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Proclamation of Jesus Christ |
Dear Brethren,
How many people remember peeling aluminum foil off
of gum wrappers in the 1940's to help the war effort? Not many - because
that generation is passing away. Another question: How many people
remember hearing the Gospel Message and Warning
that has gone to all the world for a witness? The answer is: In
2004 there are billions and billions who have not heard. Let us
consider what our focus, as Christians ought to be. It is three-fold in
nature:
First, the bride of Jesus Christ has to be prepared to
meet Him at His return. Have the people of God, become the holy, loving
and caring Christians that Jesus will marry? "...The marriage of
the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready... in
righteousness... Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage
supper of the Lamb." (Revelation 19:7-9)
Secondly, there is the fantastic news of a world of Godly peace just
around the corner. Sadly, as we have just seen, there are few who have
heard the announcement, and, fewer yet, who are truly looking forward to
God's Kingdom. "This gospel of the kingdom shall be
preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and
then shall the end come." (Matthew 24:14)
Thirdly, someone should be warning people of the utter
futility of where we, as a nation and world, are headed. People still
need to hear the importance of repenting, i.e., turning their lives
around. "Jesus came into Galilee saying, The time is fulfilled, and
the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the good news."
(Mark 1:14-15)
The people of God are not prepared. Nations are not receiving
the witness of the gospel. And, this world is not being
sufficiently warned. Obviously, brethren, we still have our
work cut out for us! What to do???
Besides, the life saving work of learning to treat one another as
brothers and sisters in Christ, we are reaching out, albeit in a small
way, to preach the gospel and warn the nations. This week we met with
the Program Director of KAAY radio to discuss the particulars. In the
early days of the work, Herbert W. Armstrong went out over this 50,000
watt clear channel broadcasting network - preaching the Gospel and
warning this nation, in great power.
It is not right to sit back and think that it is someone else's duty.
We, in turn, like the disciples, must preach the gospel for a witness
and a warning before the end. Jesus Christ also gave us (the called out
ones) our commission when He said, "Go ye therefore and teach all
nations." The purpose of the broadcast is to bring a
witness and a warning, not to get members. It
will be good if we are able to round up a few scattered brethren who
have lost their way. Perhaps those wayward members will find the kind
of caring fellowship that distinguishes the Body of Christ.
Our format will include pointing out this nation's rejection of God -
and the consequences to follow. We may not last long when we openly
speak out against homosexuality, abortion, and false religion - but we
pray God's will be done. "Cry aloud, spare not,
lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their
transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." (Isaiah 58:1)
Even though we are very small, we have to give it our best shot. Those
with the major resources may be motivated into like action, as well.
That would be a good thing! Who knows, maybe this is what God has in
mind for us to do? God is going to get the job done - that is
for sure! Who will do it? We must speak out - we have to.
"For if thou altogether hold thy peace at this time, then shall
there enlargement and deliverance arise...from another place; but thou
and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou
art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14)
The program will hold out the hope of survival during the time of
distress and tribulation ahead, for those who repent and trust in God.
Is God through calling all those He intends to call at this time? It
does not seem so. Perhaps there will be those He calls at the
last hour to be a part of the first resurrection.
"The kingdom of God is like unto a master of the house, who went out
early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. And about
the last hour of the day he went out, and found others
standing idle, and said unto them, Why stand ye here all the day
idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He said unto
them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall
ye receive." (Matthew 20:1,6,7)
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Sermon: |
"Melchizedek - High Priest" |
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