Greetings from Charlotte,
Today, we are watching dozens of social trends moving in dangerous directions: declining marriages and increasing cohabitation, legalization of drugs, the acceptance and promotion of homosexuality, spreading violence and corruption—along with the declining influence of fundamental biblical values. As our societies begin to reap the consequences, the world will learn why God said ages ago, "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil" (Isaiah 5:20). Here in Charlotte, Dr. Meredith has been working on a new Tomorrow's World article and holding meetings. Mr. Ciesielka reports that we are getting good results from the new German Web site. Dr. Germano reports that we have finalized arrangements for two new homes that will provide living space for on-campus Living University students in the fall. This coming weekend, Tomorrow's World Presentations are scheduled in Tucson, Arizona and Peterboro ugh, Ontario, Canada. Please pray that God will bless these efforts to preach the Gospel to a world that needs to hear Good News!—DSW
Church Administration
Ministerial Visit to Zambia
On 15 March, Pastor Lawdi Ferreira arrived to visit members in Kasama in northern Zambia, some 900 km. from the capital city of Lusaka. Kasama is rural and remote but it is a provincial center for the province. Over a period of three days, Mr. Ferreira counseled the members individually and also discussed Church organization and governance, including Church administration in Africa. He explained end-time events from the books of Daniel and Revelation by using graphics on the computer. This method was appreciated because we were able to see the pictures and timeline of events. He also discussed the Holy Days, particularly the Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread which are coming soon. We appreciate the work the Church is doing in this part of the world. We feel that we are fully part of the Church, especially if a minister can come to Kasama, this remote area of Zambia, to visit with the members and give the much needed encouragement, training and counseling.—Edward Manda
Night To Be Much Observed DVD
Attention Pastors and Video Recipients: In the April sermons package, scheduled to be sent next week, we are including a supplemental DVD for all congregations with a message about the Night To Be Much Observed, presented by Mr. Stuart Wachowicz. Playing this DVD on the Night To Be Much Observed is optional.
Update on the McDonald Twins
Christian and Nicole McDonald would like to thank the brethren around the world for their prayers for their conjoined twins, Jadon and Anias. They have moved to New York where they will undergo a number of surgeries over the next six to eight months leading to their separation. The world-renowned surgeon performing the surgeries has commented that the twins are the strongest he has ever worked with. Even though the conditions for separation are very good, they have not been without their challenges. The McDonalds have no doubt of God's intervention up to this point, but would greatly appreciate the continued prayers of the brethren. Cards of encouragement can be mailed to: Christian and Nicole McDonald, 421 E. 239th St., Floor 1, Bronx, NY 10470.
Charlotte BRiC Weekend (Memorial Day Weekend)—(an opportunity for singles)
Please read entire announcement for registration details:
Are you interested in insightful, spiritual discussions on Building Relationships in Christ? Do you desire to strengthen the relationships you already have with those around you? Do you also want to dance, relax, and enjoy a little fresh air? If you're single and interested in the above, then be sure to attend this year's BRiC Weekend, May 27–30.
Our theme for this year's BRiC Weekend is Building Relationships in Christ through a culture of servant leadership. You can register for the weekend, as well as find more details for the weekend, at charlottelcg.org/BRiC. If you have any questions regarding the weekend and its details, please e-mail me at [email protected].—Ryan Dawson
Booklets Mailed Recently—Repeat Announcement
We recently mailed two booklets to all member households, Restoring Original Christianity and Where Is God's True Church Today? Dr. Meredith offered these two booklets in his semi-annual letter to subscribers in November 2015, in addition to his offer of the DVD "A Prophetic Warning for the World," which became available earlier this month. These booklets had already been distributed in the past, but newer members might not have them and older members may want to re-read them, as their subjects are of constant importance.
