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Dear Members, Co-Workers and Friends:

With this letter, we are pleased to enclose for our readers in the USA and Canada our 29th free booklet, which was printed in England—“The Book of Zechariah—Prophecies for Today.” (Our readers in the UK have already received their copy.) We hope that you will greatly benefit from carefully studying this booklet.

Many do not know the real meaning of biblical prophecies—and where today’s world news events are heading. The book of Zechariah is perhaps one of the most misunderstood books in the Bible. This is a tragedy, as it opens up and reveals to the reader God’s spirit world—far beyond anything our human mind could have imagined. It shows how God and His angels worked in the past in the human realm; what is being done today; and what God will accomplish in the very near future.

For instance, Zechariah’s mysterious nine visions have been puzzling to many. Do you know what they mean? Do you realize that the book of Zechariah describes the First and Second Comings of Jesus Christ; the terrible punishment of the modern houses of Israel and Judah, as well as their deliverance; and the fate of the city of Jerusalem at the time of Christ’s return?

You will find all of this, and much more, addressed in the enclosed booklet. We don’t know of any booklet like this one. That is why it had to be written.

The correct understanding of prophecy is important, if we want to know where this world is heading—and why! “The Book of Zechariah—Prophecies for Today,” is just one of several of our booklets addressing certain aspects of biblical prophecy, and we intend to publish additional booklets in the future on that subject. (All our booklets are listed in the back of the enclosed booklet.)

Prophecy can help us to recognize that the time is indeed near. When the “gospel” (the “good news” or “glad tidings”) of the Kingdom of God is announced “in all the world as a witness,” we KNOW that “the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). Today, the gospel is being preached on a worldwide scale—which has become possible, largely, through the use of the Internet. (In passing, you might want to have a look at the brand-new design of our website, www.standingwatch.org).

Prophecy is not an aim in itself. Rather, it should help us to draw closer to God—especially when we see that the day of Christ’s return is at hand. It should motivate us to really get involved in the Work of God—spending time in prayer and fasting for the Work, including asking for laborers and co-workers; helping practically when there is opportunity; and not neglecting to bring faithfully God’s tithes to His “storehouse” (Malachi 3:10) so that “there may be food” (same verse) or sufficient means to preach the gospel and feed God’s flock (John 21:15-17).

Prophecy can and should help us to focus on the need to assemble regularly—as much as possible—with our fellow brethren; and that “so much the more as [we] see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

In just over two months from now, we will be celebrating the annual Feast of Tabernacles—a most joyous occasion picturing and foreshadowing the rule of Christ on earth for 1,000 years. By then, that aspect of the good news of the Kingdom of God will have become reality. What we announce today will have become true! All of us should therefore make every effort to attend at one of our designated Feast sites to celebrate this most glorious occasion. (More information can be found on our websites, under “Feasts.” Our websites are listed in the back of the enclosed booklet. Those who do not have access to the Internet are encouraged to write to one of our mail addresses, which are listed as well.)

The book of Zechariah shows that all of mankind will keep the Feast of Tabernacles in the future. Today, only very few understand the need to do so—and what that Feast pictures. But the gospel of the Kingdom of God is explaining to us, among many other things, the meaning of the Feast of Tabernacles. It shows that God’s Kingdom will RULE on this earth for a Millennium. It also shows that those who qualify in this life (by controlling and conquering their fleshly desires and enduring to the end) to enter the Kingdom of God (Mark 9:47; 13:13), will be resurrected to eternal life (Romans 8:8-11). They will become born-again members in the very Family of God (Ephesians 3:14-15).

God IS a Family. God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son are enlarging their Family. God’s true disciples are called the children of God (1 John 3:1-2). They are the sons and daughters of God the Father (2 Corinthians 6:18). Jesus—the Son of God—is the firstborn among many brethren (Romans 8:29; Hebrews 2:11). Today, we are Spirit-begotten members of God’s Family. In the resurrection, we will be born again—born OF the Holy Spirit. We will be IN the Kingdom or Family of God. We will BE God, irrespective of gender, color or race—immortal Spirit-born God beings in God’s Family (compare John 10:34-36).

We will rule WITH and UNDER Christ (Revelation 20:6). We will rule over mortal man (Revelation 5:10; Daniel 7:22, 27)—showing man HOW to live in peace and harmony and tranquility (Micah 4:1-5). And ultimately, we will rule over all things (Hebrews 2:6-8; Revelation 21:7)—and that, forever and ever (Revelation 22:5).

Our new booklet pictures and discusses all of this—and much more. Please accept it as a gift from us to you, and also as a token of our appreciation for your support of and dedication to our part in the Work of God—the most important task for us today. This world is getting darker by the hour—terrible times will come soon (Matthew 24:21-22)—but in the end, destruction, misery and pain will belong to the past (Revelation 21:4).

In Christ’s service,

Norbert Link

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Dear Brethren and Friends,

In the relatively recent history of this world, wars have engulfed nations so extensively that few people now living have escaped their influence. For some, the level has risen to ethnic and racial genocide. Families have been decimated, and the countless conflicts that now endlessly rage all over the earth continue to destroy the innocent along with the combatants.

War is this world’s biggest business!

The extent to which hostility governs this earth and its inhabitants is truly staggering! Fighting between people marks a way of life for this generation, and so it has been throughout man’s history.

The Bible shows how this terrible plight of violence began, and it reveals how God will cause it to cease!

The beginning is found in the record of Genesis. It began when Adam and Eve rejected God and chose to follow the deception of Satan. When the devil confronted these people, he did so as his name implies, as an adversary. His goal was to cause the death of Adam and Eve—and he did! In fact, the very first recorded lie is that of Satan when he spoke, saying, “‘You will not surely die’” (Genesis 3:4).

Jesus Christ identifies exactly who Satan is: “‘He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it’” (John 8:44).

Because mankind continued to rebel—as Satan rebelled (compare Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:11-17)—God chose to destroy what He had created on the earth:

“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. And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the LORD said, ‘I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them’” (Genesis 6:5-7).

Verse 11 of Genesis 6 adds, “The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was FILLED WITH VIOLENCE” (also, compare verse 13).

God put an end to that society, because of their VIOLENT and evil ways of living!

We have been strictly warned beforehand that the END OF THIS AGE will be characterized by the same kind of conditions that led to God’s direct and cataclysmic intervention in human society through the Flood.

Jesus spoke of the signs preceding His return to the earth, and among them He revealed this: “‘But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be’” (Matthew 24:37).

Brethren, a multitude of prophecies have been left for us in God’s Word that point to these times in which we now find ourselves living. Times of unprecedented evil along with tumultuous events in nature already clearly mark our generation—and they will grow even WORSE!

Our extraordinary privilege is to understand these things and to prepare for them! Added to this knowledge is our sure conviction that Jesus Christ will be sent back to this earth to personally put a stop to the global devastation that is yet to arise.

Of the time immediately ahead of us, Jesus said:

“‘For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened’” (Matthew 24:21-22).

In years before the Flood, God responded to the faithfulness of Noah by instructing him to prepare for what was about to happen to the world of that age. We find this testimony of Noah’s actions: “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of THINGS NOT YET SEEN, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith” (Hebrews 11:7).

The example of Noah has bearing on our own circumstances. Since we are facing the most difficult time in all of earth’s history, what must we be doing to prepare—to be counted among the elect of God and to “‘…be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man’” (Luke 21:36)?

