Greetings from Charlotte,
This has been a busy week for the Television Department. Mr. Meredith and Mr. Ames both taped new Tomorrow's World programs, titled "Answered Prayer" and "Space Wars Ahead?" Mr. Rod King arrived in Charlotte yesterday and is taping a program today, titled "Reaping the Whirlwind." We also had several individuals from a media company tour the office and television studio. Mr. Meredith and our executive team have been preparing for the Council of Elders meetings that will be held here in Charlotte next week. Last weekend the Tomorrow's World program began airing over KASW in Phoenix, Arizona, and Mr. King gave two Tomorrow's World Special Presentations in the UK that drew 24 guests in Birmingham and 30 guests in Chester. More than 40 guests attended the TWSP by Dr. Douglas Winnail last weekend in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Mr. Rodger Bardo will be giving a follow-up presentation this weekend in Albuquerque. Registration for the spring semester of Living University classes will begin next Monday, November 15 (see announcement below). Please pray that God will guide the Council meetings next week and protect everyone who will be traveling to these meetings.
Church Administration
Warning: Scam Phone Calls and E-mails
We have been notified by members and several of our international offices that individuals have received phone calls to the effect that someone they know (usually in the Church or in their family) is either in jail or in the hospital or has had some sort of emergency and is in need of immediate cash—and that they would like the person who is being contacted to send money to a certain address. This is a scam attempt to extort money. Before even considering sending money to anyone, please check with the person or someone else who is familiar with the person—also notify your minister and other family members.
Update on Mr. Dibar Apartian and Mr. Wayne Pyle
Mr. Apartian has been moved to a local hospital where he is being treated for dehydration and anemia. Mr. Apartian is in good spirits, but has stated that he is very tired. Mr. Pyle is also in the hospital being treated for a blood clot in his leg; he is being released this evening. He appears to be making progress, and states that "the food is pretty good!" Your prayers for both men and their families will be appreciated.
Tomorrow's World Special Presentation in Albuquerque
On November 6, 2010, Dr. Douglas Winnail visited the Albuquerque, New Mexico congregation to speak on the Sabbath and make a TWSP. In the morning sermon, titled "Building Greater Faith," Dr. Winnail explained how God has intervened repeatedly to guide the course of history as He works out His plan on this earth. On Saturday afternoon, the congregation doubled as more than 40 new people came to see and hear the PowerPoint presentation "What's Ahead for America?" There were numerous positive comments, and many stayed to discuss questions after the presentation. The TWSP not only provided an opportunity for local members to participate in this effort to preach the Gospel; several visitors were also very excited to learn that Living Church of God services are held regularly in Albuquerque.—Rodger Bardo
Hurricane Tomas Update
On Tuesday, Martinique deacon Joseph Edward received a phone call from our St. Lucia member, Mr. William Raphael, whose phone line had just been reestablished. Mr. Raphael is safe and doing well. Also, all of our brethren in Haiti are doing well after Hurricane Tomas. Thank you for having prayed for all of them, as requested in last week's The World Ahead.
