In the Q&A in this week’s Update, we address, among other concepts, the need for the Church of God to continue preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God. We show from Scripture that God will still do a powerful short Work just prior to Christ’s return. In a recent sermon, I explained that God is not trying to convert all people right now and lead them to salvation at this time–and neither should we! For most, their opportunity will still come in the future–AFTER Christ’s return!

In this day and age, God only calls the very few–the firstfruits–the “little flock”–those who were “predestined” to be called from the foundation of the earth–in fact, before time began. He wants His Church today to announce, as a witness or testimony, that Christ’s return is imminent and that the Kingdom of God will soon be established on this earth (Matthew 24:14). He wants His Church to warn the world of what is going to happen, and to proclaim the need to repent and to change (Luke 24:47). Most will reject our message–but some will listen and respond. We don’t know who will change their lives because of our preaching–but God knows. He knows whom He WANTS to call OUT OF this world, and whom He IS calling. He expects us to do our job of preaching the gospel, because how can they believe in the true God unless they have heard Him proclaimed first (Romans 10:14-15)?

But then what? In order to be saved from this present evil generation, one must receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. We are clearly taught in the Bible that God promises His gift only to those who repent, believe and are baptized for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38; 4:4; 10:43). God is not giving His Holy Spirit to those who refuse to obey Him (Acts 5:32)–and God will take His Holy Spirit away from those who turn away from His truth after they have embraced it, and who will live again a life of disobedience (Hebrews 6:4-8;10:26-29; 2 Peter 2:20-22).

Once someone has responded to God’s call and has received His Holy Spirit, such a person is then able to comprehend more clearly the mysteries of God. Prior to God’s involvement or calling, a person cannot understand the truth. Once God’s Spirit begins to work with a person and opens his mind, he will be able to comprehend some of it–enough to show God that he is serious by obeying Him. But it is only after the receipt of God’s Spirit that we can begin to really comprehend the truth more and more perfectly–that we can really grow in the KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST (2 Peter 3:18)–the knowledge WHICH CHRIST HAS and which He wants to share with us.

Notice that the Bible gives us an order or time sequence which pertains to collective and individual salvation!

In 1 Corinthians 15:22-24, Paul explains that there is an order of salvation for mankind:

“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive [through a resurrection from the dead]. But each one in his own ORDER: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are [or “were” at the time of their death] Christ’s at His coming. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father…”

The “end” includes those in the “second resurrection,” who will be “raised up” from the dead after the time of the Millennium. (Compare the commentary of Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, equating “the end” with “the general resurrection, and final judgment and consummation.”) Revelation 20:4-5 refers to the first and the second resurrection. We read about those in the first resurrection–who were in Christ and Christ in them, when they died: “And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”

Verse 5 clarifies that this describes those in the “first resurrection.” But the same verse speaks also of those who would be resurrected later: “But the rest of the dead did not live again UNTIL the thousand years are finished.” Their resurrection after the Millennium is described in Revelation 20:11-12–a time referred to in the Bible as the “Great White Throne Judgment” period.

Jesus referred to that judgment period in many passages. For instance, He prophesied the resurrection “in the judgment” of the men of Nineveh, the queen of the South and the Jews at the time of His first coming. He showed that they would all be resurrected AT THE SAME TIME. They will all be RAISED TOGETHER–in the second resurrection–and it is THEN that they will be offered salvation.

Note Christ’s exact wording in Matthew 12:41-42: “The men of Nineveh will RISE UP in the JUDGMENT WITH THIS generation… The Queen of the South will RISE UP in the JUDGMENT WITH THIS generation…” Christ also spoke of the resurrection of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah at that time of “JUDGMENT”–the Great White Throne judgment period of the second resurrection (compare Matthew 10:15; 11:24; compare also Luke 10:13-14).

As God deals with collective salvation according to a time order, so He deals with individual salvation in progressive stages as well. He does not reveal all of His truth right away to a newly-called person. It requires time to grow in spiritual knowledge, and it is impossible to do so unless God’s Spirit dwells IN us and is used by us.

Notice Christ’s sayings regarding the progressive stages of individual salvation. First, the gospel must be preached as a witness or testimony. That includes the preaching of repentance. Regarding those who respond to the preaching, Christ said in Matthew 28:19-20:

“Go therefore and make disciples of [“from among” or “in,” compare Living Bible] all nations, baptizing them in [“into,” compare “Literal Translation of the Holy Bible”] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe ALL THINGS that I have commanded you…”

First comes the preaching of the gospel, including the admonishment to repent or change. Those who respond, being called by God, believe and become obedient to what they understand, are to be baptized, as an outward sign of inner repentance. Christ did not say, of course, that all nations are to be baptized today–only THOSE who RESPOND to the preaching.

