Greetings,
Time is slipping by ever so quickly and we are fast approaching another important series of markers in God’s plan of salvation. In quick succession we will observe four Holy Days, each with a particular meaning associated with Christ’s return and the establishment of God’s Kingdom. These are days of anticipation. We anticipate very keenly the return of Christ to bring about the end of Satan’s rule over this earth. We anticipate peace and harmony for mankind. And we anticipate our eternal family relationship with our Father. All of this anticipation needs to be turned into solid spiritual growth and development.
The apostle Peter explained to the Church that we have been given revealed knowledge from God that even the prophets did not understand, even though they were used to deliver prophetic statements about our time. The Church has been given understanding that even the angels desire to look into (1 Peter 1:10-12). Having said that, Peter goes on to make the point that we are to use this revealed information to, “… gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (verse 13). While we anticipate the return of Christ for all the positives aspects that His return brings to the earth, it is also a time of great testing and trial for the people of God. The Church (that is you) will become even more the focus of the hateful and hostile god of this world. There is a point at which Satan unleashes his “great wrath” because he knows “that he has a short time” (Revelation 12:12). It will be a time which will test the “spiritual mettle” of each and every one of us.
The apostle Peter is telling us that now is the time to be building the highest quality spiritual building we can. Through Christ, we have the material and the power to prepare and build. The day is coming – and probably sooner rather than later – when “… each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built endures, he will receive a reward” (1 Corinthians 3:13-14).
As we collectively observe this coming Holy Day season, I would like to encourage each one of us not to let the collective atmosphere overcome the personal obligations that these days lay before us. We need to focus quite firmly on our personal spiritual condition. This is not so we can just “get” salvation. This is so you and I can be more useful tools in the hand of God. When Satan goes after the woman (the Church) the attention of the world will be drawn to God’s Church and God’s people. Whatever God allows the Church to go through before that time, we will not be able to escape the very public exposure that will be coming. The dragon will empower the world dominating political and religious system that will form. This powerful system will focus directly on opposition to God fulfilling His plan and purpose – especially the gathering of sons into His family. “Then he [the beast] opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. [Not a lot of wriggle room here for the Church.] It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them (Revelation 12:6, 7). To underscore the importance of spiritual development, God offers safety and protection to those of His Church who have prepared in response to His warnings.
As we approach the Holy Day season shortly ahead of us, let us all determine to recapture our first love and not become weary. Study the meaning of each day and pray for enthusiasm to build a strong spiritual building on the foundation of Jesus Christ. Let us determine to be strong building blocks that God can effectively use in the building of His temple.
Feast of Tabernacles
We appreciate all who have registered for the Feast. The figures are most encouraging. At this point in time we have:
Oxnard: 214
Tulsa: 71
Rwanda: 4
Madagascar: 22
Germany: 25
Information regarding meals and events during the Feast is coming together and we should have that to you shortly. It hasn’t helped that the Dallas Cowboys football team have taken over the entire Residence Inn complex in Oxnard, California for their summer training camp. The staff seems a little preoccupied.
Services this Sabbath will originate in Concord with the sermon patched in from Oral, South Dakota. Gillian, her mother and I will be visiting with our brethren in Boise, Idaho.
Warm Regards,
Brian Orchard
