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Happy Sabbath

The Difference Between True Repentance and Temporary Regret

 by Brenda Branson (Hanson, Kentucky) Copyright © 2004  In the story of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, there were two men who were sorry for their actions—Peter and Judas.  Peter truly loved Jesus and boasted that he would even die for him if necessary.  However, when Jesus was arrested and taken to the house of the high priest for a trial based on trumped-up charges, Peter’s resolve crumbled at the first taunt from a servant girl who recognized him as one of Jesus’ followers.  Peter boasted a bit too loudly and trusted in his own strength to get him out […]

The Christian Sabbath

by Catholic Mirror 1893 (Baltimore, Maryland) CATHOLIC MIRROR–BALTIMORE, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1893(From page 8 of the Catholic Mirror of Sept. 2, 1893) THE CHRISTIAN SABBATHTHE GENUINE OFFSPRING OF THE UNION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH HIS SPOUSE. THE CLAIMS OF PROTESTANTISM TO ANY PART THEREIN PROVED TO BE GROUNDLESS, SELF-CONTRADICTORY, AND SUICIDAL                                                                                                                                                                                      Our attention has been called to the above subject in the past week by the receipt of a brochure of twenty-one pages, published by the International Religious Liberty Association, entitled,” Appeal and Remonstrance,” embodying resolutions adopted by the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists (February 24th, […]

The Holy Ghost

by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)  Someone wants to know about the Holy Ghost. What is the name of the Holy Ghost? Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  My understanding at this time is that there is no name for the Holy Ghost or the set-a-part spirit. My understanding is that the spirit of the Heavenly Father could be likened to the electricity that flows through a power line.  “Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of Yehovah […]

About Critical Race Theory

by Sue Hyatt (Tulsa, Oklahoma)  CRITICAL THEORY was first introduced in 1989 and has gained significant momentum since then. Here are 4 things to be aware of about this way of thinking. It is a THEORY, not a FACT. A “theory” is an idea suggested by some person. By their very nature, theories come and go. The Bible presents facts that do not change.It deals with GROUPS not INDIVIDUALS.It DIVIDES us; it does not UNITE us.It is a MARXIST strategy, not a BIBLICAL reality. God deals with each of us as an INDIVIDUAL, not as a member of a GROUP. You and […]

Was the Sop Leavened or Unleavened? (John 13:26-27)

by John W. Ritenbaugh (Lancaster, South Carolina)  A rule of Bible study is never to base a doctrine on the meaning of a Greek or Hebrew word, and this controversy is a prime example. It is true that artos, used in all of the gospel accounts for the bread eaten during the Last Supper, is the Greek word for “bread.” However, this word is a very general or generic term, much like the English word “bread” is. We use “bread” for everything from white to whole wheat to pumpernickel bread. We also use it for breads made of corn, barley, rye, spelt, rice, […]

Are Easter Celebrations OK?

by Royce Mitchell, Jr. (Manvel, Texas)  We are rapidly approaching that time of the year known to many as “Easter” but to those of us in the Church as Passover season. Many professing Christians believe that God is pleased with the keeping of Easter. Indeed, some of us in the Church see no harm in keeping it. But is that really what God expects from His people? And a better question might be “Do we care enough about what God thinks to conform our acts of worship to His will?” To answer these questions, we must first learn exactly where the Easter traditions […]

Does God Hate Love?

by Nathaniel Burson (Big Sandy, Texas)  Yes! What you have been taught by men today about love is a LIE, and God HATES IT! Understand, God does not hate TRUE, GODLY Love As a matter of fact, He IS love (1 John 4:8) but He hates DEAD Love! Allow me to explain what I mean by this. How to LoveIf you go to church, you are probably told every week to LOVE the brethren. And, more than likely you never hear what that love IS, or how to give it! You are probably told that love is simply showing concern […]

Physical Illness and Demon Possession

Physical Illness and Demon Possession (Part 1)by Don Esposito (Carteret, New Jersey)         There have been many misconceptions about mental illness and demon possession. As a matter of fact, there have been many misconceptions about healing in general. I want to, in this article, clear up from scripture some of these misnomers.       First of all, it is naive and wrong to assume that every person with mental health problems has a demon. I have personally been blessed by Yahweh to cast out demons from people over the years of my ministry on numerous occasions. I have also experienced and counseled […]

