Vol. 2, No. 7 A newsletter for servants of the Almighty Eternal Creator, wherever they may be August 1996 Dealing With Doctrinal Difference: Toleration, Separation or Forced Conversion?

This is a question that has been asked we should try to force others to believe yourself”, why can’t we all get along? by Bible-believers for centuries. Many like we do? (Mark 12:31-33.) different answers have been offered— Currently, this issue seems to be on For those seeking the Eternal with producing a great variety of results. The the minds of many “Christians”—from their whole heart, the answers do not table at the bottom of this page summa- the Pope in Rome, to the leaders of always come easily. The Bible is a big rizes those results. But what does the Protestant denominations, to the small book that contains much more than “love Bible say about it? How can we know “living room” congregations. The ques- your neighbor.” We now have 2000 years when to tolerate other’s beliefs, when to tion is: If our Savior came preaching of sometimes doubtful copying, interpre- separate from them, and when (if ever) “one God” and “love your neighbor as Continued on page 6 Three Ways of Dealing With Other Groups and Doctrinal Group Purpose 1) Tolerate Others With 2) Separate From Others 3) Force Others to Some Different Beliefs With Different Beliefs Accept Your Beliefs Truth suffers when toleration Politically motivated groups Throughout history, most Groups seeking to pro- is politically motivated. sometimes separate from persecutions and many wars mote and increase mem- Invariably, some groups will other groups for self protec- have arisen from this “solu- bership in a human orga- be less diligent about follow- tion. Leaders may be afraid tion.” Many millions have nization usually make tol- ing some biblical truths. that their members will see been killed and other mil- eration/separation deci- Teaching sinks to the lowest truth, changed lives, or suc- lions forced to flee. Any sions for the wrong rea- common denominator of cess in other groups and are “religious unity” achieved in sons: doctrines upon which nearly fearful of losing members to this manner is always tempo- all groups already agree. them. rary. Toleration allows more peo- The scripture mandates sepa- Brethren seeking to ple to work togther to share ration from people with a This combination should live righteous lives, to their spiritual gifts in caring wrong spirit, who are openly never happen. People that learn from each other and for local congregations and sinning or who are continu- realize that most of true reli- to teach unbelievers, are preaching the Gospel. When ally teaching error. Separa- gion is personally doing more likely to make deci- the spirit is leading, people tions are never joyful and the right and rejecting evil must sions for the right rea- will learn truth from each door should always be left also realize that true religion sons: other, rather than losing truth open for reconciliation if cannot be forced on anyone. they already have. necessary changes are made.

IN THIS ISSUE: 5 Resignation Letter Exposes a 15 Encouragement for the Problem with Hierarchies “Stay at Home COG” 2 Children— Forgotten Victims 7 Music in Services 19 Getting to Know Christ 3 God Works in Spite of Hierarchies! 13 Christ’s Commandment 26 Feast Listing CHILDREN—the

Forgotten Victims Vol. 2, No. 7 August 1996

In the past 25 years, the two largest Sabbatarian organizations in Servants’ News is published monthly except America—the Seventh Day Adventists and the Worldwide Church of for combined March/April and September/ October God—have experienced a lot of turmoil. Many members and ministers felt issues. Subscriptions are free to people interested they had to leave these organizations—or found themselves expelled invol- in obeying their Creator as described in the Bible. untarily. Such folks have often found themselves ostracized by their former We believe His law is the basis for living a life “brothers and sisters” still in the organization. Some have remained “unat- pleasing to Him and living at peace with our neigh- tached” to any organization after their experience, others have joined “off- bors. We believe the holy spirit gives us the power shoots” which reorganized outside the “parent” organization. For most, this to live such a life as long as we continually repent has been a traumatic time in their lives. They had often built their whole life- of our sins, accept the salvation provided through style around their church and its activities. our Savior and strive to live “by every word that While dealing with their own pain and confusion, both doctrinally and proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Deut 8:3). socially, many have forgotten to look closely within their own family to We believe the gospel should be given observe how all this has affected their children. Children are often the for- freely—you may copy this newsletter and give it gotten victims in all this. They probably do not understand all the doctrinal to others. Servants’ News has no financial ties issues at hand that brought about the turmoil—but their lives are just as dis- with other organizations, but is financed by gifts rupted. They may have lost contact with many of their friends whose fami- and donations to our ministry. We have not lies are still in the organization. Their sense of security and order in their received IRS tax exempt status, but the IRS lives can suffer greatly. They may feel they have no one to talk to in order allows some charitable deductions without such to “work through” their own confusion and grief. status (see IRS Publication 557, p 16, col. 1). If you have gone through one or more of these times of organizational Editor & Publisher: Norman S. Edwards turmoil, we urge you to take time to sit down with your children, listen to Production Editor:Norman A. Brumm, III their thoughts and feelings about the situation, and reassure them as much Office Administrator: Pam Dewey as you are able. Technical Services: George Dewey We have one daughter, Ramona Leiter, age 25. She was only 7 years old Associate Editors: Marleen Edwards, when we were “disfellowshipped” from the Worldwide Church of God over Robert & Christine Feith, Elinor issues of loyalty to church government. As a home-schooled child, all of her Fransson, Jeanne Ireland friends were in that organization except for a few neighborhood playmates. Contributors: Many! “Thanks” to everyone! She lost all of those church friends. Ten years later, at age 17, it happened Servants’ News accepts articles for publica- again, as we left the Church of God International. This time we weren’t for- tion. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope mally “disfellowshipped”, but the effect was just the same. Those still in the for items that you want returned. We do not pub- organization wanted nothing to do with us if we were not going to remain lish items that claim the Eternal works through loyal to it. So once again she was estranged from many friends. only one human organization. We are happy to Only recently did we think to talk to her in depth about her feelings dur- print corrections for any significant errors. ing those difficult times. We asked her to write down some thoughts on her Address articles, letters and subscription or liter- church experiences to share with parents and children who have been ature requests to: through the same experience—or are just now at that very point. Her whole Servants’ News story is posted on our Internet website (Worldwide Web address: PO Box 220 http://youall.com/oasis/ ). Here are excerpts of two revealing comments she Charlotte, MI 48813-0220 made about the events immediately surrounding our departure from the two organizations. Perhaps her feelings may reflect those of other children who Phone: 517-543-5544 have been through this trauma. Fax: 517-543-8899 “As far as the events surrounding my parents leaving Worldwide [in E-Mail: [email protected] 1978], I remember distinctly how it affected them emotionally (especially how depressed my mom was) and I remember listening to the phone con- Subscription and literature requests may also versations that provided behind-the scenes information of what was going be sent to these addresses: on at the headquarters at Pasadena—at age seven I could practically quote the latest scuttlebutt. And frankly I cannot say the actual leaving of the Canada: Servants’ News, R.R. #2, Hastings, Ontario, K0L 1Y0 church distressed me personally, but the events leading up to it and the emo- Scotland:Steve Little, 14 Roman Camp, tional drain on the family that lasted well over a year was certainly enough Broxburn, West Lothian EH52 5PJ to bring an end to my innocence—this was nobody’s fault for other things Phone: 01506 853822 going on in my life (extended family and playmate problems) were also turn- Australia:Dale Heslin, 9 Alice Jackson ing my little world upside down as well—not a happy time! Crescent, Gilmore, ACT 2905 “...My feelings towards leaving [the CGI in 1988] were ones of relief. Most scripture quotations are from the New The previous few years had been filled —-Continued on Page 4 King James Version unless otherwise noted. Page 2 August 1996 God Works in Spite of... Hierarchies

I Samuel 8 clearly shows that hierarchies are not God’s choice or preference. Yet, what is the “rest of the story”? Many of us are familiar with the with scripture or their audience. All and church life, what if we choose story of the children of Israel when that this scripture says is that they were some of the bad things, like hierarchy they were not content to be different rejecting God and his instruction and (idolatry) for instance? Does he aban- from the surrounding nations in matters doing what they thought was right. don us and no longer work with us? of governance. One of the last judges Later, when the hierarchy was firmly was a prophet by the name of Samuel. established, we find most of the people “The Rest of the Story” As he was getting up in years, he made were still evil—usually because they Once you choose a hierarchy does his sons, Joel and Abijah, judges over were following an evil king. God leave you to whatever end you Israel. As the story goes, his sons were As ancient Israel wanted a visible achieve? The answer is: Yes and No— corrupt. The people knew that and were man to be their king (under God, of it depends. We need to continue with not pleased with Samuel’s sons. So course); so some modern-day brethren the rest of the story of Samuel, Israel they said to Samuel, “Look, you are want a visible man to be “head of their and the setting up of the king (idolatry) old, and your sons do not walk in your church” (under God, of course). It may in I Samuel 12. ways. Now make us a king to judge us be hard for them to believe that an “Now Samuel said to all Israel: like all the nations” (1 Sam 8:1-5). invisible God can achieve his purpose “Indeed I have heeded your voice in all That request really bothered Samuel working separately through thousands that you said to me, and have made a so he went to God about it. God told of human belings. It is also much easier king over you” (v. 1). Samuel then pro- him, “Heed the voice of the people in to please (and to manipulate) a human ceeds to witness against the people that all that they say to you; for they have than it is God. So today, we hear people he partook not in any of the politics that not rejected you, but they have rejected saying “we have to all get behind one a hierarchy will typically do. The peo- Me, that I should not reign over them. man so a work can be done.” ple confirmed his statements. Samuel According to all the works which they Regarding Israel’s wishes, God did then explained that it was Yahweh and have done since the day that I brought tell Samuel to grant their request along not some king who delivered Israel them up out of Egypt, even to this with many warnings (I Sam 8:10-17). from Egypt and many other enemies. day—with which they have forsaken We need not elaborate on all of these The reason deliverance was needed Me and served other gods—so they are warnings, but one does need to consid- each time was because “they forgot the doing to you also. Now therefore, heed er them all in conjunction with any LORD their God” (vs. 2-9). Now that the their voice. However, you shall known hierarchies, be they national or Ammonites had just been on their solemnly forewarn them, and show religious. Once the oppression and cor- doorstep, they wanted a human king them the behavior of the king who will ruption becomes widespread, the final instead of their divine king (vs. 10-12). reign over them” (vs. 6-9). warning is significant, being, “And you “Now therefore, here is the king God made a couple of things rather will cry out in that day because of your whom you have chosen and whom you clear. First, Israel had been rejecting king whom you have chosen for your- have desired. And take note, the LORD Yahweh and serving other gods ever selves, and the LORD will not hear you has set a king over you” (v. 13). God since leaving Egypt. Secondly, their in that day” (v. 18). has given them the hierarchy they action of desiring a king and its associ- In other words, once they reaped wanted. So, does God work through ated hierarchy was simply another the consequences of the hierarchy, he hierarchies even though it is a form of example of rejecting Yahweh and serv- will not hear them no matter how idolatry? The following two verses ing other gods—in other words, idola- loudly they cry out, proclaim fasts or describe the Yes and No part. try. whatever else they, or we, may do. “If you fear the LORD and serve We know that the first is indeed the Nevertheless, Israel wanted a king. So Him and obey His voice, and do not case by noticing that their history is God said, “Heed their voice, and make rebel against the commandment of the summed up in the last verse of the book them a king” (v. 22). LORD, then both you and the king who of Judges, “In those days there was no God does let us do what is right in reigns over you will continue follow- king in Israel; everyone did what was our own eyes, doesn’t he? He tells us ing the LORD your God. However, if right in his own eyes” (21:25). Some what is good and what is bad. He then you do not obey the voice of the LORD, church leaders have used this as proof leaves it up to us to determine if we are but rebel against the commandment of that there should be a hierarchy. But going to listen, learn and do what is the LORD, then the hand of the LORD those who do so are not being honest pleasing to him. So, in our religious will be against you, as it was against August 1996 Page 3 SERVANTS’ NEWS your fathers” (vs. 14-15). 200 years after their first unrighteous only David was able to repent of his No matter what we choose to do in king. The southern kingdom of Judah part of the evil. God will continue to our lives, it all boils down to one thing, lasted over 300 years before going into use whatever is at his disposal to effect doesn’t it? We must always obey God captivity. In the meantime, God did his will, whether it is Satan, a heathen and his commandments, for if we send prophets with messages of fearing, nation or even an idolatrous hierarchy. don’t, he will be against us. It is very serving and obeying God. Just because important to note in the above verses he is patient and long-suffering doesn’t What is Our Duty? that obedience to a hierarchy does not mean that he is not against it. So, for those of us who are part of replace obedience to God. People are Even though God said he would not the church of God, but not aligned with accountable for doing what is right, forsake the Israelites if they and their any human organization, what is our whether the hierarchy is preaching hierarchy continued to obey him, the duty regarding hierarchies and the peo- truth or not. Granted, a hierarchy is message regarding hierarchies is quite ple who follow them? What was not pleasing to God, but if that’s clear. Notice the conclusion to this mat- Samuel’s reply regarding his part in all what you find yourself in, you can ter. Samuel showed the people an of this? “Moreover, as for me, far be it still be worked with by God. He will extremely unusual miracle to show that from me that I should sin against the work with you in spite of any hierar- God was indeed speaking through him. LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I chies provided you are not caught up in The people, realizing the situation said, will teach you the good and the right its idolatries. However, once the hier- “Pray for your servants to the LORD way. Only fear the LORD, and serve archy you are involved with starts par- your God, that we may not die; for we Him in truth with all your heart; for ticipating in taking, cheating, oppress- have added to all our sins the evil of consider what great things He has done ing and bribes, i.e., universal corrup- asking a king for ourselves” (v. 19). for you” (vs. 23-24). Samuel’s part was tion (see v. 3), God will be against it. They knew that it was evil and a sin to to not forsake them as well. In fact, he Today, we have a choice whether we have asked for a king. Samuel con- was to pray for them and continue to will associate with a hierarchy or not. If firmed that with a stern warning, “Do instruct them. a certain system that you are involved not fear. You have done all this wicked- We, like Samuel, also, need to set the with is hierarchical and you don’t see it ness; yet do not turn aside from follow- example of a righteous life and to pray that way, it would stand to reason that ing the LORD, but serve the LORD with for those following hierarchies and, as God will continue to work with you. It all your heart.... For the LORD will not time and place allows, instruct them as should be the same even if you know its forsake His people, for His great name’s to the good and the right way, including hierarchical nature but feel that it does sake, because it has pleased the LORD to the Bible teaching on the subject of hier- not disobey the voice of God and rebel make you His people” (v. 20, 22). archies. We, of course, need to do more against his commandments. There may Yes, hierarchies are evil and a sin than just preach “the gospel of anti-hier- a number of factors that influence for it is strictly a form of idolatry. But archy”. We need to bear spiritual fruit of whether or not you work within a hier- because God is jealous for his name’s our own, otherwise, why should anyone archical system. In some cases, it may sake and extends to us much mercy, he heed us? Once they see that God does be the only Sabbath fellowship avail- will tolerate and still work with and work and that much fruit is born outside able or it may be the only place that through us in spite of even seemingly of a hierarchy, they will be able to make other family members agree to go. But good hierarchies that choose to put the right decision for themselves. if you know that a hierarchical system is away corruption and seek to fear, serve Yes, God does still work where he largely corrupt, you should definitely and obey him. chooses in spite of hierarchies, but he leave, for God will be against it. We are given vivid examples of does conclude with a strong warning How long will it take for God to take three men, Saul, David and Solomon, which applies to all of us: “But if you definitive action against such a corrupt who, while specifically chosen by God, still do wickedly, you shall be swept hierarchy? The northern kingdom of fell to the clutches of the evils and cor- away, both you and your king” (v. 25). Israel was sent into captivity more than ruption of hierarchies. It appears that —Norman A. Brumm, III “Children” from page 2 were hanged about his neck and that he for in the judgement than they know! with disappointments and politics and were drowned in the depths of the sea.” Let’s be sure as parents we do not backstabbing. To finally be rid of all The word translated “offend” here offend our little ones during these that was very liberating. I also felt implies the act of causing a person “to times of trial. We can’t shield them more free in my relationship with the distrust and desert one whom he ought from disappointments, but we can help Lord- and perhaps held myself to trust and obey.” Unfortunately, many them understand that their pain is not accountable for my walk with the children and teens are so traumatized caused by God but by human decisions Lord.” by the confusion in many of the and fallibility. In Matthew 18:6, Jesus spoke to His Churches of God in recent years that If you realize that you have not disciples about the small child He sat in they are turned off—not only to “orga- really done all you could to understand their midst: nized religion,” but to the idea of even how the events in your life may have “But whoso shall offend one of caring about God and the way of life of affected your children, take time right these little ones which believe in me, it the Bible. Leaders of church organiza- now to begin talking—and really lis- were better for him that a millstone tions may have much more to answer Continued on Page 14 Page 4 August 1996 We print the this: “Since we following letter Resignation Exposes are the true from Wesley B. Church of God, Webster to the then our doc- Global Church of God (GCG) trines must be acceptable to Him because it is a specific, real Hierarchical and are probably nearly all cor- example of the kind of difficulty rect.” With such a belief, it that occurs in hierarchical organizations. seems more important to teach existing We are not trying to single out any one Problem doctrine than it does to Biblically sup- organization or individual as any more port it. But if you would ask a group or less righteous than any other. We have doctrines come right out of the Bible. how they know that they are the true knowledge of similar occurrences in a Why does this problem occur? Why church of God, they might answer that great variety of organizations, but this aren’t the organizations anxious to dis- they “are the group who is ‘doing the one is particularly well documented. We cuss any serious