Greetings,
This week our attention has undoubtedly been drawn to events in Europe and to Brussels in particular. The faces of those who were close to the blasts and survived are penetrating pictures of human suffering, shock and disbelief. As the world registered what had taken place, the over-riding sentiment has been – why? Senseless acts of violence against citizens who pride themselves on an open, accepting society leave people deeply perplexed and confused.
In response to being asked about His coming and the end of the age Jesus Christ gave an outline of what we can expect. Some of the points were quite general, but do provide anchors for our understanding. We do not need to be asking why these things are taking place. Rather we need to be formulating our spiritual response to developing events. Our mindset is to be one of: “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44).
Christ spoke of the tribulation as a very difficult time for God’s people. We can understand that, given the hateful being who stirs up the world against anything that has to do with the true God. However, prior to the tribulation, Christ indicated that human minds would turn decisively inward, toward self, and away from any outgoing concern for others. “And many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:10-12). The offending, betrayal, hatred and cooling of love for fellowman may be seen in both the broader context of social conditions and also in the context of believers. We can observe it as a trend in society but we also need to be prepared for those things in our personal relationships. However, our response is to be in the more focused context of spiritual awareness.
God’s people must not let unfolding world events distract them from developing a closeness to our God that allows His love to flow through His people via the Holy Spirit. In fulfillment of His law, we must grow in love toward our neighbor/brother. We cannot stop what is happening in society but we can be filled with love and concern for our fellowman. The physical suffering in this present evil world is terrible. The mental anguish for those who do not understand why the world is becoming so violent has to be excruciating.
A very important aspect of the gospel is demonstrated to the world by a group of people who are living witnesses of the great God who is about to reveal Himself to a world in deep trouble — a body of people who represent the actuality of Christ living His life in a human being. “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9-11).
Feast of Tabernacles
On our recent trip to Southern California we took the opportunity to stop over at the Residence Inn in Oxnard. There have been management changes so it was good to have meetings with those who will be looking after our event in October. They were very pleasant and helpful. We had booked all the block of studio rooms assigned to us, but they have now opened more for our use. There are still plenty of penthouse suites available. If you wish to make a booking for the California site, please call the Residence Inn directly at (805) 278-2200. If you have any difficulties ask for Donna in sales. She has been very helpful to us and is understanding of our needs.
I would like to encourage everyone in the U.S. to register online at our website or alternatively to send an email to Rita Sampson (rsampson@surfree.com) to let us know that you will be coming – even if you are staying in alternative accommodations at the Feast site. We need to begin to assemble total numbers of those attending for activity planning purposes.
As a teaser we have negotiated with the Residence Inn Oxnard for a desert reception after the opening night and we are discussing a casual musical evening for the site in Granbury, Texas.
Warm Regards,
Brian Orchard
