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Global Church of God
Larry Salyer
May 14, 1999 Dear Brethren, Warm greetings from San Diego. Those of us here think of you often, praying for both your immediate and ultimate well-being. Many thanks for your prayers on behalf of us and each other—and for your courageous, steadfast spirit in continuing to follow God despite the "fiery darts of the wicked one." I am happy to report to you that we just concluded a profitable Council of Elders meeting, and all of us are excited about moving forward in preaching God's Truth and preparing Christ's Bride for His return. And I am also pleased to be able to make another happy announcement. An essential factor in Christ's preparation of His Bride can be found in Ephesians 5: "That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word" (v. 26 KJV). It was with this in mind that Mr. Raymond McNair noted in the last member letter that we are "preparing to launch a revolutionary new Bible study program involving the entire Church." Some of you may have already heard more about it through announcements in Sabbath services. But for those who haven't, I'm glad for the opportunity to introduce it to you. The program is essentially a Bible reading program, in which we read through the entire Bible in about two years. It is in the pages of the Bible itself that we find the "words of eternal life" (John 6:68). What better source of information, then, can we direct people to? Of course, there is also a need for ministerial guidance (Rom. 10:14; Acts 8:31). And to that end, those of us behind the program will pose some questions and give some commentary—even pointing you to supplementary, though usually optional, reading material from Church publications. There will also be occasional sermons to supplement the program. However, just to actually have all participants reading the Bible together is the real goal. Not only will some wish to delve deeper and study into things they are covering, but the fact that members will all be reading the same verses each day will engender conversation over what's been read—helping bring shared understanding and greater unity to the Body of Christ. The idea for this program came from our field pastor in the northeastern United States, Jack Hendren—as he told our ministerial conference in February about a similar program he had instituted in his Church area, which turned out to be quite successful. Because of his experience, I've asked him to head up the current program—and he's already doing a great job in getting it off the ground. He has asked that I make it clear that though the program is delivered over the Internet, this should pose no problem for those without web or e-mail access, as we are asking those who do have access to provide copies of the monthly program for those who don't. Please discuss this within your local Church or video group to see who can help whom—or if you are not able to attend anywhere, please contact the pastor for your area. The starting date is June 1. We are mailing the monthly reading schedule with commentary to everyone this time only (it appears on the next few pages). For July and later months, it will be each individual's responsibility to make sure he or she is able to get a copy of it, though we are asking ministers and hosts to help you with this. Mr. Hendren also wants me to make it clear that for the optional reading material, you don't have to go out to your garage to find old World Ahead or Global Church News issues if you don't have them readily accessible. Rather, all such reading material will be part of a packet available over the Internet. Of course, it is still up to you to make sure you are able to get it—either through your own computer access or through someone getting it for you. (The first one will be available on the web at www.gcg.org or via e-mail at brp@gcg.org on May 24). Before closing, I want to remind everyone that June 5 is our designated "Thanksgiving Sabbath," in which we will be showing God our gratitude for all of His blessings. Please review the list of things God has done for us in Mr. McNair's last member letter. Indeed, he has asked that I mention that we now have even more to be thankful for—such as the fact that a new attack on the Global Church of God, launched at the beginning of this month, has failed. Indeed, the former minister behind this latest attack had predicted in late November that we would fold up by the end of December. In December, he predicted we would fold up by the end of January. In January, he predicted we would fold up by the end of March. And in February, he predicted we wouldn't make it through the summer. Of course, he's been wrong every time. Thank God such faithless negativism is no longer coming from our midst. And thank God that He, the omnipotent Ruler of heaven and earth, has put such predictions to shame. There is, as always, no need to fear. For remember, brethren, "If GOD is for us, WHO can be against us?" (Rom. 8:31). What wonderful comfort these words provide. So when the Sabbath of June 5 arrives, let us truly rejoice before God for His continual and mighty deliverance. As an employee in our Information Systems department, Rob Carrico, noted in a sermonette this past Sabbath, there are some who would like to throw a wet blanket on our Thanksgiving Sabbath. But just remember how much water was poured onto Elijah's sacrifice—thoroughly soaking it, the wood it lay on, the altar and the ground beneath it, and filling a trench that had been dug around it. Yet what happened? "Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench" (1 Kings 18:38). May our sacrifice of thanksgiving—that some have tried to drench—be received just as powerfully! Where can we turn to have real faith in God's deliverance? We are told that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17). As we read God's Word in the encouraging new program we are embarking on, drawing strength and comfort from the Bible's powerful lessons, its wonderful examples and its many sure promises, let us remember to thank God for this blessing too—and never take it for granted. Sincerely in Christ's service, Larry R. Salyer |