Letter to the Brethren: August 8, 2024

A month or so back, a supporter mentioned to me that one of his relatives was trying to dissuade him from the Continuing Church of God, because his relative was trying to tell him we were some type of weird or heretical cult. I suggested that he read an article I had written at that time. Later, I decided to change and expand it (see Is the true Church of God a Heretical Cult?).

Anyway, it seemed like this might be a good time to make a sermon on that topic, so here is a link to the recommended sermon for this Sabbath: Cults and other Name Calling. Of course, by putting that out, critics who already call us a cult will probably harden their hearts and continue to say bad things about us and that message. But those relatively new to the faith, as well as for some of us who have been around for multiple decades, can benefit from understanding that such name calling is expected and has occurred throughout the entire Christian church age.

Radio

Speaking of name calling, last Summer a former disgruntled WCG member wrote a radio network (Wilkins) we were on and basically told them since we did not accept the Trinity of Emperor Theodosius of the 4th century, they should not broadcast our program. That network succumbed to that.

Interestingly, the owner of that network died in May. The new owner, which is his son Jacob, contacted me several times this week and has asked us to come back on their radio stations. He said that their own internal review of our program had been positive and we should not have been cancelled. He also said he would not listen to negative or name callers against us should any contact them again.

When we spoke on Tuesday, I said I had interest, but needed to see whether we could afford to add them back as we replaced their network with others, plus have had to deal with expenses related to issues in Rwanda. Yesterday, Jacob Wilkins sent a proposal to go on some of their stations, which I am considering. Please pray about whether or not to go through this radio door that looks to be opened to us again.

In other radio news, I spoke with Lee Lancaster, owner of Legacy Broadcasting yesterday. We are on a network of four stations with them and have been since leaving the Wilkins Radio Network:

KYMS 89.9FM – North Idaho

KHKM 98.7FM – Missoula, Montana

WCDG 88.7FM – Dahlonega, Georgia

WCRY 89.9FM – Blairsville, Georgia

Lee Lancaster is expecting to be on a fifth station around the end of 2024 and our contract with them would put us on that for no additional cost.

Anyway, he said that they have received a number of positive responses to our radio broadcast. He says that there is a lot of prophetic interest and he is impressed that we are the only ones explaining the prophecies in Isaiah 22:6-9 related to a confederation of Iran, Syria, and others against the nation of Israel and the prophesied damage to happen to Jerusalem. A witness is going forth.

Rift Valley Ordination and Report

Evangelist Evans Ochieng sent the following photo and report:

Pastor Dr Bob,
Greetings from Kenya. …

Yesterday I had a meeting with rift valley leaders. The meeting was very fine and successful. I’m happy that the growth in Rift valley is really moving with strong growth. Leaders were very happy. They told me something very strange that Evans, we have been working with many pastors of different churches especially seventh day church of God. But we never met a true minister of God who is serving people with a good heart like you. The encouraged me highly with encouraging words. They also promised me that they will work for the church wholeheartedly. They also thanked you for the good support financially, educationally and spirituality. I was happy because they reminded about everything that we have done in Rift valley.
It was the happiest day because we did the ordination of our brother David Cheryot pastor. People were so happy and they tried to give some gift to him.
The day was smart actually.
Thanks pastor, you are in my prayers.

Yes, have had growth in the Rift Valley of Kenya.

Rwanda

Last week, Moise Nshimiyimana reported that the government of Rwanda had closed nearly 1700 church assemblies, including one of ours. Since then, there are news reports which have put the number of church assemblies closed to over 4,400.

We have known that problems like that could happen and we have started to take steps to be able to function under what we understand are the current requirements to function as a church in Rwanda, and at a financial cost we can handle. Continue to pray about this.

Dealing with Anger and Rebellion

(Image from Pixabay)

Science Alert posted the following on Tuesday:

Venting Doesn’t Reduce Anger, But Something Else Does, Study Says

August 6, 2024

Venting when angry seems sensible. Conventional wisdom suggests expressing anger can help us quell it, like releasing steam from a pressure cooker.

But this common metaphor is misleading, according to a recent meta-analytic review. Researchers at Ohio State University analyzed 154 studies on anger, finding little evidence that venting helps. In some cases, it could increase anger.

“I think it’s really important to bust the myth that if you’re angry you should blow off steam – get it off your chest,” said senior author and communication scientist Brad Bushman when the results were published in April.

“Venting anger might sound like a good idea, but there’s not a shred of scientific evidence to support catharsis theory.”

That doesn’t mean anger should be ignored. Reflection can help us understand why we get mad and address underlying problems. It can also aid emotional validation, an important first step towards healthily processing emotions.

Venting, however, often goes beyond reflection into rumination. The study suggests that many people also try to exorcize anger with physical exertion, which can offer health benefits but may not lighten the mood in the moment.

