Sometimes, when we study God’s Word, we might just be reading over a
particular statement, without pausing to deeply reflect on it and
meditate about the meaning. One of these passages might be Philippians
4:5, which reads, in the New King James Bible, “Let your gentleness be
known to all men. The Lord is at hand.”

The connection between
these two sentences should be very clear for us today: As Christ’s
return is imminent, and as “we all” and “each of us” will have to
“stand before the judgment seat of Christ” to “give account” for what
we did in this life (compare Romans 14:10-12), we need to make an extra
effort and concentrate on exemplifying “gentleness” to all with whom we
come in contact. But what, exactly, is meant with the word,
“gentleness”?

The Broadman Bible Commentary points out that the
Greek word “has no single equivalent in English.” It seems to be
describing a variety of characteristics. In addition to “gentleness,”
many translate this word as “moderation.” Others say, “graciousness,”
“forbearance,” “thoughtfulness” or “considerateness [for others].” Some
point out that the meaning of the word includes “yieldedness” or
“pliability” — the ability to be easily entreated. Especially German
translations render the word also as “compassion, kindness, tenderness,
tolerance, mercy, leniency, indulgence” and, most interestingly
perhaps, “helpfulness.” J.B. Philips translates, “Have a reputation of
gentleness.” Knox says, “Give proof to all of your courtesy.” And David
Stern translates: “Let everyone see how reasonable and gentle you are.”

Without
doubt, all these expressions are vital ingredients of the Christian
character. As true followers of God the Father and Jesus Christ, we
must continuously strive to incorporate these godly character traits in
our lives.

And so, we need to examine ourselves to see how well
we are doing (compare 1 Corinthians 12:28; 2 Corinthians 13:5). If we
are lacking in anything, we need to pray, in faith, to God for help to
improve, and He will GIVE us the petitions of our heart (compare James
1:5; 1 John 5:14-15).

For instance, let us ask ourselves how
“gentle” we are towards others. The Nelson Study Bible states that the
word “gentleness” “identifies a person who manifests a calmness and
fairness of spirit. A person who is gentle is willing to sacrifice his
or her personal rights to show consideration for others.” The
Commentary of Jamieson, Fausset and Brown adds a very important and
relevant caution. It equates the concept of “gentleness” or
“moderation” with “considerateness for others, not urging one’s own
rights to the uttermost, but waiving a part… let nothing inconsistent
with ‘moderation’ be seen.”

Henry’s Commentary agrees and adds:
“In things indifferent do not run into extremes; judge charitably
concerning one another. Some understand it of the patient bearing of
afflictions.”

As Christians, we must strive to become
considerate of the need of others, and we must act with a spirit of
gentleness; “easy to be intreated”(James 3:17, Authorized Version);
“without murmuring and disputings” (Philippians 2:14, Authorized
Version). We should be “moderate”–staying away from extreme viewpoints
which we are anxious to “share” with others. Rather, we are to
familiarize ourselves with the need of our fellow man, at times
VOLUNTEERING to help, rather than always waiting until we may be asked
for assistance. Christ came to SERVE, not to be served. As His
followers, we must strive to do likewise. We have to have the mind of
Christ (Philippians 2:5), who LOOKED OUT for the interests of others
(verse 4). We are God’s “workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good
works, which God PREPARED BEFOREHAND that we should walk in them”
(Ephesians 2:10).

Even though we are asked to do good to all men,
“AS WE HAVE OPPORTUNITY,” we are to concern ourselves especially with
those “of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). God poured out His
love in our hearts by His Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5)–and God’s love is
outgoing concern for the good, welfare and benefit of others. It
describes a way of GIVING and SHARING with others. Peter tells us,
“…love one another FERVENTLY with a pure heart” (1 Peter 1:22). And
John encourages us, not only to love “in word,” but also “in deed” (1
John 3:18). We are to love, give and help from a pure heart (compare 1
Timothy 1:5), making our gentleness known to all men–and especially to
our brethren in Christ. THEN all will know that we are Christ’s
disciples, when we have and show the “gentleness” of love for one
another (John 13:35).

