LCG’s RC Meredith on Politics and Christian Focus

Dr. Meredith and I in his office last month

In his 2/18/08 co-worker letter, Roderick C. Meredith of the Living Church of God wrote:

       The attention of much of the world is now focused on the Presidential election season here in the United States. In the most lengthy, drawn-out pre-election maneuverings, primaries and caucuses in American history, it appears that the next American President will be either a super-feminist woman, a comparatively young African-American man, or—by the time he would take office—a 72-year-old politician who spent years in wartime captivity…

        At the very beginning of His ministry, “Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel’” (Mark 1:14-15). Near the end of His ministry on earth, Jesus stated in the Olivet Prophecy, “So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near” (Luke 21:31). The Good News of the coming Kingdom of God continued to be the focus of the true Gospel throughout the Apostolic Age. For we find at the very end of the book of Acts that the Apostle Paul was “preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him” (Acts 28:31).

        So true Christians know that a very real new world-ruling government is coming soon! It will, indeed, be a “whole new world”—the prophesied “times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:21).

           The Bible instructs us to pray regularly for this coming World Government, “Thy Kingdom come” (Matt. 6:9-10). The Apostle John tells us, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev. 22:20). God’s inspired Word also tells us that at the “last trump” Christ’s Government will be set up on this earth: “Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!’” (Rev. 11:15).

        Frankly, the liberal ministers of our modern world have a very difficult time trying to “spiritualize away” the literally dozens of Bible verses which clearly describe a soon-coming World Government with Jesus Christ as King of kings and the true saints as kings and priests assisting Christ here on earth.

        As we see wars and famines, earthquakes and upset weather conditions becoming worse, as we clearly recognize that mankind’s misguided attempts to rule itself apart from God continue to bring about broken homes and broken lives, war, anguish and death, we should truly cry out, “Thy Kingdom come!” And we should do everything in our power to help increasing millions of our fellow human beings learn about God’s true Plan and His Purpose for all our lives.

        That is what we at Tomorrow’s World are trying to do with all of our hearts. There is nothing more important than carrying the true Message of God to all the world! And each of us needs to do his or her part to be an “overcomer,” to obey our Creator and to genuinely walk with God and walk with Christ now and forever. That is why we were born!         May God help all of you to see His Plan, as world events move swiftly toward the prophesied end of this age. In this election year here in America, we see people all across the nation enthusiastically supporting and even cheering and yelling for their favorite candidate. Thousands of “political operatives”—including hundreds of starry-eyed young people—are giving generously of their time, their energy and their money to support their favorite candidates. They literally “pour themselves” into it. For by driving themselves to reach out to hundreds of others with enthusiasm and zeal, they hope to play a vital part in helping to elect—for a few short years—a fallible human leader over this nation.

        But we—my dear friends and brethren—are called to similarly “pour ourselves” with total dedication into preparing the way for the King of kings who alone can bring about the kind of peace and justice and lasting happiness we all yearn for. Are we driving ourselves in doing all we can to prepare for the real world-ruling government which is about to be set up on this earth? Are we showing our Creator and our God that we truly believe what He says, and that we will go “all out” to yield ourselves to the task of helping get His Son’s message to a dying world while we have the opportunity? May God inspire all of us to zealously do our part in the vital Work of preparing the way for His soon-coming Kingdom!

We in the Living Church of God are dedicated to doing the work of God…Some articles of related 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. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Getting the Gospel Out is More than a Local Job Discusses Biblical rationale for doing an international, and not just a local, work.
How Much Did You Cost? Some have complained that the total costs spent to proclaim the gospel as a witness is too high since it does not (in their opinion) result in enough conversions. Is that how God sees it?
The Temple and the Work This article discusses the two temples of the Old Testament and gives insight as to their possible relevance to the situation which has impacted the Church during this past decade or so.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know?