in be ashamed, but let him glorify God in from me. And He said to me, ‘My grace ers, and I hope you will have just enough and the New Bible Dictionary tells us this matter” (1 Peter 4:15-16). is sufficient for you, for My strength is pain to learn compassion. that Nippur is south of Babylon. chapter 1 and taken to Tel Abib, by made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore “Whether I wish these things or not, the River Chebar, where many Name it, claim it most gladly I will rather boast in my they’re going to happen. And whether Ezekiel the prophet Israelite captives had been taken. I don’t believe in the “name-it, infirmities, that the power of Christ may you benefit from them or not will de- In chapters 2 and 3 Ezekiel is sent See ISRAELITES, page 4 claim-it” view of faith. rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure pend upon your ability to see the mes- The premise of that theory is that a per- in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in sage in your misfortunes.” 4 THE JOURNAL Issue No. 201 (Dec. 31, 2017) Israelites appointed no one besides Ezekiel as a watchman

Continued from page 3 captivity, and we do know from one of fulfilled even as he spoke, and they The watchman again make a new covenant with them, and not The watchman: Whose responsibility? the books of the Apocrypha, in 2 Es- were for “times far off.” The peo- The first 20 verses of chapter 33 His sanctuary will forever be in their dras 13, that a large contingent of ple were not to say the Lord delays midst, as well as His tabernacle. Ezekiel 3:16-21 speaks of the indi- Israelites set off toward the north and His coming (verse 27). come before the 10th vision. They vidual’s responsibility to heed the escaped through the Caspian moun- hark back to Ezekiel being told to Gog and Magog Lord’s Word and to understand that he tains, on up into Europe. Elders of Israel warn the Israelites that if they individ- Before the 12th vision, starting in will die at his own hand if he does not Esdras is thought to be another Chapter 14 returns us clearly to ually did not repent of sin they would chapter 38, a word needs to be said turn from his wickedness. name for Ezra, so the history he was Ezekiel preaching to the elders of lose their lives. about Gog and his allies who attack This is interesting and unusual be- recording had probably taken place in Israel who “came and sat before me.” In 33:7 Ezekiel is told by the Lord Israel. It is hard to understand who cause, up until the exile of Israel in the mid-7th century B.C. They knew In verse 6 Ezekiel was to preach re- to be a watchman to the house of Is- these people are, unless, coming at the 721 B.C., in ancient times there had who they were. They knew the law of pentance to the people there. rael and to warn the wicked to turn end of the millennial rule of Christ, been a joint responsibility on the Jehovah. Chapters 15-19 speak of prophecies from their ways. they are Satan’s troops gathering to Israelite people to obey the Lord. The for Israel and Judah in that day. The Lord sees it as only fair (verse attack Israel when Satan is loosed at the Israelites in Sinai had jointly agreed to Escape to freedom 20) that individuals should take re- end of the Millennium (Revelation 20). obey the Lord (Exodus 24:1-8). “And whereas thou sawest that he Third vision sponsibility for their behavior. How- Certainly these people appear “in From the time that Northern Israel gathered another peaceable multitude The third vision is given in chapters ever, there is no evidence of the Is- the latter years/days” (verses 8, 16) at broke away from Judah 200 years unto him; those are the ten tribes, 20-23. It is given in 591 B.C., and it is raelites appointing anyone besides a time when Israel is dwelling safely. before (about 930 B.C.), they were still which were carried away prisoners an overview of Israel’s history. Again, Ezekiel to be a watchman, either then In recent years it has become more jointly responsible for their apostasy. out of their own land in the time of Ezekiel is plainly speaking to the el- or in the future. difficult to see Britain and America However, we can note a major change Osea the king, whom Salmanasar the ders of Israel in his day. 10th vision dwelling safely, although in the 20th here. From about 720 B.C. onwards king of Assyria led away captive, and In 20:4 Ezekiel is told by the Lord to century it might have been possible. God would hold the Israelites indi- he carried them over the waters, and make known to them “the abominations The 10th vision, in 33:21, starts War against Gog and his troops will vidually responsible for their be- so came they into another land. of their fathers.” The chapter speaks of with the fall of Jerusalem and the ar- be tumultuous (verses 18-23). The havior (and hence their salvation). “But they took this counsel among the Exodus from Egypt, rebellion in rival of the messenger to give Ezekiel clean-up operation will take seven years “Work out your own salvation with themselves, that they would leave the Egypt, rebellion in the wilderness and the news, whereupon Ezekiel receives (39:9), although seven months are al- fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). multitude of the heathen, and go forth how they did not observe the Lord’s his speech back. so mentioned (39:12). The Christian era into a further country, where never statutes, notably the sabbaths. The remainder of chapter 33 ad- mankind dwelt, that they might there However, for His own name’s sake dresses the sins of Judah, and verses The Lord’s purpose This is important because from the keep their statutes, which they never the Lord was merciful even though, in 30-33 make it clear that Ezekiel was Chapter 39:21-29 relates quite exile onwards, during the remaining kept in their own land” (2 Esdras verse 32, they wanted to be like the speaking to people of his day, who “sit clearly the Lord’s purpose in giving years of that millennium, the Israelite 13:39-42). gentiles. before you as My people, and they these visions to Ezekiel; that is, to people were moving toward the hear your words” (verse 31). bring comfort to all Israel. Christian era. Having a national reli- God’s judgment Their own land “The Gentiles shall know that the gion would obviously benefit the Is- Ezekiel 7 continues the Lord’s mes- Chapter 20:33-44 tells us that the Responsibility of the shepherds house of Israel went into captivity for raelites overall, but it could also hin- sage to the exiled Israelites of that Israelites were to be settled in their Chapter 34 goes on to place respon- their iniquity; because they were der them if national leaders did not time. There is certainly a future ele- own land. Jehovah would come and sibility for the dispersal of the Is- unfaithful to Me, therefore I hid My obey the Lord. ment in a few places, for example, speak to them face to face. raelites firmly at the feet of the shep- face from them. I gave them into the In fact, national leaders tend to verse 3: “I will send My anger against When could this possibly be? Jesus herds who should have looked after hand of their enemies, and they all fell restrict people who speak the truth, as you,” but He also says, “I will judge spoke to the people of Judah face to them correctly. Again, this refers to a by the sword” (verse 23). happened to Ezekiel in chapter 3. “Now I will bring back the captives Verse 27 is significant again on this of Jacob, and have mercy on the theme because the Lord says specifi- whole house of Israel” (verse 25). cally, “He who hears, let him hear; “ ‘Then they shall know that I am and he who refuses, let him refuse; for Strange but interesting are the two visions that the LORD their God, who sent them they are a rebellious house.” appear entirely out of sequence; that is, the 10th and 12th. into captivity among the nations, In other words, the Israelites were but also brought them back to their to be individually accountable, which These appear from chapter 33 to the end of Ezekiel. land, and left none of them captive is what would happen in the Chris- any longer. And I will not hide tian era. My face from them anymore; for I The era of grace shall have poured out My Spirit on you according to your ways.” face when He came the first time, but time when the Israelites were jointly the house of Israel,’ says the LORD Quoting from the New Bible Dic- This is clearly judgment for deeds He must surely speak to all Israel responsible under priests who had the God” (verse 28). tionary, third edition, entry “Ezekiel, done, not deeds that have not yet been when He comes the second time. oversight of them. Book of” page 355: committed, which might have been It then refers to the future that Captivity never repeated “This leads to the most unsparing the case if the Israelites referred to had Both sisters destroyed would be different, with the True Shep- This section from chapter 39 is exposure of Israel’s history and reli- been far in the future. “And I will By the end of chapter 23 we have herd uniting His flocks and bringing quoted in detail because it is so impor- gion in the OT (Ezekiel 36:16; 20; repay you for all your abominations.” both Northern Israel and Judah judged them home to the Promised Land tant. The Lord, through Ezekiel, sums 23). The promise of restoration is no On the contrary, verses 5-6: “A dis- where they belong. up the whole matter: longer bound to the prior repentance for their adultery. Although the people aster . . . has come, an end has come of Northern Israel were always consid- King David would be given life The Israelites were sent into captiv- of the people, but is an act of God’s ... It has dawned for you.” again to rule over God’s people (verse ity for their sins, the Lord hid His face grace which leads to repentance ered to be the Lord’s, their tabernacle Note the perfect tense again. This (Oholah) was “Her Own Tabernacle” 23), only this time he would be resur- from them for a time. But, when they (36:16-32). The restoration is above refers to the past. A future tense is rected to be a member of the God had borne their shame, the Lord all to vindicate God’s honor and not (not the Lord’s) while Judah’s taberna- used in verse 19: “They will throw cle (Oholibah) was “My Tabernacle is family. The Lord would forever be would bring them back to their own for Israel’s sake.” their silver into the streets, and their their God. land. He would leave no captives out Israel’s terrible history and religion in Her.” Ezekiel was sent to pronounce gold will be like refuse.” judgment on both sisters. in the world without a home. had been exposed for what they were, However, there is no reason to sup- The Millennium but from now onwards individuals pose this is speaking to Israelites who Fourth vision The chapters from 34 onwards, One captivity, one exile, could receive forgiveness from God one regathering were yet far in the future and who had Ezekiel’s fourth vision is recorded then, become millennial, bringing upon repentance. so far not committed any sin. comfort to Israel both past and The Lord would never hide His in chapters 24-25:17 (588 B.C.). He future. They point the Israelites of The siege of Jerusalem The above comments actually cov- sees Nebuchadnezzar’s siege of Jeru- face from them again. In other words, er only the first of Ezekiel’s visions, Ezekiel’s day toward a better time there would be only one captivity, only Chapters 4-5 talk about the siege of when in fact there were 13, as follows. salem. Ezekiel was to enact the sce- when they would no longer be scat- one exile and only one regathering. Jerusalem. Jerusalem would fall and nario where his wife died and he was tered, but would be reunited in the Ezekiel’s task to the Israelites of his all the Judeans were to be scattered Second vision not to mourn for her (just as the Lord Promised Land. day was to encourage them because around the earth. The land of Judea would not mourn for the passing of The second vision is covered by The Edomites their calamitous fate would never hap- became “a waste and a reproach” chapters 8-15. Ezekiel sees the Tem- Jerusalem). pen to them again. (5:14-15), which we have seen ful- ple, still standing in Jerusalem (592 Chapter 25 seems to come still Mount Seir (chapter 35) was the filled ever since in the land of Judah. B.C.). He is seated in his own house within the fourth vision. It is a procla- home of the Edomites. There are peo- 12th vision: the new Temple Ezekiel prophesies the imminent with the elders of Judah by the River mation against the nations surround- ple today who believe that it is the Chapters 40-48, then, tell the 12th downfall of Jerusalem, which took Chebar. He sees the abominations of ing Judea; that is, Ammon, Moab, people of Edom, or Esau, who cur- vision and is dated to 573 B.C. place in 586 B.C. This final fall of the children of Israel in the outer court Edom and Philistia. rently occupy the land of Israel (36:5). Ezekiel is given a vision of the Jerusalem to the Babylonian army is (where they had been, metaphorically, Lord’s magnificent new Temple in described in Ezekiel 33:21-22. The Fifth to 13th visions Israel delivered since 930 B.C., when they left Judah). Jerusalem, where all the former Sab- messenger bringing news to Ezekiel In the inner court he sees the The fifth to the 13th visions start in The rest of chapter 36 is millennial, arrived in January 585 B.C., and it is baths and holy days would be ob- greater abominations of Judah (who, chapter 26. They do not appear in speaking of Israel delivered and a new served again. interesting, as an aside, that there was despite having the true Temple, had strictly chronological order, and the spirit given to the Israelites. Verses a major solar eclipse in May of that He shows how the land will be also lapsed into shocking apostasy). reader has to rely on dates given in 21-22 tell us that even when scattered divided again between the 12 tribes of year. Ezekiel had fulfilled this task to In chapter 10 the Lord’s glory reference to Jehoiachin’s captivity to around the world they would continue the people of Judah in his day. Israel (and, by the way, Genesis 15:18 departs from the Temple, and we may work out their numbers. to profane God’s name. But in verse reveals that the entirety of the 23 they would start to worship the The Israelite captives remember that a solar eclipse was However, they are all proclama- Promised Land stretches from the seen in 585 B.C. tions against Egypt, except for the Lord, hallowing His name. Chapter 6, then, returns to God’s River of Egypt to the great river, the message to the Israelite captives. Eze- Warning to King Zedekiah eighth (26–28:26), which is a procla- Valley of dry bones River Euphrates). mation against Tyre. They appear in kiel is sent by the Lord to tell the Chapter 37 is famous for “the val- There will be a city of vast size, Chapter 11:24-25 is important for chapters 26-32. Israelites that He will destroy every placing Ezekiel back in Babylon ley of dry bones.” When will “the more than 1,000 square miles, where vestige of altars and idols that might (Chaldea), speaking to the captives of Tenth and 12th visions whole house of Israel” (verse 11) be the Lord will dwell (48:35), though remain in the land left behind. Judah who were there. raised again to physical life? Surely it God the Father will not come to earth Verse 8 tells us that a small remnant Chapter 12 keeps Ezekiel still in Strange but interesting, then, are can only be at the end of the millenni- till after the Millennium, when the would remain, although most would Babylon, where he is to enact a sce- the two visions that appear entirely al rule of Christ, at the time of the sec- New Jerusalem will descend from on be killed by the sword among the nario as if he was going into captivity, out of sequence; that is, the 10th and ond resurrection (Revelation 20). high (Revelation 21). 12th. These appear from chapter 33 to nations and scattered far and wide. to inform the Judeans remaining in The Israelites who have ever lived The disciples’ task Judah, especially the king Zedekiah, the end of Ezekiel. Judging by the will be given a second chance of life, 2 Esdras 13 of what was about to happen to them. years given, these visions came to the and King David will rule over them too. The disciples in modern times have Ezekiel 6:9 speaks of some Israel- Verses 17-28 are a clear indication prophet in 585 B.C. and 573 B.C. They will be one nation, dwelling been charged by Jesus Christ with the ites remembering the Lord when in that Ezekiel’s prophecies were being respectively. in the Promised Land. The Lord will See IT IS INSTRUCTIVE, page 6 Issue No. 201 (Dec. 31, 2017) THE JOURNAL 5