John Gill’s Exposition to the Entire Bible explains that the command to baptize “them” does not refer to “all nations” “since… the words for ‘all nations’, are of the neuter gender, whereas ‘them’, is of the masculine: nor can it be thought that it should be the mind of Christ, that all the individuals of all nations should be baptized, as Heathens, Turks, and Jews…”

Those who ARE properly baptized receive the gift of the Holy Spirit at the time of their baptism, and with the help of the Holy Spirit which now dwells within them, they are able to understand God’s truth more and more, and the need for their obedience of ALL THINGS which Christ teaches to His Church.

We see the same pattern of individual growth INTO the knowledge and obedience of Christ in John 14:15-17, 23:

“If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper that [it] may abide with you forever–the Spirit of truth [which] the WORLD CANNOT receive, because it neither sees [it] nor knows [it]; but you know [it], for [it] dwells WITH you and will be IN you… If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”

Note the time sequence. First, we show that we love God by keeping His commandments. However, we can only show true love for God and His Word, when God the Father draws us to Christ (John 6:44, 64-65)–when the Holy Spirit of God works WITH us. Then, when we are ready, we will be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, which will then dwell IN us–not only WITH us. Both God the Father and Jesus Christ will live IN a converted person by and through the Holy Spirit. They will make their HOME with him, or, as the New Jerusalem Bible translates John 14:23: “.. and we shall come to him and make a home IN him.”

The Holy Spirit, living IN us, will gradually guide or lead us into all truth (John 16:13). But we must OBEY God FIRST–to the extent that we understand His commandments–BEFORE we can even receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. And once we have received the gift of His Spirit, we must continue to GROW in godly understanding and OBEY God MORE and MORE–not less and less. Christ said that when we TRULY love Him, we WILL keep His Word.

How WONDERFUL and exciting are “the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God” (Romans 11:33). As He deals with mankind at large, pursuant to a time order to lead them to collective salvation, so He deals with us today individually, pursuant to a time order, to lead us to our individual salvation (Romans 13:11; Matthew 24:13).

But we need to respond to God, on an ongoing basis! How receptive are we to God’s lead? How much have we GROWN in knowledge and understanding since the time of our baptism? How much have we grown within the last year? Are we holding on to wrong concepts, even though we see them disproved in the Bible? Are we refusing to accept knowledge which God may reveal to us through His true and faithful ministers (compare Ephesians 4:11-13)?

Are we refusing to GROW in the knowledge of Christ–including how to live better Christian lives? Are we becoming more and more obedient to God’s words–or less and less? Are we going forward on our path to our salvation, or backwards? God has no pleasure in those who draw back (Hebrews 10:38). Therefore, let us not be “among those who draw back and perish, but among those who have faith and will posses [eternal] life” (Hebrews 10:39, New American Bible).

Rather unusually, I would like to dedicate this Editorial to a very close friend who recently died. We can always learn from the lives of others. This is why biographies and autobiographies are written, read and dissected by millions of people around the world. The Bible is full of examples of people whom we can imitate (compare 1 Corinthians 11:1).

The person I want to mention here was neither famous nor rich, nor did he hold an high office. He was a caring, unassuming man, dedicated to serving others, but with a charisma that made him likeable and popular with those who knew him.

Terry McQuire died in early December of 2008. As a Church member since the early 1960’s, he had seen much change in the Church, particularly after the death of Mr. Herbert Armstrong in 1986. He was fond of quoting the fact that we must have a love of the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10), and he certainly exemplified that most important requirement.

Like Ananias (Acts 22:12), Terry had a “good report” (Authorized Version). He was “highly respected” (New International Version) and “highly spoken of” by others (New American Bible). Neighbors had a “high opinion” of him (Bible in Basic English), as he “bore a good character” with them (Weymouth New Testament).

Our “good report” can be from those who may not necessarily agree with our religious views, but who can see our sincerity and that we live our lives without hypocrisy.

Anyone who knew Terry would testify that he was very much like Nathanael of whom Jesus said: “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” (John 1:47, Authorized Version).

