Preparing For a Future That Currently Doesn’t Exist

 Last week, we had 2 mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and in Dayton, Ohio. The week before we had the same in Gilroy, California. This seems to be a trend in our society which I think all of us as God’s people look forward to ending with the coming of God’s kingdom.

Melissa MacKenzie, in an article entitled, “The Common Thread Binding These Mass Murders,” (The American Spectator, August 5, 2019), wrote of the shootings, “And none of this is a surprise. After every heinous murderous act, the media spins it and blames. It’s easier than admitting that the culture that they shape is spewing these monsters out at an alarming rate and something more than politics is to blame. In fact, these death eating humans seem to be a product of a culture that is at the same time wealthier, more technologically advanced, and scientifically sophisticated while being morally lost and spiritually empty.

The most important words from the El Paso killer’s writings are in this line:

... My whole life I have been preparing for a future that currently doesn’t exist.”

In focusing on the quote from the El Paso killer, “My whole life I have been preparing for a future that currently doesn’t exist,” one can only detect despair and hopelessness.

The encouraging thing that we can grasp onto in these tumultuous times is we have a sure hope, in the midst of a troubled world. We are preparing for a future which is certain to come into existence.

Note what the writer of Hebrews had to say in regard to the hope we have as followers of Jesus Christ,

• “And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end” (Hebrews 6:11)
• “That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil” (Hebrews 6:18- 19).

We have “fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.” We have hope in God’s promise to be with us now and hope that “a future” is to come in which mass shootings will be eradicated as righteousness will prevail under the rule of Jesus Christ.

God has given us the Sabbath as a weekly reminder that a rest is here for us now and will be available to all peoples after the return of the Lamb of God.

God has given us the fall Holy Days to remind us that Christ will return, set up His kingdom, Satan will be removed, God’s Spirit will be poured out on all people, and the way will be open to all mankind to become a part of the family of God.

Interestingly, as Christians we are preparing for a world that does not now exist. We can only see it in faith. Looking forward to the hope that is promised, we go about preparing each and every day we live.

Looking once again at the despairing quote from the article, “My whole life I have been preparing for a future that currently doesn’t exist” we know this young man, most likely, had no idea what God had prepared for him and all mankind.

Paul addressed this lack of crucial knowledge in 1 Corinthians 2:7-10, “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.”

God has revealed through His Spirit and His word that there is hope for this young man. There is coming a day when he will rise from the grave in the second resurrection and his eyes will be opened to God, God’s forgiveness, and the opportunity to be a part of eternity.

He never had a clue in this present life, but he will come to see what we see in hope at the present time.

While tragedy in many different forms goes on day after day, we have hope in God as anchor to our souls.

Rejoice in God’s Rest,

Gary Smith

Of Making Many Books There is No End

Reading has, throughout my life, provided many enjoyable and profitable moments. I have especially loved history and biography. For example, I am currently reading “Benjamin Franklin” by Walter Isaacson. I chose this book because I have taken an interest in the Founding Fathers of our nation.

So far, I’ve read about George Washington, John Adams, and Alexander Hamilton. All of the books have been enlightening in that I better understand these men and their successes and failures.

Yes, reading provides knowledge and entertainment, but in the greater scheme of things how does knowledge of the Founding Fathers profit me as a reader? As I consider all the time and effort I have put into reading, what is the profit?

To be honest, my reading has been entertaining and enlightening on a human level, but when God evaluates my reading will it matter that I know a lot about the Founding Fathers or any other subject?

The Bible has some interesting things to say about books and the pursuit of knowledge. Let’s examine a few passages that help us to put the reading of books in the right perspective.

Ecclesiastes 12:12 “. . . Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh.”

Adam Clarke in his commentary makes the following note on the reading of books,
“Two thousand years have elapsed since this was written; and since that time some millions of treatises have been added, on all kinds of subjects, to those which have gone before. The press is still groaning under and teeming with books, books innumerable; and no one subject is yet exhausted, notwithstanding all that has been written on it. And we who live in these latter times are no nearer an end, in the investigation of NATURE and its properties; of GOD, his attributes, his providence, his justice, and his mercy; of MAN, his animal life, his mode of nutrition and existence, and his soul and its powers; of JESUS, and the redemption by him; of ETERNITY, and what it implies as exhibiting to us the pains of the cursed, and the glories of the blessed. Of several of these we know no more than they who have lived five thousand years before us; nor do we know anything certainly by the endless books that have been published, except what bears the seal of the God of heaven, as published in that word which was declared by His Spirit.
(from Adam Clarke's Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1996, 2003, 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.).”

