Work of God

Dear Brethren,

Since the death of Herbert W. Armstrong, God's people have experienced  many spiritual challenges.  Doctrinal changes became rampant.  Many brethren grew to distrust church rule and authority of any kind, while others sought to find that "One Man" that God would put into Mr. Armstrong’s place.  Factions developed in the Church, setting brother against brother.  Many who refused to accept the massive doctrinal heresy were separated from one another.  Fear and confusion resulted.  All too many of our brethren were deceived into believing that those in other organizations were “the enemy”, and began to shun them.

But who is the real enemy?  Who has been working hard behind the scenes to divide the brethren?  Who has a plan to turn  everything upside down that God promises to accomplish?  It is our great adversary, Satan, the devil.  He is jealous of mankind - especially of God's called-out ones.  Satan believes he can thwart God’s Plan of creating sons and daughters who will ultimately inherit the universe.  Satan is responsible for the division among the brethren.  Many have become discouraged, thrown up their hands, and have walked away.

One of Satan’s prime teachings is the "survival of the fittest."  He knows that our own pride is a major weakness.  He preys on those who look to their own strength and rely on their own intuition.  The Apostle Paul explained the opposite - Christian reliance on Jesus Christ this way:  "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."  (2Corinthians 12:10)

Man accomplishes nothing - and tries to take credit for everything.  The Bible defines the Work of God.    Do we know what God's definition of "The Work" is?  "Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the Work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent." (John 6:29)

Humanly speaking, everyone wants to be a part of a special "Work," one that has a special meaning - because we want purpose for our lives.  It becomes wrong when we begin to think we are more righteous than other brethren.  For example, if we want to go to the Place of Safety at the exclusion of others - how does the love of God abide in us?  It doesn't.

Another tactic Satan uses effectively is to turn the service of the ministry into lordship over the brethren.  Jesus said that was the way of the gentiles.  Instead of lording it over people, the ministry, as servants of Jesus Christ, should be bringing happiness into families.  "Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy." (2Corinthians 1:24)

Satan's deception will increase more and more as we approach the day of the Lord's coming.  The tests will no longer be little things like, "It's okay to eat pork chops."  If we fail at a test like that - what will we do when "the very elect will be deceived, if it were possible?"  Thankfully, it is not possible for all the brethren to be deceived - because God's Plan will prevail.  But, how many will fail the test?

Satan has been stirring up ministers to operate on the premise that the ends justify the means.  Jesus never operates that way!  Those ministers that set aside Godly principles are not serving God.  They lie and threaten.  They promise great exploits - even miracles.  They fail to teach the brethren how to live as Christians - while lining their pockets and feathering their nests.  "And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you."  (2Peter 2:3)

As Satan tempts and tries God’s people, the war in heaven may well be at the threshold!  As we know, God will defeat Satan and cast him back down to the earth.  "The great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth."  (Revelation 12:9)

Brethren, we need to heed the warnings about the great deceptions and persecutions that lie just ahead of us.  When his power is unleashed, Satan will seem to be Jesus Christ, Himself!  Let's put the Bible into practice in our everyday lives.  Let's not be caught up in movements that say, "We'll prove that God is with our group."  Don't seek to be mighty.  The true people of God have only a "little strength" at best.  But, they do hold on to true Godly principles.  The humble brethren become stronger in Godly character and their steadfastness is seen by God.  Men who succumb to Satan’s principles of “the survival of the fittest” and “the ends justify the means” will ultimately be in the tribulation, unless they turn their lives around.

At this critical time, it is important for us to look to God for our strength.  We need to put aside feelings of competition between the groups and embrace all who have God’s Holy Spirit.  Let’s warmly receive all of our brethren.  We must be doing everything possible to really help one another in the faith.   Let's show ourselves friendly to all brethren.  Pray and fast that we will all see Satan’s works for what they are.

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Sermon:

"Tolerance"