The flow of events following Judah’s captivity and the destruction of both Jerusalem and the Temple of God all paved the way for the first coming of the Messiah. As seemingly unlikely as it might have appeared in the time of Jeremiah, Daniel and Ezekiel, the re-establishment of Jews in Jerusalem and the rebuilding of God’s Temple was impossible to derail! The parallels for our time are inescapable!
When we commit idolatry, we forsake the true God. The book of Judges gives us many examples and warns us not to follow the bad lead of the ancient Israelites. But sadly, our Christian nations engage today in the same kind of Baal and Astarte worship, and calamity will be the consequence.
For over ten years, we have warned that another falling away from the truth will occur in the Church of God, but only very few have heeded the warning. We now see that the prophesied renewed apostasy has begun.
When it comes to the “gold standard” of ministers in any of our
lifetimes, Herbert W. Armstrong stands out because of his uncompromising
dedication to the Truth of God. However, there is really only one final
reference Who is the ultimate comparison—the supreme example of the truly
perfect Minister against which others are judged or measured, and that is Jesus
Christ. The ministry of the Church of God bears tremendous accountability to
continue to follow the Truth as God has and does reveal it to His faithful
servants.
The ancient houses of Israel and Judah engaged in idolatry and were severely punished by God. Today, our nations are guilty of the same transgressions. But God’s prohibition against idolatry is not limited to the worship of statutes of pagan gods. Rightly understood, when we transgress the Second Commandment, we are at the same time breaking all of the Ten Commandments. This sermon will explain why this is.
Christ told us that we either serve God or man. We have to choose which we will serve. When we decide to serve God, we have to learn how to adapt to being a christian. How can we do this?
When Christ rules on earth during the Millennium, how will the non-Israelite nations come to the point of repentance and acceptance of God’s Way of Life? Is it going to happen “overnight,” or will it require some time? How is God going to reveal Himself to them ? Why and how will they seek God and learn the truth? Why are the events, which are depicted in Ezekiel 38 and 39, significant in this regard?