Terry was generous and service-orientated. He was gentle and loyal. He unquestionably had the attributes that make a true Christian. We so often look at the great and not-so-great men and women in the Bible to learn from their successes and failures. We can, likewise, do the same with our peers, and Terry, while not perfect, certainly provided us with a terrific example.

Could our legacy from those who knew us be one of having had a love of the truth and a good report among men, and that there was no guile in us? That we were generous with a service-orientated approach, and that we were unassuming, gentle and loyal? If so, we would have done very well.

Terry endured to the end (Matthew 24:13). He is now awaiting his reward. It was inspiring to see him cope with his terminal illness, with his faith intact and undiminished in any way. He waited on God’s decision on whether or not he would be healed at this time, and he accepted the result unquestioningly. That’s another good example which all of us should follow. 

You might want to listen to the last public interview with Terry, which was recorded for our StandingWatch program, just two months before he died. It is titled, “Comfort in Terminal Sickness.” When you watch this program, you will see why Terry was a man worth remembering.

As the days grew shorter and shorter recently, I found myself reflecting on the things I wished I could do, but could not, because it was now dark. I long for the extended days of light when I could do the things that I want to do and need to do. 

These days will come again, but the question that remains is, will I make the most of them when they arrive? Have I learned the lesson from the extra hours that I had to spend in the dark? Will I make hay while the sun shines? Will I accomplish the work that I need to do while I have the light to do it?

What about the Church?  Will we be productive and fruitful while we have the opportunity to do the Work?  Will we perform the work that God has placed in our hands and has given us the responsibility to accomplish? In John 9:4, we read Christ’s words, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.”

There was a time when we had more of the day in front of us, but now the night is near. Do we feel the deadline approaching? Is the onus of that which is ahead weighing heavily upon us? Are we motivated by the fact that we have made a commitment to do the work that God has given to each of us individually? 

In Matthew 21:28-31, we read this, “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?”

The answer is obviously the one that repented of his wrong attitude and eventually did the work.

Right now it is still day, but we are rapidly approaching the twilight of the Work, and then it will be night. It may then be too late to do the work effectively that we will have to give an account for (Romans 14:11-12). Without delay, let us follow the example of Christ and work the works of Him who gave us this great calling… while it is day.

I am writing this editorial on “Christmas day,” as I was pondering if there is really joy in the world at this time? I hardly think so.

There has been a real economic downturn this past year, affecting most of us. The US government finally admitted what we already knew–that the USA has been in a recession for the last year. Wall Street is bankrupt, corruption and overspending are rampant, and the US government pumps hundreds of billions of dollars into financial institutions and the auto industry that were making bad and irresponsible decisions for their clients. Our financial experts have seemingly not learned the lesson of history that we cannot spend our way out of debt.   

Can you imagine what you would have to face if you were in a situation many banks and the auto industry are in? If you were to go to a bank to ask for a bailout for your stupidity, they would laugh themselves into a frenzy and that is just before throwing you out. We cannot break all the financial laws of economics and expect a good result in the end.

Billions have been lost in the value of stocks, and many have been totally wiped out financially by the recent fifty billion dollars scam on Wall Street. This was the deed of an unscrupulous trader affecting both the investments of individuals and corporations.

The price of oil is down over a hundred dollars a barrel from just over six months ago, because of lower demands and higher unemployment figures.

If there is even a road to recovery, especially for the USA, Great Britain and Canada, it would be very slow, with some analysts predicting it will not happen, if at all, until 2010 or much later.

These are just some few issues dealing with the economy. I have not even touched on the hundreds or thousands of additional problems which threaten and plague humanity.

What does all of this mean for Christians, living in this world? It means we have to be careful that we don’t get ourselves in over our heads financially. This is also true for the Church. The Church still has the responsibility of preaching and publishing the gospel–the good news of the soon-coming Kingdom of God–and to feed the flock (compare Matthew 24:14, Mark 13:10 and John 21:17). We do so, as the Church, by using the generous tithes and offerings of brethren and co-workers in a responsible manner, in walking through doors which God opens for us, spending what we have, but not, what we don’t have.

Individually, we must apply the same caution. Most importantly, we are to continue to grow in grace and knowledge (compare 2 Peter 3:18). We grow the most on our knees, while our heart is in the Work of God, realizing that nothing could be more crucial than to help hastening the coming of the Lord. We accomplish this through God’s Spirit, using the tools of prayer, Bible study, fasting and meditation.