Junia, a Woman Apostle

(Copyright) by Dianne D. McDonnell (Arlington, Texas) Iron Sharpening IronIn regard to: Junia, a Woman ApostleArticle by Dianne D. McDonnellComments by John Taylor (Lyle, Washington)  First, the word episeemoi is only used twice in the NT and both are translated as notable, or note, not outstanding Matthew 27:16: “And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.” Romans 16:7: “fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who” Second, to claim she was an apostle is not quite accurate if one also claims she was outstanding and begs the question, if she was one of the greatest among them where are the […]

Does it Matter Where You Worship?

by B. L. Cocherell (Nevada)  Does the physical location where congregations of the elect assemble to worship God the Father have any positive or negative impact on one’s relationship with him or his Son? Does it displease the Father for his children to assemble to worship him in places dedicated to false religious systems or to other gods? In order to come to an understanding of the Father’s will about where one should and should not assemble to worship him, one must understand the instructions that the Creator God gave to the nation of Israel concerning how to deal with false […]

How To Spot a Batterer Before the Relationship Begins

by Brenda Branson (Hanson, Kentucky) Copyright © 2004  The following red flags are characteristics of an abuser.  This does not mean that everyone who demonstrates one or two of these qualities will end up abusing or battering their partners. However, these red flags should be taken seriously.  If someone you know demonstrates one or two of these patterns on a consistent basis, he has the potential to become a batterer. Superior attitude toward women. Does he think men are superior to women?  Does he feel he “owns” you and has the right to control your thoughts and actions?  Does he talk about women in […]

Delight in the Sabbath

by James McBride (United Kingdom)  The weekly Sabbath is for Christians a day in which to delight in God’s presence      “Sabbath rest” is a concept far removed from the hurly-burly of modern life. The day is, for most, consumed with a round of strenuous (or couch-potato) leisure activity or shopping or visiting – leaving no time for recovery from the weekly grind. Besides, the notion of a day set apart for religious purpose is simply old hat.      But what if you consider Sabbath observance important to your Christian walk? Is it a day to hibernate in gloomy solitude? A day […]

Were the Early Great Kings of Persia Israelites?

by Cam Rea (Kendallville, Indiana)  The Achaemenid dynasty’s foundation is based on a man by the name of Achaemenes. Not much is known about the man himself. However, he is considered the eponymous founder according to the Behistun inscription of Darius I listed in his genealogy. Cyrus the Great says nothing on the Babylonian cylinder about the founder of their dynasty. However, Cyrus refers to himself as an Achaemenid on the inscriptions found at Pasargadae, but it is also debated whether the inscriptions are of Cyrus the Great as it could be quite possible that Darius I wrote those inscriptions […]

America – Under a Curse?

by Royce Mitchell, Jr. (Manvel, Texas)  Judging from what can be seen in the United States, some people sense that our nation seems to be under a curse. There’s good reason for that; the nation IS under a curse. How can I say that? Can I prove it? One does not have to be a prophet to see the curse coming. One merely needs to understand a few things. First, God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). Secondly, God does not change (Mal 3:6). What is this curse that God has pronounced on our nation? Here’s the first indication: Lev […]

Fret Not Because of Evildoers

by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)  In this world, which currently is Satan’s world, we see many things that strike a believer as being wrong or evil.  We see nation against nation threatening war.  We see crime from all walks of life; white collar crime involving millions and billions of dollars.  Sexual crimes of all kinds.  Violent crimes involving kidnapping, torture, murder, or injury.  We see corruption of governing officials all over the world establishing laws to subjugate their peoples.  Here in America, it does not seem to matter which particular party is in office; corruption and special interests often seem […]

How I Learned that the Spirit and Word Must Always Agree

by Eddie Hyatt (Tulsa, Oklahoma)  He was the perfect example of what happens when we neglect the Word of God in our pursuit of spiritual experiences. Without the ballast of God’s Word, we may well float away into a La-la land of false spirituality, and this was the case of this individual. My two friends and I encountered this strange little man while going door-to-door, offering to pray with people, and inviting them to revival services we were conducting in Kiowa, OK in 1972. We knocked on his door and he invited us into his home. We immediately noticed that his living […]

A pain in the ‘BUT’: even National Review? Say it ain’t so!