The tiny, landlocked nation of Bhutan, sandwiched between Tibet and
India in the Himalayas, has a philosophy that could be taken straight
from the pages of the Bible. In a Buddhist country of around 700,000
people, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck decreed, when he ascended the
throne in 1972, that instead of seeking a gross national product, the
official goal was to enjoy gross national happiness.

A journalist
with the Bhutan Broadcasting Service made the following observation
about the King’s edict: “He basically meant, let my people be happy,
you know. And how do you be happy? Well, if kids go to school, kids
that live healthy, and if the forests are there, you take them out on
walks on the weekends.”   And that, he agreed, is the
opposite of a consumer society. Selfishness is exactly what “gross
national happiness” is trying to avoid–the excesses of consumerism
experienced by many nations of the world.

Gross National Product
(GNP) measures only the sum total of material production and exchange
in any country and was never intended to be a measure of actual
well-being.  An international conference on Gross National
Happiness, hosted by the Bhutan government in the capital city of
Thimphu in 2004, attracted 82 eminent participants from 20 countries.
This conference showed that basic happiness can be measured since it
pertains to quality of nutrition, housing, education, health care and
community life.

During the last few weeks, the true Church of God
has been keeping God’s autumnal Feast Days as part of the Holy Day
calendar. There will be much happiness when the Feast of Trumpets (kept
on 23rd September this year) becomes reality as Christ returns to the
earth to set up the Kingdom of God. Ten days later (2nd October), the
Church kept the Day of Atonement which heralds the putting away of
Satan for 1,000 years. As our adversary, and the one who has caused so
much suffering during the last 6,000 years is banished, there will be
much rejoicing and happiness at this event. And then, four days later,
the Feast of Tabernacles (7th to 13th October in 2006) was kept for
seven days which represents Christ’s millennial rule on earth, followed
by the Last Great Day (14th October in 2006) which foreshadows a time
during which all who have not previously been given an opportunity to
accept or reject God’s calling will be given their first opportunity
(see our free booklet “God’s Commanded Holy Days”).

These
events will provide the answer to all of the world’s ills. And the
praiseworthy efforts of Bhutan will be completely overshadowed by the
perfect rule of Christ over all the earth. This will bring happiness on
a scale previously unrealized during man’s 6,000 years of misrule. And
Gross National Happiness will be the order of the day!

In ancient Greek plays when a plot came to an impasse, a god would
be lowered onto the stage by a machine, thus the term deus ex machina
or “god from a machine”. This character would then in turn “save the
day”.  Often this would happen near the end of the story when
humans had seemingly irreconcilable differences or insolvable problems.

With
modern technology and computer graphics the need to lower anyone via a
wooden crane with heavy ropes and pulleys is mostly a thing of the
past.  Today the term has evolved to mean an unexpected solution
when all hope is lost. In some shows it can be manifested as the good
guys appearing on the hill top at the last minute or winning the
lottery so the hero can continue in his noble cause.

While some
literary purists just call it poor writing, this plot device parallels
reality all too closely.  As events on the world stage continue to
play themselves out, man unwittingly acts out his role with uncanny
accuracy.  Following the script to a tee, the last scene is
unfolding with wars, pestilence, famine and false prophets…no need to
cue the special effects.

Then with the world on the brink of
total and utter annihilation… enter God and what an entrance it will
be.  Though there won’t be any ropes, there will be strings
attached.  You will have to listen to the Director’s commands. In
order to be saved, you will have to exit stage right when you have been
going left.   

Our lines have been written out for us
and we have seen the example of the Lead Man.  As His understudy,
let’s read our part, memorize it, and ACT accordingly.

Having now returned from a wonderful Feast of Tabernacles, where we
enjoyed a full plate of spiritual food during this year’s festival, we
each have received tremendous help to assist us as we return to our
respective places in this present world. We must not allow ourselves to
let down from the spiritual high we have received!

