Church of God - A Christian Fellowship Update

Update 273 for the Week ending December 22nd, 2006

NetServices	Psalm 15 Expounded
Editorial	"No" Is Not Negative
Current Events	Iranians Don't Approve of Their Leader...
Q & A	A Pre-Determined Time Table for God's Plan
Prayers	Updates and Requests
Matt 28:19-20	Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock

 

NetServices

Psalm 15 Expounded

On December 23, 2006, Bill Grams will give the sermon titled, "Psalm 15 Expounded."

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

Editorial

"No" Is Not Negative
by Wray Zehrung

Sometimes, when we come before God in the right manner--petitioning Him fervently, obediently, faithfully, humbly and persistently--the answer that we will receive will be, “No.”

God has said “No" to many before us and will continue to do so for those that may come after us. But “No” shouldn't be viewed in a negative way.

Often we are unaware of how our request can and will impact our future and the plan of God, and we won't understand why we got the response that we did. Perhaps, there will be a time in the future when we learn why things didn't work out the way we thought they should have. But for the time being, we need to realize that God is completely and totally in charge of our life, and we can take solace and comfort in the fact that the right things are going to happen at the right time.

We need to view a seemingly negative answer in a positive way. God knows what is best for us. What He does, He does in love and for our own good. We need to have faith in this! When God says, "No," it is for our growth and character. Innately, our hearts are deceitful and there is a way that seems right to us, but isn’t (Jeremiah 17:9; Proverbs 14:12). We need to trust God implicitly.

Instead of becoming upset, we need to look at going in a different direction; knock on other doors; move on with our life; and don’t become stuck in a quagmire of uncertainty. We ought to pray: "Teach me your ways, show me your path," and then take any course corrections in stride.

God DOES hear the righteous (Psalm 34:15, 17). We need to keep in mind that in the end, God wants us to become immortal members in His Kingdom. He will do what it takes to make sure that we are successful. It is not necessary to live a life of luxury, but it is of paramount importance to build character purified by fire.

We should take every opportunity to glimpse into the mind of God and see what He wants for us. When we pray, we need to ask for the strength and wherewithal to accept, learn and move on when God says, “No.”

Current Events

Iranians Don't Approve of Their Leader...

Der Spiegel Online reported on December 19:

"The hardliners in Iran have suffered a major setback at the hands of the Iranian electorate. A combination of a high turnout and close cooperation between the reformists and moderate conservatives succeeded in giving President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad a bit of a bloody nose at the ballot box. Partial results from last Friday's elections for local governments and the powerful Assembly of Experts indicate that the president's supporters have been widely rejected by the voters... However, the election results do not directly affect the Iranian government, and while it is likely that the poor showing by his allies will weaken the president, it is uncertain if this will provoke any change in policy or rhetoric."

... But He Continues to Be Controversial

The Associated Press reported on December 16:

"Iran's president said Saturday his country was ready to transfer nuclear technology to neighboring countries, Kuwaiti television reported, a week after Arab states on the Persian Gulf announced plans to consider a joint nuclear program... Iran is at odds with the United States and its European allies, who accuse Iran of seeking nuclear weapons. Iran insists its nuclear program is aimed solely at the peaceful production of nuclear energy."

The Middle East Is Facing Worst Crisis...

The EUobserver reported on December 15:

"EU leaders meeting in Brussels on Friday... said the Middle East is facing one of the 'worst crises in years' after fighting broke out on Friday between rival Palestinian factions, and Lebanon continues to stand on the verge of internal conflict. 'The Israeli-Arab conflict is at the heart of this crisis,' the EU said, urging Israel and Palestine to live 'side-by-side.'" ...

USA Is Not Winning in Iraq

AFP reported on December 20:

"President George W. Bush warned Americans of the need for new 'sacrifices' in Iraq next year, and said hard choices await in a war he now grimly admits the United States is not winning. A somber Bush, under fierce pressure to change course in Iraq, also said in a year-end news conference he had not yet decided whether to send a surge of more troops into the country, and said his heart broke for slain US soldiers."

