From the Presiding Evangelist
Dear Brethren,
The Bible clearly indicates that there were tensions among members in the first century. Since many converts came from pagan backgrounds, whether or not to eat meats that may have been offered to idols was a complex issue at that time (1 Corinthians 8). Some members abstained from meats or had special fasting days (Romans 14:1–5). Among the Jews, circumcision was a huge controversy. In response, the Apostles, who were the highest-ranking ministers of the Church at that time, came together and decided the issue guided by God’s Spirit (Acts 15).
Compared to these issues, some of the things that have caused division within the Church in more modern times seem rather trivial: white or brown sugar, wheat, or rice. Some modern controversies were not so trivial: how to count Pentecost, and divorce and remarriage. Current issues involve whether to wear masks and whether to be vaccinated. Just as in the past, Church leaders come together to decide how the Church should handle these controversial issues. No matter what we decide, some members will become offended and leave, ignoring God’s plain instructions regarding divisive matters (Deuteronomy 17:8–13). Masks and social distancing are inconvenient and their usefulness is disputed, but Church leaders believe that they are helpful on some occasions and our experience at the Feast would seem to support that, as very few at our 100 (83 international and 17 U.S.) Feast sites worldwide came down with COVID.
Today members have strong feelings on both sides of the vaccine debate and circumstances vary for each individual. The vaccine controversy is more akin to the issue of circumcision, and the Apostles left that decision up to individuals, though explaining that circumcision for Gentiles was unnecessary and could be counterproductive, depending on the attitude and reason (Acts 16:3; Galatians 5:6, 12).
In our Council of Elders meeting this week, we learned about the plight of unvaccinated individuals in some parts of the world: “no jab, no job”; no travel by commercial air, rail, or boat; no travel outside of a very restricted area; and extremely limited shopping options. Some university students are locked out after years of working on technical degrees. Members must wrestle with feeding their families, or visiting a dying relative. We can begin to see how the Mark of the Beast will eventually be enforced, but, brethren, this is not the Mark of the Beast! The Church does not teach that vaccines are sin, but they can be, depending on one’s conscience. Different members will decide differently in all these circumstances. That is why we have left it to the individual to prayerfully make that very personal choice.
Regarding the fact that sacrificing an animal to an idol affects only its ceremonial cleanness and not the nature of the meat itself, Paul gives this warning about how we treat one another, and it applies today: “But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak” (1 Corinthians 8:9).
In similar fashion, Paul warns, “Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another…. Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin” (Romans 14:16–19, 22–23). Also, note verse 4: “Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.”
The specific issues are different, but the principles teach us how to deal with controversial situations that will arise in every generation. Brethren, the conditions which many of our brethren around the world face are not easy, and Satan will use them to divide us if we let him. We must avoid the anger being stirred up in this world. We must love one another (John 13:34). We have a Work to do. Let us do all we can to promote peace and be about our Father’s business!
Sincerely, in Christ’s service,
Gerald E. Weston
Church Administration
USA Winter Family Weekends
Our pastors are seeking to provide more opportunities for more brethren, especially young people, to get together for fellowship in the mid-winter months. Our goal is to extend family weekends beyond just Charlotte and Kansas City. In some areas, limited Saturday evening activities are more feasible. However, in other areas, overnight family weekends are being planned. These are not intended to be huge gatherings, but rather local events where brethren from surrounding congregations can be invited to come together to learn, grow, and fellowship in the mid-winter months.
These family weekends are now in the planning stages. If you would like more information on activities in your area, check with your local pastor. (Some pastors are planning potential family weekends during the Feast of Unleavened Bread—more on that later!). Note: The following are plans for the United States—for information regarding areas outside of the United States, contact your international Regional Office.