(Copyright) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan)  “The Trump movement often is described as a ‘personality cult,’ which it is, in no small part.” – National Review, 11/02/20, Kevin Williamson (also posted on Facebook) IT DOESN’T DO MUCH GOOD to preach to the choir unless the choir “shares” with their uninformed friends and relatives. So, to Biden voters I say, “You aren’t really thinking things THRU unless you look at both sides of the choice. You may say you’re for ‘choice.’ but do you really look at both sides of the coin?” Thank God for Tucker Carlson because parts of Fox News are going […]

Atlantis – what they don’t tell you

by Jonathan Gray (New Zealand) YES? WHERE? “Just where did it go down?” asked Dale. “Where did WHAT go down?” I asked. “Atlantis” that’s what,” responded Dale. He swatted a blowfly and continued. “Look, I’m hearing so many theories, but how much is true?” “You really want it direct?” “Sure.” “The truth is, all we have for Atlantis is a legend. Yet, where there is smoke, there is fire. Legends are usually based on a core of truth, even if the final story becomes garbled or embellished.” We went out under the big oak tree and sprawled on the grass. “Okay, come clean,” challenged Dale. “Very well,” I said, […]

Contending for a More Pure Flow of Prophetic Ministry

by Eddie Hyatt (Tulsa, Oklahoma)   Sue and I once stopped for the night in Pennsylvania coal country. I turned on the water to take a bath and it came out very dark. The water source was pure, but the pipes through which the water flowed were tainted with coal dust. And so, it is with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including prophecy. The Holy Spirit and His gifts are pure, but they flow through frail and fallible human vessels. In over 60 years of observing and participating in prophetic ministry, I have seen individual pride, personal doctrine, feelings, and misconceptions dirty […]

1 Peter 4:14-15

by David Antion (Pasadena, California) This particular one is a little technical. I don’t enjoy being technical but sometimes I have to do so in order to dig out and uncover the truth of the Scriptures. One of our obstacles, as you probably know, is that the Bible was not originally written in English. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and Aramaic and the New Testament was written in Greek. We have a task of uncovering not only what the Greek words meant, but also what were the customs and understandings of that time and in that culture. In […]

5 Reasons Genesis 3:16 is Not a Model for Christian Marriage

by Eddie Hyatt (Tulsa, Oklahoma) I was driving along listening to a Christian radio station on the car radio. A well-known pastor came on and announced that he would be speaking about God’s plan for marriage. I was shocked to hear him read Genesis 3:16b as his text. This passage, in our English Bible, reads, Your desire shall be for your husband and he shall rule over you (KJV). I could hardly believe what I was hearing. I found myself exclaiming aloud, “No! No! This passage is not about Christian marriage. This passage is describing the distortion of marriage as a result of […]

Explanation of Creation

by Ray Daly (Lincoln, North Dakota)             Gen. 1:1. “In the beginning, GOD created the heaven and the earth.  V.3.  “And GOD SAID, Let there be light.”            Obviously, the topic of this study centers on the word “God”.  Which word is likely the most misunderstood of all the words in Scripture.  Perhaps also, it is also one of the most misused words.  You know the questions.  “Who is God.  What is God”, and related statements.  For many, when they read the words “God created”, they believe and teach that, God Almighty simply “spoke” the words, and it came to pass.            […]

Climate-Hoax

by Richard Frates (Easley, South Carolina)  Climate change, being a problem, that mankind must solve, to prevent the climate, from killing us all: is a HOAX. Climate change is spring, summer, fall and winter. And God promises “climate change”, spring, summer, fall and winter, will – NEVER – change. Genesis 8:22 “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, will never cease.” Climate alarmist, and our ruling elites, are just looking for an excuse to place shackles, in the form of expensive and burdensome regulations, on the masses, to restrict and control their […]