In a related article, AFP added:

"New US Defense Secretary Robert Gates met top generals in Baghdad to discuss whether or not to send tens of thousands of extra American troops into war-torn Iraq... On Tuesday, a Pentagon report confirmed that sectarian and insurgent violence in Iraq was at an all-time high, due in part to the provocations of radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr's militia, the Mahdi Army... Washington had hoped to clip the cleric's wings by persuading a 'moderate coalition' of Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds to unite behind the ruling coalition and give it the backbone to face down the gunmen. But on Wednesday a leader of the main Shiite parliamentary bloc earmarked for this task, Hadi al-Ameri of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI), described this idea as 'madness'...

"Despite the latest bloodshed, US forces in Iraq handed responsibility for security in the Shiite province of Najaf to local provincial forces... British and Italian forces have already passed control of two southern provinces to local governors, but Wednesday's ceremony was the first of its kind in the more volatile US-controlled regions of central Iraq. More provinces are expected to follow suit in the coming weeks."

In spite of all the rhetoric, the question is this: Are the American people willing to bring more sacrifices in Iraq, including sending more American troops into Iraq, for a war which is admittedly not being won?

Japan Is Becoming More "Patriotic"

CNN reported on December 16:

"Japan's conservative government chipped away at two pillars of the country's postwar pacifism, requiring schools to teach patriotism and upgrading the Defense Agency to a full ministry for the first time since World War II. The measures, enacted Friday in a vote by Parliament's upper house, form key elements of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's push to bolster Japan's international military role, build up national pride and distance the country from its post-1945 war guilt...

"The call for more patriotism in the schools coincides with a push by some local governments to crack down on teachers and students who refuse to stand for the national flag or sing an anthem to the emperor at school ceremonies. Postwar Japan has been solidly pacifist under the 1947 U.S.-drafted Constitution, which foreswears Japan from using force to settle international disputes, and Tokyo maintains fighting forces only for self-defense."

Germany Wants To Become Permanent UN Security Council Member...

The German Press Agency (dpa) reported on December 15:

"Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Tuesday she would push hard for a permanent German United Nations Security Council seat in the coming years. 'We will have this interest--but also an interest that the UN Security Council is reformed,' she said at a news briefing. Berlin would seek a UN revamp and an upgraded role for Germany in the world body 'with great intensity,' she added.
"Present UN Security Council permanent members are Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States. The Security Council also has 10 further non-permanent members, positions which are held on a rotating basis. Germany has for years sought a permanent Security Council seat, although some observers claimed it was unclear whether Merkel would continue the effort after her foreign policy successes since taking up office in autumn 2005."

... While Hoping to Unite a Peaceful Europe

The Week in Germany reported on December 15:

"Germany takes over the rotating six-month EU presidency from Finland on January 1, and Chancellor Angela Merkel outlined three key priority areas...: strengthening Europe's economy, promoting peace and justice and pressing ahead with a new plan for the European Constitutional Treaty... Merkel... recalled that the EU, which turns 50 next March, was created to maintain peace based on common values, including freedom, justice, democracy, the rule of law and human rights."

German-French Spy Satellite Program

The following was stated on December 19 in an article of Spaceflight Now:

"The first of a fleet of five identical all-weather German spy satellites was launched Tuesday aboard a Russian rocket to collect high-resolution images of the ground 24 hours a day. Called SAR-Lupe 1, the 1,587-pound craft is Germany's first reconnaissance satellite. It is fitted with a large radar dish antenna that can pierce darkness and thick clouds to resolve targets. The radar data can be analyzed and turned into images... The craft was built for the German Federal Ministry of Defense by OHB-System AG, an aerospace company based in Bremen, Germany.

"Control of the satellite will be handed over to the German military in mid-January to begin its 10-year reconnaissance mission... Four more SAR-Lupe spacecraft are scheduled for launch at intervals of four to six months until the constellation is completed around 2008. The fleet will orbit about 300 miles above Earth in three orbital planes to maximize the number of passes over potential targets.