Cartoon by Jamie Cartwright, reprinted from THE JOURNAL, JOctoberuly 30, 1999 Columns and commentary We have a ways to go in dealing with gays This is the third of three articles the changed since ancient times, the crux myself: trying to suppress my emo- author has written on homosexuality of their message is based on human tions and force myself to feel hetero- that THE JOURNAL has published. His reason and wishful thinking. I feel the sexual attraction. first article appeared in April 2004 emotion of their reasoning but I don’t It was by the grace of God and and the second in September 2016. see scriptural support for it. a few caring brethren and a caring The two previous articles can be found minister that I survived my years in at michael9776.com and thejournal. Balanced and biblical? the WCG. org/issues/issue188/jx093016.pdf. You The Church of God definitely does may E-mail Mr. Harris, who writes not agree with the viewpoints of John A Christian struggle here under a pseudonym, at michael McNeill and Matthew Vines. But What about others God has [email protected]. has the Church of God called? Yes, they have been always offered a there. Some still are, and By Michael Harris balanced and bib- some are not. Let me tell n 1976, John McNeill, a Catholic lical approach to you about the human side priest, published his book The ministering to peo- of Christians’ struggle IChurch and the Homosexual. He ple who are homo- with homosexuality in advocated for moral equivalency for sexual? the Church of God: monogamous homosexual and hetero- No! No, the Church Through both ex- sexual relationships. He declared that of God is not always bal- traordinary and spe- “Next year can we go to all 27 Feast sites in Florida?” relationships by loving, faithful gays anced and loving towards cial circumstances could and should be accepted as moral people like me. over the years, I and “just as godly” as heterosexual have come into con- marriage. ‘Call them queers!’ tact with several men His book rocked the Catholic I remember years ago when a who have struggled with homosexual- Church and caused severe backlash, prominent Worldwide Church of God ity. God called each of them into His Unanswered prayer makes a point eventually leading to Mr. McNeill’s minister came to speak in our congre- church, to fight the good fight of faith The writer is founder of Christ A bit vague expulsion from the priesthood. gation. He was known for his outspo- and to run the race just like the apostle Fellowship Ministries. Write Mr. In 2014 a book written by Matthew kenness in condemning gays, so I Paul talked about. Haney at [email protected]. James 5:15 states that “the prayer Vines, God and the Gay Christian, is knew what was coming. It can be a difficult race to run, of faith will save the sick man,” and said to articulate “the biblical case in As he shouted out “Brethren, call especially if the cultural landscape is By F. Paul Haney in verse 16, “the prayer of a righteous support of same-sex relationships.” them all queers! That’s what they unaccommodating to running. ENSINGTON, Conn.—Jus- man has great are!” I sat in my seat in literal pain Of the men I’ve known, some power in its Can’t go away tifying unanswered prayer is waiting for his ranting to stop. have died. I want to tell you about a Ka recurrent challenge. Chris- effects.” Since the late 1960s homosexuality This man’s sermon did not help me. few of them. tianity’s interpretive solutions run That is a bit has been become one of the most con- It left me hurting. It was not a godly David in 1978 the gamut from the caprice of the vague, but the troversial and contentious issues of way to respond to the issue of homo- gods to personal faults. corollary is plain: Western society. It has emerged from sexuality or to minister to people who I met David in the WCG in 1978. Unfortunately, personal faults must The prayers of the Sodom-and-Gomorrah depths of experience homosexual temptations. We talked for hours over the phone, be terribly widespread in religious faithless or un- self-loathing and shame to the Gay telling each other about our church life Not my choice communities, considering the totality righteous peo- Pride celebrations that are witnessed and how things were with each of us. of unanswered prayer. Lack of faith, ple have no across the world. The issue won’t be I did not choose to be homosexual. The sharing was sorely needed insufficient supplications, supporting power. They are going away. for both of us. I the wrong gods, limited repentance F. Paul Haney not effective. Why? Is it just tried to be a real and not enough monetary sacrifice That should immorality that drives friend and sup- are some excuses I hear. this issue? portive of him. tell us something. Verse 17 states The Church of God is not always balanced God’s imaginary caprice has that Elijah prayed and for “three No. The reasons But a few years been interpreted by church people, are intertwined and later he began to years and six months it did not rain and loving towards people like me. in my experience, as “yes, no, may- on the earth.” One wonders how the complex. The bot- resent the church’s be and wait.” tom line: It can’t go teaching about world—plants, animals and peo- away because pain homosexuality You are the problem ple—survived such a catastrophic is driving it. I’ve had feelings of same-sex attrac- and sin. Fighting the good fight was drought and where genuine outside God’s supposed caprice aside, evidence of the event might be I have been in the Church of God tion since I was a boy. Most gays don’t difficult, and both of us mostly heard Christianity’s fundamental rationale for a long time. I have had a longtime choose to be gay. The feelings just only condemnation of gays from the as to why your prayers are not an- found. I am suspicious. struggle with homosexuality. I under- emerged as we grew up. pulpit. Never was anything kind swered is you. You must have a seri- Just what do you mean prayer? stand the human sentiments of these When I was a teenager God called ever said. ous fault somewhere. You must have two authors. I sense the emotional me into contact with His church. I It was a difficult struggle and David compromised your prayers. What is prayer? It is an appeal to appeal behind their words. spent years and years grappling in didn’t want to carry it anymore. He But that conflicts with the Bible. some object of worship, as a God, Their books are well written and conflicted fear and shame trying to began “going out” in spite of my warn- The Christian Bible clearly states gods, deity or the odd icon, even to tree include some truthful concepts con- shut down my emotions. ings against doing so. under what conditions your prayers spirits when some “knock on wood.” cerning the human need for love and It didn’t work out well. I grew men- David was eventually disfellow- will definitely be answered. You’ve One’s need in prayer is for imme- companionship. tally unstable and physically ill from shipped. When he contracted AIDS read it. All it takes is unadorned belief diate encouraging results in a partic- They say that the way we under- the constant state of distress. almost no one in the church knew or or faith. You either have it or you do ular situation. It could include thanks- stand things now in this age must be At age 20 I was hospitalized with cared. I and one married couple still not. And no mea- giving or viewed from a modern paradigm, pericarditis. It took me years to recov- had contact with him. sure thereof is re- adoration. based on today’s societal conditions. er my mental health from the emo- I visited with him as much as I vealed: I find a While I agree that some things have tional flagellation I had inflicted on See IF ONLY, page 6 “And Jesus an- Some prayers appear to paradox: swered them, ‘Tru- be answered, but we just Jesus ly, I say to you, don’t know for sure. promised if you have faith quick and never doubt, results, but you will not only how many Our incredible future is so easily forgotten do what has been done to the fig of us may rightly characterize our- tree, but even if you say to this selves as morally upright, righteous, The writer, a longtime Church of was in the beginning with God, all This is the reason for human life! mountain, “Be taken up and cast into honorable, blameless or virtuous, God member, is responsible for a pub- things came into being through Him” But there is another incredible truth the sea,” it will be done. And what- and sufficiently so that our prayers lic outreach program called The Unit- (John 1:3) “and to learn. For you to become a member ever you ask in prayer, you will will have great power and be effec- ed States and Britain in Prophecy. See the Word be- of Gods’ Family, another big promise receive, if you have faith’ ” (Mat- tive, being heard by a righteous God also us-britishfuture.com. came flesh and is made: that you will eventually live thew 21:21-22, RSV). and answered promptly in our favor, lived among us” forever (John 3:16; Romans 8:17). The fig tree (verse 19) withered at in the Jamesian mode? By Brian Harris (John 1:14). Why do planets exist? once: no waiting. The key is faith. A few may venture that far, per- CEANSIDE, Calif.—Are we He became Jesus also said: “Ask and it will haps, but not many. That said, virtu- simply victims of the evolu- “the Firstborn God will give us the ability to live be given to you” (Matthew 7:7). ally no one (except those few) O tionary process here to experi- within a larger forever, here on the earth, and we will Those metaphoric promises are should expect their prayers to have ence life for a short time, or is there family” (Romans rule on the earth (Revelation 5:10). preached as certain from the pulpit, any effect at all. a reason and purpose for each of 8:29). Later we will populate every plan- but with the dire warning that faith is Yet I put forward that, indeed, our lives? et. We will not wing our way to heav- critical (Hebrews 11:1). some prayers appear to be answered, Albert Einstein believed he had Two unlikely en as an immortal soul as imagined Beings Consequently, plenty of justifica- although convincing objective evi- proven the existence of a Planner and Brian Harris by the ancient pre-Christian Egyp- dence is sorely lacking. We just Designer. Charles Darwin persuaded These two in- tians, brought back to Greece by Soc- tion, equivocation and excuses are don’t know for sure, so why not pray many in higher learning away from credible beings began the concept of rates and later accepted by the church preached when prayers are not an- and expect answers? the necessity for a great First Cause. the family, becoming the first “Father at Rome. swered. (I further propose that some an- Winston Churchill believed there was and Son” who began both the Family There would be no need for a resur- One might suggest that many of gelic interventions seem to occur “a purpose being worked out here of God and the human family. rection from the dead at Christ’s return Jesus’ promises were given only to without prayers, at least in my per- below.” This process will later achieve a if this theory was true. those in attendance. sonal experience on occasion.) Consider this statement in Genesis much greater purpose in God’s 7,000- Learn about your future and the But. if that were true, much of One may contentedly attribute any 1:26: “Let Us make man in Our image year plan being worked out to enlarge final happy peaceful outcome of the New Testament would not be positive results of troubling events according to Our likeness.” His Family, to be expanded to thou- America’s and Britain’s future at for anyone else, except by interpre- to answered prayer, but that is anec- Speaking of the One who was sands and millions and later to billions AmericaAndBritainsFuture.com and tation. See EVEN BABIES, page 21 placed in charge of everything: “He of all who have ever lived. US-BritishFuture.com. 6 THE JOURNAL Issue No. 201 (Dec. 31, 2017) If only condemnation is preached, only contempt may be heard Continued from page 5 Sadly, Ralph had slipped up in accounts of Genesis 19 or Romans 1, ing of the human side of this issue. homosexuality—but having no kind- could. This was the early 1990s, temptation and had contracted HIV. even though they and I heard those Homosexuals often feel “condemned ness extended toward homosexuals— before the wonder drugs. He suffered He coped for several years, taking stories preached over our heads count- without understanding” by the Chris- will only reinforce the anger and mis- terribly including blindness. He was various medications, but gradually less times. tians who profess to care about them. trust that many gays already feel glad I was there with him when I declining. He died in 2005 with So what is the responsibility of the The gay-rights movement hit its toward religion. could be. church members from his congrega- Church of God in responding to the stride back in the ’70s and ’80s, and Here are some points to keep in Bob in 1979 tion assisting him in his final days. issue of homosexuality? churches reacted by condemning. If mind when preaching about homosex- In spite of the difficulty of coping Christianity had grasped a deeper un- Doug, a WCG minister uality in our congregations: In 1979 I came into contact with with the issue, it is the Church of God’s derstanding of the human side of the Don’t make jokes about homo- Bob, almost by a fluke of circum- Doug (not his real name) was a moral obligation to tell people what sin issue, and responded with true con- sexuals. This has happened in the stance. This gentleman was older than church kid from a big family. He is. But is that all there is to do? cern, perhaps things would be less Church of God. I was and had been in the church attended Ambassador College in Pasa- No. Simply telling a homosexual polarized today. I remember when one man told me longer than I had. He befriended me dena, and, like many young men who he is a sinner and is condemned if he Because of the intensity of the issue that he really “enjoyed” hearing jokes like an older brother. went to Ambassador, he entered the doesn’t repent will not help him. The and others, social tensions are building about homosexuals. If someone in our Our friendship was completely WCG ministry. men I talked about above were all told to such an extent that there is now an fellowship is struggling with same- proper and continued for 18 years. Doug carried a painful secret bur- that they were sinners and needed to emerging threat to religious freedom, as sex attraction, hearing jokes will only Although I was 15 years younger, I den. He was “gay” and he couldn’t repent. But the church did little else to Christianity is increasingly perceived to cause distress and demoralize. gave him what encouragement and “pray the gay away.” help support them. be a threat to equality and fairness. When the issue of homosexuali- support I could give. We both were People wondered why this young Certainly the old WCG culture, Religious freedom is vital to carry- committed to our faith in God and the ty is talked about from the pulpit, say man wasn’t getting married. He com- where one was often simply con- ing out our church’s mission of preach- something kind about the people. church’s teachings and way of life. mitted himself to faithful service but demned for sin and then left on the ing and teaching the gospel. There is a For many years Bob and I visited Make a distinction between the temp- coped with ever-increasing stress, even ground bleeding, did not produce reason the American Constitution en- tation and the action. together during trips on the East making plans to marry and then realiz- good fruits. shrines the right to freedom of religion A temptation per se is not sin. If Coast. When 1995 came and the church ing he couldn’t commit to marriage The Church of God needs to go and speech in its First Amendment: split apart, our friendship was frayed while in conflict about his sexuality. beyond condemnation alone. It must It sets the cultural foundation for someone has homosexual temptation but still intact. He stayed in WCG Doug resigned from the WCG min- tell the truth in clarity, but also with a the whole concept of freedom and the but is not giving in to it, then he or she and I didn’t. istry and left the church, to find relief kind spirit. If the church will preach expression of basic civil rights that is not sinning. He was a faithful man but carried a from the pain of conflict and extricate against sin to homosexuals, but has upholds human dignity. The ministry sets an example to the load that he didn’t fully share at times. himself from the hostile WCG cultur- nothing kind or encouraging to say congregation. If only condemnation is Being older, perhaps he didn’t want to al attitude toward homosexuals. about them, don’t expect many homo- Telling the truth for wrong reasons preached—and nothing kind is ever burden me. Many years went by before Doug sexuals to respond positively. However, is it possible for us to said about the people—a message of In 1997 Bob apparently committed took another chance on the Church of tell the truth while motivated by big- contempt may be the only thing heard suicide. I had no warning. I was shocked. God. His sister, who had also grown ‘You’re unacceptable’ otry or hostility? Yes. Christianity has by someone who is struggling. The reasons he did it are not clear to up in the church, happened to hear a Christianity has a bad name with done a lot of that over time. That’s Someone who struggles with his family or me. I loved him and I minister say something kind about many homosexuals. Why? It is be- part of the reason there is so much homosexuality should be given the believe that God has his human spirit homosexuals. cause many gays see religion, includ- anger and mistrust from gay activists same respect and kindness that we in safekeeping. Noting this as unusual, she told ing Christianity, as oppressive and toward religion. should be extending to all of our brethren. Henry in 1988 her brother about it. He came to see wanting to hurt them. But, guided by the Spirit of God for himself. Why? Because historically there working in us, we can preach the truth If you know someone who is strug- I met Henry at the Feast in 1988. gling with homosexuality, don’t be He was at the family dance, standing afraid to give a hug (you should ask alone and looking lost. After a short first) to the person, just as you might conversation we planned to have din- Christianity has a bad name with many homosexuals because many give a hug to any other person in our ner a few days later. fellowship. At dinner he told me he needed to gays see religion, including Christianity, as wanting to hurt them. If you know someone struggling, confide something. Somehow I knew Why? Because historically there has been condemnation alone. please include him or her in your so- what he was going to tell me. He told cial circle, just like you would include me he had a struggle with homosexu- anyone else. Don’t talk about the issue ality, and he waited to see how I of homosexuality in a group setting would react. For a while it seemed that he was has been condemnation alone! with love for the people. unless you know that the person is When I confided the same, he was back in the fold. But, when the 1995 Often this is what a homosexual We must remember and express the okay with doing that. surprised because he had never met church split happened, it was apparent hears when Christianity preaches to divine love of God for mankind A person struggling should be anyone else in the WCG who strug- that old wounds had not healed. He him to repent: revealed in Scripture. In our preaching cautious about sharing. However, if gled with his issue. again left the fellowship. “Your need to love and be loved by let us adopt the spiritual mind-set of that person has trusted you enough to Henry had contracted polio as a I remember Doug as a kindhearted someone of your own sex is sin. Forget Christ as revealed in John 3:16-17: share, please don’t betray his confi- child and was crippled from its ef- man. He and I lost regular contact, but about yearning for intimate emotional God loves mankind so much that dence by carelessly mentioning his fects. He had been in and out of the I always respected him for his sincere and sexual connection with another He willingly gave up His Son for us. circumstances to others. A person can church for years. concern and kindness to others. Doug man or another woman. Your emotions He doesn’t want to condemn us. He be seriously hurt when that happens. When I met him it was apparent died in 2014. and feelings are unacceptable. dearly wants to save all of us, if we are that his life had been difficult, but he “Instead, give up your hope and willing to repent, love and respect Priestly calling My friend Phil was determined to stay in God’s chance to ever experience love and Him and recognize and embrace the Brethren, thank you for reading this. goodness of His ways. church and had finally been able to Lastly, there is one other man, affection in the only way you know God has a called a cross section of find a stable place to live and a job. whom I’ll call Phil. Phil contacted me how to feel. God and the church will Good to know what we’re mankind into His church. We have all Our friendship lasted for 13 years, back in 2004 after he read my first ‘love’ you if you consign yourself to a talking about kinds of human issues. Homosexuality until he died of a stroke after confine- article published in THE JOURNAL. He life of loneliness, isolation and pain.” Regardless, the tension between is just one of them. We all have a mag- ment to a wheelchair for several years. and I are still friends, even though he nificent calling to hold onto. He was faithful and did the best he Constant distress Christianity and the homosexual will no longer attends our fellowship. Hold onto the promise of that could under his difficult circum- I mention Phil because his journey It is deeply distressing for a human continue. Homosexuality cannot go stances. I look forward to seeing him away because pain drives it. priestly crown. That calling that is big- has been particularly difficult. He being to be caught up in a conundrum ger than we are. Our calling now isn’t again at the first resurrection. does not live in America, and he of circumstances such as this. It’s like Humans don’t like pain, and we try to extricate ourselves from it. The gay just for us but for all of mankind, Ralph in the 1980s received virtually no support at all being told that you are not worthy to from the church during his years of be loved as a human being, unless activists will fight to the wall to get which awaits our birth as firstfruits so I met Ralph in the 1980s. His moth- attendance. you can “repent” and somehow be- what they believe is their fundamental we can assist Jesus Christ as He sets er had been in the WCG for years, so In fact, it was just the opposite: He come heterosexual in your emotions human civil right: to love and be loved out to save humanity. he had known about the church years was mistreated by some in the church and sexual attraction. When you can’t without shame or judgment—and to We fight the good fight of faith to- before he was baptized as a member. ministry. pray the gay away, as these men I be accepted by society. gether while we live under a state of It was apparent to me that Ralph talked about could not do, it can leave Yes, the church must preach scrip- grace in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:1). struggled to fit in with the church cul- Real life you in constant conflicted distress. tural truth about what sin is. But, if we But we must fight the good fight ture, just as I had struggled to do that These are real-life stories of men are to tell the truth about homosexual- and run the race, just like the apostle in years before. whom God had called into His Condemned without understanding ity, we really must know what we are Paul did. God helps us, but He doesn’t I tried to be a good friend to Ralph. church. I met them over a period of 26 I hope I’ve explained how the issue talking about. and can’t run our race for us. Only I knew life was difficult for him. years. They all tried to fight the good of homosexuality is far deeper than just The scriptural accounts of Genesis each of us can do that. Again, the 1995 split in the Church fight and run the race. the question of sin and immorality. 19 and Romans 1 do not convey the But Jesus Christ, our High Priest, is wreaked havoc. Ralph church-shopped As far as I know, their backgrounds One of the greatest mistakes made by full story of this issue in today’s socie- there for us as we seek Him and God the for a while before coming to the Unit- were similar to mine. None of them Christianity has been preaching only ty. The circumstances are not the Father by going to the throne of grace in ed Church of God in the early 2000s. ever fit the profile of the infamous condemnation, without an understand- same. Preaching condemnation of time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16). It is instructive to learn about the task Jehovah gave Ezekiel

Continued from page 4 The point of this long essay is to gone into exile in 721 B.C. (and also a Jehovah’s message was, quite Israel why it had been taken captive task of teaching the house of Israel “to establish what task Ezekiel was given few years before that date), by simply, one of comfort and hope for and exiled, while the house of Judah observe all things that I have com- by Jehovah. He was sent to the Ezekiel’s time (600–573 B.C.) they the future. was warned that its fall was imminent. manded you” (Matthew 28:20). Israelites, and they were Israelites of still knew who they were. At the same time Israel and Judah his day, not of a future age. Many They were called, among other Ezekiel’s task were all encouraged that this would In conclusion scriptures quoted above attest to names, the house of Omri, because The Lord’s message delivered by never happen to them again. On the “Go rather to the lost sheep of the Ezekiel speaking face to face with the Omri had been king of Israel 885–874 Ezekiel is important at all times, espe- contrary, the Israelites, including Ju- house of Israel. And as you go, preach, elders of Israel and the elders of Judah B.C., and this is one of the most cially the millennial chapters. dah, would be reunited by the Lord in saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at in his own day. important names by which the Is- God charged Ezekiel with the task the Promised Land, where they would hand’ ” (Matthew 10:6-7). Although the northern tribes had raelites were known in antiquity. of making it clear to the house of dwell forever in safety. Connections: MMeemmbbeerr ttooMMeemmbbeerr Issue No. 201 PUBLISHED BY THE JOURNAL: NEWS OF THE CHURCHES OF GOD Dec. 31, 2017

The Journeys of Abraham Connections runs classifieds EOHWSERSAOPPELAOXAYE VXNJRNKTOCZYMZMYNFLN Resources Obituaries Obituaries The End Time Church: from the Cathedrals to the to the hospital after suffering a series of heart attacks Benjamin, Texas, the son of Willie Grantland and Elsie KDS JKXFEHLFCBHWSUOVO Catacombs—text/audio series. Latest chapter—Ruin, earlier this month. ¶ Ian, a decades-long Jamaica Mae Clowers Green. He married Mamie Lou Miller Ruin, Ruin https://danlwhite.wordpress.com Gleaner columnist, also served Nov. 21, 1959, in Winnsboro, Texas. She survives. ¶ FIASXWFPONUVEDUMARIL as deputy chief executive officer Melvin was a member of the of the Jamaica Information Ser- Church of God in Big Sandy, PDUMMVFOUSWMJCMHQKRY Obituaries vice (JIS). ¶ Mr. Boyne is sur- where he served as a deacon RDJFAAVYCMRPCEHCEREB Michael Lorenz Kurr passed from this life on Dec. 24, vived by his wife, Margaret, and for 55 years in the Churches of 2017, in Tulsa, Okla. ¶ Mike was born Feb. 14, 1963, in three children. See also page 1 God. He worked for Farmland The Bronx, N.Y., to Raymond and Dorothy Kurr. He was of this issue of The Journal. Industries as a field and meter KWHE Y S R TMR BOHDS I EVGA tech for many years. ¶ In addi- preceded in death by both parents, one sister, Patricia Sara Scott, 72, peacefully passed NSQI LACABRTADDRFHOAB Hesser, and one brother, Ray- tion to his wife, Mamie, he is away Dec. 29, 2017, while sur- survived by sons Melvin Wayne mond Alan Kurr. ¶ He is sur- rounded by her husband, Bill, DIRFRVTUCHUXYFLEHTEB vived by his wife of 33 years, Green and wife Teresa of Bona- two youngest children, Jody and parte, Iowa, Marty Clay Green Brigitte Kurr of Tulsa; three Billy, and her niece Christine. ¶ H ROEJGYZSNSPFOSSYQHV sons, Jonathan Kurr and wife and wife Rebecca of Cedar God in His mercy took Sara Ian Boyne Creek Lake, Texas, daughter Natalee of Owasso, Okla., Da- quickly. It was appropriate that V JGJOGPMDLAUPOBPALBE vey Kurr and wife Alisia of Tulsa Carolyn Denise Ater and hus- Melvin Green God gave her rest from her sickness on His rest day. ¶ band Wayne of Sulphur Springs, and Chris Kurr of Durango, There was no funeral per her instructions. She will be JAAIDOO I NATDD I ZB I AVQ Colo.; three grandchildren, Bre- grandchildren Melissa Jenkins, Teri Barnes, Ashley interred in Mountain View Cemetery in Altadena, Calif. Green, Makayla Green and Mitchell Green, great- anna, Cameron and Isaac Kurr; ¶ The Scott family is eternally grateful for your fervent QABJKMFFZHGSDBNPLFVN one sister, Deborah Morgan, grandchildren Aiden and Brooke Barnes, brothers prayers and love for her. She will be sorely missed by her Jimmy Green and Gene Green and sister Edna and husband David of Tulsa; family and many of you who knew this gentle, graceful DPUESHECHEMVQAMNVMAE plus many cousins, nieces, ne- Mike Kurr Birchfield. He was preceded in death by his parents and wonderful woman. ¶ Cards may be sent to Bill Scott and brothers, Everette Green and Herbert Mayberry. phews, friends and extended and family, 1111 Beverly Way, Altadena, CA 91001. OQHVHMEG I DDOWHPRRHNV family. ¶ To Mike everyone was family. Mike declared Jane Lesia Parsons, wife of retired GCI pastor Sonny that he was a self-proclaimed born sweetheart be- Funeral services for Cherish Elaine Kelley, 17, of Big Parsons, died Dec. 11, 2017, after a lengthy decline in KFOIHSVGBGHZYUAGTOTM cause his birthday was Feb. 14. Mike was a man who Sandy were held Dec. 23, 2017, at the Big Sandy High health. She was born Feb. 23, 1944, in Panama City, enjoyed life and had lots of fun doing it! His profession School gymnasium. Cherish passed away Dec. 19, Fla., where her dad was stationed with the Coast EYBV IWRDPAANMRFORX I V of washing windows made a living for him and his 2017. ¶ She was born May 10, Guard. The proud parents were David and Jeanette family for many years. ¶ Mike loved hunting, fishing 2000, in Tyler, Texas, to Lance Vinson. Brother Gene was only HZCSAKSERAZMRADBULDB and camping with family and friends, guns, riding his Kelley and Shannon Fenwick. 1 year old at the time, and for motorcycle and taking selfies. He loved his family, She was a junior at Big Sandy the next couple of years most Q AREZVBAEWOGUXEEPFTS especially his daughters-in-law and grandkids, and High School and was involved people when seeing them thought loved jumping on the trampoline with the kids. ¶ Mike in athletics and Future Farmers they were twins. ¶ Jane is sur- VHCLPANSOBRCTHGYEOQF graduated from Imperial High School (a private school) of America. She loved to hunt vived by her husband of 53 in Pasadena, Calif., in 1982. and fish. ¶ Cherish is greatly years Sonny and her brother Dr. missed by her family as well as Gene Vinson and his wife Ai Damascus Haran On George Evans died peacefully at home Dec. 14, 2017. her classmates. ¶ She is sur- Margaret, nephew David Vin- ¶ George was baptized in the Radio Church of God in Hazor vived by her mother, Shannon son, daughter Amy Renée Aleppo Dothan Paddan Aram 1957, along with his wife, Betty, and served in the Plunkett, and husband Dayton Peeples, her husband Joseph church as a deacon and then an elder in congregations “Pop” of Big Sandy; father, and grandchildren Treston, Tory, Hebron around the United States for more than 50 years, work- Cherish Kelley Tyler, Amanda, Alison Rae and Babylon Ebla Shechem Lance Kelley and wife Destiny Jane Parsons Mari ing for the church in designing the church-owned Feast of Big Sandy; paternal grand- Drew and great-granddaughter sites, serving on the Ambassador University board of parents, Larry Kelley and wife Margaret of Big Sandy; Haidyn Jade Gordon. ¶ Jane Beersheba Erech Megiddo Succoth directors and the interim board of directors of Cogwa, grew up in Jackson, Miss., and was always a happy, and in many other ways. He was loved and respected maternal grandparents, Brian Fenwick and wife Analyn smiling young lady who enjoyed being with people. ¶ Bethel Gerar Nippur Ur by many. ¶ His family greatly appreciate the outpour- of Big Sandy and Karen Dean and husband Danny of As a youngster she was active in her church, where she ing of love and support they have received. The family Big Sandy; brother Kris Kelley of Big Sandy; stepbroth- was in charge of the youth activities as a teen and looks forward to the next moment when they will be ers Brady Plunkett, Drake Plunkett and Konner Long; loved working in the nursery with the newborns. ¶ Jane together with him at Christ’s return and will continue stepsisters Keighley Long, Logann Long and Journie always loved people and wanted to help them. Her to be strengthened by the love, faith and example he Plunkett; aunts and uncles Brian Fenwick Jr. and wife family was active with community youth activities and exhibited to the very end. Cindy, William Fenwick and wife Allyson, Brandon Jane was chosen by her brother’s Little League team as Connections: Member to Member Feaker and wife Megan and Larry Kelley and wife team sweetheart. In high school she was chosen by her Lois Eleanor Quillen, born May 29, 1930, passed away Donya; great-grandparents Ron and Gracie Feaker and class as a favorite in the yearbook and was president of P. O. Box 1020., Big Sandy, Texas 75755, U.S.A. • (903) 636-4779 • [email protected] on Jan. 1, 2018, in Huntington Beach, Calif., leaving to numerous cousins; and friend Tolton Smith. the Future Nurses’ Club and her homeroom. ¶ While a CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER is published by THE JOURNAL: NEWS OF THE CHURCHES OF GOD. © 2017 JMC Associates.All rights reserved. Prayer mourn family and friends. senior in high school she was chosen from 48 young Funeral services for Melvin C. Green, 81, of Sulphur ladies from Mississippi as Miss Tammy Teenager and requests and obituaries of reasonable length are run free of charge as space is available. For display-advertising rates and deadline infor- Ian Anthony Boyne, 60, pastor of the Church of God Springs, Texas, were held Dec. 21, 2017, at West Oaks mation, write Linda Cartwright at [email protected] or P.O. Box 1020, Big Sandy, Texas 75755, U.S.A. Or call her at (903) 636-4779. represented the state in New Orleans at the premier International in Jamaica, host of Jamaica’s longest- Funeral Home in Sulphur Springs with Dave Havir and showing of Tammy Tell Me True!, where the stars of the running television interview program, Profile, and host Karl Wilson officiating. Interment followed at South movie were present. Young ladies representing all of of Television Jamaica’s talk show Religious Hardtalk, Liberty Cemetery with family and friends serving as the states were in attendance. In 1963 at age 19 Jane died at the University Hospital of the West Indies on pallbearers. ¶ Melvin passed away Dec. 17, at his resi- was chosen from nearly 50 young ladies from Dec. 18, 2017, after a brief illness. ¶ Ian had returned dence in Sulphur Springs. He was born Jan. 4, 1936 in Mississippi to be Miss Mississippi in the Miss International Beauty Contest in Long Beach, Calif. She was selected by Johnny Carson of TV fame and a com- mittee. Representatives from the countries of the world Mystery Solved: were there for the Miss International beauty contest and she roomed with Miss Holland. She was chosen as True Biblical Calendar Recovered! a finalist in the Miss U.S.A. contest that year. ¶ In 1964 after dating for five years she married the love of her life, Sonny Parsons. They had started dating when she was a sophomore and he was a junior at Provine High Read our Book School in Jackson, Miss. When they first started dating she passed Sonny a note with the letters M.T.Y.L.T.T. written on it. Those letters stood for More Than Beginning and End of the Biblical Year Yesterday Less Than Tomorrow. She had those letters Apps engraved in Sonny’s wedding ring in memory of the Watch Our Videos love they shared. In December they would have been triumphfamily.tv / TNT / YouTube iTunes / Google Play / Windows married 53 years. ¶ When Sonny graduated from Mississippi State in 1965 Jane was presented a P.H.T. diploma by the college. P.H.T. stood for Putting Hubby You will be Gatherings Phone Through. ¶ Jane became a licensed midwife in Missis- 214-418-6163 sippi and assisted in scores of deliveries. They were shocked…and Sandy McNutt Elementary blessed with two children, Christopher Todd and Amy 3609 S. Center St., Arlington, Texas Renée. They had six grand-children, Treston Parsons, informed as you Email Tory Parsons, Tyler Parsons, Amanda Parsons, Ali Rae Saturdays at 3 PM Parsons and Drew Meadville and one great-grandchild, read the details [email protected] Haidyn Jade Gordon. ¶ In their wedding ceremony Jane had a song played from the book of Ruth with the for the first time! words “wherever thou goest I will go!” Jane didn’t realize how true this would be as she and Sonny were (No, it is not the Jewish blessed in being able to travel the world as Sonny had the opportunity for speaking engagements from New calendar; not first visible Zealand and Australia to Jerusalem, London and crescent based; does not Amman to Hawaii and Egypt, Germany, Switzerland, Scotland, Ireland, Paris, Madrid, Lisbon and Alaska, use the spring or often traveling for weeks by train and ship. Once they were invited to a reception with Queen Noor in fall equinox.) Amman. ¶ For more than 45 years Jane served beside Sonny in church ministry. While in Big Sandy she also served at one time as head of the Meals on Wheels pro- gram. She always stood faithfully beside her husband Remember, the sign even as he served as mayor on two occasions. ¶ Her smiling cheery self will be missed. When asked what of the weekly and did she want out of life she replied, “To be loved by my annual Sabbaths children.” God speed, Jane Parsons You are missed! Reginald Charles Platt, born April 18, 1937, passed is at stake! away April 11, 2017. Arrangements were under the (Ex. 31:13; Ezk. 20:12, 20) direction of Dorsey–E. Earl Smith Funeral Home, Lake Worth, Fla. Deloyce Butler McNair, born June 21, 1932, passed away Aug. 20, 2017, at the age of 84. She was survived by her husband, Marion. A celebration-of-life service was held Sept. 11 at Baldwin Brothers Heritage OVER TWENTY YEARS IN THE MAKING. Chapel, Tavares, Fla. Marion McNair, 88, passed away Oct. 6, 2017. He was GET YOUR COPY TODAY! predeceased by his wife, Deloyce. Marion was one of the original seven evangelists of the Radio Church of God. Available in PDF download or hard copy Herbert Burk McNair was born to Joseph Schley and PLAN OF GOD Tressie Edith McNair in Camp, Ark., on Dec. 31, 1931. He passed away Dec. 5, 2017 in DARKNESS TO LIGHT Denver, Colo. Burk was prede- Visit ICY online at www.icyahweh.org ceased by his wife of 63 years, Billie Sue. Together they served to order, or write to more than 50 years ministering Step by step to people around the world. ¶ ICY, P.O. Box 208 Burk was known for his com- God is working out passion, kindness and ability to Pocahontas, AR 72455 USA encourage others. He is sur- Orders mentioning this ad in Th e Journal vived by his children, Kerry Burk His Plan McNair (Rhonda), Susie Weaver will receive a FREE postage paid copy; (Mark C.) and Mark Edward McNair; sisters Bobbie Morgan Burk McNair please include postal mailing address. Read it here: and Nancy Bald; grandchildren Susan Kirkpatrick, Karen Clark, Cody Smith, Ashley Questions: [email protected] Finsley, Mark Weaver, Brandon Weaver, Kerry J. McNair ChildrenOfGod.net and Hannah Juch; and 10 great-grandchildren.

