Newsletter: 12-01-2009
Teach the Good-News. Do it urgently!
We will be meeting only 2 x this month due to the Christmas Holidays.
Many of you will be visiting family and loved ones. For those who are not traveling this Season, call for a local “House Meeting”. One will be held at Wilma T. Mary J. has also offered to meet at her house. Thanks Mary… 
Anyone else…? If we use your house for a meeting, it should at least be able to accommodate 45 to 65 people… A big thanks to you all…
WRAPPING UP THE YEAR: Something important to think about…
Several times this past year we briefly touched on HOW TO READ the BIBLE. This is because through the Bible, God communicates with us. It is important for our spiritual life that we know this, and essential to having a good relationship with God. On that relationship hangs God’s favor, and our life. It is worth taking time to get a clear understanding. Not intending to insult ANY-ONE, but so that every one will have a clear picture, this is put as simply as possible.
We have talked about NOT changing Jots and Tittles in the Bible. In other words, we are NOT to change any words in the Bible, or the meaning of God’s Word. We have delved in some detail into the Bible being intended as a Book of Instruction, and until the Millennium, no other instructions are needed. All that is necessary for us to know at this time is contained in the Bible: Which is to know God; how to worship Him, to love fellow humans, and how to deal compassionately with all creatures. The Bible also tells us about our responsibility to everyone, including this world’s animals, and the Planet Earth itself. That information is contained in the Bible, which is God’s Instruction Book to us.
If any person changes anything in the Bible, which is strongly prohibited, God said that He would add plagues and other disasters to any person changing the Bible. In the below and in previous examples, the reason for that was given.
For just one moment, assume that the Bible is an Instruction Book for some item that you may have purchased, but that now needs to be put together at home. Or, that it is The Tenants Occupancy Book for the new apartment or office you have moved into. As to the latter, you understand that if you DO NOT PAY THE RENT, or DAMAGE the building or office, your landlord will toss you out on your ear. Well, that is exactly what the Bible tells us God will do to those people who damage the Earth and don’t show Him respect.
As to CHANGING THE INSTRUCTION BOOK even just one letter or word, or NOT doing what it tells you to, the item you have purchased will not be put together right and it will NOT work. It is the same with the Bible. That is why changing the words or the meaning of the Bible is so very dangerous: And we are warned NOT to do it! Try reading the Bible as you would any Novel. When you do, soon you will discover the wonderful story that will unfold.
Just think about all this over the holidays… And review ALL News Letters.
“The Golden Rule”. Does anyone know what this Rule is, and how it came to be a household word? It is NOT stated in the Bible…! To get a clear answer, we have to know and understand what a “Law” is, and what a “Principle” is. What is also needed is an understanding of the difference between these two concepts.
Jesus understood both those concepts and their difference: When he was falsely accused, he explained it thus: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. In other words: Do not do things to people that you would not want them to do to you! Saying this, he averted the false accusation as he continued: “I did not come to destroy the Law, but to fulfill the Law!”
Moses gave 613 “Thou Shall” and “Thou Shall Not” Laws. Jesus gave only One PRINCIPLE. By applying that Principle of the “Golden Rule” to our life, there is no need for The Law. In that way all of the Laws of Moses were full-filled by Jesus.
Thoughts for consideration this Month:
With Christmas just around the corner, our thoughts should dwell on what this Season is all about. It is about our Savior Jesus Christ, and what He came to earth for. We all understand that it was for mankind’s redemption from sin. But did you know that there was another important reason that Jesus came besides for man’s benefit…? It was for the vindication of God’s Name which had been slandered by Lucifer. Read the Paradise story in Genesis where Lucifer convinced Eve that God was not telling the truth and had lied to her – she in turn lied to Adam… Be that all as may be: We thank God for this redemptive arrangement.
To this also…
This month, please have your thoughts dwell on those less fortunate than you. Personally do what you can for those who need help. Consider, that maybe more than food, shelter, and or clothing, compassion is needed as many are without a family. There are also “many suicides during this time of the year”. A great gift would be to visit those hospitalized, homeless, or those who are just lonely. This activity was one of Jesus’ ministries. He did what we all should do, give the most precious gift we can give, next to our life…, our personal time.
Deliberately MAKE time … not just casual time, but QUALITY time. When you talk with someone without a home, make a visit that genuinely means something. Let your behavior reveal that you “really care” about them: NOT “that you are doing him or her a favor”, or that “it is your duty”. We do not mean to yell this out by capitalizing some words in this writing, but making visits such as these, shows your genuine Christian faith. That is important.
We have been able to obtain a quantity of good food and clothing, and have the volunteers to distribute it… A big thank you to all who helped.
Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!
Our prayer is for men of good will.