"The SAR-Lupe program is also a key element of a joint reconnaissance initiative signed between Germany and France four years ago. In the treaty, the two nations agreed to share data from each country's reconnaissance satellite system. France will be allowed access to German SAR-Lupe imagery, while French optical and infrared data from the Helios 2 system will be shared with Germany, according to the agreement. Tuesday's launch was the 60th space mission to successfully reach orbit this year."

Poland at Odds with the EU and Russia

AFP reported on December 20:

"Poland refused to lift its embargo on the opening of EU talks on a wide-ranging agreement with Russia [which it imposed in retaliation to a Russian embargo on Polish meat], despite a fresh initiative from the EU presidency... Since November, Poland has been blocking the start of talks between the whole of the 25-nation EU and Russia on a new political, economic and energy deal, which is meant to replace a decade-old accord that expires in a year... The EU attaches great importance to the new accord, which will have a large chapter on energy supply, aimed at securing a reliable flow from Russia's massive oil and gas fields as well as tackling the issue of access for EU companies."

Even though Poland's concerns towards Russia might very well be justified, it is becoming more and more obvious that the present European system does not work which allows just one country to sabotage proposed agreements between the EU and other countries. We will soon see a revision of this present impractical procedure.

A Crime or Not a Crime?

AFP reported on December 20:

"An Austrian appeals court ruled that the convicted British Holocaust-denier, David Irving, should be released from prison and serve the remainder of his three-year sentence on probation... Irving, 68, has already served 13 months in jail, after being arrested in November 2005. He was sentenced to three years in February this year after being found guilty on three counts of Holocaust denial in remarks he had made in Austria 17 years before... Austrian authorities were debating whether to ban Irving from staying in Austria and were holding him meanwhile in an immigration prison... In presenting the ruling, chief judge Ernst Maurer cited the 'exceptionally long time since the crime' as well as Irving's argument that he no longer denies the Holocaust took place...

"Irving had insisted that he no longer questioned the existence of gas chambers at the Nazis' Auschwitz concentration camp... Irving was also on trial for saying the November 1938 Kristallnacht pogrom against the Jews was not the work of the Nazis, but of 'unknown' people who had dressed up as stormtroopers, and that Adolf Hitler had in fact protected the Jews. He was found guilty on all three denial counts by an eight-person jury. Irving was prosecuted under an Austrian law targeting those who 'deny the genocide by the National Socialists or other National Socialist crimes against humanity.' Austria is among 11 countries that have laws against denying the Holocaust, in which some six million Jews were slaughtered by Nazi Germany, mainly in the later years of World War II. Irving became notorious worldwide for attempting to establish, against the evidence, that Hitler was not party to the Holocaust and that the number of Jews slain by the Nazis was greatly exaggerated."

That the Holocaust is a historical fact, and that the Nazis were responsible for the Kristallnacht, as well as the murder of over six million Jews and millions of other innocent victims, cannot be denied. The question pondered in the USA is, however, whether it should be a crime to do so, or whether this would be a violation of the constitutional right of free speech. According to the universally held understanding in the USA, it clearly would be unconstitutional to enact such a crime. This shows, then, how far certain European countries and the USA are apart in their value systems, even when applied to the fundamental understanding as to whether or not to "criminalize" statements which would be protected under the US Constitution.

The real danger is that Europe will in time enact other laws, making it a crime to express opinions which might be correct, but not in accordance with the politically desired understanding of certain European governments.

This development is clearly prophesied to happen. Please read our free booklet, "Europe in Prophecy."

New IRS Rules for Charitable Donations

The Associated Press reported on December 15:

"Beginning in the 2007 tax year, taxpayers must provide bank records or other information when claiming deductions for charitable donations of money, the Internal Revenue Service said in newly released guidelines. The IRS said that bank records can include canceled checks, bank or credit union statements and credit card statements that show the name of the charity and the transaction posting date. Taxpayers may also submit a written communication from the charity with the organization's name, the date of the transaction and the amount of the contribution.

