Greetings from Charlotte,
Numerous Bible prophecies (Luke 21:20-21; Zechariah 12:2-3; 14:1-2; Ezekiel 5) indicate that Jerusalem and much of the Middle East will become the focal point of violent confrontations as we approach the end of this age. The recent stabbings and killings in the Old City of Jerusalem, and the growing strife around the Temple Mount are in line with these prophecies. As the Middle East edges closer to open religious war, the vicious actions of Muslim terrorists are also generating violent anti-Muslim demonstrations in European countries where many Muslims have migrated. The Apostle Paul's comment in 2 Timothy 3:1, "in the last days perilous times will come" certainly rings true today. Here in Charlotte, Dr. Meredith has held a number of discussions this week about using the media to increase the impact the Church's effort to preach the Gospel and warn this world of coming events. We are reviewing Feast reports and working on plans for next year. We are also reviewing articles for the January-February Living Church News. I would like to report that the health of Mr. Harold Way (Minister in the San Francisco Bay Area) and Mr. Jock Bennie (Elder in Durban, South Africa) is improving. Your prayers for all these activities and for God's people around the world are needed and appreciated.—DSW
Church Administration
Charlotte Family Weekend Update—Must Read
Online registration for the Charlotte Family Weekend (December 24-28) is now open. For more detailed information and to register, go to your MyLCG page on the www.cogl.org Web site. We need everyone to register for the various activities you plan to participate in as soon as possible. (If you do not have computer access, your local Festival Advisor may register for you.) A special group rate of $94 has been negotiated at the host hotel, the Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel. This rate includes a full buffet breakfast for two adults. Please note that there is a AAA and senior rate of $84 available online, but it does not include the breakfast buffet that costs $14 per person. The hotel suites can comfortably accommodate up to six persons in beds with two double beds in the bedroom and a fold out couch in the living room. You may make reservations by using the hotel's Passkey Web site at https://resweb.passkey.com/go/LivingChurchofGod2014 or by calling 877-212-5752 and mentioning the Living Church of God. There is a limited amount of housing in Church members' homes for out of town guests that cannot afford to stay at the hotel. If you need to stay in member's homes in order to attend the event, please contact me at [email protected]. For those planning to play in the basketball or volleyball tournaments, please get your teams together now. We need all teams to register online as soon as possible. Please note that all teams must have a minimum of seven players and we are limiting the basketball tournament to a maximum of eight teams due to space and time limitations. There will be a fee of $30 per team (basketball only) to help pay for the hired referees. We will also have free play courts available for anyone not on a team. Please go to our Facebook page www.facebook.com/LcgCharlotteWinterWeekend to find updated information on this year's event and pictures from last year's. We hope many of you can join us for a weekend of spiritual rejuvenation, fun, food, and fellowship!—Jim Meredith
Living Youth Program
Online Teen Bible Study
The online Teen Bible Study for Friday evening, November 28, was cancelled because of Thanksgiving weekend. The next online Teen Bible Study, on December 5, will be on "The United States and Britain in Prophecy, Part 4," presented by Mr. Sheldon Monson. If you haven't had the opportunity to join us for one of the online Bible Studies yet, we encourage you to do so. It is a wonderful way to start the Sabbath day.
The Bible Study runs from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. (EST) and the chat room will be open for one half hour before and after the study. You can access this Bible Study at www.livingyouth.org. We hope as many of our youth as possible will join us for this opportunity for godly fellowship and learning. For those of you who are unable to make it to the study, archives of previous Living Youth Bible Studies can be found on the Living Youth Web site.
Finance Department
Paperless System—Repeat Announcement
Greetings! The Finance Department is in the process of moving to a paperless system. A big part of this process is having all requests for reimbursements, including MINEXs and hall rentals, scanned and e-mailed to us. If you would like to participate, please e-mail Lanna or Haley ([email protected] or [email protected]) for detailed instructions. This method will save the Work money and valuable time and should speed up considerably the reimbursement process.—Jerry Ruddlesden
Living University
Living University—Registration for Second Semester
Registration for second semester classes is now underway! The Spring Semester (fall in the Southern hemisphere) will begin on Wednesday, January 14 and you may register anytime between now and January 14. Those who have never taken a Living University course will need to enroll in the University first, and then register for your selected course(s). This semester, along with many of our traditionally offered spring classes, we will be offering four completely new courses. Watch for these in the weeks to come. The following are brief descriptions of several courses being offered next semester. A complete listing of second semester courses can also be viewed on the Living University Web site under the link "Spring 2015 Schedule." To make application to Living University, to register for courses, and to find out more, please visit the www.livinguniv.com Web site. For additional information, please contact Mrs. Michelle Broussard at [email protected] or 704-708-2294. Note that the earlier students register and purchase textbooks, the better the prices they may find for the textbooks.
THL 212—Old Testament Survey II
This second-semester course deals with the Latter Prophets, including Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel and the "minor" prophets. The prophecies of these books are discussed along with the background, content, structure, geography, teachings and basic meaning of each book as well as outstanding people and events.
NEW! MATH 162—Finite Mathematics
The first half of the course will focus on linear algebra: solving systems of linear equations, matrix operations, and linear programming. The second half will focus on basic ideas in sets and counting, probability and statistics. The emphasis will be on solving problems by translating real situations and data into mathematical language. This course is needed for both the associate and bachelor degrees.