Just what will 2009 bring? Joy, happiness and a sense of well being for mankind?  I hardly think so. 2009 will bring, in all likelihood, more of the same problems we faced in 2008, with increasing intensity, and with no viable human solution in sight. In all of this, we must not lose heart, knowing that our salvation is nearer than when we came to the faith. We are one year closer to the real solution of all of the world’s problems, as well as our own, and that is the return of Christ. We have to put our shoulders to the wheel and push forward, and not look back.

In the end we win, yet there is no promise that we won’t have trials and difficulties. But it’s all worth the effort. Like a woman who was in travail prior to giving birth, her pain is forgotten for the joy of bringing another human being into the world. We must look to the future when there will be great joy, true happiness and fulfillment in God’s Kingdom–when we will be Spirit beings–born-again sons and daughters in God’s very Family.

That is a goal worth waiting for and worth working towards. It is the only hope for all of our problems and trials.

During this time of year it’s difficult to not hear bell ringers outside of stores asking you to donate your spare change.  Bins are conveniently placed in supermarkets to donate cans of food for those who are hungry.  Trucks will even show up at your door and pick up clothing to help warm people in this cold wintery season.

It would take very little effort on our part to help the disadvantaged during this season.  Shouldn’t we then take advantage of this easy way to alleviate at least some suffering in this world?  After all, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble…” (James 1:27).  It would SEEM right to give during this time of the year, but we must not fail to take into consideration the latter part of verse 27, “…and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”

As good as donations might be in helping those who suffer, most given during this holiday season will be used to propagate pagan traditions.  We are warned about taking part in this kind of activity: “Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:  ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me’” (Matthew 15:7-8).  No matter how good giving might feel, if we are adding to the traditions of men, we will also be driving people away from God—something we must strive NOT to do!

The poor are still hungry and in need of help outside of this season, and giving our assistance shouldn’t merely be emptying our cupboards and pockets of unwanted items during the month leading to Christmas. 

Christ said we should have a giving attitude to those who demand something of us.  We should walk an extra mile or offer our shirt in addition to our coat.  Service to our brother means sacrifice of ourselves—not the superficial offerings that this season inspires.

Perhaps no other need for us is greater than achieving a clear focus about our role as Christians in the darkening days of the end of this age!

As the world teeters on the edge of ever-unfolding volatile and dangerous events, we know that there is more to come—much more! In very direct and sobering terms, Jesus said that we would come to a time of trouble that would be taking place all over the world, calling this period just “‘…the beginning of sorrows’” (Matthew 24:8).

He went on to address His disciples—who would be alive in this prophetic period—saying that they would not know exact dates, but that they must watch and be ready. The inference is to live in a constant state of readiness.

One danger we are warned about is to think that Jesus is delaying His return. The fruits of that attitude would cause us to start losing our focus on God’s Kingdom.

In Matthew 24, Jesus spoke of an “‘evil servant’” who “‘…begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards’” (verses 48 and 49).

In Luke 21, Jesus is quoted in more detail about those living in this tumultuous generation: “‘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’” (verse 34); and, “‘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’” (verse 36).

One way we can sharpen our focus to be able to clearly understand the unfolding of end time events is to be a part of the preaching of the gospel of the Kingdom of God. We need to participate by reading, listening to and watching the messages given through the Church: member letters; weekly updates; booklets; StandingWatch programs; sermons and sermonettes; and building the bonds of fellowship to strengthen one another. On this last point, we have this reminder:

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, AND SO MUCH THE MORE as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Those who do these things—and continue to do them—are the “chosen ones,” the “special treasure” of God. We have God’s promise to those of His servants who remain faithful in these awesome times of trial: “‘And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but FOR THE ELECT’S SAKE those days will be shortened’” (Matthew 24:22). Never lose sight of God the Father; of our Savior Jesus Christ; of our need to use mightily and consistently the power of the Holy Spirit; and of the promise that awaits us in the everlasting Kingdom of God–the focus for Christians, clearly.

We read in Deuteronomy 31:6-7 that Moses turned his leadership of Israel over to Joshua. In that transition he told Joshua to be “strong and of good courage.” God repeats these same instructions in Joshua 1:7:

“Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.”

Joshua was to place his full trust in God.

These days we see people putting their trust in various places–frankly, in just about anything. They may put their trust in money, which Christ warned against (Mark 10:24); or, they may put their trust in other human beings (but compare Micah 7:5). But these areas of trust cannot hold up to the passage of time.

