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Vol. 9, No. 1

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January–February 2007

Dear Brethren and Friends,Even as we begin to turn our attention to preparing for the Passover,

which we will take this year after sunset on April 1, I am still hearing com-ments about how enjoyable last year’s Feast of Tabernacles was, how pow-erful and helpful the sermons were, and how it gave most of our brethren a“recharging” of their spiritual batteries. All of us need to thank God for this.But, close as we were to God during the Feast, we must draw even closer toGod during these winter months so He can use us—as a Church—far morepowerfully as instruments to preach His Truth to the world, and to warn ourpeople of the horrifying events soon to befall their beloved nations.

One thing I should mention, that for some was a “negative” during the Feast,was that some of our people—even after years in the Church—sometimes weredressing very inappropriately. I have written and preached repeatedly that weshould not “judge” the new people coming in—especially young people. On theother hand, it is important that we get our “balance” on this matter and not allowa “licentious lifestyle” to gradually overtake our people. During these last yearsof what is, in fact, Satan’s society, it becomes so easy to descend to a lower level ofbehavior along with the rest of the world. We must not do this!

Dear brethren, I do want all of our ministers and brethren to be “gentle”and to be patient with people in matters of dress and grooming. However,this does not mean we should go to the opposite extreme and begin to lookand act and dress just like the world!

So I hope all of you will read the following words of the Apostle James.Parents, if you are able, discuss them with your teenagers! Here is what our Fatherin heaven inspired the Apostle James to write: “Adulterers and adulteresses! Doyou not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoevertherefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Ordo you think that the Scripture says in vain, ‘The Spirit who dwells in us yearnsjealously’? But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud,but gives grace to the humble.’ Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and hewill flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse yourhands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:4–8).

When you analyze this inspired scripture, it becomes obvious that we arenot to try to “be like” the world in the whole approach we have to life. Yet, inour modern media-oriented world, it is extremely difficult for people to gettheir balance in this matter because they are literally surrounded by the worldand its influences through television, radio, films and now the ever-pervasive

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Vol. 9, No. 1 January–February 2007

Living ChurchNewsivinL g ChurchNews

Living Church of God

Inside:Inside:But by PrayerAnd Fasting ....................3

Develop the Mind of God....................6

Let God Handle It! .......................9

Modest Attire:Our ChristianResponsibility ...............12

Sin No More... ...............16

Local Church News.................22

Commentary .................24

You Are an Ambassador for Christ!

Living Church News

2

ChurchNewsLiving

Editor in Chief . . . . . . . . Roderick C. MeredithEditorial Director . . . . . . . . . . Richard F. AmesExecutive Editor . . . . . . . . . . William BowmerRegional Editors . . . . . .Rod King (Philippines)

Bruce Tyler (Australasia)Gerald Weston (Canada)

Douglas S. Winnail (Europe)Layout Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donna PrejeanProofreaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sandy Davis

Linda EhmanJune Olsen

News Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Don DavisBusiness Manager . . . . . . J. Davy Crockett, III

The Living Church News is published bimonthly by the LivingChurch of God, 2301 Crown Centre Drive, Charlotte, NC28227. Subscriptions are sent without charge to all members of the Living Church of God and others who mayrequest them.

©2007, Living Church of God™. Printed in the USA. All rightsreserved. Postage paid at Charlotte, NC.

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The Living Church News is not responsible for the return of unsolicited articles and photographs. Scriptures are quoted from theNew King James Version (©Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers) unlessotherwise noted.

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Internet. So, we need to do all that we can to guide people, and helpthem realize that as “Ambassadors for Christ” we should be pleased toset a higher standard! As the Church of the living God, we should notbe ashamed to let the world—and our worldly friends—know that westand for something. This should be reflected in the overall wholesome-ness and purity of our dress, our grooming, the kind of films we see, thekind of music we listen to and our entire lifestyle.

Young people, please take heed! I say this to all of you as a fatherand grandfather who loves young people and who deeply enjoyedteaching so many hundreds of Ambassador students over a period of35 years! For your happiness and well-being, it will be much better foryou to reflect the Jesus Christ of the Bible than to reflect the“lifestyle” of this world under the influence of Satan the Devil!

One of our long-time Church ladies recently wrote me the fol-lowing: “Some churches in the world have strict dress codes. It seemsstrange to me that the minister can’t say something to these womenwhen they come in halter tops and spaghetti straps or strapless dress-es, slits up the side way up to the thigh and short, clinging dresses.They should ask the greeters to ask people who come improperlydressed to go home and get dressed and come back. If it offends themthen maybe they shouldn’t be there. These are not new people. Theyare people who have been coming for years and know better.”

This lady—a mother herself—is sincerely interested in helping—not hurting—our young people to have a good marriage and a goodlife in the future. She knows our young people are not going toimprove their lives by getting involved in the world and reflecting it!

Even “mainstream” religious people have also become deeply con-cerned about the “sexualization of society” that is going on—especial-ly as it affects susceptible young women. Notice this report fromAgapePress: “An analyst with Concerned Women for America says theculture is putting the squeeze on the dress styles of young Americanfemales. Dr. Janice Crouse, senior fellow with CWA’s Beverly LaHayeInstitute, says from this week’s Halloween costumes to everyday dress,young women—including those as young as seven or eight—are beingforced to buy skimpier clothes because of agendas from the liberal seg-ments of society. Crouse believes the reasoning behind the movetoward more revealing apparel is simple: the ongoing sexualization ofsociety. ‘There is an agenda, even in the fashion world, to pass along toour teenage girls the skimpy kind of clothing that the world considersappropriate and fashionable,’ she says” (November 1, 2006).

Remember that the Apostle Paul told us, “Do you not know thatthe unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not bedeceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, norhomosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunk-ards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you weresanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus andby the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9–11).

All of our brethren—and especially you young people—need to real-ize that this present society is the very society Jesus described as being like

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hese are trying times.Make no mistake aboutit; we need God’s help

and His direct intervention—now.

For times such as these, theApostle Paul instructs us to “bestrong in the Lord and in thepower of His might. Put on thewhole armor of God, that you maybe able to stand against the wilesof the devil. For we do not wrestleagainst flesh and blood, butagainst principalities, against pow-ers, against the rulers of the dark-ness of this age, against spiritualhosts of wickedness in the heav-enly places” (Ephesians 6:10–12).

That is exactly what we arefighting. A higher power—Satan the devil—is our realantagonist. It is time we all rec-ognize that.

“Therefore take up thewhole armor of God, that youmay be able to withstand in theevil day, and having done all, tostand” (v. 13). We need thatarmor of God.

We need spiritual help inresisting ourselves, in overcom-ing the world (which strikes usfrom many different directions)and in resisting and overcomingSatan the devil, who is alsostriking at us in remarkable andunusual ways he has never usedagainst us before.

A Means to Spiritual Help

Scripture tells us what ourSavior did to acquire spiritual

strength, in connection with thedevil’s attack on Him: “ThenJesus was led up by the Spiritinto the wilderness to be tempt-ed [or tried] by the devil. Andwhen He had fasted forty daysand forty nights, afterward Hewas hungry” (Matthew 4:1–2).Notice—He fasted!

Moses, who was a “type” ofJesus, took neither bread orw a t e r w h e n h e f a s t e d(Deuteronomy 9:9, 18). In likemanner, the Son of God fastedto humble Himself, to be closeto God spiritually, lest He forgethow weak He was in the flesh.

“Now when the temptercame to Him, he said, ‘If You arethe Son of God, command thatthese stones become bread’”(Matthew 4:3). Imagine howhungry Jesus was after 40 daysand nights of total fasting! Thevery cells of His body were cryingout in a type of hunger that youand I have never experienced. Butstill He kept His wits, fasting forthe right reason and in the rightway, through prayer and medita-tion. In doing so, He was close inspirit to the invisible God.

Responding to the devil, Heanswered and said: “It is writ-ten, ‘Man shall not live by breadalone, but by every word that pro-ceeds from the mouth of God’” (v.4 ). That is what you and I needto learn to live by, more andmore as these days continue,before the second coming ofJesus Christ.

The devil had to leaveChrist alone because of the spir-

itual strength He expressedeven in His physical weakness.We, too, can live by the samestrength Jesus had.

But Should Christians Fast?

In the Sermon on theMount, Jesus taught His disci-ples to give generously from theheart, and to pray to God con-tinually. Notice that He said,“Moreover, when you fast…”(Matthew 6:16). He did not say“if” you fast; He took it forgranted that His disciples wouldfast. Christ said, “when youfast, do not be like the hyp-ocrites, with a sad countenance.For they disfigure their facesthat they may appear to men tobe fasting. Assuredly, I say toyou, they have their reward”(ibid.) In other words, theirreward is whatever praise theyreceive from other people forshowing off their fasting.

He continued: “But you,when you fast, anoint your headand wash your face, so that youdo not appear to men to be fast-ing, but to your Father who is inthe secret place; and yourFather who sees in secret willreward you openly” (vv. 17–18).Truly, God Almighty will dothat for those of us who comebefore Him in fasting, as JesusChrist said we should.

Later, the disciples of Johnthe Baptist came to Jesus andasked, “Why do we and thePharisees fast often, but Your

EditorialBy Roderick C. Meredith

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But by Prayer and Fasting

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disciples do not fast?” (Matthew9:14). Jesus explained that as long asHe was with them, it was like a wed-ding—a time to rejoice. “But thedays will come when the bridegroomwill be taken away from them, andthen they will fast” (v. 15). Althoughit was not yet fitting for His disciplesto fast, as He explained in the nextcouple of verses, they would fastwhen their time came, yet theywould do it for different reasons andin a whole new situation, with awhole new attitude and a whole newapproach to God.

We Christians are not to punishourselves, thinking that this willforce God to hear our prayers. Godis not interested in penance. That isjust as if you or I would take whipsand beat each other’s backs, saying,“Look at our suffering, God, so hearus.” The idea behind our fasting isquite different from that. We seekthe invisible God. We fast to humbleourselves—to make ourselves realizehow weak we are, and that we are lit-tle children, saying, in effect:

“Father, we are up against a greatarmy, and there are great forcesaround us. We don’t always knowwhat we should do, and we needyour help. We need guidance. Andwe need deliverance. We recognizethat we are merely flesh that is slow-ly decaying toward death, and so weare fasting. You are our God. You areour banner. You are our shield. Youare our refuge. You are our hightower. You’re our champion. You’reour deliverer. We are your little chil-dren. Please help us draw near toYou.”

When Nothing But Fasting Will Do

I think most of us are familiarwith the story that begins in Mark9:17–29. A man came to Christ andaddressed Him, “Teacher, I broughtYou my son, who has a mute spirit.

And wherever it seizes him, itthrows him down; he foams at themouth, gnashes his teeth, andbecomes rigid. So I spoke to Yourdisciples, that they should cast itout, but they could not” (vv. 17–18).

And so Jesus said, “O faithlessgeneration, how long shall I be withyou? How long shall I bear withyou? Bring him to Me” (v. 19). Andthen, the unclean spirit threw theson on the ground where he layfoaming at the mouth, while Jesusquestioned the father about him andreassured him, “If you can believe,all things are possible” (v. 23). ThenHe rebuked the foul spirit. He didnot talk to the boy. He talked direct-ly to the demon, “Deaf and dumbspirit, I command you, come out ofhim and enter him no more!” (v.25). And the spirit obeyed.

But what connection does thathave with fasting? Notice: “Andwhen He had come into the house,His disciples asked Him privately,‘Why could we not cast it out?’ SoHe said to them, ‘This kind cancome out by nothing but prayer andfasting’” (v. 29).

The word fasting here should bein all your Bibles, though a few mod-ern translations like the NIV incor-rectly leave it out. Some of the bigproblems in our lives, and in God’sChurch—and some of the attacks bySatan the devil—can only be over-come by prayer plus fasting. We mustnot leave out fasting.

