Greetings from Charlotte,
In his recent State of the Union address, United States President Obama urged citizens to back his agenda as he proclaimed that America is the strongest and greatest nation on earth. Yet surveys show that a majority of citizens think the country is headed in the wrong direction, and ominous signs are on the horizon as 2016 begins—spiraling debts in the U.S. and Europe, worrisome stock market declines, troubles in China's huge economy, continually dropping oil prices and the global spread of terrorism—bringing to mind Nebuchadnezzar's boast about the wonders of ancient Babylon (Daniel 4:30) which was soon followed by serious consequences. Here in Charlotte, Dr. Meredith has written a new Tomorrow's World article and will be giving the sermon this Sabbath—the 30th anniversary of Mr. Armstrong's death. Mr. Ames has written a co-worker letter and will be speaking in Walterboro this Sabbath. Mr. Wallace Smith and Mr. Rod McNair taped new TW television programs this week, and Living University classes began for 170 students registered from around the world. We are very encouraged to report that Mr. Bruce Tyler is making definite progress after his recent stroke and Mr. Rod King is feeling much better after undergoing radiation treatments. Please continue to pray for God's blessing on His Work and His people around the world.—DSW
Church Administration
Passover 2016—Repeat Announcement
Important Notice to All Pastors: In 2016, the Passover Service will be observed on Thursday evening, April 21. Please let us know as soon as possible if any of the congregations you serve will need additional Passover Service supplies (bread trays and/or wine trays or glasses) or a copy of the Passover Service recording and letter instructions (available in English, French and Spanish). The Passover Service recording is the 2015 recording given by Mr. Ken Frank. To ensure timely delivery and to save on shipping costs, we need this information before February 21 for international congregations, and by March 21 for U.S. congregations.
Also, please let us know of any scattered members who are unable to keep the Passover with a congregation and who need to receive the Passover Service recording and letter instructions for observing it at home. International requests should be received before February 21 and U.S. requests before March 21. Please direct your requests to the Church Administration Department at [email protected] as soon as possible.
Living Youth Program
Online Teen Bible Study Friday Evening and New Password
The online Teen Bible Study on Friday evening, January 22, will be on "Should You Be Baptized?," 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. (Eastern time) and the chat room will be open for a half hour before and after the study. You can access this Bible Study at livingyouth.org. We hope as many of our youth as possible will join us for this wonderful 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, including last evening's on, "What Is Real Repentance?," can also be found on the Living Youth Web site.
We have begun using a new password for access to the live online Living Youth Program Teen Bible Studies, as well as the archives. If you want to join Mr. Monson for the live studies and don't yet have the new password, please log in to your MyLCG account, and read the announcement there.
Living University
Call for On-Campus Students (U.S. only at this time)—Repeat Announcement
For those seeking a unique and exciting learning opportunity, LU is now accepting applications for full-time students to study on campus in Charlotte, beginning in the fall of 2016. On-campus students experience special opportunities beyond online study. Students meet for weekly discussions with many of their professors, including Dr. Germano, Mr. Ames, Drs. Douglas and Scott Winnail, Mr. Ken Frank, Mr. Peter Nathan and Mr. Jerry Ruddlesden. Weekly assemblies are presented by many Church leaders based in Charlotte and around the world. Monthly student outings and other social activities are planned. Students also participate in congregational opportunities unique to the Charlotte congregation and Headquarters, including Spokesman Club, Singles' Bible Studies, Outreach activities, service during Council of Elders and Ministerial Conferences, and much more.
University housing is available for both male and female students. Most of our on-campus students also participate in our "work-study" program—working part-time in different departments throughout the Work and the University. Student work-study helps defray most living costs.
Application to the on-campus program can be made online through the University Web site (www.livinguniv.com). Additional details and requirements can be found online, including an estimate of costs associated with on-campus study. If you are interested in on-campus LU study and have questions, please contact us. At this time we can only accept on-campus students who are legal residents of the U.S. Our hope is to expand this opportunity to international students in future years. Students interested should plan to complete their applications by February 2016. Those with no previous college should submit college entrance test scores (ACT or SAT) along with other application materials. You can find out more about these exams through a local high school guidance counselor or local community college or university testing service. Home-schooled students are also encouraged to apply. If you have questions about on-campus study or to find out more, please contact Dr. Scott Winnail at 704-708-2292 or [email protected].
