good news 1953 (vol iii no 11) dec_w

7/28/2019 Good News 1953 (Vol III No 11) Dec_w

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o fGOD

NatIonal MagazIneCHURCH OF

TheT H E

VOL. I II , NUMBER 11 DECEMBER, 1953

God Demands Teamwork!1N HIS little-known prophetic message for the church today, Jesuspromised that He would set beforeus an open DOOR for the spreading ofthe gospel.Notice Jesus' own words for ourchurch today: "I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an openDOOR, and no man can shut it: for thouhast a little strength, and hast kept myword" (Rev. 3:8).This DOOR-the opportunity ofspreading the gospel (I I Cor. 2:12 ) -is today the means of RADIO and thePRINTING PRESS! The true church ofGod today has little strength in thisdegenerate age. It has no great financialresources, yet through Jesus' miraculousguidance this great work is constantlyexpanding. I t is not the work of oneman, nor even of a dozen men. It is thework of every member of God's church-everyone of you!

The Church Is a TEAM!One fundamental lesson we all needto learn in this world is the need forteamwork. Even in athletics, the bestplayers can't achieve victory unless theentire team works together in perfectcooperation and coordination.The apostle Paul taught the need ofteamwork by saying tha t the church isone body although composed of manymembers. Every truly converted Christian has his specific function in thechurch just as each organ of a humanbody has its function. "But now hathGod set the members every one of them

by Herman L. Hoehin the body, as it hath pleased him.And the eye cannot say unto the hand,I have no need of thee: nor again thehead to the feet, I have no need of you"(1 Cor. 12:18-21).The church is like a team or a body.Every member in the church of God isessential. Perhaps it appears that thosewho help only through prayers, tithes,offerings, and letters of encouragementare of little need compared to preaching. Yet the work of God cannot function without every necessary part anymore than a human body can. "TheWorld Tomorrow" program would notbe where it is today if it were not forthe constant prayers and faithful tithesand offerings of God's people. Paulsaid: "Nay, much more those membersof the body, which seem to be morefeeble, are necessary ( l Cor. 12:22) .

Satan Causes DivisionThe devil knows that one of theeasiest methods of wrecking teamworkin the church of God is to cause contention and division. I t is a naturalhuman tendency to precipitate strifeand controversy. That is the specialreason why each of us must striveagainst our carnal human nature and beon guard constantly to preserve harmony and teamwork in the spirit oflove.Notice, for a moment, how easy itwas for the devil to cause contentionsand divisions in the apostolic church.At Corinth it was reported to Paul thatthere were cliques and dissensions de-

veloping. "Now this I say, tha t everyone of you saith, I am of Paul; and I ofApollos; and I of Cephas (Peter); andI of Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paulcrucified for you?" (1 Cor. 1:12-13)Those Corinthians were still carnallyminded. They wanted to be followersof important men. Some preferred theeloquent style of Apollos' preaching(Acts 18:24), others liked Peter's.Without realizing it they were get tinginto confusion and cuntentions overPaul, Apollos and Cephas who werefaithful ministers of Christ. Just as then,so today many do not realize the harmthat can be caused by factions withinthe church. Wherever the spirit of strife,envy and dissension enters the church,it will embitter the brethren unlessstamped out by God's ministers.Among those Corinthians the Adversary cleverly induced many to criticise and find fault with the labors ofPaul. They began to say among themselves: "I don't believe Paul is doingthis right. I am going to support Apollos from now on." After leading theCorinthian converts into fault finding,the devil's next step was to secretly introduce false ministers who transformed"themselves into the apostles of Christ,"and who professed to be "the ministersof righteousness" (I I Cor. 11:13-15) .Because they sought to follow men instead of Jesus Christ, it was only naturalthat the Corinthians would be led astrayby smooth-talking false preachers.Knowing that human nature has notchanged since then, Satan is trying this


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Page 2very method today in order to thwartthe work of God and overthrow numerous brethren. I t is so easy to criticise those whom God places in authorityand whom He is using. For years thedevil has struggled to gender the spiri tof contention and rivalry. Satan knowsthat if he can embitter the brethrenagainst God's ministers, particularly Mr.Armstrong, he can devour them andwreck the teamwork that is so essentialamong God's people.

