Greetings from Charlotte,
Reports coming in indicate the Passover, Night To Be Much Observed, and First High Day of Unleavened Bread have gone very well. It appears that members are taking self-examination seriously and are desiring to make changes in their lives. Many of you may be aware of the turbulence affecting South Africa. Reports coming to us indicate that the brethren in South Africa are not yet affected by events on the political front and all our members were able to keep the Passover and attend services on the Sabbath and Holy Day as planned. Here in Charlotte, Dr. Meredith continues to be in good spirits, even though when I saw him today he mentioned that this was his weakest day. He needs more sleep, but continues to keep up with Bible study, world news, and as much as possible how the Work is going. Mr. and Mrs. Ames and Dr. Douglas Winnail returned home from visits to congregations in Raleigh, North Carolina and Akron, Ohio where each spent the Passover and the first part of the Feast. Several other men and their families traveled to serve outlying congregations, and although we don't have all the details, we know that around the world many other ministers and their families have been on the road or in the air visiting various congregations. Carol and I attended the Passover and beginning of the Feast here in Charlotte and are scheduled to meet with three congregations combining in Williamsburg, Virginia on the Sabbath, and meet with four congregations combining in Frederick, Maryland for the Last Day of Unleavened Bread. As is always the case, there was a flurry of baptisms right before the Passover and we want to give a very warm welcome to all newly baptized members of the Church of God! It's wonderful to have you with us!—GEW
Church Administration
Second Passover
The Second Passover this year should be taken shortly after sunset on Tuesday, May 9. This Passover is for those baptized members who were unable to take the first Passover due to unavoidable circumstances. The biblical instructions regarding this ceremony are found in Numbers 9:1-4.
Charlotte BRiC Weekend (Memorial Day Weekend)—Repeat Announcement
All singles are invited to Charlotte, North Carolina, for the BRiC Weekend on May 26–29 for fellowship, to hear inspiring messages, and to enjoy fun-filled activities. You can visit our webpage at charlottelcg.org/bric (password bric) to see the schedule of events and to register. If you have any questions regarding accommodations, housing with local brethren, or details concerning the weekend, please contact Mr. Jacob Hall ([email protected]) for more information.
Living Youth Program
Online Teen Bible Studies Suspended Until After the Fall Festivals—Repeat Announcement
The live online Teen Bible Studies have been suspended until after the Fall Festivals, although Bible Studies given at some of the summer camps will be posted during the camps. In the meantime, archives of previous Living Youth Bible Studies can be found on the Living Youth website.—Sheldon Monson
Comments
The Need to Overcome: The Scriptures clearly teach that we must be "overcomers" if we hope to be in the Kingdom of God (see Revelation 2 and 3). Overcoming involves recognizing and repenting of our sins and weaknesses that hurt our relationship with God and others. At the Passover, Jesus told His disciples to "be of good cheer" because He had overcome the world (John 16:33)—indicating that we, too, can overcome the challenges and temptations that we experience in this world (Revelation 3:21). Peter records that we must be vigilant and resist the efforts of Satan to sow discord amongst God's people and destroy each of us (1 Peter 5:8-10). The Apostle John writes that to overcome Satan's devices we also need to seek God to help us through our trials (1 John 2:13; 5:4-5). Paul states, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21). This involves not only putting leaven (sins) out of our lives, but putting into our lives the "unleavened bread of sincerity and truth"—replacing sins with positive, godly thoughts and behaviors (1 Corinthians 5:8). The need to overcome is one of the lessons of the Days of Unleavened Bread. To help us overcome, God aids us with the power of His Holy Spirit, which He makes available to us when we repent and strive to obey Him (Acts 1:8; 5:32). Let's seek God's help and use that power to recognize and overcome the weaknesses and temptations that we face in our daily lives (2 Timothy 1:6-7).
Have a Profitable Sabbath and Holy Day,
Douglas S. Winnail