In other words, loads of books have been produced on every imaginable subject, but what long term contribution has the publication and reading of books produced? Sadly, not much. As Solomon says at the end of verse 12, “much study is a weariness to the flesh.”

Ecclesiastes 1:18 provides additional insight to Ecclesiastes 12:12: “For in much wisdom is much grief, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.” Solomon makes clear from this verse that we can acquire a great deal of knowledge about this physical world. In fact, Paul addresses people who put great effort into reading and learning, but there is something woefully lacking in the end. 2 Timothy 3:7 “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” or as Solomon said it “much study is a weariness to the flesh.”

Is reading and study wrong? As long as we are reading what is edifying, we are pursuing a positive path.

Available to us is God’s inspired word from which we can receive everything we need to be complete and fully equipped as members of Gods church (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible offers us something we can never gain from reading many of the books available to us.

Note what Solomon said as he comes to the end of the book of Ecclesiastes, “And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs. 10 The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright — words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. 12 And further, my son, be admonished by these (Ecclesiastes 12:9-12).

In summary, reading can be instructive and most pleasurable, but we have to realize that most of what we read does not contribute to the path to eternal life. But as we dig into God’s word we can be instructed, “goaded”, or built up by “well-driven nails.” The Bible being the most profitable reading we will ever undertake.

Have an enjoyable Sabbath,

Gary Smith

Congratulations! You Now Have a Degree in Opinions

I am reading Not A Day Care: The Devastating Consequences of Abandoning Truth by Dr. Everett Piper. The book caught my attention from the start so I thought I would share one of his observations about the current state of university education. Dr. Piper can speak with some authority on higher education since he is President of Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

He states, “Our universities are doing a tremendous disservice, both to students and our culture, by letting students think they can bend reality to fit their whims. In the real world, people don’t get paid to be selfish and disruptive, but rather, to be productive members of society. They are rewarded for cooperation and teamwork, not for dividing people because they have negative feelings about another race or feel offended by those from a different socioeconomic background. Our universities are producing a generation of Americans who are unable to function in the real world. We are quickly becoming a culture of Peter Pans, believing we can avoid reality in a Neverland of our own making. We’re encouraging students to embrace their selfish fantasies and to expect everyone around them to bend and submit to their narcissistic whims and personal prejudices. We have created a generation that expects to receive affirmation for every feeling they have and every emotion they feel. Objective reality doesn’t matter. Subjective opinions are king.

“Many of today’s universities seem content to give degrees in opinions, as opposed to degrees grounded in knowledge and the classical pursuit of wisdom, beauty, and truth. I once warned our graduating students of this danger in an Oklahoma Wesleyan commencement address:

Today we are all here to celebrate! You have made it. Over the next few minutes I’m going to give you a long-winded commencement address. . .. But after I’m done, I’m going to call you up to the stage. You’ll stand to my left and wait for your name to be called. Then you’ll march proudly across the stage. I’ll thereby, shake your hand, give you your diploma and whisper in your ear, “Congratulations! You now have a degree in opinions. “. . . That’s insulting isn’t it? I surely hope you got more than that from your college education! Today as you graduate, I do not care what your opinion is, nor should you care that much about mine. You did not major in opinions. I’m not going to give you a diploma in opinions. A good education is not about opinions. It’s about learning what’s true.

“Pol Pot, Mao, Robespierre, Stalin, Chavez, Hitler, Mussolini and all the despots of history had opinions—and it did not end well. Opinions always lead to slavery and bondage, but Jesus told us that the truth shall set you free. I surely hope if you majored in nursing that you have a little more knowledge today about of the truths of biology, physiology, and chemistry than you did before you came here. Because if you’re going to administer medication to me on the basis of your opinion, stay away from me. You are dangerous. If you’re going to design an airplane on the basis of your opinion, please tell me which one it is because it will never fly. Today we are celebrating truth, not your opinion. Now come and get your diploma” (Not A Day Care, Piper, page 15- 17).

