Dear Brethren and Co-Workers with Christ,
Greetings from Charlotte, NC! This world really is changing! With the greatest financial crisis in 60 years upon us, and with the election of many liberal (very liberal) Democratic politicians in the United States Congress and their control of the Presidency as well, the United States of America has undergone a genuine “sea change”—a truly major change which is beginning to affect every segment of our society and every corner of our nation. America will never be the same nation again. And many of the same political and economic changes will be affecting our friends in Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand as well.
As our political and financial world leadership continues to deteriorate—as our national morality sinks into an abyss—most people are beginning to become deeply worried. Even now, thousands are traumatized after losing their jobs, their homes—or both. Yet, above all people, we who understand the Truth should have a quiet confidence and sense of purpose. For as we see the prophetic events occurring which we have prophesied for so long, we should be deeply encouraged that the end of this human society is coming and that the inauguration of the Kingdom of God is coming soon!
For, as we have told you scores of times, this Work of the living Christ is the “advance guard” of a soon-coming World Government—the literal Government of Christ to be set up on this earth with Headquarters at Jerusalem. For Jesus Christ will return soon as “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16). Christ and His true saints will rule this entire world from Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:1-19). Each of us who is an “overcomer” will be given authority to assist Christ in ruling the nations of this earth and in bringing a depth of peace, prosperity and joy beyond anything the world has ever experienced!
We are not called to “float off to heaven” with virtually nothing to do. Rather, as the Apostle Paul was inspired to write us, “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?” (1 Corinthians 6:2-3).
So, as we yield ourselves to God—and through the Holy Spirit learn to overcome the self, this human society and Satan the Devil—we have a purpose. For our “goal” is to be counted worthy of the resurrection of the dead and a position of responsibility and service in the coming Government of Jesus Christ on this earth (Philippians 3:10-15). Then, we will have the inspiring opportunity to assist Christ in bringing a permanent change to the peoples and nations of this war-torn world.
God’s Word tells us, “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious” (Isaiah 11:9-10). That “knowledge”—soon to fill the entire earth—is obviously the knowledge revealed to us in God’s inspired Word, the Holy Bible. Jesus said, “Your word is truth” (John 17:17). And He stated in John 8:32, “The truth shall make you free.” Again, Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).
Dozens of inspired scriptures make clear the fact that—if we truly surrender our lives to God and are accounted as “overcomers”—we will be part of a Divine Government that really will bring lasting peace, prosperity and justice for all human beings everywhere. Psalm 72 paints a vivid picture of the rule of the Messiah: “Give the king Your judgments, O God, and Your righteousness to the king’s Son. He will judge Your people with righteousness, and Your poor with justice. The mountains will bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness. He will bring justice to the poor of the people; He will save the children of the needy, and will break in pieces the oppressor…. In His days the righteous shall flourish, and abundance of peace, until the moon is no more…. Yes, all kings shall fall down before Him; all nations shall serve Him. For He will deliver the needy when he cries, the poor also, and him who has no helper. He will spare the poor and needy, and will save the souls of the needy. He will redeem their life from oppression and violence; and precious shall be their blood in His sight” (Psalm 72:1-4, 7, 11-14).
Do you, personally, wish to genuinely help and serve the hundreds of millions of fellow human beings who will certainly be “hurting,” starving, diseased and in despair by the time Jesus Christ returns? Would you like to assist these confused and suffering people to learn the “way of God ” revealed in the Bible?
Dear brethren and friends, this very Work is solidly built on the foundation of that very way of life! For we are earnestly teaching you—and millions of others all over the world—about the laws of God, the Government of God and the awesome power of the great God we serve. And we are heartfeltly warning our peoples about the soon-coming Great Tribulation and the need to truly repent of sin and turn to the true God and His ways (Ezekiel 33:1-7).
As a member or co-worker with Christ, you are part of what God may consider to be “the most important activity on this earth today.” Jesus Christ commanded, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
Your earnest Bible study, your fervent prayers, your generous support of the Work which the living Christ is using to proclaim His Truth and to teach increasing thousands of people to actually practice His Government and so prepare themselves for “kingship” in the coming Government of God—all of this results in you, personally, “laying up treasure” in heaven. And it should give you a sense of meaning and purpose for your entire life. It should permeate your thoughts, your hopes and dreams, your speech and every part of your life as you grow, through God’s help, to become more like Jesus Christ in every way. May God help each of you to understand and to become more involved in seeking first the Kingdom of God.
With Christian love,
Roderick C. Meredith