Letter from the President

The Feast of Tabernacles

The Feast of Tabernacles is a convocation for the entire Church—not just for representatives of congregations. It’s for “you and your household.” And so we have given careful thought about the inclusion of our children in this wonderful event that features travel, good food, entertainment and the finer things of life that become affordable at this time of year because we have saved our second tithe as instructed by God. “Then you shall exchange it for money, take the money in your hand, and go to the place which the Lord your God chooses. And you shall spend that money for whatever your heart desires: for oxen or sheep, for wine or similar drink, for whatever your heart desires; you shall eat there before the Lord your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household” (Deuteronomy 14:25-26, emphasis added throughout).

In ancient times Solomon’s book of Ecclesiastes was read aloud during the Feast of Tabernacles. It is the story of Solomon and the unfortunate state of mind he came to in his later years. There was no king in Israel quite like Solomon in ability and wealth. He had everything anyone could want, and yet he was dissatisfied. Physical things did not make him happy and left him unfulfilled. He experimented with every kind of pleasure and acquisition to satisfy himself and yet he could not be satisfied. He saw physical life as vanity, uselessness and vapor. He came to this conclusion: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). This was the conclusion that he had come to after seeing and experiencing everything: Fear God and keep His commandments.

Is this not the same purpose for which we keep the Feast of Tabernacles? Notice what is said about the purpose of the Feast: “And you shall eat before the Lord your God, in the place where He chooses to make His name abide, the tithe of your grain and your new wine and your oil, of the firstborn of your herds and your flocks, that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always” (Deuteronomy 14:23).

This fear is not a terror or a horror. It is a family or “filial” fear—the fear or respect that a child has for his parents. Because of the child’s tremendous respect and love for their father or mother, they dearly want to please them. They have a fear or an anxiety of offending the ones they love, not because they’re afraid of punishment, but rather because they don’t want to displease the ones who are their source of security and love. This fear is an awe and respect for the Majesty of God. At the Feast of Tabernacles we learn, as God’s children, to always to maintain a healthy respect and adoration for God the Father and Jesus Christ.

Make this Feast of Tabernacles a tutorial on building a relationship with our God as most important. All the physical aspects will then have greater context and meaning.

A new year at Ambassador Bible College

At the home office we have just started another Ambassador Bible College (ABC) scholastic year. I am so pleased with the quality of students who truly are seeking to learn about and draw closer to God. At last week’s student assembly I wanted to hear what this year’s students wanted to achieve. The comments were remarkable and revealing.

Here’s what some of them said:

I came to ABC to learn more about God. I realized that I couldn’t defend my faith and wanted to be able to do that.

I’ve been wanting to come to ABC for a long time. I would like to draw closer to God and make sure this is my religion and not just my parents’. I want to take away a better understanding of the Bible.

I grew up in the Church. I wanted to come to ABC. I have an associates degree, but the field I was in would present difficulties with the Sabbath. While I am trying to figure out what to do career-wise, I decided to go to ABC. I want to build a solid foundation that cannot be broken. I would like to take the information I learn here to other areas as I travel.

I’m a newbie—been in the Church for a month now. I want to learn more about the Church and to know what I’m talking about. I want to be close to God and be His friend and a help to my family.

I grew up in a large denomination and didn’t know much about the Bible. I want to be able to defend my faith and be with people of like mind. I want to take back to my own area what I’ve learned.

When I was at youth camp, I was encouraged to go to ABC and not delay. I read the Bible and know that it has no errors, but I see conflicts in Scripture and want to know what the answers are. I would like a better understanding of the Bible. I want to be close to classmates with positive peer pressure.

I want to be convicted of the truth and have a better understanding of the truth and be a better light to the world. I want better Bible study habits and want to know how to better do that. I would like a full, well-rounded understanding—the big picture and how it all fits.

As you can see, it looks like it will be a great year for learning!

Brethren, I pray for you continually and ask for God’s blessings and grace upon His Church. I thank Him for the all the goodness He has bestowed. I thank God for your dedication and support of our mission to reach out with the gospel message to the world and for the care of our brethren who come to conversion.

May God be with you and your families during this year’s Holy Day season that culminates with the Feast of Tabernacles and the Eighth Day!