doctrinal differences so work’ and has all the correct Biblical probably do not agree with all of they can help people see their error or so doctrines.” Webster’s doctrinal positions, but his they may correct or improve their orga- The truth is that we will be individu- specific reason for resigning is a very nization’s teaching? ally judged by our words and deeds real problem that affects thousands of Unfortunately, nearly all hierarchical (Matt 12;36, Rom 2:6). Some doctrinal brethren in nearly every hierarchical organizations believe that truth comes issues, such as the state of the Earth organization. into “the church” from the “top”— before Adam and Eve were created, are Mr Webster did not resign from the through the organization’s leader. Yet, mostly academic. We should be able to GCG because he spent many hours dis- the organization’s leader is often too get along with brethren who have wide- cussing the Scriptures with the leader- busy administrating, speaking, writing, ly differing views of these kinds of ship and they could not come to a reso- and/or broadcasting to have much time issues. Other doctrines affect how we lution. To the contrary, he had a hard for in-depth Bible study. Headquarters live on a daily basis. We must realize time starting any meaningful doctrinal personnel “under him” are not at liberty that there is no scripture that excuses our discussions with his organizations’ to admit that someone else might have sins simply because we were following headquarters. When he did find some- discovered some truth, until the leader our organization’s doctrinal statement or one to talk about it, he often felt like he approves it. So letters to headquarters our leader’s teaching. We are responsi- was simply being appeased. If a minis- with obvious error get answered; but the ble for our understanding of the scrip- ter, a man paid to teach truth by his orga- ones that might contain new Biblical tures “Therefore, to him who knows to nization, has this much trouble with doc- knowledge wait, and wait... and wait. do good and does not do it, to him it is trinal questions, how much trouble will a And the writers are expected to remain sin” (Jms 4:17). Organizations who do “less important” member have? silent about what they have learned. not have time to study a doctrinal issue In short, Webster resigned because The problem is further complicated would be better off to quote this verse, “church doctrine” seemed to be far more by the common hierarchical organiza- than to tell brethren to “follow them” important than the Bible. Yet most hier- tion belief that “God works primarily and receive a “stricter judgment” (Jms archical organizations claim that their through us.” The reasoning goes like 3:1). Dr. Roderick C. Meredith August 11, 1996 "as taught by Herbert Armstrong prior to 1986." When I first heard Presiding Evangelist Carl McNair make this statement as the position of Global, I was Global Church of God greatly disappointed because when I joined Global, the issue was 16935 W. Rancho Bernardo Dr. not Herbert Armstrong; the issue was the truth of God's Word. My San Diego, CA 92127 commitment as a minister of Jesus Christ is to teach the doctrines as they are in the Bible. The truth of God's word does not need any Dear Dr. Meredith: support from man, it is the authoritative Word of God. When I joined Please accept my resignation from the Global Church of God. I Global, I believed the organization was committed to making the herewith resign from all positions I currently hold in the Global Bible the foundation of all its beliefs. Prior to joining the Global's Church of God in this country and in Guyana, Trinidad and ministry, I discussed some doctrinal concerns I had to make sure Barbados, including my membership in any corporate structures of past errors would not be continued in this organization. These the Global Church of God. errors included the teaching that Interracial Marriage was a sin, and I submit my resignation at this time because I now see that that there was such thing as "physical sin." Global will not submit to the truth of the Bible in all situations. In When I spoke to you on the phone, I was given the assurance Global, there is too much emphasis on what Herbert Armstrong that these false teachings would not be continued in Global. said in contrast to emphasizing what the word of God says. The However, I now feel your verbal assurances were aimed at appeas- booklet "When Should You Follow Church Government" is a clas- ing me, more than a sincere agreement with my position. I have sic example of this point. The booklet is 45 pages in length, and Mr. submitted papers to Global on interracial marriage and the doctrine Armstrong's name is mentioned 62 times. From this, one clearly of physical sin. I have also submitted papers on whether or not gathers that Mr. Armstrong's words are thought of as authoritative Herbert Armstrong was the end time Elijah, and the meaning of in Global and esteemed liked the words of Christ. being born again. Global has never seen fit to send me a personal I did not join the Global Church of God to preach the doctrines written response to any of Continued on Page 18 August 1996 Page 5 SERVANTS’ NEWS “Toleration” from page 1 to learn, that all brethren are not going to ers. While these groups are few and far tation, translation, and history that we learn and study the same things at the same between, brethren need to be very careful must use to understand the originally time. We must realize that growing in to avoid them—some actually keep the inspired writing. The Hebrew and Greek grace and knowledge takes time and that Sabbath and the holy days and, to the out- of the original writings is not the same some are going to be stronger than others side world, might look very similar to us. language as the Hebrew and Greek of in that process (Rom 15:1). These persecutors often justify their today. Linguistic scientists and archeolo- So, how should we deal with doctrinal actions based on the punishments adminis- gists continue to bring us new, relevant diversity? Should we fellowship with just tered under Moses or on beatings and hair- information about what these ancient any people who believe in the Bible or call pulling by Nehemiah for breaking the texts meant. But the information is so vast themselves Christian? Should we join a big Sabbath and marrying foreign women that no one can know it all. From all of ecumenical movement? Should we dili- (Neh 13). They also used scriptures show- this, doctrinal disagreements arise. gently seek the truth while shunning every- ing where righteous ways will be enforced We have the promise of the holy spirit one who does not believe exactly like we in the Millennium (Isa 2:4, 11:9, 45:23; leading us into truth (John 14:26, 16:13; do? Or, should we try to force others to see Zech 14:18). However, they fail to note 1Cor 2:10; 1Jn 2:27). We also have the the truth as we see it? that our Savior never gave any com- warning of many false spirits that are “not mand to his disciples to force his teach- of God” (1Tim 4:1; 2Tim 3:13; 1Jn 4:1; Can People Be Forced Into Faith? ing on others. Rather, He said that the 2Jn 7). For every teacher claiming to teach While we might laugh at the idea of Father had to draw people and they would a certain truth revealed by the holy spirit, it forcing people to believe, it is amazing willingly come (John 6:37,44). He said that seems that there are several others teaching how many people are unaware that this his servants would not fight, but angels it differently—also claiming revelation by has been the major method of dealing with would deliver them when necessary (John the holy spirit. We can be personally con- doctrinal difference throughout history. 18:36; Matt 26:51-54; Acts 5:19; 12:11; ). victed of truth taught to us by the holy spir- Even since Constantine made If a brother has a grievance against others it, but if we are to expound this knowledge “Christianity” the Roman state religion in that cannot be settled within the congrega- to others, we must be able to show that it the 300’s AD, a variety of temporal gov- tion, the only recourse is separation from agrees with scripture. When we listen to ernments have made their military and the congregation—not to physically punish the teaching of others, we must check it economic resources available to enforce him or her (Mat 18:15-17). against the scriptures (Deut 13:1-3; Isa Roman Catholic doctrine. From the late 8:20; 2Tim 3:15-17). 1100’s until well into the 1800’s, the Can People Be Tricked Into Truth? Again, we are back to the technical Roman Catholic “Inquisition” continued The very idea of “tricking people into problems of understanding exactly what with varying degrees of viciousness. truth” sounds contradictory, but we can the Bible says. For example, no matter People were killed, tortured, banished, or find examples of religions attempting to how “filled with the spirit” a person is, he stripped of material possessions in an deceive people in order to gain or retain or she cannot justify keeping Easter based effort to stamp out “heresy.” The death members. This idea is in some ways better on Acts 12:4 (KJV) since the Greek word toll runs into the millions, yet the Roman and in some ways worse than forcing peo- there clearly means “Passover.” Yet many Church has never issued an apology. The ple. It is better than forcing people in that sincere people unknowingly make that offices of the inquisition (located in the people can recognize the deception and mistake. But most doctrinal controversies Palace of Inquisition adjacent to the leave it without being executed. It is more are much more complex than this one. Vatican) have continuously existed to this sinister than forcing, in that people might With this background, it is not amazing to day, though renamed in 1967 to accept a lie thinking that they are accepting see such great doctrinal diversity among so “Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith.” truth. Certainly the Eternal does not want many people who all claim to be diligently A great many people escaped the anyone tricked into following him, but searching for the truth. Inquisition and gained a certain amount of wants us to seek him with our whole heart We simply do not have access to the religious freedom by joining one of the (Deut 4:29). original 12 apostles or other witnesses who groups spawned by the protestant refor- Members of the Worldwide Church of learned directly from our Savior. We can- mation of the 1500’s. But only a few years God over the last 10 years may remember not ask them what they meant when they later those groups often persecuted how changes were introduced slowly so wrote this or that scripture. While many Sabbatarians, fundamentalists, Jews and people would not notice. For years they human organizations claim to be a contin- other “independents.” One such group, taught that God was a family, consisting of uation of the apostolic church and there- the Puritans, fled to North America to a Father and Son, and worked through the fore “have the truth,” the history of every escape persecution by the Church of power of the holy spirit. Little by little, one of these organizations will show that England. They went on to persecute things began to change: the “oneness of the they have made some changes in their everyone who was not a Puritan. Godhead” was emphasized more; Jesus beliefs. If they will admit to errors in the Even to this day, there are some reli- was declared to be 100% man and 100% past, how can they assure us that they have gious groups in the Western world who God; they said they would no longer no errors now? believe God wants them to enforce their denounce the Trinity doctrine as “pagan”; We are each individually responsible beliefs on others. A lot of this thinking then they said God “has a family” not “is a for verifying each “truth” that we learn in comes from the false idea that we are to family”; then they began to say that the the pages of the Bible. Whether we learn implement a physical Kingdom of God Father and Son were separate but still truth directly from the holy spirit, from a now. Some try to do it via legislation and “one”; then they decided to call the Father converted friend, or from a ministry of economic pressure, others secretly attempt and Son hypostasies; then it was discovered some nature, we are still responsible for to catch, try, convict, and stone-to death that the holy spirit talked sometimes and verifying it in the Bible. There is so much witches, adulterers, homosexuals and oth- Continued on page 8 Page 6 August 1996 Choosing Music for songs on their Group Worship: own merits, rather than try to get When brethren from differing backgrounds begin to fel- into the mind and heart of lowship with each other, finding music that every- their composers. Is the message one knows and/or likes becomes a difficult of the song true and Biblically accu- rate? Does the music itself also uplift task. It is even harder at annual Festivals and inspire? Then you might want to when brethren come together from a consider including it. greater variety of past experience. what He is doing Q: Must we avoid any music The following questions and now. used and appreciated by those in Must we judge the answers should help make Q: denominations which have doc- spiritual and doctrinal trines we don’t accept, so that we music a blessing standing of composers before don’t “imitate” them in error? rather than a point we use their words or music? A: Again, most of these same of division in Can God inspire music and denominations use and revere the King our meet- words in the mind of someone James Bible. They also use many other who does not embrace all the translations, concordances and other ings. Q: Shouldn’t we doctrines we hold dear? Bible helps that we use. This fact does just sing the Psalms of A: The translators of the King not prevent us from using those same the Bible, rather than con- James Bible were Anglican theologians. works. Also, most of these groups actu- temporary songs composed by They kept neither the Sabbath nor the ally do preach many true doctrines. We others? Biblical Holy Days... and they were do not avoid preaching truth just A: Paul admonished the Ephesians staunch trinitarians! Yet most because they do, too! Why avoid true and the Colossians to rejoice with Sabbatarians consider this translation to lyrics that are in songs they may use? “Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual be inspired and preserved by God. If we The real issue should be the message of songs.” [Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16] It is hard can believe He inspired the translation the song. Of course we should avoid to know exactly how he defined these of the Scriptures by non-Sabbath-keep- any lyrics that perpetuate the doctrinal three types of music, but obviously they ers, can we believe that He can inspire errors we see in those denominations. were singing more than just the Old similar people to write simple praise Q: What if singing even cer- Testament Psalms. And it is likely that and worship words and music? tain doctrinally correct songs “spiritual songs” were more contempo- There are accounts in the Old brings up memories of one’s past rary pieces of music created by the Testament of non-Israelites who praised participation in false religious believers themselves. If we limit our- God in truth. Look at the eloquent words practices, and defiles the con- selves only to the Psalms, the name of of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:1-3: science? our Savior, which will be proclaimed in Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto A: This is an entirely different great choirs in heaven as seen in the all people, nations, and languages, issue. In this case the individual must Book of Revelation, will have little that dwell in all the earth; Peace be make a personal evaluation of his own place in our worship music. multiplied unto you. I thought it good circumstances, and act accordingly. But Q: Wouldn’t that problem be to shew the signs and wonders that it would be good to remember the toler- resolved by just putting the the high God hath wrought toward ance admonished by Paul among those words of the New Testament to me. How great are his signs! and who have different standards in some music? how mighty are his wonders! his areas. For instance, vegetarians and A: This would certainly be a very kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, meat eaters are encouraged to respect good idea. In fact, there are many such and his dominion is from generation each other’s decision (Rom 14). songs available. But if we even limit to generation. If a song defiles your conscience, our songs to just the whole Bible, are Even in modern times, many mem- then don’t sing it. But try not to judge we not ignoring the five commands to bers of the Worldwide Church of God the hearts or motives of those whose sing new songs to the Eternal? (Pslm have loved the music composed by Mr. consciences it doesn’t defile. If the per- 33:3, 96:1, 98:1, 149:1; Isa 42:10.) Our Dwight Armstrong. Yet Dwight son standing next to you refuses to sing Father is continuing to do great deeds Armstrong was never a member of his a song, do not judge him for his deci- for which we should praise him. It is brother Herbert’s denomination, never sion either! still wonderful to praise Him for open- accepted all the doctrines held dear by Q: Should a group decide not ing the Red Sea for the ancient that church. He was simply commis- to sing any songs that might Israelites. It is wonderful to tell about sioned by his brother to compose make one or more members the life of Jesus. But Jesus is still alive, music. uncomfortable? and still rescuing people! The Lord In light of this, it would seem more A: This needs to be prayerfully con- deserves to also be praised in song for sensible to evaluate hymns and spiritual Continued on page 20 August 1996 Page 7 SERVANTS’ NEWS “Toleration” from page 6 nity... (sec 9). of the Acts of the Apostles presents therefore might not be an impersonal force It is very clear that this unity is not Peter as the one who speaks in the (my telephone answering machine talks, I going to be some new religious organiza- name of the apostolic group and who wonder if its a hypostasis); and then, after tion made up of all the others, but it will serves the unity of the community all several more announcements and a couple be a process where other Christians rejoin the while respecting the authority of of rewrites of their God IS ... booklet, they the Catholic Church: James, the head of the Church in were teaching the Trinity doctrine in much ...The [Second Vatican] Council Jerusalem. This function of Peter must the same way that other Protestant churches states that the Church of Christ “sub- continue in the Church so that under do. sists in the Catholic Church, which is her sole Head, who is Jesus Christ, she When WCG members asked their lead- governed by the Successor of Peter may be visibly present in the world as ers for reassurance that they were not and by the Bishops in communion with the communion of all his disciples. becoming Protestants, they were some- Do not many of those involved in times told that these statements were not ecumenism today feel a need for such really “changes,” but “clarifications” of If over 90% of the Sunday- a ministry?... (sec 97.) what the church had always believed. keeping Trinitarian The last quotation has slightly obscure Michael Feazel and the other men who churches form a politically language, but the “ministry” that ecumeni- introduced these incremental changes had active alliance, what perse- calists supposedly “feel a need for” is the degrees from Protestant theological institu- need for a leader over them all—the Pope. tions and were well acquainted with the cution might be brought Obviously, the Protestant groups want Trinity doctrine when they started their upon Sabbath-keepers and nothing to do with this, right? Wrong! changes. We have a hard time believing non-Trinitarians? Many groups seem to be latching on to the that they did not know where they were 90+ nice-sounding sections and ignoring going when they set out. Thousands of the sections we quoted. On March 29, 1994 people gradually accepted the Trinity doc- him,” and at the same time acknowl- a joint document was published, entitled trine from that teaching. edges that “many elements of sanctifi- Evangelicals and Catholics Together, The A much larger scale act of trickery cation and of truth can be found out- Christian Mission in the Third seems to be going on right now. On May side her visible structure. these ele- Millennium. The document was endorsed 25, 1995, Pope John Paul II published his ments, however, as gifts properly immediately by Pat Robertson, Charles Encyclical entitled Ut Unum Sint or “That belonging to the Church of Christ, pos- Colson, and a number of other American They May Be One.” It is a 103-section sess an inner dynamism towards evangelicals. Jack Van Impe, other televan- document that addresses the issue of the Catholic Unity... (Sec 10). gelists and leaders of other evangelical Ecumenical movement—unity with other Do the Catholics plan to alter their groups have endorsed it since. While the Christian groups. While most of the docu- doctrines to make them more acceptable document contains many good paragraphs ment is a lot of nice-sounding words, the to the other Christian groups? Will they about opposing abortion, pornography, ultimate goal is unity for all Christians. require the other groups to accept the new-age movements, and general Quoting from the Papal Encyclical: authority of the Pope? We again quote the Godlessness in society, it also makes it ...In recent times, he [the Lord of Papal Encyclical: clear that supporters shall no longer prose- Ages] has begun to bestow more gen- ...Here is not a question of altering lyte (try to win converts from) each other’s erously upon divided Christians the deposit of faith [accumulated congregations. (During the last 50 years, remorse over their divisions and a Catholic doctrine], changing the mean- Catholics