The sermon for this week will be presented by Dave Harris. The title is “The Tribe of Judah.”

The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at the appropriate time, just click on “Connect to Live Stream.”

I don’t know what your sources for news are, but the royal family is coming to town soon and the media, for the most part, has failed to report it. This has resulted in only a very limited number hearing about the visit. Considering who this dynasty is and where they stand on the vital issues, this is really a shame.

As with most leaders they are promising what most want to hear. This really isn’t different from a lot of dignitaries out there. The difference is that this royal family is going to follow through on the plans previously laid out. How can they accomplish this when so many before them have failed? It’s because I am talking about the family of God. Christ will be returning to Earth with all power and authority (Rev 19:19-21), and He will see to it that His way is taught and observed throughout the entire world (Rom 14:11).

The great news is that They won’t be doing this alone. Right now in this present world, ruling families are quite small and exclusive. One has to be born into this group or marry into it. Interestingly enough this is the same way that we can become a part of the God family (John 3:5; Rev 19:7-9).

Right now the family of God consists of only 2 members – God the Father and His son Jesus Christ. The good news is that they are looking to add members very soon (For more information about this subject, read our booklet “God is a Family”). It will consist of those who heed His calling (John 6:44) and live according to His way of life (Mat 19:17).

What a wonderful prospect it will be, to be a part of this royal family…ruling together and ushering in an era of unparalleled peace and prosperity. NOW is the time to make the most of this valuable opportunity…if we would like to live forever and reign as kings and priests (Rev 5:10).

Pandemic

NO WHOLESOME ENVIRONMENT FOR ADOLESCENTS

WorldNetDaily.com reports on a study entitled: “Sex, Drugs, and Delinquency in Urban and Suburban Public Schools.” The article states: “Many parents have fled urban schools seeking a safer and more wholesome environment for their children, but the Manhattan Institute says its survey indicates families face similar issues in the suburbs” (www.worldnetdaily.com).

Some of the issues include: sexual promiscuity, smoking, under-age drinking, use of illegal drugs and engagement in delinquent behavior. Neither environment accounted itself very well. Students, untrained in morality or in the fact that it is God Who establishes the ultimate standards for human behavior, were about equally engaged in bad behaviors whether in urban or suburban areas.

One very telling aspect of this study points out the incredible moral decline that has befallen young people in the United States: “Urban and suburban schools are virtually identical in terms of WIDESPREAD SEXUAL ACTIVITY. Two-thirds of all suburban and urban 12th graders have had sex; 43 percent of suburban 12th graders and 39 percent of urban 12th graders have had sex with a person with whom they did not have a romantic relationship” (Emphasis added).

This last category, “a person with whom they did not have a romantic relationship,” shows just how much the laws of God are being trampled underfoot and ignored in our generation. In this light, all need to consider what Galatians 6:7 states: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” This is an absolute and exacting law. Unfortunately, society is bringing judgment upon themselves, and this is poignantly sad for the young people of our generation who simply have not been taught God’s ways!

PANDEMIC?

The past two weeks have witnessed the emergence of an avian influenza in Asia that has lead to human deaths due to severe respiratory disease. “The World Health Organization has called for a united international effort–similar to the SARS response–to combat bird flu as the human death toll from the virus mounts” (www.cnn.com 1/27/2004).

“Since late last year, the flu has struck hundreds of thousands of birds and prompted widespread poultry culls in South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan. In Vietnam, the problem began last October” (www.nature.com 1/13/04). The article from Nature continues: “Spates of bird flu are viewed with alarm because they are a probable source of the NEXT HUMAN PANDEMIC.”

This article also points out the underlying reason that such fear is aroused by this current outbreak: “Fortunately, these viruses lacked the ability to hop easily between people, which helped to contain the problem. But a future strain might pick up this ability, either by mutating, or by mixing genes with a human flu virus. A virus capable of human-to-human transmission could rip through a population with little natural immunity, experts warn. ‘The ensuing virus would then be highly pathogenic and transmissible. This is why the World Health Organization [WHO] and the Vietnamese authorities are treating this matter seriously,’ says Shigeru Omi, WHO’s regional director for the western Pacific.”

Other articles reporting about this outbreak point out that there is a tendency for some nations to either cover-up cases in their own areas or to be overly cautious and slow in determining that infections are occurring. This frightening specter of non-cooperation leads some experts to conclude that an actual pandemic of global proportions could result. As witnessed in the SARS incident of last year, the financial blow to national economies can be catastrophic.

Jesus Christ warned that in the time period leading up to His return, “…there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and PESTILENCES; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven” (Luke 21:11). Many of these kinds of things are happening even now; however, the Bible clearly teaches those who will listen and believe these warnings that we are now just at the forefront of these long prophesied events. This same chapter (21) shows us the approach we must take: “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man” (v.36).

MEDIA LIES

In a stunning turn of events, “Tony Blair bounced back from looming political disaster yesterday with a combative endorsement of Lord Hutton’s report, which vindicated his conduct over Iraq and the Kelly affair, routing the Tory leader, Michael Howard, and other critics” (www.politics.guardians.co 1/29/04).

Continuing… “[Mr. Blair] angrily recalled how he had been accused of ‘lying, deceit and duplicity’ by the BBC and the Tories.” The toll on the British Broadcasting Corporation was swift: “The chairman of the BBC resigned on Wednesday and the broadcaster apologized for some of its reporting on the buildup to the war in Iraq after an inquiry by a senior judge lambasted the corporation. The report by Lord Hutton criticized journalist Andrew Gilligan, the BBC’s management and its supervisory board of governors, for a radio report saying the government ‘sexed up’ intelligence in a dossier on Iraqi weapons” (www.reuters.com 1/28/04). This reporting actually led to the suicide death of a Dr. Kelly when he was revealed as a source for the mis-reported story.

The Guardian article continues quoting Mr. Blair: ” ‘The communication by the media of information on matters of public interest and importance is a vital part of life in a democratic society. However the right to communicate such information is subject to the qualification–which itself exists for the benefit of a democratic society–the false accusations of fact impugning the integrity of others, including politicians, should not be made by the media.’ ”

Last year the United States experienced similar outrageous examples of reporters fabricating stories – often times not even witnessing the events they were supposed to be covering. And this kind of societal breakdown comes on the heels of highly publicized scandals involving some of the largest corporations in the nation. Greed for power, wealth and fame has overwhelmed far too many in positions of public trust and responsibility.