Remember, we are fighting “spir-itual hosts of wickedness in theheavenly places”—not just humanbeings. That is why we must havethe spiritual power that can comeonly from God. But to receive it, ourown attitudes must be right.

The Acceptable Fast

In many places, the New KingJames Version, though generally quiteaccurate, is not as easily understand-

able as it might be. The Living Bibleputs Isaiah 58 in a way that may beespecially meaningful. “‘We havefasted before you,’ they say. ‘Whyaren’t you impressed? Why don’t yousee our sacrifices? Why don’t youhear our prayers? We’ve done muchpenance and you don’t even noticeit!’ I’ll tell you why! Because you’reliving in evil pleasure even while youare fasting, and you keep right onoppressing your workers” (v. 3).

We need to be sure to treat thepeople around us well—and nothate them and fight them and gossipagainst them and put them downand judge them.

“Look, what good is fasting whenyou keep on fighting and quarreling?This kind of fasting will never get youanywhere with me. Is this what Iwant—this kind of penance and bow-ing like reeds in the wind and puttingon sackcloth and covering yourselveswith ashes?” (vv. 3–5).

You know how it goes: justshowing an outward, “Oh, God! Oh,God!” Is this what God wants—a lotof hollering and Pentecostal-typefervor? No! Isaiah continues:

“Is that what you call fasting?No, the kind of fast I want is thatyou stop oppressing those who workfor you and treat them fairly andgive them what they earn. I wantyou to share your food with the hun-gry, and bring right into your ownhomes those who are helpless, poorand destitute. Clothe those who arecold and don’t hide from relativeswho need your help” (vv. 5–7).

Yes, we need to do these things,to help others when we can. Isaiahgoes on:

“If you do these things God willshed his own glorious light uponyou. He will heal you; your godli-ness will lead you forward and good-ness will be a shield before you, andthe glory of the Lord will protect youfrom behind. Then, when you call,the Lord will answer, ‘Yes, I am here,’

Living Church News January–February 2007

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He will quickly reply. All you need todo is to stop oppressing the weakand stop making false accusationsand spreading vicious rumors! Feedthe hungry! Help those in trouble!Then your light will shine out fromthe darkness, and the darknessaround you will be bright as day.And the Lord will guide you with allgood things, and keep you healthytoo; and you will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowingspring” (vv. 8–11, Living Bible).

Indeed, brethren, we do need tofast. We do need to grow closer toGod. But we can only do this byrestraining ourselves—not onlyfrom food and drink, but also frompride and strife, and quarreling and

vindictiveness and oppressing oneanother. Instead, we should help andserve one another.

Prayer and Fasting Go Together

There was a time when theprophet Daniel really, desperatelywanted to know what would happenin the future: “Then I set my facetoward the Lord God to makerequest by prayer and supplications,with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes”(Daniel 9:3). Prayer always goesalong with fasting.

How often in my Christian lifehave I somehow become caught in awrong mood or situation just before a

day of fasting, and gone through theday in more or less a carnal manner?Perhaps I did my work, but I did notset aside extra time to study the Bible,maybe on my knees, or to pray toGod a long time, or to meditate anddrink in of God’s ideas and attitudes.

So, what did I get out of it? A badheadache, sometimes. Perhaps I lost alittle weight, and maybe my body wasa little more purified. Maybe therewas a certain help God gave me inspite of my weakness the next day,because as the food comes back in,the physical strength flows back, andone has a little extra zest. You knowthe saying: “When you quit hitting


Prepare for Your Fast Physically

1. Before you fast, prepare your body for the shock. Donot eat a great big meal (certainly not one includinga big, sweet dessert), or indulge in a pepper steak orsome spicy hot Mexican food just before your fastbegins. These make you crave water, and all duringyour fast this will distract you into thinking, “Oh,no, I’m going to die!” For a profitable spiritual fast,you need a clear but humbled mind. So it is best totaper off on food, especially sweets and strongspices. Drink a lot of water the day before, to helpbegin to cleanse your system.

2. Take steps to ensure your digestive system is asfree of poisons as it can be during your fast, so anyheadaches and other symptoms of hunger will beas mild as possible. Make sure you take propercare of your individual health needs before youfast, so you can obtain the maximum benefit andfeel the fewest possible physical distractions whenyou fast. You may wish to consult your physicianif you have a health condition that fasting canaffect.

3. Fast regularly enough for your body to adjustitself to the practice. Some people who think theyare “about to die” when they fast could actuallyfind fasting much easier if they did it for a dayevery month or two, if their health allows.

4. After your fast, begin eating again slowly. Do notswallow a huge steak in the first ten minutes. It

will actually do you more good if you eat a small-er, lighter meal, or eat a meal spread out over acouple of hours in stages—maybe beginning witha warm, creamy soup. If your fast has lasted forlonger than a day, it may be far better—or evennecessary—to end it with something very small,like some stewed prunes or maybe a poached orsoft-boiled egg.

Spiritual Keys to Fasting

1. Do not fast to get. And do not think you are fast-ing “for the Work.” We fast to grow closer to God,and the Work benefits from our closeness to God.God does not bargain with you, as if He will doyour will if only you will fast for a few days! Thatis not how He works! Fast to humble yourself andto seek God’s will—yes, God’s correction and God’sguidance in your life—and to grasp God’s per-spective on your situation.

2. Consider dividing your time during the fast as Mr.Herbert W. Armstrong indicated in hisAutobiography. During a fast, he used to divide hiswaking time among three activities. He wouldstudy the Bible for about an hour. Then he wouldmeditate on what he had studied for about anhour, sometimes sitting, or sometimes walkingaround. Then he would pray for about an hour.Bible study, meditation and prayer—these are thekeys to a successful spiritual fast!

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re you prepared for what is coming in the yearsjust ahead? Do you grasp how major trends thatare developing today are going to dramatically

alter the world in which we live? Do you believe whatGod has revealed in the Bible about future events that aregoing to change the course of human history in the twen-ty-first century? While many prefer not to think about thefuture because it can appear ominous and uncertain, youcan prepare now for a challenging and exciting role inbringing real changes to this world—if you develop themind of God!

Ominous Trends

People who look at the future today see a number ofsobering trends that spell trouble on the horizon. Thealarming rise in Muslim terrorism on a global scale is trulyfrightening—especially when you realize that these reli-gious fanatics seek nothing less than the conversion orconquest of the Western so-called “Christian” world. Thewarriors of Islam swept out of the Middle East oncebefore in history and nearly conquered Europe, and theyare aiming to do it again! Armies of immigrants are alsoinvading America, Canada and other European countriesin search of a better life—yet in the process they are oftenundermining and destabilizing the host countries wherethey settle. Last summer, France was rocked by riotsfanned by frustrated, unemployed immigrants who havenot integrated into French society. This kind of discon-tent is spreading, and will continue to foster a backlash,as people in Europe and America begin to fear and resentthe loss of their cultural values and freedoms. The ongo-ing efforts to unify Europe and build a European army,and the appeals of the Pope to revive Europe’s RomanCatholic roots, are leading towards the revival of aEuropean superpower linked to religion. The Bible has longpredicted that this will occur just before the second com-ing of Jesus Christ (see Daniel 2; Revelation 17).

Today, economists worry about a global financial crisisas they consider the increasingly precarious state of theworld economy, and observe the instability of theAmerican dollar as a result of the U.S. government’sdeficit spending. A crash of the dollar could send finan-cial shock waves around the globe. Many today are concerned about the spreading moral decay that has beenfostered by the decline in religious influence and the rise

of amoral secularism. When morals decline, the declineof nations is not far off. Along with all these woes comeincreasing concerns about a growing environmentalcrisis—extremes of weather spurred by human activities,catastrophic climatic conditions, collapsing oceanic fish-eries, widespread droughts and famines and the rise ofdrug-resistant diseases like HIV-AIDS and tuberculosis.Yet, there is a much more hopeful future which Scripturereveals to those who have the mind of God and are able tounderstand!

An Exciting Vision

The Bible states, “Where there is no revelation, thepeople cast off restraint” (Proverbs 29:18). It is not sur-prising that many who contemplate the future in the faceof so many ominous trends often turn to drugs, alcohol ormind-numbing entertainments, because the future canlook hopeless from a purely human perspective! Most peo-ple today have no idea of what the future holds, but Godlong ago revealed to the prophet Daniel “what will be inthe latter days” (Daniel 2:28). Daniel saw in a vision thatthe return of Jesus Christ would occur at the time whenthe world would witness the final revival of the RomanEmpire in Europe (Daniel 2:41–45). The Apostle Johnrevealed that a prominent religious figure would play amajor role in bringing about this final revival of a systemthat has links to ancient Rome and ancient Babylon, andthat it will be built around a core of ten European leaderswho surrender their sovereignty to a deceptive, beast-likeleader (Revelation 17:1–13).

However, the Bible reveals that this end-time, human-ly devised political-economic-military system will beshort-lived (Revelation 17:12). It will be defeated andreplaced by the returning Jesus Christ, who will establishthe kingdom and government of God on this earth(Revelation 11:15–18). Scripture reveals that the saints—those who are being called and trained now—will reignwith Jesus Christ as “kings and priests” on this earth(Revelation 1:6; 5:10; Matthew 19:27–30). The saints, asfuture rulers in the Kingdom of God, will play an impor-tant role in restoring justice to this earth, and showinghuman beings the real way to lasting peace (Isaiah 9:6–7).If we learn how to live by the laws of God today (Matthew4:4), we will be able to share those lessons with all thepeople on earth in the Kingdom of God (Isaiah 2:2–4;

Develop the Mind of GodA

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30:20–21). But how should we prepare for these excitingopportunities in the soon-coming Kingdom of God?

An Essential Key

The Bible plainly reveals that Jesus Christ will returnand reign on earth as “King of kings, and Lord of lords”(Revelation 19:16). He will fulfill this role because Hehas the very mind and perspective of God (John 10:30).While on earth, Jesus prayed for His disciples, “that theymay be one as We are” (John 17:11). The Apostle Pauladvised aspiring Christians, “Let this mind be in youwhich was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). Pauladmonished members of God’s Church in Corinth thatthey should “be perfectly joined together in the samemind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:2, 10).

Paul also explained that Christians are able to understandthe plan of God, which is a mystery to the world (see 1Corinthians 2:7–8), because “we have the mind of Christ”(1 Corinthians 2:9–16). The question for us, then,becomes: “What can we do to develop the mind of God,so we can prepare to reign with Jesus Christ?”

Seven Vital Steps

The first and most important step in developing themind of God is to come to know the real God! David wrote,“Among the gods there is none like you, O LORD… Allnations whom You have made shall come and worshipbefore You, O LORD… You alone are God” (Psalm 86:8–10).Jeremiah said, “But the LORD is the true God; He is the liv-ing God” (Jeremiah 10:10). Even the pagan kings ofancient Babylon came to know the real God! After Godhumbled him, the renowned monarch Nebuchadnezzarwrote, “I blessed the Most High and praised and honoredHim” (Daniel 4:34–37). After King Darius saw God deliv-er Daniel from a den of lions, he issued a decree that “inevery dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fearbefore the God of Daniel” (Daniel 6:26). Prophecies in thebook of Ezekiel indicate that God will bring punishmentson backsliding Israelites and other pagan nations, at theend of this age, to teach an important lesson: “Then theyshall know that I am the LORD” (Ezekiel 7:27; 25:7, 11;28:24). The nations of this world will come to realize thatBaal, Zeus, Diana, Buddha and Allah are false gods, and arepowerless before the real God of the Bible! This is why

Scripture emphasizes, “Seek the LORD while He may befound” (Isaiah 55:6–7) and, “Draw near to God and He willdraw near to you” (James 4:8). It is simply not possible todevelop the mind of God unless we first come to know andbegin to obey the real God!

