Greetings from Charlotte,
This week we completed a very positive and productive three-day Council of Elders meeting. Regional Directors and Regional Pastors gave reports about the growth of the Work and issues facing the Church in their areas. Mr. Meredith began the meetings emphasizing the importance of staying close to God and being faithful to God's Truth and loyal to God's established leadership. He then led discussions about a number of doctrinal issues and how to do the Work more effectively. Dr. Germano provided an update on Living University, and we discussed future plans for Tomorrow's World Presentations, next year's Feast of Tabernacles and future manpower needs. Mr. Meredith concluded the meetings with comments about preparing God's people for His Kingdom. We were very grateful for the strong sense of unity and purpose that pervaded the meetings. Last week's Tomorrow's World telecast, entitled "Revelation Unveiled," by Mr. Rod King is expected to draw more than 6,000 responses. The Tomorrow's World Presentations last weekend in Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa, Florida and Bangor, Maine drew 182 visitors. Mr. John Strain will conduct follow-up presentations this weekend in Florida on the subject of "Where Is the Church Christ Built?" Your prayers for these efforts to preach the Gospel and for God's people are greatly appreciated.—DSW
Church Administration
Tomorrow's World Special Presentations
Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa, Florida: The congregations in South Florida hosted two Tomorrow's World Special Presentations this past weekend. The presentation in Ft. Lauderdale on the Sabbath of November 10 was attended by 94 brethren and 75 guests. Tampa, on Sunday, November 11, was host to 33 members and 70 guests, making a total of 145 guests who heard Dr. Douglas Winnail's presentation on "The Gathering Storm." The strong message provided a clarion warning about the end of the age, and to those who are willing to listen, it was a sobering challenge to prove these truths for themselves and then make the necessary changes in their lives. Many of the guests in both cities said they would be returning this coming weekend for the follow-up presentation, "Where Is the Church Christ Built?," and several of the attendees inquired about attending Sabbath services. The brethren in both congregations were also stirred and inspired by the presentations. We look forward to the coming weekend, hopeful that these TWSPs will bear fruit in the coming weeks and months.—John Strain
Bangor, Maine: Our TWSP in Bangor went extremely well. Mr. Jonathan McNair did a wonderful job explaining to the large and friendly group who responded to their invitation all about the "Gathering Storm" and the troubling times ahead. Our attendance was an astounding 52, which consisted of 15 members and 37 new people. Ten others who planned to come and could not make it, will very possibly contact us later. This number is extremely good for a state like Maine, which has a small population, especially around the Bangor area. One person stated, "This has to be 2 percent of the whole population of Maine!" Mr. McNair warmed up to them early and had them laughing right from the beginning. People from Maine love this, and he made a big hit with them. Upon leaving, many of them said they wanted to hear more and requested my business card, the location and time of Sabbath services, etc. This was a very warm group and they appreciated the message and the speaker immensely!—Jim Arnaldo
An Inspiring Visit to India
On Thursday, 23 August, I flew from Kolkata to Imphal in northeast India. I held two days of Bible Studies—Friday and Monday—with around 30 in attendance and covered such topics as: The Kingdom of God, Born Again, The Great Tribulation and The Place of Safety. The members were very excited about having the Truth explained to them. It was inspiring to see the obvious changes they have made. They have truly grown in understanding of the Truth and in unlearning many of their past wrong beliefs. On the Sabbath, 25 August, we had a morning service and I spoke about The Plan of Salvation (the seven festivals from Passover to the Last Great Day). I spoke for more than two hours, explaining the meaning of every festival. The brethren were very inspired and encouraged. In the afternoon I spent a few hours counseling several people for baptism. We had three baptisms the next day at the Royal Ambassadors Academy Campus in a stream down in the jungle near the Campus which was the site for the 2012 Feast. It was quite an experience as the stream was full of rocks and stones, but it was still a joyful day for all 42 who witnessed the occasion. God is surely adding more and more members to His body, the Church.
One of the members recently met a lady who told her that she has been keeping the Sabbath and God's Feasts for the past 22 years. Her brothers and some others in her village also keep them. They call themselves, "The Church of God." They had correspondence with an organization in Jerusalem in the beginning but after a while the authority of that church was transferred to the Pope so they severed ties and continued alone. It has now been more than 20 years. The number of believers has grown slowly amidst ridicule and threats. Now there are around 120 believers scattered across different villages who keep God's laws and Feasts by themselves. The biggest group is in her village. This lady was very excited to learn of the Living Church of God. The following day the lady brought her brother to meet our member at her residence. The man was equally thrilled. He had come to Imphal from his village for some work and was to return the same day. But when he heard about our Church, he cancelled his bus ticket and came to meet our member.
