Greetings from Charlotte,
There are a few days in the life of each of us that we will never forget, and one of those will likely be the Last Great Day of 2023—not only for what happened October 7, but for what is going to follow. The phrase existential threat has been overworked in recent years, but the barbaric invasion and attack by Hamas on civilian women and children in Israel justifies the term. Such brutality demands a response by any responsible government and what lies ahead in the days to come is a fight for Israel’s existence. We cannot know how this new war will play out, but it is going to be ugly and painful.
Bible prophecy gives us understanding of how this current war will progress. Zechariah 12:2–3 is instructive. “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.”
We will address this subject in greater detail in the January/February Tomorrow’s World magazine. (The November/December magazine had already been printed prior to the invasion.) In the meantime, you may want to review our booklet, The Middle East in Prophecy. Europe does not appear to be ready for its prophesied end-time role, so we ought not get ahead of God’s timetable. It appears we still have a few years left, but what we are watching is the deterioration of the world order. The war in Ukraine, and now this war in the Middle East, are moving us closer to the end than we might have imagined. It is time to wake up to the reality of the days in which we are living. Perilous times are here. “Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6).—Gerald Weston
Church Administration
Check Out Dr. Meredith’s Series on Galatians
Almost 14 years ago—in 2010—Dr. Meredith gave a two-part sermon series on Galatians. The former Presiding Evangelist had an unusually keen insight into the Epistles of Paul after teaching the class for many years at Ambassador College. Because of the enduring value of this series, we are re-distributing and re-posting it in 2023. If you are a new attendee, a young adult in the Church, or a “seasoned” member wanting to review the important topics covered in Galatians, check out Dr. Meredith’s two-part series.
“The Book of Galatians, Part 1” was sent out to all congregations earlier this year and is available at members.lcg.org. This week, we are re-distributing the second sermon in the series, “The Book of Galatians, Part 2” to all congregations. It will be re-posted on the Church’s website later this year.
Past and Upcoming Tomorrow’s World Presentations
While it is not our standard practice, during the Feast of Tabernacles we held a TWP at the Feast site in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. On the second day of the Feast, Mr. Raul Colon gave the initial presentation to 15 guests. Four guests who attended the TWP came to services that afternoon, and some came to services later in the Feast including on the Last Great Day. This weekend we have two TWPs scheduled—Manchester, England, UK; and Carman, Manitoba, Canada. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.
Prayer Request for Brethren in Guatemala
Please note this message from Mr. Cristian Orrego: “A number of brethren from Guatemala have not been able to return home due to the unrest in the country; there are multiple strikes and more than 120 blockades on the main roads. Several families from the Church are stuck on these roads without being able to move forward or backward for four days now. Food and water are already very scarce, as is gasoline and gas. It is a terrible situation—please keep these brethren in your prayers so that they can reach their homes and be protected from the acts of violence that are beginning to occur.”
Feast of Tabernacles
Service Appreciated!
From the Festival Office, we wish to thank so many brethren for their service at the Feast. As they say, “Many hands make light work!” The countless hours putting together flower arrangements, manning Information Tables and Business Offices, getting to the hall early to set up sound equipment, standing out in the rain directing traffic in parking lots, serving in special music, and so many other service areas, were much appreciated. It all helped us to have a smooth-running Feast that was encouraging and uplifting. Your service was much appreciated!
Festival Survey
If you have not yet filled out the Festival Survey, please do so by this Sunday, October 15. Your feedback is important! You can access it at fotsurvey.lcg.org. We are asking all Feast-goers ages 13 and up to fill out the survey. Your feedback helps with planning future Festivals and we appreciate it very much!
Comments
Stay Focused on the Mission: The rumors of wars are beginning to swirl again (Matthew 24:6). The sudden brutal invasion of Palestinian Hamas into southern Israel on a Jewish Holy Day could be a spark that sends the Middle East up in flames. Hateful political divisions, widespread corruption, wanton violence, and the fading influence of fundamental biblical values have long been prophesied as signs of the end of the age (2 Timothy 3:1–7). However, as these prophecies come alive in the news, we need to remember our mission. God’s Church is to show the Israelite nations and the world why these events are occurring (Isaiah 58:1; Jeremiah 2:4, 17–19). We are also commissioned to preach the good news of the coming Kingdom of God, when Jesus Christ will return to finally bring peace and justice to the entire world (Mark 1:14–15; Matthew 24:14). As times get difficult, we need to stay focused on this important mission.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
News and Prophecy—October 12, 2023
Israel Is at War! Last Saturday, in a coordinated assault from the land, sea, and air, Hamas attacked Israeli targets from Gaza. Over 1,200 were killed in Israel, more than 100 hostages were taken, and Hamas is threatening to kill the hostages, who include old ladies and children. In response, Israel’s prime minister has declared war on Hamas and Israel has been pounding targets in Gaza with a military response.
Many suggest that Hamas’ attack is in response to a historic agreement almost brokered that would normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. And many analysts, and even high-ranking Hamas leaders, have stated publicly that Iran backs Hamas’ military efforts. Because of the scale of this unprovoked attack, many nations around the globe have come out in unified condemnation of Hamas—even governments traditionally critical of Israel. On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Hamas’ attack on Israel “will change the Middle East” (Reuters, October 9, 2023) and he may well be right. Many leaders in Germany have also come out in strong support of Israel.
Bible prophecy describes many developments yet to take place in the land of Israel, including the resumption of Jewish sacrifices on or near the Temple Mount and the arrival of a non-Israelite power that will control Jerusalem at the end of the age. How these recent developments may factor in the unfolding of these prophecies is yet to be seen. Germany is prophesied to lead the future European “beast power” mentioned by the Bible, so its involvement in Jerusalem bears special watching. To learn more about the prophetic backdrop of this week’s events and what lies in store for the future of this volatile region, be sure to read or listen to our powerful booklet The Middle East in Prophecy!
Pool of Siloam Steps Unearthed: For centuries after the destruction of Jerusalem, the biblical Pool of Siloam mentioned in the gospel accounts of the Bible lay covered, hidden under silt and debris. In 2004, work by an Israeli water company uncovered steps of the ancient pool near the Temple Mount (Fox News, September 7, 2023).
In recent weeks, Israel Antiquities Authority excavators unearthed the steps to the pool, which was apparently over an acre in size at one point, and authorities plan to make the pool available to the public. This is the famed pool where Jesus Christ healed the blind man (John 9:6–12). The actual existence of this famed pool supports both the credibility of the Bible accounts and the ancient tie the Jews have to the land and, specifically, to Jerusalem. As one evangelical leader noted of the discovery, “Theologically, it affirms Scripture, geographically it affirms scripture, and politically it affirms Israel’s unquestionable and unrivaled link to Jerusalem. Some discoveries are theoretical. This one is an undeniable. It is proof of the story of the Bible and of its people, Israel.”
At a time when the validity of the Bible is being questioned repeatedly and when many continue to question Israel’s link to the Holy Land, history and archaeology continue to present factual support for both. The Bible is truly a powerful book inspired by God. To learn more, be sure to read or listen to our free booklet The Bible: Fact or Fiction?—Scott Winnail, Francine Prater, and Christ Sookdeo