LCG World Ahead Weekly Update

On the world scene, the economic crisis in Europe—and the threat of the European Union fracturing with the departure or expelling of Greece—could cause a financial earthquake that would reverberate around the world. As the world teeters on the brink of global financial chaos, America is preoccupied with election-year politics and the volatile issue of same-sex marriage. Here in Charlotte, Mr. Meredith has been writing and holding meetings. His latest semi-annual letter is being mailed this week to more than 300,000 people. Mr. Wayne Pyle reports that last week’s Tomorrow’s World telecast entitled “Doomsday in 2012?” drew more than 4,300 responses—which is down a bit due to Mother’s Day in the USA. Mr. Rod King reports that his Tomorrow’s World Special Presentation last week in Manchester, England entitled “Our Royal Future” drew 34 new people. This coming weekend I will be in Jacksonville and Ocala, Florida to do TWSPs on the theme, “The Gathering Storm.”—DSW

To access the order form to order a personal hymnal, please go to the website: http://hymnals.lcg.org. Personal hymnals are in English, purple in color (to differentiate from the current hymnals) and have the option of standard or spiral binding, and option of standard size (same as current hymnal) or large print edition (9” x 11”). The cost per hymnal is $11, including shipping. For this round of orders, please note that purchases are limited to one copy per family, since supplies are limited. To order personal hymnals, please carefully follow the directions on the http://hymnals.lcg.org ordering form regarding payment. If you don’t have Internet access, please contact your local Festival Advisor, who can download a paper form for you to fill out and mail in personally.

This year’s theme will be, “The Fruits of the Spirit,” coinciding with Pentecost weekend. We already have about 56 people signed up—and the registration deadline is approaching fast! All payments must be received by Monday, May 21, 2012. You can either pay by check (payment in the mail must be received by May 21) or online. You can find the registration information as well as a full schedule of the weekend at our local website www.charlottelcg.org (not an official Church website).

As a reminder, discounted accommodations are available at both the Holiday Inn Express and the Quality Inn & Suites near the Headquarters building. Both are easily accessible from major highways. The rate at the Holiday Inn is $99 dollars a night and the rate at the Quality Inn is $79 dollars a night. To receive the discount, you must ask for the “fellowship” rate. This rate applies to weekdays and the weekend and is also available beyond the dates of the Singles Weekend, if you would like to come in early or leave later. Memorial Day is a race weekend in Charlotte, so try to make your reservation as soon as possible. Let us know if you have any problems making your reservation. For more information, contact Darren Brinson at < font color="#0000ff">Darren.Brinson@hotmail.com.

We would like to thank heartily all of those who participated in the LCG “Church History Project” where Church youth interviewed long-time Church of God members about their coming into the Truth. We were nearly overwhelmed by the submissions! We have finally completed our reviews, and our review team was very uplifted by the many wonderful stories of faith and love for the Truth that so many of our members were willing to share. We also want to especially thank the Church youth who contributed to this project. Many youth commented that this was a wonderful experience to get to know some of the older membership better, and that is great.

First- and second-place winners have been selected. All entries were evaluated according to set criteria by a two-phase process, which included a review committee as well as anonymous review. North American and European first-place winners (one boy and one girl) will receive a LYC Teen, Pre-Teen or Adventure Camp Scholarship and a $100 gift certificate. Second-place winners (also, one boy and one girl) will receive a $25 gift certificate. International first-place winners will receive a $200 gift certificate. And, international second-place winners will receive a $25 gift certificate. We will contact the winners directly. We also selected some “staff favorites” which we think many of you will find inspiring and which we plan to make available at www.lcg.org in the near future.—Wyatt Ciesielka and Sheldon Monson

Are you a Web App Developer? Do you have experience with Drupal, PHP, JavaScript, CSS, Java, Android application development, and/or iPhone/iPad application development, and Linux, Apache and MySQL environments? Are you enthusiastic about web development, new technology, social-media, multi-media, and developing next-generation apps? Are you even more enthusiastic about participating in the greatest Work on the earth at this time by directly helping the Internet Operations Department support the Church’s efforts to proclaim the Gospel of the coming Kingdom of God to the entire world!? If you are motivated, passionate about the Truth and about the Work of God, if you are a team-player and an innovator who is goal-oriented and who thrives under pressure, then we invite you to submit your resume and apply for our Web App Developer opening.

The ideal candidate will either: a) have a Bachelor of Science degree and at least one year of professional experience, or will b) have at least five years of related professional experience. The ideal candidate will be a team-player who will be able to cooperate effectively with staff in all Headquarters departments. The ideal candidate will also have a positive, “can-do” attitude and will be creative, but able to stay focused and deliver projects without a lot of supervision. Applicants should be truly dedicated to the Church and to the Truth. A successful candidate will be expected to relocate to Charlotte, and the Church will pay for reasonable moving expenses. We request that only those applicants who live and can legally work in the United States apply for this position. If you are interested in the Web App Developer positi on, please send your resume to: Human Resources Department, Living Church of God, PO Box 3810, Charlotte, NC 28227-8010. Fax: 704-844-1973; e-mail: hr@lcg.org.