In conclusion, I believe God's Spirit has been working with our brethren in India and we hope more members will be added to the Church of God.—Rajan Moses
20th Anniversary Celebration in Charlotte (Must Read)
The 20th Anniversary Celebration in Charlotte is now only five weeks away! We really need everyone planning to attend this event to REGISTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. To register for the various activities you plan to participate in and for activity payment instructions, go to your MyLCG page on the www.cogl.org Web site. If you do not have Internet access, your local Festival Advisor may register for you beginning early next week. (Festival Advisors, please note that you can register members the same way you did for the Feast of Tabernacles. However, this function will probably not be available until early next week.)
A special group rate of $89 has been negotiated at the host hotel, the Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel. This rate includes a full buffet breakfast for two adults. Reservations may be made at https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=10296231, the hotel's Passkey Web site. You may also make reservations by calling the hotel directly at 704-357-1414 and identifying yourself as being with the Living Church of God.
For those of you planning to play in the basketball or volleyball tournaments, please get your teams together and complete the online registration by Monday, December 3. Please note that all teams must have a minimum of seven players and that the basketball tournament is being limited to a maximum of eight teams. There will be a fee of $25 per team (basketball only) to help pay for the referees. We will also have free play courts available for anyone not on a team. Please see our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LcgCharlotteWinterWeekend/events, for more information and updates. If you are looking for teammates or roommates, you may post your request on the Facebook page.
For those of you planning to participate in the indoor climbing activity at Inner Peaks Climbing Center on Monday afternoon, you must complete their online liability waiver at http://innerpeaks.com/e-waiver as well as the Church's Participation Agreement, prior to the event. Those under 18 will need a parent or legal guardian's signature before they can participate. Please note: Those with bad backs or other similar injuries should not participate due to the strenuous and jarring nature of the activity.
We hope many of you can join us for a "December to Remember"!—Jim Meredith
Kansas City Family Weekend – Repeat Announcement
Registration for the Kansas City Weekend is going well. We appreciate all those who've signed up and paid their registration already! If you haven't already done so, please visit the event Web site at lcgkc.org/kcweekend* to register for the weekend, view event locations and find housing information. We are asking each person to pay $10, up to $40 per family. Details for payment, including PayPal options, are on the Web site. If you cannot afford the cost, please come anyway!
The theme for this year's fun show and dance is "Through the Ages." Dress up in your favorite fashions of a decade in the 20th century. Please try to stay within the styles that would have been worn by CHURCH BRETHREN, i.e. modest and tasteful, and not wear the flashy or grungy clothing of the counter-culture.
For entertainment before the dance, the "Through the Ages" Radio Show will "broadcast" timeless songs, skits and fun for all ages. We are looking for participants for the radio show. If you can sing, play, or perform a skit from a period of the last 110 years, please visit the Web site and click "Fun Show" to sign up.
There will be basketball, volleyball and a fitness class on Sunday as well as children's games, and plenty of time and space for fellowshipping and other activities. Team sign-up is available on the Web site. You must be registered for the weekend to sign up for the Sunday activities. Every team is guaranteed to play a minimum 3 games. The tournaments will follow similar formats as in the past. However, volleyball will be separated into two distinct tournaments; one will be for recreational teams and the other for those who play more regularly (or competitive) teams. The format of the basketball tournament will be determined by how many teams sign-up. Like last year, we are hiring referees, so we'll be charging a set fee to each basketball team to offset that cost.
You can "Like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lcgkcweekend ** or request to follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/lcgkcweekend ** for more up-to-the-minute updates. If you do not have Internet access and would like more information on the weekend, please call Michael Keesee at 816-847-5635. We look forward to seeing you soon!—Michael Keesee
* not an official Church Web site
** not an official Church social media page
Living Youth Programs
Teen Bible Study—Sunday Evening
This Sunday evening the topic is "Phinehas: Sharing God's Zeal," presented by Mr. Wallace Smith. The chat room is open at 6:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) and the Bible Study runs from 7:00-8:00 p.m. You can access this Bible Study at http://www.livingyouth.org.
Living University
Living University – Registration for Second Semester
Registration for second semester classes is now underway. Classes will begin January 16 and students may register anytime between now and January 16. For those who have never taken a Living University course, you will need to enroll in the University first, and then register for your selected course. The following are brief descriptions of several courses being offered next semester. A complete listing of "Spring Semester" courses (spring in the northern hemisphere), can also be viewed on the Living University Web site under the link "2013 Spring 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 704-708-2294 or [email protected].
THL 110a – Bible Study Course. This version of the Bible Study Course (BSC) is online and includes lectures on related topics and additional readings. It will be more "in depth" than the paper-pencil or online version of the Bible Study Course, but it will use the original course as its backbone. The course is tuition-free to those who enroll – the only cost is the technology fee. This two-semester course serves as an introduction to the Bible, its message, and its implications for successful Christian life in today's world.