The studies reviewed included a total of 10,189 participants, representing a variety of ages, genders, cultures, and ethnicities. The findings show the key to curbing anger is reducing physiological arousal, the authors say, from anger itself or from the otherwise beneficial physical activity it might inspire.

“To reduce anger, it is better to engage in activities that decrease arousal levels,” Bushman said. …

“I wanted to debunk the whole theory of expressing anger as a way of coping with it,” explained Kjærvik. “We wanted to show that reducing arousal, and actually the physiological aspect of it, is really important.” …

“It was really interesting to see that progressive muscle relaxation and just relaxation in general might be as effective as approaches such as mindfulness and meditation,” Kjærvik said. …

Rather than trying to vent anger, the researchers recommend undermining it by turning down the heat. https://www.sciencealert.com/venting-doesnt-reduce-anger-but-something-else-does-study-says

As far as turning down the heat, the Book of Proverbs teaches:

29 He who is slow to wrath has great understanding,
But he who is impulsive exalts folly. (Proverbs 14:29)

1 A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,
But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.  (Proverbs 15:1-2)

18 A wrathful man stirs up strife,
But he who is slow to anger allays contention. (Proverbs 15:18)

The Bible also teaches self-control:

9 Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry,
For anger rests in the bosom of fools. (Ecclesiastes 7:9)

5 give yourselves to fasting and prayer; … so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (1 Corinthians 7:5)

While Paul did not write that specifically for uncontrolled anger in 1 Corinthians, the principle is still applicable.

But he did write not to sin when angry:

26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil.  (Ephesians 4:26-27)

If you stay angry, you are sinning and giving the devil a place to impact you. Notice you are not to stay angry.

The old Worldwide Church of God published the following:

Social psychologist Carol Tarvis, in her new book Anger: The Misunderstood Emotion, asserts that anger released, rather than anger suppressed or dealt with otherwise, causes stress and may well spawn more conflict.

Says Dr. Tarvis: “People who are most prone to give vent to their rage get angrier, not less angry. I observe a lot of hurt feelings among the recipients of rage. And I can plot the stages in a typical ‘ventilating’ marital argument: precipitating event, angry outburst, shouted recriminations, screaming or crying, the furious peak (sometimes accompanied by physical assault), exhaustion, sullen apology, or just sullenness. The cycle is replayed the next day or next week. What in this is ‘cathartic’ [bringing release from tension]? Screaming? Throwing a pot? Does either action cause the anger to vanish or the angry spouse to feel better? Not that I can see.”

Dr. Tarvis goes on to show that anger and stress are not necessarily related — people who deal with anger in more mature ways may well be healthier than those who subscribe to the “let it out” theory.

Reflecting about a situation that makes you angry, deciding on a reasonable, effective, calm response and then executing the response is far more effective and healthy than erupting emotionally, increasing your blood pressure and exacerbating tensions between you and whoever else is involved in the dispute.

Rethinking a provocation and deciding on appropriate, intelligent action is a more mature emotional response. …

The Bible offers much sound advice on building successful human relationships. The book of Proverbs in particular contains much useful information on self-control, much of it dealing with emotional maturity. You might just read through these proverbs sometime. They apply to everyday situations and are easy to understand, especially if you read in a modern translation. You may be surprised at the wisdom you’ll find in them.

Lest anyone get the wrong idea, we must make this statement: We are not saying there is never a time for the proper expression of anger. God created our emotions and all of them have their right uses.

The Bible shows that there is a proper time to show “righteous indignation.” Even Jesus himself was angry on occasion, and with good cause.

But the type of anger Jesus expressed — the type we may express — is not selfish, depressing, resentful, hateful or violent toward other human beings. Righteous indignation seeks to teach people how to right wrongs. It feels stabbing sadness at the tragedies sin produces in this world. It is not destructive, but constructive. (Shoaf NL. A Much Overlooked Way to Assure Peace. Plain Truth, May 1983)

God told the prophet Jeremiah:

27 “I have set you as an assayer and a fortress among My people,
That you may know and test their way.
28 They are all stubborn rebels, walking as slanderers. (Jeremiah 6:27-28)

Despite Jeremiah being God’s prophet, people rebelled against him and slandered him (e.g. Jeremiah 43:1-4).

Some people allow pride to take over and seem to want to be angry:

22 An angry man stirs up strife,
And a furious man abounds in transgression.

23 A man’s pride will bring him low,
But the humble in spirit will retain honor.  (Proverbs 29:22-23)

The Apostle Paul stated that we needed to be:

5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Yes, self-control is to also include your thoughts.

The Book of Hebrews teaches:

12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, 15 while it is said:

“Today, if you will hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” (Hebrews 3:12-15)

7 Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts. (Hebrews 4:7)

People who claimed to be God’s people rebelled against Moses. There have long been people who think they are right and who also rebel against proper theological governance (see also The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government).

Many have hardened their hearts. Look, when Pharaoh hardened his heart, he thought he was doing what was best for Egypt. When the children of Israel hardened their hearts and rebelled against Moses, they apparently thought that they were the people of God, hence they were doing the right thing. Laodiceans are like that.