In the one sure and dependable source for truth, we will do well to heed the warning that God has for our generation: “…O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths” (Isaiah 3:12). Then note this timely commentary found in Isaiah 59:4: “No one calls for justice, Nor does any plead for truth. They trust in empty words and speak lies; They conceive evil and bring forth iniquity.” Then, in verses 14-15: “Justice is turned back, And righteousness stands afar off; For truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. SO TRUTH FAILS, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey.”

A RISING TIDE

Not so front, and not so center, is the issue of illegal immigration along the border between the U.S. and Mexico in this election year of 2004. Although President George Bush has proposed legalizing the status of illegal aliens in the United States as temporary workers, most politicians are generally looking the other way.

However, the flow of illegals threatens to virtually eliminate the border. In practical fact, that may already be the situation. “According to the German news agency Deutsche Presse-Agentur, the study (by a Mexican government agency) was conducted by the National Population Council, or Conapo. It found the number of illegals coming from Mexico each year now exceeds 1 million. The report says about one-third of those who enter illegally, 390,000 annually, achieve their goal of staying in the U.S” (www.WorldNetDaily.com 1/26/04).

Some estimates place the number of Mexican illegals now living in the U.S. at over 10 million!

Indeed most of “orthodox Christianity” teaches the fallacious concept that humans either go to hell or to heaven upon their death. Many falsely teach, in addition, that they go to a temporary place called limbo or purgatory, when they die. However, the Bible very clearly teaches an altogether different occurrence. In answering the question about Enoch, we must first consider some fundamental Biblical teachings about death as it now relates to mankind.

Hebrews 9:27 states: “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment…” Ecclesiastes 3:20 confirms that everyone dies: “All go to one place: all are from the dust, and all return to dust.” Psalm 89:48 concurs: “What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave?” Paul also shows that all men die: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22).

Jesus Christ also died, and He was without sin (Compare 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 1 John 3:5). Furthermore, only Jesus has entered heaven, having been resurrected by the Father (Compare Ephesians 1:20; Hebrews 8:1). Jesus said of Himself: ” ‘No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man’ ” (John 3:13 NASB Version). Martin Luther, correctly understanding the Biblical teaching on this matter, even translated John 3:13 as follows: “No one ascends into heaven, but He who descended from heaven, that is, the Son of Man” (copyright 1938). This is further explained by Paul in Ephesians 4:8-10.

Peter gave this testimony concerning David: “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day” (Acts 2:29). And, less there be any confusion, Peter very precisely showed that David was not in heaven: “‘For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: ‘The LORD said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool'” (Acts 2:34-35). This is a prophecy that God the Father would place Jesus Christ at His own right hand for a period of time that would then be consummated with the resurrections (Compare 1 Corinthians 15; Revelation 20 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

For more information regarding the question of what happens to man when he dies, please read our free booklet, “Do We Have an Immortal Soul?”

With these statements about Who has and who has not ascended into heaven, let us now examine what the Bible says concerning Enoch. Genesis 5:24 is one of the misunderstood Scriptures concerning Enoch: “And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.” This verse is then quoted in Hebrew 11, verse 5.

One must ask, “Do these statements made about Enoch somehow contradict the rest of Scripture, or did God make an exception in Enoch’s case?” The answer is NO on both counts!

When we read the context of Genesis 5, we find the line of Adam through Seth and the particular children who were the ones who were faithful to God. In this lineage we find the mention of Enoch, who, as verse 22 shows, was faithful to God (Compare Jude:14): “After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters.” However, Enoch had already been alive for sixty-five years so that his total lifespan was 365 years — shorter by far than either his ancestors or his offspring. Also, note that these key individuals in this lineage had other sons and daughters, as well.

Exactly what the world was like before the flood came, we have only been given a few indications in the Bible. When, Noah, the great grandson of Enoch, was born, Noah’s father, Lamech, said of him: “This one will comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD has cursed” (Genesis 5:29). Also, in Genesis 6:5, we read this statement about the tragic circumstances of mankind: “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Noah did not just escape the flood and save himself and his family.

Noah also “walked with God” as did his ancestors, because he is called “… a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly” (2 Peter 2:5).

Understanding that Enoch’s generation was also in rebellion to God and His laws, shows the challenge that Enoch faced. Hebrews 11:5 lists Enoch among those who were truly faithful to God: “By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, ‘and was not found, because God had taken him’; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”

Now consider verse 13 of Hebrews 11: “These ALL [including Enoch, see again verse 5] DIED in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” This verse conclusively proves that Enoch, one of these faithful, died along with the others.

Genesis 5:23 also conclusively states: “ALL THE DAYS of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years.” This same phrase, “all the days,” is used throughout this chapter about generations of people who died.

In speaking of Enoch, the Bible records that he “walked with God” (Genesis 5:24), and “he pleased God” (Hebrews 11:5). Because of this and because of the rebellious society in which Enoch lived, God “took” him away, so that he “should not see death” (Hebrews 11:5, Authorized Version). God “translated” or transported him to another place on earth, in order to spare him from the second death. John 8:51 confirms that if we keep God’s word, we shall “never see death” — the second death, that is, as it is appointed to men once to die the first death (Hebrews 9:27). We do know for certain, based on the Biblical teaching and evidence, that Enoch did die at a relatively young age for his day and that he did not ascend to heaven!

Paul also said in Hebrews 11:5 that Enoch was “not found.” This does not mean that he lived on forever. Moses died, and God buried him at a secret place, and he was not found, and “no one knows his grave to this day” (Deuteronomy 34:6).

We need to both consider and believe the clear statements of Scripture. Like David and many other people who have faithfully served God, Enoch awaits the hope of the resurrection to righteousness (compare Hebrews 11:39-40), and a time in which he will indeed not see death — the second death of eternal destruction.

On Saturday, January 24, 2004, Edwin Pope will be presenting the sermon, titled, “Repentance and Forgiveness – What does God require?”

The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at the appropriate time, just click on “Connect to Live Stream.”