As Jesus also instructed in verse 36, we must “‘[w]atch’” and “‘pray always.’” How and in what way are we supposed to be watching and praying?

One way is to continue in our calling to Christianity—to NEVER GIVE UP AND TO NEVER QUIT! In His very specific warning for all Christians, for all times, Jesus says, “‘…he who endures to the end shall be saved’” (Matthew 24:13).

For those of His followers who do CONTINUE with zealous fervency, Jesus has given His promise of divine protection—just as He promised to save Noah along with his family:

“‘Because you have kept My command to PERSEVERE, I ALSO WILL KEEP YOU FROM THE HOUR OF TRIAL [the Great Tribulation] which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth’” (Revelation 3:10).

Note that these promises of protection are conditional! We must never take them for granted!

Over numerous decades, we have all been warned to WATCH world events and to stay READY for the imminent fulfillment of biblical prophecy. We have been constantly reminded to stay actively committed to OUR PART in the Church of God—and that specifically includes helping to support and participate in the preaching of the Gospel. Remember, Jesus said “‘…this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then THE END WILL COME’” (Matthew 24:14; compare Mark 13:10; Matthew 10:22-23).

Noah, along with his wife, his three sons and their wives, left their former lives behind. It took time for them to complete the work God had given for them to accomplish. However, with sudden swiftness, the day of God’s judgment descended, and only these eight people were saved from destruction! Everyone else perished!

For our world and the billions of people who now exist under the wicked and murderous influence of Satan, an end of violence will come! God will, once again, intervene in human affairs, and, this time, He will establish His government on the earth:

“‘Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other’”(Matthew 24:29-31).

In the glorious reign of Jesus Christ, PEACE will fill the earth (compare Isaiah 9:6-7). Christ shall rule powerfully, and He has given us this promise to look forward to: “He shall judge between many peoples, And rebuke strong nations afar off; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, NEITHER SHALL THEY LEARN WAR ANYMORE. But everyone shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree, And no one shall make them afraid…” (Micah 4:3-4).

In his final recorded letter to the Church, we find encouragement from the apostle Peter that has timeless application—it is something we all must heed:

“Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation… You therefore, beloved, since you KNOW THIS BEFOREHAND, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:14-15, 17-18).

We are also including a special reprint of our Editorial from Update 397 (June 5, 2009), titled “The Last Days…” In this powerful presentation, Evangelist Norbert Link discusses the critical biblical proof that points to our having entered the prophesied time of the end of the age!

In Christ’s Service,

Dave Harris

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Dear Members, Co-Workers and Friends:

With spring here and most of the snow gone in those areas where we do get snow, we look forward to warmer weather and longer days as we approach summer. Passover with its significant meaning of continuing dedication of our lives to God, coupled with self-examination before partaking of the service, was followed by seven Days of Unleavened Bread, picturing removing sin from our lives. This was not meant to apply for just one week, but symbolized an ongoing process of replacing sin with righteousness.

Now, we look forward to the next Holy Day, which is Pentecost.

Pentecost is a festival of great significance for us in the Church because two historical events were attached to it. According to tradition, it was on the Day of Pentecost when God spoke the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. These laws show us how to love God and man. Our love to God is proven when we keep the first four commandments, and the keeping of the last six commandments manifests our love to our fellow man.

The Ten Commandments, which were in effect since the creation of man, leave no doubt as to what God expects from us. God requires of us that we maintain a proper relationship with Him and also with our fellow man. If all these great laws were kept by everyone now, we would have the Millennium in our midst. Unfortunately, Satan is the present god, evil ruler and deceiver of the whole world (Revelation 12:9). He has persuaded the world to accept a false gospel, a false concept of “love,” and a religious system which originated in paganism and which denies the one true God, while it—perhaps inadvertently for many—glorifies the devil.

The other great event which occurred on the Day of Pentecost is recorded in the book of Acts, chapter two. It was on that day when the New Testament Church of God was founded in 31 AD—when Christ’s disciples received God’s Holy Spirit. Those who would be called in this day and age have an opportunity of receiving the Holy Spirit as well; thereby becoming part of the firstfruits or of the first spiritual or spring harvest.

Let us look at the startling events of that day. The disciples knew when that day had arrived, since the instructions were given in the Old Testament to count fifty days (“Pentecost” means “counting fifty”) from the first Sunday which falls within the Days of Unleavened Bread. Notice also that they were all in one place. They were not all scattered, but were in one location, waiting for Christ’s promise to receive the “Helper” or “Comforter”—God’s Holy Spirit (John 16:13).

Then suddenly, that is without warning or prior notice, the whole house was filled with the noise or the sound of a mighty wind. Tongues of fire rested on each of them, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit enabled them to speak in different languages and also to be understood in those languages. The miracle pertained both to the speaking and to the hearing. These were unusual events, signifying the beginning of the New Testament Church. Peter gave an inspiring review and sermon in regard to Christ and the history of Old Testament events,

leading up to this day, and as a consequence, God added three thousand souls to the Church on that very same day (Acts 2:41).

Today, we keep this day, as instructed, on an annual basis, reminding ourselves how God, in His great mercy, called us out of the world and gave us His Holy Spirit, so that we could ultimately be in His future Kingdom, working under Christ and ruling with Him as kings and priests (Revelation 5:10). As future rulers, we must have God’s laws written in our hearts and minds now, just as they were written on tablets of stone in the past. But unlike the Old Testament Church in the wilderness—the physical nation of Israel—we today can keep the law in the spirit, as God’s Spirit dwells in us. God’s Spirit is not and must not be stagnant. Rather, it must grow and increase within us. And as it does, so we grow in God’s grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ—teaching us HOW to live by God’s law of love (2 Peter 3:18).

How, exactly, are we to accomplish this? We can overcome our own selves, the society in which we live, and Satan, the devil and prince of this world’s darkness, when we utilize the tools God has given us. We are not only to begin building a proper relationship with Him, but His tools will enable us to grow in that relationship. Those tools include prayer, Bible study, meditation and occasional fasting.

If you were given a file, a screwdriver and a pile of lumber and told to build a house, you would exclaim that this was impossible to do. Those tools would not be sufficient to accomplish the task. The same is true in regard to the building of a spiritual house. God gives us proper tools to build that house—and the most important “tool” is the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit. We can reach our goal because we internalize within us God’s Holy Spirit—the mind of God which allows us to think and live more and more in the way God wants us to.

On a physical level, we look forward to this spring and summer, by planting gardens, watering, watching the grass turn green and our gardens grow. We might also anticipate a plentiful harvest in the autumn. We should bear in mind that God is focusing on a fall harvest as well, but He will first bring about a spring harvest of firstfruits. We are called to be part of that spiritual spring harvest—the beginning of which is pictured by the receipt of the Holy Spirit. When we grow in God’s grace and knowledge, and when we utilize the spiritual tools available to us, we can look forward to ruling and working with and under Christ in His future Kingdom when the plentiful autumn harvest for all of mankind will become reality.

Let us never lose sight of that great goal ahead of us. As we concentrate on the tremendous meaning of the Day of Pentecost, let us also visualize the final fulfillment of God’s Master Plan when our loving Savior Jesus Christ will return to give His reward to His faithful servants and to restore all things on this earth.

