August 7, 2020 Brethren Letter
Dear Brethren,
“Never believe anything in politics until it has been officially denied.” (Otto Von Bismark)
That’s a very interesting quote! Sadly, this phrase has much truth in it! With the U.S. presidential elections less than ninety days away, the airwaves are filled with words like “mental acuity”, “racist,” “liar,” “xenophobe,” and “latest polls” to name a few. That is politics, isn’t it?
Man has proven for 6000 years that he cannot rule himself. Soon, Christ will return to this earth, and every POLITICAL viewpoint (“left-leaning” or “right-leaning”), will cease. Words like “Republican” and “Democrat,” will only possibly be found in the history books.
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this (Isaiah 9:6-7).
I’ll end my letter with what Mr. Armstrong wrote in 1984. It was a time when other presidential candidates were also running for the same office.
Please have a wonderful Sabbath!
Your Brother in Christ,
Gary Liebold
WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA 91123
HERBERT W. ARMSTRONG
President and Pastor
October 21, 1984
Dear Brethren and Co-Workers with Christ:
In about one hour the final great debate for the Presidency of the United States will go on the air. Millions of voters are excited, for this debate may decide the trend of government over us for the next four years.
Thank God, he has called us OUT of this world and its politics. But God says he sees and watches what men do in this world — and we also are observers.
But this is not God’s world, and even the so-called great and strong leaders seem to be all gone now. There are no more Abraham Lincolns, Teddy Roosevelts or Winston Churchills — none fully competent to run this country. Let us pray that whatever the leadership, God will move to keep doors open for HIS GOSPEL to continue right up to the time when God says there shall be a famine of any longer hearing the Word of God.
Whoever is President, the nation’s woes, unsolvable problems and escalating evils are not merely the President’s fault. The troubles result from the WAY people as a whole are living.
But God does place the blame. In Jeremiah 50:6 God says, “My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray.” And in Ezekiel 34:10, “I am against the shepherds, and I will require my flock at their hand.”
This morning I heard several religious programs on TV. Just ONE VOICE cried out with the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. All others spoke sentimentally and emotionally about how Jesus “loves you,” and IF only you will accept and receive him (NOT ONE MENTIONED REPENTANCE OR CHANGE OF WAY OF LIFE), then he will not remember your sins. The obvious meaning was that Jesus APPROVES your sinning, and will overlook it and the WAY you are living, if only you will be gracious enough to ACCEPT him. One altar call came with the sentimental song, “Just As I Am” — sins and all — Jesus will save you if only you will accept him. But they were preaching a FALSE and COUNTERFEIT Jesus, and a gospel of MAN about their false Jesus.
But one voice proclaimed the same Gospel Jesus himself did — the good news of the KINGDOM OF GOD. The others all obeyed Isaiah 30:9-10: “This is a rebellious people … which say to the seers See not; and to the prophets [preachers] Prophesy [preach] not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits.”
YOU are Co-Workers with Christ in thundering out the TRUE MESSAGE without pulling any punches. More and more TV stations must proclaim Christ’s TRUE Message IN GREAT POWER! The circulation of The PLAIN TRUTH must continue its remarkable growth carrying that Message to more and more millions of people…
With much love, in Jesus’ name,
Herbert W. Armstrong