The Bible records a very brief account of an endeavor known as the tower of Babel. In a period after the great flood in which God destroyed the world that then was because of their sins, men banded together to establish a great city along with a high tower. Instead of spreading out to repopulate and settle the earth, these people evidently wanted to create great works for their own purposes.

God intervened to stop this by confusing their language to prevent their understanding one another. Why?

Mankind was beginning to venture into areas for which he was not prepared. Note this statement from God:

” ‘…and this is what they begin to do; now nothing will be withheld from them’ ” (Genesis 11:6).

These actions were outside of the plan that God was working out for mankind. We read the following in Genesis 5, verse 1: “…In the day that God created man, He made him in the likeness of God.” Then, in Hebrews 2 we are told: ” ‘…You have crowned him with glory and honor, And set him over the works of Your hands. You have put ALL THINGS in subjection under his feet.’ For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him” (verses 7-8).

Right now, God has given man the earth on which to live. We read in Psalm 115:16: “The heaven, even the heavens (which include space or the universe), are the LORD’S; But the EARTH He has given to the children of men.” We find this overview in Acts 17:26: ” ‘And He has made from one [man] every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings.’ “

We have more insight concerning the will of God for mankind in Isaiah 45:18: “For thus says the LORD Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited.”

However, in our time, mankind once again seeks to go beyond his appointed domain — thereby adopting, inadvertently, the spirit of Satan and his fallen angels who tried to leave earth to take God’s place in the third heaven. Jude 6 tells us, “And the [fallen] angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day.” As the year 2004 gets under way, robotic spaceships have begun to land on Mars. The technology of our day seems limitless.

Now, ambitious plans for establishing colonies on the moon along with a quest to send men to the planet Mars are being embraced by mankind. The United States and Russia, long technological leaders in space exploration, now have competition from Europe, China, Japan and India. It appears that a space race is emerging once again.

The ominous worry is that space based weapons will proliferate among the nations. In fact, near space already is full of intelligence and communication satellites from which modern war becomes even more powerful in the hands of those nations who can wield such technologies.

Mankind is once again moving beyond the bounds and limits placed on him by God. This time, as before, God will have to intervene. Jesus Christ spoke of the end of the age of man’s self rule and the conditions occurring just prior to His return to this earth: ” ‘And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved…’ ” (Matthew 24:22).

However, there is great hope for mankind in the future that God has planned. As we read, Paul spoke in Hebrews 2:8 of the time when “all things” would be given to the sons of God. Peter adds the following: “Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).

The sure promise of God is that man will indeed journey into all of His creation–beyond the bounds of this earth or the planets in this solar system. Indeed man will get to go where no man has gone before–just not yet!

State of the Union

STATE OF THE UNION

On the heels of political attention directed to the Iowa caucus; both the US press along with media worldwide turned their focus on President George Bush’s State of the Union address on Tuesday night of this past week.

Beyond the political banter and positioning for President Bush’s upcoming campaign season for another term as president, there was a very somber warning. From the text of the speech delivered by Mr. Bush, we quote these words: “Our greatest responsibility is the active defense of the American people. Twenty-eight months have passed since Sept. 11, 2001–over two years without an attack on American soil–and it is tempting to believe that the danger is behind us. That hope is understandable, comforting–and FALSE. The killing has continued in Bali, Jakarta, Casablanca, Riyadh, Mombassa, Jerusalem, Istanbul and Baghdad. The terrorists continue to plot against America and the civilized world (State of the Union Address, 2004, By President George Bush–emphasis added).

The goal of terrorists remains the United States proper. Unimaginable destruction that would make even the disaster of 9/11 pale is within the realm of possibility. In a review of articles from the February 2004 issue of “Whistleblower Magazine”, one article notes an amazing quotation of the US vice-president: “Vice President Dick Cheney’s chilling assessment that nuclear terror is ‘the major threat’ facing America: Calling a WMD attack on the U.S. ‘one of the most important problems we face today,’ Cheney added: ‘To contemplate the possibility of them unleashing that kind of capability–of that kind of weapon, if you will, in the midst of one of our cities–that’s a scary proposition’ ” (www.shopnetdaily.com 1/21/2004).

Scary, indeed! Traditional explosives coupled with nuclear waste materials could render population centers uninhabitable. Biological agents leading to widespread illness and death are considered as probable future occurrences–in fact, some experts believe terrorism of this sort has already taken place in recent months with the widespread and sudden introduction of diseases such as the West Nile Virus.

Already, the financial might of the United States has been rocked by terrorist acts. Without large government infusions of money for the airlines, air travel in North America could have collapsed. The American way of life has been inalterably changed based on the element of constant fear. As President Bush stated following the attacks of 9/11, the U.S. is no longer protected by our surrounding oceans.

Beyond these frightening events in the news, we need to be reminded of the stern warnings which God issued for His people Israel and their descendants in both Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28. Of particular note is verse 17 of Leviticus 26: ” ‘I will set My face against you, and YOU SHALL BE DEFEATED BY YOUR ENEMIES. Those who hate you shall reign over you, and you shall flee when no one pursues you.’ ” Verse 37 adds: ” ‘…you shall have no power to stand before your enemies.’ “

“CLOSING THE GAP…”

In evaluating the strong Euro and the falling dollar, a report from a national radio program stated that Europe was “closing the gap” in which the U.S. has been the dominant economic power in the world while nations such as France and Germany along with other European nations trailed behind.

In fact, as we have been continually reporting in this weekly “Update,” Europe is emerging on far more fronts than just economic. Political movements are creating allies among the nations of central Europe that are destined to catapult them into a dominant world role. There is now more than just a stirring of religious fervor as Pope John Paul II exerts dramatic papal influence in European as well as world events.

The pope has waged an ongoing diplomatic campaign against the U.S.-led war with Iraq. He has been particularly outspoken in his opposition to any kind of “pre-emptive” use of power such as the kind of actions in its war against terror that the U.S., under President Bush, has adopted.

AGI Online reports that, “…next Friday the pope will receive American vice president Dick Cheney at the Vatican, while tomorrow (Friday, January 23, 2004) the Spanish prime minister Aznar will meet with the [pope]” (www.agi.it).