This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL 8 ★ ★ ★ THIS PAGE CONTAINS PAID ADVERTISING ★ ★ ★ Issue No. 201 (Dec. 31, 2017)

worship song services are lured by the false gospel music readily available at stores which may sound great, but that is Satan’s bait to lure as fish to destruction. Songs choirs sing as for special music may be even more suspect since Exit Nimrod Part 10 they may unfortunately be lusting for appreci- ation from members. Going for what seems to sound good, but is not really good. Catholics and Protestants, her daughters, do Solomon’s Builders (2007) British Freemasonry changed from being throughout, particularly in national buildings represent much of Mystery Babylon today. y 32-degree Mason Christopher Ho- led by the nobility as officers, to democracy and art, but also state and city levels, too. As Avoid singing their songs or keeping any of dapp, author of Masonic literature as within, so an ordinary man could lead in lodge. the goddess Themis at courthouses. God told their holidays—each on a day named for a god. Freemasons for Dummies: He tries to This trend helped to create a trained military, the Israelites to destroy idols and images of B as well as in the US, and why many of false gods, not to construct them! So much of makeup is harmful correct certain wrong views. As by overzeal- ous Masons claiming most US Founding George’s generals were Masons. Boston had Hodapp did not mention the Statue of (The following quotes are from my previous Fathers were Masons. And by conspiracy the- 25,000 men, women and children, while 1000 Liberty: Built by and for Masons. Copied god- articles and may not have the source cited here.) orists who claim the same thing and more. men were Masons—a large portion. And why dess Libertas and Masons held a special meet- Jezebel is a type of evil woman or idea to Hodapp does claim “members of the mysteri- the Boston Tea Party occurred there. Masons ing on the island for Masons only. What other allure others to wrong ideas, to be in bed with ous fraternity of Masonic brothers helped dressed as Indians dumped British tea and nation has a giant goddess in their harbor? We her, so to speak. To embrace notions of Satan, make Francis Bacon’s new Atlantis a reality.” went back to their Green Dragon Tavern are to flee idolatry, not make it an idol, an icon to make them look appealing. She put on mas- Speaking of the US. [Atlantis is considered the lodge. Named after a copper dragon image for any nation. cara so she would be taken as part of the new turned green by weather. [An anti-God image, highest society (based on sinning ways).] Evils of holidays king’s harem, instead of dying. God sees who Hodapp goes in detail in how George and two different early US flags featured will spiritually get in bed with her (Rev 2:20- Washington must have felt as he went through snakes to represent the colonies.] While COGs do refrain from keeping some 22). Type of false church. his initiation into Freemasonry. Some of his Four Masonic foreign generals aided the holidays, they are all bad after enough investi- Much of testing for makeup was done on ani- clothing was taken from him and he was blind- US Revolution. All displayed as statues in gation. Modern Mothers and Fathers Days mals, though now not quite as bad as in the past. folded. What felt like a noose was put on his DC’s Lafayette Square with Mason and US seem nice, but are derived from Mother God- Most of the tests were not adequate to show neck. While he knew the men as friends, he President Andrew Jackson in the center. dess (Nimrod’s wife) worship and for the sun hurting animals would hurt humans. (See my had to wonder if they were going too far. One “How the Freemasons Invented Amer- god (Nimrod). Look them up in most any ref- article Animal Mistreatment. Beasts and humans man said and did this: “I receive you on the ica”—David Coxe, a Mason of the lodge at erence source. Besides Father sun god worship are not the same flesh and may react differently.) point of a sharp instrument against your naked Devil’s Tavern London, was chartered about at the solstices, the US includes Independence By clever advertising, women were made to left breast, to teach you that as it is an instru- 1/8 the total landmass of the US and Canada, and Flag Days about the same time. Works of feel that out in the world they were on stage like ment of torture to your flesh, so should the but could not get enough others to join him. fire for the fire or sun god, and also Christmas a beauty pageant. Or had to apply makeup as an remembrance be to your conscience should “The Declaration of Independence, Consti- for winter solstice. actress to fulfill a role, but these are fake as act- you ever dare to reveal any of the secrets of tution and its first ten amendments we call the The giving stressed at Christmas may seem ing in general. Manipulating the gullible mass- Freemasonry unlawfully.” Bill of Rights, all are steeped in Masonic phi- nice, but the practice is derived from false es to profit. Actresses are poor role models for George had to swear on a Bible, if he did losophy.” People were challenging the British worship and the giving makes it appear nice— girls, with high divorce rate and promiscuity. reveal secrets, that “his throat would be cut across claim that only those who own property could as Mothers and Fathers Days. Some claim makeup is for the husband, but and his tongue torn out by its roots.” Obviously vote. About 13-19 of the 39 signers of the Con- George Washington, a Mason, tried to get applied just before going out? Some are afraid by fellow Masons. When his blindfold was re- stitution were Masons. Thanksgiving Day set up for a US holiday, but the husband will see the real self without make- moved, he stood in front of men (20 or more) in While Catholic religion was suppressed in he did not know the true God, so set up a fake up someday and not like her real looks—her a semicircle with drawn swords pointed at him the colonies by the King, Washington DC land day. As the few fake days Masons kept before God-given looks. Some can’t go outside with- “threatening him with the point of steel.” He is was previously owned by Catholic Francis Pope that as the solstice holidays for the sun god, out at least lipstick on, even to dump garbage. the proudest man in US Freemasonry. who liked to call himself Pope of Rome on the called St. John’s Days, using real saints’names Hair color change has never been safe. [Some claim that the oaths are harmless, as Tiber. Since there was a US town and river so to fool others. And any holiday based on the Makeup leaches out natural color of skin and yelling Kill the Ump! in baseball. But that is named there. The land of another rich Catholic pope’s calendar in opposition to God must be lips blanching them as paint does. Makeup is not under oath, and detailing torture first. Daniel Carroll was donated also, of Maryland. fake also. Anything based on a false founda- advised to be taken off at least for sleep for While Masons laud brotherly love, it seems [So DC was from Virginia and Maryland, or for tion has to be false, too. Only God’s calendar health reasons and it smears, but requires only for fellow Masons. In the Morgan Affair, the Virgin Mary. Later, the Catholic church be- is a sure foundation for Holy Days. His, of another set of chemicals to remove it. So a few Masons did torture and kill Morgan for came the biggest church in the US.] course. Using Satan’s world standard calendar besides time to buy the makeup, to apply, look is a very bad idea. While we do need to know revealing secrets according to the oaths.] Lucifer Doctrine of Albert Pike in a mirror to touch up throughout the day, to One group in boasting claim most Founding it to interface with today’s world, we should reapply after eating, more time is needed to Fathers were Masons, most of George’s gener- He was a 33-degree Mason and His book not want to be a part of it more than we must. wipe off the goop and subject to more harsh als were, and most US presidents were. While Morals and Dogma is given to those of high Masons tout their New World Order or Age, chemicals. The cleanup chemicals tend to be another group thinks these things also, but degree. It describes Lucifer as Light-bearer but it is a ruse for their Antichrist (type of health risks such as breathing toluene for believes they were bad. The number of gener- instead of Spirit of Darkness. The All-Seeing- Nimrod), opposed to Jesus’ takeover of the removing nail polish, as salon workers know. als was likely 33 of 74. Eye of the US Great Seal of an equilateral tri- world. When all nations will be forced (at first Articles in magazines stress makeup, but Masons used to be just a labor union, as angle has represented a 3-part deity in history. if necessary) to keep His Holy Days as the company ads help fund the magazines so they builders building “sacred monuments to God.” [The God of the Bible demands no images be Feast of Tabernacles. The Feasts show His have bias. Makeup articles may stress washing And employed many signs, as special hand- made of Him. Only male and female humans plan for mankind, while holidays are distrac- off makeup each night, but most commercials, shakes to identify each with another. By late are in His image.] The Eye by itself and glow- tions from that. US-based groups as the World films and ads show women with makeup on 1600s they began to accept other men not em- ing appears in symbols of Masonry as Bank are impoverishing the planet, besides the even in bed. As if women should never be seen ployed in such craft as members, called Free- George’s apron. Hodapp does mention and US military acting like the Beast, the lone without it, despite advice to clean it off each shows the DARPA logo with the Eye over a superpower. Who is like unto it? night for health reasons and smearing. masons, building character besides buildings. pyramid gazing over the earth, as even spying Aaron, a minister of God, claimed his (idola- Hodapp states that Masons do claim to further One lecturer asks how many women in the on US citizens, as Big Brother in an evil way. trous) feast was for God (Ex 32:1-8). Paul said audience wipes off her lipstick before eating in the work of building Solomon’s Temple, and The Rotunda of the US Capitol building we could mistakenly sacrifice to demons, not use a fictionalized episode of the Temple’s con- a restaurant. Perhaps one might raise her hand [copied the huge dome of Vatican’s St. Peter’s God. That though we drink the Lord’s cup (keep while the rest seem to think the idea weird. But struction by Hiram Abiff, the Grand Architect church]—Shows George high up ascended to Passover), if we also drink the cup of demons of it. Freemasonry is open to those with a belief the lecturer says the FDA does not regulate the rank of a god in his Apotheosis [Hodapp (eat their sacrificial meal as turkey), we fellow- ingredients in lipstick except dye color, and it in a Supreme Being, whether Christian, Jew or does not mention he is surrounded by many ship with demons (1 Cor 10:20-22). Only God’s Muslim. [So about any fake religion is all right considers lipstick not to be a food so it is not ancient gods claimed protecting and teaching Sabbaths properly derived from the Bible are under more strict rules, though it gets partially with them, and swearing oaths on a Koran.] wisdom to Americans. The height of idolatry!] the right and sure days to keep. Pharisees George is claimed Episcopal, but more like- digested when eating. The lecturer notes that Albert Pike’s statue is displayed at DC. He seemed to honor God with their lips, but their even some women make another application ly a Deist who wanted to keep peace in the fought as a Confederate general and owned heart was far from Him (Mat 23:34-37). family. Deists believe God created the uni- of lipstick after eating since a bit is eaten. slaves but knew slavery was evil. He was later King Jeroboam set up idolatrous worship in Some claim God believes makeup is a trivial verse and then left, denying miracles, a savior charged with inciting Indians and led them Israel, and it has continued ever since. His and virgin birth. Masons do refer to their God issue. Experts say pregnant women should be during the Civil War to fight the North. feasts replaced God’s. Only a relative few of extra wary of lead-tainted products, to protect as Grand Architect of the Universe (Lucifer). Hodapp claims he might have been a Ku Klux Israel have been righteous since. And why the Masons were appalled by the excesses of children from directly ingesting lead. Fetuses Klan member but says there is no proof. ungodly (Masons) set up the US. We should and young children are particularly vulnerable popes, so forbid discussion of religion and pol- [Others cite him as co-founder.] President consult God in the Bible about the days He itics during lodge. This was at a time when to lead in lipstick. Is that trivial to God? Young Andrew Johnson pardoned him and had been wants us to keep, not make up other holy days kids may emulate their mothers and apply lip- many popes committed many sexual sins, heavily lobbied by Masons to do so. Later, that are not really holy at all. stick. Lead tends to accumulate over time in the known publicly. A pope’s illegitimate son Johnson received high Mason honors. He was We sing Satan’s worship songs? body, especially with young children. Many might succeed him as pope like an heir of a almost impeached for this and other actions. other makeup chemicals can do much harm, as king. Many popes lived in opulence. Many Horatio Greenough was commissioned by Most of Satan’s song deceptions are similar endocrine disrupters in nail polish. claimed heretic was tortured and killed. Congress to make a statue of George for the to marketing schemes using a catchy tune and Chemicals in makeup are virtually unregulat- Indulgences made the Catholic church rich by Rotunda. He copied the Greek statue of the god lyrics, to make them popular. Many to make ed. The FDA only bans certain dyes for color. making money off of sins. Church offices Zeus with bare chest and dressed otherwise in false ideas attractive. “Only 28 of 7,500 products were completely could be bought and sold. These practices at a toga. It was so expensive and controversial it We should not be looking to unconverted tested by the cosmetic industry’s self-regulating first were put to good use as buying cathedrals, was moved to a less conspicuous place. people as Catholics or Protestants (major parts panel. An astounding 1/3 of all the products as- but later fed lavish lifestyles of popes. Washington’s Monument—A pyramid was of Mystery Babylon) for right worship songs. sessed contained at least one ingredient that fell “His (Francis Bacon) vision of a New suggested, but a smaller version of an obelisk How can we trust the morally challenged to under the classification of human carcinogen; Atlantis would become a handbook for the was made (with small pyramid on top). come up with right moral songs for worship? 71% of the hair dye products evaluated had car- founders and builders of America’s Federal Obelisks were dedicated to the sun god and rep- When they speak of Lord, God and Jesus they cinogenic coal tar as part of their ingredients.” City. The Utopianism of Bacon and his philo- resent his phallus. Real Egyptian obelisks were know only the false kind (Nimrod). As one Are you trying to impress others with your sophical descendants was the same doctrine taken to the Vatican, London and New York. commercial alerts about people buying fake looks or wealth? Carnal people do that. being preached in the Masonic lodges of products because they are cheap, the person so One woman lamented that makeup is “my London in the early 18th century.” Evils of Freemasonry doing becomes fake himself. A man and lifelong security blanket.” Or more like a ball Masons are accused of being conspirators Men who become Masons want to advance in woman are on a date showing off to each other and chain, consuming money and much time. with a plot to take over world governments and the world, up Satan’s pyramid. So, while claim- their fakery, finally realizing they do not need For a trivial pursuit, to appear worldly good, dominate the world. This idea seems to lack evi- ing brotherly love, they really mean for just oth- to fall prey to the scam any more. instead being good. dence, but the beginnings of such a Revolution er Masons. And will hide sins of other Masons, So many worship songs emotionally stir the One woman commentated about a woman occurred in creating the US when they had to even lie in court and perjure themselves. masses, but with God’s help we can avoid buy- who appeared on the Tyra Banks Show without convince others in secret meetings to fight an While Hodapp, as others who use the pejo- ing into Satan’s fakes. We are to discern the makeup (asked to ahead of time). “She said unpopular war. Other Masons led revolutions in rative term conspiracy theorist to ridicule oth- spirits whether of God or not (1 John 4:1). that appearing on the show with no makeup on other nations: Bolivar took over much of South ers, he himself believes Masons did conspire Spiritual songs are dependent on the spirit that was the most embarrassing moment of her life. America from Spain. Juarez led Mexico to inde- in the Revolutionary War and were bent on composed them. Even a converted person can I was shocked! I was like ‘Lady, that’s your pendence, and Garibaldi helped liberate the Pa- and did establish Bacon’s new Atlantis, the be deceived on occasion and sin, so we must face!!’ . . . I don’t want makeup to be a crutch pal States from the Vatican in Italy. US. With all its pagan god images displayed be on guard against that. Too many involved in CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL Issue No. 201 (Dec. 31, 2017) ★ ★ ★ THIS PAGE CONTAINS PAID ADVERTISING ★ ★ ★ 9

