My wife and I recently attended our annual church conference in Colorado, USA, along with a number of others. I was reminded of Matthew 19:29 which states: “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit everlasting life.”

When we were called, most of us had problems with our spouse, family, friends or job. This was part of the ongoing testing process that we go through so that God can see how committed we are to Him and His way. That process continues today and will for the rest of our life.

It can be hard, it can be difficult, but we are promised a “hundredfold” in this life and the opportunity to inherit eternal life. In fact, eternal life will exceed all of our expectations because of our limited  knowledge and capacity to understand all that God has in store for us. But we can appreciate the “hundredfold” that we can receive in this life.

At our conference my wife and I, and others, were treated royally by all of the brethren in Colorado and Mr and Mrs Dave Harris opened up their home to us, and others, for nearly a week. They showed great hospitality to us and other visitors during this time. We were likewise treated with the same generosity of spirit by the brethren in San Diego whom we have got to know over the years. If I mentioned everyone who had shown kindness to us during our trip, the list would indeed be a long one.

Our church family around the world falls into the “hundredfold” category. Over the last 36 plus years we must have met and known hundreds upon hundreds of church brethren which, for us, certainly fulfils this part of Matthew 19:29. Most members who have been in the church for some years will probably be able to say exactly the same thing.

What a blessing it has been – something that we may never have thought about too much when we started attending church many years ago. Looking back we can see how blessed we have been and how profitable it has been to know, learn from and enjoy the company of like-minded brethren.   A blessing indeed and one that we should never underestimate – it is just one of the many blessings when following the ways of God.

Let us make sure that we never take this for granted but appreciate the fact that we have been given a “hundredfold” in this life.

We often come under criticism for what we believe and do as Christians. When people learn that the ways that we follow are so drastically different from their own, their tendency is to condemn and put down, especially what they do not understand.

But, if those that would ridicule our path, would only judge the Word of God on its merit, they would find a way of life that works. Can you imagine what the world would be like if everyone kept only one of God’s laws?  How much better off would humanity be if there was simply no stealing?

There would be no need to have locks to keep burglars out of our homes and thieves from taking our cars. The price of food and goods would decrease as it would no longer be necessary to cover the cost of stolen items. Company productivity would increase as employees became more honest about their time… and the list goes on. 

Then, what if we added to no stealing: no lying, no killing, etc.  Do the math! Can we see the direction this would take mankind and the ultimate benefit for all involved? The point being, the way of life that we have been shown and now keep to the best of our ability, IS A WAY OF LIFE THAT WORKS! Regardless of what anyone thinks, how much better would we all be if everyone lived a God-designed life?

We must never be put off by what others will say and do, but rather remain resolute in our convictions. By doing so, we will continue in the good work that God has begun in us as well as being a part of the good work that He will eventually do in the rest of mankind… even the naysayers of today.

Although this Editorial was written prior to Passover, by the time it is published, Passover will be over. Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread are a time to examine ourselves and to make an effort to put sin out of our lives. In the Bible, leaven is many times compared with sinful, hypocritical and proud conduct. During the Seven Days of Unleavened Bread, we are reminded of the physical and spiritual applications of sin and righteousness. The physical removal and avoidance of leavening, which we must not neglect, points to the spiritual and symbolical meaning, which is even more important not to neglect.

Passover is a time to re-commit ourselves to our calling from God, and to stay engaged in the efforts that fulfill the purpose of our calling–to preach and publish as a witness the gospel of the Kingdom of God to this sick and dying world, prior to the return of Jesus Christ.

Our efforts to put sin out of our lives are important, since this process helps us to draw closer to God. Sin acts as a barrier in our relationship with God, and especially at this time of year, we are reminded that we must be distancing ourselves from sin. Isaiah 59:2 says: “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.”

Since separation from God is the effect of sin, then the benefit of removing and abstaining from sin is that we can draw closer to God, and that He hears us as a result. Sin is our enemy, and we must recognize this and deal with it. We cannot ignore sin or attempt to sweep it under the rug, as it were; otherwise, sin will overpower us and the results will be devastating.