The second vital step in developing the mind of Godis to prove to yourself that the Bible is the actual word ofthe real God! While many critics today scoff at this idea,the evidence clearly shows that the Bible is the inspiredword of God. The Bible is unique and like no other bookwritten by human beings (see our booklet The Bible: Factor Fiction?). Notice what David—“a man after God’s ownheart” (Acts 13:22)—said of Scripture: “Your law istruth… The entirety of Your word is truth” (Psalm119:142, 160). Paul wrote, “All Scripture is given byinspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16). One of the most

powerful proofs of divine inspiration, which sets the Bibletotally apart from other humanly authored books is ful-filled prophecy. No other book on earth contains hun-dreds of specific prophecies that have come to pass andare coming to pass! God issues this challenge throughthe pen of Isaiah: “I am God, and there is none like Me,declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancienttimes things that are not yet done, saying ‘My counselshall stand’” (Isaiah 46:8–10; see also 41:21–24). Whenyou have proved that the Bible is the actual word of thereal God, you will begin to realize that you can developthe mind of God by prayerfully studying and learning toapply the word of God in every aspect of life.

The third key step in developing the mind of Godinvolves learning to fear God. The Hebrew word for“fear” means to revere, respect and fear to disobey. Godtold Moses to teach His laws and statutes to the Israelites,“that they may learn to fear Me” (Deuteronomy 4:9–10,14). David wrote, “How can a young man cleanse hisway? By taking heed according to Your word” (Psalm119:9). Isaiah plainly records what God seeks from eachof us: “On this one will I look: On him who is poor [hum-ble, teachable], and of a contrite spirit [repentant, wanti-ng to change and do better], and who trembles at Myword” (Isaiah 66:2). If we approach the Bible with thiskind of attitude—seeking to be taught and corrected bywhat is written in the word of God—we will begin todevelop more of the mind of God.

An essential fourth step in developing the mind ofGod is to grow in wisdom. Job wrote, “God is wise in

While many prefer not to think about the future because it can appear ominous anduncertain, you can prepare now for a challenging and exciting role in bringing realchanges to this world—if you develop the mind of God!

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heart” (Job 9:4). Paul gave glory to “God, alone wise,”(Romans 16:27) and said that “God is wiser than men” (1Corinthians 1:25). Solomon revealed that “the fear of theLORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). If weare willing to look into Scripture for the fundamentalprinciples guiding every area of life, we will be pointed inthe right direction and we can begin to develop the mindof God in each area. The Bible reveals the mind of Godabout the roles of men and women in marriage, andexplains the proper way parents and children shouldrelate to each other (Ephesians 5:22–32; 6:1–4). TheBible also reveals that God “hates divorce” (Malachi 2:16)and that He condemns adultery (Exodus 20:14), fornica-tion and any form of sexual immorality (1 Corinthians6:13–18). Paul reminded Timothy that “from childhoodyou have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able tomake you wise for salvation” (2 Timothy 3:15). As wegrow in our knowledge and ability to apply the instruc-tions of Scripture, we will grow in wisdom as we developthe mind of God.

A vital fifth step in developing the mind of Godinvolves building godly courage. As God preparedJoshua to replace Moses as Israel’s leader, He told him to“be strong and very courageous, that you may observe todo according to all the law which Moses My servant com-manded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or tothe left, that you may prosper wherever you go” (Joshua1:7). Ezekiel needed courage to deliver God’s warningmessage to a rebellious people who did not want to hear(Ezekiel 2:1–9). Daniel and his friends acted coura-geously when they chose to obey God in the face of per-secution for their beliefs (Daniel 3; 6). Queen Estheracted with wisdom and courage when she risked her lifeto save her people (Esther 4:11–17). Scripture tells usthat “the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1)because they have the mind of God, and they have faiththat God will deliver them—in His time and in His way(Daniel 3:17; 1 Corinthians 10:13). If we hope to reignwith Jesus Christ in the kingdom of God, we must devel-op real courage in our convictions and actions (Matthew10:32–33).

A crucial sixth step in cultivating the mind of Godinvolves developing a clear vision of the future. Solomonwas inspired to record, “Where there is no revelation, thepeople cast off restraint” (Proverbs 29:18). When peoplehave no knowledge of right or wrong, and no idea of whatthe future holds, their lives become chaotic and unprin-cipled—and society comes apart. However, those whodevelop the mind of God will come to understand thatGod has a plan and a purpose He is working out on thisearth (Isaiah 46:10; Ephesians 1:3–11). God’s plan is tosend Jesus Christ back to this earth to set up a kingdom

that will bring peace and justice to the peoples of thisworld (Isaiah 9:6–7). The returning Christ, with Hissaints, will set about “restoring” the knowledge of God’strue way of life (Acts 3:19–21). We can play excitingroles in this plan as “kings and priests” (Revelation 1:6;5:10) and as teachers who will explain the laws of God toall mankind (Isaiah 30:20–21)—if we develop the mindand character of God, and we develop the capacity toapply the laws of God. Those who have the mind of Godwill keep their focus on the reality of this exciting visionof the future.

The seventh step in developing the mind of God isto gain a true sense of history. The God of the Bible is ajust God, who is working out a plan on this earth that willultimately encompass all people (Isaiah 45:21; 46:9–10).The Scriptures reveal that God chose Abraham and hisdescendants, and gave them His laws so they couldbecome an example to the world (Genesis 12:1–3;Deuteronomy 4:1–10). Modern Israelite nations haveenjoyed so many physical blessings (Genesis 48; 49)because their forefather Abraham obeyed God (Genesis18:17–19; Hebrews 11:8–22). However, Scripture revealsthat just as the ancient Israelites were punished becausethey forgot God and His laws, and failed in their missionto be lights to the world (Leviticus 26:14–39), so too willour modern Israelite nations again be punished and loseour blessings for the same reasons (Deuteronomy 4:30;31:29; Jeremiah 30:24). While God has not yet beenworking directly with gentile nations, He is now callingindividuals from all nations to become “spiritualIsraelites” and “heirs according to the promise” He madeto the children of Abraham (Galatians 3:26–29; 6:16;Ephesians 3:1–6). Those who are called now and devel-op the mind of God will become the “firstfruits” who willreign with Christ when He returns to establish theKingdom of God on this earth (John 6:44, 65–66; James1:18; Revelation 14:1–5). Then, during Christ’s futurethousand-year millennial reign, and in the White ThroneJudgment, billions will have their first opportunity tolearn the truth of God and the real purpose and way oflife (Revelation 20:4–15; Isaiah 30:20–21). By under-standing Scripture, as we can only do if we develop themind of God, we can gain a true perspective on the his-tory of this world and what lies ahead.

Brethren, we need to take advantage of the incredibleopportunity we have been given to understand the plan ofGod (Ephesians 5:8–21). If we follow the steps outlinedabove, we can develop the mind of God and prepare toplay an active part in the coming Kingdom of God—when Jesus Christ and the saints will begin to change thecourse of human history and bring peace and justice tothe peoples of this earth. LCN


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he Bible again and againrelates the stories of two dif-ferent kinds of people: those

who questioned God and disobeyedHis orders because they were dis-pleased with His answers, and thosewho obeyed Him without question-ing. The first way leads to eternaldeath; the second way leads to eter-nal life.

Be honest with yourself. How doyou ask questions about the Bible?How do you seek the truth? Is itwrong to ask questions? Why do youask questions—to learn, or to argue?To understand, or to rationalize? Toobey, or to rebel?

More often than not, people askquestions not because they are trulyinterested in the answers, butbecause they are looking for anexcuse to disagree, or to rejectinstruction, or simply to pretendthey are intelligent.

For instance, to the carnal mind,Sabbath-keeping does not makemuch sense. What is so holy aboutthe seventh day of the week? Whyshould the Sabbath be different fromany other day? What difference doesit make whether God rested on thatday or not?

The answer, of course, is utterlysimple for those who believe in Godand are honestly searching for thetruth. If for no other reason, we keepthe Sabbath because God says to!

Faith Does Not Require Understanding

Strange as it may seem, yourobedience to God does not depend

upon His answers to your “whys.” “Now faith is the substance of

things hoped for, the evidence ofthings not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).Notice! The Bible does not say,“Faith is the answer to all of yourquestions” or “faith is the satisfac-tion of your intellectual curiosity.”Faith is implicit trust in God and Hisword—whether you understand itsmeaning or not. You believe Godwithout questioning, and do whatHe says.

“For by it the elders obtained agood testimony. By faith we under-stand that the worlds were framed bythe word of God, so that the thingswhich are seen were not made ofthings which are visible” (vv. 2–3).The understanding is through faith,and not by arriving at some answerthat is plausible to you—the answerthat humanly you may have wanted.

When you grasp this truth, yourattitude will change, and you willhave a totally different outlook onlife—a depth of faith in God that youhave never experienced before.

Adam and Eve Missed the Point

Our first parents questionedGod’s orders and refused to believeHim. God commanded Adam: “Ofevery tree of the garden you mayfreely eat; but of the tree of theknowledge of good and evil youshall not eat, for in the day that youeat of it you shall surely die”(Genesis 2:16–17).

As Adam and Eve let doubtsenter their minds, they gradually

became vulnerable to Satan’sdestructive deceptions. Why, indeed,had God given them such an unfairorder? Why, out of all the trees in thegarden, should fruit from that one beforbidden? Adam and Eve wereunable—actually unwilling—tounderstand God’s reasons, and theyrefused to obey Him without fullygrasping the purpose of His order—and agreeing with it.

And so came about, as HerbertW. Armstrong called it, the first “sci-entific experiment.” It was based ondistrust of God’s word! Adam andEve yielded to their intellectualcuriosity—to vanity. “So when thewoman saw that the tree was goodfor food, that it was pleasant to theeyes, and a tree desirable to makeone wise, she took of its fruit andate. She also gave to her husbandwith her, and he ate” (Genesis 3:6).

Think. Where did the pair getthe idea that the tree was good forfood, and would “make one wise”?Had God told them that? No. UnderSatan’s influence, Adam and Eveconvinced themselves that theycould reach the goal of Godshipwithout submitting to God’s order.They rejected the Holy Spirit—which, in time, would have causedthem to understand everything theyneeded for salvation.

Do you see how this can alsoaffect all of us as Christians? If yourobedience to God depends on Hisanswers to your questions—answers that will satisfy you—thenyou are most vulnerable to Satan’sattacks. Even today, Satan is tryingto divide the Church by putting

Let God Handle It!By Dibar K. Apartian

Are you resisting God because you do not understand some facet ofHis truth? Obedience to your Creator must come through faith.

T

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doubts in the minds of some ofGod’s people!

Noah Did Not Ask “Why?”

Noah was righteous before God.How can we be like him? The Biblesimply states, “Noah was a just man,perfect in his generations. Noahwalked with God” (Genesis 6:9).

Unlike Adam and Eve, Noah didnot question God’s orders. He didnot doubt His Creator’s intentionsand words. “Thus Noah did; accord-ing to all that God commanded him,so he did” (v. 22).

Simple, yes? Noah had a child-like faith. Yet, ironic as it may seem,many people today, swayed by theirintellectual vanity, claim that thebiblical account of Noah’s ark is notscientific. They are convinced—despite what God says—that the arkcould not have been big enough toshelter all of the animals. Or theyraise questions about how the ani-mals of their own accord came intothe ark. None of this, in the minds ofthe “wise” of this world, is scientific.In short, they distrust God’s word.

But Noah did not. He faithfullyobeyed God’s order, went ahead withthe construction and after manyyears of hard labor, completed it—just in time, before the waters came.Noah trusted God’s scientific mind!

Abraham’s Obedience

Abraham’s life is one of the mostdifficult stories for a carnal mind toaccept. In some ways, it may evensound illogical to a converted mind.Just imagine! Abraham was 75 yearsold when God told him, “Get out ofyour country, from your family andfrom your father’s house, to a landthat I will show you” (Genesis 12:1).

