Greetings Everyone:
I hope all is going well where you are.
We just ended four full days of meetings of the Council of Elders this week. Thank you for your prayers and support of the Church leadership, brethren. The unanimous consensus of the Council members is that there was a spirit of complete harmony and unity in the Council. In such an environment much work can be accomplished-and was accomplished-in a very short period of time.
The Council of Elders is mandated to meet at least three times each year. While Mr. Meredith may call a special meeting of the Council via tele conference when urgent matters arise, a highlight of our conferences is, as one member phrased it, "not only the work accomplished but by the pleasure of being together again. The deep love and camaraderie shared by the men on the Council is very evident and deeply appreciated."
In the meetings Mr. Meredith (presiding) introduced each agenda item and solicited comments and input from every member. Where there was a difference of opinion, it was fully explored and either resolved or a decision deferred until further information is available. The value of Council meetings is defined in the Proverbs: "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety (Proverbs 11:14). And, "Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are established" (Proverbs 15:22).
The Council of Elders for Living Church of God was established to advise and assist the Presiding Evangelist on administrative and doctrinal issues. The Living Church of God government is hierarchical, not congregational. In the Church, there are ADMINISTRATIVE decisions that the Church leader must make for the whole body-and once those decisions are rendered it is the duty of the ministry to implement them as effectively as possible. Doctrinal decisions are also made for the whole Church, to keep us walking together harmoniously. The Presiding Evangelist, with counsel from the Council of Elders during these and other meetings, makes decisions for the whole body and it is the duty of the ministry to teach those doctrines in faith that God has guided the leadership (see I Timothy 4:1-13).
ANNOUNCEMENT
The Louisiana congregations of the Living Church of God will be hosting a "Louisiana Family Weekend" - three full days of activities - December 22-23-24. For some good, old-fashioned family fun, come join us at Chicot Lake State Park, approximately 20 miles south of Alexandria, La.
ANNUAL TAHOE SINGLES WEEKEND:This is a follow-up announcement regarding the Lake Tahoe singles weekend on December 21-24, hosted by the Reno congregation. If you are a single in the Living Church of God and interested in attending this weekend of skiing and fellowship, please contact Rod McNair right away. You can get all the cost information and obtain an application by writing to [email protected] or calling 530-822-0530. Full payment for the weekend is due November 25, so hurry!
CONCLUSION
Unfortunately, in the scattered fragments of the former Worldwide Church of God, there is a cacophony of voices proclaiming major and minor differences of opinion and "wind of doctrine." Many of those voices have no credibility when their personal example of living is known-but reading their critiques on doctrine does not always show their personal history of disobedience to God's Law. Some fit the example of those Paul said would arise: "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears" (Acts 20:28-31).
Also, the Apostle Paul's command to Timothy is very appropriate to the ordained ministry and to those who assume the office of a teacher:
"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; 2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. 5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. 8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust" (I Timothy 1:1-11).
Many of us have heard Mr. Armstrong speak of his mother's favorite Psalm-which is probably a favorite of any mother of a large family!
"A Song of degrees of David: Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore." (Psalms 133:1-3)
There was once a family with a number of growing boys that lived in a northern state within the United States. A point of contention developed between two of the boys, and when they began to "scuffle" in the house their father said, "if you boys have to wrestle, take it outside in the yard." Now, outside on the lawn was about two feet of snow-and it was about -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The boys thought it would be great to wrestle in the snow! Wallowing in snow at -20 below zero will cause one to forget minor issues of contention, and in about five minutes they were very anxious to re-enter the house and huddle together before the warm fireplace. I remember it well!
Have a great Sabbath!
Carl E. McNair