As Christians, we are focused on the truth found in the word of God. The word of God is not opinion, but it is instead the truth (John 17:17).

We might ask ourselves this Sabbath, “Is my life based upon the truth or opinion?” Truth leads to life and opinion leads only to death. I hope we are all choosing life based on the truth.

Happy Sabbath,

Gary Smith

Comfort Your Hearts

Heresy is a most hurtful cancer that can ravage a church congregation. One of Paul’s purposes in writing to the Colossian church was to address the false teachings that had infected a portion of the people there. In his letter he admonished the hearers to "see to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ" (2:8).

Right teaching is essential to keeping God’s people on the right track. Paul recognized that sending a letter was helpful, but there was more that was needed. Paul saw that he needed to send someone to the Colossians to help them in addressing the spiritual challenges they were having.

Paul chose to send a man named Tychicus. Why would Paul choose to send this particular man? He speaks of this elder as “a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord (Colossian 4:7).

Paul referred to him as a “brother” indicating a closeness and a bond that had developed in his work as an apostle. He knew the character of the man he had designated to travel from Rome to Colossae. Paul also notes that he was a “faithful minister and fellow servant”. Paul, with these words, expresses that Tychicus has been trained in the faith and has proven that he would adhere to the faith in working with the Colossian church. In other words, he had great confidence in Tychicus being able to point the Colossians toward sound biblical teaching which would give them stability.

Finally, he points to Tychicus as being a servant to the people of God. Service is the hallmark of minister and Tychicus had obviously displayed that in working for Paul.

So Paul was sending Tychicus to the Colossians to relay to them what was happening with Paul in Rome and to find out how the Colossians were doing.

Additionally, Tychicus was to do something most important for the Colossian Christians. “I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts” (Colossians 4:8). Tychicus was to learn their “circumstances” and to “comfort” their hearts.

Being a part of a congregation in which there is heresy is anything but comfortable. It creates division and stress for the membership. Additionally, if the false teaching is not eradicated, it will inevitably lead to division.

Paul tasked Tychicus with comforting the hearts of the Colossian church members. He would do this by encouraging them, teaching them the truth, and refuting the errors that were being propagated in their midst.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 states, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” Our God is a “comforter” and He works in us through the Holy Spirit to become men and women who can comfort and encourage others.

Paul had seen Tychicus grow as a Christian and a minister. Knowing his qualities allowed Paul to confidently send this faithful man to provide comfort and encouragement to the Colossians.

Hopefully, we are becoming men and women who can comfort and encourage the hearts of others in the congregation.

Have a pleasant Sabbath,

Gary Smith

When Does a Baby's Life Begin? God Knows.

As the Sabbath approaches, I thought it worthwhile to
consider two marches held in Washington the first full week
of the new U.S. president’s term.

In looking at the two marches, one can see an immediate
contrast between those involved in the Women’s March on
Washington and the March for Life. In examining the two
groups there could be no more vivid example of the cultural
divide that plagues our country in 2017.

The women’s march on January 21 was characterized by
vulgarity, coarse language, and the primary goal of the
gathering was to ensure that abortion on demand continues to
be available. It is sad to see ladies taking pride in being called
“nasty” women and heartily endorsing the killing of potential
children of God before they have a chance at life.

In contrast, we have another group of people who gathered to
promote the right of the unborn to life. The demeanor of the
participants in the January 28th march was much more
positive. Interestingly, many people gathered for the pro-life
event were motivated by God’s word on the subject. The view
of many among them is that God is the giver of life and He
alone has the right to give or take life.

Sadly, the marches are over but the cultural war will continue.
But if the Bible were the guide there would be no abortions
and Roe vs. Wade would be superseded by God’s truth on the
matter.

One great question that arises out of this controversy is,
“When does life begin?” Consider the example of Jesus Christ
in this regard.

Consider that the one we know as Jesus Christ dwelled in
heaven throughout eternity as John 1 makes clear.