With Christian love,

Rene Messier

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Dear Brethren, Co-Workers and Friends:

We have just completed our annual Church Conference which was highly profitable and successful. As always, it was great to have the opportunity for all of the ministry and others to once again gather together and renew bonds, exchange information and plan for the great Work that God has given us to do.

As usual, discussions surrounded the commission that God has given us to accomplish, which is to preach the gospel in all the world and to feed that part of the flock that He has called to us (compare Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15). This has not changed and remains to be our focus. The only thing that does change is how we fulfill this charge. As times have changed, so do the methods at our disposal.

In more ancient times, it was mainly done by word of mouth or the exchange of physical documents. Then, in the past century, with the advent of radio and television, the world moved into the era of mass media. At that time, who could have imagined it becoming any more pervasive? And yet, here we are in the Internet age when information in the form of text, graphics, audio and video can be distributed even more easily and readily than it has ever been.

It is this technology that has allowed us to continue to accomplish the Work that we have been assigned to do. We have been blessed with many talented individuals which has enabled us to successfully take advantage of the medium of communication that is now so prevalent and widespread.

During this conference, as well as in past conferences, it was discussed how to best utilize the resources that we have. We stressed again that we will not spend what we do not have; and that we must be responsible stewards of the money that God is giving us. We have few laborers, a limited amount of money, and time that has to be divided among many God-given responsibilities. For these reasons we must be efficient in that which God is providing.

We are not complaining, but just stating a fact of life. God knows us. He knows our needs and, most importantly, He knows in which direction He wants us to go. Of course, this does not negate our responsibility to do our part, nor does it preclude us from asking God for more help. More help in guiding us, providing more laborers and giving us more aid in doing what we are being directed to do.

And so, in these difficult economic times of a worldwide recession—if not depression—we are hereby asking you, dear brethren, co-workers and friends, to please pray with all your heart that God continues to give us what we need so that we may be found “so doing” when Christ returns. As we have emphasized so many times before, God’s Work is accomplished to a large extent on our knees. Never neglect to pray for God’s Work, including God’s ministers and helpers, and pray for one another—especially for those who are in need of physical and spiritual healing.

Not only has God blessed us with the tools and means to preach, proclaim and publish the gospel, but, more crucially, He has allowed us to grow in His knowledge and in the path that He has laid out for us. This was made evident at the conference this year.

We began the week-long get together with a summary of activities for the past year from Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States. Then the overall tone of the conference turned to focus on how to reach other nations, including methods of following up and supporting those efforts.

One important vehicle for announcing the gospel message to the world has become the Internet. The technical crew gave a comprehensive presentation of what they have been doing for the past year and what they plan to do for the upcoming year. It was reported that this aspect of the Work continues to grow and we have experienced considerable increases in viewings of our Websites of approximately 25%. These figures do not include the growing audience for our sermons and StandingWatch programs on Google Video and YouTube. We discussed ongoing efforts to produce German video-taped sermons and AufPostenStehen programs, as well as French audio-taped messages of StandingWatch. We also had a peek at some of the new things to come in the near future… so, stay tuned for those announcements.

Further discussions included which new booklets to produce and how, what and where we would advertise. Decisions were made based on which material was most effective in a particular region and then on budget, in regard to how much we could do in that arena. Also, it was decided to try a few new campaigns and then to evaluate their effectiveness.

The results of all of our activities are becoming more and more apparent. For this reason, it became necessary to address procedures regarding: prospective members, including in areas such as counseling and baptism; church groups which want to join us; and servicing countries where we do not currently have local ministers.

Many more topics were discussed and conclusions were reached. Instead of broaching all of them here and now, we will cover them more thoroughly and in depth in Q&A’s and other means at our disposal.

We renewed our goal to proclaim God’s Word to the “old” and the “new” and to be wise stewards with all that God has entrusted to us. In this we left with an invigorated zeal to continue in the journey that the Church of the Eternal God began over 7 years ago. In all that we have been allowed to do, it truly is exciting to see the growth in God’s people. To God goes all the credit! And the ministry thanks you, dear and loyal brethren, co-workers and friends, for your ongoing support. This present evil age is truly coming to an end—and what a glorious future awaits all of God’s people, if they remain faithful and steadfast.

In Christ’s Service,

Norbert Link

Dave Harris

Rene Messier

Brian Gale

 

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Dear Brethren and Friends,

Those in the UK may have seen the recent advertising campaign that was launched last month by an atheist group. It stated: “There’s probably no God… now stop worrying and enjoy your life.” This £140,000 campaign on buses in major cities around the country and in trains was also extended to a further 1,000 advertisements on the London Underground. The creators of this advertisement said that it had a positive message which encouraged people to enjoy life instead of worrying about what happened afterwards. Perhaps they might like to consider that God’s Word says: “Professing to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:22).

There were many complaints received by the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) who decided that this campaign was “an expression of the advertiser’s opinion and unlikely to mislead or cause serious or widespread offence.” As a secular agency, any consideration of the rightness of things or of an insult to the Almighty would not have been part of their thinking, nor would it have entered their heads to have included such concerns. It never seems to be a consideration by those who promote the ever downward spiraling of morals, ethics, business practices and many other areas of life, that there is a law of cause and effect. In the books of Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28, there are many details of cause and effect reflected through blessings and cursings.

In Leviticus 26:3 God says: “If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments, and perform them, then I will give you rain in its season…..” Further blessings are listed from verses 4-13.  However, in verse 14, the diametrically opposite of obedience is revealed. From verse 16 onwards God lays it clearly on the line as to how disobedience will be treated. God spends much time here and in other places spelling out in detail many material rewards and considerations. They should have motivated ancient Israel historically, and they should motivate us today, to become, and stay close to God, and to do His Will which is always for our benefit.

A reading of the Bible reveals a God Who is patient—much more patient than any human being could ever demonstrate. But even that patience now must surely be wearing very thin. The advertising approach denying His very existence is a rebuff to the One Who has given us everything we have.

Political leaders sometimes made a passing mention and acknowledgement of God in their nation’s history and welfare. Abraham Lincoln wisely said about America that “We have been recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven. We have been preserved in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power.” It would be interesting to know how many political leaders today—outside the USA, perhaps—would use such language? In an ever increasingly secular society in the west, such language would be derided, considered old fashioned and would damage the reputation of the leaders in the eyes of millions of people who may have put them into power in the first place.

You will have seen recently the euphoria of the inauguration of Mr. Barack Obama as the 44th President of the USA. That great country is anticipating a better future with a new and charismatic leader. “Change” was the watchword, but it often is when a new leader takes over from the old guard. Real change will be whether or not the public’s expectations are met. The change that is often spoken about may eventually apply to the electorate themselves as they change their attitude and proposals when their expectations are not met.

Interestingly, in mid January, a newspaper headline in the UK stated: “Obama can save us! Polls showed a wave of optimism sweeping the nation.” One businessman was quoted as saying: “He cannot not succeed. He has to succeed because the world really depends on him right now.” (No doubt, when we have an election within the next twelve months or so in the UK and in other European countries, “change” will again be the word used to try and garner support.)

You will have noticed the screaming and shouting for the new U.S. President, the waving of banners, the frequent applause and the well rehearsed rhetoric that caused all of this excitement. In the middle of last month, during an appearance before the US Senate Hillary Clinton endorsed the use of “smart power” to reassert global U.S. influence. Similar positive sound bites are broadcast whenever some changes in leadership take place, but the same old problems surface with few answers.  And yet, so many people remain optimistic that change, this time, will be for real.  We must remember that every leader has a shelf life. Only God does not!