“Unless You Change…”

by Royce Mitchell, Jr. (Manvel, Texas)        What is the lesson that Christ was trying to teach us about ourselves when He took up a little child in his arms and proclaimed that the disciples needed to become like little children? Was Christ trying to proclaim a message to us? If so, what could that message have been? Perhaps a look into the scripture in question would be a good place to discover an answer!      In Matthew 18, we find that the disciples had come to Christ with a question that had bothered them on more than one occasion. It […]

‘As It Was In the Days of Noah’

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh (Charlotte, North Carolina) Bahal was beginning to worry, since, as mayor, it was his job to worry for the rest of his remote, highland community. His wife, Chera, had remarked the day before that the rain was unusually heavy for this time of the year, but he had shrugged off her comment. Yet now, having endured three days of steady, heavy downpours, he felt the rain was something more than “unusual.” Earlier in the day, he had braved the pelting raindrops to check on his son’s livestock down the road. His son, Sair—off on his honeymoon with his […]

Our World

by Grigore Sbarcea (New South Wales, Australia)  This Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached to all the world as a witness to all nations, and then the end will come. Friends and Leaders Around the World:The respite from Europe’s and the worlds debt problems did not last long. Things only got worse. The perennial conflict between Israel and the Palestinians has been joined by the Arab rising nightmares. Global warming and climate change are marching on relentlessly. Widespread famines in Africa and elsewhere, and water shortages in much of the world, are now a fact of life; and this […]

All Hands on Deck

by Eddie Hyatt (Tulsa, Oklahoma)  After His resurrection, Jesus appeared first to a woman, Mary Magdalene, and sent her forth as the first witness and preacher of the Good News of His resurrection. His instructions to her were to “Go and tell My brethren” (Mathew 28:10). In other words, He required that His male disciples hear the Good News first from the mouth of a woman. This was significant, for the testimony of a woman was not allowed as evidence in either Jewish or Roman courts of law of that day. To send a woman as the first witness and […]

Death

by William P. Goff (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)  Now there are many churches out there in the world today, but only one true church. That church is defined as: “The Pillar and Ground of the Truth” (1Timothy 3:15.) If we want to find that church, we have to find the Truth, because Truth and Church go hand in hand. If we want to be a member of the True church, we have to Walk in Truth. Truth is also of utmost importance to us because Truth is how our Heavenly Father wants us to worship Him. (John 4:23 – 24.) Yes, our Heavenly Father […]

An Orwellian America is Defining the Nation

(Copyright) by Richard Markland  For decades Americans have been warned of a time in which George Orwell’s Novel “1984” would become a reality. The American people cannot say they have not been put on notice. Irreplaceable freedoms are being eliminated. The tactics used are invasive, immense in size and scope and without consideration for anyone or anything. The American people should be alarmed by what is taking place but there is not an understanding of what has become a frightening reality. There is a lack of foresight about what the future holds and a careless indifference towards how each and every person […]

After Pentecost, Then What?

by John W. Ritenbaugh (Lancaster, South Carolina)  Moses writes the story of the Israelites making the Old Covenant with God in Exodus 19-24. Most of the text of those six chapters is devoted to listing the terms of their agreement. The way the ratification of the covenant is presented in Exodus 24:1-8 can give the impression that the Israelites’ acceptance of the terms was almost casual. Perhaps they felt overwhelmed by God’s presence, and under the circumstances, they could only agree to it. They would have been truly inhuman not to be impressed with God’s overpowering presence on the mount. Moses, however, shows that they were […]

Fat Cats, Fat Cats

by Tawanda Ray (Hamilton, Alabama)  Fat cats, fat cats on faculty row,Don’t you see the fruits of the seeds you sow?One tithe, two tithes, three tithes… four?“Put your heart in the work and send us some more!” Salaries, expense accounts, service well spent.Never mind the little ones whose lives you’ve rent.“We are the head, you are the tail,Keep the money flowing, how can we fail?” “Be good little Christians and close your eyes.Sing your little songs and pay your three tithes.Don’t have an opinion and don’t make a fuss,Just hop on aboard and leave the driving to us!” (This poem has been updated […]