To remove sin from our lives is of course not just a “once-a-year” exercise, but it must be done on a continual basis, in order to maintain the positive effect of God hearing and answering us. We understand that it is through the Sacrifice of Christ that we obtain forgiveness of our sins. We also need God’s help to overcome and conquer sin. We cannot do it on our own. And so, God gives us His Spirit to overcome sin–but we must use His Spirit to do so.

It is important for us to carry forward into the balance of the year the vital lessons that these Spring Feast Days picture. They remind us of our responsibilities toward God to stay committed to His Work and purpose for us, and to maintain a state of  continual removal of sin. When we remain close to God, He will respond to our prayers and requests throughout the whole year, and He will help us to fulfill the purpose of our calling. As we read in 1 Corinthians 15:57-58:

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

During this Passover season we are extolled to go to our brothers and sisters and be reconciled—addressing sins and grievances with one another (Matthew 5:24). The underlying concept in this passage—along with much of the Bible—is to take an active stance in addressing these concerns.  We are to take the attitude, “whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them” (Matthew 7:12). We cannot expect to glorify God if we refuse to actively pursue that goal. Simply existing with the knowledge of God—never putting it into practice—rewards us just as the servant who buried his talent.

Paul addressed this concept of active Christianity even deeper when he made the statement, “Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble” (1 Corinthians 8:13). He chose to act for, not simply exist with his Christian brethren. Paul was willing to change his life—drastically—so that a weaker brother would not perish. Paul didn’t let his liberty “become a stumbling block to those who are weak” (1 Corinthians 8:9). Instead, he was willing to actively change his life for the benefit of others.

Next week we will be removing leavening from our homes and lives. The simple identification of leavened products in our households does little to remove them from our property. Likewise, if we spend a week merely identifying our spiritual leavening, we have only taken the first step in spiritual change. We must remove what we find and be willing (even to the extent of a lifestyle change like Paul) to alter our way of life. In doing so, we turn the knowledge of God into the glorification of God—which is a Christian requirement. And lest we forget who we really are, Paul succinctly stated, “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20).

Jesus corrected Peter, and this occurrence is recorded in John 21. Peter’s reaction was very typical of the way people sometimes also act.

Trying to redirect the focus, Peter then asked Jesus about John’s fate:

“Peter, seeing him (John), said to Jesus, ‘But Lord, what about this man?’” (John 21:21).

How many times have we watched young children pull the same tactic? When trouble comes and correction is given to one child, oftentimes, the retort to parents is to try and share the blame with a brother or sister.

In reality, we all have to fight this very human tendency.

Becoming a Christian means that we have taken a place in the Family of God, and this means that we will be receiving correction from God. In Hebrews 12, verses 3 through 17, the vital importance of God’s chastening is explained. It would be to our advantage to believe what is written and to apply these words to ourselves—especially, consider verse 11:

“Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

Jesus answered Peter’s attempt at self-justification by saying that how He was working in John’s life was really not a matter of concern for Peter. Rather, Jesus, in a very direct manner, simply said to Peter, “‘…You follow Me’” (John 21:22).

When our correction comes, and it most certainly will, let’s also be “trained by it,” and not look for someone else to share our blame. When it is our turn to answer for our own shortcomings, let’s resolve to not start our response with words such as, “what about…?”

Jesus likewise tells us, “‘YOU FOLLOW ME!’”

As mentioned above, due to our annual ministerial and Church conference in Colorado in early March, the publication of our weekly Updates will be discontinued for two weeks. The next issue will be published on March 18.

This gives all of us more time to concentrate on the very important issues which we need to discuss and decide upon–including our growing Internet activities; the publication of new booklets in 2010; clarifications on doctrinal issues pertaining to the “king of the South”; the future of the “spirit in man” for unpardonable sinners in the third resurrection; the use of an anointed cloth in regard to demons; today’s application of certain Old Testament laws; and perhaps most importantly, combating Laodicean attitudes in this last era of the Church of God.