"Money donations are defined as those made in cash, or by check, electronic funds transfer, credit card or payroll deductions. For payroll deductions, the taxpayer should retain a pay stub, W-2 wage statement or other document showing the amount withheld for charity along with the pledge card showing the name of the charity. Previously, taxpayers could back up donations of money with personal bank registers, diaries or notes made around the time of the donation. Such records are no longer sufficient.

"There's no change in the requirement that a taxpayer get an acknowledgment from the charity for each deductible donation of $250 or more... The tax agency also reminded people making year-end donations that donations charged to a credit card before the end of the year count for 2006, even if the credit-card bill isn't paid until next year. Checks also count for 2006 as long as they are mailed this year."

Q & A

Does God work out His Master Plan for Man according to a pre-determined time table?

Perhaps no other single event captures the focus of religionists more than that of the return of Jesus Christ. From the first generation of the Church of God until now, people have been utterly convinced that Christ would return in their own lifetime. That has led some into bitter disappointment and even an absolute abandonment and rejection of their faith!

In spite of what people concoct in their own imaginations, is God actually working out His plan according to a pre-determined time line?

Let’s see what God reveals in His written Word, and in doing so, let the Bible teach us a true understanding and a balanced perspective on this important question.

Scientists have examined the make-up of this universe, and in their quests, they have gained remarkable insight about the physical creation of God. One extraordinary discovery is the approximate age of the universe—about 14 billion years!

With that perspective in mind, consider that the Bible introduces God’s creation of mankind, and this event is but a tiny moment in time from the galactic standpoint.

In this beginning period for the creation that God accomplished that is associated with man, we find that the earth, the solar system and the heavens were already in existence! That record is found in Genesis 1, verses 1 and 2. What follows is the account of God re-establishing life on the planet (Compare Genesis 1:3-31; 2:1-25).

The earth, as most scientists will attest, is unique! No other planet in our own solar system, or any thus far discovered in distant regions is compatible to life, as we know it. God even states that the earth holds a special purpose in His creation: “For thus says the LORD, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be INHABITED...” (Isaiah 45:18).

We find in the first two chapters of Genesis that God made the earth habitable in a period of six days. Consider, as well, that the geologic record reveals previous creations that far pre-date that of man. The fossil record shows physical creations of a very different nature and purpose; although, there were similarities in terms of the earth’s environment as well as the biological aspects of the plant and animal life.

We know very little about what God did in these earlier times, but we know that these records found in the earth represent another age of God’s creative work. Speaking of Jesus Christ, John reveals this staggering truth: “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made” (John 1:3).

In the very beginning of creation, Jesus Christ was there, and it has been His role, as the Son—the Word of God—to bring about God’s purpose. Just how comprehensive this creative work is can be understood in something stated by Paul in regard to God’s elect, who live “in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised BEFORE TIME BEGAN” (Titus 1:2; Also, compare 2 Timothy 1:8-10).

This brings us to a very significant fact—God has His plan in place for the salvation of mankind, and it was established before the creation of the universe!

The Bible reveals that God created life anew on the earth. Six days God created, and on the seventh day, He rested. Along with the account as found in Genesis 1 and 2, this creative work of God stands as a reminder for us in the commandments of God:

“‘Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it’” (Exodus 20:8-11).

The Hebrew word for “made” is "asah"—a root word meaning "to do" or "make," but a word with broad application in the Bible (Strong’s #6213). "Asah" can also mean "bring forth" and "prepare," among other definitions. From the perspective we gain in the first two chapters of Genesis, we learn that God did not create the universe at the same time of man’s creation. The Hebrew word used in Genesis 1:1 for "created" is "bara," [Strong's #1254), a different word than used in Exodus 20, where it is said that God "made the heavens and the earth...". Rather, He PREPARED the earth and created new life on it—accomplishing all of this during a period of six days!

Even in our own solar system, we see that the moon and planets have suffered a long history of devastation. However, this was not their state in the beginning of creation—our booklets, “Angels, Demons And The Spirit World” and "The Theory of Evolution--a Fairy Tale for Adults"—explain in more detail HOW the earth BECAME “without form and void” as mentioned in Genesis 1, verse 2.