Visit to North East India
Messrs. Bruce Tyler and Rajan Moses just completed a successful visit to a remote part of India where they conducted several Tomorrow's World Special Presentations, Sabbath Services and Bible Studies. Thirty adults were in attendance at each of the three meetings and all expressed their desire to be baptized. This area of India is restricted to travellers and foreigners and special permits are required because of the many insurgent groups who are agitating for independence from India. Even after arriving, travel was not permitted beyond the city limits. A heavy military presence was evident everywhere. Those interested in the Truth had come to learn about us from a former Church member who had never forgotten what he had been taught about God's coming government. This had stayed with him in spite of the demise of our former association. Messrs. Tyler and Moses were encouraged by the zeal of those present and hope to return again in the near future to baptize the people after some further study, prayer and fasting that they requested they do first. Please pray that God will continue to encourage and strengthen these people whom He is calling.—Bruce Tyler
Little Rock Family Weekend
The Little Rock congregation invites you to our "Alpine Family Ski Weekend" costume party and dance January 14, 15 and 16 (Martin Luther King Day Weekend). The weekend will begin with a Friday night Bible Study starting at 7:00 p.m. The next day, Sabbath services start at 2:30 p.m., followed by dinner and then a costume dance and movie night! Dress in your best "Alpine ski outfit!" Also, Polar Bears, Penguins, Seals, and other snow animals are welcome! Brunch will be provided Sunday morning, followed by more fellowship and activities. All events will be held at the Sherwood hall located at 8019 Highway 107, Sherwood, Arkansas and some local housing is available. A donation of $10 per person with a maximum of $30 per family is much appreciated, but is not required, to help defer food costs. Please register for this event at www.lcgarkansas.com (not an official Church website). We look forward to seeing you!—Wyatt Ciesielka
Down on the Farm Weekend
More than 120 brethren from 13 states and the province of Alberta, Canada, participated in the Hoosier Hospitality at the annual "Down on the Farm" weekend hosted by the Knox, Indiana, congregation the last weekend in October. After Sabbath services, brethren enjoyed a cookout and chili supper followed by fellowship around the bonfire, hayrides and games, along with the opportunity to feed some baby calves, watch a couple of big draft horses and enjoy a spectacular view of the stars. Sunday morning's activities featured a tour of the farm's peppermint distillery, tractor rides and more great fellowship. All tour participants received a small bottle of peppermint oil. Many enthusiastic comments were expressed along with plans to return next year. Hope to see y'all next year "Down on the Farm." E-I-E-I-O!—Todd Lawrence
Living University
Registration for next semester's classes will begin this coming Monday, November 15 and continue through mid-January. Second semester classes will begin on Wednesday January 12, 2011. For second semester, we plan to offer the following fourteen courses: Biblically Based Literary Research, Acts and the Writings of Paul, Introduction to Biblical Communication, Old Testament Survey II, Christian Camp Leadership, Christian Leadership, Introduction to Biblical Doctrines, Epistles of Paul II, General Epistles and Revelation, History of Christianity II, Introduction to Biblical Theology, Historical Geography of the Bible Lands, Archaeology and the New Testament, and Ancient Egypt and the Biblical World. We plan to give you additional details about these courses in the weeks ahead. A listing of "Spring Semester" courses (Spring in the northern hemisphere), can also be viewed on the Living University website under the link "2011 Spring Schedule." To make application to Living University, to register for courses, and to find out more, please visit the www.livinguniv.com website. For additional information, please contact Dr. Scott Winnail at [email protected] or 704-708-2292.
THL 112: Biblically Based Literary Research. This course, the second in a series of two, introduces research techniques, documentation styles, and argumentative strategies used in theological writing. Emphasis is placed on analyzing data and incorporating research findings into documented argumentative essays and research projects. Upon completion, students should be able to summarize, paraphrase, interpret, and synthesize information from primary and secondary sources using standard research format and style.
THL 136: Acts and the Writings of Paul. This class focuses on the book of Acts and deals with Paul's life, times, and writings. It includes the background, purpose, message, and themes of Paul's letters; his personal life and character; his companions; and the chronology of the Apostle's life. Emphasis is placed on the spiritual importance of Paul's writings and the issues that Paul dealt with in the early New Testament Church. This exciting course is also needed to take the Epistles of Paul courses.
THL 150: Introduction to Biblical Communication. This course provides a foundation for speaking to religious audiences. Emphasis is on dealing with challenges in effective oral communication through study and experience in analysis, synthesis and presentation of subject matter in biblical communication. Upon completion, students should be able to make clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals and groups, clarify information as needed, and facilitate an open exchange of ideas.
