United Church of God

Letter From Lewis VanAusdle - October 19, 2018

Letter From Lewis VanAusdle

October 19, 2018

20th October 2018

Our Dear Brethren,

As one season changes to another God's people begin to move into a period of time empty of the Feasts of God, except for one: the weekly Sabbath. In the Northern Hemisphere the days are getting shorter and colder. In the Southern Hemisphere the days are getting longer and warmer. Each presents its own challenges to the people of God as we continue to seek Him even during dark times.

There are times in each of our lives that God does not seem obvious to us. To the globally connected world around us, even the thought of a higher power grows more faint as time passes and knowledge increases. And even those who believe in God don't actually know Him. Regardless of the thoughts of mankind around the earth, God has shown Himself to us. We can either choose to believe what we have seen, or we can "suppress the truth" as some choose to do (see Romans 1:18).

"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things."

Romans 1:20-23

There will come a time when the whole earth will no longer be able to deny the presence and power of God and His Christ. But we have the unique opportunity to acknowledge the fact that a Creator exists. We do this by following His ways instead of pretending to forget the words that He has spoken to us. While the people of this earth celebrate death and a false messiah (i.e. Halloween and Christmas), we keep our eyes focused on the next of God's Holy Days to come. God is never seen in the things that we try to fit Him into, but only where He actually is.

Here are some links to a few booklets that have been produced by the United Church of God that may be helpful in further exploring the real reality of the nature of God and of Christ, and true worship that this world desperately needs:

Jesus Christ: The Real Story

https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/booklets/jesus-christ-the-real-story

Holidays or Holy Days: Does It Matter Which Days We Observe?

https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/booklets/holidays-or-holy-days-does-it-matter-which-days-we-observe

There will come a time when the whole world will join us in worshipping together before God. The Feasts of the Lord will be known around the globe. No longer will falsehood be spread as truth. It will be obvious to even the most close-minded that God does in fact exist, and is in fact mighty and loving.

"And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles."

Zechariah 14:16

"They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, For the eath shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea. 'And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him, And His resting place shall be glorious.'"

Isaiah 11:9-10

This day is coming soon. And that is our prayer and our hope.

Our love is with you.

Lewis VanAusdle