Events such as these reflect the changing dynamics of international influence as new power-blocks are emerging. Biblical prophecy speaks of a coming national punishment called “…the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7). Furthermore, the Bible also reveals that Britain and the United States will bear the brunt of this punishment because of their great national sins, and because these nations are the modern descendants of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. Our booklets deal more specifically with prophetic events for these times in which we live. You are also welcome to contact us directly with any questions.

ISRAEL SMOLDERS!

The fires are never quenched in the nation of Israel. The slightest provocations make headlines around the world. This week was no different.

“Israeli planes attacked Hezbollah targets in south Lebanon on Tuesday, threatening an escalation of clashes along a border that has been relatively calm for nearly four years” (AP News 1/21/2004). This in turn has led to broader accusations and threatening pronouncements between Syrian and Israeli officials. Events such as this reveal the tinder-box status of life in the Middle East.

Compounding the situation is a possible indictment against Prime Minister Sharon. “An Israeli court charged a real-estate developer Wednesday with paying more than a half-million dollars in bribes to Ariel Sharon–a case that could force the prime minister to step aside” (www.comcast.net 1/21/2004).

The article continues: “Sharon is also being investigated for alleged involvement in illegal campaign financing. If Sharon is charged, he would be forced to suspend himself from office while the case is pending. But the prime minister could also face pressure from the public and his own party to step down before that.”

The potential for changes in national leadership exist around the globe. The U.S. has a presidential election in which the re-election of George Bush is certainly a question mark. Although very active in spite of serious health problems, Pope John Paul II is considered extremely fragile. Prime Minister Tony Blair has taken heavy political body blows because of his support for the U.S.-led Iraqi war. Leadership across Europe is now being second-guessed following the failure of finalizing a European constitution. Add to this the explosive emergence of China’s economic might, and we see a world that is destined to undergo many dramatic changes in the coming months.

Let us read, first, the passage referred to above, in context. Christ said to Peter, beginning in Matthew 16:18: “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

The word “Peter,” i.e., “petros” in Greek, means “a little stone.” The “rock,” on which Christ would build His church, is “petra” in Greek, meaning a solid rock. Christ was not saying here that Christ would build the church on “Peter,” but on THE ROCK — Christ Himself. It is CHRIST who is identified as “THE ROCK” in passages such as 1 Corinthians 10:4. Peter, as well as the other apostles, in addition to the prophets, are part of the foundation, but Christ is the CHIEF cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). The Church is built on Christ, who is the LIVING Head of the Church (Ephesians 4:15). That is why the “gates of Hades” or “Death” cannot overcome or defeat it. Christ, as the LIVING Head of the Church — as the foundation of the Church — has overcome death, having the “key of Hades and of Death” (Revelation 1:18). Paul explains that no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is laid, which is Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11).

Unger’s Bible Handbook agrees, as follows: “”Thou art Peter [petros, a stone] and upon this rock [petra, great ledge of rock] I will build my church (cf. 1 Pet 2:4-6, where the apostle made it clear he was never to be thought of as ‘the rock’).”

The Broadman Bible commentary points out:

“In the Greek text, two forms appear in ‘you are Peter’ [Petros], and ‘on this rock’ [petra]… The masculine form, Petros [and]… the feminine form, petra… If [Peter] is the rock, it is strange that the impersonal ‘this rock’ follows the personal ‘you are.’… Although Peter and all the apostles (Eph. 2:20; Rev. 21:14) were in some sense the foundation upon which the church was built, the New Testament never allows this in an absolute sense. Jesus Himself is ‘the rock’ upon which the church is built… there could be a church without Peter, none without Christ. Peter is neither the head nor the foundation of the church. Jesus founded it; it stands or falls with him; and he is yet its living Lord and head.”

It is important to understand this background, if we want to understand correctly the “power to bind and loose.” We are told in Matthew 16:19, that Christ gave Peter the “keys of the kingdom of heaven.” Our recent Q&A in Update # 121 on the “key of David” explained the meaning of the “keys of the kingdom of heaven.” We pointed out that “the context shows that He was revealing to Peter and the other disciples the KNOWLEDGE as to how to enter the Kingdom of God…”

In Matthew 16:19, Christ continues to say that whatever “thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Authorized Version). So, Christ addresses Peter in this passage, as the word “thou,” a singular word, shows.

However, in Matthew 18:18, Christ does not only speak to Peter, when He says: “Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever YE shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever YE shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven (Authorized Version).” While the word “thou” (in Matthew 16:19) refers to just one person, the word “ye” (in Matthew 18:18) refers to more than one person. In Matthew 18:15-17, Christ had just explained the proper procedure regarding an unrepentant brother or sister. If he or she does not hear “the church,” that is, the ministry, “let him be unto THEE as an heathen man and a publican.” It is the church, through its ministry, which will make the decision to disassociate from such a person. Such a decision involves, of course, a judgment whether or not the person is repentant and whether or not the sins of the person are forgiven. And so, we read in John 20:22-23 (Authorized Version): “And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive YE the Holy [Spirit]: Whose soever sins YE remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins YE retain, they are retained.”

The ministry has been given the authority from God, to “bind and loose,” and to “remit” and “retain” sin. It is critical that we understand correctly the scope of this authority.

When returning to Matthew 16:19, we find, in the New King James Bible, the following annotation in the margin: “Or, ‘will have been bound… will have been loosed.'”

The Ryrie Study Bible explains: “Lit., ‘shall have been bound… shall have been loosed.’ Heaven, not the apostles, initiates all binding and loosing, while the apostles announce these things. In John 20:22-23 sins are in view; here, things (i.e., practices). An example of the apostles’ binding practices on people is found in Acts 15:20.”

The New American Standard Bible translates Matthew 16:19, as follows: “…and whatever you shall bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you shall loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.”

Similarly the New Testament by Charles Williams: “… and whatever you forbid on earth must be what is already forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth must be what is already permitted in heaven.”

The Broadman Bible Commentary points out:

“‘Shall be bound’ (estai dedemenon) and ‘shall be loosed’ (estai lelumenon) may not be precise translations of the Greek tenses behind them. In each case the Greek tense is a periphrastic form of the future perfect passive. Possibly they should be rendered ‘shall have been bound’ and ‘shall have been loosed,’ although many grammarians would call this pedantic. If the force of the future perfect tense holds here, the meaning would be somewhat altered. This would suggest not that the action on earth would be ratified in heaven but that it is anticipated in heaven. In other words, earth follows heaven, not the reverse.”