But why? Why should an olderman be ordered to leave his home-land and settle in an unknown coun-try? Why would God not choose a

younger man? After all, Abrahamwas prosperous and blessed in hisnative country. He was a happy man.Why did he have to move? SurelyGod could have blessed him or hischildren in some other ways—waysthat would have been more humaneand more logical?

However valid these questionsmay seem, our forefather Abrahamdid not ask them. He trusted God andobeyed Him. “So Abram departed asthe LORD had spoken to him” (v. 4).

And how about the unthinkableorder God gave the old patriarch tosacrifice Isaac, the son he loved?Does that really make sense? Is itjust—is it godly—to kill a son andburn him as an offering?

Surely Abraham could havefound numerous reasons to arguewith God—even to doubt Him. Whydid God have to put him throughsuch difficult tests? Can you possiblyobey a God who tells you to kill yourson, when He Himself has emphati-cally ordered you, “Thou shall notkill”? Why in the world would Godgive such an impossible order?

Again, humanly speaking, theseare logical questions, but Abrahamknew that his obedience to God wasnot subject to his perfect under-standing of God’s orders. He uncon-ditionally trusted and obeyed hisCreator, who knows all things best.

“So Abraham rose early in themorning and saddled his donkey,and took two of his young men withhim, and Isaac his son; and he splitthe wood for the burnt offering, andarose and went to the place of whichGod had told him” (Genesis 22:3).

What an attitude! Would youhave acted the same way? Wouldyou have obeyed God without rais-ing all kinds of objections? No won-der Abraham is called “the father ofus all” (Romans 4:16)—in faith!Now compare his attitude with thatof Saul, the first human king ofIsrael.

Obedience Is Better than Sacrifice

Unlike Abraham, King Saul didnot choose to walk with God. Hequestioned the orders he received,rather than obeying in faith.

Saul was instructed by theprophet Samuel: “You shall go downbefore me to Gilgal; and surely I willcome down to you to offer burntofferings and make sacrifices of peaceofferings. Seven days you shall wait,till I come to you and show you whatyou should do” (1 Samuel 10:8).

The order was clear. It needed noexplanation. But Saul had neitherAbraham’s obedient attitude norNoah’s patience. He allowed his vanityto lead him into disobedience. Heasked why Samuel—and not he, theking—should perform the burnt offer-ings. What difference would it make?And why should the waiting period beseven days? What if Samuel weredelayed? There was no obvious reasonfor him to follow the order exactly.

In fact, Samuel was delayed. Forsome reason, he did not show up atthe appointed time. King Saul neededno better excuse to disobey. Since theprophet did not come at the appoint-ed time—and since “the people werescattered from him” (1 Samuel13:8)—he took things into his ownhands and offered the burnt offerings.

However, no sooner had heundertaken the task than Samuelarrived. “You have done foolishly,”he told the king. “You have not keptthe commandment of the LORD yourGod, which He commanded you.For now the LORD would have estab-lished your kingdom over Israel for-ever” (1 Samuel 13:13). Saul failedto pass the test. His heart was notright, and God rejected him.

Saul’s character was also testedwhen God ordered him: “Now go andattack Amalek, and utterly destroy allthat they have, and do not spare them.But kill both man and woman, infant


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and nursing child, ox and sheep,camel and donkey” (1 Samuel 15:3).

Once again, Saul and his peoplehad something to say. Why did Godwant to smite every single Amalekiteand utterly destroy their belongings?Was that a kind thing to do?Moreover, why take vengeance on theoxen, sheep, camels and donkeys?

To King Saul’s carnal mind, noneof this made sense. Surely, he musthave thought, any responsible humanbeing would simply not obey such anorder, even if it came from God.Consequently, “Saul and the peoplespared Agag and the best of the sheep,the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, andall that was good, and were unwillingto utterly destroy them. But every-thing despised and worthless, thatthey utterly destroyed” (v. 9).

How strange! King Saul and hispeople thought they knew betterthan God. Their reasoning prevent-ed them from obeying Him.

“So Samuel said: ‘Has the LORD

as great delight in burnt offeringsand sacrifices, as in obeying thevoice of the LORD? Behold, to obey isbetter than sacrifice, and to heedthan the fat of rams” (v. 22).

What a lesson for all of us tolearn! And what a pity that some ofGod’s people have forgotten it.Partial obedience is not sufficient.With God, it is all or nothing.

How Not To Be Healed

Naaman, a commander of theSyrian army, was a leper and soughtto be healed. “Then Naaman wentwith his horses and chariot, and hestood at the door of Elisha’s house.And Elisha sent a messenger to him,saying, ‘Go and wash in the Jordanseven times, and your flesh shall berestored to you, and you shall beclean’” (2 Kings 5:9–10).

Naaman’s healing from leprosyrequired only that he wash himselfseven times in the Jordan. But

Naaman did not like that. He dis-agreed with the procedure. Why theJordan, he asked himself, instead ofsome other river? And why seventimes? Surely once would have beenenough! Naaman had totally differentideas as to how his healing shouldtake place. He would not accept theprophet’s order. Then “Naamanbecame furious, and went away andsaid, ‘Indeed, I said to myself, “Hewill surely come out to me, and standand call on the name of the LORD hisGod, and wave his hand over theplace, and heal the leprosy”’” (v. 11).

However, some of Naaman’s menhad more sense than he, and con-vinced him of his foolishness. “Andhis servants came near and spoke tohim, and said, ‘My father, if theprophet had told you to do some-thing great, would you not havedone it? How much more then,when he says to you, “Wash, and beclean”?’” (v. 13).

So Naaman went down anddipped himself seven times in theJordan, “according to the saying ofthe man of God; and his flesh wasrestored like the flesh of a littlechild, and he was clean” (v. 14).

If Naaman had decided to waituntil he understood the exact reasonfor God’s order, he probably wouldnever have been healed. And thereare, in God’s Church today, somespiritual Naamans. They will onlyaccept an answer if it pleases them.If they disagree, they may decide toturn away, dissatisfied, unhappy—and prone to leaving the Church!

Where Shall We Go?

Christ’s disciples, before theirconversion, also had some doubtsabout certain matters. They wouldoften question Jesus, expecting someanswer that would satisfy theircuriosity and their carnal minds.

On one occasion, the disciplesand several others were totally con-

fused when Christ revealed to themthat He was the “bread which camedown from heaven.” Just what didHe mean by that statement? Somemurmured against Him, while oth-ers argued with Him.

Patiently, Christ explained: “Iam the living bread which camedown from heaven. If anyone eats ofthis bread, he will live forever; andthe bread that I shall give is Myflesh, which I shall give for the life ofthe world” (John 6:51).

That was the breaking point.Not only could they not understandthe explanation, but they wereoffended. How could they follow aman whose teachings made so littlesense? “From that time many of Hisdisciples went back, and walkedwith Him no more” (v. 66).

Does this remind you of the atti-tude of anyone you know? Yours,perhaps? Would you turn away fromGod or leave His Church becausesomething is hard to understand?

When Jesus saw that some of Hisdisciples left Him, He turned to theTwelve and asked them: “‘Do youalso want to go away?’ But SimonPeter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whomshall we go? You have the words ofeternal life’” (vv. 67–68).

This is the basic, clear truth weall need to remember. If you havethis attitude, God will always bewith you, and will protect youagainst doubts and fears.

Peter meant exactly what he said.During the last Passover, as Christwas washing His disciples’ feet, Peterobjected when his own turn came. Itwas unthinkable that Jesus, theMaster, should wash his feet.

But Christ answered: “What Iam doing you do not understandnow, but you will know afterthis… If I do not wash you, youhave no part with Me” (John13:7–8). Notice that Christ did not


hy talk abouts o m e t h i n g a s

superficial as dress,when attitude, heart and sub-stance are what we shouldfocus on? After all, we are notto judge just on appearance,right?

In the Church of God, westrive to focus on the “innerman” (Ephesians 3:16). We askGod to renew and regenerate usdaily through His Spirit. Godtells us that He looks on theheart, and not the outwardappearance (1 Samuel 16:7). Yet,as we look at instructions inScripture, we see that modestattire is a vital part of aChristian’s walk. It is even a partof apostolic Christianity!

The Apostle Paul—the sameapostle who taught the “big”issues like the need for worksand faith, and circumcisionb e i n g o f t h e s p i r i t — a l s oexplained and stressed certainChurch traditions. Notice howhe valued them: “Now I praiseyou, brethren, that you remem-b e r m e i n a l l t h i n g s a n d keepthe tradit ions just as I de l i ve red them to you” (1C o r i n t h i a n s 1 1 : 2 ) . A l s o :“Therefore, brethren, stand fastand hold the traditions whichyou were taught, whether byw o r d o r o u r e p i s t l e ” ( 2Thessalonians 2:15).

Although traditions may notb e l i s t e d i n t h e T e nCommandments, they are rightand decent standards derivedf r o m b i b l i c a l p r i n c i p l e s .Modesty in dress was one of thetraditions that the Apostle Paul

taught. In the context of warningmen not to be angry or faithless,Paul also reminded Timothy toteach this principle to ladies inthe first-century Church of God.

“I desire therefore that themen pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrathand doubting; in like manneralso, that the women adornthemselves in modest apparel[ a l so t r ans l a t ed “proper, ”“respectable” or “decent”], withpropriety and moderation…” (1Timothy 2:8–10). The wordt r a n s l a t e d “ m o d e s t ” i n 1Timothy 2:8–10 is the Greekword kosmios. It comes from theroot word kosmos, which is alsotranslated “world,” relating to the orderly arrangement of thewhole universe. God has not justthrown the world together hap-hazardly—He has created it in anattractive form, and has decorat-ed it to make it beautiful! Thatshould give us a sense of whatGod meant when He inspiredPaul to use the word translated as“modest.”

God looks on the heart. Butoutward express ions—ourwords and actions, for exam-ple—reveal things about us onthe inside. Jesus said that “out ofthe abundance of the heart [the]mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). Inthe same way, our attire makes astatement about the inner manor woman. Appropriate dress isnot righteousness in itself—butit can be a reflection of character.Several years ago in the LivingChurch News, Dr. DouglasWinnail wrote: “God does notalter biblical standards because

society decides to change. Whatwe wear… is important toGod—because it reflects what isin our heart…” (“Dress forServices,” March-April 2003).Remember, Jesus revealed: “Andto her [the Bride, Christ’s wife] itwas granted to be arrayed in finelinen, clean and bright, for thefine linen is the righteous acts ofthe saints” (Revelation 19:8).The fine linen was a reflection ofgodly character. By contrast, thewoman of Proverbs 7:10 wears“the attire of the harlot.”Clothing is significant—it pre-sents clues about a person’s iden-tity. Certain roles are signified byspecific attire, as in the case ofjudges (Judges 5:10), priests(Exodus 40:12–13) and brides(Jeremiah 2:32).

Our attire is not only areflection of character—it caninfluence character as well. Inrecent years, some school dis-tricts in the United States havereinstituted school uniformsfor this very reason. Educatorshave observed a clear relation-ship between attire, attitudesand actions. California’s LongBeach Unified School Districtreinstituted school uniforms in1994. The results were betteroverall behavior and scholasticachievement—effects that were“ immedia te ly not iceab le , ”according to a school districtspokesman. (“Custom-made fitfor school: Dress codes, stu-dent uniforms back in style,”w w w. c n n . c o m , A u g u s t 1 5 ,2006). While some see clothingas only “the cover of the book,”it is far more than that. It can

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Our Christian Responsibility

WBy Rod McNair

Modest Attire:

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reflect and influence character in aperson, for good or for bad.

But who decides what is appro-priate and what is not? Does “apos-tolic Christianity” require thatwomen today wear the styles ofPaul’s day? Of course not! It is theprinciple that counts, especiallysince we find ourselves in an end-time world of decadence and hedo-nism. Paul wrote to Timothy: “Butknow this, that in the last days per-ilous times will come: For men willbe lovers of themselves… unholy,unloving, unforgiving, slanderers,without self-control… lovers ofpleasure rather than lovers ofGod…” (2 Timothy 3:1–4). Paulprophesied of an alarming time—like that of ancient Sodom—whenup would be down and down wouldbe up, morally! How does one func-tion in a society that has over-sexu-alized dress—and is shamelessabout having done so? This is achallenge and responsibility forChristians today.