But often, such kind of euphoria can be short lived as promises are not kept and things don’t always improve and then disappointment sets in. This is because of both the frailties and limitations of leaders as well as the number of insurmountable problems that man creates for himself. In just about every facet of life, society continues to deteriorate at an alarming rate. We would need many pages just to list these, but we can all recognize a society—no matter whether we live in the USA or in the UK—that is virtually unrecognizable from just a few decades ago.

You will recall from 1 Samuel 8 that ancient Israel wanted a king even though, up to that time, they had God as their leader! Samuel told them that such a one would demand much from them, including exorbitant taxes. Samuel made it clear that they were sinning in demanding a king. However, “the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, ‘No, but we will have a king over us…’” (1 Samuel 8:19). Theocracy, according to Webster’s 1847 edition, is “Government of a state by the immediate direction of God; or the state thus governed. Of this species the Israelites furnish an illustrious example. The theocracy lasted till the time of Saul.”  The rest, as they say, is history as it all ended in tears and finally in captivity.

Leaders today have many frailties and shortcomings; God has none. Leaders today put on a brave face and give the impression that they are on top of things, but this is usually to settle the nerves of the governed and often to keep themselves in a job. Leaders today cannot solve the increasingly insurmountable problems that now face them. But with God in charge and obedience from human beings, we would never have arrived at the current mess we are in. There are no limitations with God.

And now we have arrived at yet another unthinkable situation where in big, bold advertising in many cities of the UK, the very existence of God—let alone of the true God of the Bible—is being questioned. Will any of our leaders come out in defense of God? To date I haven’t heard one voice raised from any of our leaders—what the people think is much more important to them than what God thinks.

One verse in the Bible that they, and we, ought to muse on is a verse about cause and effect. Galatians 6:7 states quite simply: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”

Only the return of Jesus Christ will solve the current unsolvable. His return, eagerly anticipated by true Christians for so long, will produce the society that leaders and politicians promise, but never deliver. And at that time, it will not be necessary to have campaigns denying the existence of God because Jesus Christ will be ruling for the good and welfare of all concerned. Atheism will be a thing of the past. Those who now bathe in the glow of fronting an atheistic advertising campaign will be most surprised when Christ returns, if they are alive at that time. A Being that they didn’t believe exists will return to earth to rule in majesty and power—and for their well-being! If they are not alive at that time, imagine their surprise when they awake in the Great White Throne Judgment to a life and an opportunity that they didn’t believe in, and fought against. Much like the apostle Paul who fought Christianity until his conversion. He, of course, did have a strong belief in God—but his understanding of the true God was very flawed.

Great things are just ahead for all of us. Let us all make sure that the effect of negative advertising and secular thinking, the cares of this world and our own human nature don’t cause us to stray from the path towards the Kingdom of God and eternal life with God. Atheistic propaganda and advertising notwithstanding, it is our potential to live for all eternity with the Father and Jesus Christ—two all powerful God beings who DO exist and who have ALWAYS existed. Let us not be swayed by charismatic individuals who may be well intentioned but who cannot solve the unsolvable. A charismatic but deceptive leader will appear at the end of this age (compare Revelation 13:14). He will deceive most people! And so, we must be on our guard. How?

“Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13). That must be our approach—at all times.

With Christian love,

Brian Gale

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Dear Brethren, Co-Workers and Friends:

We are living in prophetically decisive times. What the Church of God has been proclaiming to occur in the years just prior to Christ’s return IS coming to pass before our very eyes. That is, IF we have eyes to see.

Unfortunately, most people are totally BLIND. They have no comprehension as to what current events may mean and signify. Sadly, even some—if not many—in the Church of God have lulled their senses, being only half awake or perhaps even almost sound asleep.

Here are some of the facts which we MUST take note of!

The United States of America is losing its status as the world’s superpower. How many times have you heard before that this WILL happen? Now it IS happening—but do you recognize it? The U.S. economy is weak and beyond substantial repair. But some—including some of those who CLAIM that they speak for the Churches of God—have been denying for MONTHS that our economy is really THAT bad. They have been DENYING that we have been in a recession for over a year! They are still saying today that the U.S. economy is fundamentally sound and stable, and that we will see very soon a tremendous recovery. Friends, don’t you believe it! The truth is that the U.S. economy will not substantially revive. How do we know? Because the Bible says it—that’s why!

At the same time, we are seeing Europe coming together—the United States of Europe is forming with unparalleled vigor. How many times have you heard before that this WILL happen? Now it IS happening—but do you recognize it? Gainsayers have prophesied that the euro would never become a successful currency. They are saying now that the EU will NEVER replace the USA as the world’s superpower. They even question whether Europe will REALLY unite at all. But it will! How do we know? Because we BELIEVE the prophecies of the Bible—that’s why!

Now, we are witnessing again a terrible WAR in the Middle East. We had predicted over a year ago that war might break out between Israel and Iran before the inauguration of the next American President. Now we see this very war unfolding. But most CAN’T see who the real players are in this war! However, the plain truth is that Israel is fighting a “proxy war” with Hamas—and perhaps soon with Hezbollah—by really fighting “against Iran’s spiritual little brothers” (Der Spiegel Online, January 5, 2009). Iran is financing its proxies Hamas and Hezbollah—it has been training their military leaders and soldiers, and it has been providing them with weapons and missiles, as the Jerusalem Post reported on December 25 and 29, 2008. This WAR is making Israel VERY unpopular around the world. Even those governments which are still supporting Israel will soon turn against it. How many times have you heard before that you must watch the Middle East—that Israel will be hated by all nations? How do we know all of this? Because the Bible says it—that’s why.

We are trying to keep those who want to know informed about important news events—in the light of biblical prophecies for our times! We do this through our booklets and sermons, and mostly through our weekly Updates and our StandingWatch programs. And although truly converted Christians—irrespective of the human organizations they may belong to—should rejoice over the fact that God is using His people to WARN the world, there are some self-proclaimed misguided individuals who MUST try to find fault with just about everyone who does not belong to “their” organization. And they are not afraid to give wrong impressions by false innuendos and outright misstatements, or simply by neglecting to tell the whole truth. This is called slander and libel in legal terms; it’s branded as the sin of LYING in the Bible. And Christ said that NO LIAR will enter the Kingdom of God.

We thank God that He has seen fit to bless our efforts of preaching the gospel—including the WARNING message of the soon-coming disastrous Great Tribulation—and of spiritually feeding those whom He has entrusted to us to care for. God IS working with new individuals and smaller groups who are contacting us—including some who had never had any association with the Church of God before. This should not come as a surprise—after all, we are maintaining two Websites in the USA, one Website in Canada, one Website in the United Kingdom, and one Website in Germany. They are all interconnected, of course.

In addition, we are not only posting video-taped sermons and StandingWatch programs on our own Websites, but also on other sites, such as Google Video and YouTube. We should never underestimate the importance of these activities. For instance, our StandingWatch program, “Coming—The Great Depression,” which was posted over eight months ago, has by now been viewed in excess of 25,500 times on YouTube alone. And as the U.S. economy will continue to move towards depression, we expect that just that program will be viewed many thousand times more.