Brethren and friends, we must never think that a superficial attitude may only exist and prevail in the lives of other organizations and individuals, or that it could not possibly sneak into “our” church or our personal lives. It may perhaps be easy to see in others a lack of zeal, dedication, perseverance or stick-to-itiveness; a failure to carry out tasks on time or at all; and the tendency to let things slip or to lose enthusiasm for the accomplishment of certain necessary projects. These problems in others may become obvious to us, but what about ourselves?

How much “on fire” are we–on a continuous basis?

Those of us who are baptized and converted members of the Church of God will be partaking of the annual Feast of Passover in about one month. We are admonished, especially during this time now, to examine ourselves. In my sermon this coming Sabbath, I will be speaking about self-examination, as it applies to our individual lives regarding our relationship with God and our fellow man.

In this Editorial, I would like to take an additional approach and ask some pertinent questions regarding our zeal and dedication for God’s WORK and the CHURCH of God. So, let’s evaluate a few things:

How diligent are we in regularly attending weekly Church Sabbath services? Or are there sometimes personal activities in our lives which seem to take preference over our regular commanded personal attendance before God?

How do we dress when we appear before God–the King and Ruler of the universe? (I am not just talking about attending personally in services, but also, when we participate in Sabbath services over the Internet.) How do we behave during services? Does our conduct show that we know and are constantly aware of the fact that we are in the presence of God and His holy angels, as well as Spirit-begotten brethren–future kings and queens in the very Family of God? Inappropriate clothing or disrespectful behavior during services not only disturb other brethren, but they also show indifference and carelessness for our very Maker and Sustainer.

How attentive are we during services? How diligent are we in studying the written material which this Work is publishing?  Are we habitually watching our weekly StandingWatch programs? Are we conscious of the fact that in doing so, we are fulfilling our responsibility as a co-worker in the Work of God?

Do we read and study the weekly Updates each week from the first to the last page? Or are they “too long” and “too wordy” for us? Do we think that we can afford skipping the Editorial, or the Current Events, or the Q&A, or the news from the Work? Do we think, for example, that we don’t have to read the Current Events section because we get the news anyhow from CNN or from MSNBC or from FOX or from newspapers and magazines? Granted, you might perhaps get some of the news if you searched the Internet for hours and read paper after paper–but even then, you are not going to get the news in the concentrated fashion and explained in the light of biblical prophecy, as you do when you read the Current Events (By the way, numerous hours each week go into the preparation of the Current Events section.)

Do we take the time to study–not just “read”– the Q&As? Do we open the Bible and look up every Scripture mentioned in the Q&A–as the minister has to do when he prepares the Q&A? Do we prove to ourselves that the things which are said are so? I know that some of you do this–but I dare to say that others don’t. So why is that? Do those who don’t, really think that they don’t NEED to do this?

How often do we PRAY for the success of this Work–that the preaching of the gospel may fall on fertile ground? How often have we prayed for God’s guidance and success for the upcoming conference? Do we regularly pray that God would bring workers into the harvest, which is indeed plentiful? Do we pray for one another, for the ministry, and dear brethren and friends, do you also pray for me, personally? Never ever think that I don’t need your prayers. I most certainly do!  

How faithful are we in regular tithing, contributions and Holy Day offerings? Not only is your financial support necessary to help this Work to continue to accomplish the task which God has given to us–much more importantly for us individually is the fact that our negligence or indifference in regular tithing is tantamount to robbing from God. I know, you might have heard this many times before, but how serious do you take it? Do we REALLY want to have to give an account or “justification” to God as to why we were “excused” from paying His tithe to Him? When you earn money, then you have “increase”–tithable income. To use it for yourself is stealing from God, pure and simple.

These are just a few examples to encourage you to continue on your journey of self-examination. Much more could be said–and will be said in the weeks ahead, prior to the Passover. Please use the time to pray, study, meditate and fast, so that you can show yourself approved by God as one of His co-workers who is and remains to be a zealous, dedicated, good and faithful servant.

I wonder if it ever occurs to those atheists and agnostics who either deny the existence of God or who have no view one way or another about His existence, that the concerns that they have about perceived “global warming” would, if true, actually PROVE the existence of that greater power that they deny exists? They become so involved in their cause that it may itself become a religion to them!