As we move
into the winter months of the year, we must use the knowledge and the
increase of God’s faith received during this eight day festival through
God’s inspiration, not letting the spirit of the upcoming seasons pull
us down from the spiritual high with which God has blessed us.

And
as we enter these months, when daylight is shortened and the darkness
of night grows long, the world enters its major festival season, which
has been inspired by the god of this world to lead God’s people and all
of mankind into darkness; we must continue to increase in the light of
God’s Word!

Many of God’s people, called and chosen, have been
caught up in the spirit of these days, having lost sight of many of
God’s truths warning His people to always be alert to Satan’s devices.
Our God hates these days because they have been inspired by the god of
this world to deceive His people and to lead them into false worship,
as much of the world is doing today! Our God says He is a jealous God
and He demands our loyalty to Him!

God tells us in Deuteronomy,
chapter 12, verses 30-31: “…do not inquire after their gods, saying,
‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise. You
shall not worship the Lord your God in that way; for every abomination
to the Lord which He hates they have done to their gods…”

God continues in verse 32: “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.”

Let
us use the increased faith God has given us during these fall festivals
and let us be faithful to Him as the uninspired festivals of the god of
this world pass. We must look forward to the spring of the year and
God’s spring festivals, whereby we will picture again integral parts of
God’s master plan which are revealed in His Holy Days.

We must
keep our eyes set on God’s Truth, His Plan, and His goal for all of
mankind as we go through these months of winter, knowing that the
spring is just ahead, bringing again His wonderful festivals of the
spring. In the meantime, we must continue to grow in the grace and
truth of our God in hope of His wonderful Kingdom, soon to come to this
earth, when all confusion and error will be destroyed and the Way of
our God will be established throughout the earth and the universe!

Coming home from a hard days work, the head of household  was a
bit dismayed to hear his two sons fighting and squabbling in the
basement. Ordering them to stop, he said to them: “Boys, I would like
you to come outside to learn a lesson.” He went to one of the trees in
the yard and picked up a twig, which was about  twenty inches
long. He handed it to his eldest son and said: “ Break this.” His son
did so with ease. He then picked up eight twigs, gave them to his
eldest son and told him: “ Break these.” The son tried very hard, but
he could not do so. He even smashed the twigs across his knees and
still could not break them. He finally admitted that he was unable to
break the eight twigs. The father looked at his sons and said: “ There
is strength in unity.” This was a statement of truth and also a lesson
both boys never forgot. 

By the time you read this
editorial, the Feast of Tabernacles will be over. Hopefully, you have
been inspired and are determined to help finishing the Work that God
has given us to do. This must be done in a unified way, working
together as a team. Fighting and squabbling would only play into the
adversary’s hands. We must stay focused on the job ahead, remaining
faithful to God and doing His Work in a truly united and enthusiastic
manner, as God opens the doors of opportunities for us. Let us all stay
unified, while remembering Mrs. Loma Armstrong’s favorite Scripture in
Psalm 133:1: “Behold , how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to
dwell together in unity!”

“If you love Me, prove it,” is a challenge to Christians from
God–although the wording is not exactly in this form. Jesus said it
this way: “‘If you love Me, keep My commandments'” (John 14:15).

We
are all a bit guilty in proclaiming our love for God and Jesus Christ
without doing those things that really prove that we love God. Abraham
willingly and unquestioningly prepared to offer his son Isaac just as
God had commanded him to do! That was a test for Abraham, and he proved
his unparalleled love for his God.

What Abraham did is
memorialized in God’s Word–in particular, Hebrews 11:17-19: “By faith
Abraham, when he was TESTED, offered up Isaac, and he who had received
the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, ‘In
Isaac your seed shall be called,’ concluding that God was able to raise
him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a
figurative sense.”

God has already proven His love for us in that
He actually did that for which Abraham was only tested (Compare John
3:16). Jesus spoke of His own love and of His willingness to prove it
when He told His disciples–His friends, “‘Greater love has no one than
this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends'” (John 15:13). Jesus
died for all–for the sins of all of us! (Compare Romans 6:10; 1
Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15).