How to Prevent DivisionSatan is going about, as always, seeking whom he may devour. He will tryevery imaginable scheme to overthrowyou brethren. How shall we preservethe wonderful spirit of cooperationwhich still permeates the church today?Let us notice the method Paulused in order to maintain teamworkand loving cooperation among thechurches. In I Corinthians 3: 10 he

wrote: "According to the grace of Godwhich is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation,and another buildeth thereon."Jesus Christ used the apostle Pauldirectly in carrying the gospel to theGent ile nations. After Paul had founded the Corinthian church, Apollos wasone of several evangelists who continuedLU Guilu uu th e foundation which Paullaid. Paul and Apollos cooperated inevery way possible; but Paul, who wasan apostle, seperoised. the work of Apol-los and generally directed his laborsjust as he did the labors of the otherevangelists, Timothy, Titus and Silas(Titus 3:13).Undoubtedly one of the major reasons for the division at Corinth was thefact that Apollos, a more eloquentspeaker than Paul, had not been tallgbtand trained personally by the apostle.Apollos was doctrinally in error on several points, particularly the distinctionbetween the baptism of John and Jesus(Acts 18:24 and 19:1-7). No suchcontroversy is noted between Paul andthe other evangelists whom he personally trained.Paul realized that in order to preserve harmony and the spirit of cooperation, he had to direct Apollos and alsotrain other young men who could servehim as evangelists. These young menwho accompanied him on his journeyswere under him in authority, in thesame manner that Paul was under theauthority of Christ. It was the government or rule of God. God the Fathermade his will known to Jesus who inturn made it known to Pat;!. The apostlethen explained it to the evangelists whoin rnrn taught it to the elders and thelocal congregations.Wherever Paul journeyed, the evangelists who built on

The GOOD NEWShis foundation were under his authority.But let us note another importantprinciple found in Romans 15:20-22.Paul wrote: "Yea, so have I strived topreach .the gospel, not where Christ wasnamed, lest 1 sbould build upon anotherman's foundation: but as it is written,To whom he was not spoken of, theyshall see: and they tha t have not heardshall understand."Building on Another's FoundationHere Paul quotes Scripture from theOld Testament to prove that those ofapostolic rank, being the direct representatives of Jesus Christ, should notbuild where others have preached thetrue gospel of the kingdom of God.This is important for us to remembertoday. In order tha t the "World Tomorrow" broadcast should not be hinderedby duplication, God directs that noothers of apostolic rank should buildupon the foundation tha t Jesus Christ

laid through the min ist ry of Mr. Armstrong. And all who do build on it mast'be tinder bis direction and autbority.The Bible itself plainly reveals that anyother plan leads to confusion and trouble. Any individual 01 gruup not yetunderstanding this phase of the government of God is only going to cause confusion and dissension among God'speople.History of Our Church

Perhaps a little history is impor tantat this juncture. Our Church is no t aChurch founded or bui lt by Herbert W.Armstrong. It was founded in 31 A.D.by Jesus Christ. I t is the very ChurchJesus Christ built! HE is its governingHead. His Church has government,and t hat government is from the TOPdown, through those whom Christ hasset directly under Him in authority.When Mr. Armst rong first startedpreaching, he was under the authorityof the Oregon Conference of the Churchof God, now dearly identified in thelight of carefully documented historicalresearch as the "Sardis" church describedprophetically by Jesus in Revelation3: 1-6. That church was not properlyorganized according to the New Testa

ment pattern of God. Nevertheless Mr.Armstrong was under the authority ofthose holding offices of authority in thatConference. He was ordained by thatChurch-Gad's Church for tha t period- i n the year 1931. He received salaryfrom them, was sent by them, first toengage in a tent meeting in Eugene,Oregon, then to St. Helens, Oregon, andthen to Umapine, Oregon. When themeeting at St. Helens ended, he waitedthere while the minister he was assigned to work with drove down to theWi ll amette Valley to obtain authority