Where can we put our trust and not have it fail? Who is it that will never let us down?

The answer, of course, is God. But it may not be that simple. Isn’t it interesting that in times of national disaster, we may hear people talk about God. And they may start “praying.” Unfortunately, many fail to realize that this is not real trust. One cannot go on ignoring that there is a God–let alone the one and only TRUE God–and then expect Him to help in times of devastation.

We read in the book of Judges that the children of Israel did this dance over and over again. They would face calamity, “repent” and feel sorry for their circumstances, but after God had saved them, they would return to their old ways. The problem was that they “trusted” in God only at certain times. Their “trust” was only temporary and self-serving.

Really trusting in God was not easy for the children of Israel, partly because they did not have God’s Holy Spirit to help guide them. When they did have dedicated leaders, they followed their good example. But they did not endure. When the righteous leaders died, they forgot all about their own righteousness.

What about today? All of us who are being led by the Holy Spirit should be able to put our trust in God with no problem, right? In a perfect world this might be true. Unfortunately, Satan is the ruler and god of this world, and he tries to get us to doubt God. Christ said that trusting in God and walking the straight and narrow way would not be easy (compare Matthew 7:13-14). He said that His true disciples would be persecuted and would have trials. But He also said that there is nothing that God cannot help us through.

Where is it that we put our real and enduring trust? Will we put it in the money and people of this world? Or will we put it in God, the One who created this world and sustains it? It’s our choice. We are to choose wisely.  Proverbs 3:5-7 gives all of us this lasting admonition: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.”

What does it really mean to “come out of this world” and to “be different”?

We know what it does NOT mean: We are not to leave this world physically–by hiding in a monastery somewhere and having no contact with other people of different mindsets. We know that Christ taught us just the opposite. He told us to go INTO the world with His message about the kingdom of God–to be a light to the world–to show by example HOW to live a righteous life even within an unrighteous environment.

This is why attitudes such as–“Depart from me, I’m holier than you”–or–“Unless you join my organization, you are ostracized”–are so terribly wrong. To think that someone must belong to “us” in order to be saved from harm–and unless they do, we must have no contact with them–only displays a total lack of spiritual understanding. To even go so far as to include our own relatives in the category of “excommunicated” or “disfellowshipped” persons –only because they don’t (want to) belong to us–shows an unchristian and ungodly mindset, void of the workings of the Holy Spirit.

On the other hand, we must be careful that the world does not negatively affect us. We are to spiritually “come out of Babylon,” so that we don’t partake of her sins. We must “flee” fornication, adultery and wrong worship. We are not to participate in religious services where false ideas are preached. God is the author of truth. If wrong doctrines are disseminated, you can rest assured that they don’t come from God. That is why we are to TEST the spirits to see whether they indeed reflect pure and sound teachings.

As you can see, this requires of us to walk a fine line. Even though we are to live IN this world, we are not to be part OF it. We are not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers who practice unrighteousness. We are not to participate in the customs of this world. In refusing to do so, we will encounter difficulties and outright hostilities from others. Even though we are told to strive to live in peace with everyone, we will be persecuted if we uphold the righteousness of God. But really, we have no choice in the matter.

We must obey God rather than man. This includes for us, not to participate in Sunday worship and Christmas celebrations. It includes not to join the military and police force, and to refrain from fighting in the wars of this world. It includes our refusal to serve on a jury and to vote in governmental elections. Instead, we keep the weekly Sabbath and the annual Holy Days, tithe faithfully and only eat clean food. As can be easily seen, this kind of conduct WILL prompt consternation, bewilderment and sometimes persecution and hate in some of our relatives and friends. But this is part of God’s command to come out of this world and to be separate. Not that we force the issue and provoke unnecessary discussions with those who don’t understand–but many times, the issue will be forced upon us merely by the fact that they observe us striving to do what is right.

Nowadays, the refusal to keep Christmas is equated by some as unpatriotic conduct. So is, of course, the refusal to support and fight the wars of our country, and to participate in its political campaigns. This wrong mindset can affect us in the Church, if we are not careful.

A minister recently wrote: “If indeed this is a government of the people, then we are responsible for what the government does, at least to the extent of our vote or lack thereof… Called for jury duty, I simply have to be honest and truthful with the facts. It would be my responsibility to protect the innocent and punish the guilty. One’s responsibility as a part of the government, however temporary, is not the same as one’s responsibility as a private Christian. I think that is the main flaw in the old… argument against voting, jury duty, serving in law enforcement or military service.”

