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Dear Members, Co-Workers and Friends:

We are living in a world of awesome progress and accomplishments, but we are at the same time confronted with violence, misery, pain, suffering, appalling evil and awful squalor. Decades ago, Herbert W. Armstrong, the late human leader of the Church of God, used expressions like these to convey an incredible paradox—that man, capable of sending a human being to the moon and bringing him back safely to this earth, is seemingly unable to solve his most fundamental problems on his planet. Since Mr. Armstrong died in 1986, the magnitude of this paradox has even increased at least one thousand times over.

Mr. Armstrong spoke repeatedly about the two trees in the Garden of Eden—the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, and the Tree of Life. These trees, even though real, were of symbolic significance. They represented the wisdom of this world and the mysterious hidden knowledge of God. The first man chose to eat from the forbidden fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, thereby rejecting and losing the possibility to eat from the Tree of Life. He elected to decide for himself what seemed to be right in his own eyes, and he lost thereby the privilege of accepting from God the knowledge of the true, eternal and never-changing values of the right way of life. Man acquired human wisdom—including the wisdom of relying on himself and of creating terrible weapons of mass destruction; but he could not and does not understand the way to peace, happiness, prosperity and reliance on God (Romans 3:10-18), as this is spiritual wisdom which only God can grant (1 Corinthians 2:7-12).

Continue reading "Letter to the Brethren – June 23, 2011"

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Dear Brethren and Friends,

Have you been SHOCKED by what is happening?

Jesus Christ spoke of things that “must come to pass” (Matthew 24:6), and He continued by telling of devastating events that would signal “the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:8).

When we witness the unprecedented scale of destruction that has been striking so many nations, it becomes unmistakably apparent that prophecy is coming to fruition! The very developments spoken of by Jesus Christ are signals we should carefully WATCH:

“‘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. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away’” (Matthew 24:32-35).

Continue reading "Letter to the Brethren – May 26, 2011"

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Dear Brethren:

We have just observed Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread. We focused on the fact that the annual Passover reminds us of the great Sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Because He was willing to shed His blood for the sins of humanity, we can in the future become a part of the Family of God, ruling with and under Christ in the Millennium and throughout eternity.

The Passover was preceded by a period of self-examination to ensure that we were taking the Passover in a worthy manner, as admonished by Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:28-29: “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.”

Continue reading "Letter to the Brethren – April 30, 2011"

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Dear Brethren, Co-Workers and Friends:

Thank you for all your prayers in regard to our annual conference—they were greatly appreciated and their power was felt. During the conference, which concluded just over a week ago, we were able to complete everything that we set out to do, and more. We used this time to assess where we have been and evaluated where we should go. We looked at the past year specifically to see if we have accomplished what we planned, and to the future to set more goals in order to better fulfill the Great Commission that we have been given.

The ministers gave reports that included areas specific to them, as well as other regions that need to be looked after. We are beginning to notice more and more needs in areas that we do not currently have the resources to serve. As the necessity becomes more pressing, the reality that we must tend to the prospective members there becomes more tangible. As we preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God, as God has commanded His Church to do, this is the outgrowth that we can expect. Because we have done this in accordance with His Will, we faithfully wait for and anticipate the means by which we can carry out this next step.

Continue reading "Letter to the Brethren – March 31, 2011"

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Dear Brethren and Friends!

According to man’s calendar, another year has come and gone, and 2010 is not one that too many will look upon with any great affection.

The ongoing problems in Afghanistan and Iraq continue to take young lives, and a large majority of people in both the UK and the USA are suffering financial difficulties, following the well documented economic problems that have beset many nations around the world.

The coalition government that we now have in the UK has the unenviable task of trying to reduce a massive budget deficit, and those who are affected inevitably complain at the measures being taken. Benefit fraud and the “milking” of the system has been endemic for some years. The Daily Telegraph reported, in September of last year, that “Four million households in Britain have no adults in work, official figures show, with the number rising this year to reach a 10-year high.”

