September 23, 2016 Brethren Letter
Dear Brethren,
Much has happened in God’s Church since Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong died January, 1986. Today, there are hundreds of Church of God groups with varying beliefs. These many groups don’t speak the same thing! “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (I Corinthians 1:10). God’s people have been scattered to many places!
I remember talking with a man several years ago who had been a Worldwide Church of God member. He questioned why I still believed the doctrines and judgments taught by Mr. Armstrong. He said to me, “Mr. Armstrong is dead!” It was his reasoning that since Mr. Armstrong was no longer living, that his beliefs (at least many of them), died with him too. I said to this man, “Yes, Mr. Armstrong is dead, but GOD ISN’T! THE TRUTH STILL REMAINS!” Think of it brethren, the apostle Paul is also dead, but that doesn’t negate what HE taught either. The TRUTH of God remains!
In the seventeenth chapter of John we read:
(16) They [Christ’s disciples], are not of the world, just as I [Jesus Christ], am not of the world. (17) Sanctify [set apart], them by Your truth. Your word is truth. (18) As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. (19) And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified [set apart], by the truth (John 17:16-19).
Nelson’s New King James Study Bible has this comment about John 17:17: “People’s opinions may vary, and experiences are notoriously untrustworthy, but God’s Word always remains true.” No statement could be more correct! God’s WORD is ETERNALLY TRUE!
How much do you love the TRUTH of God? Are you and I willing to stand up for the TRUTH forever, no matter the circumstances? A great reward is ahead for those who do.
(10) Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
(11) Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.
(12) 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 (Revelation 3:10-12).
We’re taught the following in III John 1:4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” We’re also shown in I Thessalonians 5:21 to, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”
Please have a wonderful Sabbath!
Your Brother in Christ,
Gary Liebold