Regarding John 20:23, the Ryrie Study Bible states: “Since only God can forgive sins (Mark 2:7), the disciples and the Church are here given the authority to declare what God does when a man either accepts or rejects His Son.” We might also add that Christ had announced to them that they would soon receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives us wisdom and discernment, and enables especially the ministry, when used correctly, to ascertain whether a person is repentant or not.

Although Christ was talking, at that time, to Peter and the other apostles, it is clear that His statements were not just limited to them. Christ stated in Matthew 28:20 that the early apostles were to teach all the disciples “to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world [or better: end of this age or civilization].” Christ included with His statement the church throughout the ages, until the very time of His return. Therefore, He did not restrict the authority to “bind and loose” just to His apostles of the very first century.

The Nelson Study Bible comments on Matthew 16:19 and on Matthew 18:18: “In rabbinical literature, binding and loosing refers to what was permitted or not permitted. So this passage may refer to judgments that Peter [and the other apostles] would make about what would be permitted or forbidden in the church… As in [Matthew] 16:19, the tenses [in Matthew 18:18] imply that what is loosed or bound on earth will have been determined already in heaven. In other words, this is a promise of divine direction…”

Jamiesson, Fausset and Brown, Commentary on the Whole Bible, states regarding Matthew 18:18: “Here, what had been granted but a short time before to Peter only… is plainly extended to all the Twelve; so that… it means nothing peculiar to Peter, far less to his pretended successors at Rome. It has to do with admission and rejection from the membership of the Church.”

The New Bible Commentary: Revised, agrees and adds the following remarks: “The promise does not of course mean that God will be bound by anything that Peter says (cf. Gal. 2:11), but that things done according to the will of Christ will have binding validity…. Judicial rulings, like the promulgation of rules of conduct, are binding.”

Eerdman’s Handbook to the Bible elaborates: “The authority given to Peter is given equally to the others (see [Matthew]18:18)… God is not bound by whatever Peter may say. But anything done by the disciple in accordance with Christ’s will is to have permanent validity.”

The Broadman Bible Commentary, commenting on Matthew 18:18, explains the meaning and scope of “binding and loosing,” as follows:

“The authority to bind and loose, given to Peter in [Matthew] 16:19, is here extended to the whole church [that is, its ministry]. In [Matthew] 16:19 it seems to relate primarily to instruction, what conduct is permitted and what not [We might insert here that this would include conduct that is not clearly defined in Scripture. The Church is not permitted, however, to do away with any of God’s commandments, judgments or statutes, compare Matthew 5:17-19; James 2:10; Mark 7:6-13. Likewise, the Church is not to add prohibitions regarding conduct that the Bible permits, compare Revelation 22:18; Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Proverbs 30:5-6]. Here [in Matthew 18:18] it relates primarily to church discipline. The periphrastic future perfect passive tense is used for bind and loose as in [Matthew] 16:19… Agreement between heaven and church is pictured. This, of course, presupposes that in undertaking the discipline of a member the church has been governed by the motive and spirit prescribed.”

In summary, Christ empowered the leadership of the Church, throughout the Church’s history and existence, to discern God’s Will regarding binding Church decisions as to what God permits and prohibits, based on His law, and who is to be excommunicated and reinstated, based on the Church leadership’s discernment of the person’s repentance and God’s forgiveness. This is not to say that Church decisions are to be considered infallible. God does not bind in heaven a Church decision which is against His Will and His Law. We are told that all of us have to GROW in the KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST (2 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 4:13). Therefore, when God, through the power and wisdom of His Holy Spirit, clearly reveals to the Church leadership that a wrong decision was made in the past, perhaps by not fully submitting to, or understanding the Will of God, such a wrong decision must be corrected immediately.

On Saturday, January 17, 2004, Norbert Link will be discussing the grossly misunderstood topic of the nature of Jesus Christ, when Christ was here on earth. The sermon is titled, “Who Was Jesus?”

The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time (which is 2:30 p.m. Central Time). Just click on “Connect to Live Stream.”

Abraham exemplified God’s Way. His life was pleasing to God. When Abraham had come to the land God was giving to him, he had brought with him his nephew, Lot (Genesis 12:1-4). Since God was dealing primarily with Abraham, and since he was the elder in the relationship, no doubt when trouble arose with the herdsmen of Lot and Abraham’s herdsmen, Abraham could have directed Lot to move on with his herdsmen to another area. But what did he do?

Abraham said to his nephew, “‘Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren. Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left'” (Genesis 13: 8-9).

Lot, having first choice, looked out on the land and chose what he considered to be the best! (Genesis 13: 10-11). That is, of course, human nature! Abraham, on the other hand, took the area that was left, having approached this whole situation from the basis of love towards neighbor. This was typical of Abraham’s approach. We notice in this story that wherever Abraham went, he showed honor and respect toward God, as well as to his fellow man (Genesis 12:7-8; 13:14).

How did God feel about Abraham’s approach in his dealings with man and with God? Notice in Genesis 18:17-19, God makes the statement of Abraham: “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing; since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I have known [or: chosen] him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.”

God had called Abraham out of this world to learn God’s Way of Life, and to pass it on to his offspring.

We find the real test as to Abraham’s faithfulness to God and to His Ways when God, after having given Abraham and Sarah a son, beyond the years of childbearing for Sarah, required of Abraham that he offer up Isaac as a burnt offering to the LORD. Having prepared the offering, Abraham was about to follow through with this sacrifice, when “‘the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, ‘Abraham, Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am'” (Genesis 22:11).

“And He said, ‘Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me'” (Genesis 22:12).

Yes, God had now come to KNOW Abraham to the point that He knew Abraham would follow in His Ways, regardless of the situation! Has God come to know you to this extent, brethren? Has He come to know each of us in the Church, such that He can say of us — “I KNOW HIM!” — “I KNOW he (or she) will do what I have revealed that he (or she) should do?”