Feast of Tabernacles
2016 Festival Registration Opens on Sunday, May 1!
Festival Registration is scheduled to open on Sunday, May 1, at 12:00 noon EDT (Eastern Daylight Time, USA). At that time, you will be able to register for the Feast site of your choice. You will also be able to indicate any volunteer service opportunities you would like to sign up for at your site. See new Feast site videos and find out information about each of the sites that are being planned for 2016 by going to the Festival Web site: fot2016.lcg.org. (You can also access it by going to the Living Church of God Web site, lcg.org, and clicking on "Feast of Tabernacles.")
If you do not have Internet access, please contact your Festival Advisor to print off information for any site(s) you are interested in attending. If you do not know who your Festival Advisor is, please check with your local pastor.
Please do not make housing reservations until you have registered and been approved for your choice of site.
Pastors: In preparation for Festival Registration on May 1, please make sure that Headquarters has been notified about any status changes in your local congregation rosters. For example, the Festival Registration system only accepts registrations from members and prospective members. Any new people who want to attend the Feast this year will need to be classified as PMs in order to register. Any Church Youths (CY) who have turned 18 should also be reclassified as Prospective Members (PM). Please also let us know of any other changes in status of any brethren in your area (i.e. baptisms, etc.) or if any brethren have moved to another congregation. Send these status updates to [email protected].
Festival Advisors: In preparation for Festival registration, all Festival Advisors will be able to access Registration and Volunteer Forms, as well as the Festival Site Guide 2016 which has detailed descriptions of each Feast site on the MyLCG Web site (www.cogl.org). These documents are necessary for you to print, copy, and distribute to brethren who need your assistance in registering. Reminder: Festival Registration begins on Sunday, May 1.
All brethren: Please make sure your MyLCG account is working. This will be necessary for you to register online. To test it, go to www.cogl.org and sign in to MyLCG with your username and password. If you don't have one, you will have the option of creating one. If you have any problems logging into MyLCG, please e-mail [email protected].
—Festival Office
Living Youth Program
Online Teen Bible Study Friday Evening
The online Teen Bible Study on Friday evening, April 8, will be on "In Training for Rulership," 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 and Why the Church?," can also be found on the Living Youth Web site.
Canadians Attending Ohio Teen Camp—Repeat Announcement
This year all Canadians coming to the Ohio Teen Camp can pay in Canadian funds. This will apply only to the Ohio Teen Camp and not to the Banff Adventure Camp. The Banff Adventure Camp tuition fee must be paid in U.S. dollars.
Living University
Living University News
God greatly blessed Living University this week by providing two beautiful residences for our incoming on-campus students. Leasing these homes from some very generous Church members will allow us to keep on-campus living expenses low for future students.
From time to time brethren ask about donating to Living University and we want to clear up some confusion that occasionally arises. Living University donations should be made payable directly to "Living University" in order for funds to be earmarked for Living University business and projects. Donations made to the Living Church of God automatically go into the Church's general fund, even if "earmarked" to LU. This is because of U.S. tax laws.
Living University is currently busy planning for the Spring commencement in May and also preparing for the Fall semester. Feel free to visit our Living University Web site for a list of courses that will begin in August.
