May 19, 2023 Brethren Letter
Dear Brethren,
Currently, I have been rereading Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong’s last written, all-important book, Mystery of the Ages. With Looking at the chapter entitled, “Mystery of the Church,” in tonight’s letter, I will send a few excerpts written on page 227, under the subheading, “Once Again: Why the Church?” (Emphasis mine).
Never lose sight of the setting that led up to the raising up of the Church. Keep in mind WHO and WHAT God is — the divine creating family, now reproducing himself in man.
Bear in mind further: In order for Christ to RESTORE God’s government over the earth, he would need with and under him a qualified and organized personnel of GOD BEINGS all having rejected Satan’s false way and having proved their loyalty to the government and righteous ways of GOD!
God’s CHURCH was designed in his supreme master plan to prepare that dedicated and organized personnel of GOD BEINGS. The Church, then, became God’s instrumentality for aiding him in bringing about the salvation to humanity.
Sadly, multiple thousands of people who were once part of the Church of God have lost sight of the BIG picture. However, as the Bible shows us, there are brethren who remain loyal and faithful. “…for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful” (Revelation 17:14). See also Revelation 3:7-13. We must remain dedicated, deeply love God’s TRUTH and refuse to let go of it. (II John 1:4; III John 1:4). Matthew 16:27 shows us the following… “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works [deeds].”
Brethren, these are serious times, the likes of which I’ve never experienced in my own personal lifetime. Some living today may have been alive during World War II. Remember, history does repeat itself. What lies ahead will even be far more frightening (Jeremiah 30:7; Matthew 24:21)!
I hope none us will turn a “blind eye” to reality, viewing today’s news headlines as having no relevant meaning! Events can happen very quickly! As I’ve said before, we CANNOT WAIT until some other day to strengthen our relationship with God!
I truly feel we have a responsibility from Christ to give to and serve the scattered faithful of God, wherever they are. I fully believe it is my duty as an elder to help get the Church ready for Christ’s return.
In closing, I’ll quote Malachi 3:16-17:
Then they that feared the ETERNAL spoke often one to another: and the ETERNAL hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the ETERNAL, and that thought upon His name.
And they shall be mine, says the ETERNAL of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels [special treasure]; and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him (Malachi 3:16-17).
Have a wonderful Sabbath everyone!!
Your Brother in Christ,
Gary Liebold