THL 135 – Life, Ministry and Teachings of Jesus. This course is one of LU's foundational courses in theology, and covers the life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus Christ as presented in the four gospels, taking a "harmony of the gospels" approach to the subject. It covers the gospels in far more detail than is possible in our traditional Sabbath services. The gospels are analyzed from the context of the social, political, and religious conditions of the first century. Students will spend time reviewing the background, purpose, message, and themes of the gospels and the significance of Jesus Christ in the first century and beyond. The lecture core of this course is a series of recorded lectures presented by Dr. Roderick Meredith.
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 a prerequisite for taking the Epistles of Paul courses.
Comments
Modern Skeptics: The Apostle Peter warned that in the last days, "scoffers will come" who will ridicule biblical ideas such as Jesus' promise to return (2 Peter 3:3-4). Today these skeptics are publishing derisive books with titles such as The God Delusion and God is Not Great. Secular scholars and even theologians openly assert that there are no "absolute" values of right or wrong, that biblical prohibitions can be ignored and that biblically condemned behaviors are now acceptable. These modern teachers are nurturing an attitude of disrespect for authority and those in authority, as everyone is encouraged to "do your own thing." We need to be careful that these critical and skeptical attitudes of society do not seep into our lives and spill over into the Church of God. Peter also warned that false teachers would come who will "despise authority" because they are presumptuous and self-willed (2 Peter 2:1, 10). However, the Apostle Paul urged Christians to respect authority and be subject to governments because God is the Author of structure and organization (Romans 13:1-2). Questioning, criticizing and disrespecting authority lead to confusion and chaos—which is not God's way (1 Corinthians 14:33). We need to be on guard against the fruits that arise from modern skeptics.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—November 15, 2012
America's Decline: A leading German news magazine recently published a cover article about the sad state of affairs in America (Der Spiegel, November 5, 2012). This sobering article, entitled "Notes on the Decline of a Great Nation," cites numerous reasons for America's decline. "The United States is frittering away its role as a model for the rest of the world. The political system is plagued by an absurd level of hatred, the economy is stagnating and the infrastructure is falling into a miserable state of disrepair. On this election eve, many Americans are losing faith in their country's future" (ibid.). The Germany-based writers mention many "signs that America is no longer the great, robust global power it once was" (ibid.). The authors point out that "America has transformed itself into a land of limited opportunities," while the nation "still refuses to engage in any debate over the reasons for its decline." They state further that America "risks losing its way in a changing world" (ibid.). Long ago, God promised Abraham that if he obeyed God's laws and instructions, his descendants would be blessed and become a blessing to the nations of the earth (Genesis 22:16-18). This is why the modern Israelite nations have been so incredibly blessed. However, God warned the Israelites that they would be punished and lose their blessings if they turned away from Him and His laws (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28). In his seventeenth century analysis of Democracy in America, French philosopher and writer Alexis de Tocqueville recognized that the strength of the young American nation was related to the Christian principles that permeated its society. Yet, today, America has forgotten and moved away from those vital fundamental principles. The resulting moral decline lies at the root of its national decline. The real key to America's future is not monetary policy, political bipartisanship, or changes in foreign policy, but a return to the biblical values that made America great in the first place. Sadly, until and unless that happens, America's moral slide and national decline will continue. For more information on the future of the former "great powers," be sure to review our eye-opening booklet, The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy.
Europe in Prophecy: Two thousand years ago, Jesus forewarned His disciples that certain events would occur just before His return to this earth at the end of the age (Matthew 24:3-13). About 70 years later, the Apostle John recorded a vision of a woman riding a beast, picturing a future church-influenced governmental system that would arise in the last days and influence not only Europe but the world (Revelation 17). While John was undoubtedly familiar with the legend from Greek mythology about the Phoenician princess, Europa, who was deceived and abducted by Zeus who was disguised as a bull, John was actually describing a future prophetic event that would indicate the return of Jesus Christ was near. Nineteen centuries after John recorded this vision, the creators of the European Union adopted the image of a woman riding a beast as a symbolic representation of their effort to unite the nations of Europe. To commemorate this effort, sculptures of a woman (Europa—for whom Europe is named) riding a beast have been placed near EU buildings in Brussels and Strasbourg. Beginning in May of 2013, the image of Europa will begin to appear on euro banknotes—replacing innocuous pictures of windows and doors that were designed not to offend national sensibilities. Announcing the coming change, Mario Draghi, chief of the European Central Bank, stated, "Is there any better figure than Europa to serve as the new face of the euro?" (euobserver.com, November 9, 2012). As the ancient prophecies in the book of Revelation come alive today in Europe, we need to remember Jesus' warning that His return would be near!—Scott Winnail and Deborah Lincoln-Strange