have lost a lot of members to longing for unity. Everywhere, large ing of dogmas, eliminating essential evangelical organizations, whereas the numbers have felt the impulse of this words from them, accommodating truth reverse is not true.) While the document grace, and among our separated to the preferences of a particular age, stated that it did not begin to resolve their brethren also there increases from day or suppressing certain articles of the doctrinal disputes, it did list some of them to day a movement, fostered by the Creed under the false pretext that they in rather mild language. But if resolution is grace of the Holy Spirit, for the restora- are no longer understood today. The to come, how it will come is clear: tion of unity among all Christians. unity willed by God can be attained only ...Evangelicals hold that the Taking part in this movement, which is by the adherence of all to the content of Catholic Church has gone beyond called ecumenical, are those who revealed faith in its entirety... (sec 18). Scripture, adding teachings and prac- invoke the Triune God and confess The Catholic Church, both in her tices that detract from or compromise Jesus as Lord and Savior... (sec 7) praxis and in her solemn documents, the Gospel of God’s saving grace in ...In effect, this unity bestowed by holds that the communion of the partic- Christ. Catholics, in turn, hold that the Holy Spirit does not merely consist ular Churches with the Church of such teachings and practices are in the gathering of people as a collec- Rome, and of their Bishops with the grounded in Scripture and belong to tion of individuals. It is a unity consti- Bishop of Rome, is—in God’s plan—an the fullness of God’s revelation. Their tuted by the bonds of the profession of essential requisite of full and visible rejection, Catholics say, results in a faith, the sacraments and hierarchical communion. Indeed full communion, of truncated and reduced understanding communion.... To believe in Christ which the Eucharist is the highest of the Christian reality (sec III, second means to desire unity; to desire unity sacramental manifestation, needs to be to last paragraph). means to desire the [Catholic] Church; visibly expressed in a ministry in which While this document on the surface to desire the Church means to desire all the Bishops recognize that they are seems to give the evangelicals help in the communion of grace which corre- united in Christ and all the faithful find their crusade against the Godless, secular sponds to the Father’s plan for all eter- confirmation for their faith. The first part influences in the world, it is also a big step Page 8 August 1996 SERVANTS’ NEWS closer to a single, state-supported with people who cannot agree on which the truth (2Tim 3:2-7). “Christian” religion. If over 90% of the day to meet! Furthermore, if people do not This verse says that we should not Sunday-keeping, Trinitarian churches understand the basic nature of the sacrifice meet with people who are obviously form a politically active alliance, what of our Savior, little can be accomplished. unrighteous and do not really believe in persecution might be brought upon If anyone teaches otherwise and the power of their religion. The examples Sabbath-keepers and non-Trinitarians? does not consent to wholesome words, in 1Cor 5:1-13, Matt 18:15-17, Eph 5:11, While many members of the Catholic even the words of our Lord Jesus and other places show that people contin- and the Evangelical churches will have a Christ, and to the doctrine which uing to live in open sin must be asked to certain amount of increased peace and har- accords with godliness, he is proud, leave our congregations. mony because of the Ecumenical move- knowing nothing, but is obsessed with Finally, we find a lot of information ment, there is no doubt that the end of this disputes and arguments over words, for how to conduct our services and use matter will be in favor of the Catholic lead- from which come envy, strife, reviling, spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 through ership. In our mind, there is no question that evil suspicions, useless wranglings of 14. It will be difficult for people to meet the above documents were written to help men of corrupt minds and destitute of together on a regular basis if they do not stop the “conversion” of Catholics to other the truth, who suppose that godliness is agree to conduct services according to branches of Christianity and to prepare for a means of gain. From such withdraw this manner. Unfortunately, too many an eventual “Christian merger”—back to yourself (1Tim 6:3-5). congregations still copy the “top down” the Catholic fold. Some people will proba- We cannot meet with people who con- Catholic-Protestant form of service, bly be tricked into believing that there is no tinually argue about things. If there is too rather than the participative synagogue significant difference between Catholicism much emphasis on arguments and not form used in the first century. and Evangelicalism (or between enough on good things, then our fellow- In summary, if some people are caus- Catholicism and plain Bible teaching). ship suffers. Also, we should not meet ing the work of a congregation to be inef- with someone who is trying to get rich fective and the problem cannot be resolved Should Everyone Tolerate Everything from his religion. Obviously, this would by talking about it, then it is probably nec- Everywhere? apply to someone who is coming to a essary to break up a congregation. We have seen the errors of trying to congregation for the purpose of recruiting Sometimes, people create unresolvable force or “trick” people into believing a cer- customers or employees. Might it also problems so they can separate and “get a tain way. Should we take the opposite apply to religious leaders that insist on piece of the congregation for themselves.” approach and simply assemble with every- living like kings? It is important to note Even if they fool the people into believing one who calls themselves “Christian?” that we may not be able to remove these their disagreement is genuine, they will When the Apostle Paul traveled to people from our group, instead we may not fool the Great Righteous Judge. Their preach the Gospel, he seemed to be will- have to “withdraw ourselves.” deeds will not go unpunished. ing to speak almost anywhere: at syna- But we command you, brethren, in gogues, at schools, to angry mobs, to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that What Differences Can We Tolerate? pagan assemblies, etc. His policy was to you withdraw from every brother who The scriptures contain no long list of “become all things to all men, that I might walks disorderly and not according to doctrines that we must accept in order to by all means save some (1Cor 9:22). the tradition which he received from us. be considered brethren. Hebrews 6:1-2 While he obviously kept the Sabbath, For you yourselves know how you contains 6 doctrines which nearly all there is no doubt that he spoke on other ought to follow us, for we were not dis- Bible-believers accept, though their appli- days as well. However, he was doing this orderly among you;nor did we eat any- cation may vary. Many of the doctrines in his role as an apostle—reaching out to one's bread free of charge, but worked that currently divide Sabbath-keepers do teach others. We are not all apostles (1Cor with labor and toil night and day, that not have to. The nature of the Father and 12:29). The scriptures do recommend cer- we might not be a burden to any of you his Son, the Biblical calendar, the time of tain standards for fellowship: (2Thes 3:6-8). Passover and Pentecost, and a host of other So there remains a Sabbath-keep- These verses carry a very similar mes- issues do not need to divide brethren. They ing for God’s people (Heb 4:9, JNT) sage to those in Timothy. You cannot meet may need to keep holy days at different For many deceivers are entered with people in a contentious spirit, or that times, but they can still meet together on into the world, who confess not that seem to be interested primarily in money. the Sabbath. We must realize that we are a Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This For men will be lovers of them- long way removed from the first century is a deceiver and an antichrist.... selves, lovers of money, boasters, when there were apostles and many others Whosoever transgresseth, and proud, blasphemers, disobedient to who were directly trained by our Messiah. abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, Today, many groups think they must hath not God. He that abideth in the unforgiving, slanderers, without self- hold all doctrines in common in order to doctrine of Christ, he hath both the control, brutal, despisers of good, trai- fellowship. (Often, anyone who believes Father and the Son. If there come any tors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of differently than they do is concisdered to unto you, and bring not this doctrine, pleasure rather than lovers of God, be “in error” and is therefore “Laodicean” receive him not into your house, nei- having a form of godliness but denying or “unconverted”). But we have clear ther bid him God speed (2Jn 7,9-10, its power. And from such people turn examples of a few doctrinal differences in KJV). away! For of this sort are they which the New Testament, and we never find It is essential that brethren meet on the creep into houses, and lead captive congregations dividing over the issue. Sabbath and that they believe that our silly women laden with sins, led away In Acts 15, some brethren believed it Savior lived his life as a human. with divers lusts, Ever learning, and was necessary to circumcise Gentiles after Obviously, it would be difficult to meet never able to come to the knowledge of Continued on page 10 August 1996 Page 9 SERVANTS’ NEWS “Toleration” from page 9 congregations can be more local. If there the manner of Moses in order for them to are 200 Sabbath-keepers in a small state, Go To The have salvation. We could compare this to but they are divided up into 20 groups, some teaching today where people say it there will be only about 10 members in is necessary to keep Passover according to each group and brethren will have to drive Feast their standard in order to have salvation. all over the state for services each Sabbath. These are not unimportant issues. Yet the If there were only two groups, each group In Leviticus 23, the Eternal talks about people were meeting together in spite of could have four different meeting places in his Sabbaths. He starts with the weekly their difference on circucision. Even years the state and there would still be about 25 Sabbath and then includes the seven annu- later there were people who did not accept people in each group. Sabbath driving al Sabbaths: Passover, Pentecost, and this Jerusalem decision but were still time would be greatly reduced and a much Tabernacles and others. The Feast of meeting with the others (Tit 1:10). better nucleus of spiritual gifts would be Tabernacles is just a few weeks away. Let The issue of whether or not to eat available in each group. us see what the Eternal says about it: meat that had been offered to idols was If you feel you must separate, it should Also on the fifteenth day of the also a “hot one” of the day. The people not be because “we believe this and they seventh month, when you have gath- were very concerned about violating the believe that.,” You should be able to state ered in the fruit of the land, you shall second commandment. In Acts 15:29 some tangible, practical benefit of separa- keep the feast of the LORD for seven they asked the Gentiles not to eat such tion. As an example, supposing there are a days; on the first day there shall be a meat, but in 1 Corinthians 8 Paul says group of believers in an area, but half of sabbath-rest, and on the eighth day a idols are really nothing and it is all right them speak English and half of them speak sabbath-rest. And you shall take for as long as it does not offend others. There Spanish and their translator has moved yourselves on the first day the fruit of is no mention of separate meetings or not away and the Eternal has not granted them beautiful trees, branches of palm considering each other brethren. How the gift of tongues. Splitting the group will trees, the boughs of leafy trees, and many groups are separate today because allow everyone to understand all of each willows of the brook; and you shall they consider another group’s symbols, service, rather than requiring people to sit rejoice before the LORD your God for practices or name for the Father or Son to through talking that they do not under- seven days. You shall keep it as a be idolatrous? It may be that the Eternal stand. It will be a much better environment feast to the LORD for seven days in would prefer that they change, but their in which to invite new people. They will the year. It shall be a statute forever in error is in ignorance. We can still do what be able to understand all of the service, your generations. You shall celebrate we know to be right and can still fellow- too. it in the seventh month. You shall dwell ship with them—we will be judged for in booths for seven days. All who are our own actions, not for theirs. Conclusion native Israelites shall dwell in booths, Romans 14 covers a dispute over We should be joyful to live in a time (Lev 23:39-42). whether people should eat meat at all. when others do not try to force their reli- There are certainly many concerns This, again, is a big issue that would gion on us—it may not always be this involved with Feast attendance: time off come up every time the congregation had way. We need to be on guard, however, from work, children missing school, a meal together. Some people obviously for those who might try to trick us into family members that do not attend. But believed it was wrong to eat meat. Paul accepting beliefs not based on the our Father is strong enough to provide could have told them the truth of the mat- Scripture. Obviously, we should not use for his people. The ancient Israelites had ter and insisted that they have “unity” on forceful or deceitful methods ourselves. concerns, too. If they all went to the this point, but he told them to respect We need to “work while it is day” (John Feast, could the other nations come and each other’s differences. 9:4). There are so many people who need plunder their farms and homes? We do not even need to agree on use to be reached with the basic message of For I will cast out the nations before of money in order to meet together. Paul the Bible that we must not let ourselves be you and enlarge your borders; neither worked with the Corinthians even though consumed with divisions over complex will any man covet your land when he did not accept any money from them doctrines. We should tolerate other’s doc- you go up to appear before the (1Cor 9:18, 2Cor 11:8). trines so we can work together and learn LORD your God three times in the We should not tolerate different doc- from each other, not so we can be person- year (Ex 34:24). trinal beliefs because truth is relative or ally lax or unfaithful to our understanding If ancient Israel could have faith they because one idea is as good as another. of the Scripture. If we must separate from would be protected from invading armies, We tolerate diverse doctrines because we other brethren, it should be for the bene- we should have faith that we can receive know that we are not all at the same point fit of all involved, not to grab power for a protection from bosses, school administra- in understanding and because it is impor- few. These decisions require wisdom. tors, and family members. Studying and tant that “each be fully convinced in his If any of you lacks wisdom, let striving to learn and do the Eternal’s will own mind.” For example: if we believe him ask of God, who gives to all lib- is the most important thing in our lives. the scriptures indicate it is wrong for us to erally and without reproach, and it We must not make our decisions based on eat at a restaurant on the Sabbath when will be given to him.... But the wis- pleasing ourselves, our work-mates or the other arrangements are possible, knowing dom that is from above is first pure, members of our congregation. Nor should other Sabbath-keepers do it does not then peaceable, gentle, willing to we take this decision lightly. If we seek make it “right” for us to do. yield, full of mercy and good fruits, our Father, His holy spirit will will lead us The advantage of tolerating a diversity without partiality and without in the way that we should go. of doctrines is that it increases the number hypocrisy (Jms 1:5, 3:17). —L. G. Goff & Norman Edwards of people with which to fellowship and —Norman S. Edwards Page 10 August 1996 News from Local Congregations

FRIENDS OF THE SABBATH by Bruce Dean. an hour on the "Sunday Night Live" Dan Gayman's talks excited the audi- show which is Australia's most popular UNLEASHED IN AUSTRALIA! ence due to his incredibly energetic and religious radio program. The next morn- powerful presentations. His talk on how ing he was interviewed live on the popu- A report on the Friends of the and why his Church switched from lar channel 9 "Today" show. Both he and Sabbath conference held in Sydney, Sunday to Sabbath was viewed as one of Richard Nickels were interviewed on Australia, 5-8 July 1996 the highlights by most in attendance. 2BL Radio National, heard coast-to- It was all over in a flash! All the hard Dan Gayman may be contacted at his coast. work, sweat, trials and energy paid off office in Missouri on (417) 432-3119. Audio and video tapes (in PAL for- for the first ever inter-Sabbatarian con- His story is simply amazing. mat) of the conference are available. ference to be held in Australia as well as The room adjacent to the hall was set These tapes are ideal for personal study the first ever Friends of the Sabbath to be aside for literature distribution. The & evangelism, in-home Bible study held outside of the USA. The Friday room became a place for people to mix groups, church libraries. night session was held in the Chatswood and socialise across corporate bound- For further information write to: Seventh Day Adventist Church with aries. Australian Friends of the Sabbath, GPO almost 300 in attendance. The rest of the Laymembers from about 10 different Box 864, Sydney 2001. Or ring (61) 2 conference was held in the Revesby groups attended plus greetings to the 9745 2964. In the USA they will be Workers' Club. Attendance on the conference from Calvin Burrell, available from Friends of the Sabbath, Sabbath was about 330; on the Sunday President of the Church of God (seventh 27068 La Paz, #500, Laguna Hills, CA about 270; and 170 on the Monday (a day), the local Christian Biblical Church 92656 (the videos will be available in surprise for a work day as we expected of God, the Remnant Church of God, both PAL and NTSC [USA] format). only about 80 to turn up). Central Highlands Church of God and —Craig Martin White There were presentations by 16 others were read out. All Australian speakers, the keynote speaker being Dr. States and Territories were represented New Sabbath History Newsletter Samuele Bacchiocchi, Professor of (with the exception of the Northern History and Theology at Andrews Territory) plus New Zealand. A new newsletter was launched at University. Other speakers were Richard At the end of the conference it was the Australian Friends of the Sabbath Nickels, President of the Bible Sabbath announced that conferences would be conference held in Sydney in early July. Association; John Merritt, founder of held in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane "Sabbath History" focuses on the histo- Friends of the Sabbath; Larry Walker, late March-early April next year which ry of Sabbatarian groups over the cen- pastor of a UCG congregation in the was welcomed by the delegates. The turies. Articles in the current edition USA and proponent of inter-Sabbatarian conferences are planned for around late include: "The Seventh Day Men" by dialogue; David Currie, one of the March. A National Committee is now Leon Lyell; "Church of God Presidents of the Seventh Day Adventist being established to oversight the local (Adventist)" by Richard Nickels; "John Church in Australia; Bruce Dean, pastor committees that will be organising next Traske"; "Columba of Iona - of the Sydney-Wollongong UCG con- year's conferences. Sabbatarian and keeper of the Stone" by gregation and David Hill, President of Media attention was exceptional: A John D Keyser and "Sabbatarian the Seventh Day Baptists in Australia. sizable and balanced article appeared on Material and Resources Available" All-in-all, they represented about 7 dif- page 3 of one of the largest circulation compiled by Craig White. Future edi- ferent Sabbatarian denominations. newspapers in Australia, the "Sydney tions will have articles on the Church of Topics included "I call you friends" Morning Herald", prior to the confer- God in Chile, Britain's Amazing Celtic by Larry Walker; "The Bible Sabbath ence which generated at least three radio Church, the Nazarenes, Peter Waldo and Association and Giving & Sharing" by talk-back shows to discuss the topic. so forth. A subscription is available by Richard Nickels; "The Seventh Day Articles also appeared in the "Sun writing to the Editor and Publisher, Mr. Men" by Leon Lyell; "From Sunday to Herald". The Adventist "Record" maga- Leon Lyell, PO Box 206, Bundoora, Sabbath" by Dan Gayman; "Britain's zine which is circulated to tens of thou- Victoria, Australia 3083. Subscription Sabbath Keeping Celtic Church" by sands of Adventists in Australia and the price for the newsletter is only $18.00 David Currie; "How I came to accept the South Pacific had a full page article on (Australian dollars) per annum. The Holy Days" by Dr Bacchiocchi; "Holy the conference. On the Sunday night newsletter will be published quarterly Day Parallels" by David Hill and "200 during the conference, Dr. Gordon and will be about 24-30 pages per issue. Years of Sabbath keeping in Australia" Moyes interviewed