As you can imagine, all of these activities, and many other projects, require money. It costs money to run regular advertisements on the Internet and to respond each month to hundreds of special literature requests; it costs money to produce and send out new booklets, monthly member letters, weekly Updates, and regular CDs or audio tapes. It costs money to pay our employees who have dedicated their LIVES to serving this Work—thereby forgoing or terminating more lucrative employment opportunities. In fact, we WISHED we could hire more employees, and when God grants us the funds, we will do so.

In the meantime, we will not live beyond our means. That requires us to cut expenses which may not be (that) necessary. Some of our readers who regularly receive our member letters and new booklets, have been on our mailing lists for many years, without ever contacting us in any way. We do not want to give our free literature to those who may not really want it. Therefore, some of our readers in the USA are receiving a renewal card with this letter. If you did not receive such a renewal card, don’t worry about it. You don’t need to do anything, because we know that you want to receive our literature, and we will continue to send it to you. We conducted already a renewal program last month for our readers in the UK, and so this obviously does not apply to them.

However, if a card is enclosed with your letter, we need to hear from you. It is important that you return the card to us, telling us that you want to continue to receive our literature. If you do not fill out and return the card, then this letter will be the last one which you will receive from us, unless and until we hear from you again.

We’d also like to mention that we will soon conduct our annual conference in San Diego, beginning with the end of February. We appreciate your prayers for a successful conference, and that God will lead us in the direction HE wants us to go. MUCH needs to be accomplished, but with God on our side, we WILL be successful.

Dear brethren and friends, please continue to pray for one another—especially for good health, for the possibility to keep or get a job, and for God’s blessings for those of you who have their own business. In these difficult economic times, we need God’s involvement, protection and guidance. Please make every effort to attend our Church services regularly, in person, whenever possible. It is God’s command to do so! God expects of us to encourage each other, and to be encouraged, AT SERVICES. Sometimes, we may find reasons which seemingly justify our non-attendance. But with an honest scrutiny and self-examination, most—if not all—of these “justifications” evaporate into thin air.

Please, continue to pray for the income and success of the Work. We don’t want to cut any necessary projects, and we DO want to go through doors which God opens for us—and that with increasing strength and power. So please, brethren, don’t forget to plead with God in this regard, and please continue to pray for me that I may be inspired to proclaim with vigor and clarity, what needs to be said on our StandingWatch programs—both in English and in German.

Finally, brethren, please pray for all of our ministers and their wives. Our burdens are sometimes quite heavy, as the apostle Paul said—but when we all, together, cast our burdens on Christ, they become much lighter.

I truly appreciate all your dedication. Always remember, our efforts in the great Work of our Eternal God are never in vain.

With the love of Christ,

Norbert Link

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Dear Brethren and Friends,

In the closing days of 2008, life has again changed dramatically! This time, the world economy has been shaken to its very core. The once dominant role of the United States has collapsed under the weight of its own mismanagement, and the rest of the world is looking for new leadership.

Following the terrorists’ attacks of September 11, 2001, many recognized that things would never be quite the same, and they haven’t! Now we are hostages of fear, and that is reflected in the mobilization to perpetual war status as the United States, Britain and their few allies seek to conquer a small but elusive group of terrorists. Traveling on airlines or across national borders serves as a constant reminder that danger may be in the shadows.

Why is all of this turmoil happening, and why is the United States, along with Great Britain and its Commonwealth nations, so directly affected by these catastrophic events?

It is because our nations are among the modern descendants of the ancient house of Israel. While we received the unparalleled blessings God had promised unconditionally to Abraham’s “seed” or offspring for his faithful obedience, we are now facing the frightening penalties or “curses” that will occur for our disobedience.

God promised that “‘If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments, and perform them…’” (Leviticus 26:3), then He would send blessings:

“‘I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none will make you afraid; I will rid the land of evil beasts, and the sword will not go through your land. You will chase your enemies, and they shall fall by the sword before you. Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; your enemies shall fall by the sword before you’” (Leviticus 26:6-8).

In the history of the rise of the British and American peoples to their prominence as world powers, these kinds of blessings were given. However, these blessings of protection from God would be removed if the laws of God were rejected and disobeyed. Leviticus 26, verses 14 through 39, very precisely detail the consequences of refusal to obey God.

Deuteronomy 28 also chronicles the promises and warnings of God. In verse 25, we find this dire and fateful prediction: “‘The LORD will cause you to be defeated before your enemies; you shall go out one way against them and flee seven ways before them; and you shall become troublesome to all the kingdoms of the earth.’”

In the song of Moses, as recorded in Deuteronomy 32, God foretells the circumstances that will come upon His people Israel when they reject Him—a warning for all generations but especially applicable for us in our time. Just as God has so greatly blessed our people above all other nations, now we are beginning to enter into a time of bitter correction. In verse 23, God says “‘“I will heap disasters on them…”’” Continuing in verse 30: “‘How could one chase a thousand, And two put ten thousand to flight, Unless their Rock had sold them, And the LORD had surrendered them?’”

What our nations do not understand—nor do they believe—is that God is beginning to punish us for our rebellion: “‘“Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; Their foot shall slip in due time; For the day of their calamity is at hand, And the things to come hasten upon them”’” (Deuteronomy 32:35).

In another prophecy found in Ezekiel, chapter 7, modern Israel is warned: “‘“…The time has come, A day of trouble is near… Now upon you I will soon pour out My fury, And spend My anger upon you…”’” (Verses 7 and 8); “‘“Disaster will come upon disaster, And rumor will be upon rumor”’” (Verse 26).

God has left further record of what would come upon His people when they rebelled against Him:

“‘Now go, write it before them on a tablet, And note it on a scroll, That it may be for time to come, Forever and ever: That this is a rebellious people, Lying children, Children who will not hear the law of the Lord; Who say to the seers, “Do not see,” And to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us right things; Speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits. Get out of the way, Turn aside from the path, Cause the Holy One of Israel To cease from before us”’” (Isaiah 30:8-11).

Again, God speaks of the terror that will come upon the modern houses of Israel and Judah: “‘One thousand shall flee at the threat of one, At the threat of five you shall flee, Till you are left as a pole [Better: “A tree stripped of branches”] on top of a mountain And as a banner on a hill’” (Isaiah 30:17).

In addition to these times of trouble when fears have become our stark reality, even more devastating punishment awaits if our people do not repent of their sins. As is so poignantly outlined in Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 28 and other prophecies in the Word of God, our nations will be completely devastated through famines, diseases and wars and the survivors will become captive slaves of other nations. Our booklets, The Fall and Rise of Britain and America, The Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord, and Europe in Prophecy, go into the details of these events.

What about true Christians? What will happen to the people of God who have faithfully continued in obedience to God? Will they also suffer along with the rest?

Psalm 91 speaks reassuring words for us in this regard:

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.’ Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling…” (Verses 1-10).

As the elect of God, we have been informed of the prophetic events that will lead to the return of Jesus Christ and the end of the age. In Matthew 24, along with revealing what would be taking place just prior to His return, Jesus makes a point in reminding His servants to watch and be ready. He also states, “‘See, I have told you beforehand’” (verse 25).

Knowing what we know comes with added responsibility:

“‘But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 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’” (Luke 21:34-36).

There is something else we must be urgently doing at this time—we must be engaged in the Work of God, and that includes preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God! This preaching also involves our duty to warn the nations of God’s impending judgment (compare Ezekiel 33:1-11).