Family Weekends in the Planning Process for December 25–26:
- Charlotte, North Carolina (Mr. John Strain)
- Atlanta, Georgia (Mr. Dan Hall)
- Ocala, Florida (Campout – Mr. Joe Brown)
- Montgomery, Alabama (Mr. Anthony Stroud)
- Big Sandy, Texas (Mr. Gary Stein)
- Kansas City, Missouri (Mr. Rand Millich)
Other Activities Being Planned for Different Dates:
- Delavan, Wisconsin (Young Adults Weekend, December 31–January 2 – Mr. Bob Rodzaj)
- Merrill, Wisconsin (Family Weekend, February 18–20 – Mr. Mark Sandor)
Living Education
In preparation for the Feast of Tabernacles this year, dozens of members and their children contributed to our virtual choirs. The adults presented an original arrangement by Ms. Rebekah Ross of “God Is Our Refuge,” and the children sang Mr. Marco Manzo’s original composition titled “Honor Your Father and Mother.” If you would like to listen to these songs again, just go to lcgeducation.org/special-music. You will also find there the song performed by our Charlotte virtual choir for the Days of Unleavened Bread, titled “He Will Split the Sea,” composed by Mr. and Mrs. Jacob (Julia) Boyer. The anthem “Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty,” performed by our worldwide virtual choir for the Feast of Tabernacles in 2020 is also posted on this page, along with “The Heritage,” the virtual children’s choir piece last year. Enjoy these uplifting songs performed by dozens of our members and children from around the globe!—Jonathan McNair
Editorial Department
Print Bible Study Course—Repeat Announcement
Attention anyone who is actively taking the print Bible Study Course and has ordered any lesson beyond Lesson 1 in the past six months: we’d love your help. We would like to talk with you about your experience in taking the course. We are working on making improvements to the course and your feedback would be helpful. If you are able to help us, please email Deborah Stephenson at [email protected] or call her at 704-708-2263 and she will set up an appointment.—Wallace Smith and Mike DeSimone
Comments
Are You in Satan's Sights? The Bible contains numerous warnings about Satan and how he operates to deceive, divide, and destroy people, families, and nations. He moves like a lion stalking vulnerable and unsuspecting prey (1 Peter 5:8). He does not hunt with claws or bullets, but he stirs up strife by spreading gossip, rumors, and lies (Leviticus 19:16–17; Proverbs 17:9; John 8:44). He fosters discord by stirring up fears, jealousy, and selfish ambitions (1 Corinthians 1:10–13). He will use anyone—members and ministers—to do his work (2 Corinthians 11:1–15). Satan zeros in on people who feel wronged or overlooked or whose ideas, opinions, or ambitions are denied. He uses individuals to criticize and undermine others. To avoid becoming unsuspecting victims of Satan’s negative attitudes that he beams at those in his sights (Ephesians 2:2), we need to be alert, humble, and stay close to God (1 Peter 5:6–9) by studying and meditating on His word (Psalm 119:97–98).
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—October 28, 2021
Will Debt Help Destroy America? Writing for the Gatestone Institute on October 12 and October 18, investor Lawrence Kadish made some sobering observations for anyone concerned about the future of the United States. “One suspects,” he says, “that historians and economists will consistently agree on one irrefutable fact: nations that allow their economies to bathe in red ink are destined to fail.” As he sounded the alarm on the massive and growing U.S. debt and the widespread disregard of the risks associated with that debt, the U.S. congress temporarily increased the debt ceiling to avoid a default and allow for more spending. While some economists believe that nations can spend their way out of financial turmoil, many students of history disagree with that conclusion.
Kadish believes that America’s spending spree will ultimately lead to national bankruptcy, and notes, “Such an event would destroy the very foundation of our financial system, the savings of every hard-working middle class family, and our country’s very ability to defend democracy.” His conclusion in one article is chilling: “Our enemies have read their history. We would be wise to do the same and recognize that America’s deficit is more than a number. It is a nation-destroying weapon.”
Between 1980 and 1990, the United States moved from being the world’s greatest lender to the world’s greatest debtor. God warned that when the Israelite-descended nations reject Him and His laws, their privileged status among nations will end: “The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail” (Deuteronomy 28:43–44). Unless America and other nations that have descended from ancient Israel repent and turn to God, they are prophesied to face serious consequences. Finances are only one facet of these consequences. To learn more, read “Economic Collapse! America’s Debt Crisis.”
France Before Europe: A recent court ruling in Poland determined the Polish constitution has precedence over some European Union laws (Politico, October 8, 2021). While some leaders warn that this action is an attack on Europe and risks a “de facto exit” from the Union, such actions are not limited to this independent-minded EU nation.
As France’s federal election looms in the months ahead, multiple candidates for the presidency are seizing on Poland’s decision and advocating for French legal superiority over EU laws, and rhetoric against the EU comes from French candidates across the political spectrum (Politico, October 15, 2021). Former socialist governmental minister and presidential hopeful Arnaud Montebourg summarized the position: “France, which doesn’t share Poland’s political leanings, will nevertheless have to carry out the same affirmation of the superiority of its laws over European decisions.” Another candidate affirmed that “Europe is a Europe of nations.… That means that our constitutional laws, our constitutional identity, each one, each sovereign state, must take precedence over European jurisdiction.”
France is an Israelite-descended nation that until now has been a strong supporter of the “European project” and the EU. Could France step away from the EU and prioritize domestic interests over those of Europe? If so, what would be the consequences? The French national elections are set to occur in April 2022 and could have a powerful impact on the future of the nation and the European Union. To learn more about the prophesied future of France, Britain, and other nations of Western Europe, be sure to read or listen to The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy.—Scott Winnail, Francine Prater, and Chris Sookdeo
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