The day, defined by the rotation of the earth, consists of darkness and light. In Genesis 1:5, we find that God specifically created and named this delineation of time: “God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day” (NASB). This more literal translation points to the defining relationship of the sun’s light and the relative position of the earth to mark out the measurement of a day—both the dark and light periods.

The week, consisting of seven days, is a designated measure of time that God has established. In leading Israel out of Egypt, God again revealed the Sabbath Day to His people (Compare Exodus 16). In addition, God also showed Israel how to observe months and years (Compare Exodus 12:2). What God revealed was WHEN the year was to begin. It is evident that calendars were kept based on months and years—all then being determined by the rotation of earth, moon and sun along with various celestial observations. However, God specifically re-established the correct way to measure time for His nation.

In dealing with Israel, God also revealed feasts of the Lord—holy convocations. In Leviticus 23, these feast days are presented. Importantly, God also revealed that they were to be observed at specific times throughout the year: “‘These are the feasts of the LORD, holy convocations which you shall proclaim AT THEIR APPOINTED TIMES’” (Leviticus 23:4).

When understood properly, these feast days are an outline of God’s plan for mankind. They picture key events that fulfill what God has planned and is bringing to pass. Oftentimes, a particular feast will have a type of fulfillment that is preparatory to an even greater occurrence. A case in point is the Passover that took place when Israel was still in Egypt, and the Passover that Jesus Christ fulfilled by His sacrificial death on behalf of all of mankind. Christians participate in the annual Passover celebration in memory of His death.

By this and many other examples, then, we see that God DOES HAVE HIS PLAN--which is being carried out according to pre-determined and appointed times and seasons. God is accomplishing His Will over the vast expanse of time—His purpose has remained unchanged since the beginning.

When Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had a troubling dream, God revealed both the dream and its meaning through the prophet Daniel. In this instance, God let Nebuchadnezzar “see” into the future—here is how Daniel introduced this revelation: “‘But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the LATTER DAYS...’” (Daniel 2:28).

Besides the detailed prophecies already fulfilled in God’s plan, the Bible also foretells many events that will happen in the future. Of particular focus is that period of time surrounding the return of Jesus Christ to this earth—called “day of the LORD” and similar terms (For a detailed study of this topic, please refer to our Q&A in Update #269, November 24, 2006).

Earlier in the Biblical record, another powerful national leader, a Pharaoh in Egypt, had a dream he did not understand. In this case, God showed Joseph—who then explained the true meaning: “‘And the dream was repeated to Pharaoh twice because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly BRING IT TO PASS’” (Genesis 41:32).

Once again, we see a clear example of God working out His plan--according to an allotted time (compare verses 29-30, announcing that seven years of great plenty and seven years of famine would arise).

We are challenged to consider the record already written to understand that God fulfills His Will. Carefully note what God states:

“‘...For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure... Indeed I have spoken it; I WILL ALSO BRING IT TO PASS. I have purposed it; I WILL ALSO DO IT’” (Isaiah 46:9-11).

However, we must understand that God does not reveal everything beforehand! He reserves certain aspects of His actions in order to assure the completion of His plan. Jesus spoke of the time of His return: “‘But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father ONLY’” (Matthew 24:36).

Peter understood that God is revealing things in a progressive way and that even the prophets, as well as angels, did not always understand what they prophesied: “To them [the prophets of old] it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into” (1 Peter 1:12).

A very striking example of this is found in the Book of Daniel: “Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, ‘My lord, what shall be the end of these things?’ And he said, ‘Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end’” (Daniel 12:8-9. Compare, also, Jeremiah 23:20; 30:24; Habakkuk 2:3; and Revelation 10:4-7).

With these statements in mind, what, then, can we know about God’s plan?

The answer is that we can understand much, and if we are faithfully obeying God, we will not be caught by surprise! Let’s now examine some very import keys that God has given to us so that we can comprehend what God IS revealing.

Is there really any evidence for a 6,000-year plan? Here is an important Scripture for us to consider in this regard: “But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2 Peter 3:8). This verse provides a basis for believing that God is working out certain parts of His plan in the context of 6,000 years.