What Are Clothes For?

What is the purpose of clothing?Is it to cover the body and conveygood taste and discretion? Or is it tostrategically show skin and to stimu-late desire—even inappropriatedesire? What do clothing designersand marketers believe? Author Jeff Pollard notes: The fashionindustry does not believe that theprincipal purpose of clothing is tocover the body; it believes that theprincipal purpose of clothing is sex-ual attraction…” (Christian Modestyand the Public Undressing of America,pp. 52–53).

Mr. Herbert W. Armstrongtaught the Church to “recapturet r u e v a l u e s . ” O u r P r e s i d i n gE v a n g e l i s t , M r. R o d e r i c k C .Meredith, has also admonished usto maintain high, godly standards.In a sermon late last year, “What

Would Jesus Really Do?” he said:“We ought to have high stan-dards… in the way we act, in theway we dress, in the way we talk, inthe way we conduct ourselves, theway we think… How would Jesusdress? How would Jesus’ sisterdress?... Would Jesus’ sister beshowing off her body in some semi-vulgar way? No, she would not!”(October 28, 2006).

When Adam and Eve sinned,they became acutely aware of theirown nakedness. They first attempt-ed to solve that problem by using figleaves! But God showed His kind-ness and love by fashioning “coats”or “tunics” for them from the skin ofan animal. The word translated“coats” is the Hebrew kuttoneth,which comes from a root wordmeaning “to cover.” This act wasalso symbolic of Christ covering our sins through His atoning sacri-fice. As M. L. Chancey writes: “Thefig-leaf ‘aprons’ fashioned by ourfirst parents were not enough…When Adam and Eve covered theirprivate parts, God replaced theirinadequate coverings with coats tocompletely clothe their bodies”( “Modes ty and the Chr i s t i anWoman,” www.patriarchspath.org).

By contrast, many fashions todayare not designed to cover and com-plement, but rather to reveal andtease. “In both cut and cloth [manystyles today] selectively expose andemphasize certain areas of the body.Whatever fashion statement thewearer intends to make, it certainlycan’t be ‘I’ve got a secret.’ Instead ofbeing appreciated for her well-ordered taste and feminine beauty,her ‘adorning’ will more likelyarouse an unholy interest, even lust,in the minds of male onlookers”(“Modesty: Virtue Ignored,” JimHarmon, www.patriarchspath.org).This is the provocative social envi-ronment in which we find ourselvestoday.

Coming Out of the World

God’s people are to be comingout of the world (Revelation18:3–4). We are in the world, but arenot to be “of” the world (John17:15–16). If we look to the world’smedia for our cues on what is goodand right, we will go off the track.Even being “more conservative thanthe world” is not enough. We musthonestly evaluate each decision noton the rules of society, but on godlyprinciples.

This world’s fashions andstyles—which are often motivatedby the lust of the eyes—will soonpass away (1 John 2:15–17)! Andyet, saints in God’s Church arepreparing to lead in a whole newworld. What do you imagine thedress will be like in Tomorrow’sWorld, in your city? Will porno-graphic advertisements be displayedon magazine covers and billboards?The resurrected saints under Christ’sdirection will teach and guide peoplein how to dress appropriately.Certainly, clothing styles underChrist’s rulership will change dra-matically from what they are today!If we are preparing to rule in theKingdom of God, we must be apply-ing the principles of modesty inattire now.

The Feast of Tabernacles is awonderful foretaste of the comingmillennial reign of Christ. TheFestival Site Coordinators Manualprovides guidelines on modesty anddecorum for functions organizedand attended by Living Church ofGod members. Regarding “funshows,” it says: “We must avoid anyoff-color jokes, lewd dancing, sexualreferences, questionable lyrics andcostuming, etc., that may be con-strued as distasteful” (Festival SiteCoordinators Manual, “FamilyEvent,” May 11, 2006). The manualalso sets forth guidelines for beachactivities. “The Living Youth Camp


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swimwear policy has been adoptedfor LCG Festival sites. Appropriateattire for women is a modest one-piece suit; and men should wearboxer-style trunks. Two-piece outfitsfor women and ‘speedo’-type bathingsuits for men are unacceptable”(ibid.). Upholding modest dressstandards at the Feast teaches andreminds us that we are there toreflect God’s coming Kingdom.

Coming Before God

When the children of Israelwere preparing to meet God atMount Sinai, Moses told them toprepare themselves in regards totheir attire—to wash their clothes(Exodus 19:10). The Israelitesneeded to think about how theypresented themselves physicallywhen coming before God. Whenwe worship God on His Sabbath,we are to come to Him in an appro-priate and discreet way. We are tobe cognizant of the One to whomwe are presenting ourselves.Coming before dignitaries—andthe King of the Universe is the mostimportant dignitary of all—requires our attention to modestand discreet dress.

Mr. Herbert W. Armstrongtaught, as a Church tradition, thatwe are to wear our best at Sabbathservices. He often looked to thebusiness world for accepted normsof balanced and respectful dress.Today, employment and interviewadvisers are increasingly encourag-ing women to be careful to maintainmodest attire in the workplace. BetsyOlinger, founder of Marketing-U(www.marketing-u.com), a Charlotte-based executive coaching firm, said:“If it’s something you think you look‘hot’ in, it’s wrong” (“Would you hirethese people?” Charlotte Observer,June 16, 2006).

What are some of the guidelinesjob counselors recommend for

women? Interview experts counselwomen to wear skirts or dresses thatcome to the knee when seated. Oneof the top ten mistakes made byfemale interviewees is wearing“skirts and shirts that are too shortor revealing. When you sit, it shouldhit or cover your knees” (ibid.).Another interview-guidance articleexplained, “Forget what some ofthose gals on ‘The Apprentice’ arewearing. Your skirt should coveryour thighs when you are seated”(“What Not to Wear to anInterview,” www.careerbuilder.com).

Necklines should be modest aswell. According to career advisors,this means no cleavage. “There arevery few legitimate jobs where show-ing off your chest is a good careermove… Cover up... If you can’t partwith your V-neck shirts, simply buya few camisole shirts to wear under-neath them” (“10 Crimes of WorkFashion,” www.cnn.com, September11, 2006). One Texas school districtissued this new dress code in 2006:“The display of cleavage is unaccept-able. Low cut blouses, tops,sweaters, etc. with plunging neck-lines are not allowed” (“TexasSchool District Bans Cleavage,”www.keyetv.com, August 4, 2006).

A recent study by University ofLawrence professor Peter Glickfound that “risque dress on the job is viewed as inappropriate for those in all positions” (“Are You TooSexy for Your Job?” www.cnn.com,December 6, 2005).

Overly snug, visibly tight cloth-ing can also be immodest: “Makesure there is at least one-inch ofroom between body and fabric andthat it is long enough to concealyour midriff. Stomach, breasts,back and shoulders should be cov-ered. Fabric should not be overlysheer and a bra should be worn(with no straps revealed)” (ibid.).The publication “Modesty HeartCheck,” encourages women to ask

these questions about their cloth-ing: “Does my midriff (or under-wear) show when I bend over or liftmy hands? If so, is it because myskirt or my pants are too low?Either my shirt needs to be longeror I need to find a skirt or pantsthat sit higher” (“Modesty HeartCheck,” Carolyn Mahaney andNicole Whitacre, Girl Talk: Mother-Daughter Conversations on BiblicalWomanhood ) . G i r l s a t t end ingLiving Youth Camp are instructedto avoid wearing overly shortshorts as well as “tank-tops ormidriff shirts or low-slung BritneySpears s ty le pants” (“CamperChecklist of Personal Items,”Camper Acceptance Packet 2006).

Even “mainstream” employ-ment experts are pointing out theimportance of maintaining basicdress standards to please a poten-t i a l o r c u r r e n t e m p l o y e r .Reasonable, minimum standards arealso appropriate in our worship ofGod and in our Church activities.As Paul reminded the brethren inRome, “I beseech you therefore,brethren, by the mercies of God,that you present your bodies a liv-ing sacrifice, holy, acceptable toGod, which is your reasonable ser-vice” (Romans 12:1).

Loving Your Brothers

Like most women, most menattend Sabbath services for the rightreasons—to worship, learn from, bechallenged by and be corrected byGod. Why is dressing modestly soimportant for women at Church ser-vices? Because it affects their relation-ship with their brothers in Christ, andtheir brothers’ relationship with God.

Of course, though everyonedeals with the pulls of humannature, most men at Sabbath servicesare not on the verge of committingspiritual fornication every second.Men in God’s Church are striving to

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live God’s way and guide theirthoughts according to His Spirit. Onthe other hand, for a woman to dis-miss the fact that God createdmen—“hard-wired” them—to bevisually stimulated by an attractivewoman is to show extreme naiveteand foolishness.

One man not in God’s Church, yetfocused on obeying God as he knowshow, put it this way: “I rejoice when-ever I see a girl or woman that isattempting to serve the Lord (andguys) by dressing modestly. You have no idea how sweet and challeng-ing it is when I see a woman who has

decided not to flaunt her body—like the culture shouts for her to do—but rather she has decided thatserving the Lord and her brothersismore important.” (“AdditionalC o m m e n t s a n d Te s t i m o n i e s o n M o d e s t y, ” C . J . M a h a n e y, www.sovereigngraceministries.org).

Men must be vigilant to main-tain a high standard in what theyput before their eyes, to keep apure and clean heart (Job 31:1). Asauthor Joshua Harris says: “Sowhat is God’s standard when itcomes to lust? How much lustdoes God want us to allow in ourlives? Are you ready for this? Theanswer is not even a hint” (NotEven a Hint: Guarding Your HeartAgainst Lust, p. 22). Men also needto be aware of the signals theysend to the women in their lives.Taking sidelong glances at immod-est women, or making casualremarks about scantily cladactresses, sends a message—thewrong message—about what theyvalue in a woman. Fathers’ atti-

tudes will affect their children’sperspectives about modesty andattire. Men need to teach theirsons to flee fornication (1Corinthians 6:18) and to “identifyflirty behavior and avoid beingw i t h f l i r t y o r t o u c h y g i r l s ”(“Waging the War for SexualPurity,” Patrick Hurd, www.fortify-ingthefamily.com). Fathers need totake an active role in teachingtheir daughters to be modest andto “discern the motives of boyswho seek their attention” (ibid.).

Both men and women shouldavoid creating stumbling blocks for

each other when coming before Godon the Sabbath. That is showing loveand service to others—which is ful-filling God’s law to love your neigh-bor as yourself (Galatians 5:14).

Setting a Good Example

Another reason why women inGod’s Church dress modestly isbecause of the power of example.Women in God’s Church are to be alight to others—including youngerwomen and girls who are seekingrole models. Younger girls oftenwant to wear what the older girlswear—and at earlier and earlierages. How important is it, then, thatwomen of all ages set a good exam-ple in the Church?

Our culture today attempts tosexualize girls’ attire even in theirpre-teens. Designers and retailersare now targeting girls between theages of four and nine! “The conven-tional sugar-and-spice girls’ styleformula is laced these days withs a s s , t h e c l o t h e s … c a n d i d l y

provocative in their mimicry ofgrown-up fare…” (“Fashion worldexpanding options for pint-sizec l i e n t s , ” C h a r l o t t e O b s e r v e r ,September 8, 2006). As editor ofthe pre-teen magazine Cookie, PilarGuzman writes, “You get this ideathat there is a kind of lost inno-cence,” when racy adult fashionsare being worn by ever-youngergirls (ibid.). In a world where mediamarketers seek to introduce adultfashions to younger-and-youngerclients, it is more important thanever that mothers, older sisters,teens and adult female friends in

God’s Church set a good examplefor the younger girls.