Far too many have come to understand prophecy about the end time only to use that knowledge to try and save themselves (compare Matthew 16:25). They don’t realize that only God can preserve us in the times ahead.

In a very specific promise to the Church of God “in Philadelphia,” God gives the following guarantee: “‘Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth’” (Revelation 3:10). This message is given to those who live at the end of the age—to those who faithfully obey God!

This promise is not restricted to a particular humanly-devised Church organization or corporate entity—to the exclusion of all those who are not part of that special group. Such an arrogant and self-righteous Pharisaical approach is clearly condemned by God—and those who communicate such an attitude of spiritual blindness, self-aggrandizement and pride might very well be among those who will NOT be protected during the hour of trial—the Great Tribulation. God’s promise of preservation applies to all of His people who are zealous in their obedience to God and their efforts to contribute to the preaching of the true gospel of the Kingdom of God in all the world as a witness (Matthew 24:14) and who are reflecting the love of Christ by feeding and tending gently the flock of God (John 21:15-17).

We find a key teaching of Jesus Christ that adds to how we should view the promise given to the church in Philadelphia:

“‘Therefore whoever HEARS these sayings of Mine, and DOES them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall’” (Matthew 7:24-27).

As we live in these increasingly troublesome times, we must hear and seek to understand God’s warnings. We can’t merely hide our eyes from the truth of these prophecies. Rather, now is the time for us to overcome—to put our own lives in order!

God has called each of us out of this world to do His Will, and that means involvement in the Church of God and the Work of the Church. Our roles differ widely, but we share the common goal of supporting the preaching of the gospel of the Kingdom of God.

Events of our time will challenge us in ways that will require that we place our faith in God in ultimate ways. Even so, we must continue to grow in love for one another and for those who do not now understand the things we do.

Finally, let’s never lose sight of the promise given to us by Jesus Christ, who is our example and Savior: “‘But he who ENDURES to the end SHALL BE SAVED’” (Matthew 24:13).

In Christ’s Service,

Dave Harris

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Dear Brethren, Co-Workers and Friends:

What a joyous and spiritually uplifting Feast of Tabernacles 2008 it has been! Feast attendees in Derbyshire, England, and Tucson, Arizona, USA, overwhelmingly expressed their appreciation and thankfulness for the beautiful locations, the warmth of the membership, and the outstanding Feast messages and other activities

Just read the following Feast reports from Brian Gale (England) and Dave Harris (Arizona):

Feast Report from England:

Against the backdrop of Chatsworth House in rural Derbyshire, the magnificent stately home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and with sheep and deer grazing safely in the surrounding estate, the Global Church of God in the UK held God’s Feast of Tabernacles for the ninth time at Chatsworth. Many of those who were there had attended many times over the years and yet never tire of the beauty and tranquility that is a feature of this Feast site. The house and gardens have attracted visitors from all over the world for many generations. It is worth mentioning that Derbyshire’s Peak District, where Chatsworth House is a main attraction, is now the second most visited National Park in the world after Mt. Fuji in Japan.

Some of our visitors from the USA and Africa, who had not visited the area before, were suitably impressed. Messages were given by Evangelist Norbert Link, Brian Gale, Andrew Burns, John Dunn, Bill Koeneke, Douglas Mitchell and Terry McQuire, with a DVD of Pastor Dave Harris in the USA. The messages were of a high quality and positive comments were made by both new attendees and those who have become accustomed to attending at this wonderful site.

One of the highlights was an excellent evening when a first class Feast meal was much appreciated by everyone. In addition, a “fun evening” and a coach tour of the beautiful area added to an excellent 8 days. There was a Sabbath buffet held at the Gale’s lodge where everyone was invited and the fellowship went on long after the food had finished!

During the Feast, Norbert Link, presenter of the StandingWatch programs, filmed two programs on location, interviewing several members, with Chatsworth House as the background to these presentations.

Feast Report from Arizona:

Brethren gathered to observe the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day in Tucson, Arizona. Members of the Church of the Eternal God in the United States along with Church of God, a Christian Fellowship in Canada, conducted meetings at the facilities of the Sheraton Hotel. Most were also able to stay in this hotel and enjoy the intimate fellowship provided in being housed closely to one another.

Many activities available in the Tucson area added greatly: visits to a special tea room; touring a botanical garden; sightseeing in the famed Saguaro desert area; eating at many of the fine restaurants; also, attending a group BBQ and participating in a talent/game evening were just some of the shared experiences of this occasion. While Tucson is widely known as a very warm area, our time was blessed with ideal temperatures enabling unlimited access to the surrounding attractions.

We also welcomed several guests who attended at various times. Of particular note was the tremendous impact everyone felt in the spiritual food of the daily services. Speakers included Dave Harris, Rene Messier, Bill Grams, Terry Grade, Michael Link, Robb Harris, Eric Rank, Bob Bourque, Gilbert DeVaux, and Kalon Mitchell. All of them and those who contributed special music rose to the challenge and helped make this an especially memorable observance. Many subsequent comments have reflected the marked inspirational quality that was taken away from this Feast period. Although attending in Derbyshire, England, with his wife, Johanna, Norbert Link had prepared a very moving video sermon that was played on the first day of the Feast in Tucson.

This year, three youngsters took part in the blessing of little children that is conducted by the ministry annually during the Feast of Tabernacles.

This remarkable period of fellowshipping and of learning more of God’s purpose for all of mankind was truly uplifting. Many have already begun to look forward to next year—anticipating yet another joyous Feast of Tabernacles and Last Great Day!

In addition, we received the following comments from visitors:

—How good and how pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity (Psalm 133). Yes, very pleasant, a wonderful Feast. A truly remarkable “Feast of Tabernacles.” It must be one of the best I’ve known in 30 years. A beautiful setting at Chatsworth, truly a touch of the Millennium and so well organised in every detail. The messages and quality of the speakers, also the research needed for such delivery… I could go on but I think you must realise I enjoyed the Feast and the social side very much. I look forward to next year’s Feast, which I hope to attend.

—Thank you for a very enjoyable Feast [at Chatsworth]. It was good to see everyone again and spend time together. We appreciate all the hard work involved in ensuring the smooth running of the Festival.

—I just wanted to say once again how much I enjoyed meeting the people in your group [in CEG]. They all seemed really down to earth. I only wish I would have found out about it sooner so I could have spent more time there. Do you think there is any chance of you guys coming back next year [to Tucson]? If so, let me know so I can at least offer to help out in the preparations.

—I wanted to thank you for allowing us to attend the Feast this year with your group. We really enjoyed being with the brethren of CEG. God’s people are just a real pleasure to be around. Please relay our love to the brethren with you.

We could add more comments—especially from our membership—but these should be sufficient to show the blessings, which God bestowed on His sites in England and Arizona, and on all those who attended there.

But now, the Feast of Tabernacles 2008 is over, and we are entering the dark winter months, before God’s Spring Festival season will be upon us—beginning with the Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread. And how DARK these months will be! The world is facing an uncertain and grim future, while celebrating pagan days which are of no consequence for the plan of God—and which have been derived from demonically inspired observances. The day of Halloween, which much of the world celebrated on October 31, is perhaps the most obvious example of a festival, which honors Satan and his powers of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). But there are other days, which follow Halloween—including the Christmas season—which had been celebrated by pagans centuries before the birth of Christ (which did not occur anywhere near December 25) in honor of cruel “gods” such as Nimrod, Baal, Attis and Mythra. If you are in any doubt about the real origins of Christmas (or the origins of Halloween or New Year’s, for example), please read our free booklets, “Don’t Keep Christmas” and “Is That in the Bible—Man’s Holidays and God’s Holy Days.”