Another part of the puzzle is addressed in the period of time in which Jesus will rule on the earth—a time lasting for 1,000 years (Compare Revelation 20:4-6). This millennial reign is compared to a Sabbath for the people of God: “Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest...” (Hebrews 4:1). This verse is speaking of a future fulfillment. The comparison becomes even more firmly established by this statement in verse 4: “For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: ‘And God rested on the seventh day from all His works.’”

Additionally, we find in the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles another fulfillment, in type, of the “rest” that God will bring (Compare Leviticus 23:33-44).

Consider this additional fact concerning the length of time that has transpired leading up to the time of Jesus Christ's birth: “So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ are fourteen generations” (Matthew 1:17).

Before Abraham and before the Flood, the Bible records life spans of certain individuals, and from these, a general idea of the number of years of that period can be derived. However, even with this information, experts vary when it comes to exact numbers. We are cautioned to not overly focus on things of this nature—here is Paul’s warning to Timothy in this regard: “As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith” (1 Timothy 1:3-4).

In the account in Daniel, God reveals a long period of time that was to begin with the reign of Nebuchadnezzar and end with the return of Jesus Christ (Compare Daniel 2:37-45).

For those who accept the Biblical record, it is apparent that we are now living in what can generally be understood as the period of time that is now about 6,000 years since God first created Adam and Eve. The most poignant conclusion for us is that we are now living in the generation that will witness the establishment of God’s Kingdom on the earth.

But a word of caution is in order! To quote from our booklet, "Are You Predestined to Be Saved?":

"The Bible, as well as Hebrew tradition, convey the concept that God has allotted to man about 6,000 years to govern himself, followed by 1,000 years of Godly rule here on earth, under Jesus Christ. Since God created man on the sixth day, followed by the weekly Sabbath, He has allotted 6,000 years of self-rule to mankind, followed by God’s Millennial Sabbath rule of 1,000 years of peace and tranquillity (compare Hebrews 4:4, 9, and 11).

"Some have pointed to 2 Peter 3:8, claiming that God allotted man exactly 6,000 years to rule this earth, and that after exactly 6,000 years, Christ will return. However, that is not what 2 Peter 3:8 conveys. The Scripture reads: '... with the Lord one day is AS a thousand years, and a thousand years AS one day.'

"This Scripture does not provide us with a fixed date. The Greek word for 'as' is 'hos,' and it can also be translated as 'about.' (Compare Young's Analytical Concordance to the Bible, under 'about.') In fact, the Authorized Version translates this word 14 times as 'about.' For instance, the word 'hos' is correctly translated as 'about' in passages such as Mark 8:9; Luke 2:37; 8:42; and John 1:39.

"Strong's points out, under #5613, that the Greek word 'hos' is '... very variously used, as follows: about, ... (according) as (it had been, it were)... even as (like)...'

"From this we can know that 2 Peter 3:8 conveys the principle that in the eyes of God one day is ABOUT 1,000 years—not necessarily exactly so."

Although Jesus plainly taught that we would not know the exact day of His return, He, nonetheless, did reveal that we could know the generational time frame:

“‘Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is NEAR—AT THE DOORS! Assuredly, I say to you, THIS GENERATION will by no means pass away till all these things take place’” (Matthew 24:32-34).

Jesus also tells His followers to WATCH and be READY (Compare Matthew 24:42-44; 25:10, 13; Revelation 16:15).

>From the very beginning of mankind’s creation, God has taken the actual six days in which He re-established the earth and life upon it and He has shown that man was also to work for six days (Compare Exodus 20:9). He has also revealed the seventh day as a Holy time—the Sabbath—a type of the 1,000-year reign of Christ and His saints in the Kingdom of God. This clear type and antitype for the Sabbath find their counterpart in the weekly labor of man and the period of man’s self-rule under Satan’s influence.

We may conclude that there is strong evidence to support the fact that God is working out a set time for His great master plan. In addition, it appears that man will have his portion of the week to fulfill—a period of about 6,000 years.

Finally, consider this assurance from God—an absolute promise when it comes to understanding what God is doing: “Surely the Lord God does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7).