This reasoning reflects a total lack of understanding of how the government and jury duty work–showing an extremely naive and uneducated mindset regarding those issues. As ambassadors for Christ, we are to show the world a better way. We are not to try to make this a better place–knowing that only God can and will do this. We are to announce to this world God’s soon-coming solutions to our problems–and voting in governmental elections, condemning someone as a juror or killing our fellow man in times of peace or war, are most certainly not part of our responsibilities today.

As individual Christians, we must show love and mercy to everyone–and we must do good to all, as much as it depends on us. To separate ourselves from our fellow man with a self-righteous and pharisaical mind-set is contrary to God’s explicit commands. But so is a desire to be a part of this world and to live like all the others do. It’s often a fine line, and only the wisdom of God will show us where to draw that line.

We are living in a world that can be very discouraging and depressing, and a word of encouragement can be very uplifting. One lady sends in her tithes every week together with a note of encouragement, often along the lines of, “You are always in my prayers for the great work you are doing. God bless each and every one of you as you go about His great work. May God bless you all greatly and guide and inspire you. You are all doing a fantastic job.” Encouraging words indeed!

In Acts 4:36 we read that “Joses who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement)…”   This is the first time in the Bible that he is mentioned. It shows his outstanding example of generosity when he sold a field that he owned and then took the money to the apostles to distribute to those in need (verse 37).

In Acts 9:26-27, Barnabas is seen encouraging the apostle Paul. He even took him to the apostles in Jerusalem for an introduction.   Two chapters later he encouraged new believers in Antioch (compare Acts 11:22-24). 

It has been said that encouragement is the greatest tool available to adults to boost children’s self-esteem. The psychologist Rudolph Dreikers once said, “Like a plant needs water children need encouragement.” It is through encouragement that we lead others to achieve greater things than they thought possible.

Do we encourage others? Is this part of our Christian way of life? It certainly should be! Hebrews 10:24 states, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.” In a world of doom and gloom, a word of encouragement can work wonders. As the saying goes: “Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you.”

We kept the autumnal Feast days not too long ago. This should have been a time of great encouragement for all of God’s people and a time when, hopefully, we encouraged each other. These autumnal Holy Days picture Christ’s return, Satan being banished for a 1,000 years and the institution of God’s Kingdom on earth. What a future God’s people have to look forward to and a time when encouragement, not doom and gloom, will be the order of the day! 

The “fatal sequence” of an empire is most commonly attributed to Alexander Fraser Tytler. It states that a nation progresses as follows:

          From Bondage to Spiritual Faith
          From Spiritual Faith to Great Courage
          From Courage to Liberty
          From Liberty to Abundance
          From Abundance to Selfishness
          From Selfishness to Complacency
          From Complacency to Apathy
          From Apathy to Dependency
          From Dependency back into Bondage

There may be debate as to whether they all have followed this course, but when looking at it, there are some undeniable accuracies. For some time now the English speaking countries have been the dominant empires. So this begs the question, where might we be in Tytler’s cycle?

If we are honest, we would have to say that we are near the end… in more ways than one. We are near the end of the list as well as being near “The End.” The Bible long ago predicted that the end-times would come and that there would be indicators that we are living in those times. Those events are presently happening all around us, and harbingers of future events are becoming clearer every day.

There is no question that these prophecies are going to take place and this present day empire will come to an end. This WILL happen! What is not clear is whether we as individuals will get caught up in the surge and suffer the same fate.

What are our tendencies? Is it to head towards bondage and away from godliness? Or is it to head towards spirituality and away from carnality? As we live in this world and walk through it, is the world wearing off on us or are we wearing off on it?

In the parable of the sower, Christians are warned about “the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches” (Matthew 13:22)–that they will choke off the Word of God and cause us to become unfruitful. If we succumb to these temptations, then we are in danger of receiving a great trial and tribulation (Matthew 24:21) to help get us back on the track.

We have been given a tremendous blessing in the calling and knowledge that has been bestowed upon us. Matthew 13:16-17 says: “But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”

God brought us out of bondage and led us to the spiritual faith of Christ where He has given us courage, liberty and abundance in His way of life. Now we must be ever vigilant not to be caught in the vicious circle that leads back to the ignominy of bondage. Where are we in this “fatal sequence”?