Beauty adviser actually teaches sexual per- version: “Remember the purpose of makeup: First, to accentuate sexual characteristics (high- lighting the cheekbones [with rouge] simulates Exit Nimrod the blush response to sexual attraction, in turn causing responses in males.” Wearing jewelry is all right? CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE are alive. On annual Sabbaths we are allowed vorce and remarry almost at will—like worldly While costume jewelry may be construed as for my own insecurities. So that show snapped to make extensive food preparation for Feast stars. Even for just attending a different COG, allowable ornamenting, what about precious me out of the whole makeup crutch.” days (barring DOA), yet many would rather eat though some other reason of incompatibility jewels? And what about engagement or wed- A botox maker promoted this toxin as out. The former is permitted, the latter forbid- may be the public reason. ding rings? Freedom Expressed, though muscles are den. Just because a supposed minister of God One man wrote “I like girls who are natural. “In AD 860 Pope Nicholas I decreed that an restricted, and risks using a deadly toxin. does a practice does not make it right. I hate makeup and anything fake about a girl.” engagement ring become a required statement “Made from dangerous chemicals and secret of nuptial intent . . . of valued metal, preferably Tithes and increase High heeled shoes—‘killer’ shoes formulas, they acted against the body, nature, gold . . . a financial sacrifice; thus started a tra- We are to pay tithes based on our work and Pointy toed shoes cram toes into too small a ethics and social order.” Part of Satan’s plot to dition.” This led to an expensive wedding ring, according to the increase. If your input into space for comfort, but high heels with them are disrupt the family unit by pushing sex, and by too, or just the latter. Was this a good idea? For worse. More like torture, and why they are unsafe chemicals. Imbalance—Satan tries to jewelers, yes! Starting a family with a costly your work is greater than what you get back, unneeded item, no! Rings did not prevent you pay no tithes. It seems ministers of COGs called killer shoes. And resemble the Chinese throw us off base of our Rock solid foundation, affairs or divorce. neglect to stress that some people do not have torture of binding feet for a supposed sexy look. using high heels, toxic chemicals in food, water, Diamonds are girls’ best friend—Marilyn to tithe to their COG if their increase is not “The required walking pattern changes, air polluting us, making us corrupt (Gen 6:12). Monroe urged in a movie and song. Promoted enough. Members should deduct their business because she must take a more mincing step. Satan uses the ‘best’ role models for his devi- by a diamond-jeweler. So first a precious metal or work expenses from the amount they earned, The whole shoe itself exhibit’s a fetishistic sex- ous plans. For makeup and high heels he em- ring was urged by a pope to start the practice, and tithe on that if greater than zero. Though uality . . . the heels themselves can be viewed a ploys actresses of stage and screen to promote a then later this more expensive item was made offerings are expected for annual Holy Days, phallic symbols.” As old shoes worn by men promiscuous life style. And Barbie, a men’s sex to seem mandatory or the man was deemed not yet we are to give as we are able. Some people and women with exaggerated toe pieces. God toy originally, as a role model for girls. loving the woman enough! Stupid! are relatively rich so more would be expected connects makeup and mincing steps with The US is a leading abortion nation. Abor- Precious jewels in general should not be worn of them, than poor brethren—who actually seduction and playing the harlot (2 K 9:22,30; tionists used to discard fetal parts as trash, now by a Christian (see my article on it). Promotes should receive aid. The amount we pay in taxes Isa 3:16; Jer 4:30, Eze 23:40). He forbids mark- can profit off of them, selling them to cosmetic lust. God had the Israelites take off their newly that go for others can be deducted, too. ing the flesh (Lev 19:28) with tattoos, perma- companies that make certain products for youth- acquired ones in repentance. While God did por- The point here is we are allowed to deduct nent or temporary makeup. Instead of pamper- ful appearance. The source is not listed with the tray His Bride to be with them, the picture was from increase work expenses, and other costs we ing the body, Paul treated his body roughly as a ingredients, or is but with a veiled description. to convey the historical idea of brides of kings. accrue helping others by our taxes. If we tithed soldier of Christ (1 Cor 9:27; 2 Tim 2:3-4). Not Any practice should be determined good or But as God states, the true idea is being arrayed self-indulgent. Having the Kingdom of God in bad or sin, by seeing if the benefits outweigh in white clothing to depict righteousness. Os- on the amount we are taxed for social security, tentatious display of jewels for others to envy is we need not tithe on it again when getting it later. mind and not sexual fantasies (2 Cor 10:3). the adverse side effects. Just emphasizing ben- Even shoe designer Christian Louboutin eficial aspects and ignoring detrimental ones is not of a meek and humble spirit. Trying to show Beauty contest sexploitation off in front of other brethren is not right. claims it is a sadomasochistic experience. deceitful. Adverse effects tend to be long term Peter urged avoidance of fancy or costly ap- “Beauty contests promote an ideal of female High heels also put your feet in a very unnat- effects such as using tobacco which may take parel (men and women), to figuratively have the beauty to which only a minority of women can ural position that feet were not meant to be in. years before symptoms start showing up. ornament of a meek and quiet spirit (1 Pet 3:3-4). realistically aspire, but which adds to the pres- So while high heels aren’t so bad for impact, God lists many things starting with Isa 3:16, Paul similarly urged modest apparel, no jewels, sure on all women to conform to it. This can be they fail to protect the rest of the leg from of women’s accessories—materialism. And but be adorned with good works (1 Tim 2:9-10). harmful to women by encouraging dieting, eat- injury. “[High] heels basically block out the mentions minced walking or walking seductive- To not be conformed to this world, but transform ing disorders and cosmetic surgery, or simply function of the foot, so the foot can’t operate to ly, with or without shoes that accentuate that. your mind to the world to come (Rom 12:2). John absorb forces. That means that the rest of the by making them feel inadequate and ugly.” Makeup is immoral pointed out the lust of the flesh and eyes and pride Muslim man’s view about Miss World Pa- body needs to make up for the foot–and it of life is of this world (1 John 2:16). geant. “The organizers of this contest cannot be comes to knees and hips.” “I just watched a documentary I recorded The opposite example of a righteous woman unaware of its immorality, for example, how High heels symbolize sex and seduction. called Beauty in a Jar ... [in the early] 1900s, is the Mystery Babylon ‘woman’ (Rev 17:4 many of them would have their wives or daugh- During NBA star Kobe Bryant’s sex scandal, at it was only prostitutes and women of ill-repute arrayed in purple and scarlet color, decked with ters come to watch the show in the same dress least two articles were published showing a who wore any cosmetics at all. Then came the gold, precious stones and pearls, having a gold- or walk in the same manner that they demand high-heeled shoe on a basketball. Strippers and roaring 20s and a lowering of inhibition and en cup in her hand full of abominations and of the contestants?” centerfolds appear naked except for high heels. cosmetics entered the mainstream. Women filthiness of her fornication). “By the 1990s the Miss World pageant was High heels are considered power shoes, who wanted to be sexy and provocative wore Place yourself in safety deemed showing off higher status. But an arti- makeup.” But now the fad is so complete that it reaching a global television audience of 2.5 bil- Avoiding all religious holidays and keeping lion proving that politically incorrect sexploita- cle about a ban on high heels in the office stat- does not have that stigma. Is sin all right now ed that it would eliminate an estimated two mil- because so many are doing it? God’s Holy Days is a very safe plan. And under tion is still very popular.” close scrutiny, all holidays are unsafe. Any hol- “Women’s liberation demonstrations against lion sick days a year. So they actually weaken “In 1905 Ponds enlarged their scope to more iday dedicated to a false god (any day of the the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City in instead of empower. cosmetic matters, still insisting that their prod- pope’s world calendar) must be false also. 1968 . . . protested the use of women’s bodies High heels exalt the self. Contrast this with ucts were medicinal rather than attractive. This Using its false foundation is unwise. Holidays for purposes of commercial advertising and the the first lessons in humility: With Passover we litany had to be repeated by many manufactur- have other things wrong with them. As reinforcing of stereotypes of beauty (tall, slen- take on the lowliest task of washing the feet of ers of the time who could not claim that they Columbus Day for mass murderer and slave- der, young and white) and femininity . . . notion others as the lowliest servant did. Then we were aiding the general impetus towards driver, frequently interferes with observance of that a woman is valuable for her body, not her continue through DUB eating unleavened immorality . . . How were they to champion God’s fall Feasts. And US Thanksgiving Day brains . . . a whole package of sexist evils . . . bread, not puffed up. Esteem others better than products that to a large extent still signified features Pilgrims who in a generation killed off Women in our society are forced daily to com- self. Not exalt self. female immorality?” their Indian helpers. Part of the genocide of pete for male approval, enslaved by ludicrous Wikipedia on high-heeled footwear: [The “How did powder and paint, once scorned as Indians in general. Many holidays honor the beauty standards that we ourselves are condi- listed positive aspects are really negative for a immoral, become indispensable to millions of military instead of peacemakers. tioned to take seriously and to accept.” Christian.] “Negative effects: Can cause foot respectable women? . . . Today, cosmetics are Avoid toxic makeup ingredients to be safe, Plucking out eyebrow hairs (torture) and and tendon pain; increase likelihood of sprains synonymous with the exploitation of women’s and other harmful ‘beauty’ practices. Including making a new design according to a fad is bow- and fractures; can create foot deformities, anxieties.” The tools of prostitutes to seduce high heels that hurt. Superficial aids to suppos- including hammer toes and bunions, can cause became so widely used in this world that edly look good for a moment but cause damage ing to the altar of fashion. with prolonged use. Beauty is skin deep, and its About 1900 the term cosmetics was used an unsteady gait and shorten stride, exacerbate women without makeup were deemed lesbians, lower back pain, alter forces at the knee so as to pursuit is not safe. instead of paint to hide the bad meaning of but even many lesbians eventually applied Avoiding eating in restaurants is safe from painted ladies—prostitutes. Companies then predispose the wearer to degenerative changes makeup as a turn on for their mate. practices used there as added unsafe ingredi- blurred the meaning of cosmetics (skin aids) to in the knee joint; can result after frequent wear- Unclean lipstick—Whale and pig fat were ents. Or ones unsafe in large amounts as added embrace makeup (paint). ing in a higher incidence of degenerative joint used for decades for lipstick due to their high salt or butter. Lard or pig fat could be added, or Jesus said not to act like Pharisees, putting on disease of the knees. This is because they cause melting point, the latter may still be used. The even Genetically Modified foods offered. a vain show to try and appear good to others. a decrease in the normal rotation of the foot, red in lipstick can be from cochineal insects. Avoid false worship songs designed to which puts more rotation stress on the knee.” The FDA has become powerless, and the indus- deceive you, it is the safe way. Avoid hiring on Sabbaths Why red lipstick? try is virtually unregulated. Hazardous chemi- Some COG members seem to think most US COGs rightly avoid business on Sabbaths, cals may be ingested while eating, and most citizens actually honor the true God on Thanks- closing their business office then. Individuals “Red is, of course, the color of passion. It is no can penetrate the skin. Dermal patches use the giving Day, despite not knowing who He is the accident for centuries women have used rouge rest of the year, or just that week. Even if He avoid doing business then as shopping, even for principle to deliver a substance into the body on their cheeks to simulate the flush of lust.” A through the skin, and makeup is no different. was somehow honored rightly by them on food that day. Yet some pay to eat a meal in a lipstick company hyped “Still the supreme sex Thanksgiving, does that negate their pagan restaurant then, a form of shopping. This does Paint has always been a problem on skin. Pig worship on Halloween and Christmas just a symbol, this is the most brilliant of our reds.” fat or cochineal insects may not be labeled, or not compute. It is hypocritical. Those who work Red nails convey ‘I am sexy’ (or think so). month apart? Sundays all year? Most do not in restaurants as members refrain from work labeled under innocuously sounding names. keep Halloween (All Saints’ Eve) in a ‘reli- The made up, red lady conveyed in most any Companies try to hide naming any of their Sabbaths, yet should they be hypocrites and pay commercial promotes sexiness, romance and gious’ way, yet it is evil. to have others work for them on Sabbaths? getting a date. The sexed up lady is then used to ingredients that might sound bad, and use the US Thanksgiving Day was not created by All manner of hiring is not done on add (sex) appeal in ads for items not very trade secret excuse. the true God, and He certainly would not Sabbaths, weekly or annual. Why should res- Critics of rouge pointed out the red was like approve of a day that is supposed to honor God appealing otherwise. Perhaps with cleavage that of lipstick for sexual lust. And the rouge to taurant-eating then be an exception? If every- shown, revealing outfit and high heels to lure by those who dishonor Him by not observing one obeys the Gospel, no one will work Sab- appear healthy or blood-engorged was obvi- His Holy Days. As the worst servant who does men to lust and women to envy. The higher the ously noticeable and actually draws attention not do what he is told, and does other things his baths. Did Jesus allow His disciples to prepare heels, the more she stresses sex, to her own hurt a meal on the Sabbath or pay for one? They did to the artifice. Makeup makes a female look master forbids. And most of the religious who in health risks. made-up, fabricated. keep Thanksgiving keep the fake Sabbath, or at find a field with grain, hulled it in their hands Onset of puberty of girls is getting earlier, Women for fashion or sex use fake eyelashes least profess to do so. by rubbing, and ate the kernels. There was no much due to early sex emphasis everywhere. or falsies (padded bras). Even breast implants and Many Americans eat unclean meat during business transaction exchanging money for a Sex displayed in movies, TV and magazines. cosmetic surgery; for trivial matters, over 85% the year, on Thanksgiving Day and even with meal. Their meal was a far cry from eating in a Not many urge abstinence, instead show boy women. Come on, women can’t be that bad! We the turkey. Not safe at any time, and against restaurant where people serve them in various meeting girl followed by ‘sleeping’ together. should avoid every false way (Ps 119:104). God’s will each time. Wishing on a turkey bone ways for money. Now it is claimed having sex on the first date is Women get the expectation from ads to cor- is superstitious. The Day used to begin with What will members tell God on Judgment better than waiting. Satan could not have said it rect any real or imagined flaw, to make them worship services, but eventually gave way to Day, that they were too lazy to prepare Sabbath better, because he conveyed the idea, obviously. think they need fake eyelashes, falsies, or even football and Christmas sales. And meals ahead of time on a workday? Did not Movie, TV and rock stars urge in their media cosmetic surgery and breast implants. “Women Thanksgiving parades feature Christmas theme care about violating the Sabbath for conven- and own lives divorce, illicit sex and prodigal are taught that their bodies are unacceptable.” and arrival of Santa Claus. ience? Our judgment period is now while we lifestyles. Some COGs allow members to di- And need a company’s product. —Mr. Jan Young

[email protected] Past articles: janaaronyoung.wordpress.com

This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL 10 ★ ★ ★ THIS PAGE CONTAINS PAID ADVERTISING ★ ★ ★ Issue No. 201 (Dec. 31, 2017) Searching for Eternal Life Church of God, In Truth

ne of the most intriguing sto- they shall run, and not be weary; and few He is calling in this age, the Most people give little thought to ries from the age of discovery they shall walk, and not faint.” power of His Holy Spirit. That is the the effect their lives should have on is that of Ponce de León’s In this fast-paced society, the bub- lesson of the festival of Pentecost. succeeding generations. Their exam- search, in 1513, for the “Foun- bling, gurgling sound of waters from a Ponce de León’s health was ailing ple should live long beyond the grave, Otain of Youth.” He was told by Carib- fountain can be comforting. The foun- in 1513, and this was probably a big yet that seems to never enter their bean natives that a legendary foun- tain of living waters of God is the motivation behind his search for the minds. Let’s notice from God’s Word tain of water is on a great island. This fountain “of all comfort, who comforts fountain of youth. How much would the importance of building a good fountain, said the legend, had healing us in all our trials and tribulations.” he have paid to bathe one time in the reputation that will help point others powers and power to sustain life for- The Apostle Paul weighs in on this fountain’s healing waters? to God’s soon-coming kingdom! ever. Ponce de León, of course, did subject: “Blessed be God, even the One day in the future we Questions to ask ourselves not find this fountain, but he did dis- Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the might hear that answered. are: Is our life a glory to cover the great island, at least what Father of mercies, and the God of all He made two mistakes that God? Is our life a shining he thought was an island. He named comfort; who comforts us in all our resulted in his failure to testimony of how God’s it “La Florida.” tribulation, that we may be able to find this fountain of life. way should be lived? Will There is a real fountain of living comfort them which are in any trouble, First, he didn’t search in your contributions and waters. This fountain is identified in by the comfort wherewith we ourselves the right place. Psalm achievements go down in Jeremiah 2:13, where God is speak- are comforted of God” (2 Cor 1:3-4). 36:9 proves that for us: history as a monument ing about His people Israel, where it Man has built fountains from “For with You [God] of your love and ser- states, “They [My people ] have for- which water literally explodes in an is the fountain of life.” vice to God? saken Me the fountain of living upward surge. Such fountains exem- Second, he didn’t Are we a good waters.” That is proof God is the plify great power being released. But properly fear example of hav- source of the true living water. the fountain of living waters is the God: “The fear ing God’s liv- What are the properties of this source of all power. We see in 1 of the LORD is fountain? Jesus Christ, speaking of Chronicles 29:12 where David is a fountain of ing waters, the power available to humans from speaking of God’s spectacular assets. life, to avoid His Holy Spir- God, said in John 7:37-38, “If anyone “Wealth and honor come from You the snares of it, living in us? thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. [speaking of God]. You are the ruler death” (Prov 14:27). If we want to Many years ago, Joyce, my wife, He who believes in Me, as the scrip- of all things. In Your hands are find the true fountain of life, we and I had the opportunity to visit ture has said, out of his heart will strength and power to exalt and give should not make these same mistakes Washington, D.C., where a lot of flow rivers of living water.” strength to all” (NIV). Ponce de León did! He died not find- revealed history was on display. The Jesus was speaking of God’s Holy Here is a fountain, far more spec- ing the fountain of life! experience brought to mind the Spirit, the power by which God does tacular and versatile than anything of The lesson learned from that story strong qualities of leadership Amer- everything He carries out to do. which Ponce de León, could have is that we need to heed and listen to ica’s founding fathers displayed! It was by the Holy Spirit that the conceived. But imagine, for a mo- our Lord’s words found in John Qualities such as courage and faith, earth was renewed: “You send forth ment, if Ponce de León had discov- 12:25-26: “The man who loves his patriotism and love for country, per- Your spirit, they are created: and You ered the legendary fountain of youth. life will lose it, while the man who severance and determination to renewest the face of the earth” (Ps Imagine that, in his curiosity, he had hates his life in this world will keep it achieve freedom against great odds! 104:30). In Job 26:13, we learn that These courageous leaders, among the whole universe came into being. them Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, “By His [God’s] spirit He has gar- Alexander Hamilton and George Wash- nished the heavens.” After we die, will we be remembered as ington, left a legacy that has lasted! This fountain of living waters is a true Christ-like servant, whose good Thinking on these patriots’ patriot- perpetually flowing; it will never dry ism—are you and I a model of Christ- up according to Isa 58:11: “And the works will inspire others for years to come? like leadership that will be remem- LORD shall guide you continually, and bered years after our earthly sojourn satisfy your soul in drought, and make ends? Will we be thought of as having fat your bones: and you shalt be like a God’s fountain of living waters in us? watered garden, and like a spring of found that bathing in its waters daily for eternal life. Whoever serves Me His Holy Spirit living in us? water, whose waters fail not.” made him feel more youthful and must follow Me; and where I am, My In the Bible, we find inspiring ac- In times of a drought one’s well energetic, and that his life was actual- servant also will be. My father will counts of the greatest men and women can run dry and cause a person to be- ly extended. Do you think he would honor the one who serves Me” (NIV). who ever lived. In God’s wisdom, He come mighty thirsty, but Christ gives have minded bathing daily if it meant After we die, will we be remem- saw fit to record their lives for the edi- encouragement in John 4:14: “Who- he could live forever? bered as a true Christ-like servant, fication of His future called-out ones. ever drinks of the water I shall give Yet how much easier by compari- whose good works will inspire others How often do we go to God’s Word, him will never thirst.” A fountain’s son is it to come before the throne of for years to come? Will your life’s waters can be refreshing, renewing God on our knees in daily, heartfelt deeds kindle respect and honor in the the Bible to draw strength and courage one’s strength on a hot, sunny day. prayer and hear God say, “I will give minds of your associates? People you from the many experiences and exam- The fountain of living waters also of the fountain of the water of life know, family, friends, neighbors, ples found there? gives power to the weak, and to those freely.” We can read that in Revelation etc.? Or will the memory of your life In the faith chapter, Hebrews 11, who have no might. God says He will 21:6. We need simply to ask for it! fade into the background to be soon we find a list of God’s most loyal and increase our strength. “He giveth As the waters of Ponce de León’s forgotten? Worse yet, will you be faithful saints. The trait that set them power to the faint; and to them that mythical fountain were supposed to remembered for the wrong reasons? apart was their strong faith in God. have no might He increases [their] have the power to perpetuate life, the Living a lifestyle that brought shame They walked with Him and obeyed strength” (Isa 40:29). And in verse water of the fountain of life (God’s and disgrace to your family, your Him to their deaths. 31: “But they that wait upon the Holy Spirit) has the power to perpet- friends and to the very name of God? In Hebrews 12:1, we read an amaz- LORD shall renew their strength; they uate our lives forever. That is the importance of setting a ing truth about these saints, referring shall mount up with wings as eagles; God is now making available, to a good example. Continued on next page

Church of God, In Truth • P.O. Box 1120, Kimberling City, MO 65686, USA E-mail cogit@flash.net • web page www.postponements.com/ • telephone 417-338-0033

This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL Issue No. 201 (Dec. 31, 2017) ★ ★ ★ THIS PAGE CONTAINS PAID ADVERTISING ★ ★ ★ 11

Jesus the Christ and eventually will Such trees are not bothered by the heat start resembling Him! or worried by long months of drought. Church of God, In Truth 2 Corinthians 3:18 is found to be Their leaves stay green, and they never encouraging: “But we all with un- stop producing fruit” (Jer 17:7-8). veiled face, beholding as in a mirror All living today have found that Continued from previous page nary talents or notable achievements! the Glory of the Lord, are being to their remarkable examples. The What kind of legacy could I leave that trials and troubles never seem to es- transformed into the same image. cape them. If you’ve been alive for Apostle Paul writes, “Therefore we would be of any, real use to God or to From glory to glory, just as by the long, you’ve seen and experienced also, since we are surrounded by so my fellowman?” spirit of the Lord.” This argument may sound plausible, for yourselves a lot of difficulties and great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay Day by day and year by year, we trials. Some are our own doing and aside every weight, and the sin which but it doesn’t agree with what the Bible should make it a goal to build a good teaches. For example, God’s Word some are simply a part of life and so easily ensnares us, and let us run name for the glory of God. some may be completely unrelated to with endurance the race that is set often commends lay members for their If we do this through the power of outstanding character traits, among anything you or I might have done! before us.” God’s Holy Spirit, we will be engrav- How one prepares for and responds How important is it to call our them courage, faith, service and sacri- ing a record in God’s book of life that fice for the brethren! One such list is will last forever. The ultimate pur- to those challenging times can make attention to these saints, all of whom all the difference in the world. Do you lived hundreds and even thousands of found in Romans 16:1-15. You might pose for living an honorable life is to want to check those examples out! prepare to be of value to God just float along and deal with prob- years ago? Paul proves that their lives lems as they come? Do you dread tri- and experiences still have meaning We don’t have to be a superstar to throughout eternity. be worthy of God’s recognition. God has promised to give each of als and troubles, fearing them, as a and value for us today. God saw fit to howling storm headed your way? Or enshrine their names in His Word and What matters most is possessing a us a new name, Revelation 3:11-12: heart that is sincere and right with “Behold, I come quickly: hold that do you understand that problems and preserve a record of their character troubles, like the setting sun, will for posterity. God. Ask yourself: Am I laying my fast which thou hast, that no man take life down for others and serving in a thy crown. He who overcomes, I will come? If so, you have prepared your- Jesus the Christ, the most impor- self properly. Building character, tant human ever, was the perfect son way that will cause my example to be make him a pillar in the temple of My remembered? God, and he shall go out no more. developing relationships and drawing of God. He came to die for the sins of close to God cultivate that one-on-one the world and to reconcile mankind to One of the most important responsi- And I will write on him the name of time with the One who sustains God the Father! We are told in bilities of one who’s been called is to My God and the name of the city of everything by His very Word! Romans 5:10: “For if, when we were be a light and a witness to the uncon- My God, the new Jerusalem, which If you do prepare for life’s storms, enemies, we were reconciled to God verted world. We are to glorify God comes down out of heaven from My you will be like a majestic hardwood by the death of His Son, much more, tree that stands strong and erect, driv- being reconciled, we shall be saved ing its roots deep into the soil, finding by His life?” living water far below the surface. It No other mortal can remotely com- Are we tied into God daily? Do we drink the pare to the blameless life Christ lived nutrition that only He can give us, which will is a known fact that, as the wind or the perfect example He set. He- blows against a tree, the tree responds brews 4:15, we are reminded: “For we strengthen us like only He can do? by driving its roots deeper into the have not an High Priest which cannot soil. Because of their years of prepa- be touched with the feeling of our ration, these trees can and will with- infirmities; but was in all points tempt- stand the storms that will undoubted- ed like as we are, yet without sin.” and reflect the qualities of His way of God. And I will write on him My ly come their way! Our Lord is holy, righteous and life. Also, we are to leave a memory New Name” (NKJ). Winds, rain, hailstorms, ice storms altogether perfect! In the first chapter that will convict the world when God This new name will not only repre- and lightning are all challenging of Hebrews, we read of Christ being intervenes to draw them to His truth sent the position we will have, but it forces. They may bend trees over made better than the angels! and His laws for an abundant life. will define the character we have during times of storms and trouble. Hebrews 1:4-6: “Being made so This is particularly true of those built in this life. For example, Abra- They may sway, they may even lose much better than the angels, as He who persecute God’s people for their ham is called the friend of God in branches, but, if they are tied into the has by inheritance obtained a more beliefs. Notice how 1 Peter 2:11-12, James 2:23 and the father of the faith- very foundation that enables their excellent name than they. For unto underscored this point: “Beloved, I ful in Galatians 3:7. Read first James strength, they will stand to see anoth- which of the angels said He at any beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, 2:23: “And the scripture was fulfilled er sunny day and grow even stronger time, Thou art My Son, this day have abstain from fleshly lusts which war which says Abraham believed God, from these storms, which prepare I begotten You? And again, I will be against the soul, having your conduct and it was accounted to him for right- them for the next coming storm that to Him a Father, and He shall be to honorable among the gentiles, that eousness. And he was called the will certainly come. Me a Son? And again, when He when they speak against you as evil- friend of God” (NKJ). Are we like that tree going deep in brings in the first begotten into the doers, they may, by your good works Looking now at Galatians 3:7: our relationship with God? Do we World, He saith, let all the angels of which they observe, glorify God in “Know you therefore that they which seek the “living water” that God God worship Him.” the day of visitation” (NKV). are of faith, the same are the children offers through His Son, Jesus the Since Jesus the Christ was the sin- It’s amazing how these verses indi- of Abraham.” No doubt these charac- Christ? Are we tied into Him daily? less and perfect Son of God, it is only cate that, even after we have fulfilled ter traits will be incorporated into the Do we drink the nutrition that only logical that His life should stand as a our days on earth, our example will person’s new name as a son of God. He can give us, which will strengthen perpetual memorial of how all truly be recalled by those who have perse- King David is described as a man us like only God can do? called Christians should live as cuted us. How well do you withstand after God’s own heart. “I have found When we do this, we will be pre- begotten children of God, and that is the slander and insults of your detrac- David the son of Jesse, a man after pared to not only withstand the chal- exactly what God’s Word teaches! tors? Are you kind, patient, and for- Mine own heart, which shall fulfill all lenges and trials that come our way. Peter wrote in 1 Peter 2:21: “For to giving? Do you express love and self- My will” (Acts 13:22). But we will thrive in the midst of this you were called, because Christ control, even when falsely accused ? How will you be identified in life’s storms, and as we do so we will also suffered for us, leaving us an Will you leave a lasting imprint of God’s kingdom? What kind of trait or not only grow stronger for the next example, that you should follow His how the truly called of God should deeds will set you apart? Will you be storm, but we will also be an encour- steps” (NKJ). act under any and all circumstances? remembered as a loyal friend and agement to those around us who may John 2:6 said: “He who says he We never know what future effect our trusted servant and one who gave his not be preparing as they ought. abides in Him ought himself also to actions may have on an enemy. life in service to others? The answers So we need to go deep, grow walk just as He walked.” Leaving a legacy of good works rest on how well you have fulfilled strong, and don’t fear. Become a ever- And again in Matthew 11:29: “Take for future generations is not accom- your calling! And how diligently you lasting monument? Like we see at My yoke upon you and learn from Me, plished with one heroic deed or an have prepared for eternal life. Mount Rushmore? Be remembered for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and occasional act of charity. It is Thriving in the midst of life’s for having a fountain of God’s living you will find rest for your souls.” achieved only through a lifetime of storms is a challenge. Notice Jere- water, living in us for all eternity as steady, faithful service, and this de- Christ does! No doubt some will respond that all miah 17, how he faced daily storms ______these people were specially called and mands constant discipline. It means from the Amplified Bible: personally trained by God for a great that we seize every opportunity to do ”Blessed are those who trust in the On these two pages are purpose. They were given divine gifts good in helping others. LORD and have made the LORD their questions to ponder and think and abilities to do His work. But here As one begins to respond to the hope and confidence. They are like about by James Russell. See come the excuses—“I’m nobody, just leading of God’s’ Holy Spirit, one trees planted along a riverbank, with contact information at bottom an ordinary person with no extraordi- will take on the characteristics of roots that reach deep into the water. of either page.