Lead Writers: Dave Harris and Norbert Link

Prayers

Updates and Requests

Lois Bargar sent us the following prayer update: "I went to the PD clinic, and the catheter works beautifully. I will start classes on the 8th of January and will be doing dialysis shortly thereafter. Thank you everyone for your prayers."

On December 19, Norbert Link and Margaret Adair visited with both Eve and Raymond McNair. Mr. McNair has been hospitalized with a critical urinary infection and was anointed by Norbert Link. This latest setback comes on top of other serious health problems that Mr. McNair has experienced. We are asking for your earnest prayers on behalf of this long-time and faithful minister of God and his wife. Please ask God for His speedy intervention on behalf of Mr. McNair. We make this request with the confident assurance of God's comforting promise: "...The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (James 5:16).

Phyllis Gregg was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia apparently brought on by her thyroid problem that she was currently being treated for. This somehow created fluid in her lungs which her body was not able to take care of. It appears that the falls she had due to dizziness were a result of lack of oxygen brought on by the onset of pneumonia. She seems to be responding well to the oxygen. Please continue to pray for her health.

Ruth Sellars has now been in the hospital for almost 3 weeks with a life threatening case of pneumonia. Ruth’s address is: Ruth Sellars, Memorial Hospital, Room 4654, 1400 E Boulder, Colorado Springs, CO 80909. On December 19, Vonie, Ruth Sellars' husband, called to say that Ruth’s blood pressure had risen and her heart was being affected by the fluid in the lung. The drain in the lung had not been effective and the antibiotics have been inadequate.

The only option the doctors felt that they had was to cut her lung open in order to clean it properly. The problem with this is that Ruth is still in a weakened state and they felt that she would not make it through the operation. We were subsequently informed that the Sellars family opted to go with the surgery, since doctors felt that she would not survive with her current care and drug regimen.

At 7:30 on December 20, doctors successfully removed one lung and expressed how the operation went better than expected. Although she is conscious and is being allowed visitors, Ruth is currently in ICU. The doctor said that they have done all that they can and it is now in God's Hands. Vonie appreciates the anointed cloth all who are praying for Ruth and gives credit to God Almighty. 

Matt 28:19-20

Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock

Talus Zane Harris was born at 4:00 AM on December 21, 2006. He weighed 8 lbs and 2 ounces and was 20 3/4" long. His parents, Robb and Laura Harris, and brother Caymus live in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Our new booklet, "Human Suffering, Why... and How Much Longer?," has been printed and shipped from England to Canada and the USA. It should arrive in the USA by the middle of next week. We plan to send it to our U.S. subscribers with the January member letter. The booklet has been posted on our Website.

Our new member letter for December, which was written by the ministry, has been posted on the Website.

Norbert Link's video-recorded sermons, "Ezra and Nehemiah, Part 2," and "Flee Idolatry," have been posted on Google Video. The audio versions of both sermons have been posted, as usual, on our Website.

This Update is an official publication by the ministry of the Church of the Eternal God in the United States of America; the Church of God, a Christian Fellowship in Canada; and the Global Church of God in the United Kingdom.

Editorial Team: Norbert Link, Dave Harris, Rene Messier, Brian Gale, Wray Zehrung, Margaret Adair, Joan Pope, Johanna Link.

Technical Team: Wray Zehrung, Eric Rank, Shana Rank

Regular Contributors: Michael Bannen, Terry and Connie Grade

How This Work is Being Financed:

Our activities and literature, including booklets, weekly updates, sermon tapes, and video and audio broadcasts, are provided free of charge. They are made possible by the tithes, offerings and contributions of Church members and others who have elected to support this Work.

While we do not solicit the general public for funds, contributions are gratefully welcomed and are tax-deductible in the U.S. and Canada.

Donations should be sent to the following addresses:

United States: Church of the Eternal God, P.O. Box 270519, San Diego, CA 92198

Canada: Church of God, ACF, Box 1480, Summerland, B.C. V0H 1Z0

United Kingdom: Global Church of God, PO Box 2111, Derby DE1 1ZR, England