PHED 327—Working with Christian Youth
This course deals with developing, organizing, and coordinating church youth programs. In this course we emphasize the development of Christian values in youth and adolescents. Topics covered include preventing and dealing with addictions, motivating youth, working with "boys" and working with "girls," developing friendships, dating, and issues that parents must consider when raising their teenage children. By the end of the semester, students should be able to organize and coordinate a youth program in a local congregation.
Comments
What Are You Thankful For? Today, we live in a world where many people are obsessed with "getting our rights"—getting what they feel they are entitled to or what someone else owes them! Yet, the Scriptures emphasize the importance of being thankful for what God provides (Psalm 95:2; 100:4). The Apostle Paul encourages Christians to develop the attitude of "giving thanks always for all things to God" (Ephesians 5:20), for the gift of salvation (2 Corinthians 9:15), for our role in God's Work (1 Timothy 1:12), and for those whom God calls to His Truth (Romans 1:8). Paul mentions that prayerful requests should be made with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). James states that we should even be grateful for trials that help us grow (James 1:2-4). However, Paul warns that unthankfulness—especially for the opportunity to know the true God and His Truth—is a trait of the unrighteous (Romans 1:18-21). When was the last time you took time to sit down and make a list of what you have to be thankful for—and then expressed thanks directly to your Creator? This Sabbath would be a good time to make that list!
Have a profitable and pleasant Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy— November 26, 2014
Germany—The World's Favorite Country: "Germany, it appears, is the most respected country in the world. According to the Nation Brands Index, Germany deposed the hitherto reigning champion [for five years], the Unites (sic) States" (Reuters, November 17, 2014). "People around the world now have more positive perceptions of Germany than of 49 other developed and developing countries, according to the annual NBISM study. The study measures global perceptions of each country, based on twenty-three different attributes that make up the six overall dimensions on which national image is based: exports, governance, culture, people, tourism and immigration/investment. For the 2014 study, a total of 20,125 interviews were conducted across 20 countries" (GFK, November 12, 2014). "Germany appears to have benefited… by solidifying its perceived leadership in Europe through a robust economy and steady political stewardship." This has occurred while the perceived role of the U.S. in "global peace and security" has dropped significantly (ibid.). The findings of this recent poll are interesting in light of Bible prophecies that reveal that at the time of the end, it is Germany, not the U.S., that will lead the world for a short time—as the head of a European Beast power or "king of the North" (see Daniel 11; Isaiah 10; Revelation 13:1-8; 17:12-14). The Bible indicates that Germany's reputation and power will continue to rise at the end of the age. For more on this, read our article, "Why Is Germany Rising?"
Neo-Nazis and Football Hooligans Unite: "The riots in Cologne at the end of October show there is a new danger on Germany's extremist right. Neo-Nazis and football hooligans have teamed up to go after Islamist Salafists"—right under the noses of the German government and law enforcement (Der Spiegel, November 4, 2014). The aim of the group "Hooligans gegen Salafisten" or "Hogesa" [Hooligans against Salafists] is not only to push Muslims out of Europe, but to "destroy all of Islam." In the Cologne fiasco, officials expected about 1,500 demonstrators and ended up with 4,800. The neo-Nazi political party NPD is working to capitalize on the rise of this "not-so-fringe" group (ibid.). The actions of Germany's extremist right could spawn a violent reaction to the so-called "Miracle of Cologne." One Muslim stated on an influential Salafist Web site: "I would have cut the throats of each and every one of them" (ibid.). Bible prophecy reveals a tug-of-war between the end time "king of the South" and the "king of the North" or Beast power (Daniel 11:40). Prophecy also indicates that this European Beast power, likely led by Germany, will eventually retaliate powerfully against the Muslim "king of the south" (Daniel 11:40-43). The growing anti-Islamic sentiment developing throughout Europe (and within Germany) could trigger important end-time prophecies. For more on this topic, read our insightful article "An Islamic Europe?"
Egypt to Lead in the Holy Land? In a recent interview with Al-Ahram, Egyptian president al-Sisi commented "We are ready to send military forces into a Palestinian state… We would help the local police and reassure the Israelis through our role as guarantor. Not forever, of course but for the time necessary to re-establish confidence. But first a Palestinian state must exist where troops can be sent to" (Israel National News, November 24, 2014). Al-Sisi was reacting to the lack of progress in the Arab-Israeli conflict, the need for stability in the region and to assist a Palestinian Authority that is unable to stabilize its own people. He also suggested this option would encourage creating a Palestinian state. Whether or not Egypt will send troops to stabilize the Palestinian situation remains to be seen. However, the fact that Egypt is ready to take a leadership position in the Holy Land is significant. The Bible speaks of a "king of the South" that will eventually "come to the table" and create a short-term peace with the European "king of the North" (Daniel 11:21-28; Psalm 83:5-8). This king of the south represents a coalition of Arab nations led by a strong political or religious leader and country. It remains to be seen if the offer by Egypt's president al-Sisi might fulfill that future role. This is a situation to watch. For more information on the future of the Muslim world, read "An Islamic Wind?"—Scott Winnail, Chris Sookdeo and Francine Prater