Dr. Bacchiocchi for Please make cheques out to Leon Lyell. August 1996 Page 11 SERVANTS’ NEWS Far-Reaching Insights at Friends Sunday-keeping began after the time of Impact of God’s Law upon Society and the 12 apostles, not during their min- Culture. Mr. Lapin is an orthodox Jew of the Sabbath Conference istries. This presentation was given in pre- and has his own nationally syndicated vious Friends of the Sabbath conferences, radio program, The Rabbi’s Round Table, The Sabbath Facts of Life Seminar but he always includes a few fresh details originating from Seattle’s KVI radio. He was held August 3-5 in Tacoma each time. In addition, he presented Seven believed that most conflict in American Washington. The seminar consisted of a Ways That the Sabbath Gives Us the society is essentially between “people Sabbath service and 14 presentations. Peace of Christ in our lives. who think God gave us a system of rules Attendance was over 300 on the Sabbath Ken Westby, the conference organiz- to govern man and those who do not think but less than 100 for some Monday ses- er, presented The Mysterious Seven-Day so.” Jews, Christians and some of other sions. Rather than cover all the confer- Cycle, an explanation of startling discov- religions that follow moral principles are ence, I will cover those items that I feel eries in the field of Chronobiology—the the main contributors to our societies, and are of most interest to our readers. study of natural timing in living things. that the others drag it down. He pointed Anyone desiring to hear all or part of the Chronobiologists have discovered period- out the difference in voting records conference for themselves may request ic cycles in living things with 5 durations: between people who have children—and tapes from Friends of the Sabbath at less than a day, daily, weekly, monthly, are thinking about the future—and those 27068 La Paz, #500, Laguna Hills, CA and annual. The less-than-a-day cycles do who do not. One example he gave was the 92656, 714-362-3087. not correspond to events on the calendar, economic theories of John M. Keynes that People came from a great variety of so we will not discuss them further. The encouraged government deficit spend- church organizations and non-aligned daily cycles seem to be synchronized with ing—he was a homosexual and his theory congregations. Some members came the rising and setting of the sun, but are only worked for one generation. from an independent Charismatic congre- not completely controlled by it. People Mr. Lapin further explained how the gation with no historic connections to put in artificial environments where light illegitimacy rate is tightly correlated with Seventh Day Adventists, Worldwide and dark cycles are shifted to 21 or 27 violent crime and poverty. Young people Church of God, Church of God Seventh hours will still have a 24-hour internal raised knowing that their father did not Day, or any of their split-off groups. Did cycle. Body temperature, blood pressure, care enough about them to stay at home they shout, fall over in the aisles and sleeping, waking and cell division operate are often angry at society, have a hard preach heresy? In a brief interview I in daily cycles. Scientists explain this time accepting the authority of a boss to found that they take the Bible, especially cycle as something built into life forms keep a job—sometimes turning into vio- 1 Corinthians 12-14 very seriously. When from many generations of 24-hour days. lent criminals. He said that the complaints someone speaks in tongues, someone The monthly and yearly cycles are of disproportionate numbers of blacks interprets, when they pray for healing, thought to be somehow controlled by the and minorities in jails fail to note that people do not fall over backwards, but orbits of the moon around the earth and these proportions of people in jail are a often get well. If someone has a dream or the earth around the sun. Human menstru- near exact match with the illegitimacy a vision to tell, they judge whether or not al cycles are the most prominent monthly rate: 30% for whites and 70% for blacks. it is according to Scripture. They realize occurrence. Seasonal depression, sexual The solution to this is not more prisons or that not every person has every gift—nor drive, and susceptibility to certain dis- government programs, but a belief in the do all speak in tongues. They keep the eases seem to run on an annual cycle in instructions that God gives us for how to Sabbath, keep the holy days, and do not many living things. live. believe that God is a Trinity. They, like Now for the amazing one! Immune Mr. Lapin also spoke about his wife nearly everyone there, agreed that there responses, blood and urine chemicals, who home-schools their seven children was much to be learned from each other. blood pressure, heartbeat, coping hor- and some of his customs for keeping the Calvin Burell, of the Church of God mones and other biological phenomena Sabbath. Seventh Day gave a powerful presenta- all have seven-day cycles. While the ini- Doug Dolly, founder of a Seattle area tion entitled Sabbath letter; Sabbath tial reaction was that these were condi- Messianic Jewish fellowship presented Spirit. He gave his understanding of what tioned from our 7-day week, these cycles The Sabbath, a Messianic Memorial. it means to keep the Sabbath. Also, he are also found in plants and animals that While some Messianic Jewish congrega- encouraged everyone to do what they do not know what day it is. Some chrono- tions are similar to Protestant churches believed the Bible teaches on the Sabbath biologists believe that mankind arrived at with a few Jewish trappings, this group and to spend less time showing how other a 7-day week historically to match our 7- seems to be very careful to “live by every groups are keeping the Sabbath incorrect- day body rhythms. Indeed, attempts to word of God” and has beliefs similar to ly. implement different lengths of a week in Church of God groups, though they also Samuele Bacchiocchi gave his fine France in 1793 and Russia in 1929 utter- make use of some Jewish oral tradition. presentation, My Search for the Sabbath ly failed. Mr. Dolly explained how the Sabbath is a at Vatican University, explaining how he But how much more sensible is it to living, continual memorial in time to the was the first non-Catholic graduate from understand that our Creator made his cre- Messiah’s salvation acts, and is prophetic the Pontifical Gregorian University in ation to work around the 7-day cycle that of the Messiah’s coming Kingdom of Rome. With his big smile and colorful He established for all mankind (Mark Peace. Italian accent, he explained how he con- 2:27). John Christopher spoke on Church vinced some of his professors that Rabbi Daniel Lapin presented The Continued on page 24 Page 12 August 1996 Just what is the “Commandment of The Commandment Christ”? Are you sure you know? Many in God’s Church today need this vital informa- of Christ tion, so read carefully the following simple, yet powerful, Most of our problems are brought 5:48). As James 2:9 instructs, we are to message that Christ wants all His fol- on by a lack of love. The problems we show no partiality to anyone, but are to lowers to fully understand. see in the Church today often stem from love friend, enemy, wife, mom, dad, In John 15:12, Christ gave “His” misunderstandings about trivial matters brother, and sister all the same. Paul commandment to the apostles, “...to of such little importance. How can we commanded that we put on the mind of love one another as I have loved you.” consider ourselves “true Christians” if Christ (Phil 2:5). Jesus loved the men Jesus went on to say, “Greater love has we are so willing to yield ourselves to that scourged Him and put Him on the no one than to lay down one’s life for Satan’s devices? Are we not deceiving stake so much that He asked God to for- his friends.” This theme is repeated in I ourselves? Instead of conquering our give them for their actions. Imagine John 3:16: “By this we know love, problem in love and exhortation of one how much love it took, what deep because He laid down His life for us. another, we have weakened and given understanding He must have had, to be And we also ought to lay down our in, and seek to find a carnal solution. able to do this. lives for the brethren.” Love is the strength by which we over- God loves us all the same. He is not come. a respecter of persons. He loves each of Love Your Neighbor as Yourself While it is true that God and Christ us (His begotten sons) just as much as We read in Philippians 2:5 that we have a special relationship, they wish to He loved Jesus Christ. How can we must put on the mind of Christ. The share that very special relationship with know this? Well, I hope that we already great law of God teaches us to love our us. That we can become a part of the know that God does not violate the ten neighbor as ourselves. Jesus said in God family is the fullness of this— commandments. How could God com- Luke 6:40 that every disciple who is when we marry Christ at His second mand us to love our neighbor as our- perfectly trained will be like his teacher. coming. Faith and love share a common selves and He Himself not practice this Do we love our own flesh and blood characteristic; they both must be put to principle? Is God prejudiced? more than our neighbor? If we do, we work. Talking isn’t enough. We should We are hindered by trivial things of sin. James 2:9 reads, “If you show par- all be willing to lay down our lives for this life. Husbands and wives are often tiality, you commit sin, and are convict- each other (I John 3:18). Then the love arguing over matters of no importance. ed by the law as transgressors.” We of God could be perfected in us. Christ The ministers are having to continually must learn to love as Jesus taught in set the example when He laid down His preach sermons about problem mar- Matthew 5:43-48, loving our enemy as life for His friends. He said we should riages. The real problem is lack of love, much as ourselves. God has never told be willing to do the same (John 15:13). for if we follow Paul’s advice and lay me face to face that He loves me. Yet I Christ also commanded that we have aside the weight of this world and grow know that He does because He called just such love for one another, as stated in deep concern for one another, these me to be one of His sons. Actions speak in verse 12: “This is My commandment, problems would disappear. Satan uses louder than words. The written word is that you love one another as I have the small differences as a point to keep an action, it is non-vocal communica- loved you.” us off balance (prejudices, grudge bear- tion between two beings, the writer and ing, ill feelings, etc.). We must be on the reader. The Holy Scriptures explain Love: A Life or Death Matter guard and notice right away when a God’s love for us in writing (someone How deep is your love for the confrontation is building, and use love had to do the writing—the action) set brethren? Would you die for even the to overcome the problem. forth by the prophets and the apostles as least of them? Have we in some way Do we love our own flesh and blood well as other writers. The actions of become complacent in our duty as (self, spouse, children, etc.) more than these men were divinely inspired by Christians? Here is a different look at a others? There has been a great deal of God’s Holy Spirit, so you see the word very important fruit of the Spirit, so emphasis placed on the family in the of God in print as action God took to important that Paul called it “the great- past years. There is a very good reason communicate His love for us. est.” Love is the strength by which we for doing so: the society we live in God also communicates His love by overcome. Remember, love covers a today is falling apart because of neglect the action of answering prayers. He multitude of sins. Therefore, if we are of the family. Yet it is drawing our per- wants only the good things for His chil- deeply concerned for one another, we sonal families closer together, causing dren; therefore, if we pray according to will exhort each other to overcome our us to miss the big picture, namely “love His will, we shall have those things we weaknesses, and in the process, help your neighbor as yourself.” The word desire. Taking this all into considera- and support each other. “as” is a small but important word, sim- tion, we see God shows us His love by ilar to “if.” Webster defines “as”: equal His actions (works). James 2:16 indi- Love All as Yourself or in like manner. In John 3:16, an cates that professing love is inadequate Christ literally commanded us to important bit of information leaps out at without proving it by your works. become as our Father in heaven (Matt you if you are sensitive to God’s Spirit August 1996 Page 13 SERVANTS’ NEWS

leading you. Christ communicated His longer love his physical mother, father, seems that language has its role in this, love for us by dying for our sins. We wife, or children more than he loves as one tends to say, “my house, my car, must lay aside the trivial things of this even his enemies. my this, my that.” Knowing that God life and concentrate on the work God is It seems natural to love one’s own owns it all and has temporarily loaned doing. Husbands and wives must lay flesh and blood more than loving these things to us during our lives, since down petty arguments and pull togeth- strangers or enemies. This has caused we are only pilgrims in this world in this er. all the violence and wars that have life, makes material possessions seem plagued mankind for the past six thou- less important. Satan’s Wall of Prejudice sand years. Once one is converted, he Love is the universal language, Satan is a very powerful spirit being must put on the mind of Christ. The coming directly from God. Any inter- with a mind vastly superior to mortal Bible teaches that God shows no par- action between intelligent beings that is man. He uses his crafty ways to keep tiality to any man; He loves us all the less than love is wrong. Love is pure the people of this world deceived. same, converted or not. God realizes and simple, always helping, and never When one is called of God and accepts the potential of human beings; after all, harming. When one is “out of sync” His calling, and becomes a baptized He did create them, and He has a mas- with love, it seems as though it hurts to member of God’s Church, he begins an ter plan for reproducing Himself get “in sync”, but it is for one’s own awesome job of overcoming Satan’s through them. good to accept correction, thus realign- influence. For until their calling, Satan In this modern society in which we ing himself with the truth (God). Take has had them in his system (world) live, one tends to become caught up in Christmas, for example: when one pumping “prejudice” into their minds. the very process of sustaining life. A job learns that this custom is from other The degree of prejudice varies in each is very important for this reason, as well religions and not taught in the Bible, at individual, depending on many factors as other reasons, and is time consuming, first it is shocking and leaves one in the complex nature of the human usually taking a third or more of one’s dumbfounded. It seems so right to the mind. available hours. For this reason, one human mind to involve oneself in the Each time one’s trust in another is might tend to place a higher vaule on his “good will toward men” and tradition compromised (through lies), another material possessions than he should. It of gift giving. After all, Jesus said it is brick is added to a wall. This wall sep- more blessed to give than to receive. arates the minds of individuals, pre- But this is not an excuse to take part in venting a deep love for one another. Moving Reminder celebrations of other religions (Jer The newly called Christian must begin Please remember to use our new 10:2). Pray to the Father that we may tearing down this wall Satan has built address and phone numbers when be filled with the kind of love that He in his mind. The new Christian must corresponding with us. Thank you. and Jesus have for all men, even ene- now learn to love all people as he loves Servants’ News mies. himself, and must also learn how to P.O. Box 220 —Hari Merman, P.O. Box 942, properly love himself. He must no Charlotte, Michigan 48813 Marana, AZ 85653-0942 Tel.: 517-543-5544 “Children” from page 4 Fax: 517-543-8899 give to parents about how to help their tening—to them about these issues. children “come out the other side” of And don’t make it a one-time thing. A and give up on God (this is a problem this experience spiritually healed it is child going through a death in the fam- for people of all ages). Well, God is not this: Your children will very likely mir- ily or a divorce needs a lot of emotion- religion. He is all-powerful, He sent ror how you ultimately deal with this al support. Leaving a church organiza- His son to die for us, and wants to be time in your life. If you remain bitter, tion can be almost as traumatic as these Lord of our life. He doesn’t want just they likely will also. If you wallow in life stresses, for both children and one day a week, He wants all of it. depression indefinitely, they may also. adults. Keep the lines of communica- That’s when the changes for the better If you are permanently fearful of fur- tion about these issues open to your can begin to happen in us. ther rejection, and avoid finding new children until you are sure their healing If you have been hurt by your expe- fellowship opportunities among believ- is complete. riences, why not pray to God. He can ers, they may become “hermits,” too. Here is how Ramona now feels help you begin to heal. Ask Him for But if you allow the Lord to heal your about her childhood and teenage expe- guidance as to what scriptures in the hurts, your children will likely receive riences with changing churches: Bible might be helpful to you. Most of healing also. And if you trust Him to “One of the main things I have all, realize you are not alone in what lead you into His perfect will for your learned is that if things go wrong at you have been through.” life as an active member in His true your church and you leave it, to not All children are different, and deal Body... there is a good chance your leave God in the process. Often our with stress and grief and confusion in children will be there with you, serving relationship with God consists of going different ways. But adults and children Him. to services, and maybe a little prayer can grow spiritually strong through Let’s not let our children be the and/or Bible study. So if we give up on adversity. Beyond talking with their “forgotten victims!” church, we think it’s a package deal, children, if there is one hint I would —Pam Dewey Page 14 August 1996 Encouragement For the “Stay-at-Home Church of God”