Holding Fast

Christ tells the Church of thePhiladelphian era to “hold fast whatyou have, that no one may take yourcrown” (Revelation 3:11). They areto hold steady to doctrinal purityand scriptural, biblical traditions,and transmit them to the next gen-eration (2 Timothy 2:2). God is notagainst His daughters looking niceand dressing well. In fact, the Biblerecords how He adorned and deco-rated His bride, Israel, in Ezekiel16:10–14. Modesty in attire canboth reflect and influence godlyfeminine character (1 Peter 3:4).Modesty as a tradition in theChurch can include dressing attrac-tively, but always in good taste andpropriety. The Living Church ofGod is committed to setting highstandards in regard to modesty indress, and using love and patienceto achieve it.


Why is dressing modestly so important for women at Church services? Because it affects their relationship with their brothers in Christ, and their brothers’ relationship with God.

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hen we examine ourselvesin preparation for the

Passover, we look for the sinin our lives. Some of that sin comesfrom our own actions, when we dis-obey God’s law and seek the worldmore than we seek God’s kingdom.Sometimes, too, others’ sins can leadto our sickness, even when we havenot personally sinned. God’s creationhas been suffering from sin ever sinceSatan, the “god of this world” (2Corinthians 4:4) rebelled against hisCreator, and this world still suffersfrom the consequences of Satan’srebellion and the sin of Adam and Eve.

We know that in a world freefrom sin, we would not suffer fromdisease. As God told the Israelites:“If you diligently heed the voice ofthe LORD your God and do what isright in His sight, give ear to Hiscommandments and keep all Hisstatutes, I will put none of the dis-eases on you which I have broughton the Egyptians. For I am the LORD

who heals you” (Exodus 15:26).Sadly, our world does not diligentlyheed His voice, and many—even inHis Church—suffer the effects ofboth spiritual and physical sin.

As Christians, we understandthat God does not want His childrento suffer from the effects of sicknessand injury. Christ inspired theApostle John to write, “Beloved, Ipray that you may prosper in allthings and be in health, just as yoursoul prospers” (3 John 2). So, if wefind sickness in our lives, we maywonder: why does God allow physi-cal suffering to afflict His people?How can we eliminate it from ourlives? And if we cannot eliminate it,what should we do?

Have You Repented?

Some of us may be paying a phys-ical penalty for bad decisions we aremaking, or that we made when wewere younger. Perhaps in the past weate too much sugary “junk food,”drank alcohol to excess or consumedsubstances that are illegal in the eyesof God and man. We might carry theeffects of old sports or war injuries,which handicap our ability to enjoylife today. No matter what our ail-ment, God can heal it; He can evenrestore damaged parts of our bodies.“Then He said to the man, ‘Stretchout your hand.’ And he stretched itout, and it was restored as whole asthe other” (Matthew 12:13). Many ofus have heard our PresidingEvangelist, Mr. Roderick C. Meredith,tell the story of a woman he met on abaptizing tour who had received asimilar healing of a withered arm,after receiving an anointed cloth fromMr. Herbert W. Armstrong.

Repentance, however, is a vitalelement in the healing process. Atthe pool of Bethesda, after healing aman disabled for 38 years, Jesusemphasized that sin had caused hislong-suffered affliction. “AfterwardJesus found him in the temple, andsaid to him, ‘See, you have beenmade well. Sin no more, lest a worsething come upon you’” (John 5:14).If, having been healed, we return toour old sinful habits, we cannotexpect to remain healthy. And if wehave not been healed, we should askourselves: “Am I truly repentant? If Iwere healed, would I go right back tothe physical sins I committed when Iwas healthy, and be worse off thanbefore?”

Christ healed to restore theafflicted, and to reveal God’s truenature to the deceived religious lead-ers of His day. Jesus’ healing miracleswere a witness that His words andpower came from the Father in heav-en. “Then behold, they brought toHim a paralytic lying on a bed.When Jesus saw their faith, He saidto the paralytic, ‘Son, be of goodcheer; your sins are forgiven you.’And at once some of the scribes saidwithin themselves, ‘This Man blas-phemes!’ But Jesus, knowing theirthoughts, said, ‘Why do you thinkevil in your hearts? For which is eas-ier, to say, “Your sins are forgivenyou,” or to say, “Arise and walk”?But that you may know that the Sonof Man has power on earth to forgivesins’—then He said to the paralytic,‘Arise, take up your bed, and go toyour house.’ And he arose anddeparted to his house. Now whenthe multitudes saw it, they marveledand glorified God, who had givensuch power to men” (Matthew9:2–8). Notice that the paralytic’shealing took place only after his sinshad been forgiven.

But what if you have repented,yet God has not healed you?

God Can Even Use Disease

God uses disease and healing for avariety of reasons—even as one of Hismany tools to bring us to a deeperrepentance. He may allow disease tocorrect us if we have violated Hisphysical and spiritual laws. God mayeven grant a healing to someone whodoes not know Him, as a witness toHis great power, as He did for Naamanthe Syrian, through His prophet

Sin No More...By Don Davis

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Elisha. For his lying and stealing,Elisha’s servant Gehazi receivedNaaman’s leprosy (2 Kings 5:1–27).

Job was not a wicked man, asScripture tells us: “Then the LORD

said to Satan, ‘Have you consideredMy servant Job, that there is nonelike him on the earth, a blamelessand upright man, one who fears Godand shuns evil?’” (Job 1:8). Yet this“blameless” man was self-righteous,and God needed to show him hisproblem so he could repent, be for-given and be reconciled to hisCreator. God allowed Satan to inflicta horrible plague upon Job’s flesh,which He knew would help himgrow spiritually. “So Satan went outfrom the presence of the LORD, andstruck Job with painful boils fromthe sole of his foot to the crown ofhis head. And he [Job] took for him-self a potsherd with which to scrapehimself while he sat in the midst ofthe ashes” (Job 2:7–8).

God took no pleasure in seeingHis servant suffer. Rather, He usedthe affliction to show Job his properrelationship with his Creator, untilhe finally understood: “Listen,please, and let me speak; You said, ‘Iwill question you, and you shallanswer Me.’ I have heard of You bythe hearing of the ear, but now myeye sees You. Therefore I abhormyself, and repent in dust andashes” (Job 42:4–6). Once Jobrepented, he no longer consideredhis righteousness worthy of God’spraise. He understood that, com-pared to God, “we are all like anunclean thing, and all our righteous-nesses are like filthy rags; we all fadeas a leaf, and our iniquities, like thewind, have taken us away. And thereis no one who calls on Your name,who stirs himself up to take hold ofYou; for You have hidden Your facefrom us, and have consumed usbecause of our iniquities” (Isaiah64:6–7). Once Job understood whoand what God was, took his mind off

himself and prayed for his friends,God healed him and blessed himwith twice the physical blessings hehad before (Job 42:10–17).

God does not owe us healing. Hewants to see us in vigorous physicalhealth, but His greater concern is forour spiritual health, and He can evenuse our illnesses for our benefit. Aswe examine ourselves, let us eachask, “Am I learning every lesson Godwants me to learn from my physicalinfirmities?”

God Favors the Humble

The Apostle Paul came to under-stand that God withheld a healingfrom him so he could developgreater humility. “And lest I shouldbe exalted above measure by theabundance of the revelations [Godhad given Paul so many spiritualinsights, and gifts, that also givinghim perfect health might have goneto his head], a thorn in the flesh wasgiven to me, a messenger of Satan tobuffet me, lest I be exalted abovemeasure. Concerning this thing Ipleaded with the Lord three timesthat it might depart from me. AndHe said to me, ‘My grace is sufficientfor you, for My strength is made per-fect in weakness.’ Therefore mostgladly I will rather boast in my infir-mities, that the power of Christ mayrest upon me. Therefore I take plea-sure in infirmities, in reproaches, inneeds, in persecutions, in distresses,for Christ’s sake. For when I amweak, then I am strong” (2Corinthians 12:7–10).

God reveals His great love,mercy and power as a witness whenHe shows pity to the humble, weakand helpless. “And when He [Jesus]came near the gate of the city,behold, a dead man was being car-ried out, the only son of his mother;and she was a widow. And a largecrowd from the city was with her.When the Lord saw her, He had

compassion on her and said to her,‘Do not weep.’ Then He came andtouched the open coffin, and thosewho carried him stood still. And Hesaid, ‘Young man, I say to you, arise.’So he who was dead sat up andbegan to speak. And He presentedhim to his mother” (Luke 7:12–15).

Do You Have Faith?

When Jesus’ disciples could notcast out an evil spirit that was griev-ously afflicting a young boy, Christtook over, saying, “‘O faithless gener-ation, how long shall I be with you?How long shall I bear with you?Bring him to Me.’… And when hesaw Him, immediately the spirit con-vulsed him, and he fell on the groundand wallowed, foaming at themouth” (Mark 9:19–20). The fatherexplained to Jesus that his son hadbeen possessed since childhood, andthe demon had tried to destroy theyouth by throwing him into fire orwater. The father pleaded for his son,saying: “But if You can do anything,have compassion on us and help us”(v. 22). Then Jesus said to him, “‘Ifyou can believe, all things are possi-ble to him who believes.’Immediately the father of the childcried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, Ibelieve; help my unbelief!’” (vv.23–24). The lesson here is that wecannot “work up” the faith we needfor healing. The power to believe thatGod exists, and that He is our healer,must come from Him. However, wecan build on—and reinforce—thatgift of faith, by reading the Bible’smany descriptions of the healings Hehas performed for others.

This passage also reveals anothervital clue about the need to be prop-erly prepared spiritually before weask for healing. When Jesus wasaway from the crowd and had goneinto a house with His disciples, theyasked Him why the demon wouldnot come out at their command? He

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replied, “This kind can come out bynothing but prayer and fasting” (v.29). Fasting to grow closer to ourFather is a good way to preparebefore we ask for healing for our-selves or others (see “But by Prayerand Fasting” on page 3 of this issue).

Before God will heal us, we needto believe that He will. As His obedi-ent children, we must have faith thatHe will not withhold from us any-thing that will be for our ultimategood. “If a son asks for bread fromany father among you, will he givehim a stone? Or if he asks for a fish,will he give him a serpent instead of afish? Or if he asks for an egg, will heoffer him a scorpion? If you then,being evil, know how to give goodgifts to your children, how muchmore will your heavenly Father givethe Holy Spirit to those who askHim!” (Luke 11:11–13). Yes, we canconfidently ask our Father in heavento heal us, and trust that His will bedone!

Love Your Neighbor

If we seek healing, we mustdesire it for others as much as wewant it for ourselves (Galatians5:14). Prayers for our own healingthat do not include the needs of oth-ers reflect a “get” attitude. Godrarely looks with favor upon selfishprayers. “Let nothing be donethrough selfish ambition or conceit,but in lowliness of mind let eachesteem others better than himself.Let each of you look out not only forhis own interests, but also for theinterests of others. Let this mind bein you which was also in ChristJesus” (Philippians 2:3–5). If you arein good health now, are you prayingfor the healing of those who are sickor injured? When you are in illhealth, you will certainly want oth-ers to offer prayers on your behalf—but are you showing that same con-cern for others today?

Trust God for theBest Answer

We have already seen that Godwants us to be in good health.However, sometimes, because weneed to be humbled or learn lessonsin faith and patience, we may notreceive the answer we want rightaway. Sometimes, God may even havedecided we have run our course andshould rest from this life’s strugglesuntil Christ returns (Ecclesiastes3:1–3). If we have God’s Spirit andChrist is living in us, we can beassured that our Heavenly Father andJesus are doing what is ultimately inour best interest. “What then shall wesay to these things? If God is for us,who can be against us? He who didnot spare His own Son, but deliveredHim up for us all, how shall He notwith Him also freely give us allthings? Who shall separate us fromthe love of Christ? Shall tribulation,or distress, or persecution, or famine,or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Yetin all these things we are more thanconquerors through Him who lovedus” (Romans 8:31–32, 35, 37). Weneed to be deeply thankful that Godgave His Son for all of us—for others,as well as ourselves.