December, 1953from the constituted Church Board togo on to Umapine and hold the meetings there.In those days, under the period ofthe "Sardis" Church, Mr. Armstrong waswholly UNDER authority. No one canever be pu t IN authority under Christuntil he has demonstrated by experiencethat he can faithfully be UNDER authority, and can loyally and faithfully participate in the TEAMWORK which consti tutes the very st ructure of God's t rueChurch.In early December, 1931, the OregonConference treasury was drained, andMr. Armstrong was released from ministerial duties for the time being. Hethen re-entered the advertising and publishing field, becoming advertising manager and acting business manager of adaily newspaper. Those were the depression days. At the end of February,1933, the president of the Oregon Conference came after Mr. Armstrong, andreturned him and his family to Salem,Oregon. There, with another evangelist,he held a five months' evangelistic campaign under salary from and under theauthority of the Oregon Conference, theChurch of God-rhe "Sardis" Church ofRev.3.Mr. Armstrong UNDER AuthorityAfter this campaign ended in July,1933, Mr. Armstrong received a callfrom a family brought into the Churchunder his personal minist ry in 1931, inEugene, to open a campaign in a oneroom country schoolhouse eight miles

west of Eugene. But, before daring toaccept this call, Mr. Armstrong waitedfor tbe Cburch Board to act, and decidewhether he could go, or whether he wasto be sent to some other place. TheChurch Board decided to send him tothis country schoolhouse west of Eugene. Mr. Armstrong went there, startedthose meetings UNDER AUTHORITY OFTHE OFFICIALS OVER HIM IN THECHURCH.Most of those in the Church todayknow nothing of this early history ofthe beginnings of what are described inRevelation 2 and 3 as the "Philadelphia"Church-which in fact ismerely anothertime-era in the history of the CHURCHOF GOD, which Christ founded A.D. 31.Another vital point our present members do not know: Mr. Armstrong didnot build wbat has developed into the"Pbiladelpbia Church" ON ANY OTHERMAN'S FOUNDATION. He did not go toa place where a number of people, converted through another man's ministry, lived. He went where one family,brought into the Church through his ownwork, lived, and started preaching topeople who never heard the Truth be-(Please continue on page 7)


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Be a POSITIVE ChristianHat-'ing trouble with your neighbors? Jf7HY? This wil l show youthe REASON, and give you a POSITIVE PLAN to guide you inliving the happy, abundant, and exemplary life that God intended.

by Roderick C. Meredith

ENRAGED at the evangelists, the furious bloodthirsty mob broughtthem to the city officials crying,"These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also" (Acts17:6) .Wirh these words, the angry Jews atThessalonica accused the apost le Pauland his helpers of the very same thingof which many of you have been accused. Does true Chris tianity turn theworld "upside down," or right side up?Is the Holy Spiri t the Spiri t of a pecul iarmixture of misguided religious zeal, unreasoned superstition, and a rebelliousattitude toward custom, society, andother people in general? Is this the att itude of a good Christ ian?Let's face facts! Some of our brethrenhave been accused of such wrong attitudes and conduct. Sometimes the accusation is clearly false, but sometimesit is based on fact!How should Christians live to gainthe respect of unconverted neighborsand friends? In spite of persecutions,how can we live the joyous, fruitfulkind of lives that we should?Let's look in to God's Word for theanswers, and use sound-minded wisdomin applying the principles containedthere.

Are You a "Light"?Jesus told His disciples, "Ye are thelight of the world." And later , "Letyour light so shine before men, thatthey may see your good works, andglori fy your Father which is in heaven"(Mat. 5: 14, 16). Jesus taught that weare not to pu t our l ight under a bushel,but on a candlestick where all can see.

But how do we let our "light" shine before men?Notice that Jesus said men wouldsee our good works and glorify God(verse 16). He didn't say that theywould hear our constant prating aboutthe Bible. Our "good works," our kindness and thoughtfulness to others, ourwillingness to sacrifice, our Christian example in daily living, these things willcause even unconverted men to admireand respect us. Eventually, they willrealize tha t it is God who is he lping uslive this way. Then they will glorify Him.