This article begins with a well-written letter representing what may be the largest group to leave the Worldwide Church of God. The article then closes with some encouragement to those who find them- selves in this situation. Many of these people are nearly all alone. Some feel they are “through with orga- nized religion.” If you know someone who might benefit from this article, please share it with them. July 15, 1996 By your own admission, the numbers ping” survey. Well, I just want to let of people you may be dealing with here you all know that many of us who are in To: United Church of God in the “Stay at Home” Church of God are this situation do not make a decision to Global Church of God quite substantial. By all estimates, it can “join” a “ Church of God” like we Christian Educational Ministries be approximated that anywhere from would be shopping for a car. We are not Church of God International 10,000 (conservative low estimate) to out there evaluating what you all have Church of the Great God 40,000 people (moderate high estimate) to offer or observing what you are doing Servants’ News are in our situation. And this does not as a work and then deciding for our- Giving and Sharing Newsletter include the numbers of God’s people selves where we belong and joining, who remain in Worldwide due to ( 1 ) thus giving our total energies and alle- From: Jim and Barbara Damiano, their inability to resolve some of the giance to your particular organization. Members of the “Stay at issues I raise, as well as (2) a distorted Let me say, however, that your presen- Home” COG understanding in the area of “govern- tations and arguments making the case ment”. So they continue to hang on and for membership in your particular orga- Dear Ministers and Brethren of ours, suffer. Be aware, that this group’s tithes, nization are compelling and sound I finally decided to break down and regular offerings, and Holy Day offer- good. And if God left it totally up to us, write to all of you at the same time with ings are building and building and build- then it would be a very difficult choice what I feel is a representative under- ing in bank accounts all over the country indeed. But that’s the whole point, we standing and opinion amongst the and the world. And even if we are only don’t believe God has left it up to us. MANY of us out here in the “Stay at talking about 10,000 people altogether, We don’t believe we could make that Home” Church of God. I have been the dollar amounts that are becoming decision any more than we could have sending individual letters to individual built up must be STAGGERING. The made the decision to become members ministers in some of these organizations potential human resource available is of the Worldwide Church of God 26 over the course of the last year and my STAGGERING as well. years ago. letters have been ignored, no acknowl- I personally receive tapes and publi- I think many of our friends who are edgment being given whatsoever. I have cations from all of the above organiza- with United, Global, or one of the others, sent “letters to the editor” to some of the tions, and many other sources as well. know how we feel about attending ser- publications, one letter in one publica- In some of the above mentioned organi- vices with any organization on a Sabbath tion having been published in a greatly zation’s taped sermons and literature, or Holy Day, but they may not really edited form, and the others ignored. The we in the “Stay at Home” Church of understand. I am reminded of a few point of writing these letters was to try to God are increasingly berated as “self- individuals in particular who just can’t inform you all about the thinking and ish”, “hard-hearted”, and even “rebel- figure out what keeps us away from ser- understanding that prevents Barbara and lious”, especially for not “seeing the vices and what the “big deal” is about me in particular, and many of the “Stay light” and joining the particular organi- attending. What, after all IS the big at Home” people in general (judging zation which is the origin of the mes- deal? I mean, despite the fact that it has from the comments of those with whom sage. We are supposed to have been so wonderfully peaceful to not be I’ve shared the letters) from attending “shopped around” the various Church in a turbulent cauldron of controversy and becoming members of any organiza- of God organizations much like we with so many “brethren” these last few tion which has been established since were in the process of buying a car, and years, not a few of whom tend to have a the apostasy in Worldwide began. My come to the obvious conclusion that rather substantial “chip on their shoul- central purpose is to URGE you to give that particular organization whose tape der”, whose driving inner force is politi- some thought and attention to this matter we are currently listening to, or publica- cal gain, fueled by destroying the reputa- and to consider some sort of instruction- tion we are currently reading, is THE tion of others while they climb their al response in your publications for our one with which God is working THE respective ladders...and despite the fact benefit and edification, that we might be MOST, and that we should take the that we have been able to really ENJOY helped to seriously deal with our current obvious step of joining that organiza- and observe the Sabbath as I believe it understanding, should that understand- tion by deciding the matter for our- was meant to be enjoyed and observed. ing be in error. selves based on the results of our “shop- Yes, despite even those things, I sadly August 1996 Page 15 SERVANTS’ NEWS have to admit that the fellowship of con- has guided us so many times in the was doing. I’d want God to be leading gregating and singing and praying past events of our lives, small and and guiding both of us and to be a part together in worship of God, we do some- great. After all, He absolutely, of everything related to this new mar- times miss very much. So what is the unmistakably, and miraculously riage. Why, even in real life, my wife “big deal”? Why don’t we just go to ser- guided us to the Worldwide Church and I dated for three years, then vices already? of God over 26 years ago, guided us became engaged for a period of one Well, to put those issues into per- miraculously in so very many events more year before we actually did spective for ourselves once again, I have and trials in those 26 years, finally marry. I take long-term commitment to say that the “big deal” has to do miraculously guided us OUT of the VERY seriously. with our personal relationship to God, WCG, and guides us with wonderful • For those of us who are converted, and what, in that personal relation- and miraculous acts of His love to Church organizations and their govern- ship we have with Him, pleases or does this very day.” mental structures have no authority or not please Him. That’s our big deal, He then brought up the fact that I was legitimacy over us except it be and has always been. There is no missing many great messages, to which I ordained and commissioned by God. other issue for us in this question. replied: That is, unless that organization’s exis- Unfortunately, it seems that this is very “I agree, and I do miss those live tence, work, purpose, and organiza- difficult for many people to understand. sermons, some of which are truly tional hierarchy is definitely approved It’s only after many multiple and varied inspiring, but the most important by God (as Worldwide under Mr. HWA arguments from every angle conceiv- thing in my mind with respect to this was), then I feel I have no justification able, which people use to try to convince issue is that God want me to attend for voluntarily “joining” and placing us that we should indeed join the with, worship with, and become a myself under that government. “I am “Church of their choice”, and having us member of this group, and I believe not my own, but am bought with a respond with the same old that He is most able to unambigu- price ...” The style of government “broken-record” response (“It’s what ously point us in that clear direction.” which the organization practices is pleases or displeases God that makes the After this, he hit me with the fact that irrelevant with respect to this question. difference to us as to what we do”) that I should fellowship with all the people • My membership in the WCG was like finally they either hear what we are say- down there and that it was not good to be having been inducted by the President ing, or go off in desperation mumbling to alone, so I should indeed come, to which of the United States (God) into the themselves because they have chosen to I said: United States Army (The Church of not hear or understand. “I understand, and believe me, God) and having been assigned to a Perhaps it’s largely our fault for not we do get lonely at times, but the particular unit (WCG) within the explaining it better. I mean these people heart of the matter is whether God Army. Over the course of time, even are relatively intelligent, and we tried to would be pleased or displeased if I though our unit totally fragmented, make our presented reason clear. It was were to do this thing, and frankly He fractured, and ultimately disbanded numerous conversations over periods of hasn’t let us know yet. In all the mir- itself because many in the unit: many weeks and months, as we reiterat- acles He has done for us even since (1) abandoned their positions, ed the same conceptual objection over we’ve left WCG, He has yet to (2) decided to do other things and went and over that I think some may finally address this question about mem- AWOL have gotten it. Out of the blue, someone bership in or even visiting with any (3) followed the treasonous leadership called me a few weeks ago and told me Church organization. We are waiting of the unit who decided to join the that I should be willing to drive the 50 on Him for His guidance in this mat- enemy or otherwise disregarded the miles or so and get down to Portsmouth ter just like He has given in the past original orders they were given by on the Sabbath. I told him: drawing us to and ultimately away the President of the United States “We should love to but we are very from the WCG and in many other who was their ultimate command- concerned that God would not want us matters of life.” er-in-chief. to be members of and formally To which he said...... to which I I still do not consider myself free to involved in this manner with any orga- replied....etc., etc., etc. And so it has decide when to join another unit, and nization’s worship service on His been with him who has joined one of the which unit to join until I receive updat- Sabbath or Holy Day and we just current Church of God organizations, ed orders from my Commander-in- would not feel right doing so unless He and with many others who just don’t Chief, even though I am essentially a made it unmistakably clear to us that seem to hear what I am saying. soldier without a unit in which to func- He actually did approve that we attend Perhaps I should have used other tion. with that organization.” approaches or analogies to better explain • If I cannot be sure GOD started these He then mentioned that “I was need- ourselves, like the following: other organizations (United, Global, ed” in that I was an Ambassador gradu- • In my 25 years in the Worldwide CGI, CEM) as I was confident that ate and that my experience in the local Church of God, it was like I was “mar- God started the organization under Church could be utilized in Portsmouth, ried” and then spent the last few years Mr. HWA, how can I be confident God to which I replied: of the marriage in increasing misery wants me to be a part of them? I main- “I understand, but I am very con- and torture. The inevitable divorce tain that the only way I can have any cerned that it would not be God’s will was very bitter and ugly and it hurt assurance is that God must show us as that I do so, and I believe that God is very much. Frankly, I wouldn’t be He did in the past. Can we decide for perfectly capable of guiding us clear- very quick to remarry, and when I did, ourselves that we are now too ly to do so if it were His will, as He I’d want to be VERY sure of what I grown-up and mature for such guid- Page 16 August 1996 SERVANTS’ NEWS ance from God? That we don’t need sonal needs of our lives in the years we sion due to many similar groups claim- God’s intervention, and so can decide were in WCG. Why should it be so ing to be the “right one.” It seems all are this matter on our own? My God is the strange to believe that we need to await trying to woo Ambassador College same God who called me and miracu- God’s hand in these times, and in so graduates, “Elders,” “Deacons” and lously and unambiguously guided me important a matter as “which of the orga- other “stable members.” Yet, very few to WCG 26 years ago. nizations He wants us to worship with on of them are willing to answer hard ques- • Going to services on a Sabbath or a the Sabbath and to officially have a part tions such as those in your letter. But Holy Day with its attendant singing in by becoming a member thus giving how can they answer them? together, worshiping together, giving them our wholehearted support”? Most of these groups are seeking to of offerings to that organization in Funny, I wrote heartfelt letters to Mr. build an organization much like the one recognition of God’s involvement in Waterhouse, Mr. Franks, and Mr. Hulme Herbert Armstrong built. They want their work, and praying together along (of United) and to Mr. Meredith (of their members to be loyal to their orga- with the congregation, ie. participating Global), all of whom I respect very high- nization. Yet, we must ask the obvious in every way and yet not becoming a ly. I know they received the letters, but question: If loyalty to an organization is member is akin, to my way of thinking, sadly have neglected to answer or even so important, why did the Eternal let the as would be “sleeping around” with a acknowledge them. And it WCG do an number of sexual partners without giv- has been over a year now. In If we look at the early church, “about face” ing those partners any solid commit- those letters, I asked for help we see that groups are some- on so many ment. Intercourse of this nature with- for myself and my wife, and times broken up so that of its doc- out a marital commitment is “fornica- for the many thousands of us more work can be done! trines? Why tion” and “whoredom” to me. And in similar circumstances did He make without a clear choice for a mate being scattered literally all over the world. I it necessary, apparently, for so many evident in my mind, such intercourse simply wanted these learned and experi- faithful brethren to leave what they with each of these individuals would enced men to help Barbara and me, and were taught was the one true church? be totally inappropriate. This analogy the 10 to 40 thousands of those like us, Your letter mentions that you did not is not very far fetched when one con- with the issues of conscience I have have any problems with the WCG lead- siders that God often described Israel’s raised. The fact that I have had no ership years ago. My personal experi- involvement with the pagan religions acknowledgment or response indicates ence was similar. But back then, I (and around them in this manner. to me that perhaps the issues I raise can- probably you) did not ask any tough doc- And this last explanation is very not be answered. In which case, the only trinal questions like you are doing now. important: logical and prudent course of action for Not everyone had such an easy experi- • I feel that if I attend a worship service us is to do exactly what we are currently ence in the WCG. Many thousands of on a Sabbath with an organization, it is doing, waiting on God to show us His members were disfellowshipped for sim- an implicit admission on my part that will in the matter. These ministers and ply asking questions or even lesser God IS working through that organiza- organizations thus have no basis upon things. Others suffered greatly due to the tion, because after all, we as an orga- which to condemn our reluctance in join- misuse of power. (I personally know a nization are communing with God in ing with their organizations by calling us couple who were assured by a counsel- worship via that Sabbath service. But “selfish” or “rebellious”. Unless or until ing minister that they should marry after if I admit that fact by my participation, they can present some clear and defini- only two dates. Why? After their mar- then I would feel OBLIGED to join tive doctrinal and Biblically sound rea- riage they found out that their minister that organization and support it fully. soning on the matter, perhaps they had a bet with another minister on who However, given that there are multiple should reserve judgment. would perform the most weddings. This organizations with whom God could false foundation caused them trouble for now be working (UCG, GCG etc..) Sincerely, many years.) How could I unilaterally make that Jim and Barbara Damiano, Members Nevertheless, a lot of truth was determination? Only God could tell SAH-COG (New Hampshire) taught to a lot of people in the me if He were working with one or ______Worldwide Church of God. You believe many organizations, and if with many, you were miraculously put there. So do which of those He would want me to Dear Jim and Barbara, I and so do many others. But if there is commit myself to and fully support, ie. Your assessment of the problems anything that we can learn from the become a member of. We could not be with the various Sabbath-keeping WCG breakup, it is that we were far too divided in our commitment, could we? groups is very good. My guess is that dependent on the organization, and not I don’t think that’s how God has ever over 50,000 people have left the WCG on our Savior, the Head of the wanted us to be with our commitment and have not joined any particular splin- Ekklesia—His Body of believers. While to His work. ter group. This does represent a great your analogy of being married to the So these kinds of explanations go on pool of human resources—many people WCG certainly fits the way many of us and on, trying to get people to under- who know much Biblical truth and could felt (myself included), it is not Biblical. stand that it really comes down to God’s be teaching it to others. I am sure that A big part of the reason we consid- will, pleasing God, and the direction that some church organizations look at it as a ered the WCG the “one true Church” God leads. We never seemed to have pool of potential tithe-payers, but we was because we did not know of any any problem with God’s leadership in the find no Biblical example of seeking other Sabbath-keeping groups where many matters related to our membership members just for their money. the Eternal might be working—though in WCG years ago, and in the many per- We agree that there is a lot of confu- very few of us ever looked. We thought August 1996 Page 17 SERVANTS’ NEWS we were called into the WCG to “pay, Maybe He is waiting for you to be ready (Phil 4:13). Ministerial training did not pray, stay and obey ‘til its time to flee to help start it! seem to make much difference when the away.” We thought the organization and However, you should not feel test came upon the WCG. Thousands of its leaders were responsible for “doing “promiscuous” by attending Sabbath ser- members studied their Bibles then left the work.” We failed to note the scrip- vices with a variety of groups. As a mat- the WCG before their ministers did. tures that say “every man” is given spir- ter of fact, we are commanded in 1 Some ministers refused to make doctri- itual gifts (Rom 12:5-8, 1Cor 12:4-7, Corinthians 1 and 3 not to align ourself nal commitments until a paycheck was 1Pet 4:10). We should have been think- with some specific teacher. Furthermore, assured. When it comes to bearing spiri- ing of ourselves as the bride of our we see that both our Messiah and Paul tual fruit, organizations are nothing—our Messiah and looking to His written and traveled to and spoke in numerous syna- Savior is everything. If there is any spoken word for leadership. It is this gogues. Sometimes they were well- doubt in your mind, please read every organizational dependence that caused received and sometimes they were word of these verses of John 15:1-8: so many people to have so much hurt thrown out. But they were probably 1 I am the true vine, and My when the WCG broke up. “members” of only one, if any. And they Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every But if we look at the early Jerusalem did not worry about “lending their sup- branch in Me that does not bear fruit church, we see that groups are sometimes port” by attending a synagogue whose He takes away; and every branch broken up so more work can be done. At members did not accept the Messiah. We that bears fruit He prunes, that it may first, the Jerusalem brethren were “con- are commanded to attend Sabbath ser- bear more fruit. 3 You are already tinuing daily with one accord in the tem- vices so we can fellowship with other clean because of the word which I ple, and breaking bread from house to brethren of like mind (Heb 10:25), not to have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, house, they ate their food with gladness demonstrate our alignment for a human and I in you. As the branch cannot and simplicity of heart...” (Acts 2:46). organization. bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in But later, a persecution arose and all the 1 Corinthians 3 goes on to show that the vine, neither can you, unless you brethren, except the apostles had to leave each man (not each group or each minis- abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are Jerusalem. “Therefore they that were ter) will receive a reward based on the the branches. He who abides in Me, scattered abroad went everywhere work that he does. If we are to be a light and I in him, bears much fruit; for preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). to the world, we cannot hide under a without Me you can do nothing. 