Are We Ready

Dear Brethren,

As each day goes by, we are one day closer to the return of Jesus Christ.  The countdown to the return of Jesus Christ is winding down.  The important question is, "Are we ready?"  For nearly two millennia, the true Church of God existed only in small and remote pockets.  Most of what Jesus taught, and what the first century brethren believed and practiced, was forgotten.  The true knowledge of salvation and the coming Kingdom of God was forgotten.  God's plan for mankind, was supplanted by a false gospel.

How many of us would know the good news of Jesus' coming back to this earth to establish the kingdom of His Father if it were not for one man?  Herbert W. Armstrong (1892-1986) died 18 years ago, today, after preaching and publishing the Gospel for over a half-century.  Where would we be if God had not used him in the way He did? 

God led him to begin to keep the seventh day Sabbath holy.  From the day that the neighbor lady challenged Mrs. Loma Armstrong on the Sabbath question, and Mrs. Armstrong, in turn, challenged her husband - he began to grow and learn.  Just like a baby learns to walk, one step at a time - sometimes stumbling - he learned, not only Bible truth, but more importantly, how to follow the lead of God's Spirit in his life in order to be able to grow in Godly character.  

He became recognized as a man of education and vision because of his response to God's working through him.  He visited more than 70 countries with the gospel message of the soon coming Kingdom of God.  He was honored by kings and heads of state around the world - in Europe, the Orient, Africa, and the Middle East.  But more importantly, the knowledge of God's way and truth, once again, abounds in the earth today as it did in the first century Church.

Brethren, this is not about him - he has run his course.  It is the Father who has called us to this way of life - at this propitious time.  We have been called out of darkness into that glorious light.  What are we doing with the talents we have received?  Let us consider for a moment what we have been given. 

There was a time when we believed that we had an immortal soul that went to heaven or hell when we died.  We believed in the Trinity.  We ate filthy food.  We went to church on Sunday, and we looked forward to Christmas and Easter.  There was a time when we could not have grasped the true meaning of conversion.  We did not know what it meant to totally yield our personal sovereignty to God's way.  We were incapable of making the commitment to obey God in all things. 

Then, we were given everything it takes to go on to perfection.  God restored the fundamentals to us.  All that is necessary for salvation has been restored to what is quickly becoming an aged generation.  God has given us a great deal of time.  What have we accomplished in the last 18 years?  Too many Church members have broken into opposing camps - wearing their favorite doctrine as a badge - supposing that their understanding of a particular set of scriptures will gain them entry into the Kingdom of God.  Brethren, knowing right doctrine is only one step in the right direction.  Here is another.

"Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.  No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us." (1John 4:11-12)

In the same way, Paul's writings gave the early Church all the answers they needed to work out their salvation.  And, like us, that era of the Church began to grow old - and something serious was still missing in them - they did not properly love one another.  It is clearly demonstrated today by our factions and separations.  Preaching or publishing the gospel to the world is insufficient of itself when members reject brethren from other fellowships.

"We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death." (1John 3:14)

John, the apostle of love, wrote of the element that was wanting in the Church as the first generation was both fading away and coming to spiritual maturity.  By that time, the early Church brethren, like us, were rich in their understanding of doctrine and law which defined righteousness.  God was giving them ample time to learn to apply agape love - that last full measure of Godly behavior toward each and every Christian.

"In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother." (1John 3:10)

Brethren, judgment is on us right now - we are being measured.  The question is not "what we know" as much as it is "who do we love" with an agape love?  To those of His people who literally did not find the time or opportunity to share their lives with others - even others who were hungry, thirsty, and needy - God will say, "Your type of love was too selective."

"He shall answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me." (Matthew 25:45)

Brethren, how much time do we have left?

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Sermon:

"Eternal Life"