Church of God, In Truth • P.O. Box 1120, Kimberling City, MO 65686, USA E-mail cogit@flash.net • web page www.postponements.com/ • telephone 417-338-0033

This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL 12 ★ ★ ★ THIS PAGE CONTAINS PAID ADVERTISING ★ ★ ★ Issue No. 201 (Dec. 31, 2017) Did Paul Correct Moses’ History?

o Moses wrote this law and istered it. However, the firstborn were ond covenant, a second (deutero) law. ed because Israel proved incapable of “ delivered it to the priests, the sons the priests at the exodus from Egypt “These are the words of the covenant which keeping the Sinai law that was con- of Levi” (Deu 31:9a). This hap- (Ex 13:2, Num 3:12-13). Levi was chosen the LORD commanded Moses to make with firmed in Exodus 20-24 (Ex 32:7-10). S at earliest after the golden calf (Deu the children of Israel in the land of Moab, The Sinai law is part of ‘the Law’ since pened about 40 years after the exo- 10:5, 8), which was after the confirma- besides the covenant which He made with it is recorded in ‘the Law,’ but it is also dus (Deu 1:3). tion of the Sinai law. Since Levi had no them in Horeb” (Deu 29:1). (One a separate law. The covenant of the Paul says, “Now to Abraham and his special function in the Sinai law, covenant besides another covenant is Lord, which summarized the Sinai law, Seed were the promises made . . . And this I Hebrews is not referring to it when it not one covenant, but two jointly is not diminished even if the law say, that the law, which was four hundred says ‘the law.’ applicable.) “. . . That you may enter into Moses set beside it deteriorates. and thirty years later, cannot annul the The law that established Levi was covenant with the LORD your God, and Paul in Galatians 3:17 is not rewrit- covenant that was confirmed before by God confirmed with Deuteronomy: “If a mat- into His oath, which the LORD your God ing history, but clarifying to which law ...”(Gal 3:16a, 17). This puts ‘the law’ ter arises which is too hard for you to judge makes with you today” (Deu 29:12). This he is referring. There he is referring to on the scene at about the time of ... you shall come to the priests, the Levites, covenant is also a law. It had no author- the Sinai law: ‘the law which was four the exodus (Ex 12:40-41, LXX). and to the judge there in those days, and ity until it was confirmed. That hap- hundred and thirty years’ after the prom- In fact, few have noticed that there inquire of them; they shall pronounce upon pened “in the fortieth year, in the eleventh ises. What became the Law, which is were two distinct laws confirmed by you the sentence of judgment” (Deu 17:8-9). month, on the first day of the month” (Deu dependent on Levi, was added 470 Israel in the wilderness. One that “So Moses wrote this law and delivered 1:3a) almost 40 years after the exodus years after the promises. wanted the whole nation as priests (Ex it to the priests, the sons of Levi” (Deu and the Sinai law was confirmed. No wonder Galatians is so confusing 19:5-6) and the second that established 31:9a). One does not change a covenant to us. What has been understood as a the Levites as priests. The first was This Deuteronomy law did not exist (Gal 3:15). Deuteronomy 31:26 makes it single law is really two. If one examines done at Sinai, the second (deutero) with until Moses wrote it and gave it to the apparent how the Law was added. It Moses’ record carefully it is apparent Deuteronomy. Levites (Heb 7:11). Deuteronomy is the was added as a second covenant to the they were made for two different pur- Consider Hebrews’ statement: “There- Law of Moses (Josh 8:31-32, Deu 27:1-3). covenant of the Lord, the Sinai law that poses (Ex 19:5-6, Deu 4:1, 5:33). fore, if perfection were through the Leviti- It is based on the administration of had been in the ark for over 39 years. Don’t wait for someone ordained of cal priesthood (for under it the people Levi. The law confirmed at Sinai in Exo- “Take this Book of the Law, and put it beside men to look into this for you. Examine received the law) . . .” (Heb 7:11ab). dus 20-24 is not based on Levi. It’s a dif- the ark of the covenant of the LORD your the record yourself and develop your The Levitical priesthood is certainly ferent law. It was not intended to be God” (Deu 31:26ab). The place of Levi own relationship with your Creator fundamental to the Law. Actually, the administered by Levi and was not what and other things couldn’t be added to through an in-depth study of His word. Greek word translated ‘under’ in Heb Hebrews intends by ‘the Law.’ It was the Sinai law/covenant. The Sinai Law/ This just highlights the tip of the iceberg 7:11 primarily means ‘upon.’ (See NASB, apparent Israel was not capable of living covenant was not amended, but a sec- of misunderstanding holding back the NIV, Emphasized Bible, etc.) This by that Sinai covenant/law (Ex 32:7-10). ond law/covenant added (Gal 3:19). churches of God. Creatorscovenant.org Law was hung upon Levi. They admin- Deuteronomy is presented as a sec- This Law of Deuteronomy was add- lays open what others have glossed over. ★ www.creatorscovenant.org or .com ★ PO Box 1002 • South Pasadena, CA 91031

An Open Letter to All Husbands in the Church of God Husbands, Do You Appreciate Your Wife? Do You Remember Dr. Dorothy? he other night my wife and I went out have not always looked at her as a blessing. In to dinner and while we were waiting my younger years as a husband I didn’t see T for our dinner to arrive I happened to my wife as a blessing but rather a possession. Dr. Charles Dorothy was a GREAT speaker! look down and see my Instead of seeing her as a helper in my life, I wife’s hands folded and saw her as a beast of burden, someone to His sermons were unforgettable. resting on the table. The carry my load. I didn’t appreciate her—I took light above our table her for granted. I expected her to serve me, I am looking for recordings of any of his seemed to highlight her and I believed it was her duty as a wife to sermons or speeches! hands like a sun ray from serve me. It never crossed my mind that I God. These were the same needed to thank her for all her hard work. They were often recorded on hands that I thought were Oh, how I wish I could go back all those reel-to-reel and cassette tape so beautiful over 50 years years and do it over again. I would tell her for “shut-ins” and others at ago when we were first married. how “valuable” she is to me. A husband’s My wife’s hands are still beautiful to me, greatest need is to feel “respected” by his wife. the Big Sandy and Pasadena not because they’re attractive but because of The greatest need for a wife is to feel “valued campuses. how her hands have served our children and and appreciated” by her husband—that’s me all these years. I told her I would like to what makes her feel loved by him. He also spoke at local church have her hands cast in bronze as a wonderful Husbands, don’t make the mistake of with- meetings in Houston and at Feast sites. reminder to all of our family of her years of holding thanks and praise from your wife like service to us. I did for so many years. The next time you Do you know where any of these tapes I contemplated how her hands have ironed take your wife out to dinner, while you are could be? countless thousands of shirts, washed thou- waiting for your meal to arrive, reach out to sands of loads of clothes, cooked endless your wife and take her hands into yours and I would like to hear them again! numbers of meals, cleaned up messes that I as tell her why her hands are so beautiful to you! I am willing to pay $100 for each Charles a man would never touch with my hands. My wife and I have gone through a four- Her hands have decorated our house with year training course at Christ Quest Institute Dorothy tape you can find. paintings, tiling, sewing, and arts and crafts on marriage, and it has been life-changing for They must be tapes recorded BEFORE for us to enjoy. Her hands gently soothe my both of us. We since have shared what we muscles when they are hurting. Her hands have learned in a marriage seminar. 1980. The earlier the better. encourage me when she hugs me and gently If you would like to view it online go to Email me at [email protected] pats me on the back. greaterphoenixcog.org and click on “Sermons.” As I sat there looking at her hands, I real- We currently have seven sessions download- or call 713 540 8670 anytime day or night. ized what a blessing she is to me. I confess I ed, with more to follow. Thank you. Phil Arnold, Ph.D. Wayne and Claudia Speed AC Class of 1970 1313 N. 25th Ave. • Phoenix, AZ 85009 • E-mail: [email protected]

This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL Issue No. 201 (Dec. 31, 2017) ★ ★ ★ THIS PAGE CONTAINS PAID ADVERTISING ★ ★ ★ 13 The Ezekiel WATCHMAN God’sWarning Message

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful Day of the LORD” (Malachi 4:5; Matthew 17:10-11). “The Third Temple”

Alton B. (Don) Billingsley sacrificial offerings and laying the founda- This should also enable one to realize the tion for the new Temple. closeness of the Great Tribulation, Arma- o the discerning mind one can eas- President Trump will have the backing of geddon, and the coming of Jesus Christ— ily see the end-time prophecies are the religions in this country as well as many probably no later than 2029–2030! rapidly being fulfilled that will of the Jewish leaders and population in this And much more than this—the need to bring to an end this age within just country along with the majority of the peo- make the needed changes in life to be pro- a few very short years. Disaster has ple in Israel. It will be as Nikki Haley, tected from the awful things that are very Tbeen coming upon disaster in all parts of the America’s Ambassador to the UN, said near to all of us and be prepared for the world, and especially in this nation, as regarding the move of the Embassy, “This is coming of Jesus Christ. And seeing the prophesied (Ezekiel 7:26-plus), and they are what the American people want.” And they building of the Third Temple should be a breaking all known records with increasing real wake-up call to that end! I frequency. pray for you. The Book of Daniel makes known sacrifi- God’s True Church—It should cial offerings are soon to be offered once be realized by those who know again together with the building of the third and believe the teachings of Temple (Daniel 11:31; 12:11-12; Matthew 24:15; God’s Holy Bible that Scrip- II Thessalonians 2:1-4). They bring into focus ture reveals God has only ONE the historical duality found in the Book of CHURCH (Matthew 16:18)! And Ezra (Ezra 3:2-8), for it pictures this coming in His Church are only those time as well! whom God has selectively called Possibly as soon as 2018 or 2019, and added to it (John 6:44; President Trump will follow the historical Ephesians 4:1-16); a LITTLE, LIT- duality of King Cyrus, who made a procla- TLE Church (Greek: a double mation that the second Temple would be will want it this time as well. diminutive, Experimental Commentary; Luke rebuilt in the first year of his reign over Considering the hostility of the Arab 12:32; Matthew 7:13-14). And in God’s true Babylon. This was after the LORD stirred his nations and their threats of war, there are Church the fullness of His true teachings spirit up to do it (Ezra 1:1). Jesus Christ will those who say this will be utterly impossible! are believed and taught by His true and also stir up the spirit of President Trump to There will be hostility against it from faithful ministers (Revelation 3:7-13). do the same before he leaves office in 2020. Congress and the Defense Department as MYSTERY OF THE AGES—Study your The way was paved for the Temple to well as from others. Bible together with this last unedited book be built when Jesus Christ stirred the mind But to say this is impossible in view of Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong wrote, ISBN 0- of President Trump to move the Embassy their hostility and threats is to leave Jesus 396-08773-6, and please wake up! This could from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. He fulfilled the Christ out of the picture! Nothing is impos- save your life from these worsening trouble- promise he had made during his campaign sible with Him! Please remember His inter- some times before us. REMEMBER—Mr. to do it. vention at needed times can be seen Armstrong was the man Jesus Christ used to And he did it in his first year in office as throughout history. And the prophecy con- teach all of us the fullness of His true teach- did King Cyrus in his first year. The two cerning the Temple will be fulfilled, for He ings (II Timothy 3:13-14). presidents who had preceded him promised will be behind it (Isaiah 46:8-10). to do this, but failed to follow through with When the precise time comes there will it (Presidents: George Bush and Obama) for the be great changes made in the leadership in The quotes and pictures above are for educational timing was not right with God’s Perfect Jerusalem and even on the Temple Mount purposes only. Entire contents © 2017 The Church of Time Table. to pave the way for it! And, with God using God. All Rights Reserved. The copyright subsisting in President Trump has been made aware of the majority of the people of America to his likeness to King Cyrus by the religious support it, nothing will stop the beginning material quoted in this publication and trademarks people in Israel. And Christ using his brash- construction of it including the Arab world. appearing in this publication belong to the respective ness and lack of fear of what anyone thinks Seeing this take place should awaken owners thereof and no claim of ownership therein is of his decisions will stir up his mind at the everyone out of sleep (Romans 13:11-12; I made by The Church of God, Faithful Flock. exact time to make the proclamation. With Thessalonians 5:6-7)! To wake up to what is his support, the Jewish people will begin the happening in this country and elsewhere!

Links to websites maintained by the Church of God Faithful Flock: http://www.cog-ff.com/links.html P. O. Box 130 • Valley Springs, CA 95252 • (209) 772-0737

This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL 14 ★ ★ ★ THIS PAGE CONTAINS PAID ADVERTISING ★ ★ ★ Issue No. 201 (Dec. 31, 2017)

Art Mokarow Ministering Sparrow Anonymous

While on my quest for the straight and narrow I’ve the pleasure of meeting Mr. Art Mokarow, A hoary man, with Biblical knowledge, As if ordained in a celestial college. Yearly seminars, prepared with intent, To inspire his siblings to read and repent. He gave God’s words, as though they were marrow, As a brood being fed by the papa sparrow. Knowledgeable speakers and luncheon event, All are welcomed without paying a cent. These kinds of events are typically rare, But as a man of God he truly does care. I thank my God for this ministering sparrow And the knowledge He shares through Mr. Mokarow. So until next year, if God pulls us through, Hope to hear you again, and I bid you adieu. FREE BOOK God’s Puzzle Solved 9775 Pozos Lane / Conroe, TX 77303 GodsPuzzleSolved.com / e-mail [email protected] YouTube Biblical History / BibleStudyMadeEasy.com No donations ever accepted

This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL Issue No. 201 (Dec. 31, 2017) ★ ★ ★ THIS PAGE CONTAINS PAID ADVERTISING ★ ★ ★ 15

The Bible (A Short Outline)

9775 Pozos Lane • Conroe, TX 77303 • [email protected] • www.GodsPuzzleSolved.com

his outline attempts to Tribes of Judah. Some were The time, only a few continued to fol- cover The Bible and Jews, French, English, Danes, low God. So The Gentiles, too, The Plan of God for all Swedes, Finns or Swiss along with lost their chance to be in first The Children God cre- some who migrated to The United place and were relegated to sec- Tated from Adam and Eve to those, States of America. The Twelve ond place. Israel was again put in yet, to be born. Ninety-Nine Tribes of The Twelve Sons of Jacob first place. Percent of churches do not under- were blessed because of The After Four Thousand Years God stand The Bible or are only inter- Promise God gave to Abraham. had to send His “Son, Jesus ested in verses which will not The Old Covenant did not include Christ,” who brought The New offend the congregation. Minis- The Gentiles (They were Pagans— Covenant when The Old Cove- ters are there for you to support country people). God did not nant was annulled. them, yet The Bible says Ministers reveal when because He scattered When Moses went to “the are to work at their own job and The Twelve Tribes (They stopped mountain” to get The Ten Com- only preach when the congrega- wanting to follow God) in with mandments, they built The tion convenes. The Gentiles. Golden Calf. Then, The Twelve Elders (65 and older) are to tend The Gentiles are The Russians, Tribes of Israel had to pay many to the problems of the congrega- The Germans, The Spanish, The penalties (they became slaves in tion. Since Christ came, The Sab- Italians, The Indians, The Asians Egypt). The New Covenant brought bath is no longer kept on one day, and The Latins. God gave Israel by Christ—Christians are told not Saturday, as The Sabbath Day. The Old Covenant in The Old to do “works” (sacrificing animals Sunday was for Pagans. When Testament which contained a lot when they sinned, keeping The Christ came all Christians were to of dos and don’ts to give them a Feast Days and tithing to The be in The Rest of God each and chance to follow God and come Levities). Now, in The New Cove- every day. Now each and every day “To Christ” (Christ was prophe- nant, it became in force when The is The Sabbath and you are com- sied in The Old Covenant—The Temple was destroyed (70 A.D.) manded by Jesus to do “good Old Testament), but Israel contin- about Forty Years after Christ was works” each and every day and to ually ignored God. The Twelve resurrected. do no harm to anyone or anything. Tribes were precious to God so He When you repent and follow Only a few churches follow this made a promise to Abraham fol- The Word of God—then The Ten admonition. lowing Abraham’s offer of his son Commandments become a part of So, with life being hard at Isaac as a sacrifice. your heart, so you never think of times—working, bills, caring and THE NEW TESTAMENT lying, stealing, murdering, dishon- teaching children, loss of jobs, not oring your parents and, most Later, in The New Testament to mention illnesses and death— important, not dishonoring God. (The New Covenant), because The you are left with little time for The New Covenant does not Centurion had such “faith,” God studying The Bible. So hope this have any “works” and Ministers allowed The Gentiles their chance gives you a glimpse of what a were told to work while The to follow God and find Salvation. promise to Abraham who followed Elders tended to the flock. (I took (In The Old Testament, by not God is all about and your part in my grandson to this podunk small wanting to obey God, The Twelve The Plan of God town Church and they asked for Tribes of Israel went into slavery.) Six Million Dollars [$6,000,000] THE OLD TESTAMENT In The New Testament, The to renovate their church and they In The Old Testament, God was Gentiles, with newfound under- were serious). working with Twelve Tribes of standing of God, wanted to follow Remember after God gave Christ Israel plus The Two and One-Half God but only to a small degree. In CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL 16 ★ ★ ★ THIS PAGE CONTAINS PAID ADVERTISING ★ ★ ★ Issue No. 201 (Dec. 31, 2017) The Bible (A Short Outline)

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE the miracles of feeding Five he could not be compared to God, “Holy Spirit” to help you and, of Thousand (the supposed Chris- The Creator. Job could not create course, His “Angels” to protect and tians), making the blind see, heal- anything and could not resurrect help you climb the ladders of ing the sick, along with The Four anyone so he, finally, repented and Jacob and Christ from the first to Five Hundred who saw Christ understood he was not as great as step of “fear” to the last step— after His “Resurrection”—who do God. No one is. “love.” I certainly want to be res- you think stayed with Christ after We l l, Job was given back every- urrected if I am still alive (in a He was killed and resurrected and thing Satan took away and God twinkling of an eye) and meet returned for Forty Days to walk blessed him all the more. Why the Jesus in the clouds and return to The Earth? Only Twelve individu- heck am I bringing these men The Earth but I do not know if I als, The Twelve Apostles. from The Old Testament to your will make it. I do thank God for This is why it is so difficult for attention? Well, these were con- protecting me all these years and Christians today to “believe” when verted Christians who obeyed The for giving me wonderful parents they have never seen Christ. Chris- Old Covenant and were actually who set such a good example. tians today must trust God through Friends of God. Your God, of When I was Twelve, I asked “faith.” “God” is a “consuming course, had to appear in a different God for wisdom and I really fire.” He has so much power He form because God is a “consuming believe He gave me wisdom would consume any individual who fire” but can appear in any form because I have not made a lot of saw Him. He chooses. So these In The Old Testament, God and a few others found certain humbled men who made it. wanted to follow Him: (1) Abra- Abraham, David, ham was tested when God asked Job and others did him to kill his son Isaac. Isaac was not need Christ to willing because both (Abraham die for them; they and his son) knew God would res- knew God was The urrect Isaac; (2) There was David One and Only Living who probably sinned more than God. They will be most—lusting after Bathsheba— with Christ when He having her husband killed at the returns on a cloud to front line in battle. David’s penal- Save the rest of ty—their baby died, he had wars mankind (those who all his life and he could not build are still alive when the foolish mistakes I see my The Temple for God; (3) Jonah, Armageddon—WW III—occurs). friends, associates and family who did not want to follow The Only two-thirds of The World make. No one can convince or Instructions of God. God wanted population will be left. Those who guide anyone. Only God will do Jonah to warn The Ninevites and are True Christians will meet this—it is His “Job.” No one can be a “Witness” but Jonah did not Christ, The Twelve Apostles, The try to do The Job of God. I only think they were worthy. Jonah, Centurion, Abraham, Job and oth- hope I am a good enough wit- finally, came around and; (4) Then, ers in the clouds and, then, return ness—living the best life I can so I there was Job, who was perfect, to The New Earth. can be a good example—but but Satan insisted the only reason God and Jesus are now creating remember, the minute I say some- Job obeyed God was because he a New Heaven and a New Earth, thing like this, I wonder if any indi- was blessed so much. which will be brought to Earth. vidual can do more good than evil. Job enjoyed being rich. So God Who else will be with Christ? I do Humans are a combination of allowed Satan to do anything he not know—do you know why? I “good and evil.” So sometimes I wanted to Job—but not take his am not God and I cannot discern say I hope I am Fifty-One Percent life. Job had boils, lost his family anyone’s heart. Mankind is a com- “good” and only Forty-Nine Per- and everything he had, so he asked bination of good and evil. You God “Why?” Job, finally, realized must always ask God to send His CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL Issue No. 201 (Dec. 31, 2017) ★ ★ ★ THIS PAGE CONTAINS PAID ADVERTISING ★ ★ ★ 17 The Bible (A Short Outline)