6 If We agree with you in that we should bushel (Matt 5:15). If we have learned anyone does not abide in Me, he is seek to serve where the Eternal wants you truth and have the ability to teach it to cast out as a branch and is withered; to serve and not to just “try out churches” others, we cannot “bury it in the sand” and they gather them and throw them until you find one to your liking. We (Matt 25:14-30). into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If believe that asking Him to show us His When some people are faced with the you abide in Me, and My words abide will for our lives should be the main way fact that they might be responsible to do in you, you will ask what you desire, of determining where we will fellowship. more than just serve in a physical way, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this But He does not always answer these their initial reaction is “I cannot do that, My Father is glorified, that you bear requests right away. It is possible that the I do not have any ministerial training.” much fruit; so you will be My disci- group with which you will fellowship- The answer is “I can do all things ples. ping on the Sabbath has not formed yet. through Christ who strengthens me” —Norman S. Edwards “Resignation” from page 5 In addition to the papers I have written, there are additional doc- my papers. trinal errors in Global, including hierarchical government, calendar I heard that the born again issue was discussed at a council of postponements, and the doctrine of British Israelism. I will not take elders meeting, and later I noticed that the correct understanding the time in this resignation to prove your errors to you on these was briefly elucidated in a World Ahead article. But I was never points. In any case, I know others have already submitted papers to given a personal response, and I'm sure most members and min- you on these issues, and you continue to teach error in spite of the isters continue to hold the wrong understanding of what it means fact that you have been shown otherwise in the word of God. to be "born of water." I bear no ill will toward you or the Global Church of God, and I Likewise, though you have verbally agreed that interracial mar- pray God will grant you repentance. As with Worldwide, financial riage is not a sin, most members still think it is, and Global has problems should be an indicator that something is doctrinally and done nothing to correct the understanding of the general member- administratively wrong. Sadly, you seem eager to blame the mem- ship. bership for the current problems and show no sign of looking On the issue of physical sin, Carl McNair wrote a brief piece in inwardly to see if you are doing something wrong. a ministerial journal in support of Mr. Armstrong's incorrect teach- Please understand that you have my full support and coopera- ing. I called him on the phone and spoke about it and let him know tion in turning over all Church assets and in making this transition that I disagreed with his position and proved my point scripturally. as smooth as possible. Carl told me that I could teach what I believe, but would not Sincerely, acknowledge that Mr. Armstrong made a mistake. I recently received a letter from Carl McNair that shows me his Wesley B. Webster lack of commitment to the word of God in deference to protecting [email protected] the memory of Herbert Armstrong. I am attaching a copy of my reply to Carl McNair's letter for your benefit, though I doubt you will cc: Carl McNair, Colin Adair, David Pack, George Brittlebank, make any changes. Laurus Alfred, Tyrone Yarde, Ramsumair Sookram Page 18 August 1996 that defeat is set to our credit, so you can safely say “I conquered Satan in Christ. Getting To Know As Jesus was master of the devil, so am I In His Name.” If (since) we have been raised together with Christ, then we have His resurrection ability in us (Rom. 6:5). Christ We are not left on our own resources, we have His power and grace. Yes, that Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not measureless ability of God is ours here the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; and now, if we will only claim it. But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, Read what the scriptures say in II Cor that I am the LORD,exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteous- 9:10, “Now He who supplies seed to the ness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the LORD. Jer 9:23-24 sower and bread for food WILL supply Many believers know a great deal of our life here and now. and multiply your seed for sowing and about Jesus Christ, but how many of us Do you know why you are now called increase the fruits of your righteousness.” can boast that we understand and know of God? John 15:16 says, “You did not What is the meaning of “fruits of your Him as the Lord who exercises loving choose Me I chose you and appointed righteousness?” Christ's life-style gives kindness, justice and righteousness on you that you should go and bear fruit and us the example. All the gracious words earth this very day? that your fruit should remain, so that that He spoke and all the mighty acts Before any real Spiritual growth can whatever you ask of the Father, in My which He performed were the fruits of take place in believers, we must come to name, He may give it to you.” We are His righteousness. understand our relationship with God and appointed to bear fruit, hired to work, Have we taken the time to consider how we fit into the Good News of the called to produce. Here is a spiritual prin- that Jesus was fearless in the presence of Kingdom of God. ciple which applies to all branches if they the enemy in every place: He had no fear Indeed, the very purpose of giving the are attached to the vine, as Chapter 15 of a storm at sea—“...and He rebuked the Holy Spirit to us is so we may understand amply testifies. wind and the sea and it became calm”. He this relationship. “Now we have received Next we are to comprehend what are had no fear of lack—He multiplied the not the spirit of the world but the Spirit the riches of the glory of His inheritance loaves and the fish. He wasn't afraid of who is from God, that we might know the in us. We are to come to know the abun- death—He raised Lazarus who had been things freely given to us by God” (I Cor dance of Spiritual things to which we are dead four days. 2:12). now entitled because of being made chil- These are some examples of the fruits The Apostle Paul understood this dren of God, for if children, then heirs of of His righteousness. When these fruits relationship and spoke often of it in his all that Christ possesses. We have been abound in us they will make us like Jesus, efforts to help us comprehend the things sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of and these fruits can abound in us. (My freely given to us. “This is what I have promise who is given as a pledge of our friends, when you read these words, are asked God for you; that you will be inheritance with a view to the redemption you reacting like Thomas did?) encouraged and knit together by strong of Gods own possession, to the praise of This has nothing to do with our abili- ties of love, and that you will have the His glory (Gal 4:6-7; Eph 1:11-14). ties, our talents, our position in this world rich experience of knowing Christ with We have access to all the riches of His or the possessions we may have. It has real certainty and clear understanding. grace unveiled in that finished work of nothing to do with whether we are black For God's secret plan-now at last made Christ. Can we grasp what is being said or white, male or female. known -is Christ Himself. In Him lie hid- here? That great mighty Holy Spirit, who Notice II Cor 3:4-5, “And such confi- den all the mighty untapped treasures of has come to make his home in us, is guid- dence have we through Christ toward wisdom and knowledge” (Col 2:2-3 LB). ing us into all the reality of the wealth God, not that we are sufficient of our- Read Eph 1:17-22, where Paul prayed that has been given to us in Christ. selves to account for anything as from for us that the God of our Lord Jesus Now what is the immeasurable great- ourselves, but our sufficiency is from Christ may give us two things; first, a ness of His power in us who believe? God who also made us sufficient as min- spirit of wisdom and second, a spirit of This power which is available to us now isters of the new covenant.” revelation in the knowledge of Him. who believe in God is that same divine Can we understand what he is saying (Remember now, that all the untapped energy which was demonstrated in Christ to us here? Not only is He our ability-as treasures of wisdom and knowledge are when the Father raised Him from the we have previously seen-but He is also hidden in Christ and this mystery is being dead and gave Him the place of highest our sufficiency in all things. In Him we revealed now.) honor in Heaven-a place that is infinitely are competent to perform those greater Why does He want us to have this superior to any command authority, works spoken of in John 14:12, “Truly, wisdom and revealing? It is so that we power or control and which carries with truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me may know, by experience, why we are it a name far beyond any name that could will also do the works that I do and called and what is our inheritance and ever be used in this world or the world to greater works than these will he do finally what is His power in us who come (Eph 1: 20-21). because I go to the Father.” His very suf- “Believe in Jesus Christ.” Satan was conquered, defeated by ficiency and all His ability are at our dis- Let's consider these things in the light Jesus before He rose from the dead, and posal, “In My Name you shall....” There

August 1996 Page 19 SERVANTS’ NEWS is no lack in us, in our service, in our Word with all its supernatural efficiency. well as for the future. finances, in anything connected with our We are being recreated in His image, and Not only is He building Himself into walk on this earth. Oh, if we can only as it says in Phil 4:13, “I can do all things us, He is also there to work through us. come to comprehend this relationship we through His efficiency which strengthen Take this into your heart, read what Paul have with our God. me.” Isn't this what it means? says in Eph 1:3, “Blessed be the God and You see when He took us over and The Gospel of the Kingdom of God Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has came into us and began building His carries the meaning that Jesus Christ is blessed us with every Spiritual blessing in Word into us, He was also building His alive and living among and within us. the heavenly places in Christ.” We are sufficiency and ability into us. We are His temple (Rom. 8:11; Matt blessed with everything we need. His That Word of His created this uni- 12:28; I Cor 3:17; II Cor 6:16). Focus for very fullness is ours. His ability is ours. verse; created this earth with all its flow- a moment on Rom. 8:11 where we are His love is ours. Yes, He Himself is ours? ers and fruits, its wealth of minerals, told that Christ, through His indwelling All we have to do now is to take our chemicals and oils. His efficiency in that Spirit, is now giving and building His place and act our part, for it's God who is Living Word created all these things. Holy Life into our mortal bodies. Christ at work within us. Now He is building into us that Living is for the present, the here and now, as —Jerry Laws “Music” from page 7 that we show the Eternal proper oppressive rather than uplifting, you sidered. But it would be good to realize respect? need to have the tolerance to realize first that if you take this route, you may A: Was David being disrespectful their emotional response may be entire- find there are almost no songs accept- when he leaped and danced before the ly different than yours. What is oppres- able to everyone! ark? (2Sam 6:12-23.) Our concept of sive to you may be awe-inspiring to Q: Is it wrong to sing songs what musical “styles” are respectful them. that affect the emotions, not just may have a whole lot more to do with Let’s not let music become one the intellect? our society and our personal upbringing more issue to divide the Body of A: God created us as beings with than any Biblical reality. Several of the Christ! emotions! We are admonished to come Psalms even admonish us to make a Q: Is Servants’ News planning before Him with joy. That isn’t a joyful “noise”! (e.g. Pslm 100:4.) There to do anything to help this situa- thought—it is an emotion. We are to are all kinds of descriptions in the tion? come to him with gratitude. That is not Psalms of musical instruments that A: At the Grand Lake of the just a thought—it is an emotion also. sound a whole lot more like guitars and Cherokees Feast site this year, we will Songs that “touch our heartstrings” by tambourines than pipe organs and be using a variety of sources for music. recounting what Jesus did for us may pianos! And there are numerous But in the long term, it is not practical to very well bring a tear to the eye of some- descriptions of clapping, shouting, rais- have copies of a dozen different music one recently rescued by the Lord from ing hands, and dancing in connection books for everyone who attends a ser- sin or sickness. This isn’t wishy-washy with worship (Ex 15:20; 1Sam 44:5-6; vice. We do not wish to violate copy- sentimentality. It is true gratitude. We 2Sam 6:14-16; 2Chr 15:12-15; Job right laws or fail to pay the proper roy- need to be very careful not to misjudge 38:7; Pslm 5:11, 32:11, 47:1,5, 63:4, alties to hard-working musicians by the emotional responses of others. It may 98:8, 132:9,16, 134:2, 149:3, 150:4; Isa large-scale copying of another’s music. be that the Eternal wants to bring these 44:23, 55:12; Jer 31:13, Lam 2:19, Zeph The solution seems to be twofold: Godly emotions to the surface and pro- 3;14, Zech 9:9, 1Tim 2:8.) 1) Find the doctrinally and musical- vide an outlet for them through music. Of course, pipe organs and pianos ly best song books commercially avail- You need only read through the Psalms are as acceptable as any other instru- able, and make them known to our read- of David to see that his music was a fre- ments. But God created great variety, ers. Tapes are available with many of quent outlet for his emotions, not just an and gave us a creativity like His own. the books—making the learning of such intellectual exercise for his mind. We are encouraged to use it when we music much easier. We will advertise Even beyond the words—even with- worship Him. this list in our literature section when out words—music, by its nature, can Q: What if you just honestly we have it available. evoke emotion. That response also was do not find loud or lively music 2) Begin collecting and eventually built into us at creation. It is very likely inspiring—must you force your- print a book of music that is either in the that all of the vast choirs and orchestras self to pretend that you do? public domain or written by brethren organized by David for the worship at A: No, but it is an opportunity for willing to share their gifts freely. We the temple were not only so the Eternal tolerance. If you are in a congregation already know of a very few brethren could hear Himself praised. The hosts that is singing a lively Messianic praise who are writing good praise and wor- of heaven praise him continually (Rev chorus that has lots of clapping and loud ship music. There are probably a lot 5:11-14, 7:11-12). Another role of the singing, you have every right to sit qui- more of you who have these gifts. If you temple musicians and choirs likely was etly. And those around you have no have written or are writing music suit- to inspire awe and worshipful attitude— right to nag you to somehow change able for congregational singing we and emotions—in the worshippers! who you are and what inspires you. would like to hear from you—prefer- Q: Shouldn’t all worship And if you are in a congregation that ably after this Feast. music be formal and serious, so is singing somber music which you find —Pam Dewey & Norman S. Edwards Page 20 August 1996 SERVANTS’ NEWS beginning. I am always surprised to find length, we will not try to give our opinion. people who have never heard of you. Your We hope that some of our readers July issue has moved me to take steps to who have studied it will contact you. Letters correct this situation a bit. I am including —NSE the names of friends, some of whom I know do not take your paper and some of Pen Pals and Running a Group whom I am not sure. I do & Responses not know what your pol- LETTER: April 25, 1996 icy is, but would you Dear Mr. Edwards: Thank you for printing my previous We print a representative sampling please send them this letter. I’ve received several wonderful of our mail—both positive and nega- issue at least. I do not think I am sending it to anyone that has not stuck with the truth. responses! I would like to mention two tive. We do not include names unless Thank you so much. I know that this costs ideas for your consideration. we are fairly sure that the writer would money. I hope that what I send MORE than (1) Because there seems to be a need not object. To avoid any difficulty, writ- covers at least their first paper. and desire (and no one else doing it), I ers should specify how much of their I so appreciate your work. God bless would like to start a pen-pal service for name and address they would like us to you all. scattered church brethren. If anyone print. We include our response to each —Eva Schultz, Ocala, FL wants to participate, they can contact me. letter in this type-style. We have select- RESPONSE: If readers know of some- (2) My husband suggested I send you ed a title for each letter for easy refer- one that they think would like Servants’ the following, thinking it may be useful to ence. If writers supply their own title, News, we are happy to send them a sam- new small groups. It is a modification of we will be happy to use it. ple issue with a letter asking them to con- the principles which have preserved unity tact us if they want a continuing subscrip- and effectiveness in a self-help program Encouragement in Move tion. If you are able, we are also happy for for over 60 years. you to make copies of your issue and send I. Our common welfare should come LETTER: July 31, 1996 them to friends directly. first. Personal development depends Dear Norm, Some people try to send Servants’ upon our group’s unity. I hope you are well and settling in after News to friends in an effort to “wake II. For our group purpose there is but your move to Michigan. I am writing to them up” to what is happening in their one ultimate authority—the loving God as thank you for all of the food for thought and church organization. However, this usual- He may express Himself in our prayerful for our growth as God’s people. Also, to ly creates friction between the friends as group conscience. Our leaders are but encourage your whole staff of volunteers— well as Servants’ News. We would ask trusted servants— they do not govern. your efforts are appreciated. that readers not send us names of people III. The only requirement for member- With the Word of God being spread in who are content with their current fellow- ship is the desire to know and obey so many ways by dedicated people we ship and not interested in reading other Biblical truth. surely will grow stronger and be better pre- religious literature. IV. Our group should be fully pared for the return of our Savior and King, —NSE autonomous except in matters affecting Jesus Christ. other groups or the Church as a whole. I am not employed so cannot contribute Establishing Year of the Exodus VI. Our group ought never endorse, as much as I want. However I very much finance, or lend its name to any related appreciate that you continue to send the LETTER: April 23, 1996 facility or outside enterprise, lest prob- Servants’ News to me. Dear Mr. Edwards: lems of money, property, and prestige Sincerely, I would like to enlist your aid on a divert us from our primary purpose. —Christine Reeves, El Paso, TX research project I am doing. I am trying to VII. Our group should be fully self- RESPONSE: We have enough money establish the B.C. year in which the supporting, declining outside contribu- to send Servants’ News to all who want it, Exodus took place, using the present cal- tions. even though some cannot contribute. We endar layout. Phrased another way, if I VIII. Our group should remain forever will send it as long as you want to read it. started counting backwards from Jan. 1, non-professional but we may employ This is completely consistent with the 1996, what would the number be for the needed special workers. offering principle in Deut 16:17. Exodus year, assuming no zero year IX. Our group, as such, ought never Thank you for your encouragement in between A.D. and B.C.? be “organized” but we may create service our tiring, but otherwise successful move. I look forward to your response, and boards or committees directly responsi- —NSE thank you in advance for your considera- ble to those they serve. tion. X. Our group has no opinion on out- Adding People to Mailing List Very truly yours, side issues, hence our name ought never —Raymond A. Rousseau, be drawn into public controversy. LETTER: July 30, 1996 25 Rounsevell Dr XI. Our public relations policy is Dear Mr. Edwards, East Freetown, MA 02717-1713 based on attraction rather than promo- Your new arrangement with friends of RESPONSE: We know enough to tion. Every member is responsible to rep- like mind who can help you and of getting know that there are varying views on this resent our group by his/her good exam- much less expensive quarters is wonderful. subject: Christians, Jews, and various ple rather than placing this responsibility I feel so blessed that I, for some rea- Sabbatarian groups all have an opinion. on any single person. son, have had your literature from the Since we have not studied the issue at XII. Jesus Christ is the foundation of August 1996 Page 21 SERVANTS’ NEWS our group and its traditions, ever remind- your part in living the Work of God. We RESPONSE: We were depressed also ing us to rely on Him alone and to place are grateful to God for giving you the when we realized that the groups we principles before personalities. faith, courage and willingness to help “joined” were not what we expected. But We do hope you will feel these two God’s people. our depression was turned to joy when we ideas may be helpful to our brethren. Our prayers are for all of you to con- realized that we are now trusting directly in Much thanks for the service you pro- tinue in the love and faith of Jesus Christ. our Savior rather than in men. If the group vide! In Christian Love, we meet with now disbands, we know that Sincerely, —Mr. & Mrs. G. C., Coseur D Alene, ID He and we will go on working together. —James and Sadie Morgan, RESPONSE: We are continually —NSE 221 Ivy St amazed at the volume of letters that come Rossville, GA 30741-2031 our way. We print less than half of the Keeping Up With Scattered Brethren RESPONSE: We think the Pen Pal ser- significant letters that we receive. vice is a fine idea. We do not really have —NSE LETTER: May 7, 1996 time to do it, so brethren interested in Pen Dear Mr.Edwards and Staff, Pals can write you directly. If you would Resigning from CGI I am enjoying the Servants’ News like to send us a short article on how the newsletter. Thank you all for all the effort service is going every few months, we LETTER: March 24, 1996 you’re putting into it. would be glad to print it. That would help Dear Friends, Having recently left the CGI and others learn about your service. I had a friend give me a copy of your going independent, it is nice to try to Most of your points for organization “newsletter” and really enjoyed it. This is a keep up with the scattered brethren of all seem very good. I would like to add a lit- real nice service to God’s people all over to the Churches of God. [literature request tle commentary to three points: keep up on things and people in the church. omitted] VII. You certainly do not want to rely My wife and I resigned ourselves from the Thank you. B. R. Brown, LaRue, TX on continued funding from an outside CGI a few weeks ago now and can’t support RESPONSE: Keep on keeping up! person or organization, but if your group what is happening in the organization any —NSE produces tapes or literature and an out- more! So many people have left the CGI sider occasionally sends a contribution, I and have a hard time where to turn for fel- Likes Unincorporation & SN see no harm in accepting it. lowship. We are so scattered! We can’t X. Not having an opinion on outside understand why these people who went Attitude issues is probably the best way 95% of the through what most of us went through with time. There is no need to be involved with the WCG are still staying with the CGI...The LETTER: April 6, 1996 most “issues of the day.” However, John handwriting is on the wall—Round II is tak- Dear Mr. Edwards, the Baptist, our Savior, and the Apostles ing place and people are sticking it out— Just read in the March/April ‘96 did speak out against corrupt leaders who people who we would think would be the first Servants’ News of your decision to end were leading the people