We must never forget Christ’s words in Matthew 7:21-23: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many shall say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I NEVER KNEW YOU; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'”

God has called us out of this world, brethren. He has given us His Spirit. He has given us His Law. Is He as sure of us as He became of Abraham? Can He truly say of each of us — “I KNOW HIM — that he fears Me and that he will do as I have commanded?”

U.S. Draft?

BEWARE — IS THE U.S. DRAFT COMING?
The indications are increasing that a military draft might be reinstated in the United States, following the next presidential election in the autumn of 2004. A Senate Version of a bill to create a draft for MEN AND WOMEN who are U.S. citizens or RESIDE in the country, known as Bill S 89 IS, is pending with the Committee on Armed Services. Section 2 of the proposed bill reads: “It is the obligation of every citizen of the United States, and every other person residing in the United States, who is between the ages of 18 and 26 to perform a period of national service [for a minimum of two years].” The proposed bill allows, under Section 8, for “conscientious objection” from combatant training, requiring the qualified person to participate “in military service that does not include any combatant training component.” It also allows the transfer of a conscientious objector, “at the discretion of the President,” to a “national service program for performance of such person’s national service obligations.”

As WorldNetDaily reported on January 13, 2004, in addition to Senate Bill S. 89 IS, the “House of Representatives’ version of the bill, H.R. 163, also attempts to reinstate the draft, but it only applies to men from 18-22 years of age.” The newspaper went on to report that Aaron Russo, a Libertarian candidate for president, authored and supported a petition, stating that these attempts to reinstate the draft constitute “infringement upon our personal freedoms.” The paper reminded its readers that last Fall, the Selective Service System had posted a notice on their Webpage saying the agency was looking for people to serve on local draft boards. The paper continued: “Libertarian commentators CLAIM THE GOVERNMENT IS GETTING THINGS PREPARED SO IF THE DRAFT IS REINSTATED, CONSCRIPTION CAN BEGIN AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.”

YELLOWSTONE CLOSE TO ERUPTION?

The Idaho Observer reported in December 2003 that “Yellowstone National Park happens to be on top of one of the largest ‘super volcanoes’ in the world,” and that the next eruption is “long overdue.” According to the article, it “could be 2,500 times the size of the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption.”

The article reported that “In July, 2003, Yellowstone Park rangers closed the entire Norris Geyser Basin because of deformation of the land and excessive high ground temperatures… There was no choice but to close off the entire area. Everything in this area is dying: The trees, flowers, grass and shrubs. A dead zone is developing and spreading outward. The animals are literally migrating out of the Park. Then during the last part of July one of the Park geologists discovered a huge bulge at the bottom of Yellowstone Lake. The bulge has already risen over 100 feet from the bottom of the Lake and the water temperature at the surface of the bulge has reached 88 degrees and is still rising… The Lake is now closed to the public. It is filled with dead fish floating everywhere. The same is true of the Yellowstone river and most of the other streams in the Park. Dead and dying fish are filling the water everywhere. Many of the picnic areas in the Park have been closed.”

The article then pointed out the following: “The irony of all this is THE SILENCE BY THE NEWS MEDIA AND OUR GOVERNMENT. VERY LITTLE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE FROM YELLOWSTONE PERSONNEL OR PUBLICATIONS. What mainstream news stories do appear underscore the likelihood of a MASSIVE VOLCANIC ERUPTION.”

On the other hand, the University of Utah published the following on their Webpage:

“We do not know [when Yellowstone will erupt again]… [Yellowstone] scientists [have] NOT detected signs of activity that suggest an eruption is imminent.” They also state that it is “NOT TRUE” that “the next eruption of Yellowstone is overdue.”

The Idaho Observer totally disagreed with that representation. It quoted “a source that has demonstrated first-hand knowledge of the park’s history and recent geothermal events,” as saying: “The American people are not being told that the explosion of this ‘super volcano’ could happen at any moment. When Yellowstone does blow, some geologists predict that every living thing within six hundred miles is likely to die.”

When reading such alarming reports, we most certainly must not ignore the problem, nor try to downplay it, nor put our heads in the sand, thinking that thereby the problem will go away. At the same time, we must be aware of “sensationalized” news without basis in fact. However, in the case of Yellowstone, the report of the Idaho Observer appears to be very credible. The Bible warns that in the last days, terrible times will come, and that the ultimate situation would be so bad on earth that ALL HUMANS would die, if Christ would not intervene.

In that light, volcanic eruptions, just like the one described in this section, would most certainly be a distinct possibility.

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER’S BUDGET CUTS PROPOSAL

After the initial enthusiasm over Arnold Schwarzenegger’s election as California’s new governor, his budget cuts proposal, introduced last Friday, January 9, 2004, has found an overwhelmingly negative response by the national and international press.

According to USA Today, the budget proposal calls for an increase in tuition by California state and community students — in spite of Mr. Schwarzenegger’s election promise that he would “not touch” education. University students would have to pay 10 to 40 % more, and Community College students would pay 8 dollars per unit more — from 18 to 26 dollars.

The paper also pointed out that the proposal would include caps on enrollment for the State’s health insurance program for the poor and elderly, and the elimination (!) of some medical benefits for the poor and disabled (!).

Associated Press commented on Saturday, January 10:

“Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s plan to wipe out a $14 billion shortfall next year without new taxes relies on some of the same kind of borrowing and one-time solutions he previously criticized for causing the state’s fiscal crisis. The governor’s proposal, unveiled Friday, cuts more than $4 billion in spending from a variety of services, with nearly half of the belt-tightening– about $1.7 billion — coming from welfare programs and the state’s health insurance plan for the poor and disabled.”

In the German Press, both the conservative “Die Welt” and the left-liberal “Der Spiegel” published an identical article on January 9, 2004, stating that “Arnie’s budget cuts hit first and foremost the old, welfare recipients, and students.”

AMERICAN LABOR MARKET A DISASTER — WHILE THE EURO CLIMBS AND CLIMBS

Der Spiegel reported on January 9, 2004, that the figures in December 2003, regarding the creation for American new jobs, are a disaster. While 150,000 new jobs had been expected and hoped for, only 1,000 new jobs had, in reality, been created. The article continued that the number of unemployed decreased somewhat in December, but that this is another NEGATIVE indication for the disastrous status of the American labor market. The reason for the decrease was, according to the American Economy Department, that about 433,000 unemployed did not even bother to register to find a new job, as no new jobs were available.

