Weekly Update

Greetings from Charlotte,

As most of you can imagine, there has been much activity here in Charlotte following the death of Dr. Meredith and preparing for the funeral. Last week I wrote a co-worker letter and plan to have a member letter out shortly. I learned of the death of Dr. Meredith after arriving in Canada, where I was to attend a wedding and record four Tomorrow's World telecasts that meet Canadian Content rules. I also gave the sermon on the Sabbath and conducted an Internet all-employee meeting for our staff in Charlotte as well as those in Canada. I did not like being away during such a critical time, but it was a good exercise to see how everyone would react under such circumstances, and no one disappointed us. We were able to communicate electronically, and staff stepped up to the plate to prepare for a very busy weekend. Meanwhile, Mr. Mario Hernandez was in Cuba visiting interested folks, and several other ministers were speaking in other congregations. On Thursday of this week, Mr. Ames, Dr. Winnail, and I held an hour-long video conference over the Internet with over 200 ministers and wives around the world. During the meeting, we discussed the importance of holding on to the biblical truths that Mr. Armstrong and Dr. Meredith have emphasized, and the challenge of fulfilling our mission of preaching the Gospel, warning the world of a coming judgment, and caring for God's people in a rapidly changing world.—Gerald Weston

Church Administration

Funeral Arrangements for Dr. Roderick C. Meredith

Viewing: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., Sunday, May 28

Heritage Funeral Home at Forest Lawn Cemetery

3700 Forest Lawn Drive

Matthews, NC  28104

Funeral and Reception: 1:00 p.m., Sunday, May 28

Weddington High School

4901 Monroe-Weddington Road

Matthews, NC  28104

Internment: Private at graveside

Living Youth Program

LYP Camp Applications Deadlines—Repeat Announcement

< >Texas Teen Camp – Camper applications must be in by the May 31.North Carolina Preteen Camp – Camper applications must be in by June 1.Missouri Preteen Camp – Camper and staff applications must be in by June 1.

Comments

Be Thankful for the Truth: The Sabbath is a good time to reflect on an important question: Are you thankful for the Truth? If you are a lifelong member or if you grew up in the Church, it is easy to take the Truth for granted. Yet, Jesus said that no one can come to a real understanding of the Truth unless they are called and their minds have been opened (John 6:44). The capacity to understand the plan of God, the purpose of life, and the true way of life is a gift that God is making available to only a few at this time (1 Corinthians 1:26-27). These precious truths are a mystery to the world (1 Corinthians 2:7-8) because Satan—"the god of this age"—has blinded the eyes of most people (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). Jesus stressed that it is a great privilege to be given an understanding of the Truth of God (Matthew 13:10-17). The Apostle Paul said that to be called out of darkness into the light of the Truth is something to be extremely thankful for (Ephesians 5:8-20). Even Solomon wrote, "Buy the truth, and do not sell it" (Proverbs 23:23). Paul warned that when people let go of or reject the Truth, they will embrace faulty ideas generated by human reason—and that will bring serious consequences (Romans 1:18-32). Let's never forget to be thankful for the opportunity to understand the Truth of God that "endures to all generations" (Psalm 100:1-5).

Have a profitable Sabbath,

Douglas S. Winnail

News and Prophecy—May 25, 2017

A Muslim–Christian Clash Coming? According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, "Muslims are projected to be the world's fastest-growing major religious group in the decades ahead" (PewForum.org, April 5, 2017). The study indicates that births to families which identify as Muslim are projected to surpass births of those who identify as Christian, especially in Europe. It also notes that the number of atheists and religiously non-affiliated are expected to decrease compared to both groups, which will reduce the influence of the nonreligious on the world scene and heighten the impact of religious views on world events. Respected scholar Samuel Huntington wrote in his seminal work The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order that 1,400 years of history have demonstrated a "stormy relationship" between the various varieties of "Christianity" and the Muslim world (p. 209). He also observed "increasing contact between and intermingling of Muslims and Westerners stimulate in each a new sense of their own identity and how it differs from that of the other. Interaction and intermingling also exacerbate differences" (p. 211). Bible prophecy has long foretold an end-time conflict between a "king of the North" that will arise in Europe and a "king of the South" that will emerge in the Middle East (Daniel 11:40-43). It has become apparent that this is a conflict between "Christianity" and Islam. Jesus warned repeatedly that we should "watch" world events (Mark 13:29-37) because these prophecies will come to pass (Daniel 2:45; Isaiah 46:8-11). For more insight into these sobering times, read or listen to The Middle East in Prophecy.

Consequences of Corruption: Overshadowed by the fireworks of the Middle East, "The drug war in Mexico was ranked 2016's second deadliest conflict in the world, with only the war in Syria being labelled worse" (IB Times, May 10, 2017). According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, "The death toll in Mexico's conflict surpasses those for Afghanistan and Somalia" (ibid.). These deaths are related to the fact that drug cartels gross between $19-29 billion annually, and those profits are due in great part to the demand for drugs in the USA (ibid.). The widespread corruption among leaders in governments around the world is a key reason why drug cartels are so powerful. The Bible teaches that "If a ruler pays attention to lies, all his servants become wicked" (Proverbs 29:12), but that "A [righteous] king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters all evil with his eyes" (Proverbs 20:8). The deadly conflict in Mexico is only one example of what happens when these basic biblical principles are ignored or forgotten. Scripture reveals that Jesus Christ is going to return to the earth and establish righteous government for all nations, and that when the righteous rule, "the people rejoice" (Proverbs 29:2).  To learn more about this exciting change, read our commentary "When Satan Is Bound for 1,000 Years."

British School Could Be "Cutting Edge": The Independent reports that the prestigious Highgate School north of London may adopt a "gender neutral" dress code allowing boys to wear pleated skirts "in response to growing numbers of children questioning their gender" (May 14, 2017). According to the article, the school headmaster said, "If they feel happier and more secure in who they are, it must be a good thing," and the school may also create unisex toilets, allow boys and girls to participate in all sports, and eliminate the use of gender specific terms like "man up." Just 20 years ago, today's societal actions would have been considered lunacy—and the prophet Isaiah would be in total agreement! Isaiah foresaw conditions in Israelite nations at the end of the age: "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faints" (Isaiah 1:5). Jeremiah also prophesied, "you have done worse than your fathers, for behold, each one follows the dictates of his own evil heart, so that no one listens to Me" (Jeremiah 16:12). He also observed that these people rejoice in doing evil (Jeremiah 11:15). When the Bible's moral principles are rejected, there is no longer a source for truth—and everyone does what is right in his own eyes (Deuteronomy 12:8). This morally confused world will again learn a godly path when Christ returns with His Kingdom! For more insight into why biblical morals are being destroyed, read or listen to Who or What Is the Antichrist?—Scott Winnail and Francine Prater