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE The New Testament states Min- God. The Bible is a big book with cent “evil.” But, my husband cor- isters are to work and only to ac- Thousands of Lessons and Clues rects me and says “No, Fifty Per- cept help if they do not earn which can be overwhelming. I cent ‘good’ and Fifty Percent enough for their family (but only thought if New Christians got a ‘evil.’ ” I only wish I could say to supply a soldier’s ration—“a short outline of The Bible—then, Ninety-Nine Percent “good” and meal and a bed”). everything they read in The Bible only one percent “evil.” But, I The rest of The Bible is filled would let them begin to under- know better. with examples of how to live and stand The Plan of God. We I once asked my husband why how not to live. When you have receive about Seven Hundred did God think we were so dumb to done enough study and reading Letters a month from New Chris- have to be in The Old Covenant you will be ready for more knowl- tians and this little outline was for so long? His answer was “We edge and understanding so God written for them. needed to understand The Law.” will open more clues to The Remember the wise virgins will The bottom line for The People of Mystery of God. have an easier road living this life. God for Four thousand Years was All Christians have either a little Foolish individuals will have to pay to follow God. The Old Covenant of “the truth” or they have a great many penalties. Then each indi- “works” helped to remind them. deal of knowledge. Biblically, some vidual can decide if they want to But they failed—so God annulled of you are in Pre-School, Kin- follow God and be protected by The Old Covenant since Christ dergarten, Grammar School, High Him or follow their temporary fulfilled all “the works” when He School, College or University. desires and find they made, yet, came. Only God knows your heart and— more mistakes. Please take note: Old Covenant when He sees you are ready for My fingers typed this so quick- Christians decided on their own more information—He will see ly—I almost did not realize what I not to sacrifice animals (also, God you find the clues. And do not feel had typed. If it helps anyone, I does not have any Temples or The badly, life with its struggles can truly want you to thank God Levitical Priesthood). If you break keep you from praying, repenting because this little outline was not one of The Laws of The Old and studying The Word of God. sorted out in my mind—at all. Covenant—you have broken all of Why? You cannot do it alone. Recommendation: (1) You can- The Laws. Even devout Christians You have to talk to God; and, not do it yourself and; (2) When find it hard to understand “these remember, God has no voice mail. you pray (The Lord’s Prayer) ask simple words.” Christ is our only Then God will send His “Holy God to give you The Holy Spirit Levitical Priesthood and so you Spirit” to guide and help you to all and angels to guide you. are to use your extra money to “the truth.” Everyone has pulls of I would like to dedicate this lit- help the orphans, widows and the the flesh and God will only help you tle outline to my mother and truly poor. when you want His “Help.” He father, Feodosia Petroff Evanow Christ said, “Where two or could have made robots but He did and Frank Evanow. They came three are gathered—‘in faith’—you not—He made you and gave you from Russia—could not speak have your Church.” When you are “free choice.” The right decision English. My mother scrubbed ready to pray, go to a private place is—follow God—period. When you floors and my father was a factory and talk to God. Begin with The choose God He will be with you all worker. In six short years they got Lord’s Prayer and then talk to the way. And, you will (eventually) rich—not Donald Trump rich but God. God said, “Give your extra be with The Family of God living my mother quit her job to start a money to the orphans, the widows forever—Eternally. Only God can family. They paid cash for every- and the truly poor.” give Salvation—no one deserves it thing they purchased for the rest Does anyone do what Christ but it is The Inheritance of God for of their lives. said? You do not need a middle- everyone He created. My father was asked by his boss man (nonprofit organizations) who Afterthought: Hopefully this lit- to become a partner in his compa- collect your money and, then, take tle outline may help those who do ny. My father said, “No, I made my Forty Percent to Eighty Percent not read The Bible very often but money in real estate, and running for salaries, fancy houses and cars. would like to know The Plan of CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL 18 ★ ★ ★ THIS PAGE CONTAINS PAID ADVERTISING ★ ★ ★ Issue No. 201 (Dec. 31, 2017) The Bible (A Short Outline)

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE One Million Scientists to create just newcomer or someone who has the factory is fun for me.” My par- one blade of grass (without a seed or been a Child of God for a long ents gave me a good solid life. I a root). They cannot and they think time, can learn so much from your observed their good work habits, in their pompous minds there is no understandings and explanations so I never missed a day in Gram- God. What foolish individuals. of our Lord’s ‘Promise!’ God bless mar School and High School Many believe Science is their God. you!! Thank you!!” (We edited his except for one week my tonsils You know The Telephone Number letter but did not add anything.). had to come out. My father worked of God (The Lord’s Prayer—talk to Another letter we received from Thirty-Nine Years and never God with your heart)—He is always a friend in Toledo, Ohio, who missed a day of work except when there to listen to you and He will wrote me about how she felt about he took me to the beach on Lake never put you on hold. God. She described herself as a Michigan and he got a bad case We received the most beautiful Child of God being held in The of sunburn. letter from someone who wanted Lap of God. She had cancer and Be dedicated to whatever you to understand The Plan of God. He God healed her. To us this was a put your hand to. If I could, I was writing so humbly and so hon- beautiful picture of her being pro- would give all my worldly goods to estly we felt everyone, including tected by God—her Father. (I only have them both come to life for myself, should be as he describes wish I could picture myself in The only one day. I do miss them so his love to learn “the truth.” He Lap of God.) I think God wants much and wish I could have done writes about some of the books he every child to feel protected by more than I did for them. If you received from Art Mokarow: their Father—God. can do a little more for your moth- “God bless you for all you do! We w ere printing, separately, er and father—I hope you will. You are truly a blessing to every- each of The One Hundred Forty- Anything connected with The one!! Your understanding of The Six (146) books Art has written. Bible—The Word of God—cannot Bible is amazing. The way you Then we realized Art was writing be sold. If you are not at a place of break down the hidden meanings, books on Twenty-Seven (27) sepa- wanting to know God better— messages and truths of The Bible rate Biblical subjects. So it was please give this outline to someone is amazing. God is truly moving decided to combine the books into who may be. You will be blessed through you to educate us about volumes with each volume cover- for just giving it to another who God’s promise to us all. Your ing a separate Biblical subject. Ra- may want to understand The Plan teachings have aided my under- ther than listing all 146 books, we of God—now—rather than later. standing of The Bible to the point now list all the books in Twenty- And maybe tomorrow or next year I actually am excited to read your Seven (27) Volumes. Please order you will want to know a little more commentaries and your explana- one or two volumes and, later, about God and The Plan He has tions of The Bible. Our Lord has order more. Remember they are for you. God is very patient and, truly blessed you with an amazing free, we pay the postage and you eventually, you will see the light. grasp and understanding of His will never be solicited. God said, If you do not believe me just ask ‘Word.’ Any Christian, whether a “Freely received—freely give.”

FREE BOOK God’s Puzzle Solved 9775 Pozos Lane / Conroe, TX 77303 GodsPuzzleSolved.com / e-mail [email protected] YouTube Biblical History / BibleStudyMadeEasy.com No donations ever accepted

This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL Issue No. 201 (Dec. 31, 2017) ★ ★ ★ THIS PAGE CONTAINS PAID ADVERTISING ★ ★ ★ 19

Celebrate the 2018 Feast of Tabernacles in Jackson,Tennessee, like never before. Celebrate the Coming Kingdom of God with Great Joy.

Celebrate the Feast of loyal branch of the WCG as and Britain in Bible Prophecy. Tabernacles in Jackson, led by Herbert W. Armstrong. We have never wavered over Tennessee, like never before. We have kept loyal to the Truth the Place of Safety. Celebrate the Coming Kingdom of God revealed to His servant We are hard at work on the of God with Great Joy. Mr. Armstrong. final commission to the Church: Hungry Hearts Ministries is a We boldly hold to the US Preparing the Bride.

Above left: Bible Sabbath Association President Kelly McDonald Jr. Above center: Pastor Bill Shults. Above right: President McDonald and Pastor Shults conduct a Feast service. Two photos at left: Mr. McDonald and Mr. Shults deliver sermons.

e will celebrate Feast 2018 the same shall be saved.” Let’s hold There is no registration or fee W with bold messages preached to the Truth of God without wavering. to attend. All meetings held at the with powerful anointing. We will Let’s celebrate the goodness of our Clarion Hotel in Jackson. For more celebrate with joyous music, Davidic God for calling us into the Truth. Let’s information call (731) 736-1055. Dance and banners. Let us celebrate make His praise glorious. Let’s cele- Or contact us by email or snail mail this Feast of Tabernacles like never brate the Feast in Jackson, Tennessee, for a free planning guide. See the before. “He who endures to the end, with Hungry Hearts Ministries. addresses below. Hungry Hearts Ministries [email protected] / PO Box 10334, Jackson, TN 38308

This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL 20 ★ ★ ★ THIS PAGE CONTAINS PAID ADVERTISING ★ ★ ★ Issue No. 201 (Dec. 31, 2017)

Behold! A NEW God I Proclaim to You!

any of us have read Proverbs, that could coexist with the Roman and Greek God is free of those limitations. Therefore, but how many realize a fourth pantheon of gods, a third god being was extrap- when He says, “I will accomplish my plans!” person of the Godhead is olated from the apostles’ statements about the there is no question it will happen. In other described in this book? What do ‘Spirit.’ Voilà, we now have the Trinity. which has words, in God’s mind, saying or thinking about I mean? Proverbs 1:20: “Wisdom permeated Christianity since before 200 CE. an action or plan is not just a set of words or crieth without; she uttereth her Why am I wading into this debate? After all, thoughts. It is reality! Because there are no lim- Mvoice in the streets.” Ken Westby flogged this dead horse for years, its on God as we live under. In the very first chapter, we see Wisdom list- along with some others. I fully admit I am no- To recap, we as humans may plan, but we ed as acting in benefit to humans. We see where on the same mental plane with Mr. don’t have the ability to guarantee our thoughts Wisdom actively referred to as a female. I could Westby or most of the others who participated will come to pass. With God, simply thinking is go on and on about how Wisdom calls to young in his seminars. reality. Christ told us clearly that if we had seen men. How she builds a house (9:1). Wisdom lives I’m bringing this up because I believe I can Him we had seen God! Because Christ and God in the heart of him who has understanding finally present this in an understandable manner. think alike. Christ has a perfect measure of (14:33). The man who loves Wisdom pleases his In the NT, the Greek word logos is present God’s Sprit. father, and the man who keeps company with over 300 times. Of that, over 200 times it’s When God created Christ in Mary’s womb, harlots wastes away his substance (29:3). translated into English as God formed His very thoughts into a human. So, in the same vein we believe the Sprit is the ‘word.’ Of that over 200 Therefore, when Christ says “. . . before Abra- third member of the Godhead and the Word times, the intent of ham was, I AM,” he is telling us his thoughts was an eternal being, changed to be Christ, then the author to re- as a human are the same as God’s thoughts we should accept Wisdom as another member fer to Christ is were when God of the Godhead, worthy of worship!!! (Hence very limited. I watched Abram the title of this article.) don’t have an make his journey Huh? You don’t see this? Why, it’s so plain!! Wis- exact count. How- of faith. dom is clearly a sentient being! It’s obvious! ever, in the vast This is why I start- It’s even more obvious than the Sprit being a number of times ed this article as I did. being. Oh, so you say Wisdom was written into that word indi- Wisdom is constantly being Proverbs as allegory? Wow! Then maybe other cates speech or quoted and presented as a characters who traditions claim are Gods are implied speech. woman, warning wayward individ- really allegories also??!! It is not used as uals to take her warnings seriously. Guess what. That’s exactly what Armstrong a reference to Is Wisdom a living sentient being? No. taught you!!! He told you that the tradition that our Savior. Wisdom being presented as a woman is an alle- the Spirit of God is the third part of the My thought has gory, as pointed out above. The statements we Godhead is a blatant lie, contrary to what Chris- been . . . read about all things being created by the Word tianity has told for nearly 2,000 years! He told This logos: Why does it are just as properly understood as allegory as is you, and you believed, that the Spirit of God is have to be a sentient being? Why can’t it be sim- Wisdom being presented as warning Solomon’s God’s power, not a being as part of the ply what the word is translated to in the vast son about impropriety. The difference is that, Godhead. majority of NT cases: an idea in spoken form, or while God never created a physical woman Hopefully you agree with him. Because it’s as thoughts in the mind of a sentient being? named Wisdom, He did convert His thoughts the truth. Now . . . Why does it have to be a substitute for Christ? into a physical human, the second Adam, who “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word According to most, the reasoning goes like did not rebel as the first Adam did. If God used was with God, and the Word was God . . . All this, and I quote from Erik Jones of https://life- the literary device of transposing His thoughts things were made by him, and without him was hopeandtruth.com/god/who-is-jesus/christ-was- into an imaginary being named Wisdom, why is not anything made that was made” (John 1:1, 3). the-god-of-the-old-testament/ as follows: it hard to accept He transposed His thoughts Everyone reading this knows these verses by Jesus also said, “And the Father Himself, into a living being named Jesus the Christ? heart. And we all know these verses tell us that, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have nei- Because we know the God of the OT was the before there was a physical universe, there were ther heard His voice at any time, nor seen His God Christ worshiped, and was the creator of two ever-living beings. One was superior to the form” (John 5:37). this universe (Rev 4:8-11). other; the lesser being is referred to as the Word. These two scriptures teach us an important Many thanks to Henk Jens for his research on You have had this drilled into your head from fact: The Father has not directly spoken to or these proofs; there are multiple verses verifying the leadership of the RCG and the WCG since been seen by any human being at any time. this. We must question statements telling us you first heard of Herbert Armstrong. And, unless But Jesus’ response was even more shock- Christ was the preexistent entity known as the you were Buddhist, Islamic or Word who was the creator Confucian, you heard this same of the universe. belief taught at your Christian Does this brief explana- Church. All Christian Churches While God never created a physical tion cover every verse and with perhaps the exception of an woman named Wisdom, He did every theory concerning extremely small market share have Christ as an ever-living be- accepted this tradition. convert His thoughts into a physical ing independent of God Why? Armstrong taught that Almighty, the Supreme Be- between 100 and 200 CE the human, the second Adam. ing? Not at all. But it should church that the apostles formed, cause you to at least start based on the gospel they re- thinking about, and study- ceived from Christ, changed. ing this, on your own. Dramatically. I have no doubt he is correct. The ing to them: “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Because the end of The Journal is near, and I original church was a derivative of the Jewish Abraham was, I AM” (verse 58). have been asked by some to consider an ongoing faith, which was fiercely monotheistic. Erik falls into the trap of believing reality and blog, I have created a page in which I will try to As the church grew in knowledge, it became life always have been, is and will be as he sees continue to offer some observations on life, my obvious the leadership viewed Christ with a them now. He assumes Christ and God are lim- relationship with God, and hopefully some level of reverence that was above what Judaism ited by the constraints of time and the physical thoughts you may find interesting. The site is would tolerate. However, they did not supplant universe we live in. He forgets God lives outside https://didhereallysaythat.wordpress.com/. God the Father with Christ the Son until after this universe and is not limited by the physical Please note that, if you do want to read what the original apostles were gone. laws we must live under. I have to say, you will need to enter the address This was because as the church leadership If I plan to change the electric panel that in your browser address bar, not the search win- became further and further removed from ‘the feeds my house, it may or it may not happen. dow. I don’t have the clout with Google or other faith once delivered,’ and people became more Perhaps I can’t afford the work. Perhaps the search engines to come up anywhere near the and more enamored of Christ as opposed to God inspector will not let me. Perhaps I will die top in an Internet search. the Father, the traditions they developed de- before I get it done. There are an endless num- I hope you may consider visiting my blog, manded a need to prove Christ was the Creator. ber of variables that can stop any human from commenting, and letting me know if this is Furthermore, to continue as a viable religion accomplishing the goals he plans for. something worthwhile to you.

Brought to you as a public service by Hawkeye Home Inspection Service. “We give you the truth” https://didhereallysaythat.wordpress.com/ • [email protected]