But it was God’s plan to send a Savior in the likeness of men
in order to save man from the penalty of sin. God’s plan to
send a Savior was instituted immediately after the sin of Adam
and Eve (Genesis 3:15).

At the right time in His great plan of salvation, God sent His
son, in the likeness of flesh, to redeem mankind of the death
penalty because of sin. “But when the fullness of the time had
come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under
the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we
might receive the adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4-5).

The Apostle Paul tells us that the Messiah, Jesus Christ, was
an eternal being inhabiting eternity with God the Father. But
the one who became the Son of God was willing to let go of
being God in order to enter human realm (Philippians 2:6-7).

So, we find that Jesus Christ had eternal life. Yet He was
willing to place His very existence in the hands of the Father
to bring about a transference from being at the Father’s right
hand to life in the womb of Mary.

How did Jesus’ life begin in Mary’s womb? Luke 1:34-35
explains how this came about, “Then Mary said to the angel,
“How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel
answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon
you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you;
therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called
the Son of God.”

The scriptures equate the Holy Spirit with the power of God,
and the power of God with the Holy Spirit. It is through God’s
power that the life of Jesus Christ began in the womb of Mary.
Mary supplied the ovum and God supplied the rest. What God
began in the womb of Mary was not some glob of tissue, but
the life of the one who would become the Savior of the world.

If we look to the example of Jesus Christ’s, we see His life
began in the womb. The womb is where all human life begins
as well, at conception.

Sadly, at this time, there is a controversy, a cultural divide
over when life begins. Someday, there will be no marches in
Washington, D.C. But mankind will come to know that life
begins at conception and every baby is a potential member of
the family of God.

Gary Smith

7 Principles of Bible Study

A most pleasant Sabbath to all. As we have been considering
the basics of our walk as Christians, prayer and Bible study, it
was recommended we provide additional input on various
Biblical verses which will serve to edify the congregation.
The short presentations will supply a verse or short passage
along with an exposition of that verse or passage. I hope you
find these Biblical presentations helpful.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.

Jude calls for returning to "the faith which was once for all
delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). We have a chance to do that
now, and once we have submitted to the Bible's authority, we
can teach it to others (Ephesians 4:11-16; Hebrews 5:12-14).
But in our zeal to contend for the truth, we cannot forget a few
basic principles of Bible study.

1) Here a little, there a little (Isaiah 28:9-13): God did not
organize the Bible so that all information on a given subject
falls in one chapter or book. The whole Bible must concur
before we can truly call a theological concept "truth."

2) A positive approach (Acts 17:11-12): God left us a
wonderful example of a people who sought to prove the truths
of God rather than disprove them. He can work with those
who have submissive minds, receptive to His revelation.

3) A desire to please God (II Timothy 2:15): Our study should
be intended to merit God's approval of our lives. He is not
impressed with scholarship or intelligence, but He does
respect godly living and spiritual growth (Psalm 111:10; II
Peter 3:18; I John 3:22).

4) No private interpretation (II Peter 1:20-21): The Word of
God and the understanding of it are revealed by the Holy
Spirit (I Corinthians 2:6-16). Any personal understanding or
interpretation must agree in all points with the Bible, or spring
without violence from its principles (cf. II Peter 3:16) -
otherwise an idea is nothing more than an opinion and maybe
a dangerous one.

5) Humility (I Corinthians 8:1-3): It is a good idea to
remember that many others, probably wiser, have faced the
same questions before us. The history of the true church of
God through the centuries should be considered and the
decisions of its leaders taken seriously.

6) Seek counsel (Proverbs 24:6): Not only should one bring
vexing questions to the ministry, but one should also seek wise
advice from brethren, both inside and outside one's normal
circle of friends. After mentioning it to others, give them time
to study the subject thoroughly themselves and reply before
drawing any conclusions.

7) Prayer and meditation (Psalm 119:33-40, 97-99): Seeking
God's will and considering the ramifications of our ideas are
absolutely vital to proper Bible study. Others, weaker in the
faith, may not be able to survive our "spirituality" (I
Corinthians 8:9, 11-13).

