July/August 2006
PEARL OF GREAT PRICE
Precious gems are only of priceless value if they are few in number!
James Russell, Elder
Dear Brethren,
Late 1966 and early 1967 were eye opening years for me and my wife. This was when we began listening to a program called "The World Tomorrow," sponsored by the Worldwide Church of God. We were hearing for the first time someone who made sense out of the Bible!
It was not long after hearing a number of broadcasts that we requested the literature offered on this program. We also requested a free subscription to the "Plain Truth" magazine. Soon thereafter, we requested a visit from one of their local ministers. After several months of attending Sabbath services and Friday night Bible Studies, we were baptized in July 22, 1967.
This, our first spiritual love, occupied our thoughts day and night! We had found the pearl of great price. We were now on the Church mail list to receive the monthly member magazine called the "Good News." My wife and I could hardly wait to read and devour every word written therein and backed up by the Bible. From our very first delivered "Plain Truth" and "Good News" magazines to our last delivered ones [which we still have in our library today!], we realized we were receiving "the pearl of great price."
God’s word, His truth and our calling, was and is, a priceless gift that is valued at more than all the vast riches found in the universe. Yet, we have known many church brothers and sisters that would scantily read the "Plain Truth" or "Good News" magazines before sending it to the "round file" [waste basket!], leaving it to be hauled to the local dump site.
Christ warned His disciples in the book of Matthew, "give not that which is Holy unto the dogs, neither cast you your pearls before swine, less they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you" (Matt. 7:6). Dogs and swine are unclean animals! Here Christ is using unsavory names to depict slothful people who do not appreciate the value of what is being given to enhance their spiritual understanding of the Bible. They are, "ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Tim. 3:7).
For decades, thousands of individuals have received volumes of free magazines, booklets and literature without paying a penny for it! Have you ever wondered why Mr. Herbert Armstrong spoke often of those who "give" and those who "get"? There are converted "Givers" in the Church of God that understand the 8th commandment "Thou shall not steal" (Exo. 20:15), and there are "Getters" in the Churchs of God.
Here is something to think about: How many times does God have to call, before people will respond to His call? Once, twice, three times, how about ten times? We have sent out 106 editions over the past thirteen years of the "Prove All Things" magazines, plus thousand of issues of the "Postponement Another Mystery Of The Ages"booklet and special "Calendar" issues, yet we get the same results Isaiah did, "Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? When I called, was there none to answer?" (Isa 50:2). Can anyone still say that Biblical prophecies don’t come true? Listen to what the Lord continued to say through Isaiah, "I have spread out My hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walk in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; But you are they that forsake the Lord, that forget My holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number. Therefore will I number you to the sword, and you shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, you did not answer; when I spake, you did not hear; but did evil before Mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not. Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, My servants shall eat, but you shall be hungry: behold, My servants shall drink, but you shall be thirsty: behold, My servants shall rejoice, but you shall be ashamed: Behold, My servants shall sing for joy of heart, but you shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit. And you shall leave your name for a curse unto My chosen: for the Lord God shall slay you, and call His servants by another name" (Isa. 65:2,11-15).
It cannot be over emphasized that one cannot be at peace with oneself or with others of this world if he is not at peace with his Eternal Creator God first. One cannot be at peace with God if he does not know God or does not obey Him and is not willing to go through the narrow, difficult gate that leads to eternal life, "Enter you in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it" (Matt. 7:13-14).
We have the example of those who discarded their free magazine, booklets and literature and then lacked the character to request that their name be remove from the mail list. Common sense should have told them it takes money [the converted "givers" give tithes and offerings] to produce and send out the free magazines, booklets and literature to these people that comprise the "Ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth"group. The expression "ever learning," does not mean that they are continually learning more about the Word of God. Rather, it means that they are constantly delving into one church group after another [church hopping], but "never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." Those who are wise will put their heart into the tasks life brings him, in the realization that after death there will be no chance to make up for opportunities neglected in this life. "Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither you go" (Eccl. 9:10).
