Living University Begins

LCG’s D. Winnail reported:

…on August 15, 2007, Living University began offering online classes—60 years after Mr. Herbert Armstrong started Ambassador College in the fall of 1947. To date, we have received more than 200 applications and have about 150 students enrolled in classes. The University is dedicated to the concept that the word of God is the foundation of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7), and to recapturing true values (Matthew 17:11). In spite of a series of unforeseen challenges with computer software that resulted in lost e-mails, and other difficulties that have necessitated changing to another software program, we should be operating more smoothly within a week.

Please announce that due to these start-up difficulties, assignment deadlines will be eased for the first few weeks. We need to remember that this is Satan’s world (II Corinthians 4:4) and that he will do all he can to create difficulties and confusion in this effort to make God’s Truth available to people around the world. Your prayers and patience are appreciated…

Are You Positive or Negative? The Apostle Paul urged Christians to focus on the positive and to avoid murmuring, grumbling and complaining (Philippians 2:14; 4:8). He also noted the tendency of the ancient Israelites to murmur against their leaders (I Corinthians 10:10; see Deuteronomy 1:27). When Moses sent twelve men to scout the Promised Land, only two gave positive reports that their mission was possible, while ten gave negative reports that the road ahead would be too difficult and taking over the land could not be done—which discouraged the people (Numbers 13-14). Because the Israelites refused to trust God they had to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. When Nehemiah returned from Babylon to rebuild Jerusalem, he too faced difficulties from adversaries who ridiculed and tried to disrupt the work by sowing doubts and confusion. However, against the odds, Nehemiah urged the people forward and finished the job. Looking back, they saw “this work was done by our God” and that God had put it in Nehemiah’s heart to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem (see Nehemiah 1:3-4, 11; 2:5, 12, 17; 6:16).

Today, some have ridiculed the idea of starting Living University and claimed that it should not be done, while others have rejoiced at the opportunity to learn and grow in the truth of God—and they see this as an “inspired decision.” We need to remember that Satan is the adversary of those commissioned to spread the Truth (I Peter 5:8-9). We also have been warned that in the last days there will be scoffers, murmurers and complainers who seek to cause division and disrupt the Work because they lack God’s Spirit (Jude 16-19). We also need to remember that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26), and as Gamaliel warned his contemporaries, “if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it” (Acts 5:34-39). We have been commissioned to preach the gospel, warn the world and prepare a people to reign with Jesus Christ (Luke 1:17). The Living University can become a powerful tool for achieving this mission. Let’s look ahead confidently and in faith for God’s guidance and blessing on this effort.

Computers are wonderful, but sometimes frustrating, tools. If I gave up every time I had a computer software problem, the COGwriter site would have closed 10 years ago.

And there still are technical problems to deal with (the week before last was particularly difficult for me).

In my view, Living University fits into the overall plan of supporting LCG fulfill Matthew 24:14, and hence it will accomplish what it needs to in accordance with God’s plans for it. And its online format, in spite of software glitches, should enable it to be a highly cost effective educational tool.

A couple of articles of general interest may include:

There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG members or any interested in supporting the faithful church.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and HWA expect from evangelists?