The Importance of Patience: The Apostle Paul urged Christians to develop the mind of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5). The Scriptures describe the patience of Jesus (Revelation 1:9), tell us that God is patient (Romans 15:5), that patience is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and that true saints of God develop and exhibit this important quality (Revelation 13:10). We are encouraged to be patient and persevere during trials (Romans 12:12; James 1:4), and to trust in God (Psalm 37:7) as we seek to build character and learn important lessons (Psalm 25:5). We are admonished to be patient and gentle in our dealings with others, so we can truly reflect the mind and character of Jesus Christ and our Father. Paul wrote, “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love patience, gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11). He als o wrote, “Now we exhort you…be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15). The Apostle Peter even stated, “when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God” (1 Peter 2:20). True Christians should not be impatient, impulsive, vindictive, or seek to get even. If we have the mind of Jesus Christ, we will strive to develop this godly quality of patience.

Despisers of What Is Good! The day after North Carolina approved a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, Barack Obama became the first U.S. President to publically endorse homosexual marriage (YahooNews.com, May 9, 2012). His comments stirred controversy around the globe. In a commencement address at the University of North Carolina, New York’s Mayor Michael Bloomberg condemned the state’s new legislation as a “move backwards for civil rights” (Associated Press, May 13, 2012). In Australia, President Obama’s comments emboldened one senator to chastise conservative leaders “who are still cornered by the old thinking, to move ahead themselves and catch up with the majority of Australians who feel that equal marriage is where we should be going as a nation.” In Melbourne, an Anglican cleric sai d that Australia’s own marriage act was discriminatory. He noted that “It’s dehumanising to tell someone their love isn’t right.” In Sydney, a Baptist pastor told his congregation (which had shifted on the issue), “There’s constant fear-mongering among some Christian conservatives and they’re trying to degrade what is essentially a desire [on the part of homosexuals] for monogamy, fidelity and the family unit” (Associated Press, May 10, 2012). However, many “conservatives” have disagreed and condemned President Obama’s statement. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said the President’s comments were “deeply saddening” (www.osservatoreromano.va, May 11, 2012). Yet, immoral behaviour continues to go mainstream. France’s newly elected President François Hollande and his domestic partner Valérie Trierweiler are now the first inaugurated couple in France NOT to be married. When asked about this, Mr. Hollande stated that marriage “is not something we do because one becomes President of the Republic. The decision is ours.” (Le Figaro, May 9, 2012). According to a new Harris Interactive poll (May 15, 2012), the majority of French (79%) do not consider their President’s unmarried relationship to be a moral problem. Bible prophecy has long foreseen these events. The Apostle Paul prophesied, “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers… unholy… without self-control… despisers of good… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:1-4). The prophet Isaiah also warned the time would come in the nations of Israel when people would “call evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20). As we see these events occurring, we should remember that the Scriptures clearly state that when a nation moves away from God’s instructions, it will face grave consequences (Leviticus 18:22-28).

Meltdown of Eurozone? The mounting debt crisis in Greece is again prompting talk that Greece will or should depart from the Eurozone! Respected columnist Roger Bootle writes in London’s Telegraph newspaper that Greece’s departure from the Eurozone and its return to the drachma may be the only way for Greece to recover from its insurmountable debt. Returning to the drachma will allow it to print enough money to continue functioning. Bootle speculates that “this time,” the EU may indeed “let Greece go.” The real problem could be to hold the EU together after such a departure—especially if Greece then begins a recovery (The Telegraph, May 13, 2012). European and U.S. banks have been anticipating a Greek return to the drachma since 2009, and could make the switch relatively easily (Reuters, May 11, 20 12). The German finance minister has stated the eurozone can withstand Greece’s departure (EUObserver.com, May 11, 2012). But many fear that if Greece goes, the contagion could spread around Europe (Spain could be next)—leading to the return of a number of national currencies. Although European instability will likely remain for a time, Bible prophecy indicates that order will ultimately come at least to part of Europe—the part that will be led by a strong Beast power and overseen by the Catholic Church (see Revelation 13 and 17)! Just before the return of Jesus Christ to this earth, a group of 10 kingdoms or nations will arise in Europe that will “give their power and authority” to the Beast for a short time (Revelation 17:13). Out of the present chaos in Europe will come a powerful, ordered group, at least for a time. For more information on this vital topic, see our booklet The Beast of Revelation.—Scott Winnail, Michael Tyler, VG Lardé, Justin Ridgewayand John Meakin

COGwriter 2012

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