Who was Arsaces, First King of the Parthians?

by Cam Rea (Kendallville, Indiana)    The year is 248 BCE. The event: the Aparni tribe from the north along the Oxus River invaded the region of northern Parthia under the leadership of a man by the name of Arsaces. The result of the invasion was the establishment of the Arsacid Dynasty which would be known in our history books as the Parthian Empire.[i] This was the first time Arsaces was mentioned. But who was this man named Arasces and where did he come from? What we know about Arsaces is limited and obscure, and we have as little to work with […]

28th Amendment to the United States Constitution

Sent by Howard Naasz (Colorado)  An idea whose time has come.For too long we have been too complacent about the workings of Congress. Many citizens had no idea that members of Congress could retire with the same pay after only one term, that they didn’t pay into Social Security, that they specifically exempted themselves from many of the laws they have passed (such as being exempt from any fear of prosecution for sexual harassment) while ordinary citizens must live under those laws. The latest is to exempt themselves from the Healthcare Reform that is being considered…in all of its forms. […]

A Man Had a Dream

Sent by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan)  A man had a dream. His whole life passed before his eyes. He was on a beach and during the best times of his life, he saw two sets of footprints. The Lord said, “I was walking with you.” During the worst times of his life, the guy saw just one set of footprints. “Is that when you were carrying me?” the man asked. “No,” said the Lord. “That’s when you were sinning, and I couldn’t bear to watch.” And the guy says: “What about that long groove in the sand?” And the Lord says: “That’s when I […]

Why Do You Observe Saturday?

(Copyright) by John Currier (Douglasville, Georgia)         This is a fair question and one that is asked quite often of those of our faith. I mean, after all, isn’t Sunday the day that people are supposed to worship God? All the churches counting from the Roman Catholic Church right on through the Baptists, the Methodists, the Pentecostal churches, and even the Mormons and the Jehovah Witnesses observe Sunday as the day of worship. So, if all these churches say that Sunday is the day of worship, how can we claim otherwise?       Well, the answer lies in your Bible. Is there […]

The Truth about GOD’S CALENDAR

by Jamie McNab (England) The Truth about GOD’S CALENDARPart Oneby Jamie McNab (England) What is the truth about “God’s Holy Day calendar?” It is very likely that many of you will have been challenged over the past few years about the Holy Day calendar – and if you haven’t been challenged so far, you probably soon will be!! The story usually goes along the lines of: “The calendar that we have traditionally followed in the Church of God is a MAN-MADE CALENDAR. God originally gave the calendar rules to Moses, but the Jews have long since perverted those rules. The Jewish calendar we use today […]

One Small Step

by John Jewell (London, England) THAT’S ONE SMALL STEP FOR MAN! ONE GIANT LEAP FOR MANKIND! are the words uttered by Neil Armstrong as his left foot touched the surface of the Moon on 21st July 1969, as he stepped down from the Eagle landing craft which he had piloted and guided from the mother ship Columbia accompanied by Ed (Buzz) Aldrin, one of the two other crew members who had brought Columbia along with Eagle from their base at Houston in Texas. A further 10 astronauts in six more missions have travelled to the moon with the final, manned lunar […]

Color Blind Justice: Black Criminal Lives Matter – and More?

by Richard Frates (Easley, South Carolina)  Do Black Criminal Lives Matter – more than White Innocent Lives? George Floyd Died of a Drug Overdose. Why does a drugged 46-year-old black man get more Sympathy and attention by Media, Politicians and Black Leaders than Cannon Hinnant, a 5 year old White Boy Recently Killed when a Black Man walked up to the boy and shot him in the head in North Carolina? Answer: White innocent Lives Do Not Matter. Political Advantage Matters. Media, Leftist, NAACP and BCLM: Use Black Criminals as an OPPORTUNITY to Fill Blacks with Hate your white Neighbor […]

Are You Sure Leaven Is Symbolic of Sin?