Here is our test: “I
beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you
present your bodies a LIVING SACRIFICE, holy, acceptable to God, which
is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).

Just how we do that
“reasonable service” is further defined in God’s Word. Our answer is
found in this straightforward definition of how we should love God:
“For this is the love of God, that WE KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. And His
commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3).

When you hear
someone profess their love for the Father and for His Son, examine
their words and actions based on God’s Word. More importantly, see if
this is a test you can pass–it really is our proof of love!

On Saturday, September 23, 2006, the Church of God fulfills God’s commandment for His people to celebrate a very special Sabbath–the annual Holy Day of the Feast of Trumpets, which falls this year also on a weekly Sabbath. It is interesting, when studying Jewish literature, how the ancient rabbis understood the meaning of this very important Festival. They associated several designations with this day. Let us review a few:

The Feast of Trumpets is also called the “Birthday of the World” (Rosh Hashana; literally, Head of the Years). It is believed that God created the world in the first week of the Hebrew month of Tishri, which corresponds to September/October according to the Roman calendar. It is also called the “Day of the Awakening Blast” (Yom Teruah, literally, Day of Blowing or Shouting). A trumpet was blown on that day. The trumpet was a ram’s horn or a “shofar,” which was associated with Abraham’s sacrifice of his son Isaac. God intervened and substituted a ram for Isaac in the incident of Abraham and Isaac.

In addition, the Feast of Trumpets is described as the “Day of Judgment” (Yom Hadin). It is understood that on that day, the righteous would receive eternal life.

Another designation is the “Day of Repentance” (Yom teshuvah). The trumpet blast includes the concept of awakening the spiritual dead to a life well pleasing to God. Paul echoes that understanding, when he writes in Ephesians 5:14: “Therefore He says: Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light!”

Further designations of the Feast of Trumpets are the “Day of the Coronation of the Messiah” (Ha Melech); the “Birth Pangs of the Messiah” (Chevlai shel Mashiach); and the “Wedding Ceremony” (Kiddushin/Nesu’in).

All these designations have deep meaning in relationship to the Feast of Trumpets.

But there are still more!

The understanding of the ancient rabbis includes the following additional concepts, as they pertain to the meaning of the Feast of Trumpets:

Israel will be advised of the advent of the Messiah with the sound of a shofar (Zechariah 9:14, 16). The shofar will be blown at the time of the ingathering of the exiles of Israel to their place (Isaiah 27:13). The shofar will be blown at times of war, and to signal the assembly of Israel during those times (Judges 3:27; 2 Samuel 20:1; Joshua 6:13, 16). The watchman will stand upon Jerusalem’s walls and blow the shofar (Ezekiel 33:3-6). The shofar will be blown to pronounce liberty and freedom (Leviticus 25:8-10). And, the blowing of the shofar will usher in the day of the Lord (Joel 2:1).

As we can see, the Feast of Trumpets is a very special annual Holy Day. It is filled with tremendous meaning for God’s people and for all of mankind. It culminates, of course, in the return of the Messiah–the God of the Old Testament–Jesus Christ.

Many of the reasons for Christ’s Second Coming–symbolized by the Feast of Trumpets–will be explained in detail during our morning and afternoon Holy Day services, which will be broadcast live over the Internet. If you cannot personally attend one of our local congregations, please listen to our live Internet broadcasts; or, if the time zone you are living in would prevent you from doing so, listen to our Holy Day sermons, which will be posted promptly on the Web after services. The Feast of Trumpets is a most holy and important annual Festival. Please don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about it.

Recently, my wife and I acquired a new puppy–an eight-week-old
Chihuahua. We already owned a thirteen-year-old miniature Yorkshire
Terrier, but as she was getting quite old, we thought a new arrival
might perk her up. This episode got me thinking about a number of
analogies to the life of a true Christian. Sounds strange, doesn’t it,
but we can learn lessons in everything we do and are involved in.