At the recent Copenhagen “climate change” conference, the leaders of many nations around the world gathered together to discuss this matter, but had great difficulty in coming to an agreement to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions to levels that were agreed by all, and in an acceptable timescale. This was so that a rise in temperature, as anticipated by them, and that could prove disastrous, as they would see it, wouldn’t actually come to fruition.  

The sun is about 93 million miles away from the earth, which is the PRECISE distance to ensure that we have the various seasons and to ensure that we neither burn to a cinder nor freeze to death. And so we get the temperatures that have preserved human life on earth for the last 6,000 years.

You might be forgiven for thinking that those who deny God’s very existence might have thought through this dilemma? They don’t believe that there is an all powerful, intelligent Being Who has set things in order (compare Psalm 19:1; Isaiah 40:22; and Romans 1:20-22). Instead, they believe that this order in the universe was, and is, the product of blind chance. The word “blind” accurately describes their stance, rather than how the universe came into being.

They think that a few degrees can signal the end of civilization as they know it, but believe that the perfect distance of the earth from the sun is the product of blind chance! What folly – but this seems to have been the case with so many since Adam and Eve were first put in the Garden of Eden.

There will be a rude awakening for so many in the not-too-distant future when the Being they don’t believe exists will actually return to this earth.  And that will be good news for them as well as for all mankind, as they finally see how foolish they were to deny God’s very existence in the first place!

As a child of God, how well do we represent our Father? How do those around us view our actions?

When we are going about our daily activities, do we let our light shine in such a way that we mirror what God has revealed to us? When others see the way that we act in various situations, is it the way a true Christian would act?

God has taught and aided us through many devices. He has revealed His Way, The Truth, and given us all that we need to be a “good child” and not a child of the world. He has and will continue to do His part perfectly.

Our job can be seen in 1 John 3:10, which states: “In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.”  It is incumbent upon us to practice righteousness and to love our brethren, so that when society observes us, they catch a glimpse of our Father in the reflection.

How much importance do we place on belief or believing something? I am not just talking about “believing” anything, but rather things in relationship to God the Father and Jesus Christ and their ability to perform miracles in our life. Some may not think it is that important, while others may feel that it is somewhat important, and then there are those who know that it is very important.

There was a popular song called “Believe,” which was performed by two well-known artists. This song had very interesting lyrics. Here are a few lines from that song: “There can be miracles when you believe. Though hope is frail, it’s hard to kill… Who knows what miracles you can achieve? When you believe, somehow you will. Now you will… when you believe.”

It is amazing how true these words are. Let us consider some of the healings that Christ performed, and let us also review some of the examples when Christ did not do mighty works.

We read in Mark 9 that a father asked Christ to heal his son who was demon-possessed. Christ answered him: “… ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!’ When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, ‘Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!'” (Mark 9:23-25). Then we read that the demon did in fact leave the child.

This man believed but only up to a certain point. He had little faith and asked  for more, and as a result his son was healed. This demonstrates the power of belief or faith.

Another example can be found in the book of Matthew. We read in Matthew 9:27-29: “When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, ‘Son of David, have mercy on us!’ And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ They said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord.’ Then He touched their eyes, saying, ‘According to your faith let it be to you.'”

Christ specifically asked them if they believed or had the faith that Christ could heal them, and they replied with YES. After that expression of their conviction, they were healed, according to their faith.

Belief or faith is a living dynamic force which can have positive miraculous results, as demonstrated by the healings performed for those who believed. On the other hand, lack of belief is a strong negative force, which resists or impedes the ability to heal and perform miracles, as shown by the next example, recorded in Matthew 13:53-58:

“Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that He departed from there. When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, ‘Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?’ So they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.’ Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.”

Christ did not do many mighty works there because of unbelief and because of their rejection of Christ. The parallel passage in Mark 6:5-6 is even more telling: “Now He COULD DO NO mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a FEW sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief…”

Their lack of faith inhibited Christ’s ability to heal MANY people and to perform many MIGHTY miracles. This is really amazing when you think about it, because we are not just talking about an ordinary man here. Christ was God in the flesh, the second member of the God Family, the God of the Old Testament. The Holy Spirit of God the Father dwelled in Him without measure, and it was through the power of THAT Spirit that on some occasions, He healed “all sick people” who were brought to Him and “who were afflicted with various diseases and torments” (Matthew 4:24). However, as we have seen, because of unbelief and the rejection of Christ, He was unable to perform mighty works or miracles on other occasions–showing the negative and restricting consequences of unbelief.