This page is part of CONNECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER, the advertising section of THE JOURNAL Issue No. 201 (Dec. 31, 2017) THE JOURNAL 21 ‘Even babies die horrible deaths in spite of our heartfelt pleas’ Continued from page 5 out actually ascribing to fatalism. No responsibility accrues to a crim- No loving God who has the ab- need people. Prayers do have power. dotal. Anecdotes do not constitute evi- Rick Warren (from chapter 2 of his inal or a sinner if life is predetermined, solute power to prevent the suffering It is the individual prayer that gener- dence of fact. book): “Because God made you for a but sinning presupposes an active free of innocents, even your own children, ates internal power. The prayer of the reason, God also decided when you will. Forgiveness presumes a free will. would permit it to exist to the extent it faithful shall save the sick in the sense One may argue would be born and how long you would Free will is the power or capacity to does in this world, church doctrines of reassurance and comfort and in the One may argue that “Abraham be- live. He planned the days of your life in choose among alternatives or to act in notwithstanding. knowledge that one is not alone. The lieved God [or had faith] and it was ac- advance, choosing the exact time of certain situations independently of God is evidently unable to heal (or message that people do care is a pow- counted to him as righteousness” (Ga- your birth and death . . . God also planned natural, social or divine restraints. protect) every person who needs it, erful message to the sick, the suffering latians 3:6), not that he was righteous. where you’d be born and where you’d nor stop the murder and brutality of and the lonely. It is a message that the Well and good for Abraham, but we live for his purpose. Your race and Abyss of speculation innocent persons, even babies. We are future may not be as bleak as one nationality are no accident. God left no Much verbiage is spent justifying the essentially on our own. thinks, and it is normally appreciated. are not ancient Abrahams or Elijahs, My favorite book in the entire Bible mostly, and no latter-day moral equiv- detail to chance. He planned it all for ever-mounting heap of unanswered That being the case, is there a is Ecclesiastes: “Again, if two lie to- alency can be made here. his purpose . . . It doesn’t matter if your prayers. Many turn to religious anec- Deeper Point to be made here? gether, they are warm; but how can Besides, God is not appearing to us parents were good, bad or indifferent. dotes, church doctrines and biblical sto- The power of comfort one be warm alone?” (4:11). as is said of Abraham (Genesis 17:1). God knew that those two individuals ries for support. Can we know the truth, That line is more profound than one Such manifestations would make possessed exactly the right genetic or are we reduced to struggling in a The Deeper Point: Prayer is not de- may think, and it reflects my whole one’s belief a whole lot easier. makeup to create the custom ‘you’ he speculative abyss, unable or unwilling signed to heal the sick or raise the dead. argument: No one should suffer or die had in mind. They had the DNA God to discover the truth or face the issue? The sick often get well on their own Paradoxically unrighteous alone. Living alone is bad enough. wanted to make you.” Good people, innocent people, chil- (with or without medical help) in due Someone should always be available The Bible asserts that the “eyes of the Can we then assume that God dren and babies die horribly right and time, or not, and the dead remain dead. to comfort the ailing and the dying, to Lord are upon the righteous,” that the planned all the suffering in the world left in spite of our heartfelt pleas. No Prayer, rather, is designed to be a reach out, to offer a few friendly Lord’s “ears are open to their prayers” and every abortion as well? wartime heroic amputee or thalido- comfort. That is the Deeper Point. It is, I words and kind remarks, to note the and “the face of the Lord is against those Rick is wrong; he cannot know mide baby has had a limb restored by submit, the only realistic rational point. person’s passing and to remember the who do evil” (1 Peter 3:12). what he claims. He cannot know the prayer, to my knowledge. Comfort is the actual power of prayer. person for a time. On the other hand, Romans 3:9-11 mysterious ways of God. False assumptions beget explanato- The essence, and thus the effective The Deeper Point as outlined here paradoxically states that “no one is In Deuteronomy 30:19 God says ry false solutions. Consequently, the comforting power, of prayer is two- is the message of true religion. It is the righteous,” indicating that the Lord “choose life”–and his hearers’ choices fault regarding unanswered prayer is way comfort: comfort both to the one primary reason, perhaps the only really does not listen to prayers. rational argument for any religion, in On yet another hand, it is written my opinion, rather than a questionable that those who “practice righteousness personal escape from reality. are righteous” (1 John 3:7). The future will take care of itself in Is there another approach? Yes. With The fault regarding unanswered prayer is deemed to be ours: due time. Our work is for today. modest differences, it is variously With the saying of all the foregoing, Our faith is ‘being tested.’ I strongly reject that notion. I propose that your prayers to God are called predestination, determinism or not in vain. Prayers are not meaningless. fatalism: “In whom also we have ob- But do we really need to justify unan- tained an inheritance, being predesti- swered prayer? I think not. We owe it to nated according to the purpose of him ourselves to not be pressured or intimi- who works all things after the counsel were not predetermined. Otherwise deemed to be ours: Our faith is “being praying and to the one knowing he is dated into expecting idealistic answers. of his own will” (Ephesians 1:11, KJV; how could they choose? tested.” I strongly reject that notion. being prayed over. see also Ecclesiastes 9:2-3). Questions abound and any fool can Effective prayer is outward and pri- No future cards Surprising God One online comment: “Essentially, ask them, and I will, but is there real- vate, not inward, and not public so While we are on earth, we have an God predetermines that certain indi- Genesis 3 suggests that God was ly a plausible answer to explain why much. Effective prayer is not superfi- opportunity to do some good, as viduals will be saved.” surprised regarding Adam and Eve. If untold millions of prayers go unan- cial public displays and theatrical dem- minor as it may be, to help the world God knew that Adam and Eve would swered and why so few seem to get onstrations of piety as seen on popular Mysterious decree become a better place, to stand up disobey, God must have intended and any sort of heavenly response? television programs, from behind any against encroaching wickedness. Determinism appears widely ac- approved all the terrible consequences Why do we pray to heavenly beings, number of podiums and elsewhere. We do have excuses for our less- cepted, according to Rick Warren’s of their disobedience. anyway, even deities no one has seen Rather, based on personal contact, than-stellar behavior and we do have popular book The Purpose Driven Free will and fatalistic views are or heard, or to dead saints moldering in sufferers are reassured to know that dreams of a better world, but we can Life. Determinism, or fatalism, sug- mutually exclusive terms. Free will, their graves? Can any god answer mil- somebody cares. That is significant. It is neither live in the past nor in the future. gests that, when your time comes to acting decisively, falsifies fatalism, lions upon millions of petitions that a need we all will have, sooner or later. We live in the present, and we can deal die, you die, and, if you don’t die, your determinism and predestination. The must cloud the skies daily? Prayer says you are not alone, we’re only with the cards we have been dealt time wasn’t up. issue then becomes do humans have If we faithfully believe in false gods pulling for you, or we suffer with you, as best we can. We have no future cards Accordingly, preceding events have free will. It seems that we do. who may or may not exist, or in mul- even while knowing that chances are to be played, despite speculative reli- no causal connection with the events If the philosophy of fatalism is true, tiple gods, how does that affect our likely that one’s prayer will not make gious oratory to the contrary. that follow. A fated event takes place then we have programmed lives that prayers? much difference physically. It is not easy, however, to see this. not according to a natural law, but in negate free will. Taken to its ultimate Yet we never really know this for Supportive prayer for one another is conclusion: Gunshot victims will God sometimes can’t sure. Mysteriously, when an ill person one of the few keys to a settled mind: accordance with some mysterious de- It takes us out of ourselves. We forget cree issued by some mysterious pow- surely die, regardless of any heroic But if we change our assumptions is encouraged, the body seems some- our own troubles for the moment and er, perhaps ages before. acts, if any are slated to die at that and admit the obvious, as distasteful how able to redouble its effort to heal realize that, while we could be better time. The 9/11 assault was foreor- as that may be, the answer to unan- itself and survive. off, perhaps we could also be much The right DNA dained. And suicide would be looming swered prayer becomes more palat- The power of prayer worse off. Others may wish to be as Fatalists might argue that an omnis- for many no matter what. able: God is unable to answer every well off as you might be. cient power foreordained events chrono- Prayers are ineffective in fatalism. prayer sent up, if God is able to Prayer, in effect, is holding a per- Our struggle, I think, is not with logically and thus they are inevitable. Doctors are virtually useless in a fatal- answer many at all. son’s hand in his time of need. It is other people, or with justifying unan- Yet we often hear a person remark casu- istic world. You heal or you don’t, you It is reasonable to propose that God encouragement. There are always swered prayer, but with ourselves, with ally, after recovering from a serious ill- get well or you don’t, you live or die. is not all-powerful, even if God is all- hope and comfort in intimate commu- our own self-centered minds and the ness, that it wasn’t his time to die, with- It’s all planned out for you. loving and wanting to be involved. nication and encouragement. People questionable worldviews we adopt. CEM cruise visits Jamaica during Pastor Boyne’s last Feast Continued from page 1 ing and growing in unity, fellowship- conference room where we could fel- get a group reservation in the ship’s ele- Rios, Jamaica, where they had 380 peo- depart from the evils of Satan’s cap- ping, rejoicing, loving one another and lowship, meet members from around the gant three-story dining facility, the Rem- ple keeping the Feast. tivity of a past evil world. talking about God’s wonderful true lov- States and sing and praise God. brandt Room. ing plan of salvation for all. We had three-course meals every night Rousing Ian Boyne sermon What will it be like during that first Musical volunteer year learning about God’s holy days? God’s Church enjoyed an indoor and formal night two times during which It was an utterly joyous, music-filled For most coming to understand and ex- church-sponsored picnic and took part We had a talented musician from we got all gussied up and blinged out. day of looking to the Kingdom, and our perience God’s Sabbath, festivals and in unusual dining and other entertain- Oregon, Karen Clark, for the music pro- Our waiter, Jesus, who we teased own Karen Clark, a lyrical soprano, annual days it will be something new. It ment aboard the showboat Branson gram, who accompanied hymns, sang about his name, Hey-soos, memorized sang “No Night There,” followed by a will be repentance, granted to them by Belle, a paddlewheeler, on the relatively special music and directed our Carib- our full names and what each of us liked rousing sermon by Ian Boyne, who ac- their loving God and Father. smooth waters of Table Rock Lake. bean Cruisin’ Choir (CCC), which sang to eat or could not eat. We had to say “no knowledged Ronald Dart as his spiritual On the Eighth Day Mr. Roenspies, in John Gordon, Nashua, N.H. two songs. pork” for this group only once and he mentor over the decades. quit suggesting it as a menu choice. another sermon from 11 years ago, ex- CEM CRUISE TO JAMAICA “This Feast cruise turned out to be so [Editor’s note. Sadly, several weeks plained how each Sabbath pictures much more than I expected and I was Jesus also performed magic tricks for after the Feast Mr. Boyne died. See an God’s seventh annual festival, the Great ALVESTON, Texas—For the pleasantly surprised,” Karen commented. the group. article about him on page 1 and his obit- Last Day, and then went on to explain G2017 Christian Educational Min- An elder from Burleson, Texas, Ken Chocolate factory uary on page 7 of this issue of THE the past (ancient physical Israel), present istries Feast cruise out of Galveston, a Lewis, gave a couple of sermons, led JOURNAL.] (Jesus Christ through seven churches of small but mighty group of 21 people hymns, played guitar and added his bari- At our first stop, Cozumel, Mexico, we The final hymn, “Till We Meet Again,” Revelation 2-3) and future significance gathered to rejoice, hear messages and tone to the CCC. visited shops at the port, then some mem- always brings tears to the eyes. Afterward of God’s annual Great Last Day, also praise God in millennial splendor One festival participant, Richard bers went snorkeling, saw Mayan ruins, the Jamaican brethren fed us a dinner of known as the Eighth Day. aboard the Royal Caribbean MS Lib- Kennedy, said it well: “Cruising is a watched alligators in the wild and went to traditional Jamaican jerk chicken, veggies The Father, by His Spirit, through erty of the Seas. wonderful experience, but being able to a private beach with paddleboats, some to and a purple-and-pink celebration cake. tour a chocolate factory, some to see the Every member of the festival cruise Jesus Christ, will not leave any human For this unusual cruise we were do it during the Feast made it very spe- ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, and being behind but will prove people can assured that the Western Caribbean rarely cial. Services were fine, and the room two ladies went shopping in downtown exclaimed about how wonderful this perfectly keep God’s law forever. gets the hurricanes like the most recent was comfortable and quite adequate for Cozumel and had a fish pedicure. cruise was, especially with the feasting It will be a time of no more death, no islands that were hit, so we bravely our group size. Next day at beautiful George Town, in Jamaica as the high point, and some- more pain, no more Satan because he boarded Oct. 8, 2017, after spending the “The special music was wonderful and Grand Cayman, we checked out the one named Mark said it was the best Last will be destroyed. God means it when first three days of the Feast with spiritual our worship services were great. We loved duty-free shops for great deals, then Great Day in his 59-years of Feasting. He inspires us to look forward to a time brothers and sisters from the House of going to Jamaica with the CGI [Church of walked through the town and snorkeled Charlotte Palmer commented: “This when all tears will be wiped away. There God in Galveston in a beachfront hotel. God International], which was the high- over a submarine. cruise and the Jamaican [Last Great will be no more curse while God pro- The ship was as solid as a giant build- light of the Feast. We would like to do Some went on an Atlantis submarine Day] experience were such a blessing tects and directs forever. ing that holds more than 3,000 passen- another Feast cruise.” to dive 100 feet. ... We were treated like royalty. They Throughout God’s eight-day festival gers and 1,300 crew members. A member who has cruising experi- On the Last Great Day we were [the Jamaicans] thought we blessed excited brethren of God’s Church re- After boarding we occupied our ence, Robin from Maryland, said one of blessed to have a private bus take us to them. Nay, they blessed us.” Marla gathered from around the country, learn- rooms and met for the evening in our the smartest things we could do was to join with the CGI congregation in Ocho Prouty, Bothell, Wash. 22 THE JOURNAL Issue No. 201 (Dec. 31, 2017) The ‘big dig’ in Israel became part of Church of God history

Continued from page 1 cupied, and we left for our new most responsible for the negotiations assignment in Nicosia.” that led to the dig, and indeed for the The Dicks arrived in Nicosia the existence of the arrangements in the evening of July 5. They never glimpsed first place, was Mr. Dick. Israel until mid-August. The war had Most are not aware of the story be- changed the plans for the radio pro- hind the college’s and church’s in- gram, and that affected Mr. Dick’s job. volvement with the Israelis on the “There we were on a beautiful project. In an amazing succession of Mediterranean island with a lovely events, things just seemed to work fully furnished home and a new car out—say some former diggers—that but without a job description. Why resulted in many AC students spend- were we here?” ing their summers in Jerusalem. Thanks to the war, “Jerusalem was newly united, and Israel lost no time How it began demolishing every barrier that had Mr. Dick, who came to Ambassa- once separated them from their holy dor as a married student in 1957, told places,” said Mr. Dick. how it all began for him during the “The Mandelbaum Gate was re- Days of Unleavened Bread in 1967. duced to a pile of bricks, mortar and “During the afternoon sermon on the rubbish. There were no longer check- points with police demanding to see first day of Unleavened Bread at Am- THE DIG’S FIRST YEAR—The Ambassador College students participating bassador College in Big Sandy, Texas, our passports. in the first year of the dig, 1969, are as follows (as identified for THE JOURNAL Mr. Ted Armstrong [vice chancellor of “Seven miles beyond Jerusalem, on Ambassador and son of church founder by 1969 digger Don Bjoraker): Front row, sitting, from left: ZoeAnn Ghourd- the way to Ramallah, we came to the Herbert Armstrong] shocked his audi- jian, Robin Sutcliffe, Pat Hill, Kathy Crocker, Janet Forney, Sharon Phillips, beautiful villa we were to later call ence by saying the Jews had to build a Donna Shonyo, Kathy Kruger, Dick Paige, Denys Fell, Danny Martin, Russell home. Bob Smith, the college decora- temple,” said Mr. Dick. Johnson, Jean Bristow, Cheryl Tupper, Karyl Coates. Second row: Melva tor, had gone to Beirut to find the qual- “The only place to build it was on Mickelson, Connie Johnson, Terry Johnson, Mark Kaplan, Deanna Lang- ity furnishings that perfectly suited the Temple Mount in East Jerusalem, braaten, Pat Boehnhardt, Lloyd Briggie, Richard Davey, Helmut Levsen, this magnificent structure.” so something had to happen soon to Sandy Ghent, Virginia Howell, Faye Bronkar, Jim Wisman, Carol Burman, Mr. Dick said he and his wife had place it under Israel’s control. Re- Alan Corrie, Owen Willis, Sam Kneller, Freddy Martin. Third row: Unidentified not planned to move to Israel, but as member, this was April 1967, and the Israeli, Jim McNiese, Mike Ghourdjian, Chris Patton, Ruth Van Buren, Darwin winter set in they couldn’t seem to church was expected to flee [to Petra, EARLY DIGGERS—Ray Dick (left) Nelson, Steve Fallaw, Tom Smith, Richard Elfers, Joe Dobson, Dave Sum- keep warm in their Cyprus residence. in Jordan] in 1972. and Benjamin Mazar are on duty at merfield, Dave Fraser, Sheila Tremlett, Don Bjoraker, Ken Smylie. Not shown “Since the home in Israel had cen- “The main announcement that af- the dig site ca. 1968. [Photo courtesy is digger Dave Gunn. [Photo courtesy Don Bjoraker] tral heating, we were given permis- ternoon was about establishing an of- Ray Dick] sion to move. We arrived Christmas fice and having a contract for The involvement in Jerusalem. said nothing more until we arrived at day 1967, and, except for my press World Tomorrow.” minutes late. I was surprised to see “I went to Ramallah and located an the airport. He had reached a decision. credentials, I had no assigned duties to him come right to the empty chair office there,” Mr. Hunting said. “We Mr. Charles Hunting would fly to Jor- occupy my time.” Radio Jerusalem across from me. had also opened an office in Cyprus. dan to deliver the backup tape so the A history lesson Garner Ted Armstrong (who died in “Almost immediately he turned to We had purchased radio time on Jeru- broadcast would go out on schedule.” 2003) revealed much “new informa- me and asked me what I would do if I salem Radio. I had negotiated and got Mr. Hunting got as far as Athens. With time on his hands, shortly tion” in that sermon, remembered Mr. were told I were being transferred to a the property to rent in Ramallah. “All flights into the war zone had after moving to Jerusalem Mr. Dick Dick. foreign office.” When I got it, it was in Jordanian been canceled, and six days later the decided to go to Eilat and continue all “He stated that a five-year contract Since the Docken family had been hands.” Temple Mount was under Jewish con- the way to the north end of the coun- had been signed with Jordan’s King try to locate and visit the sites that Hussein to air The World Tomorrow would be of special interest to mem- on Radio Jerusalem and that new ‘Later in the summer, at night, we could look toward bers of the church. shortwave-radio equipment had been He knew from experience, he said, ordered from Germany to increase its Jericho and we could see flashes of light from how easy it was to pay for an expen- power so it could be heard anywhere sive trip and yet miss most of the sites on earth.” bombings and fighting,’ said Don Bjoraker. that were important to WCG members. The World Tomorrow, the church’s Mr. Dick met an Israeli reporter broadcast, which featured the voice of who was also a professional tour guide Herbert Armstrong and later his son headed for Jerusalem, a vacancy for Mr. Hunting, who had entered Am- trol, just as Mr. Ted Armstrong had pre- named Richard Stoehr. When Mr. Garner Ted speaking on hundreds of an office manager was open in Ma- bassador at Pasadena in 1958, was a dicted,” said Mr. Dick. “But, alas, there Stoehr learned of Mr. Dick’s plan to AM stations in the United States and nila. Mr. Dick instantly assumed that 1961 graduate of Ambassador in was no longer a Radio Jerusalem. With- tour the country, he asked to go along. elsewhere, was a program begun by Mr. Armstrong was offering him the Bricket Wood. His first ordination was out a broadcast there was no need for “Returning from Eilat, Mr. Stoehr the senior Armstrong in the 1930s (orig- job in the Philippines. as an elder at the Feast of Tabernacles an office. My job had ceased to exist.” said we would pass [David] Ben- inally called Radio Church of God) “I replied that I supposed I would at Big Sandy in 1959. The Israeli air force had attacked Gurion’s kibbutz [communal farm],” and later expanded to include televi- go home and start packing,” Mr. Dick Mr. Hunting explained the church’s airfields in Egypt, Syria, Jordan and said Mr. Dick. “He knew Mr. Ben- sion broadcasts. said. “Since I didn’t seem as shocked rationale for opening an office in Iraq and destroyed about 400 aircraft, Gurion and said we should stop and “To take care of the mail this daily and elated as he thought I should be, Jerusalem. most still on the ground. During the see him. I explained it was almost the broadcast [over Radio Jerusalem] he restated his question. He said he “We had opened the office as a war Israel would lose 759 soldiers and Sabbath, we had been on the road for would generate,” said Mr. Dick, “an meant transferring to the place to result of the possibility of gaining ac- suffer about 3,000 wounded. three days, we had not been invited, office and a home had been leased which Christ would return. He meant cess to various radio outlets in the The Arabs would lose about 15,000 and we were not going to stop.” near Jerusalem. Jerusalem. Mediterranean Sea area,” he said. soldiers and airmen. At war’s end Israel Mr. Ben-Gurion, an early prime “The college interior decorator was “Yes, I was shocked.” “Before the Six Day War [in June occupied the entire Sinai peninsula, the minister of Israel, “was one of the already there to completely furnish Didn’t seem right 1967] we were in England and had be- Gaza Strip, the Golan Heights, the West greatest statesmen who ever lived,” this 18-room villa. gun negotiations with the Hashemite Bank and Jerusalem’s Old City. said Mr. Dick. “He was instrumental Mr. Armstrong and other church Broadcasting Co. [of Jordan] to air the in the creation of the state of Israel.” “Since the Israelis could not send A new plan mail to an Arab address, a second elders had met that morning on campus World Tomorrow broadcast on their After learning that they would not office had been leased and furnished in and decided that “it just hadn’t seemed Radio Jerusalem station. Mr. Hunting, an evangelist-ranked stop at the kibbutz, Mr. Stoehr asked Nicosia, Cyprus. Office managers for right to send the Dockens to Jerusalem, “In anticipation of successful nego- WCG minister at the time, recalled the almost immediately: “Are you inter- both offices had already been selected, a war zone, because they had four tiations, the business director of the change in plans. ested in archaeology? Professor Ma- and the first broadcast was scheduled young daughters,” said Mr. Dick. Hashemite station, Adli Muhtadi, and “On the day the Six Day War com- zar is starting an archaeological dig at to be aired live from Jerusalem at 8 But to change plans and send some- I located a suitable office-residence in menced, the trip had to be aborted,” he the southern wall of the Temple p.m. Wednesday, June 7, 1967.” one else to Jerusalem instead required Ramallah about seven miles north of told THE JOURNAL. “Mr. Armstrong had Mount. Would you be interested in the approval of Herbert Armstrong. Jerusalem. made some taped broadcasts which I volunteering to dig?” Mice and men “He [the elder Armstrong] was con- “This was in anticipation of han- was given to take to Jerusalem, hop- “Yes, I would,” Mr. Dick responded. Mr. Dick recalled that the Jeru- tacted, he agreed to send the Dicks, dling the mail, correspondence and lit- ing to have them aired. The others “We arranged that on Sunday salem office’s manager was to be Art and the change was made,” said Mr. erature distribution resulting from the went back to Bricket Wood. morning we would meet at the dig Docken, who was a church employee Dick. Radio Jerusalem broadcast.” “Radio Jerusalem was taken over office at 7 o’clock,” Mr. Dick said. managing the church’s Manila, Philip- The Dicks soon left Texas on the Mr. Dick continued: “My wife, our by the Israelis. Radio Amman in Jor- Mr. Stoehr “would introduce me to pines, office. John Jewell, an employ- first leg of their journey to a new son and I were waiting to leave for dan began the broadcast on a much- Mazar, and we would both dig. ee from the Ambassador campus in assignment. Their first stop: Pasadena. Jerusalem the next morning, but Mr. less-powerful station with weak re- “I was middle-aged, overweight Bricket Wood, England, would man- “I received a card stating that I was [Herbert] Armstrong decided that be- ception in Israel.” and out of shape, but I received no age the Cyprus office. a press representative for The Plain cause of the tense political situation in Mr. Dick stayed in Bricket Wood special consideration. Our square Mr. Dick, who at the time was di- Truth magazine,” said Mr. Dick. the Middle East my wife, Norma, and until he moved to the office in Cy- measured about 15 feet by 15 feet and rector of the church’s mailing depart- “Those were the days of instant ex- our 15-year-old son, Randall, should press, which he and Mrs. Dick was about 10 feet deep.” perts. Journalists, photographers, teach- ment on the campus in Big Sandy, come later.” manned until their move to the office All was vanity vividly remembered subsequent events. ers, ministers and even the first jet in Israel in the town of Beit Hanina, Israel at war “The next day it was back to work pilots were in-house” church and col- between Jerusalem and Ramallah. Mr. Dick’s digging partner was lege employees. Early on the morning of June 5, someone named Yitzhak. as usual,” he said. “The college had a Why are we here? very fine, elegant faculty dining “We arrived at the Bricket Wood 1967, Mr. Dick and Mr. Armstrong “This young muscle man was mak- room, and faculty members and cer- campus of Ambassador College in En- were on their way to London’s Heath- Mr. Dick picked up the story: ing me look pretty bad. We had rubber tain key employees had lunch there gland on Sunday, May 28, 1967.” row Airport. “Mr. Armstrong was sure the Unit- tubs into which we shoveled our dirt. during the week. Mr. Dick’s supervisor in England “Mr. Charles Hunting and Mr. ed Nations would have the Israeli- When the tubs were full, they were “At noon I went to the dining room was Charles Hunting, who then Howard Clark, our head photogra- Arab situation settled in a few months. handed up to the Arab workers up on as usual, but the seating arrangement served as the business manager for the pher, had gone ahead,” remembered Meanwhile, we should live in Cyprus, ground level. had been changed. There was an college in Britain. Mr. Dick. “We were midway between and as soon as Radio Jerusalem was “If I had been content to let Yitzhak empty chair across from where I was Mr. Hunting (who died in 2011) our Bricket Wood campus and the air- back under Jordan’s control we should outwork me, this account might never seated. was a resident of Sarasota, Fla., in port when a news flash came over the resume our original plans. have taken place, but I was too vain “Mr. Ted Armstrong had been re- 2003 when he talked with THE JOUR- car radio. Israel was at war. “The Jewells stayed in Bricket for that. We had nearly a dozen rubber cording a broadcast and came in a few NAL about the church’s and college’s “We rode in silence. Mr. Armstrong Wood, the Jerusalem office was unoc- See AC DIGGERS, page 23 Issue No. 201 (Dec. 31, 2017) THE JOURNAL 23 AC diggers of ’60s and ’70s lived a summer of a lifetime