astray. to leave. Anyway, thanks again and thanks the corporation and not seek tax-exempt XI. Every member should be respon- for your efforts in serving all of us out here! status. Good for you! Surely, God does- sible for setting an example and attracting Love, n’t need to have a tax-exempt status to others as you suggest. However, that —George Burgess, Filer, ID do His will. should not stop your group from making RESPONSE: Many of us have learned Servants’ News is a very welcome itself known in the phone book or news- a lot from Church organizations, both publication in this house and will contin- paper. People differ. One person may what does work and what does not. When ue to be regardless of whether it’s tax- seek to better understand the Bible by leaving an organization, the single most exempt or an “official” corporation. As talking to his or her friends to see if any- important thing is to remain dedicated to long as we receive truth, nothing else one knows a good place to learn. Another Bible study, fellowship and living the life really matters. person may prefer to consult the phone that our Savior desires of us. May the Appreciate your hard work (and also book or paper. I think we can serve both. Eternal bless you in your new fellowship. those who assist you) and dedication in —NSE putting out S.N. Of all the publications I —NSE subscribe to and read, yours is the one Depressed Over Groups which is most balanced and unbiased. Appreciates Servants’ News Letters So many so-called “shepherds” today LETTER: February 12, 1996 produce slanted material—it seems even LETTER: April 3, 1996 Dear Norman, the men of God have axes to grind. Dear Mr. Edwards, I must not be much of a judge of char- What’s so refreshing and unique We sincerely appreciate Servants’ acter. I went from WCG to CGI. Of about S.N. is your willingness to admit News. course, you know of the scandal there. you don’t know all things and to change The letters echo our thoughts about I’ve been very depressed about this. I’m when proven wrong (church govern- what is happening in the Churches of now in a small private group. ment). [literature request omitted] God, and the articles have been very Your writing on this controversy was Thanks so much for being there and helpful in sorting out the Truth. insightful and personally very helpful. filling a void. We sincerely appreciate the efforts [literature request omitted] Sincerely, and balanced approach contained in this Thank you. —Linda R. Darrow, Chester, NY paper. Sincerely, RESPONSE: Thank you for your We believe you are sincerely doing —Kyle Williams, Rogersville, MO encouragement. We have received very Page 22 August 1996 SERVANTS’ NEWS few negative comments about our deci- er driver’s carelessness and unable to formerly left to the “professionals.” I sions to unincorporate and drop our tax find work. This man’s company was think there is enough spiritual meat (not exempt status. The lack of non-profit underinsured but had enough money, to mention technical issues) that we can mailing rates and other savings given to however, to retain a better lawyer than I. spend a life-time studying the scriptures such corporations is small in comparison So in court, (and even though the acci- and still keep learning something useful. to our ability to be able to state the truth dent was proven to be the other driver’s —NSE as we see it. There are a number of items fault) I got next to nothing as far as a set- in this very issue that might be considered tlement. What I did get is almost gone. Electronic Servants’ News political and not acceptable for a tax- I have been getting copies of deductible church to print. Servants’ News from others until now, and LETTER: April 28, 1996 —NSE would like to receive my own. And I would Dear Mr. Edwards: also like to say, “Keep up the good work!” My family and I left WCG about two Following God and Not Man I don’t care what anyone else says about years ago, and we have been functioning you. You’re doing just fine in my opinion. more or less independently since then. We LETTER: April 4, 1996 Please don’t let anyone stop you are concerned about the trends of non- Hello from Texas! from telling it like it is. We need to stay on accountability, intolerance, and concentra- Our family was reading the top of “ALL OF GOD’S CHURCHES.” tion of power which we sense in the United March/April 1996 issue, and we were so Perhaps that way, they’ll be more group; so we have not associated our- pleased to see your decision to follow God inclined to keep things straight! selves with any group, although we contin- and not man. We consider what you’re “Thanks,” once again from someone ue to observe the Sabbath and Holy Days. doing a sincere and serving ministry. who does appreciate what you are trying The recent article on Servants’ News Your efforts will remain in our to do! in In-Transition resonated well with us, prayers. —K. M. T., Texas and we would like to become sub- Sincerely in Christian love, RESPONSE: We are saddened to hear scribers. [literature request omitted] —Robert, Jeana, Betina and Lee about your accident, but realize that “jus- If you publish electronically, we would Payne, Manor, TX tice” does sometimes go to “the highest be happy to pull the publication off of the RESPONSE: Thank you. We assume bidder” in our courts. We have prayed for Internet. It is not necessary to send us this is in reference to our terminating our your healing and suggest that you follow anything via regular mail. Do you have a corporation and tax exempt status. all of the instructions in James 5:14-16. World Wide Web site? If not, I would sug- —NSE Some people have a tendency to leave out gest that you make use of one, in con- the “confess your trespasses one to anoth- junction with automatic electronic mailing Seeking Other Fellowship er” part. We believe that the word elder lists, as a very effective and cheap here refers to any mature, older man who means to disseminate your information. LETTER: April 15, 1996 is will grounded in the Scriptures. We In addition to a subscription, we Dear Mr. Edwards, suggest that you call upon two or three would like to know of others in the Recently through a friend, we were who you know and ask for healing. Denver area who have disconnected able to read the February issue of —NSE themselves from centralized control. We Servants News. would like to fellowship with them. We would appreciate being put on Glad for Many Information Sources Please feel free to put our name and your mailing list. We are presently address, and e-mail address on any lists attending with the United Church of God LETTER: May 2, 1996 or databases which might be made avail- but in the last few months have realized Dear Mr. Edwards: able to others with similar interests. it is not where we need to be. Greetings. I came across your ser- Thank you! [literature request omitted] Please vice through In-Transition. —Leo Bredehoft, keep up the good work you are doing. I have been affiliated with WCG and 1010 Tony Place, Denver, CO 80503 God knows where His people are and He now UCG these past 20 years. I have [email protected] is seeing to our feeding through many come to see that many things we heard RESPONSE: Some of Servants’ News is sources, of which you are one. from the ministry were not always available on a Worldwide Web site, but not Again, I say keep up the good work Biblically correct. all. We are in the process of establishing a and thank you from all of us out here... I am excited by all the information we new Web site and will list it here when it is Much Christian love, have access to now. Being a member of ready. We could consider distribution of —Tony and Mary Carbo, Pipersville, PA the two mentioned organizations, I say Servants’ News electronically, but some RESPONSE: We hope you can keep with sadness that information was con- time would be required to format it so it your old friends as well as find a place to trolled and stifled. would be easy for everyone to read. At this serve even more in your new fellowship. I am currently studying many sub- time, it is easier to simply mail the publica- —NSE jects. Of current interest are the calen- tion, but that may change in the future. dar, tithing, etc. We will help you get in contact with Disabled in Crash [literature request omitted] others in the Denver area in a separate let- God bless and thank you. ter. Later this year, we will publish a list LETTER: September 10, 1995 Richard P. Trecek, Sacramento, CA of cities and states of our readership so Dear Servants’ News RESPONSE: Yes! Worship suddenly people can send letters to others in spe- I would like to receive the next few changes from just showing up each week cific geographical areas. issues. I am 59% disabled due to anoth- to actively studying many issues that we —NSE August 1996 Page 23 SERVANTS’ NEWS “News” from page 12 from alcohol, tobacco and opium. congregation for years. One of the SDA in the Living Room—An Alternative? In later years they made some contact pastors attending the Friends of the He used the analogy of large churches to with European missionaries, but could not Sabbath conference once had some of a professional baseball game: spectators reconcile the missionary’s doctrines with Koresh’s followers in his congregation. pay to get in (churches expect offerings) the Bible. When other areas of China They believed in the Sabbath, the holy and you watch the professionals do the would not accept Haung’s teaching, he days, in eating only clean food, and a work. Similarly, a living room congrega- began to impose it by force. He broke host of other beliefs that many of our tion is like playing in a non-professional down idols, destroyed temples and tried to Servants’ News readers share. David baseball game. It may not look as fancy as set up the kingdom of “New Jerusalem.” had the Bible nearly memorized and the professional game, but the participants He believed the seven seals were being was a master at expounding the scrip- are really learning to play baseball. They opened in China and saw himself in many tures. When the FBI offered him are participants, not spectators. prophecies. Millions of people began unclean food if he would come out (Hag Mr. Christopher explained the need keeping the Sabbath. China’s civil gov- 2:14), it was just more proof that for the groups to have a mission, to help ernment, headed by the non-Christian prophecies were being fulfilled. reach out to teach others and not to end up Manchu dynasty, lost a great many bat- David felt that the events of the as an endless doctrinal debate club. Also, tles. Eventually, they asked the Christian seven seals were being played out right he emphasized the need for cooperation Europeans for military help, and received in Waco. He was a carpenter, wounded with other groups and avoiding a self- it. In 1864, the Taiping Movement was in the hand and in the side, he had the righteous spirit. He mentioned resources finally defeated—over 20 million people ability to expound all of the Seven available to local congregations, most of were dead from the conflict. There are Seals. These and many other things which are listed on the back page of still Sabbath-keepers in China as a result “proved” to himself and his followers Servants’ News. of this movement, though most of them that he had the “Christ Spirit.” When Norman Edwards spoke on the his- practice in secret. Estimates run from tens pressured by the FBI for a date to come torical and Biblical background of of thousands to as many as a million pre- out, he told them he would have to wait Sabbath services. Much of his presenta- sent-day Chineese Sabbath-keepers. for a “sign from God.” He later believed tion was taken from Paul’s instructions in The lessons learned from this bit of that he received the sign, and said he 1 Corinthians 12 and 14. These principles history were brought out in Philip would come out after Passover. When can be applied to both large and small Arnold’s second presentation, Sabbath asked when Passover was, he told them groups. The spiritual gifts spoken of in Friends and Enemies (Warnings & that he was not sure—the group had these chapters have been largely absent Lessons). Dr. Arnold explained how he, done their own calendar calculations from many Sabbath-keeping congrega- and Dr. James Tabor repeatedly tried to and their resident expert had been shot tions. We should not let the apparently make contact with the FBI agents and dead on the first raid. The FBI saw this false imitations of these gifts by some offered to help negotiate the situation with as another delaying tactic, but the calen- churches stop us from asking for the real David Koresh and his followers. The FBI dar concern of the Davidians was very gifts. Most of the principles that Edwards had many others “volunteering” to help real. Finally, Arnold and Tabor were discussed are covered in his Assembling and were very slow to accept help from able to determine that there was a cer- on the Sabbath paper, available free from anyone. Nevertheless, the FBI and other tain radio program that the Davidians Servants’ News (see back cover). agencies did not seem to have a clue as to always listened to and they arranged to Phillip Arnold gave what I believe to how to deal with David Koresh. They get the time for the entire half-hour be the two most significant presenta- regarded him as some kind of “nut” and show themselves. Arnold and Tabor tions of the conference. Dr. Arnold is tried to offer him all sorts of physical appealed to Koresh to rest a little season Founder and Director of the Religion- things as inducements to come out, not (Rev 6:11) and reminded him that near- Crisis Task Force, and of Reunion realizing the seriousness of his conviction. ly every prophet had spent time in Institute of Houston, Texas. He helped, in They rejected all of his “Bible babble” as prison and that he could write the rest of a limited way, to negotiate with David just a delay tactic and did not seek out his treatise in jail. Koresh in Waco, Texas but his advice was anyone to talk to David in his own lan- Later, Koresh’s lawyer took a tape of not followed. He played a bigger role in guage until near the end. Why the FBI did the program to Koresh, and Koresh helping negotiate a non-violent end to the not arrest David Koresh during one of his asked to speak to Arnold and Tabor. Freemen standoff in Montana. daily jogs outside his facility is unknown. Koresh said that he would come out His first presentation, The Little It certainly would have avoided much after finishing his treatise on the Seven Known History of Sabbatarians, bloodshed. The only crimes he was Seals. But a meeting was never described the Taiping movement. Its accused of was having a very few illegal arranged. FBI and congressional testi- leader, Haung, founded it in about 1843 or improperly permitted guns. Nearly all mony claims that David never did write when he received a few books of the Bible of the guns he had were legally bought any of his treatise, but Philip Arnold and had some visions. He understood that and sold simply to raise money. Almost knows otherwise as he has a copy of the the Eternal was not pleased with all of the none of his followers were trained in the disk that was taken out of the building idolatry in his country and that people use of firearms and there was no record of just as the fire began. You may obtain a needed to repent, be washed and given a violence from anyone in the group. copy of these “nonexistent” writings, new heart. He believed in keeping the David Koresh had previously and a copy of the video David Koresh Sabbath, rejected the Trinity, and refrained attended with a Seventh Day Adventist made about himself and his organiza- Page 24 August 1996 SERVANTS’ NEWS tion during the siege by calling shun Christmas and Easter celebra- staff recently attended as visitors a Arnold’s office at 713-523-1861. tions, do not vote, decline immuniza- Sabbatarian conference on unity spon- As nearly all of our readers know, tion, associate mostly with people of sored by an independent Assembly of the U.S. government did not wait for their own religious group, and/or con- Yahweh congregation in Eaton Rapids, the Davidian’s to come out, but instead tribute much money to preaching the Michigan. Most delegates were mem- used tanks to inject CS gas, a substance Gospel. If a group of people have many bers of other independent Assemblies banned for use in warfare by the of the above characteristics and a sup- from across America, and as far away as Geneva convention. After reviewing ply of weapons or if someone makes Jamaica. But other Sabbatarians of good much evidence, Arnold believes that some accusations against them will were warmly welcomed. probably one of Koresh’s assistants set (whether true or false), another con- Most folks in the Churches of God the fatal fire, believing a “wall of fire” frontation may be produced. The single who have roots in the Worldwide would protect them from the govern- biggest common thread that Dr. Arnold Church of God realize that there have ment (Zech 2:5,7). found in all of these violent situations, been continuing questions in recent Philip Arnold was asked to help in including the Taiping movement, is that years over the calendar to be used to negotiating a peaceful end to the they all had leaders who had specifical- observe the Biblical Holy Days. The Montana Freemen standoff. His ly identified themselves in prophecy— WCG for many years celebrated the approach was again to determine the often using their assumed role as a rea- Feasts according to the calendar of the religious and political background of son for acts that otherwise everyone Jews, with the exception of the determi- the people involved and then to find would consider irrational. nation of the date for Pentecost. But someone who “speaks their language” Some of us need to think about sharp disagreements have arisen from that they would listen to. The Montana whether we would have obeyed our many quarters, calling for changes to group included some Sabbath keepers, “religious leader” 10 or 20 years ago if the calendar. It may surprise many in some Sacred-names believers, mem- he told us to buy a one-way ticket for the Churches of God to learn that bers of a Mormon offshoot group, and the Middle East and walk out into the groups within the “Sacred Name” unfortunately, a few con-artists. Nearly desert. What proof would we have movement have experienced an almost all of these people were constitutional required to know that it was the will of identical surge of interest in these same law fundamentalists: people who the Eternal? Would we have “fled the calendar questions. believe the Federal government has tribulation” at the word of a man? During four days of open meetings, greatly exceeded the powers granted it Could we have died confronting a gov- delegates presented a variety of points by the Constitution, and that many ernment force that thought our “flight” of view on calendar construction. Federal regulations do not legally apply was in violation of some law? Or could Question and answer sessions were very to sovereign citizens of the 50 states. we have simply died in the desert? The lively, bordering occasionally on “heat- Some of their arguments have been scripture “We ought to obey God rather ed.” But it was encouraging to see that upheld in courts, others have not, and than men” (Acts 5;29) is valid, but behind it all was the same yearning for many cases have simply been dropped when we let a leader read himself unity of mind and purpose that prompts by the government without a resolu- into Bible prophecy with no super- many in the churches of God to try to tion. Mr Arnold was involved directly natural proof, are we not obeying a work through these issues with mutual in some negotiations, he also helped to man rather than God? respect and forbearance. As one dele- locate a Mormon “prophet” figure and John the Baptist was the greatest gate, Tom Schattke of Ft. Wayne, some common law experts who con- prophet who ever lived, but he refused Indiana, put it in his presentation, “Can vinced the Freemen to leave peacefully. to take great titles to himself even we as Elders admit that we may be Dr. Arnold did not have a reason for though he was the Elijah to come (Matt wrong?... I would venture to say that why the United States government 11:11,14; John 1:21). If he did his job there are two men here who disagree on turned these and other instances of rel- without proclaiming his own greatness, some point, and each is positive his atively minor law infractions into religious leaders today should be able position is right. Is at least one of them armed conflicts, but he did feel that to do the same thing. Believers every- wrong? What if I am that one? What if some of the more trigger-happy bureau- where should be very suspicious when you are?” He then went on to admonish crats have been side-lined, and that leaders set themselves up as the fulfill- his brethren to agree with him in a com- those favoring peaceful negotiations ment of some prophecy. Such claims mitment, which said, in part, “I will now have the upper hand. usually prevent their followers from pray in faith for the guidance of Nevertheless, he feels that there is objectively examining their leaders Yahweh’s Spirit to rest upon the speak- still some danger that innocent people teaching and letting the holy spirit ers and voting elders here at this confer- may again become involved in these guide them into all truth (John 16:13). ence. I will listen carefully to the points kinds of confrontations. Most law —Norman S. Edwards made by each speaker without pre-judg- enforcement people think the govern- ing them by my own present beliefs.” ment and its services are great and they Much Learned in Assemb of As such issues are addressed are suspicious of people who keep the ly throughout the Body of the Messiah, Sabbath, study the Bible in depth, Yahweh Unity Meeting such an attitude of humility would cer- believe God is more important than the tainly be pleasing to the Father. state, school their children at home, Members of the Servants’ News —Pam Dewey August 1996 Page 25 Attend the Feast this Year!