Comments
Pay Attention to Prophecy! Jesus told His disciples to stay alert and watch for the fulfillment of specific prophecies that will mark the approaching end of this age (Matthew 24). He also warned in the parable of the foolish virgins that many will be caught napping and unprepared by the surge of events that will precede the return of Jesus Christ to this earth (Matthew 25:1-13). It is truly amazing how God has given His Church a "more sure word of prophecy" (2 Peter 1:19, KJV) in order to be able to warn this world about the true prophetic significance of both current and impending world events—which is part of the mission of the Church of God (Ezekiel 3 and 33). Yet, it is also instructive to see how misguided teachers have ridiculed the Church's understanding of prophecy and accused members of suffering from "prediction addiction" for being concerned about Bible prophecy. As we see world events building to a prophetic crescendo, let's make sure that we are also building a closer relationship with God and that we are learning to really live by every word of God (Matthew 4:4) so that we are ready when Jesus Christ returns.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—November 11, 2010
Vatican Dismisses Israeli Land-Claim. Two weeks ago, the Vatican Synod of Bishops declared that the Israeli claim to the Holy Land and Jerusalem, as a God-given promise, was not biblically legitimate. Monsignor Bustros declared, "we Christians cannot speak of the 'promised land' as an exclusive right for a privileged Jewish people... There is no longer a chosen people." The Anti-Defamation League immediately responded to the Monsignor's comments as "the worst kind of anti-Judaism, bordering on anti-Semitism" (Jerusalem Post online, October 27, 2010). Although the current Israeli presence in the Holy Land is not the ultimate fulfillment of the Bible prophecies that the modern nation of Israel claims, the Bible clearly demonstrates a time will come when God will bring "all of Israel" to this promised land. However, "all of Israel" involves many more people than the Jewish people. Israel originally consisted of 12 tribes, and it is their descendants that will once again be returned to the Promised Land following the coming great tribulation (Ezekiel 34:11-13, Hosea 3:4-5, Zechariah 8:7-8). They will return from the ends of the earth, from their state of captivity, and return with joyful singing, never to hurt again (Isaiah 35:8-10). At that time, too, God will open up His truth to all nations of the earth, not just the Israelite-descended nations (Joel 2:28-29). For more information on the true identity of Israel, please call, write, or click for our free and eye-opening booklet The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy.
British-French Defense Agreement. Last week, Britain and France reached an historic defense pact. "'Today we open a new chapter in a long history of cooperation on defense and security between Britain and France,' Mr. Cameron said. Mr. Sarkozy said the agreements showed 'a level of trust and confidence between our two nations which is unequalled in history.'" The new pact will allow the two nations to share an aircraft carrier, maintain a rapid-reaction force of some 5,000 troops from each nation, to be commanded by a rotating position between the two nations, as well as to operate joint nuclear facilities in each nation to further analyze the use of the stockpile of nuclear arms housed in each nation. The stated aim of the joint defense initiative is to save money (Telegraph, November 2, 2010; New York Times online, November 2, 2010). Bible prophecy and an understanding of the true identity of the Israelite-descended nations make it clear that Britain and France are actually brothers. These current military actions bear watching in light of the prophesied future of the Israelite-descended nations during the great tribulation. Will greater cooperation between these two nations occur, or will France be pulled further into the core of Europe, as author Christopher Booker suggests (Telegraph, October 23, 2010)? The future promises to be very interesting.
Global Food Prices Continue to Rise. In September, the United Nations called a special meeting to address the global rise in food prices. In July and August alone, worldwide food prices rose 5%. Droughts in Russia's wheat growing region prompted a continuation of its ban on the export of wheat outside Russia. Simultaneously, lower corn yields in the U.S. led to a record-high trading price for corn for the year. Spikes in the prices of wheat, sugar, and oilseed have also been witnessed (Associated Press, September 3, 2010). Producers are now starting to pass on more costs to consumers—costs they were previously absorbing. Growing populations in India and China are also putting an additional strain on global food supplies, as these nations cannot support their own people (Empowerednews.net, November 4, 2010). Recently, the UN noted that 1 billion people worldwide are currently undernourished. God also prophesied that at the end of the age, famines, pestilence, drought, war, and other economic factors would lead to extremely expensive food prices, especially for grains and oil (Matthew 24:6-7; Revelation 6:5-6). Rising food prices and the potential for shortages, although challenging to deal with, are most certainly a significant "sign of the times."—John Meakin, Jim and Sue Bennett, Scott Winnail