by John Leitch (Canada)     Christ Defines the Meaning of Leaven.This writer finds it strange why people will lock into John’s definition of sin (1 John 3:4) but completely ignore Christ’s definition of leaven (Matt. 16:11-12).  Christ’s explanation of leavening in this case is doctrine (Strong’s #1322-didache- meaning instruction or teaching-Matt. 16:11-12. I believe a broader definition of leaven would be “something that causes change by its influence” and teaching is just one way. Teaching can be based on sincerity and truth (God the Father’s leavening) or can be based on deception and untruth (Satan’s leavening).  Teaching (or doctrine) in and by […]

Masons and Masonic Halls

by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)  “Is it acceptable for a member of the Body of Christ to also be a member of the Masons or any affiliated group?” and “Is it proper to hold Sabbath services in a masonic hall?” I was intrigued by the questions asked by someone if it was proper to be a mason or to have services in a Masonic hall.  Some years back I was able to procure a book written by Albert Pike in 1871 called Morals and Dogma.  Albert Pike was the one who wrote how the three world wars would come about (just […]

Questions Answered About Masons

by Keith Slough (Kannapolis, North Carolina) “Is it acceptable for a member of the Body of Christ to also be a member of the Masons or any affiliated group?” and “Is it proper to hold Sabbath services in a masonic hall?” First question:  A true Christian cannot be a Mason for TWO basic reasons.  To be initiated into the masons, you must believe and agree to the pagan doctrine of the immortality of the soul, andyou must be willing to take OATHS (forbidden by James 5) of secrecy.  As a true Christian we cannot do these things. Second question:   Why should there be a […]

13 Colonies; The 13th Tribe?

(Copyright) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan)  “America, conjointly with Britain, has a very important and noble part to perform in the affairs of humanity in the near future.” – Adam Rutherford, 1934 PETER SELLERS SAID that if you asked him to play himself, he wouldn’t know how to do it, because he did not know who or what he was. The same can be said about America and Britain today. We have lost our identity and our purposes in life. But if we did know our national identity, we wouldn’t be just sitting around watching our decline and fall. A friend […]

First Love

by Arlan Weight (Bismarck, North Dakota)       Just where is the church today? It has been only 15 short years since the death of Herbert W. Armstrong and how many splits and factions are there? Oh sure, some folks split off from the Worldwide Church of God prior to 1986, but that was miniscule compared to today. But why all the groups? What is it that makes us split up? And why all the Armstrong bashing?  It seems as though the church is in a confused state. Was Herbert Armstrong a false prophet?      All these questions and more deserve an […]

Wanted!

Sent by Darwin Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota)  Jesus Christ By the FBI, IRS, CIA, FDA, EPA, DNR, AF&T, NCC, NEA, USDA, AMA, SSA, MHA, ADL, NAACP, UNGC, & the USCG for the following crimes: Wanted by the FBI for teaching the people that there is a higher power and authority than Caesar or the state.Wanted by the IRS for failure to report income to the taxing authorities.Wanted by the CIA for causing political unrest at home and abroad.Wanted by the FDA for turning water into wine without a license.Wanted by the EPA for feeding a crowd of 5000 and threatening the environment.Wanted […]

Why We Must Put Out Leaven

by Earl L. Henn (Charlotte, North Carolina)   Years ago, I had a favorite question to ask ministers about the Feast of Unleavened Bread. “Why must we go through the physical act of putting leaven out of our homes before the Days of Unleavened Bread, but we are not required to be physically circumcised?” I never received an answer. There are many parallels between circumcision and deleavening our homes. Both of these physical acts demonstrate a spiritual principle. Circumcision symbolizes an attitude of heart and mind (Romans 2:26-29), and deleavening our homes symbolizes putting sin out of our lives (I Corinthians 5:6-7). The New […]

Are We Walking with God?

by Alfio La Spina (Victoria British Columbia)  Think about how Abraham handled difficult situations. Abraham had complete trust in God. When God told him to go to a place that He would show him he went and did not concern himself about where he was going. He had complete trust that God would take care of everything. It is amazing how God took care of Abraham. He will do the same for us as long as we keep our hearts focused on Him. This is the foundation of our salvation it allows our Father to shape us into useful vessels for […]