Continued from page 22 “I related all the events as they a good relationship with Ambassador. tion, running out of water on the way. tubs. I found that the moist, loose dirt developed and details of the agree- “We stayed at the Cliff Hotel, They arrived tired and thirsty. would roll down in a neat grade. I ment I had reached with Professor which was south of the dig. It was an “When we boarded the bus for the could fill seven tubs in about seven Mazar on behalf of Ambassador Col- Arab hotel. That was a good experi- return trip, we were surprised to see a minutes. I showed Yitzhak what I was lege,” said Mr. Dick. “He [Mr. Arm- ence because we developed a very soldier with a tommy gun in the right- doing, but he insisted on continuing to strong] was surprised and more than close relationship with some of the hand seat by the driver. We had to go up fill his tubs one small scoop at a time.” pleased. Getting something of impor- Arab employees. to Tel Aviv and back down to Jerusalem Mr. Dick’s tubs were going up at a tance started in Israel had long been “We had a term of 11 weeks. The because of the threat of terrorism.” provocative rate of seven at a time, in- his fondest wish.” first week was devoted to an intense A routine Mr. Bjoraker remem- spiring an undercurrent of grumbling In June of the next year, 1969, tour of Israel. We had two very nice bered well was traveling to church among the dirt haulers. about 65 Ambassador students arrived Arab buses with Arab tour guides. services each Sabbath. “Apparently Mazar must have no- in Jerusalem to donate their labor for “It was good to have Arabs because “We boarded a bus and went to a ticed the increased activity at our the next two months. things were very tense, and they could YWCA for church services. The hall square,” Mr. Dick said. “I was hard at DIG 1974—Diggers in Jerusalem “We booked a small hotel and hired take us into the Arab areas.” we met in was on the second floor. The in 1974, the sixth year of Ambas- a city bus to transport the students be- elevator was riddled with bullet holes, work when he appeared at our square.” Not your average tourists “Deek,” called out Professor Mazar. sador College’s participation, pause tween their hotel and the dig.” and the lobby walls were pitted also. He always called Mr. Dick “Deek.” for a picture. From left: Sammy Mr. Armstrong transferred Ray and Mr. Bjoraker told THE JOURNAL “Later in the summer, at night, we “Deek, come to the office for coffee.” O’Dell, Angie Mohler, Debbie Moh- Norma Dick back to Bricket Wood in what the workday was like. could look toward Jericho and we ler, Laurie Wagner and Kevin 1970. Their son Randall had begun his “We worked heavy half days. The could see flashes of light from bomb- So Mr. Dick climbed out of his Hudson. [Photo courtesy Angie square and joined the professor for a Mohler Kelley] college education there in 1969. Mr. day started early to beat the heat, and ings and fighting.” cup of strong, thick, sweet coffee. Armstrong named Richard Frankel we were usually done by around 2 in the new office manager in Jerusalem. the afternoon. That gave us a chance Desperate hunger “After that, this ritual took place a This could be an open door, Mr. couple of times a day, and if there were to walk around Jerusalem and tour THE JOURNAL asked Mr. Bjoraker Dick thought. It shouldn’t be too diffi- Valuable exposure the sites. where the students stayed while in any important visitors I was called out cult to raise that relatively small of my square to meet them.” When this writer asked Mr. Dick “We were digging on the Temple Jerusalem. amount. what the benefits of the dig were for Mount. I had the feeling we were rec- “We stayed at the Cliff Hotel in the Mr. Dick’s digging duties contin- “Ernest Martin brought in a group ued for only four days, but during that the church, he responded: “Mr. Arm- ognized. People knew we were there Arab section of the city,” he said. “It of students and faculty from the strong was exposed to the top people digging on the south wall. We didn’t was called that because it was up high. time the professor “adopted” him, he Bricket Wood campus each year,” said said. “I was part of the team and a per- in Israel. It gave him an opportunity look like the average tourist. Typically We could look down on the Temple Mr. Dick. “The tour was over, they that he would not have had otherwise.” we wore short-sleeved, light-colored Mount and the valley. The Mount of sonal friend.” were leaving, and we went to see them These events happened in March of Some 500 AC students were in- shirts, hats and shorts. Olives was right across from us.” off. I briefly told Dr. Martin about volved in the dig over the years, from “We were instructed to drink a lot Perched on top of the Mount of 1968. “All spring and summer I being able to get into archaeology.” would visit the dig, and Mazar would 1969 through 1975. of water. It was extremely dry. It was Olives was the luxurious Interconti- Mr. Dick didn’t hear anything back “They also got to tour Israel and amazing how fast you could become nental Hotel. proudly show me what had been un- from Dr. Martin until late August. covered since my last visit.” parts of Europe. It gave them an expe- dehydrated.” “When we got desperate for Ameri- At 10 o’clock one evening Mr. rience they never would have had.” Mr. Bjoraker explained where the can food, we would climb up there to Expanding the project Dick’s phone rang. Professor Mazar would continue students excavated. a coffee shop where we could get cof- “It was Ernest Martin. Mr. Arm- the dig until 1978 with assistance “We dug on the south and west wall fee and a hamburger.” Mr. Dick remembered the professor strong had arrived [at Bricket Wood] being “almost like a father” to him. from the Israel Exploration Society. of the Temple Mount. We were dig- As many people who travel abroad to begin the new school year. Dr. Mr. Dick’s friend Benjamin Mazar, ging down through the Byzantine era. have found, food can cause problems. “He was a great man whom I great- Martin had given him my information, ly admired and respected. He had who was born Binyamen Maisler in We found a very interesting inscrip- “Many of us got Pharaoh’s re- and Mr. Armstrong was interested.” Ciechanowiec, Poland, on June 28, tion as well as coins and pottery. venge,” he said. “It turned out that we been the president of Hebrew Uni- By this time Dr. Bull had left Israel versity for a number of years. He was 1906, was educated in Germany. He “The tools we used were very small were getting it from the hotel. For a few and returned to the United States. Mr. immigrated to Palestine at age 23, in picks and shovels. The dirt was lifted days I only ate food from street vendors a great scholar, a great writer and a Dick read an article in The Jerusalem leading archaeologist.” 1929, and joined the faculty of He- out of the holes with pails made of old and I didn’t have any problems.” tires sewed together with a handle. If the A warm good-bye hole got so deep we The day the Ambassador students couldn’t hand the pail left for home was an eventful one, Mr. out, it was lifted up by Bjoraker recalled. a rope. We were mov- “The day we left was a memorable ing small amounts at a one; it made the world news,” he said. time so it could be “A young man from Australia named examined. Rohan had set fire to the al-Aqsa “We were there in mosque. It is the second most holy conjunction with He- place in the Arab world.” brew University, and The man was Denis Michael Rohan, Ray Dick Charles Hunting Don Bjoraker Ken Treybig Dave Havir Kimberly Mabry they had an office in a a non-Jewish tourist from Australia. nearby building. If we A website at palestinefacts.org spon- found something inter- sored by the Jewish Internet As- brew University in 1943. esting it would go to them.” sociation (JIA) described Mr. Rohan During this time a faculty member Post that announced that another ar- at Bricket Wood, Ernest Martin, and a In 1952 the university named him One day Mr. Bjoraker sensed as “an Australian Protestant follower chaeological project was in need of rector, and in 1953 he became presi- things were somehow different at the of an evangelical sect known as the small group of AC students were in funds. Israel on an annual educational tour dent. He served in that capacity for dig sight. Church of God. By his own admis- Mr. Dick explained: “The next day, eight years. “One morning some Orthodox sion, Rohan hoped to hasten the com- during the college’s summer break. the day before the Feast of Trumpets, Mr. Hunting explained how the Professor Mazar died Sept. 9, 1995. Jews moved in right where we were ing of the Messiah by burning down a full-page article appeared in The More information about him can be digging. They were there illegally. the al-Aqsa Mosque” so Jews could church’s involvement in the dig ex- Jerusalem Post all about the dig. panded. found at the website of a former Am- They were testing the waters, so to “rebuild the Jewish Temple on the Norma asked, ‘Did you see this?’ If bassador professor, Michael Germano, speak. We tried to ignore them and Temple Mount.” “Ernest Martin [who died in finances permitted, they would dig the 2003] presented the idea to Mr. www.bibarch.com. continue working even though they The “Church of God” described on year round.” were in our dig area.” the site was the Worldwide Church of Armstrong, who saw its immediate A student’s good idea Mr. Dick decided to visit the dig After a short time the authorities God. Mr. Rohan turned out to be a possibilities: possible further in- site and meet with officials there. roads into getting the gospel to Is- One of the first student volunteers ordered them away. “coworker,” one who had regularly do- “In Israel, Trumpets is a two-day at the dig was a 28-year-old junior “Ernest Martin was our dig direc- rael, prestige for the college in its holiday,” he said. “Mazar had gone to nated money to the church. tie-in with Hebrew University, and a who attended the Big Sandy campus tor, and Ray Dick was there as the The JIA website said Mr. Rohan Haifa and would be back the third day. of Ambassador. Don Bjoraker, who church’s office manager. Randall [Dick] great chance to broaden the educa- Only Meir Ben-Dov and another man was hospitalized in a mental institu- tional background of our students.” lives in Hawkins, Texas, entered Am- came around the dig often and spent a tion, found to be insane and eventual- were in the office. Meir agreed we bassador as a 25-year-old in 1966, lot of time there. Being a resident, he Mr. Dick added some details of the should join their dig. The other man ly deported back to Australia. events that led to the big dig. coming from Owatonna, Minn. knew his way around Jerusalem, and The fire Mr. Rohan started was on was Yosef Aviram. Mr. Bjoraker and his wife, the for- he was able to give us a lot of infor- “Dr. [Herman] Hoeh, from the Pas- After Mr. Aviram became con- the southern end of the Temple Mount, adena campus of Ambassador Col- mer Gladie Osborne, talked with THE mation even though he was just a kid.” remembered Mr. Bjoraker. vinced Ambassador’s involvement JOURNAL about his memories of that lege, asked that I find some pictures of All work and some play “We had been working right below Pella for him. would be a good thing, in walked Pro- first year of the project in Jerusalem. fessor Mazar. it. I had gone there as a tourist and “Although Pella was in Jordan, I “I suspect it was a little different for The students held to a pretty strict looked around the mosque. As we rushed to the government archives in Mr. Dick remembered the profes- students from Pasadena and Bricket schedule, but they found time for sor’s response: “When he heard our looked down from the Cliff Hotel, it Tel Aviv. There were thousands of pic- Wood, but those of us from Big Sandy leisure activities as well. was almost like looking across. We tures but none of Pella.” proposal, his reaction was, ‘Fantastic, had to come up with the money for the Mr. Bjoraker shared an experience: absolutely fantastic.’ ” saw smoke coming out of the place.” Mr. Dick’s search for Pella, where trip,” Mr. Bjoraker said. “Four of us got on a bus and spent a One of the students, Freddy Martin, early Christians were said to have fled One little string “Basically, the expense was the few days in Eilat. That is on the north- from the Bricket Wood campus, ran when the Romans invaded Jerusalem in transportation cost. It did not cost us ern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, also down to investigate the blaze. As a A.D. 70, led him to the American School Mr. Dick remembered the skepti- while we were there. My dad provid- known as the Gulf of Eilat.” cism of some of the Israelis. result, the Israeli authorizes almost did of Oriental Research in Jerusalem. ed the funds for me. He had sold his Eilat, which had a population of not allow the students to leave. “Why would anyone offer to give business, and I convinced him this about 50,000, is Israel’s southern- Open door them $100,000 a year unless there was a good idea.” most city, on the eastern sleeve of the “I think it took some fast talking to were strings attached? Other organiza- Mr. Bjoraker remembered flying Red Sea. get those guys out of there,” said Mr. “As I entered the lobby [of the Bjoraker. “I feel it was our close rela- school], I heard a man who seemed tions had offered support, but their from Love Field in Dallas to Kennedy “There was a place where we could conditions had not been acceptable. Airport in New York, where the Big rent snorkeling gear. From there we tionship with Hebrew University that thoroughly frustrated telling about the got those guys out of there.” problems at his dig on Mount Gira- “Our only request was that we be Sandy students met up with Pasadena traveled five or six miles to the coral zim,” said Mr. Dick. written up in their journals, and this students on their way to Heathrow in reefs. We snorkeled and camped out The authorities were taking people Mr. Dick remembered asking the was only to help us in our quest for England. on the beach for two days. We spent into custody and questioning them. man, a Dr. Bull, a professor from a [college] accreditation.” “I didn’t know what to expect when most of the time in the water. Two pastors’ perspective college in New Jersey, what equip- Mr. Armstrong made a trip to Israel we reached Jerusalem,” he said, “but “It was very impressive. We don’t ment he needed and what the cost in November of that year, 1968, to there were signs there welcoming us have anything like that in East Texas.” Two church pastors now serving in would be. Dr. Bull said he needed specifically approve the arrangements to the country. Moshe Kol was the The students ended up walking the the Big Sandy area were members of about $30,000. that had been made regarding the dig. minister of tourism at the time. He had five or six miles back to the bus sta- See IN THE AFTERNOONS, page 24 24 THE JOURNAL Issue No. 201 (Dec. 31, 2017) Annual barn dance site of special presentation after house fire By Dixon Cartwright So Mr. Foster used the occasion of your help,’ ” Mr. Foster said. LADEWATER, Texas—A Church his annual barn dance to formally pre- Mr. Johnson crawled into the of God member, Morris Foster, sent Mr. Johnson with the hymnal house on his hands and knees and Gwho with his wife, Linda, page, which he had mounted to be found his wife lying on the floor and sponsors the annual Barn Dance here suitable for hanging on a wall. on fire. He pulled her out. for fellow church members and Mr. Foster has known Mr. Johnson “Don was able to find a good deal friends, made a special presentation at for years. He is a mechanic who main- on a used mobile home that a few of the dance on Dec. 30, 2017. tains vehicles for the Fosters and other us from the Body of Christ were able The residence of Don and Cindy customers. to get moved to their property and get Johnson of nearby White Oak, Texas, “I began taking my vehicles to him stocked with major appliances. burned to the ground on Sept. 22. 19 years ago,” Mr. Foster said. “Since “Makes me think that over the dec- After the fire Mr. Foster visited the then Don has been in two bad vehicle ades maybe we have spent too much site of the Johnson family’s destroyed accidents and is disabled as a result. house and noticed what he called “an Don is a longtime faithful friend with time and money preaching the good interesting piece of paper lying on the no COG background. He has gotten news instead of being the good news.” ground.” me out of a bind so many times.” The Fosters are active in several It was a page from a hymnal, with He said the Johnsons “lost every- Church of God congregations, most its edges burned all the way around. thing in the fire.” Mrs. Johnson was often the Church of God Interna- “The name of the hymn on that injured in the burning house and spent tional, he said. page was ‘The Way My Savior Leads,’ ” six weeks in Parkland Hospital Burn THE WAY—Morris Foster (left) presents his friend Don Johnson with a page of a hym- “My dad began listening to Herbert Mr. Foster said. Center in Dallas recovering. nal Mr. Foster found in the front yard of Mr. Johnson’s burned house. Both men see Armstrong in 1951, about a year “The title of the hymn seemed ap- When Mrs. Johnson did not come serendipitous significance in the discovery of a sheet of sacred music titled “The Way before I was born. propriate because of the way God led out of the burning house, “Don said a My Savior Leads” that had survived the conflagration. Mr. Johnson’s wife, Cindy, was “Linda and I were baptized into the them through this very difficult time.” quick prayer and told God ‘I need injured in the fire and is recovering from severe burns. [Photo by Carol Bald] Body of Christ in the spring of 1975.” In the afternoons Dr. Martin would teach a class at the hotel Continued from page 23 Hotel, which was in what had been the dug in Jerusalem in 1972. acting like he was upset and ready to Cullough had entered Ambassador at the 1972 contingent of students who Arab sector,” he said. “There was a bit Mr. Havir, a staff member of and hit me,” Mr. Havir said. “Clyde stepped Big Sandy in 1972. traveled to Israel for a memorable of tension still. The people we were columnist for THE JOURNAL, is pastor between us and held Dave back. After “I think 24 of us went that year,” summer at the dig. around were all friendly. We didn’t of the Church of God Big Sandy. Dave left, Charlie came to me and she told THE JOURNAL. “I believe there Ken Treybig, who came to Am- have any problems. He explained to this writer his first quietly said to me, ‘Tonight when he were 12 boys and 12 girls. We stayed bassador in Big Sandy from Houston, “We did see signs of the war like impression of Israel. is sleeping I will kill him.’ in the Arab section of Jerusalem in the Texas, and later graduated in 1974 burned-out tanks. It was very different “We landed at the airport in Tel “I said, ‘No, no, it was a joke.’ home of a well-to-do family.” from the church-operated college, than what we were used to, being in Aviv and saw the spot where a num- “Charlie may have been kidding, An Arab family lived on the first spent the summer of ’72 in Jerusalem. an area where soldiers walked around ber of people were gunned down just but it sure didn’t seem like it.” floor of their temporary residence, re- Mr. Treybig is pastor of the Church with machine guns.” a few days before we arrived,” he Mr. Havir would somehow secure membered Mrs. Mabry. of God a Worldwide Association Mr. Treybig talked about the dig- remembered. dinner invitations to various Jerusa- “The boys lived on the second (CGWA) congregation that meets in ging routine. “We dug five days a Mr. Havir reminisced about a typi- lemites’ residences. floor, and we girls had the third floor Gladewater, Texas. He lives in Glade- week. It was a grueling job. It would cal day on the dig. “We never discussed unclean meats where we slept in bunk beds. We did water with his wife, Kathy. get hot, between 105 and 110 degrees, “We would dig in the mornings, with our hosts,” he said, “but it was our own cooking. We had crews for THE JOURNAL asked Mr. Treybig and it was dry. We got up early to get and in the afternoon Dr. Martin would never a problem. We were served chick- breakfast and dinner duty. For lunch what made him decide to dedicate a out before the heat of the day. teach a class at the hotel.” en or fish.” we were on our own.” summer to an archaeological project “There was free time after work, Mr. Havir talked about field trips. Another memory of Mr. Havir’s in- Mrs. Mabry remembered the rou- but they got a lot of work out of us. I “We got to see Galilee and other volved Big Sandy coed Judy Jackman. in faraway Jerusalem. tine: “We would start digging at 7 in “I wanted to visit the land of the learned what it would be like on a historical sites. I remember Dr. Martin “Judy was a blonde. One man of- Bible,” he replied. “My brother had chain gang. We smashed a lot of rocks opening his Bible to 1 Samuel and fered Thad Russell 75 camels for her. the morning and work until 1 in the gone the year before, and after talking with sledge hammers.” teaching us about a certain battle. We We would tell her that we were still afternoon. We dug at assigned holes to him I was interested in the chance Mr. Treybig remembered the sum- were standing there looking out at thinking about it.” and lifted 20-pound buckets of dirt to travel. I wanted to see Jerusalem mer of ’72 as the “most educational” where the armies would have been. Mr. Havir said two basic types of over our heads all day.” and the surrounding area.” summer of his life. “We went to the Dead Sea and work were carried out at the dig. When this writer asked Mrs. Mabry The students from Big Sandy trav- “I got to travel overseas and be im- swam in the salt water. We had cuts on if she found anything of interest, she eled to New York City, from where mersed in that culture. On the trip our legs from smashing rocks with Grunt workers responded: “We literally moved wheel- they flew to London and then met up home we also got to tour Greece in- sledge hammers. The salt made those “Some of the students were digging barrows full of dirt. One day we did with students from Pasadena at the cluding Corinth and a little bit of Asia.” cuts sting.” for pottery and other fine items, and find a Byzantine lamp. Except for that, Ambassador campus at Bricket Wood. After returning to Bricket Wood, Mr. Havir, who enjoyed the dig they had to be very careful,” he said. there was nothing exciting.” After a weekend stay in England the Some excitement was generated would-be archaeologists were off to away from the dig, Mrs. Mabry re- the Middle East. membered. “It was my first experience with ar- Ken Treybig remembered the summer of ’72 as the “There was a bombing that year,” chaeology,” Mr. Treybig said. “They had she said. “A relative of the family we it all laid out in grids. They told us most educational summer of his life. ‘I got to travel were staying with was injured by the where to dig. We had to sift everything.” bomb. Mr. Treybig soon found an “in- overseas and be immersed in that culture.’ “The house we were in had a flat scription,” he said. “It looked like part roof, and we were able to watch as the of a parapet. It said something about family sacrificed a goat. That was blowing a trumpet. We only found a after they knew the injured person was small piece, but I understand that later the group made one last side trip be- with two of his fellow classmates and “Others did the grunt work. We going to survive. They offered the other pieces were found and it is now fore coming home. friends, Mr. Treybig and Clyde Ki- tried to see how much dirt we could goat, roasted it and had a big dinner. in a museum in Paris.” “We went on a whirlwind tour of lough, said there were things about move. We spent a lot of time busting We watched the whole thing.” Digging in another hole, Mr. Treybig Europe after the dig. After spending Jerusalem he enjoyed even more than rocks. We liked that better than the and fellow AC students found a tunnel the weekend at Bricket Wood, we trav- the dig. pottery stuff. Shutting down they quickly determined followed a eled through seven countries in five “The relationships were more im- “Ken, Clyde and I worked in a cou- Archaeological digs are a continu- route under the Temple Mount. days. During our tour of London we portant to me than the archaeology,” ple of tunnels, and we got under the ing fact of life in Israel, but Ambassa- “They shut that down quick,” he got to see the crown jewels of England. he said. “I have wonderful memories Temple Mount. As soon as the dig su- dor College and the Worldwide Church said. That was a most spectacular thing.” of experiences with Karon Martz, pervisors found out where we were, of God discontinued their involve- Glenda Osborne [now sister-in-law of they pulled us out of there.” Like a chain gang Painful cut ment in 1976. Mr. Bjoraker], Judy Jackman, Gary When THE JOURNAL asked Mr. Mr. Dick and his wife returned to the THE JOURNAL Dave Havir, who entered Ambassa- Locke, Chuck Gerringer, Patty Fields Havir about the benefits of the dig, he asked Mr. Treybig site in 1982 and visited with Professor about the student housing and the post- dor at Big Sandy as a 17-year-old and others. responded: war atmosphere while he was at the dig. from Allentown, Pa., and now lives in “We made friends with some of the “On the college level it was an Mazar’s assistant, Meir Ben-Dov. “We stayed at the King David Big Sandy with his wife, Pam, also Arab employees at the hotel. One was opportunity for Ambassador to let its “Meir and his secretary were still named Charlie. He spoke pretty good light shine,” he said. “The Ambassa- there working on the dig records,” he English but with a heavy accent. dor students had a good reputation as said. “After a very warm greeting, “Clyde Kilough and I would stay hard workers. Other groups who par- Meir pointed to the dig and made this Prsrt Std up late to talk to him.” ticipated on the dig did not have as statement: ‘What you see there was TheJournal US Postage only possible because of the financial News of the Churches of God Paid Mr. Kilough and Mr. Havir visited good a reputation. Charlie at his residence in Jerusalem “On a personal level it expanded support of Mr. Herbert Armstrong and P. O. Box 1020, Big Sandy, Texas 75755 Permit No. 88 the labor of the students of Ambassa- 75602 more than once. my horizons. It was the trip of a life- “He was 38 and had nine chil- time, and it helped me focus on what I dor College.’ ” dren,” said Mr. Havir. “The children wanted to do in life.” Meir Ben-Dov, who was the active got a big kick out of our tape re- When asked what was the greatest supervisor of the dig site, is the author corder.” lesson he learned on his summer over- of the book In the Shadow of the Tem- seas, the Big Sandy pastor said: “God ple: The Discovery of Ancient Jerusa- ‘Tonight I will kill him’ is the God of all people, and we all lem, Keter Publishing House, Jerusalem. Mr. Havir described a practical need His Kingdom.” “There was no plan for Ambassa- joke he, Mr. Kilough and fellow Big dor to become involved with archae- Sandy student Dave Robinson played Not for men only ology,” said Mr. Dick, “but for a few on Charlie. Kimberly Mabry (then Kimberly years some church and college em- “We staged this scene where Dave McCullough) decided to go to the dig ployees and hundreds of students came into the hotel yelling at me and in 1975 as a 21-year-old. Miss Mc- enjoyed the summer of a lifetime.” Issue No. 201 (Dec. 31, 2017) Please rush!