But arguing, disputing, and trying to"convince" people they are wrong isnowhere referred to as "good works." I fa friend or relative isn't interested inGod's truth, they will in no way behelped if you constantly plague themwith what they regard as "your religion."It is certainly not the rel igion of JesusChrist! That is not the kind of examplethat He set.Remember that men will glorify Godbecause of your "good works," not because of what you say. What type ofgood works should you demonstrate inthis modern day?

Christian WorksIn John 14: 11, Jesus said, "Believeme that I am in the Father, and theFather in me: or else believe me forthe very works' sake." He was referringto the miracles which He performed,and said in verse 12 tha t one who trulybelieved on him would perform evengreater works.Most of Jesus' miraculous works were

acts of kindness to others-healing thesick, feeding the multitudes, casting outunclean spirits. Paul wrote the Corinthian brethren, "Now ye are the BODYof Christ, and members in particular"(I Cor. 12: 27). Today, Jesus is not hereto perform good works in person, bu twe of God's true church comprise Hisbody through which He can and doesperform miraculous works. Many times,unconverted friends of our brethrenhave been forced to glorify God andHis power when they have witnessed agenuine, miraculous healing accordingto God's promise.

The Church of God is Chr ist 's inst rurnenr to preach the true gospel as awitness to all the world, to feed theflock, to heal the sick, cast out demons,and exercise all the o ther gifts of God' sSpirit. By each of us drawing closer toGod in diligent Bible study, earnestprayer, and fasting, we shall receive thePOWER to carry out our mission in a wayt ha t men cannot help bu t notice. In thedays of the apostles, God, "confirmedthe word with signs following" (Mark16:20). I f we draw as close to God aswe should, if we "hunger and thirstafter righteousness," He will grant us

the power to do the same miraculousworks as the early apostles, and manyothers will learn to glorify God.But aside from these miraculous worksof the ministry, there are many, manythings that we should all be doing toglorify God in our lives.What are these?Be a Good Neighbor

One of the most beautiful parables ofJesus tha t we all learned as a child, butsometimes seem to forget as an adultChristian, is the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). It is thestory of one man, a priest, who thoughthe was too holy or too important to bebothered with helping a poor fellowwho had been set upon by thieves, andwas lying wounded and suffering by theroadside. It also portrays the splendid,unselfish compassion of the Samaritan.He was not too "good" to help even awretched fellow in trouble he had neverseen before.Notice Jesus' instruction: "Go, anddo thou likewise."Just how good a neighbor are you?This is a vitally IMPORTANT factor indetermining your abili ty to be a "light"

to others and, incidentally, in determining your own happiness.You should realize from the outsetthat carnal-minded friends and neighbors are just naturally going to have abad opinion of you-a true Christiantry ing to keep all of God's commandsagainst which their carnal mind rebels.They are going to look upon you as"peculiar" or "fanatic" nlcss you takoposi tive action to counteract this attitude.To separate yourself from worldlyfellowship and participation in polit icsand pagan customs, you may have todrop out of any lodges, clubs, religiousor polit ical organizat ions of which youmay be a member. You may be regardedas a "quitt er." You will be accused ofnot loving your fellow man-and manyother charges will be laid at your doorstep.The SOLUTION to this problem is toprove by positive ACTION that thesethings are not true. Go out of your wayto be a really wonderful neighbor. Remember that Jesus said, "I t is more


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Page 4 The GOOD NEWS December, 1953

Address communications to the Edi to r,Box I l l , Pasadena, California.Copyright, December, 1953By the Radio Church of God