Many Sabbath-keeping groups are sponsoring 555-1212 and asking for the number of the city’s cham- Feasts this year. See the end of the article for explana- ber of commerce, tourist bureau, travel agent, etc. If no tion of the group codes (e.g. “UCG,” “NonAlign”). area code is listed, use the one from the first phone Each entry gives either the meeting place (hall) number. location or the name of a person that can supply infor- Festival dates are September 27 (at evening) to mation. Some housing information is included, but you October 5 (Last Great Day) unless otherwise noted can obtain more by dialing information at 1-[area code]- (some groups use a different calendar). USA & Canada: North West East Harbor Blvd., 805-648-7731. Oklahoma TCG Redding, Calif. UCG USA: North Central Info: Bill Fowler, 316-945-7773. Shang- Redding Convention Center, 700 Cassopolis, Michigan Open rila, 1-800-331-4060. Area code 918. Auditorium Dr. Area code 916. Sept 28 to Oct 6. Michigan Assembly of Grand Lake of the Cherokees, Sis-Q-Meadows, Ore. NonAlign YHWH Fellowship. Tim Spooner, 517-642- Oklahoma NonAlign John Beattie, PO Box 1742, Rogue 2141. Sept 27 - Oct 6, two calandar sys. Hall & River, OR 97537, 541-855-7220. Green Bay, Wis. Open rooms: Martin Landing, 918-257-4265. Sun River, Oregon NonAlign Sept 28 to Oct 6. John Purvins: PO Box Info: Norman S. Edwards, 517-543-5544. Al Murrey, P.O.Box 1354, Pendleton, OR 1, Little Chute, WI 54140, 414-733-5271, Kerrville, Texas GCG 97801, 541-276-1400. 414-788-2939. Holiday Inn Y.O. Ranch Hotel, 2033 Vancouver, B.C. NonAlign Holt, Michigan Open Sidney Baker (street), 210-257-4440. Sept 27 to Oct 6—two calendar systems Faith Magazine Assembly of YHWH. PO Keystone, Colo. UCG accomodated. Fred McGovarin, RR 2, Box 3381, Lebanon, TN 37087 Hall & rooms: Keystone Conference Hast-ings, Ontario K0L 1Y0, 705-696-3111. Middlebury (Elkhart), Indiana CBCG Center, 800-258-0437. Area Code 970. E-mail: [email protected]. Carl Franklin, 58775 Klumbus Rd., Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. GCG com. Dowagiac, MI 49047, 616-782-3932. Marriott’s Tan-Tar-A Resort, Hwy KK, Vernon, British Columbia GCG Mostly Video Sermons. Osage Beach, Mo., 314-348-3131. Best Western Lodge, 3914 32nd St., Rapid City, South Dakota TPM Palisade, Colo. CBCG 801-545-3385, 800-663-4422. Greg Lanager, 2801 Willow Ave, Rapid Dwight Blevins, 970-243-4859; Bob Whistler, British Columbia UCG City, SD 57501. Area code 605. Cooper 970-225-2937, 970-568-9135. Whistler Conference Centre, 4010 Wisconsin Dells, Wis. UCG Rocheport, Missouri Open Whistler Way. Area code 604. Crystal Grand Music Theater, Route 23. Master Key/Yahweh’s Assembly in Area Code 608. Messiah, 401 N. Roby Farm Rd., USA: South West Rocheport, MO 65279 Arcadia, California Open USA: South Central San Antonio, Texas Open Info: Bernard Kelley, 818-446-5211. Hall & Branson, Missouri Open Sept 26 to Oct 4. Ted Phillips, PO Box rooms:The Santa Anita Inn, 800-854- Sept 26-Oct 4. Info: James Russell, PO 2735, Corona, Calif. 91718, 909-280- 1629. Box 2109, Corona, CA 91718, 903-737- 9046. Area code 210 Kauai, Hawaii UCG 0559. Hall & rooms: Tree House Condos San Antonio, Texas CGG Kauai War Memorial Coliseum. Kauai (Phyllis) 800-328-5199. Area code 417. John Rittenbaugh, PO Box 471846, Vacation Rentals, 808-245-8841, 800- Branson, Missouri UCG Charlotte, NC 28247, 800-878-8220. Area 367-5025. Plantation Hale, 800-775-4253. Will Rogers Theater, junction of US 65 code 210. Kings Beach (Lake Tahoe), Calif. CGI and State Route 248. Area code 417. Wagoner, Okla. CGI North Tahoe Conference Center housing No service on first Friday night. Western Hills Guest Ranch: 918-772- info: 800-824-6348. Area code 702. Cisco, Texas NonAlign 2545. Lake Tahoe, Calif. NonAlign Sept 28 to Oct 6. Voy Wilks, RR2 Box Sept 26 to Oct 6—three calendar systems 227, Cisco, TX 76437. 817-442-3962. USA & Canada: North East will be accommodated. Norman Brumm, Colorado Springs, Colo. Open Cambridge, Ontario NonAlign 510 Gillespie St, Locust Grove, OK 74352 Sept 28 to Oct 6. Jack Hines, PO Box Sept 26 to Oct 4. Holiday Inn, James 918-479-8111. Area code 702. 9901, Colorado Springs, Co 80932, 719- Dailley, (519) 740-0866, e-mail: jdail- Park City, Utah GCG 637-1140. [email protected]. The Inn at Prospector Square, 2200 Colorado Springs, Colo. Open Collingwood, Ontario TCG Sidewinder Dr., 801-649-7100. Jeff Booth, 806-352-8739. Area code 719. Desmond Burke, 604-494-8484. Tucson, Arizona UCG Corpus Christi, Texas UCG Hull, Quebec UCG Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Bayfront Plaza Convention Center, 1901 Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, 2 Montcalm Church. Area code 520. N. Shoreline Dr. Area code 512. St. 819-778-3880, 800-567-1962. Ser- Twain Harte, Calif. CBCG Dutch Mills, Ark NonAlign vices in English with French translation. Video site. Jan Ewing: 209-586-3008. Assembly of Yahweh, Edward Hayes, Lexington, Ky. UCG Ventura, Calif. GCG 16113 S. Hwy 59, Cain Hill, Ark, 72717 Heritage Arena, corner of Broadway and Holiday Inn Ventura Beach Resort, 450 Grand Lake of the Cherokees, Main. Area Code 606. Page 26 August 1996 SERVANTS’ NEWS Niagara Falls, Ontario GCG Sept 28 to Oct 6, Charles Kimbrough, from multiple groups and/or allow ques- The Ameri-Cana Resort, 8444 Lundy’s PO Box 547, Crystal River, FL 34423, tions during the meetings. The person or Lane, 905-356-8444, 800-263-3508. 352-382-0877. group sponsoring the Feast is responsi- The Poconos, Penn. UCG Panama City Beach, Fla. CGI ble for the smooth operation of the site, Resort at Split Rock, Exhibition Complex, Edgewater Beach Resort: 800-874- but is not responsible for approving Lake Harmony, Penn. Area code 717. 8686. Written housing information: 800- every detail of the messages presented. Quebec (French-speaking). GCG 722-3224. Housing referrals: 904-234- Open sites allow brethren to attend Contact GCG headquarters. 3193. Area code 904. and make their own reservations with- Snowshoe, West Virginia NonAlign Pensacola Beach, Fla. CBCG out asking them a lot of questions. Their Jim Rector, 3802 Olive Street, Beachside Resort and Conference schedule of speakers is usually limited Texarkana, TX 75503, 903-792-1352. Center: 800-232-2416. Info: Glenn to their own organization and they may Area code 304. Daniel: 904-968-5561 or 904-937-0260. not allow any questions during services. Rogerville, Ala. CBCG ORGANIZATION CODES: USA: South East Low budget camping site, video ser- Organizations not listed as “open,” Clearwater, Florida GCG mons. Info: Lynn Dailey, 423-334-9111. below, may have some type of approval Harborview Center, 300 Cleveland St. process for people attending their Feasts. Area code 813. INTERNATIONAL: This process usually varies greatly Daytona Beach, Florida TCG (A few international sites where depending on the organization and the Manuel Rojas: 904-673-8324. Servants’ News has no readership were person that talks to you. Some simply Destin, Florida TCG deleted from this issue.) want to collect registration information, Info: Darryll Watson, 904-581-2820. Australia: West others ask all kinds of questions. The Realtor: 800-336-4853, Shoreline Bunbury, WA GCG non-open organizations are primarily try- Towers: 800-874-0162. Ken MacLeod, 61-9-457-7624. ing to prevent people from coming to the Destin, Florida NonAlign Australia: East Feast to pass out literature and/or discuss Sept 11-18. Info: Ken Tate, 501-426-5261. Lorne, VIC UCG ideas that differ from the organization’s Ft. Payne, Alabama NonAlign Rod King, 61-3-9725-8768. teaching. They are more than happy to Tom Williams, 205-845-2246. Nelson Bay, NSW UCG have people attend who are coming to Gatlinburg, Tenn. Open Bruce Dean, 61-42-62-1427. enjoy the feast, listen to their messages, UCG Birmingham, PO Box 361334, Noosa Heads, QLD UCG and participate in the offerings. Birmingham, Ala. 35236, 205-444-5049. Graemme J Marshall, 61-7-3807-6087. CBCG. The Christian Biblical Area code 615. Barbados UCG Church of God operates “open” sites. Hilton Head, South Carolina TCG Call Arnold Hampton, 410-655-6265. PO Box 1442, Hollister, CA 95024, Rooms: 803-842-4402, mention “Church Belgium, Hengelhoef 408-637-1875. of God.” Info: David Nix, 540-786-6315. Rees Ellis, 32-71-218-190. GCG CGG. Church of the Great God, Jekyll Island, Georgia UCG Germany, Winterberg John Rittenbaugh, PO Box 471846, Hartley Auditorium, 1 Beachview Dr. Winifried Fritz, 49-2208-73132. UCG Charlotte, NC 28247, 800-878-8220. Area code 912. Italy, Tuscany CGI. The Church of God, Kissimmee, Fla (Orlando) Open Carmelo Anastasi, 39-35-583474. UCG International, operates essentially Ronald Dart, PO Box 560, Whitehouse, The Netherlands, Hoogeveen “open” sites, but people attending TX 75791, 903-509-2999. Local Visitor’s Bram de Bree, 31-346-572280 UCG should be aware of the difficulties with Bureau: 800-333-5477. Area code 407. Norway, Sundvollen the leadership there (see Feb & Mar- Kissimmee, Fla (Orlando) UCG Peter Shenton, 44-01905-351389.UCG April Servants’ News). Tupperware Center, 14901 S. Orange South Africa GCG. Global Church of God, PO Blossom Trail. Local Visitor’s Bureau: George GCG Box 501111, San Diego, CA 92150, 800-333-5477. Area code 407. Syd J. Hull, 27-11-664-6036. 800-959-1642, 619-675-2222. Land-Between-The-Lakes, Ky. CGI Uvongo UCG TCG. The Churches of God operate Kentucky Dam Village State Park: 800- Andre Van Belkum, PO Box 1453, “open” sites. RR2 Box 114, Hawkins, 325-0146. Ramada Inn: 800-628-6538. Westville 3630, South Africa. TX 75765, 800-611-8080. Area code 502. United Kingdom TPM. Triumph Prophetic Lebanon, Tennesse Open Weymouth, Dorset, (Southern Ministries, Bill Dankenbring, PO Box L.A.M.B. Fellowship (Messianic Jewish). England) UCG 292, Altadena, CA 91003. PO Box 3381, Lebanon, TN 37087 United Church of God, PO Box 5929, UCG. United Church of God, An Myrtle Beach, SC Open Thatcham, Berkshire RG19 6YX. International Association. PO Box 661780, The Cong. of God, 7th Day. John York (Northeastern England) UCG Arcadia, CA 91066, 818-294-0800. Pinkston, PO Box 2345, Kennesaw, GA John A. Jewell, 44-1257-450829. Plan to learn, fellowship, and serve at 30144. 770-995-1622. the Feast this year. “And to love Him with Panama City Beach, Fla NonAlign KEY TO CODES: all the heart, with all the understanding, David Owen, 4213 Owen Rd, Dalton, GA NonAlign (non-aligned) sites are with all the soul, and with all the strength, 39729, 706-277-3433. Area code 904. cooperative efforts between multiple and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is Panama City Beach, Fla.NonAlign groups. They usually accept speakers more than all the whole burnt offerings August 1996 Page 27 SERVANTS’ NEWS Our goal is to bring worthwhile information to as many people as want it at the lowest practi- cal cost. This loose-leaf format is inexpensive and allows this non-copyrighted publication to be easily copied. You might wish to bind it with a 3-ring binder, staples, brads or a paper clip. Literature List All items are free. New items are highlighted with shading. Basic Literature All back issues of Servants’ News are available upon request. The Bible Sabbath: Seventh Day or First Day? (From the Bible Sabbath Association) 2 pages. Basic Sabbath tract. Mature Literature God’s Purpose for Your Life by Fred McGovarin, 40 pages, The Apple of God’s Eye by Jim Rector, 13 pages. God’s half-size booklet. A “first booklet” for people just becom- love for us is far greater than we imagine, and we often ing interested in the Truth. It introduces Hebrew names take it for granted. (Yahweh and Yashua) for God and Jesus. Assembling on the Sabbath by Norman S. Edwards, 16 The Key to the Book of Revelation edited by Tom Justus, pages. An exposition of the scriptures regarding our need originally by Herbert Armstrong. 12-page 9"x4" booklet. to fellowship on the Sabbath and how to do it. Lazarus and the Rich Man edited by Tom Justus, originally A Call to Arms by Jim Rector, 16 pages. Lessons for today by Herbert Armstrong. 16-page 9"x4" booklet. from Revelation 2-3 including the oppressive doctrine of The Resurrection of Christ—Is It a Fact? by Don Hudgel. the Nicolaitans and the doctrine of Balaam. 2 page tract for those skeptical of the Bible & resurrection. Basic Bible Study Tools by Richard Nickels. 36 pages. An Why Do You Observe Sunday? edited by Tom Justus, orig- excellent summary of available Bible study aids and how to inally by Herbert Armstrong. 16-page 9"x4" booklet. use them. Samples of many study aids included. Biblical Calendar Basics by Norman S. Edwards, 10 pages. Study Resources and Information Introduction to the issues about the Biblical and Hebrew Barnabas Ministries Mission Statement by Alan Ruth. 2 pages. calendars (beginning of months, years, postponements etc.) The Christian Beacon Sample 24-page issue of free quarterly By What Authority? by John A. Diffley, 16 pages. A brief newsletter “for the shared ministry of the Royal Priesthood.” overview of authority and its structure in the New A Church of God Ministry Order Form by Lon Lacey & Testament churches. friends. 1 page. Free literature on nature of God & Satan, Does the New Covenant Do Away with the Letter of the Biblical law, prophecy, history, church government, etc. Law? by Eric V. Snow. 42 pages—revised Jan. 1996. A Commonwealth Publishing Order Form by Kirk Gearhart. “must read” for those who feel it does. 4 pages. Religious books, including Darrell W. Condor’s. Did Christ Reorganize the Church? by Herbert W. The Fellowship Commentator by F. Paul Haney. Sample 8 Armstrong in 1939, 8 pages. Very different than his later page issue of free quarterly newsletter. approach: Christ never set up a hierarchical government. Giving and Sharing Order Form by Richard Nickels. 3 The Heart of the Matter by Jim Rector, 31 pages. Our call- pages. Has many excellent free items, low prices on hard- ing is to spiritual growth, not just attendance, socializing, to-find religious books, and fine literature on floppy disk. politeness or legalism. Hebrew Roots Sample 24-page issue of free newsletter with How Does the Eternal Govern Through Humans? by emphasis on the Hebrew roots of “Christian” belief. Norman S. Edwards, 34 pages. How the KJV translators History Research Projects Order Form by Craig White. 6 altered Scriptures about government to please King pages. Hard-to-find books on the origins of nations. James and an analysis of what the Bible says about how The Modern Church, Divine Institution or Counterfeit? by we should govern in today’s congregations. Peter Kershaw. 24 page booklet. We do not agree with all Just What Does the New Covenant Do? by Joseph of it, but it has good legal info on unincorporated churches. Chunko, 18 pages. Explanation of the difference between In Transition One free sample issue of 16 page newspaper. the law, the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. Best single source of news about Sabbath-keeping groups. The Letter to the Galatians, a Paraphrase with Built-in The Sabbath Sentinel One free sample issue of 16 page glossy Commentary by John McCauley. 18 pages. Lively magazine—doctrinal & human interest articles. With Bible vernacular paraphrase with some notes on book of Sabbath Association order form: Sabbath books & tracts. Galatians. Sabbath History edited by Leon Lyell in Australia. One free Where Is the True Church Today? by Jack M. Lane, 18 sample issue of 26-page newsletter about the history of pages. How can there be so many similar groups, yet one Sabbath keepers & groups. There is nothing else like it. true church? What is required of members? Read and see. Servants’ News & Norman Edwards Statement of Receipts The Worldwide Church of God Splits: Their Triumphs and Expenses, 2 pages. (Always sent to contributors.) and Troubles by Alan Ruth, 56 pages. Facts and analy- The WAY Sample 24-page issue of free quarterly newsletter sis of the last 20 years of church history. of doctrinal articles relating to the Biblical way of life.

We want to send this newsletter only to people who want it! If you are not interested, please send us a postcard or give us a call: 517-543-5544, fax: 517-543-8899, eMail: [email protected] Page 28 August 1996