How did these heathen days enter orthodox Christianity? Why do so many well-meaning professing Christians participate, in one way or another, in their celebrations? And perhaps more critically, how did our present civilization begin observing those days in the first place? Why does God’s Word tell us to “come out of her, my people” (Revelation 18:4)? These and literally hundreds of additional questions are addressed in our brand-new 155 page book, “Is That in the Bible—The Mysteries of the Book of Revelation!” A copy of this book was distributed to all of our Feast attendees, and it was also sent to our readers in Great Britain. As a special service to our additional readers, we are pleased to enclose a copy to all of you who have not received it so far. Please take the time to study this book carefully. We are convinced that you have NEVER read anything quite like it before.

As this world grows darker, God’s people must continue to grow brighter as lights “in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation” (Philippians 2:15). Christ’s return is NEAR—and we must be constantly on guard—watching and praying always to be counted worthy to be protected from and to escape the terrible times just ahead of us (Revelation 3:10), and to STAND before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36).

All of us are called to get involved in the most-important WORK (compare James 1:25) of preaching the gospel of the KINGDOM of God to this dying and decaying world (Matthew 24:14; Mark 13:10, 16:15). We are to make every effort to GROW in the knowledge of our SAVIOR Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). Christ commands us to overcome (Revelation 3:5; 12:11). This includes overcoming our sins against God and our trespasses against our fellow man (Ephesians 2:1-3).

We should never feel too proud or too indifferent to seek the help of God’s ministry in this regard. Christ gives His ordained ministry to His Church for the edification and unification of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12-16). Let us take advantage of God’s gift, and counsel with the ministry if there is a need.

May God lead and guide you and keep you safe in the days, months and years ahead of us.

In Christ’s service

Norbert Link

Dave Harris

Rene Messier

Brian Gale

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Dear Brethren, Co-workers and Friends,

It is hard to believe that in less than two weeks we are going to celebrate the beginning of the Fall Holy Day season, commencing with the Feast of Trumpets on September 30.

When we look at world conditions, it becomes more and more evident that man does not know how to rule himself, and things are worsening in every aspect of our society. The financial markets are close to a melt down with more large financial institutions—including some which have been around for over a century—seeking bailouts by the Federal government. Some are going under financially or are seeking bankruptcy protection. Drug use in the western world is increasing, and the U.S., which should be setting a positive example for the rest of the world, is the biggest drug user, or more appropriately, drug abuser.

We live under the threat of another major terrorist attack against the western and democratic nations. Teen pregnancy in the U.S. is at an all-time high, with some 740,000 teen pregnancies in the last year alone. Half of all marriages end in divorce, with the emotional consequences being felt by the innocent children for decades, well into their adulthood. There are wars going on with no sign of peace on the horizon. We experience ethnic cleansing and starvation in third world countries. The problems of mankind are becoming insurmountable. While Russia is flexing its muscles and threatening its neighboring countries, there is also unrest in the Middle East, with no man-made solution in sight.

The Fall Holy Days are a reminder, stop signs, as it were, for God to let us know that there is a solution to man’s worldwide problems; yet it will not be achieved by man but only by a merciful God: HE will send His Son Jesus Christ back to this earth to end the madness, confusion and deception of the god of this world—Satan the devil who deceives the whole world (Revelation 12: 9). At this time of turmoil and uncertainty in so many aspects of our society, we can be assured there is a solution coming. However, there will never be world peace and individual tranquility through the crucible of human war.

Let us therefore briefly review the Fall Holy Days and their meaning for us and mankind:

As mentioned, on September 30, we celebrate the Feast of Trumpets. As is the case with all of God’s weekly and annual Holy Days, they begin at sunset of the previous day. The Feast of Trumpets is therefore celebrated from sunset of September 29 to sunset of September 30. It pictures the glorious return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to this earth in power and majesty. He will crush the armies of this world—many of which will assemble in the land of Israel to oppose Him. He will set up the Kingdom of God and rule at Jerusalem with the resurrected and immortal saints who have been changed from physical to spiritual at His triumphant return. You can read about that in 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17. We will be resurrected or changed to spirit because flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 15:50-55).

Revelation 5:10 reveals that we, as God’s true and faithful servants, shall be kings; that is, we will have rulership and responsibilities under Christ. And we will be priests; that is, we will have the responsibility to teach people on the earth about God’s laws, and we will have the power to enforce those laws for the benefit of mankind.

The next festival which follows shortly after the Feast of Trumpets is the Day of Atonement, to be celebrated on October 9, 2008. It pictures the removal of Satan the devil for 1000 years (Revelation 20:2). Satan will deceive the nations no more. As the current god and ruler of this earth, he is largely responsible for the world’s problems. His influence is incredibly strong since he is the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2). He works in the sons of disobedience. He negatively influences mankind with the spirit of pride (the cause of his fall), rebellion and hostility to God’s laws, since his twisted mind is filled with hatred against God’s Way. But the good news is that Satan will be bound for 1000 years during the Millennium, unable to negatively influence mankind during that period of time.

Following the Day of Atonement is the Feast of Tabernacles, which is a seven day festival to be celebrated this year from October 14 to October 20. The seven day period denotes completion. It is a time of rejoicing before God and of praise for His great plan.

It pictures the Millennium when we will truly live in peace and harmony with one another and when man will not LEARN war anymore (Isaiah 2:4). Today, man learns to hate and to fight in war which is an extension of hate and greed. But in the Millennium, man will learn peace and as a consequence, he will turn his “swords into plowshares” or instruments of good, and not of destruction. Isaiah 2:2-3 shows how mankind will be taught the ways of God’s laws—the way of love which is outgoing concern for our neighbor.

But man will also learn to love God. While love toward neighbor is summarized in the last six of God’s Ten Commandments, the way of love towards God is outlined in the first four of the Ten Commandments. True love for God includes keeping the true weekly Sabbath. Love is manifested, proved, demonstrated and shown by keeping the commandments. Love towards God is also manifested by keeping all of God’s annual Holy Days. On the other hand, the pagan Satan-based practices of this current world, such as the observance of Sunday, Christmas, Easter and Halloween, will be a thing of the past and soon forgotten by those who will be willing to obey and serve God in the manner He demands.

The Millennium will be a time of peace, when God’s Spirit will be available to mankind and given to man upon repentance and acceptance of Christ as their Savior.

The final Holy Day is the Last Great Day, which immediately follows the Feast of Tabernacles. It will be celebrated this year on October 21.