The same kind of rejection of one of God’s true ministers might also prevent the healing of sick persons today. We read in Matthew 10:1 that Christ gave His early apostles power over unclean spirits and to heal “all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.” He promised in Mark 16:18 that that same power would be given to all of His true ministers throughout the ages. But as people could not be healed because of their unbelief and their rejection of Christ, so the same may be true for people today who hold grudges against God’s true ministers; who have not really repented of their sins and are unwilling to reconcile with others; and who do not REALLY believe that God can and will heal them (compare James 5:14-16).

It is clearly evident that miracles can be performed if we believe and not waver in faith, and that the ability to heal is stifled, as it were, by unbelief, which causes resistance and barriers for those who are in need of miraculous intervention. Such unbelief can prevent the effectiveness of the healing powers of God.

These are glaring warnings for us today, not to fall into the ditch of unbelief or of rejection of God’s true servants. Do you want to have your prayers answered? Do you want your prayers to be effective?  If you do, then it is imperative that you believe, with true and unwavering faith, and then you can expect miracles. The real question is: “Do you believe in miracles?”

Without question, all of us suffer trials in our life—some more than others. Perhaps we are going through a trial right now. In the face of trials, we may look upon them as a sign of God’s displeasure or correction, and this may well be the case. Unfortunately, trials may tend to breed a sense of doubt, bewilderment, depression, and even of anger and frustration. They can lay heavily on our minds, whether they come upon us suddenly as when an accident occurs, or whether they creep up on us gradually, as when a sickness takes hold and lingers, and we may wonder: “Have I sinned? Is that why I’m suffering?” It is always good to ask ourselves this question, but sometimes, individual sin may not be the reason for our trial.

For those of us called by God, the hardest trials are those which occur seemingly in spite of our faithfulness to God’s Word. But we should keep in mind, as David tells us: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them ALL” (Psalm 34:19). And Paul tells us: “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).

We ought to realize that in the absence of trials in our Christian life, the ultimate tragedy would not be our physical death, but to lose the potential to be given eternal life. Thus trials must come if we expect immortality and real power as kings, priests and judges in God’s Kingdom. Otherwise, without testing us now through trial as free moral agents, God could not entrust us as immortal beings with all the power that will accompany that reward. We might say that God has to see what we are made of before He will imbue us with such great power. The complicity of Satan, a spirit being, to sin continually is THE example of what God wants to avoid with those of us whom He has called and sanctified and who are yet to be changed into spirit beings, having successfully endured our trials.

Trials can lead to either spiritual growth or bitterness. The response of those who suffer determines the result. We as Christians are bound to experience trials in order for us to demonstrate our faith in God and His promises. Our faith needs to be tried in order for it to be strengthened. Trials should never be a reason to dispense with faith—faith that comes to us through Jesus Christ.

James 1:2-3 tells us: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” To count our trial for joy is sometimes easier said than done, but we all need to grow in patience, when a trial comes upon us.

The trials we suffer from time to time do tend to try our patience and our faith, and necessarily so. In a familiar verse Peter exhorts us: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you [in effect] partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13).

How do we cope in the meantime? We will find encouragement when we accept a three-pronged solution to our trials, i.e. faith in God’s promises (compare Psalm 34); obedience toward His laws; and patience. They all go hand-in-hand.

Let us recall that verse in Hebrews 11:6 that tells us: “But without faith it is impossible to please [God].” If we do not please God, He will not be pleased with us. By surviving trials, be they mild or excruciating, with strength and determination and dignity, we are allowing God to build His righteous character in us, so that we become worthy of those blessings He holds out for those of us who endure to the end. As the end-time events rapidly manifest themselves, we all look forward to protection during the Great Tribulation yet to come upon this world. Let us pray fervently that we shall be counted worthy to escape THAT awful trial (compare Luke 21:36).