Continue reading "Letter to the Brethren – January 20, 2011"

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Dear Brethren and Friends:

Within a few weeks, this world celebrates Christmas. Paradoxically and perhaps surprisingly to many, it is not only the “Christian” world, which observes this popular festival. Many non-Christian nations observe it too—but this fact is not all that startling when we consider that Christmas is anything else but Christian. Its origins are steeped in paganism, and any objective researcher will have to admit this truth. Many don’t care, though, thinking that it makes no difference whether it’s pagan or Christian, as long as it’s nice, fun-filled, family-oriented and, perhaps, resembling the appearance of “some” warm religious “feelings.”

From a strictly human point of view, this concept might even make sense. After all, what could possibly be wrong with a family gathering; a common meal; a beautifully decorated Christmas tree; colorful lights in the front yard; nice carols; the exchange of gifts; donations to worthy causes of feeding the hungry; the smiling faces of children receiving presents; and even the rare walk or drive to a nearby Church service? One would be well-advised, of course, to overlook rampant alcoholism, brutal crimes and strife at home, and the many “nice” fabricated stories about Santa Claus or the little Christ child, which are told to innocent and believing children… but apart from these accompanying circumstances or “excusable” white lies, what could possibly be wrong with observing a most joyous Christmas season—a time of peace and good will toward man?

Continue reading "Letter to the Brethren – December 8, 2010"

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Dear Brethren and Friends,

We believe that we are living in what the Bible calls the end of this age, and the signs of our times bring this truth into clearer focus, day-by-day! And for those of you who have either directly or indirectly followed the message we bring, you know that the preaching of the gospel of the Kingdom of God reigns paramount in our activities.

Of our present generation, the apostle Paul was inspired to write a warning for Christians to take to heart:

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

Continue reading "Letter to the Brethren – November 17, 2010"

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Dear Brethren and Friends,

We have concluded this year’s observances of God’s annual Holy Days. Some among us have experienced their very first attendance of the Feast of Tabernacles, while most have been faithfully keeping all of God’s commanded Feast Days for many years.

The Bible both records God’s revelation and His instructions for His special Feasts. We also find the results that came about when His people walked faithfully before Him and observed these times set aside by God: Hezekiah kept the Passover and turned the people back to God (compare 2 Chronicles 30)—as did Josiah (compare 2 Kings 23); Ezra and Nehemiah taught those returning from captivity in Babylon to keep God’s laws—including the Feast of Tabernacles (compare Nehemiah 8).

Continue reading "Letter to the Brethren – October 20, 2010"

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Dear Brethren and Friends:

Warm greetings to all of you who are dedicated to supporting the Work of the Eternal God.

You should receive this member letter prior to the annual Feast Days—especially the Feast of Tabernacles which is going to be celebrated and kept where God has placed His name. This year, God led us to select Feast sites in Pismo Beach, California, USA, and also in North Wales, in the United Kingdom.

The Feast of Trumpets and the Day of Atonement picture Christ’s return and the banishment of Satan. It is so very important that these events will happen soon. Just look at all the problems
facing this world today—be it the news about assassinated people in Mexico due to drug cartel wars going on in that country; the flooding in Pakistan; the increasing U.S. debt which is virtually impossible to reduce or eliminate, leading to an inevitable collapse of the U.S. economy in due time; the ongoing real fear of war in the Middle East; terrorist threats; earthquakes; hurricanes and tornadoes; volcanic eruptions; droughts; and other terrible occurrences. The average thinking person has to ask: “What’s wrong with this picture?”

Continue reading "Letter to the Brethren – September 6, 2010"

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Dear Brethren and Friends,

It is only a few weeks since the UK general election took place, which initially resulted in a hung parliament from which the first coalition for 65 years was formed. This coalition agreement between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats inevitably necessitated a lot of horse-trading and compromise, and the new Prime Minister David Cameron said that give and take was not a sign of weakness but of a mature approach. Balancing a government that comprised two parties was obviously a tricky and difficult business, but was probably the only way round an impasse that threatened to turn into a crisis, had such an agreement not been reached. Of course, we are not suggesting that the crisis was averted for good and that not even bigger problems are awaiting us.

Continue reading "Letter to the Brethren – July 7, 2010"