That day pictures the final phase—the culmination of the plan of our great God. It foreshadows a time when ALL of mankind, who had died without ever having been given the opportunity to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, will have an opportunity to enter the God Family. Since flesh and blood cannot enter the Kingdom or Family of God, they will be resurrected physically and are seemingly given one hundred years either to accept or reject God’s ways and laws (Isaiah 65:20). God is a God of great mercy who doesn’t want anyone to perish, but He still follows a plan and timetable. The opportunity to become a child of God is not open-ended, and for those in that Second Resurrection (Revelation 20:11-12), it will apparently last for one hundred years. If people don’t “get it” in one hundred years, they just will not “get it” in one thousand years, either. The Second Resurrection or Great White Throne Judgment is a time of judgment when all will be judged according to their works. After the 100 years of judgment, some will receive everlasting life, but others will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:13-15), together with those who had, before and during the Millennium, committed the unpardonable sin against the power of the Holy Spirit. The lake of fire is not an ever-burning fire but a fire that burns up the incorrigible wicked who refused to submit to God and totally rejected Him and His Government.

The Last Great Day also points at the time when the Family of God will greatly expand and when the New Jerusalem—our future home—descends to this earth (Revelation 21:1-3). It will be a time when man has either ceased to exist or when he has been changed to born again immortal children of God in the Kingdom or Family of God. What a great time that will be!

Knowing what will happen to us and the world within a few years from now, when first the meaning of the Feast of Trumpets will find its fulfillment, we realize that now is not the time to let down, but to push on in accomplishing the task we have been commissioned to do—that of preaching the gospel to the world as a witness and feeding the flock. That is our collective responsibility as a church. In addition, our individual responsibility is to respond to this teaching and to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to support the efforts of the church in order to be faithful servants whom the Lord finds so doing when He returns (Matthew 24:46).

So, brethren, co-workers and friends, let us all be about our Father’s business and let us look forward to the Fall Holy Days. These times of trouble will soon be ended. Joy, peace and happiness for all is not that far away. In the meantime, we have been given a tremendously important role and responsibility towards the world. We should be thankful to our God for our calling at this time. We can take hope and courage in the words of God in Revelation 21:3, describing our ultimate potential and future: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Let us all look forward to a tremendously joyous Fall festival season.

In Christ service

Rene Messier

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Dear Brethren and Friends,

Recently we kept the Feast of Pentecost, which is the Holy Day that celebrates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the birth of the New Testament Church in 31 AD (compare Acts 2). The next Feast day in God’s calendar is the Feast of Trumpets, which pictures the return of Jesus Christ. As will be more fully explained in this letter, there is a distinct connection for God’s people between the two. With the spirit of discernment that God’s Spirit gives to baptized members of His true Church, we can see the sign of the times (compare Matthew 24:32-33). We can surely see that the reality of Christ’s return is becoming more necessary by the day.

How we need that reality! Even the truly wealthy nations in the world are starting to feel the pinch with big increases in oil prices affecting motoring costs and food prices through increased transportation costs. In the UK recently, it was announced that gas and electricity bills will probably increase by about 40% this winter, and the price of petrol continues to soar. The banking industry is in turmoil with shares in some of the leading banks and financial institutions in the UK falling heavily and the housing market suffering its greatest crisis since the 1970’s. I mention the UK because I can see, close at hand, how the fragmentation of society continues through these and other problems and concerns that the ordinary man in the street continues to wrestle with. But this same pattern is replicated and perhaps even magnified in the USA and in so many other nations around the world. The constant threat of terrorism is costing nations enormous amounts of money to counteract the activities of those committed to kill and destroy. Crime continues to exact misery on millions of people who are the victims of such activity, and the complexity and number of problems are a constant source of worry for those sincere and dedicated leaders who consider the interests and welfare of their subjects of paramount importance. Unfortunately, there are many other leaders who seem to care little for their subjects, for whom they have grave responsibility. Listing all of the problems that cause worry and concern for the ordinary man and woman—so many seemingly intractable—could take many pages, and it surely becomes ever more apparent as each day passes that only the “strong hand from somewhere” will be good enough to bring about a worldwide society that at last will experience true peace, abundance, safety and good health for all concerned. It is so urgently needed. While there have always been problems since God created man approximately 6,000 years ago, surely we are now facing an unprecedented set of problems as the end of this age approaches. Albert Einstein wisely said that “The problems that exist in the world today cannot be solved by the level of thinking that created them.” These problems in the world will only be solved by the return of Jesus Christ, which the next Holy Day in God’s marvelous calendar—the Feast of Trumpet—pictures. But we need the Holy Spirit that God gives only to those who obey Him (Acts 5:32), to be able to understand this plan for all of mankind. And God’s Spirit will even work more powerfully within us to the extent that we are diligent in faithfully keeping His Commandments (1 John 2:3-4; 3:22-24). The Feast of Trumpets portrays the end of the time of such great trouble “such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21). Jesus Christ did not mince His words about the scale of the problems that will engulf the world before He sets up the Kingdom of God here on earth at His return.

In the meantime, before that wonderful event, the world will continue to lurch from crisis to crisis. We are in the death throes of the last 6,000 years of civilization, and now is the time for us to ensure that we are preparing for the wonderful future that God has in store for His faithful people. With all the tests and trials that come our way and which we are promised (compare 1 Peter 1:6-7; 1 Peter 4:12), each one of us must show ourselves to be “approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). We must be approved workers in the all-important Work of God that our calling demands. We were never promised an easy life as Jesus revealed in Matthew 7:13-14: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

And so, while the world continues to ignore the one source, the Holy Bible, from which it could find answers, we must continue to use that source to help us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). And it clearly teaches us the importance of the Holy Days which members of the Church of God can comprehend with the help of the Holy Spirit which they received at baptism. And that same Spirit can also help us to understand that the actual fulfillment of the next Holy Day, the Feast of Trumpets, cannot be too far away, with prophecy being fulfilled before our eyes. But prophecy must not become an end in itself. It is merely a tool to see where we are in the plan of God, in order to encourage and motivate us to increase in our efforts to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God in all the world as a witness, and to become more and more dedicated in overcoming our personal shortcomings on our way towards perfection.

Making ourselves ready by the correct application of Scripture which teaches us how to live our Christian life pleasing to our Creator, is what is most important. Prophecy will become history (1 Corinthians 13:8), but love will never fail (same verse). When Jesus returns, if we endure to the end in our individual and collective commission to do the Work and to live a Christian life style as we must (Matthew 24:13), the Son of Man will say at His return: “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34). Those will surely be the most wonderful words that we will ever hear, but it is up to us to make sure that we don’t disqualify ourselves between now and that wonderful event that is ahead of us. The connection between the last Holy Day (Pentecost) and the next one (the Feast of Trumpets) will mean nothing to those in the world who have no knowledge, at this time, of what God has in store for mankind. But for those of us who have been given this wonderful calling, the Holy Spirit of God gives us a clear vision of what it will be like when the Feast of Trumpets becomes reality and we meet Christ in the air at His return (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). With knowledge comes responsibility, and God has commissioned His Church in these end times to share the knowledge of Christ’s return and His rule over this earth with all of mankind (Matthew 24:14; Mark 16:15). Those who will accept the message and are willing to change their lives to become worthy to share in Christ’s rulership are to be baptized (Mark 16:16; Matthew 28:19-20), while others will be “condemned” (compare again Mark 16:16) to continue living in anguish, misery and pain, until they, too, may come to the understanding of the truth and begin to believe and obey the gospel.

The meaning of the Holy Days, derided by so many, are integral to our understanding of the plan of God. We are truly blessed to have been called and chosen at this time and to have the most wonderful future to look forward to. It is up to us to stay faithful, watching and praying and becoming ready for the return of Christ: “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:10-11).

With Christian Love,

Brian Gale