The magazine quoted American economy experts as saying that these figures represent an extremely disappointing picture of the American labor market.

The New York Times reported on January 7, 2004: “With its rising budget deficit and ballooning trade imbalance, the United States is running up a foreign debt of such record-breaking proportions that it threatens the financial stability of the global economy, according to a report made public today by the International Monetary Fund.”

At the same time, on January 9, the Euro reached another record high against the U.S. dollar of 1.2867, according to “Die Welt.” Acc
ording to the paper, the reason for this recent record high is the revelation of the disappointing failure of the United States to create new jobs.

CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION IN THE U.S.?

WorldNetDaily reported on January 7, 2004, about a scandalous decision of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. According to the article, “A devout Christian employee who was fired for posting quotes from the Bible condemning homosexuality lost an appeal in federal court yesterday. The San Francisco-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, regarded as the nation’s most liberal, ruled Hewlett-Packard Co. did not violate the rights of Richard Peterson when it fired him for posting the verses ON HIS DESK IN RESPONSE TO COMPANY POSTERS FEATURING HOMOSEXUAL EMPLOYEES, Reuters reported.”

LET’S GO TO MARS?

As Fox News and USA Today reported on January 15, 2004, President Bush has proposed that Americans return to the moon and travel to Mars by 2020. He said that “mankind is drawn to the heavens for the same reason we were once drawn to unknown lands and across the open sea.” Our Editorial in the next Update will address this erroneous thinking. Suffice it here to quote the incredible costs associated with this new proposal. According to USA Today, “the cost of the human and robotic missions to the moon and Mars would total roughly $120 billion by 2020,” while the U.S. faces a budget deficit this year “of $500 billion.” In addition, some scientists have already come forward and stated that the costs for the new moon and Mars travel proposal will, realistically, reach roughly 1 TRILLION dollars. These astronomical figures should be viewed in consideration of the tragic fact that human beings die EACH DAY because of HUNGER AND STARVATION.

TONY BLAIR AND IRAQ

www.thescotsman.co.uk published a disturbing article on January 12, 2004, quoting Great Britain’s Tony Blair as saying: “In the 23 months I was there, I never saw anything that I would characterize as evidence of [Iraq’s possession of] weapons of mass destruction.” The paper continued: “The Prime Minister’s position on weapons of mass destruction has been shifting since July last year, when he said he was confident evidence of ‘weapons programmes’ would be found in Iraq as opposed to the actual weapons detailed in the dossier HE USED TO JUSTIFY WAR. Yesterday, he also appeared to drop his claims that the Iraqi Survey Group, which is still scouring Iraq for Saddam’s hidden arsenal, had found ‘clandestine laboratories.'”

THE IRAQ WAR — A POLITICAL PRODUCT?

Associated Press and Reuters reported on January 14, 2004, about a speech by Senator Edward Kennedy, condemning the Bush Administration in unprecedented terms for having marketed the Iraq war as a “political product… to win elections.” The speech was broadcast live on ESPN2.

“The U.S. Senate’s leading liberal Democrat Wednesday accused the Republican White House of breaking faith with Americans by forcing them into an unnecessary war with Iraq,” according to Reuters. The article continued to quote Kennedy as saying that President Bush “put ‘a spin on the truth to justify a war that could well become one of the worst blunders in more than two centuries of American foreign policy. If Congress and the American people knew the whole truth, America never would have gone to war.'” The article continued: “[Kennedy] said the administration ‘has broken faith with the American people, aided and abetted by a congressional majority willing to pursue ideology at any price, even the price of distorting the truth.”

Associated Press added: “Kennedy said the administration’s march to war in Iraq did not make America safer, but instead has given Osama bin Laden and al-Qaida new life and made war on terrorism harder to win. ‘The war has made America MORE HATED IN THE WORLD,’ said Kennedy. ‘And it has made our people more vulnerable to attacks both here and overseas.'”

The article continued: “Asked about the speech, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said Bush worked to exhaust all diplomatic means before going to war. ‘The president took the action he did because his most solemn obligation is to protect the American people,’ said McClellan. ‘And America is more secure because of the action that we took in Iraq.'”

We are glad to do so. The following is a very brief summary and only relates, in passing, a few pieces of the Biblical, historical or archeological evidence, to raise interest and curiosity:

The ancient tribe of Manasseh, son of Joseph, is dominant in the United States of America. Ephraim, another son of Joseph, basically constitutes the English-speaking, Anglo-Saxon member countries of the Commonwealth of Nations (formerly known as the British Commonwealth). This includes modern countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, as well as part of South Africa. There are actually many proofs which establish these facts. We read in the Bible that a descendant of the house of David would always rule over the house of Israel, throughout all generations, until the return of Jesus Christ (who will then, as a descendant of David, rule over the house of Israel forever). In Ireland, tradition marks the arrival in the first half of the sixth century B.C. of a small group of people led by a white-haired prophet, known as Ollamh Fodhla. Irish tradition identifies this man as the prophet Jeremiah. The traditional belief of the kings of Scotland and England is that the house of David was transferred, through Jeremiah, to northwestern Europe from Palestine. When Jerusalem fell, Jeremiah brought with him the daughter of the last king of Judah, Zedekiah, who then became queen of Ireland. Today, the throne of David can be found in England.

The tribe of Judah (the Jews) is scattered among all nations, with a large number now living in the modern state of Israel.

Other ancient tribes of the house of Israel seem to be located in the following areas:

Reuben can be found today in parts of modern France; Dan in Ireland and part of Denmark; Benjamin in Norway and Iceland; Zebulon in the Netherlands; Issachar in Finland; Gad in Switzerland; Asher in Belgium and Luxembourg; and Naphtali in Sweden. We are unable to determine the modern identity of Levi and Simeon, as they were prophesied to be scattered among the rest of the tribes of Israel (compare Genesis 49:7). Strong evidence suggests that many in Wales are descendants of Levi, and some Scots — especially around Glasgow — are descendants of Simeon, as well as of Levi.

We should mention, of course, that people from many other countries have joined and settled among all of the above-mentioned nations. This means that not everyone living in the United States, for example, is a descendant of the tribe of Manasseh.