Even if we ask in great faith, ourprayers for healing can be hinderedif we have an unforgiving heart. “SoJesus answered and said to them,‘Have faith in God. For assuredly, Isay to you, whoever says to thismountain, “Be removed and be castinto the sea,” and does not doubt inhis heart, but believes that thosethings he says will come to pass, hewill have whatever he says.Therefore I say to you, whateverthings you ask when you pray,believe that you receive them, andyou will have them. And wheneveryou stand praying, if you have any-thing against anyone, forgive him,that your Father in heaven may alsoforgive you your trespasses. But if

you do not forgive, neither will yourFather in heaven forgive your tres-passes’” (Mark 11:22–26). We needto have a continual Passover atti-tude, if we expect a healing to occur.

Then, when we are healed, weneed to express our gratitude toGod. After Jesus cleansed ten lepers,only one chose to come and thankHim. “So Jesus answered and said,‘Were there not ten cleansed? Butwhere are the nine? Were there notany found who returned to giveglory to God except this foreigner?’And He said to him, ‘Arise, go yourway. Your faith has made you well’”(Luke 17:17–19).

Go to God First

God’s ministers are saddenedwhen they see some who are illexhaust every avenue of physicalhealing offered by human science andmedicine, then ask for an anointingonly after they have given up onevery other alternative. Yet Scriptureis clear: “Is anyone among you suffer-ing? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful?Let him sing psalms. Is anyone amongyou sick? Let him call for the elders ofthe church, and let them pray overhim, anointing him with oil in thename of the Lord. And the prayer offaith will save the sick, and the Lordwill raise him up. And if he has com-mitted sins, he will be forgiven.Confess your trespasses to one anoth-er, and pray for one another, that youmay be healed. The effective, ferventprayer of a righteous man availsmuch” (James 5:13–16). Even if youare far away from one of God’s minis-ters, you can ask for an anointed clothand trust that God will heal youaccording to His will (Acts 19:11–12).

Healing in the Last Days

Jesus Christ commanded Hischief disciples to go to the lost sheepof the house of Israel. “And as you

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go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom ofheaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick,cleanse the lepers, raise the dead,cast out demons. Freely you havereceived, freely give” (Matthew10:7–8). Later, He told them thatthose who believed in Him—and byextension, His message regarding thecoming Kingdom of God—wouldalso do the same and even greaterdeeds than He was doing. “Mostassuredly, I say to you, he whobelieves in Me, the works that I dohe will do also; and greater worksthan these he will do, because I go toMy Father. And whatever you ask inMy name, that I will do, that theFather may be glorified in the Son. Ifyou ask anything in My name, I willdo it. If you love Me, keep My com-mandments” (John 14:12–15).

As we enter the last days of thisage, God will use those who are dili-gently seeking to obey Him, andwho have the faith, to do “greatexploits” (Daniel 11:32)—to per-form miracles by the power of Christin them. The sick will be healed, lep-ers will be cleansed and the dead willbe brought back to life. To performthese exploits, God will never usethose who seek healings out of vani-ty or to exalt self. He will only usethose servants who give Him theglory, honor and credit for all Christdoes through them, acknowledgingthat as human beings they can donothing of themselves. Peter knewwho was doing the healing when hesaid, “‘Aeneas, Jesus the Christ healsyou. Arise and make your bed.’ Thenhe arose immediately” (Acts 9:34).

As Philadelphian members ofGod’s Church, we need to be strivingmightily to prepare ourselves—indi-vidually, and as the body of Christ—to take on the great responsibilitiesthat await us. If we do, we can expectan ever-increasing number of much-needed healings in the Church, nowand on into the future. And we mustremember always, when a miracle ofhealing occurs, who it is that gets thecredit. It is our Elder Brother, JesusChrist, “who Himself bore our sins inHis own body on the tree, that we,having died to sins, might live forrighteousness—by whose stripes youwere healed” (1 Peter 2:24). As weprepare for the Passover, let us neverlose sight of Christ’s awesome sacri-fice—and let us always trust in Hispromise of healing!

stop to explain the exact spiritual meaning of the footwashing.

So, what was Peter’s sudden reaction? He said to Him,“Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”(v. 9). Are you beginning to see what God expects of you?Whether your “whys” are answered or not, the questionremains, “Are you willing to obey God?”

God’s Way, Not Ours

There are some things that we in God’s Church do notyet fully understand. We do not always know why Goddoes things the way He does them. But one thing is sure: Healways knows best. Let Him handle it—His way, not yours!

Some in the Church today demand that all their ques-tions be fully answered before submitting themselves toGod and His government. They cannot comprehend theChurch’s simple faith in God’s leadership, so they get intobad attitudes.

Remember, so-called “intellect” is not required forsalvation. Curiosity for the sake of pleasing your intel-lect—your human vanity—will only draw you away fromGod and His truth.

God has already clearly revealed everything youneed to know and understand for salvation. You do notneed to search for the answers to those “whys”—they

are already made plain in the Bible. However, for thetime being, God has chosen not to reveal certainthings—He has chosen not to answer some of yourquestions—for your own good. Let Him take care ofthings. Do not lose your salvation by demanding that Heexplain everything He is doing—God has no suchresponsibility.

God Knows Best

We have come to God’s Church to learn His ways—not to impose ours on Him or on others. We did notcome to His Church to reason with Him, but to surren-der to Him—totally and unconditionally. We have beencalled to obey and serve. Servants do not argue with theirmasters. They simply do what the masters say. Sadly,some of our friends and brethren have not quite under-stood this fundamental truth. That is why they are nolonger with us.

Individually and collectively, we have a job to do.Are you doing your part? Or are you perhaps hinderedby your doubts, questions and worries? Obviously, allof us would like to see God’s Kingdom come as soon aspossible. We may even wonder why the waiting is solong! But God knows best. Let Him do things His way.Wait patiently, trust Him, submit your will to His—andyou will truly know that “all things work together forgood to those who love God, to those who are thecalled according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

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Let God Handle It!(continues from page 11)

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yourself on the head, it feels so goodwhen you stop.” You get the picture.

But the fasting did not do menearly as much good as if I had real-ly been drinking in of God’s word,and praying and meditating duringthat day of fasting. That is whatDaniel was doing.

Daniel went on: “And I prayed tothe LORD my God, and made confes-sion, and said, ‘O Lord, great andawesome God, who keeps Hiscovenant and mercy with those wholove Him, and with those who keepHis commandments, we havesinned…’” (vv. 4–5). Notice he didnot say, “Oh, we’ve been good, andwe’ve done no wrong, and You don’thave any right to punish us.”

Rather, he told God he was sorry,and that “we have sinned and commit-ted iniquity, we have done wickedly

and rebelled, even by departing fromYour precepts and Your judgments….Lord, righteousness belongs to You, butto us shame of face” (vv. 5, 7).

Then: “Now therefore, our God,hear the prayer of Your servant, andhis supplications, and for the Lord’ssake cause Your face to shine on Yoursanctuary, which is desolate” (v. 17).Daniel called on God, not on hisown righteousness—he had (and wehave) none. When we reach that atti-tude like Daniel’s, our fasting isdoing some good.

Notice the result of Daniel’sprayerful fast. An archangel came tohim and told him: “At the beginningof your supplications the commandwent out, and I have come to tellyou, for you are greatly beloved” (v.23). Why was Daniel so greatlyloved? Because he humbled himselfsincerely before God.

There are certainly “health fasts”you can undertake, but do not

attempt a spiritual fast unless youtruly intend to use it to grow closerto God. Be sure you take plenty oftime to study, to meditate and topray, or you will not receive the goodout of your fast that you would—andyou should!

Remember James’ caution, “doyou think that the Scripture saysin vain, ‘The Spirit who dwells inus yearns jealously’? But He givesmore grace [grace greater than thelust of the human spirit].Therefore He says: ‘God resists theproud, but gives grace to the hum-ble’” (James 4:5–6). This is a vitalpoint. Then: “Lament and mournand weep! Let your laughter beturned to mourning and your joyto gloom. Humble yourselves inthe sight of the Lord, and He willlift you up” (vv. 9–10). Brethren,that is God’s promise to us! Wemust not let down in the matter ofprayer and fasting!

But by Prayer and Fasting(continues from page 5)

Upcoming Tomorrow’s World TelecastsWGN: Sunday, 6:00 AM ETVISION (Canada): Sunday, 5:30 PM ET; Monday–Friday, 3:00 AM ET

WGNAir Date Broadcast TitleJanuary 7 Keys for Christian SuccessJanuary 14 Seven Satanic DeceptionsJanuary 21 Beware of the AntichristJanuary 28 The Power of ProphecyFebruary 4 Armageddon and BeyondFebruary 11 Satan’s Attack on the BibleFebruary 18 Are They All Lost Forever?February 25 Prayer: Your Lifeline to God

For additional stations and times, check the Television and Radio Log on page 31 of your Tomorrow’s Worldmagazine.

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“the days of Noah” (Luke 17:26–29). In other words, we arein a time when God is about to intervene and shake this entireworld to its senses—just as He did in Noah’s day, although thistime He will not destroy nearly everyone, as He did back then.

People in the world—and even our Church members—are constantly “bombarded” with the idea that homosexual-ity is okay. They hear experts say that homosexuals are “bornthat way” and cannot help themselves. This is a damnable lie,coming straight from Satan! It really is. For, using this argu-ment, the world could also begin to say that people who getinto other perversions—into bestiality, child molestation,murder and other sins—are “just born that way!”

They are not! For the God of the Bible clearly tells us:“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is com-mon to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow youto be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temp-tation will also make the way of escape, that you may beable to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). God will nevertempt anyone or cause them to be born so that they“need” to sin! That should be very clear! And yet, mil-lions are being deceived along these lines—especially bythe so-called “gay” activists who are trying to force theirperverted lifestyles upon our young people!

So, again, we should lovingly work with our youngpeople and help them, in a “balanced” way, to come outof this present society.

Of course, young people need to have friends in theirschools and neighborhoods. Of course, they can see anoccasional film or watch an occasional television showbesides the news—if they are careful to check that it is a“decent” film or show. They need to get their balance, andbe sure that they increasingly and sincerely try to reflectChrist in all that they do.

That is the “key”!One of the most masculine and exciting warriors and

personalities of all time was King David. He certainly liveda “full” life—even making a few terrible mistakes. Yet thevast majority of his time was obviously spent “seekingGod.” As you read the Psalms, you can clearly see that.And King David wrote: “I will set nothing wicked beforemy eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; it shallnot cling to me. A perverse heart shall depart from me; Iwill not know wickedness” (Psalm 101:3–4).

Brethren, as prophetic events continue to speed up, andthe end of this present age becomes more obviously near tous, I hope we can encourage all of our young people—andourselves also—to focus more on Tomorrow’s World and theglory we will share at that time. Even the physical peoplethen—living under the rule of Christ and the spirit-born

saints—will have wonderful blessings and exciting and exhil-arating lives! Let us all picture the tremendous processionsof great leaders from all fields of life parading up toJerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles, as God’s worddescribes: “And it shall come to pass that everyone who isleft of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall goup from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts,and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles” (Zechariah 14:16).

Imagine the human leaders of nations—the great artis-tic leaders, sports heroes and other outstanding individu-als—coming up to the majestic throne of the gloriousKing, Jesus Christ! Picture the beautiful choirs, the bandsand orchestras, the outstanding soloists and the beautifulspectacle that will await their arrival on such majesticoccasions! Our Father in heaven clearly describes in Hisword the kind of majesty that is good, by describing thebeauty, wealth and glory of Solomon’s kingdom. There wasgold everywhere. Beautiful music was heard and appreci-ated. Gorgeous gardens and decorations must have beenavailable at many of the stately occasions under KingSolomon—long before he turned away from God.