If we apply these principles to our Bible study, we will be
heeding the advice of our Elder Brother, "Take heed that no
one deceives you" (Matthew 24:4).

Gary Smith

Truth Is Fallen In The Street

The prophet Isaiah was inspired to record for us the spiritual
condition of the people of Israel.

A passage that is especially applicable to 21st century America
is found in Isaiah 59:13-15, “In transgressing and lying against
the Lord, and departing from our God, speaking oppression
and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of
falsehood. Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands
afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot
enter. So truth fails, and he who departs from evil makes
himself a prey.”

Consider the issue of truth in light of the current contest for
the presidency of the United States. Each day it seems there
are more lies, denials, and attempts to hide the truth. The saga
that has unfolded with the Hillary Clinton email scandal is a
vivid illustration of what happens when one fails to tell the
truth.

Imagine how sure of a position Mrs. Clinton would be in at
present if when the news of the private email server broke, she
admitted the error and told the truth about what she did. It
would have ended the matter at that point.

Sadly, by lying about the matter, scrubbing the server,
destroying phones and seeking to obliterate the evidence it has
spurred a deeper pursuit of the matter. The process of digging
for the truth has exposed lying on many levels and jeopardized
Mrs. Clinton’s bid for the presidency.

Isaiah points out that the lack of truth among the people of
Israel had reached the point where they were speaking from
the heart when they uttered falsehoods. As lying is a standard
operating procedure, it reaches a point where the truth is no
longer important. Lying is just a means to self-protection,
self-preservation, or the accomplishment one’s selfish desire.

Who cares about the collateral damage that comes from
falsehood?

The collateral damage that stems from lying is that justice and
righteousness, which depend upon truth, are difficult to find.
Justice which should be fundamental to the legal system is not
attainable when lying is widespread. We only have to look at
the F.B.I.’s handling of the email server matter to more fully
understand what Isaiah is talking about.

When a society reaches the level of corruption described by
Isaiah, the person who tells the truth and departs from evil
makes himself a prey or target.

People tend to completely forget that God is quite aware of a
society’s condition. We are given God’s view in Isaiah 59:15-
16, “Then the Lord saw it, and it displeased Him that there
was no justice. He saw that there was no man, and wondered
that there was no intercessor; therefore His own arm brought
salvation for Him; and His own righteousness, it sustained
Him.”

God sees the falsehoods which contribute to a lack of justice
in our nation.

More importantly, God notes the sorry condition in which a
society finds itself when there is a lack of truth. God in verse
16 notes that “there was no man” who would correct this
problem. In fact, where it says that He “wondered” that there
was no intercessor, it could be translated “He was appalled”
that there was no intercessor.

This verse tells us all we need to know about the election of a
president. No matter who is elected they are not going to
correct the problem of lying. No matter how much enthusiasm
a presidential candidate inspires they do not have the power to
correct such a fundamental problem as truth failing to be a
society’s standard.

Our only hope is referred to in Isaiah 59:20-21, ““The
Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those who turn from
transgression in Jacob," says the Lord. “As for Me," says the
Lord, "this is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon
you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not
depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your
descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants'
descendants," says the Lord, "from this time and
forevermore."

In other words, our Redeemer will bring us to repentance,
redeem us from our sins, and God’s words—the truth—will be
in our mouth forevermore.

Happy Sabbath

Gary Smith

Trials - God's Good and Perfect Gifts

As this Sabbath arrives, Thanksgiving has come and gone, but hopefully the concept of thankfulness is still on our minds.

As I ended last week’s Sabbath Thought, I referenced James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” When James says that God is the Giver of every good gift, what is included?

In considering the significance of this verse, we need to consider the context of what the Apostle James is saying. The context goes all the way back to verse 2 of chapter 1, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” It’s hard for us to believe that trials and tests, whatever they may be, are to accepted with joy.

Why should we count trials and tests with joy? He tells us in James 1:3-4, “Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” Trials and tests challenge our faith. Do we believe in God and His word? Will we follow it when we are under pressure? Will we follow it when it is hard? Do we believe in God and His word enough that we will do what is right regardless of the temptation to sin or compromise in some way?