Comments
Humility—Key to Unity: King David wrote, "How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity" (Psalm 133:1). The Apostle Paul urged Christians to "walk worthy" of your calling "with all lowliness and gentleness… endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:1-3). He stated that the work of the ministry is to edify the body (build up the Church) "till we all come to the unity of the faith" (Ephesians 4:12-13). Paul also urged the contentious Corinthians to be "perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (1 Corinthians 1:10). The Scriptures reveal that pride is an underlying cause of contentions that work against unity (Proverbs 13:10) and will contribute to a person's downfall (Proverbs 16:18). Insisting on our own way can also cause dissentions and strife (James 4:1). However, humility will eventually bring a person honor (Proverbs 15:33; 29:23) and will promote peace and unity (James 3:17-18). Just as Jesus Christ humbled Himself and followed His Father's instructions (Philippians 2:5-9), we, too, must be subject to God and to government within and without the Church (Romans 13:1-2). As we learn to exercise true Godly humility and treat each other with love and respect (Romans 12:10-18), we will promote more unity within the body of Christ.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—January 14, 2016
Will the EU Come Apart? The declining global economy, an exploding immigration crisis and ongoing terrorism have put tremendous pressure on the EU. Even European leaders are stating the EU is going down! "The dream of 'ever-closer union,' and the eventual merging of nations into a United States of Europe, is over… We are witnessing the decline and fall of the European Union as we know it… The speed of the decline and the extent of the fall are not certain… But it is clear that the EU, having ceased its geographical and institutional expansion, is entering a period of contraction, and quite possibly disintegration" (The Weekly Standard, December 28, 2015). Another concern is the return to nationalism that is increasingly evident across Europe. However, "an even bigger challenge may not have fully registered on Washington's radar: the darker side of a Europe willing to re-embrace nationalism in response to a fear of the other" (Stratfor Geopolitical Weekly, November 24, 2015). For years, we have said that the expanding European Union would eventually break apart and a smaller group of "ten kings" or nations would emerge—as indicated in Bible prophecy (Daniel 2:41-44; Revelation 17:12-17). These ancient prophecies of a coming "beast" power in Europe will be fulfilled as we approach the end of this age and the return of Jesus Christ. For more on this important subject, read The Beast of Revelation: Myth, Metaphor or Soon-Coming Reality?
Saudi Arabia and Iranian Rift Deepens: "Almost 1,400 years have passed since the first battles broke out within the Muslim world between the inheritors of the Prophet Muhammad, which led to the schism between Shiites and Sunnis, and it seems little has changed" between the two sects of Islam (The Times of Israel, January 4, 2016). The recent killing of an Iranian Shiite cleric by Sunni-dominated Saudi Arabia and the retaliation from Iran against Saudi Arabian embassy missions have fanned the flames of conflict (Reuters, January 4, 2016). When the Saudis cut off relations with Iran, they were joined by other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council in condemning Iran—promising "to halt Tehran's 'terrorist acts' and to ensure that it refrains from 'meddling in the affairs of Arab nations'" (Arab News, January 10, 2016). This event has also promoted better relations between Saudi Arabia and Egypt—whose foreign minister denounced the attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran (Al Arabiya, January 5, 2016). Pakistan is seeking to "play peacemaker between Saudi Arabia and Iran" because it "fears that escalating tensions between the oil-rich nations would cause further instability on its soil" (Bloomberg, January 6, 2014). What's ahead for this conflicted region? Bible prophecies foretell the emergence of an end-time Middle Eastern power (the king of the South) that will push against a European superpower but will be defeated (Daniel 11:40-43). However "news from the East and north" will trouble this European power when a large army marches across the Euphrates to battle against this European "beast" (Daniel 11:44; Revelation 9:12-16; 16:12). To learn more about these prophetic end-time events, read our booklet, "The Middle East in Prophecy."
Welcoming Lucifer into Our Homes: The FOX network will launch a new drama this month, called "Lucifer." And yes, it is about the fallen angel returning to earth from the depths of hell. The drama focuses on his supernatural powers and makes this cunning playboy into a likeable, dashingly handsome guy with redeeming qualities (FOX.com). However, the Bible clearly describes Satan as a "liar" (John 8:44), who "deceives the whole world" (Revelation 12:9) and a fallen angel who "transforms himself into an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14)—which is how Satan is depicted in this new series. As we move toward the end of the age, the real Satan will walk "about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Television shows that promote demons and misrepresent the devil will desensitize millions of people to the dangers of Satan's powers as they invite his influence into their own homes and minds. The real Satan is "the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience" (Ephesians 2:2). Presenting this evil being as a likable character and masquerade as an angel of light is going to have serious consequences in our modern misguided culture. For more on Satan's deceptive tactics, watch our fascinating telecast "Exposing the Devil's Deception!"—Scott Winnail, Gary Ehman, Justin Ridgeway, Francine Prater and Philippe Pierre