God is not “against” gorgeous music, beautiful thingsand majestic and deeply enjoyable occasions. Picture themagnificent glory around Jesus Christ at the throne ofGod even now! Read the description of the beauty andmagnificence of God’s “Holy City” in Revelation 21!

Jesus Christ said, “I have come that they may have lifeand that they may have it more abundantly” (John10:10). In this verse, the “abundant” life does not mean“eternal life.” Rather, it is talking about a full, enjoyableand glorious existence—which God obviously wants allof us to have now and in the future.

So, let us all set a higher standard—looking forward tothe coming Government of God where we will be theleaders in Tomorrow’s World!

The Apostle Paul instructs us: “If then you were raisedwith Christ, seek those things which are above, whereChrist is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind onthings above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:1–2).As we truly meditate on the genuine future and the comingglorious government over the earth under Jesus Christ, ourlives can have more meaning. Our standards can be raised.And we can focus, with enthusiasm, on how God will useus as leaders at that time—and how He can use us asChrist’s “ambassadors” even now, as we look forward to ful-filling the purpose for which God created us and calledus—and in which He is blessing and leading us today.


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You Are an Ambassador for Christ!(continues from page 2)

Terrence Kennell of the Fort Lauderdale, Florida congregationwas ordained as a deacon on the Sabbath of December 9,2006, by Area Pastor Paul Shumway. Mr. Kennell will be serv-ing the brethren in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area.

On the Sabbath of November 18, 2006, Errol C. Wade of theMinneapolis, Minnesota congregation was ordained as anelder by Area Pastor Sheldon Monson. Mr. Wade had beenserving as a deacon since May 1994. He will continue toserve the brethren in the Minneapolis area.

OOrrddiinnaattiioonnss

The Baton Rouge and New Orleans congregationsrecently honored three couples for their weddinganniversaries: Mark and Dorothy Waggoner celebrated50 years on November 21, 2006. The Waggoners havebeen members of God’s Church for 34 years. Tom andEvelyn McGaha celebrated 40 years of marriage onAugust 13, 2006. They serve the Baton Rouge congrega-tion as deacon and deaconess and have been members ofGod’s Church for 38 years. On December 25, 2006, J.R.and Carolyn Wells celebrated 30 years of marriage. Mr.& Mrs. Wells have been members of God’s Church for23 years. At a reception on December 16, 2006, thethree couples were presented with a cake, refreshmentsand cards from the congregation.

Bob and Joyce Thiel, video hosts of the Arroyo Grande,California video group, celebrated their 25th wedding

anniversary during the Feast of Tabernacles in Antigua,Guatemala. The Thiels have been baptized members ofGod’s Church for more than 25 years; they were mar-ried on October 10, 1981 at Ambassador Hall inPasadena, California. Dr. and Mrs. Thiel were pleasedto be able to celebrate their anniversary in Guatemala,where they found an elegant restaurant that had a pri-vate cave for their anniversary dinner.

Richard and Donna Tripp celebrated their 50th wed-ding anniversary on October 27, 2006. Mr. Tripp is adeacon in the Chanute, Kansas video group. TheTripps have been members of God’s Church for morethan 33 years. The Tripps, who had taken a cruise ear-lier in the year to celebrate their anniversary, wereguests of the Joplin, Missouri congregation at a recep-tion in their honor on the Sabbath of November 4.

Local ChurchNews

BBiirrtthhssSergio and Vanessa Carvajal announce the birth of theirson, Sebastian Andres Carvajal, on October 28, 2006.He weighed 6.4 pounds and was 20.4 inches long.

Mr. & Mrs. Sam Stingley of Rossville, Indiana arehappy to announce the birth of their second daugh-ter, Cara Renae Stingley, on November 24, 2006. She weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces, and was 19 inch-es long. Her sister Emma Jo helped to welcome herhome. The Stingleys attend the Indianapolis,Indiana, congregation

John and Amber Whitfield of Three Forks, Montanaare pleased to announce the birth of their first child,Samuel Hatch Whitfield. He was born on September22, 2006, weighing 5 pounds, 14 ounces.Grandparents Ron and Linda Colcord of Loyalton,California, and Ben and Mary-Pat Whitfield ofRawlins, Wyoming, were blessed to spend time withtheir first grandchild at the Feast of Tabernacles inCopper Mountain, Colorado.

AAnnnniivveerrssaarriieess

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WeddingLarry Smith and Kelly Mitchell of the Little Rock,Arkansas congregation were joined in holy matrimony onSeptember 3 by Area Pastor Mr. Charles Ogwyn. Thecouple joyously celebrated with brethren, family, friendsand co-workers. The happy groom (formerly of LasVegas) and bride reside in Jacksonville, Arkansas.


We want to hear more about the happy milestones in the lives of our brethren. If your family has had a birth,marriage or major anniversary, please ask your local pastor to send word to the Living Church News, PO Box 3810,Charlotte, NC 28227-8010 (or to send e-mail to [email protected]).

IInn LLoovviinngg MMeemmoorryyJanelle Nell Cormier, 67, of theLafayette, Louisiana congregationwent to sleep in the peace of herhome, surrounded by family, onOctober 1, 2006. She had coura-geously battled cancer for morethan two years, always exhibitingfaith. Baptized in 1981, JanelleCormier was a member of God’sChurch for more than 25 years.Her zeal and dedication to God’sway of life, her serving attitudeand her profound love for herdaughters will always be remem-bered. She will be greatly missed.She is survived by three daughters,Debbie (Clay) Griffin of Broussard,LA; Peggy Domingue of Lafayette,LA; and Living Church of Godmember Monica Cormier ofCharlotte, North Carolina. Funeraland graveside services were con-ducted on October 3 in Scott,Louisiana by Mr. Charles Ogwyn.

Felix Dicum, 74, a long-time mem-ber of the London, England con-gregation, died on December 13,2006. Felix had been a faithfulmember of the London congrega-tion since 1963. He was born in aFrench enclave in India, andendured the occupation of Malayaby the Japanese. He first read thePlain Truth magazine in Malaya in1947, at 15 years of age. He cameto England soon after, then went toIreland where he studied at TrinityCollege. The London congregationwill sadly miss his kind, soft voice,and his faithful attendance rightup until late October, when pan-creatic and liver cancer disabledhim from coming to services.

Funeral services were conductedon December 20 by RegionalPastor Rod King.

James F. Howell, 71, of Lafayette,Indiana, died October 21 of livercancer. A retired high schoolmath and chemistry teacher, hewas baptized on a baptizing tourin 1960. Following retirement, hebecame very active in severallocal history projects. He is sur-vived by two brothers and twonephews. Funeral services wereconducted on October 27 by Mr.George Dellinger, of theIndianapolis, Indiana congrega-tion.

Darrell Morrison, a deacon servingin the Phoenix, Arizona congrega-tion, died suddenly on December24, 2006. He was 46 years old.Though his death was very sudden,he did not seem to be in any pain.Well respected and full of zeal, hislove for the brethren and the Workwas evident to anyone who talkedwith him, and he served his familyand the Church faithfully. He willbe sorely missed.

Julia Hansen O’Neil, of Big Sandy,Montana, died November 6 follow-ing a two-year battle with cancer.She was 82 years old. She was anaccomplished seamstress and wasrenowned for her cooking skills,especially her delicious homemadebreads. She is survived by husbandFrederick, son Kurt (Thelma)Hansen and daughter Carolyn(John) Boyd. She was preceded indeath by her first husband, Charles

Hansen. A memorial service wasconducted on November 10 by Mr.Arnold Lalum.

Joseph Stevenson, 78, a deacon serv-ing the Living Church of God con-gregation in Northern Ireland diedon December 17. A member of God’sChurch since 1958, he was ordaineda deacon for the newly-establishedIrish congregation in Belfast in 1966,and served God actively until he wasovercome by dementia in the finaltwo years of his life. Mr. HenryCooper conducted the funeral ser-vice on December 20.

Mary Elizabeth Hegvold died onDecember 17, 2006, at her daugh-ter’s home in Alpharetta, Georgia.She was 80 years old. Baptized inAugust 1955, she served as head ofthe Home Economics Department ateach of Ambassador College’s threecampuses—Big Sandy (1964–73),Bricket Wood (1973–74) andPasadena (1979–1989). She was pre-ceded in death by her husbandSidney, a long-time faithful ministerin God’s Church, whom she metwhile serving as head of the HomeEconomics Department at theUniversity of Tennessee. She is sur-vived by her son Stephen, daughterTheresa Fenton (Niall) and twograndchildren. Mrs. Hegvold was adedicated servant of God whotouched the lives of thousands ofstudents and Church members in apositive way through her teachingand her wonderful example. Mr.Davy Crockett conducted her funer-al in her hometown of Pikeville,Tennessee, on December 21, 2006.

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The world watched with interest (and, perhaps,apprehension) last November when Pope BenedictXVI undertook his first excursion to a Muslim nation.The common thought was that the Vatican had largestakes riding on the visit, and that the pope had totread carefully.

However, if one takes a step back to look at Rome’slong-term goals for the future, the final analysis suggeststhe visit to Turkey was a “win-win” scenario for Benedict.

On one hand, the pope has stressed a desire for“reciprocity”—that is, he wants Roman Catholics inIslamic nations to possess the same expansive free-dom to worship and spread their faith that Muslimspossess in “Christian” nations. Seeing how desperate-ly Turkey—a generally secular Muslim nation—wish-es to be a part of the European Union (EU), thiswould be just the place to focus his effort to achievemajor concessions on this front.

However, the presence in Turkey of abject pover-ty and other factors that promote the growth of reli-gious extremism makes such concessions a “hardsell.” As a 43-year-old Turkish computer salesmanstated, “He’s coming to advance the ambitions of theChristian world. I don’t want him to come”(Associated Press, November 27, 2006). Commentssuch as this—as well as the many protests the pope’svisit inspired—only encourage the conclusion thatconcessions are, at best, very unlikely.

Yet, while it might seem like a failure if Turkeyrefuses to yield to the pope’s call for increased reli-gious liberty for non-Muslims, this failure would actu-ally provide support for a different victory Benedict is

seeking: increased European resistance to Turkey’s bidfor EU membership.

The Vatican wants a Roman Catholic Europe—afact visible to anyone with eyes to see. Pope John PaulII strongly admonished a slowly uniting Europe toreturn to its Roman Catholic “roots,” and his succes-sor to the papal throne has previously offered strongwords in support of such an idea.

The Associated Press article cited above remindsus that in 2004, the man now called Pope BenedictXVI firmly stated, “Turkey has always represented adifferent continent, in permanent contrast to Europe.”In fact, he even encouraged Turkey to unite withneighboring Arab nations to form their own union(EUobserver, August 16, 2004)—exactly the outcomethat many Western politicians fear would transpireshould the EU reject Turkey. A very bold stance,indeed, in today’s environment—but bold stances areborn out of firm convictions, and Benedict is firmlydedicated to seeing a Catholic Europe come to pass.

Some commentators have noted that Turkey’sPrime Minster, Tayyip Erdogan, claimed that the popewhile in Turkey expressed his church’s support forthat nation’s entrance into the EU—an apparent rever-sal of Benedict’s previous stance. But a careful readingof the Vatican’s meticulously crafted official responseto Erdogan suggests another interpretation—that thepope will be glad to do what he can to help Erdogan’snation enter the EU—if Turkey continues to make theconcessions that have been demanded, which includeincreased religious freedom for the spread of RomanCatholicism in that nation. Win-win.

NON-PROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE PAIDCHARLOTTE, NC

PERMIT NO. 4081

CommentaryTurkey Visit: A “Win-Win”

Scenario for the Pope

The above is adapted from one of the many commentaries, discussing vital topics facing our world,available at the www.lcg.org and www.tomorrowsworld.org Web sites.

By Wallace Smith

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