As those called out of this world, we have been given a vantage point that allows us to be ever aware of God and His plan being worked out here below. It is working every moment of every day. It is working when we rise up, throughout our work day, and in the evening when we return home. Throughout each day, we are challenged by other drivers, by sales clerks, by our bosses, by our spouses, by our children, and by our enemies. How will we deal with them? Will we deal with them based upon our faith and God’s word? Or will we deviate from the faith and handle matters in our own way which usually leads to sin.

God is the one who established the world in this way. He set it up this way because if we did not face the trials of life that challenge us we would not grow. With the “various trials” God’s work in us would have no chance of “being perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

Interestingly, in this context, James also says, “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren” (James 1:16). What he is telling God’s people is that when we face trial it may seem easier, better, wiser to compromise with the faith. To compromise with the truth of God, the faith, is a deception. The only outcome of doing things our own way is sin and death (Proverbs 14:12).

With these things about trials in mind, we might say that trials are among God’s good and perfect gifts to His people. They are a part of the human realm because God, as the Giver of the gifts, desires our enduring the trials in order that we can be made perfect and complete. As God’s work is completed in us, we will be given eternal life.

What trials do you face at this time? Do you count whatever trial or trials you are currently enduring as good and perfect gifts from God above? If that is not your vantage point, consider taking the time to look at your life from this perspective. Even trials are a gift from God for which we should give thanks.

Enjoy God’s gift of the Sabbath.

Gary Smith

Preaching the Gospel

As the Sabbath day arrives, I would like us to consider “the preaching of the Gospel.”

When Jesus began His ministry, He began to preach a particular message. Mark mentions this in Mark 1:14-15, “Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel."”

After His death and resurrection, Christ re-emphasized the work that the Apostles were to carry out, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen (Matthew 28:19-20). Clearly the Apostles were to carry on the work that Christ began in Galilee. They were to preach the gospel message of the soon coming kingdom of Heaven. They were to make disciples, which can only be done by teaching the truths of the Bible. These verses emphasize repentance since one can only have their sins washed away in the waters of baptism upon repentance.

Did the Apostles preach the gospel? We only have to look at what happened on the day of Pentecost in 31 AD. Acts 2:38-41 “Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call." And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation." Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.”

The Gospel was preached. Disciples were added to the Church by God and congregations were established throughout the world. For a time, the Church of God enjoyed a relative freedom to preach the truths of the Bible and to meet the Roman Empire and beyond.

However, by the end of the 1^st Century, distortion of the truth and persecution upon the Church had begun. By 325 AD, with the decisions of the Council of Nicaea and Roman Emperor, Constantine, God’s people had to go into hiding for better than 1280 years. At the end of that time, the door was slowly opened for the Church to go forward to openly preach the Gospel.

For those of us associated with the Radio Church of God and its later manifestation, the Worldwide Church of God, we have lived in a remarkable time. A hundred years in which there has been relatively little suppression of the truth. It has been a time when the church could proclaim the Gospel to the world, over the airwaves, on TV, and in print. It has been an era in which the Church could meet in peace without fear of oppression.

On Friday, June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court decided a case legitimatizing something that is condemned by the scriptures. It opens the door for actions to be taken against those who wish to follow the scriptures.

Some questions:

• Will we be able to meet in peace while holding fast to the truth?
• Will we individually and collectively come under attack because our religious beliefs?
• Will we be able to hold jobs where we are forced to accept something we know to be in opposition to God’s way of life?
• Most fundamentally, can we continue to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ if we can no longer preach the message of repentance from dead works?

Pandora’s Box has been opened and there is no putting what has been unleashed back in the bottle.

Will we follow the Apostles admonition as we go forward in preaching the truth even if we are threatened and persecuted? Note what Peter and the other apostles said in response to the religious authorities seeking to suppress the truth, “We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him." (Acts 5:29-32).

How the future will unfold exactly is unknown, but all of God’s people must be aware that on June 26, 2015 we crossed a threshold that can only bring challenges for God’s people.

We especially need God’s protection, wisdom, and guidance as we journey on to the Kingdom of God.

Stay focused on the hope we receive every Sabbath day and may God hasten the reality that the Sabbath portrays.

