April 29, 2022 Brethren Letter
Dear Brethren,
Greetings to all of you! Pentecost is just a few weeks away and has such a tremendous meaning for God’s FIRSTFRUITS!
I have some very exciting news! The first issue of our new digital magazine, The Lantern of the Scattered Faithful, has been completed, and is now posted on our Church website (cogsf.org).
There are some very excellent articles with titles such as, “The Lighted Lantern” (by Mr. Corey Smith), “Hold Fast – To What?,” and “A Smart Connection” (both written by Mr. Charlie Culpepper), along with my “Personal,” and an article entitled “Pentecost and Firstfruits.” Currently, we’re planning on producing four issues of the magazine annually, but we may produce even more issues as time permits and other writers are potentially added.
Thank you so much for your support! Spiritually, we’ve grown together as a FAMILY in these last twelve years since COG-SF began (shortly after Pentecost, 2010). It’s wonderful to have this opportunity to serve, and to yield ourselves to God and Christ.
Please have a good night’s rest!
Sincerely, Your Brother in Christ,
Gary Liebold
P.S. Tonight, I’m also including an article I wrote previously on the subject of our being “SPIRITUAL PILLARS”.
August 14, 2020
Dear Brethren,
Following the death of Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong in 1986, doctrinal changes began to take place in the Worldwide Church of God. At first, many of God’s people were not aware of the changes. However, in time, the changes
became more evident. Early in 1991, it was revealed in the Worldwide News that the Church had “new understanding” on what it means to be “BORN AGAIN.” This new doctrinal “understanding” was not some minor change. It was a MASSIVE departure from the TRUTH of GOD! (I Timothy 4:1-2.)
After that specific doctrinal change took place, I asked a local elder if he would join me at a restaurant for pie, coffee, and good conversation. Since this was the first time I had ever mentioned about going to a restaurant to talk, he seemed a bit dubious, but agreed to meet me. Considering the doctrinal changes taking place, I wanted to see if he could shed any light on what was happening in the Church. He listened to my thoughts, and we talked for several hours that evening. He never condemned any of my words or my beliefs (as taught by Mr. Armstrong). Interestingly, he didn’t express any of his own views either.
As we left the restaurant, he said, “Gary, there are pillars supporting this building and there are very few of them. THEY ARE PILLARS! No matter what happens in this Church, REMAIN A PILLAR, and you’ll never go wrong!” I felt his words were almost profound! Knowing him as I did, I seriously doubt he ever accepted any of the unscriptural changes that took place. Eventually, he left the Worldwide Church of God and stayed home alone. To my knowledge, he never attended anywhere again. I do not know if he believed his own words about REMAINING a “PILLAR,” but I know that his words meant something important to me!
In Revelation 3:12 we read:
“He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.”
Here is a comment found in the original Ambassador College Correspondence Course (Lesson 42), about the “Pillars” of Revelation 3:12…
Responsibility as “pillars” is what God promises to those in God’s Church today. Each can qualify to be SPIRITUAL PILLARS OR LEADERS — THE MAIN SUPPORTS IN THE “CHURCH” SYMBOLICALLY CALLED “TEMPLE” IN REV. 3:12 FOR ALL ETERNITY. A PILLAR IS A MAIN SUPPORT IN A TEMPLE!
A spiritual PILLAR is a main support that lasts. Isn’t that what Christ wants us to be… PILLARS? There’s a glorious reward ahead for those who remain loyal and faithful!
In Mystery of the Ages (page 230), we read some very important words.
The Church is the called out (from this world) begotten children of God. It is the Body of Christ (I Cor. 12:27; Eph. 1:23). It is the spiritual organism that shall be the “Bride of Christ” — after its resurrection to immortality. Then it shall be married to Christ! It is the spiritual TEMPLE to which Christ shall come at his second appearing (Eph. 2:21).
“Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace” (Romans 11:5). Reading this scripture today in the context of all that has taken place since Mr. Armstrong’s death should impact us even more NOW. Once again, being a pillar or main support in the spiritual TEMPLE forever, is a LASTING, ETERNAL REWARD. “Everyone will hate you because you are committed to me. But the person who patiently endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22 GWT).
Please have a wonderful Sabbath Day’s rest!
Your Brother in Christ,
Gary Liebold