Comments
The Dynamics of Friendships: The Scriptures reveal that if we want to have friends, we must learn to be friendly and that true friends are supportive during difficult times (Proverbs 17:17; 18:24). Friends are people we can confide in and share important thoughts and concerns with (John 15:15). Real friends may not always agree with us, and sometimes they will tell us things about ourselves and our plans and actions that we need to hear, but may not want to hear (Proverbs 27:6, 17). The Bible cautions that we should choose our friends carefully because we are influenced by the company we keep (Proverbs 12:26). Abraham chose to be a friend of God by obeying His instructions to leave his homeland and former way of life (Genesis 12:1-4; James 2:23). Abraham understood that friendship with the world and its ways would alienate him from God (James 4:4). Jesus told His disciples, "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you" (John 15:14). Let's all seek to be a "friend" of God by following His instructions and be true friends to those who will not influence us in a wrong direction.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—March 31, 2016
Results of European Disagreement: In a recent article in the EU Observer, Professor Michael Smith commented on European finger-pointing in the wake of the Brussels bombings: "The inevitable result of this confusion of naming and shaming, wishful thinking, and piecemeal intergovernmental cooperation is the Europe we have today, where all the major recent crises—the eurozone, refugees, and now terrorism—stem from the same problem: profound disagreement among EU member states, particularly the 'big three,' about the future of Europe and the institutional structures required to maintain its security and prosperity" (March 24, 2016). His article, entitled "Europe builds tower of babble against terrorism," highlights the iron-and-clay nature that Daniel prophesied would permeate Europe at the end-time (Daniel 2:31-43). Dr. Smith als o states the solution to the problem is for Europe's major players to unite and pool their resources against the Islamic State (ibid.). This suggestion reflects what Bible prophecies have long foretold. The book of Revelation states that prior to Christ's return, ten kingdoms (or nations) will come together and give their power over to a central authority called a "beast" (Revelation 17:3, 12-13). This European "beast" power, also referred to as the "king of the north" (Daniel 11:40-44), will attempt to exert power over its Islamic foes and the entire world! For more about this coming superpower, read or listen to The Beast of Revelation.
Fall of Religion in USA: A recent study led by Professor Jean M. Twenge, author of Generation Me, looked at the changes in religious beliefs and practices of nearly 60,000 people between 1972 and 2014. "The results of the new study are striking, concluding that five times more Americans prayed in the early 1980s than in 2014 while nearly twice as many Americans believed in God in the 1980s than... do now" (Meta Science News, March 21, 2016). "The overall decline has been spurred by the changing demographics, and it's most noticeable in the 18- to 29-year-old segment of the population that are least likely to have any religious ties. In fact, so few Millennials claim religious affiliation, regularly attend church, or believe in God that this generation is a contender for the title of the least religious generation in American history" (ibid.). The Bible has long warned that turning away from God will bring serious consequences (see Deuteronomy 8:10-20). While intellectual critics may claim there is no God, the Bible states that only "fools" claim there is no God (Psalm 14:1). The Apostle Paul saw this same trend in ancient Rome before it fell, when he described a society that "exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator" (Romans 1:25), and "professing to be wise, they became fools" (v. 22). Sadly, our modern societies are marching down this same tragic path. For more on this thought-provoking topic, see "Are Atheists Really 'Fools'?"
Divorce Gains Acceptance Worldwide! According to Gallup research, morals have dramatically shifted since the early 2000s (Gallup, May 26, 2015).Today, far more people approve of divorce. In 2001, 59 percent of Americans morally accepted divorce. In 2015 that number rose to 71 percent (ibid.). A Pew Research study published in 2013 "found that study participants were 75% more likely to become divorced if a friend is divorced and 33% more likely to end their marriage if a friend of a friend is divorced" (Pew Research Center, October, 21 2013). Israelis have become frustrated with "the Orthodox Rabbinate's monopoly over divorce in the country, with 75% of all responders supporting a move towards establishing an option for civil divorce" (Jerusalem Post, March 27, 2016). In China, "divorce rates… have climbed for the 12th consecutive year, this year 3.9 percent more than the prior year… last year a whopping 3.6 million couples got divorced" (International Business Times, June 30, 2015). Today's divorce trends correlate with Christ's words, "because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold" (Matthew 24:12). The Bible reveals that God hates divorce because the purpose of marriage is to raise "godly offspring" (Malachi 2:15-16). While the Bible makes certain allowances for divorce, it rev eals the cause of divorce to be "the hardness" of the human heart (Matthew 19:8-9). As morals decline around the globe, the love of God required for a successful marriage waxes cold. To learn more of the sanctity and importance of marriage, read or listen to God's Plan for Happy Marriage.—Scott Winnail, Deborah Lincoln-Strange, Kenneth Frank, Justin Ridgeway, Chris Sookdeo