Herbert \V. ArmstrongPublisher and EditorHerman 1.. lIoehExecra ir e Editor

Roderick C. MeredithAssoci.ue Edisor

The national magazine ofTHE CHURCH OF GODministering to its membersscattered abroad, and

reporting on campus happeningsat Ambassador College

in God-not self-wouldn't He wantus to develop these?Jesus said, "Be ye therefore perfect,even 8S your Father which is in heavenis perfect" (Mat. 5:48). We are tostrive to become l ike God in every way!Through God's help, we will finallyachieve this goal when we ar e finallyborn of God in the resurrection.Jesus was God in the flesh-setting aperfect example for us to follow. DidJesus use sloppy speech or dress? DidHe appear "backwoodsie" or uncouth toothers?In Luke 4: 22, we find that when Jesusspoke in the synagogue, "And all barehim witness, and wondered at the gracion: words which proceeded out of hismouth." They were forced to admireJesus' ability in speech even though theylater condemned what he said and triedto throw him off the brow of a hill!(verse 29).In reading the gospels, it is easy todiscern tha t Jesus was a natural leaderof men. He was a person tha t peoplewould naturally be forced to admireeven though the Jews hated what Hetaught so much that they crucified Him.Are you developing the qualities ofpersonality, of leadership? Are you ableto deal with and influence people ofall classes? The apostle Paul said, "I ammade all things to all men, that I mightby all means save some" (Acts 9:22 ) .You should try to do your work thebest way possible, to keep your homeand yard looking as neat and clean aspossible, to dress as well as possiblewi thin your means. You should study

to use really good English, to broadenyour interests and your general knowledge, to develop your personality andabilities in every way. God says to develop yom talents-to be like Him inevery way! By doing these things, yourneighbors will notice the change forgood in your life and will be forced torespect you more.Show them a POSITIVE life of overcoming selfishness, of growing in' graceand knowledge, of being an example oflove and service to those about you.With these new interests and abilities, with the joy that comes from ac

tively helping others, your life shouldbe more exciting, more full and abundant, than ever before. And you can goahead in full FAITH that God haspromised to help you grow more likeHim by guiding you, blessing and protecting you, through His Spirit.Show Common Sense

Many fail to realize that , "God hathnot given us the spirit of fear; but ofPOWER, and of LOVE, and of a SOUNDMIND" (I I Timothy 1:7) . Ins tead of(Please continue on page 7)

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ABC NETWORK, TRANSCONTINENTAL-Every Sunday. Consultlocal newspaper radio schedules fort irne and s ta ti on , or keep un handthe log printed in November PLAINTRUTH.

Herbert W. Armstrong analyzes today 's news, with the prophecies ofTh e WORLD TOMORRO\\f !TO ALL OF FlJROPE:RADIO UJXEMROURG-1:15 P.M.---Thursdays Luxembourg time.

'The WORLD TOMORROW"RADIO LOG

Jarues tells us, "Hath not God chosenthe poor of this world rich in faith?"(J ames 2: 5). Many of us are poor,humble people when God calls us. Somehave not had many educational opportunities, and are handicapped in thei rspeech and writing, their knowledge ofthis world about us, and in many of thesocial graces.Does God wish us to remain this way?First of all, we have to confess thatif we had all been highly successful inthis world, we would have been tooproud to accept God's truth and be converted. We would have had too much

SELF confidence to recognize our needfor God. But now that should all bechanged. Now our confidence shouldrest in God, and what He can do throttghtrs if we yield to His Spirit. Now thatour confidence about any abili ties rests

NUMBER 11OL III

blessed to GIVE t han to receive" (Acts20:35).The chief attributes of God's HolySpirit ate loue, juy, peace, long-suffering(Gal. 5:22). Put the love of God towork in your life. Try to be understanding, pat ient , and always ready tobe of service to others. Cultivate theattitude of joy and peace at all times.Try to make others feel happy in yourpresence.God is more willing to give you ofHis Spirit-His love, joy, and peacethan you are to feed your own hungrychildren. ASK God to help you showmore love-to give you His love-andto help you be a bett er neighbor inevery way.Then, with God's help, MAKE yourneighbors like and respect you by your"good works"-your kindness, love, willingness to help in time of need. Thiswill neuer be accomplished by yourwords, bu t by your ACTIONS.