Some have claimed that the American Indians are the descendants of the “lost tribes” of the ancient house of Israel. This is incorrect. Biblical research, history and archeology reveal that the American Indians are descendants of Tiras, son of Japheth, one of the three sons of Noah. Tiras was one of Noah’s grandsons. Tiras is referred to in Genesis 10 and in 1 Chronicles 1:5. He became the most isolated branch of Noah’s grandsons. The American Indians are closely related to groups of Asiatic peoples in eastern Asia, who likewise descended from Japheth. Certain American Indian tribes are also closely related linguistically to peoples of northeastern Asia. We find the name “Tiras” preserved among various New World Indian tribes, such as, Tauri, Taras, Turas, Dures, Dorasques, and Atures.

Ancient Chaldeans or Babylonians can be found today in central and northwestern Europe. Some of the ancient Chaldeans were driven northward out of the Near East by the Assyrians and Medes prior to 610 B.C. They headed west into the Roman Empire. They settled in northern Italy, southeastern France, and parts of Spain and northern Africa.The ancient Chaldeans of Babylonia were also sent into exile to Syria in the Greek period. The Latin Romans often bought these people as slaves; afterward, their descendants were freed.

The ancient Assyrians can be found today among some of the Germans, Austrians and other German-speaking countries. Small portions of ancient Assyrians can also be found today in Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries. The Assyrians had settled, around 550 B.C., at the southern shores of the Black Sea, and then moved north. They migrated into Central Europe. Historical works point out that Germanic tribes had migrated into Europe from the countries around the Black Sea. The ancient tradition of the city of Trier has it that the city was founded by the Assyrian king Trebeta, son of Ninus. Josef K.L. Bihl writes, “In Deutschen Landen”: “The inhabitants of Trier maintain that their city is the oldest in all Europe… Trier was founded by Trebeta, a son of the famous Assyrian king Ninus. In fact, one finds… in Trier the inscription reading, ‘Trier existed for 1300 years before Rome was rebuilt.'”

The modern people of Poland are descendants of Elam, a son of Shem. The Elamites named the most famous mountain in their land Elwend. The Germans used to refer to the Poles as “Wends.”

In addition, strong evidence suggests or proves, depending on the case, that the following Biblical terms describe, or may prophetically refer to these modern nations:

Amalek — PLO
Ammon — Jordan
Aram — Syria
Cush — India, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia
Elam — Iran
Esau or Edom — Turkey, perhaps also, in some instances, Palestinians
Ishmael — Saudi-Arabia
Javan — Greece
Lot — Jordan
Magog — China
Moab — Jordan, perhaps also Western Iraq
Pathros — India
Put — Libya
Shinar — Iraq
Teman — Turkey
Togarmah — Siberia
Tubal — Russia

Bible prophecy clearly speaks of many nations which will be the focus of end-time events. These nations can be traced through both the foundation of the Biblical record and the verification of secular history. National identities are being revealed in our generation by those who actually fulfill events which God foretold. Therefore, it is especially important that we continue to carefully watch world events in order to fully understand their true meaning along with the identity of individuals and nations spoken of by God in the remarkable prophecies of the Bible!

For further information, please read our free booklet, “The Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord.” If you can read and understand German, you may also want to download from our Webpage our free German booklet, “Deutschland in der Prophezeiung.”

On Saturday, January 10, 2004, Dave Harris will be presenting the sermon, titled, “Are YOU Deceived?”

The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at the appropriate time, just click on “Connect to Live Stream.”

Last Friday, January 2, 2004, the new leader of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom, Michael Howard, released his “statement of beliefs” in a two page spread in the Times newspaper. For those not familiar with Mr. Howard, he is a former refugee, a barrister and a formidable political figure. The Conservative Party has been regarded by many political commentators as the “natural party of power,” but since Margaret Thatcher was unceremoniously ousted from power as Prime Minister and leader of the party by her own supporters many years ago, the party has been in severe decline.

It has been recently viewed as a party racked with allegations of sleaze, divisions and malcontents and with infighting particularly over membership of the European Union. These self-destruct buttons have seen the new Labor Party have an easy ride and able to run the country without hindrance. But commentators feel that under Mr. Howard, perhaps for the first time in more than a decade, the Conservative Party is more at ease with itself. They point out that it has already started to take on an embattled government which is rocked by divisions over the war in Iraq, tuition fees for university graduates, and the presidential style of administration that has emerged since gaining power in 1997.

In an interview given by leading Conservatives following Mr. Howard’s two page article, the consensus of opinion was that negative campaigning in the future, while not being totally eliminated, was to be subordinated to a more positive political approach. Certainly in the UK, negative campaigning has been a feature of party politics for many years, as the adversarial style of politics has become more and more personal and accusatory. It is perhaps telling that the main party not in power is called the “Opposition” — not the “Cooperation”!

This got me thinking about the parallels with the mission of God’s true Church. We have been given a commission to warn the world. This could be seen by many as negative campaigning. The Ezekiel warning message (Ezekiel 3:16-21) is something that we have to take seriously. It is part of the gospel message of the Kingdom of God, that has to be preached (Matthew 24:14). Before the wonderful world tomorrow can be ushered in, the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord have to be fulfilled, which will be a time of terrible trouble for the modern nations of the houses of Israel and Judah, as well as the entire world.

As we warn the world, some may see this as negative campaigning. At the same time, we have, historically, taught and written about the wonderful world tomorrow that must surely now be just beyond the horizon. Politicians of whatever color or persuasion are always promising us a bright tomorrow, but they rarely deliver. While we may be involved in warning of bad news to come, we also announce the good news, which is as sure as the rising of tomorrow’s sun. The guarantee of the ushering in of God’s Kingdom will be good news for everyone on the face of the earth — not just for the inhabitants of a few select countries.

The vital difference between today’s political leaders and the true Church of God is that we have been privileged to be given answers about the future in God’s Word. Politicians, however well intentioned, are working on their own thoughts, ideas and concepts, which are often at variance with the way of God.

Negative campaigning by the Church? It could be seen by some as just that — but it is a part of our commission and it is accompanied by the most positive campaigning possible — the news of God’s coming Kingdom.

Ultimately, the whole world will be grateful for the fact that some few have had the courage and dedication to continue preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God.