The "Prove All Things" magazine, "Postponements, Another Mystery Of The Ages" booklet, Special Calendar issue, Web Page articles and sermons are all provided to address problems and counteract doctrinal errors being taught in the various splintered churches of God. Christ asked God the Father to "Sanctify them [dedicated followers], through Thy truth: Thy word is truth" (John 17:17). Truth is a frequently used word by John. In its basic meaning, "truth" is that which corresponds to fact, not fables. God’s word has a sanctifying effect on believers. As we read it and obey it, we are set apart as servants suitable to be used as "tools" by God. There is a Biblical principle that says, those who are blessed with the heavenly gift of truth are not to disperse it lavishly to those who reject it (Matt 7:6). We are reminded by the Eternal God, [Be] "Not slothful in business; [but be] fervent in spirit; serving the Lord" (Rom.12:11). God knows the heart of the "getters," those who are looking for a free lunch! They are identified in the book of Revelation chapter 3: "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth. Because thou say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and know not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou may be rich; and white raiment, that thou may be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent" (Rev. 3:15-19). Jesus Christ, out of His own mouth, follows through with this thought when He encourages us in the first book of the New Testament. "Therefore be you also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over His household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when He cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That He shall make him ruler over all His goods" (Matt. 24: 44-47).
All called servants are responsible in the area of supplying the needs for the household of God. But not all who profess to be Christ’s servants are genuine. There are, after all, "sheep" and "goats"— "wheat" and "tares" (Matt. 13:24-30; 25:31-33). The wise servant is the one who is found caring for God’s works of truth that are to be given freely to those who are still striving to overcome and studying to became converted. Such a one will be honored with vast responsibility in the kingdom. God will truly make him ruler over all His goods.
THANK YOU for giving the Church Of God, In Truth the opportunity to serve you We pray the "Prove All Things" magazine Sermon tapes, Web page [www.postponements.com]~cogit/]"[http://flash.net/~cogit/] and the weekly Sabbath conference call and internet connection has helped you to come to a deeper understanding of "TRUTH" in your study of God’s WORD. Your thoughtful prayers and financial contributions in helping to further teach God’s laws [not man’s traditions] are deeply appreciated!!
Church of God, In Truth
Contact James Russell, Elder Or Pete Fleming, Elder
Tel: 951-737-0559 Tel: 830-335-5502
E-mail:cogit@flash.net E-mail:pmf06@gvtc.com
Spanish: Or Philippines:
Martin Martinez,Deacon Sotero Sonza, Deacon
Tel: 787-786-5856 Tel:063-33523-8729
E-mail:martin2k@onelinkpr.net soterosonza@yahoo.com.ph
Sabbath Telephone conference: 1-888-330-9937 after the beeps enter access code: 346041#, 11:30 AM Pacific time zone. Sabbath Internet Conference: www.postponements.com Click on live sermons, 11:30 AM Pacific time zone.
GOD’S FEAST OF TABERNACLES
Oct 5th, through Oct. 11th, Last Great Day Oct. 12, 2006
Greetings from the Church of God, In Truth. Once again, excitement continues to build when we talk about God’s Feast of Tabernacles.
For the eleventh year the Church of God, In Truth will be observing God’s festival at its appointed time in Branson West, Missouri. Branson West is about 10 miles west of the city of Branson, Missouri. The area overlooks Table Rock Lake with two other lakes near by. Lake Tannycomo and Bull Shoal. They are deep blue with their tree lined shore, an awesome sight to see.
The Ozark mountain country is bursting with activities. Do you enjoy fishing, boating, golf, tennis, walking trails or horse back riding? Maybe you prefer a dinner cruise at sunset on the showboat Branson Bell? There are many live entertainment shows in the town of Branson and the area is filled with restaurants of your choice. Plan to be there — Branson is family oriented and has something to offer everyone!
For more information to help you finalize your plans for the Feast with us, please phone, write or e-mail us. Church of God, In Truth
P.O. Box 2109
Corona, Ca. 92878-2109
Tel.: 951-737-0559
Fax: 951-279-7302
E-mail: cogit@flash.net