I
meditated about how reliant dogs are on their new owner; how much they
put their trust in him; how vulnerable they can be, particularly if the
owner doesn’t have their best interests at heart; how they need
training; and also, how they look to their new owners for leadership.

Notice
how these concepts can apply to us, spiritually. On a spiritual plane,
we are to be totally reliant on God. He created us and for those in the
Church, He has called us to His way of life and a wonderful future in
the Kingdom of God if we endure to the end. By putting our trust in
Him, we can have peace of mind, knowing that God has our welfare and
well being at heart.  We can be very vulnerable, but only if our
reliance and trust in Him is less than required. The great God does
have our best interests at heart–that is why He has called us into His
Family. Finally, with the leadership that He shows, we know that we are
in safe hands.

We should take very seriously the care that we can
have for our animals. But how much more care is God showing to all of
us who have the potential to be in His Family. To achieve our potential
will be the greatest prize of all!

In spite of what people think…
in spite of what people say…
in spite of what people do…

the following truths comprise a part of THE Truth which is God’s Word (John 17:17):

The 7th day Sabbath is still in effect;
We are to keep God’s Holy Days, not pagan holidays;
We do not go to heaven when we die;
Satan does exist;
We are not yet born again;
God is a Family — not a Trinity;
The Law is not done away;
Abortion and war are murder.

Though
some or even all of these may appear inconvenient, in actuality the
Truth is not nearly as difficult or burdensome as it may first seem. In
fact, the real inconvenience is in NOT keeping the Word of God. As we
look around the world today and honestly assess it; we see poverty,
sickness, perversion, unfairness, atheism, hatred and murder. The
reason for this is that most have a belief system grounded in either
personal scruples, politics, false religion, and/or science. There is a
direct causal relationship between obeying the Scriptures and contrary
behavior (Galatians 5:17-23).

Our foundation needs to be the
Bible, and we need to commit to living “by every word that proceeds
from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). If we do this, we will no longer
be a slave to sin and its horrible consequences, but rather we will be
truly free (John 8:32).

The Truth is the Truth; no amount of
protesting is going to change that; and ignoring it, surely, will not
make it go away. Go ahead and put God’s Word to the test! You will be
better off for it, and you will find that it is not inconvenient after
all.

As we rapidly approach the time of year God has set apart for His
Fall festivals, how excited are we that we have been blessed with such
awesome knowledge; knowledge which reveals many details of God’s great
plan for all of humanity; knowledge of plans He will see completed
according to His faithful Word; events which will change forever the
course of the world and universe?

No doubt, when we first learned
of God’s intent of fulfilling His awesome plans–events which will
astound this world–it was difficult for us to contain this knowledge
within ourselves! We had an urgent need to tell all we had learned to
family, friends, and yes, even everyday acquaintances.

As time
passed and we all grew in the knowledge of God’s Holy Days, we came to
realize even more the significance of these precious days! Leviticus 26
reveals tremendous blessings for all who will walk in God’s Law, His
Statutes (which include God’s Holy Days), and His Judgments; while
revealing in the same set of Scriptures retributions which will surely
come on Israel and on all the nations of the world who fail to follow
these instructions! 

Deuteronomy 16 gives an outline of
all of God’s annual festivals wherein God instructs us to observe these
days and to rejoice therein! We observe these days for the purpose of
honoring our God, showing respect for Him and His instructions, and to
learn even more of Him and His Way–something impossible for anyone who
observes the holidays of this world ever to achieve.

Yet, with
many who once knew and observed these days, this enthusiasm has waned
over time, with the result that many of these no longer observe God’s
wonderful commands relative to His Holy Days! Many of these today are
no longer faithful in following God’s tithing laws (which include funds
to attend the festivals, funds to assist the less fortunate in
attending the festivals and funds to help in providing facilities
needed to observe the festivals, as God instructs in His Word). We
know, of course, that some do not have the financial resources to
attend God’s festivals.

Such lack of obedience to God’s
instructions demonstrates a total lack of enthusiasm in following God’s
Way, and in participating in His very important and significant Holy
Days.

How seriously do we take God’s commands relative to His festival season?