Because of how many end time Christian believe they were treated and/or what they think is best, they are not Philadelphian (even if they claim to be). Jesus warned the Philadelphians:

11 Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. (Revelation 3:11)

Many Laodiceans have let the actions of men (and women) take the Philadelphian crown away from them. They tend not to really accept BIBLICAL governance (see also The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government). They normally accept the fact that men ordained their leaders, but refuse to accept the fact that the Bible says that God reveals Himself to prophets via dreams (Numbers 12:9). True prophets of God are, from a hierarchical perspective, above evangelists and ministers per Ephesians 4:11 and 1 Corinthians 12:28. Yet, Laodiceans seem unwilling to believe God’s word about these matters (see also Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God)–they have hardened their hearts–though they tend not to realize that.

Some tend to develop a “root of bitterness” which is not good for them:

14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;  (Hebrews 12:14-15)

Yes, those with a root of bitterness can cause trouble–but it is their spiritual life that gets troubled the most. They sometimes think that they are making progress, yet instead of being like the Bereans of old who “searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11), they tend to be focused on not wanting to believe the Philadelphian work we are leading in the Continuing Church of God.

Whether you have been one of them or possibly mainly one with anger issues, don’t think you cannot change for the better.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Yes, you can improve and not harbor angry hateful thoughts and actions.

Instead, remember that Jesus said to love, bless, and be perfect (Matthew 5:43-48).

Notice also the following:

4 Be angry, and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. (Psalm 4:4)

As far as meditation goes, the Continuing Church of God put together this sermon on its ContinuingCOG channel:

1:17:21

Christian Meditation

Is meditation mainly based on repeating a sound from the Vedas? What about Eastern meditation or Transcendental Meditation? What about mantras such as used by Hindus and Buddhists? What does ‘om’ (AUM) mean? Could Psalm 37 or 73 help some who are facing difficulties? What does the Old Testament teach about meditation? What does the New Testament teach about meditation? Are there differences between men and women when it comes to the brain and meditating? Are Christians to live a contemplating life as opposed to being involved with others? What about love, the Ten Commandments, and the reality of the Kingdom of God? What did Jesus say about what goes on in the heart and then actions? What about meditating on the Sabbath or while fasting? What did the old Worldwide Church of God teach about meditation? When should you meditate? What did the Apostle Paul teach Christians were to think about? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more by quoting numerous scriptures.

Here is a link to the sermon: Christian Meditation. We also have a free online booklet: Meditation for Faithful Christians.

Several decades ago, when I needed a roommate to help split the cost of an apartment, there was someone who approached me that I turned down.

Why?

Because of something the Book of Proverbs stated:

24 Make no friendship with an angry man,
And with a furious man do not go,
25 Lest you learn his ways
And set a snare for your soul. (Proverbs 22:24-25)

It looked financially difficult to apply that, but I did — which is why I turned him down. As it later turned out, I did end up with a roommate who was not an angry or furious man.

Self-control, based on the biblical admonishment, was exercised and that was spiritually beneficial.

I did not deceive myself that I would not be affected by the first man’s behavior. The Apostle Paul warned:

33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; (1 Corinthians 15:33-34)

Yet, many are at the sleep spiritually and need to wake up (cf. Matthew 25:5; Revelation 3:14-22).

Proverbs also teaches:

11 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger,
And his glory is to overlook a transgression. (Proverbs 19:11)

You simply should not let every real or imagined slight make you angry. The prophet Samuel made some real mistakes in management, but God was displeased with those who wanted a government with a human leader other than a prophet per 1 Samuel 8:1-20.

The Bible also teaches that males are not the only possible problem when it comes to anger:

19 Better to dwell in the wilderness,
Than with a contentious and angry woman.  (Proverbs 21:19)

Some time back, we put out the following sermon:

1:17:00

Murder, anger, kindness, and love

The sixth commandment states, “You shall not murder.” How did Jesus extend the understanding of that command? What did He teach about anger and treating enemies? What did the Old Testament teach about anger? What does the New Testament teach about violence, anger, kindness, and self-control? If early Christians would not voluntarily be part of the military, when did that change? Did Roman Emperor Constantine influence this? Did the Greco-Roman saint and bishop Gregory of Nyssa teach that it was fine to hate and fight against those with differing religious views? Would early Christians watch violent sport? Should modern Christians watch sports that, when played according to the rules, results in bodily harm? Have many religious leaders gone “the way of Cain”? How can you reduce anger? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.

Here is a link to the sermon: Murder, anger, kindness, and love.

As far as the rebellious go, they need to repent.

As far as one way you may be able to assist with that, Jesus said:

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48)

Yes, we are to love, do good, and pray for those who curse and hate us.

Despite our personal flaws, we all need to be striving for perfection.

Suggested Sabbath Day Services