Gary Smith

Mardi Gras - An Excuse for "Christians" to Sink Into Drunken Debauchery?

Being out and about this week, I was oblivious to two significant events going on in the Christian world. As a result of going to Galveston to take care of some Feast of Tabernacles business, I became aware that Tuesday, February 17, 2015 was a big day for both Christians and non-Christians. Galveston was in the midst Mardi Gras festivities.

I was reminded of the second significant Christian observance when I came into contact with individuals who had a cross marked on their foreheads with black ashes. This cross on the forehead marked Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.

For many, the words Mardi Gras conjure up all sorts of images in our minds. We think of parades, floats, masquerades, balls, beads, doubloons, parties, king cake and revelry. New Orleans promotes it as “the greatest free show on earth”, and it is considered by most to be a good wholesome time of frolicking and fun.

Most people think that Mardi Gras came to us from the French, and that its history dates back only a century or so (The first “REX” parade in New Orleans was held in 1872). There are also accounts of some sort of Mardi Gras celebrations dating back to the early 1700’s (though those celebrations were little more than drunken brawls).

In actuality, the Mardi Gras celebration originated in the pagan pre-Christian celebrations of spring. Ancient Greeks would sacrifice a goat, cut its hide into strips and run naked through the fields while their pagan priests lashed them with the goat-hide strips. This was a part of their spring fertility rite to insure a productive harvest for their fields and increase the fertility of their flocks and women. The custom was degenerate, even by pagan standards, being a time of lewdness, immorality, drunkenness and revelry and was associated with the worship of the Greek god “Pan”.

“Pan”, besides being the Greek god of fields and pastures, was even more closely associated with cattle, flocks and herds than with agriculture. He was a fertility god and therefore always represented as crude, wanton, and lustful. He took the form of half goat and half man, having the legs, ears, and horns of a goat (the goat is the ancient symbol of Satan), but the torso, arms and face of a man.

The Romans, also thoroughly enjoyed this Greek festival. It was held each year in Rome during mid-February.

One writer says of this predecessor to our modern Mardi Gras: “It became known as “Lupercalia”, after the grotto on the Palatine hill where the festivals of the god PAN were held. The Roman aristocracy of the time preferred debauchery and licentiousness to legality and morality. Men donned women’s clothing, the better to abandon themselves to orgy; thus the masquerade tradition began.” (Errol Laborde, MARDI GRAS! Picayune Press, N.O.LA. p.33).

Another writes: “Most scholars see a relationship between present day Mardi Gras and the ancient tribal rituals of fertility that welcomed the arrival of spring. A possible ancestor of the celebration is the Lupercalis, a circus-like orgy held in mid-February in Rome.” (Arthur Hardy, NEW ORLEANS MARDI GRAS GUIDE, 1982 ed. p.9).

Obviously, the celebration was totally licentious. Though it is mistakenly believed that our present Mardi Gras celebration is of more recent descent, sociologists and historians trace the present celebration directly to these obscene pagan spring fertility rites. Of course, most of the elements attending the ancient pagan celebration: (i.e., the drunkenness, lewdness, men-masquerading-as-women, obscenity, nudity, etc.,) have survived and are still very much a part of the present Mardi Gras celebration.

Mardi Gras is the last chance for Christians to eat, drink, and revel before Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and the marking of the forehead. With the beginning of the Lenten season Christians are to fast (abstain from chosen item) for forty days.

It is hard to believe that a festive occasion characterized by eating, drinking, and debauchery can be considered Christian, but in a world under Satan’s sway it is not a problem.

What were your thoughts on Tuesday and Wednesday? Were they upon Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday?

Or were your thoughts upon those things that are biblical? More specifically, have we begun to think of the Passover? Have we begin to focus upon examining ourselves in order to be prepared to renew our covenant in the Passover ceremony described in 1 Corinthians 11 and John 13?

We are blessed to be able to know the truths of the Bible concerning the Passover and the Days of Unleavened. God’s festival plan will begin to unfold in just a few weeks. The coming festivals give us significant things to consider in the weeks ahead.

Perhaps we can use the Sabbath as time to study and consider the magnitude of the sacrifice of our Savior and be renewed in our commitment to God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Gary Smith