Be PositiveOne of the most s tr iking mistakes ofsome new converts is their failure toshow a positive attitude toward life. Be

cause they have come to realize thatmuch of this world is wrong, they assume a negative a tt itude toward l ife ingeneral. They don't take a real interestin their family, their friends, or theircommunity. Is this the way to be a"light"-the kind of example otherswill admire?No. Instead of being against everything, strive to be for something. Havea positive program of developing yourpersonality, yom capabilities, your ability to help and influence other people forgood.


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How YOU Can OvercomeHow can you overcome and master your human nature?-and keep

ALL God's commandments?by Herbert W. Armstrong

I FEEL 1must immcdiarely have a realheart ro heart talk with my family ofreaders and co-workers, sharing withyou thoughts that came ro my mindwhile they are still fresh and vivid.I t concerns the most important thingin life and eternity for you. But at themoment, 1 was thinking about myself.Every person-yes, even you-is hisown worst enemy. All my life I havebeen impelled to fight my worst enemy

- that troublesome inner self, which bynature is desperately wicked. I was notborn with a mild, submissive, weakwilled inner sel]. Had I been, I probablynever could have been used as God's instrument in bearing His message to you.My mother, now well into her eighties,will tel! you I was a very strong-willedboy; and while I was still young enoughto be under parental discipline, I causedher and my father no end of trouble.Since growing into the age of selfdiscipline, this same evil, determinedinner self has caused me no end oftrouble. And I should add that since Igave that self over to God, it surelymust have tried His patience!

That brings us to the point. Thethought that came to my mind concernedthis very troublesome inner self. HOW,came the question, can I myself ever become finally saved, and inherit e ternallife in the Kingdom of God, with sucha powerful, seemingly irresistible innerforce of evil constantly pulling the otherway? When God says "there shall inno wise enter into it (the Kingdom ofGod) anything tha t defileth, ne ithe rwhatsoever worketh abomination, ormaketh a lie," (Rev. 21: 27), it surelyseemed impossible that I should be ableto "overcome:' and "endure unto theend."But the same instant the answerflashed to mind-----GOD will save me! Ican't save myself. When I look at thistroublesome, natural ly evil self, so human and full of faults and weaknesses,so beset by temptations of pride andthe flesh, with all its limitations andshortcomings; knowing that to be finallysaved I must GROW in grace and God'sknowledge-must develop in righteousholy character-must overcome this selfand temptat ions and weaknesses-andmust endure thru trial and test and op-

pasman and discouragement unto rheend, -we l l when I look at it that way,it seems utterly HOPELESS to expectever to be saved.And I wondered, as this thoughtflashed thru my mind, how many of myreaders and co-workers are tempted tolook at it the same way-to feel a senseof futi li ty and helplessness-perhaps tobecome discouraged and lose faith?Ah, that's the key word-FAITH!Our plight isn't hopeless at all!Of course, of ourselves, it is impossible to be saved. But with GOD it is cer-tain-i f we yield to Him an d TRUSTHim, We shall be saved, not by ourown power to overcome and developperfect characters, bu t thru FAITH INGOD'S POWER!But right here is where 999 out of1,000 become deceived by the fables ofthis time. And when the b lind lead theblind, they both fall into the ditch!Because we can't save ourselves-wecan't master the evil inner self-wecan't always resist every temptationwe can't keep God's holy Law perfectly-and , of ourselves, we would fail toovercome, to grow in spiritual character,and to endure to the end; the falseteaching is going out that JESUS DIDTHESE THINGS FOR US-that we don'tneed to do them. Millions today believethat God imputes Jesus' righteousnessto us, counting us as righteous when weare not!There couldn 't be a more soul-damning delusion of the devil!No, Jesus didn't live a good life foryou, in your stead! You are not excusedfrom keeping God's commandments,living a righteous holy life, overcoming,growing in spiri tual character, and enduring in spite of all opposition, persecution, trial and test unto the end.YOU and I must actually do these thingsin order to be saved!Here is the great mystery! Since wemust do these things to be saved, yetare utterly unable to do them, it is natural to conclude either that God sentJesus to do it for us and excuse usfrom accomplishing it, or else to become discouraged and be tempted toquit trying.The true answer is the KEY to salvation!

We can't save ourselves. GOO willsave us! But how?No t by saving us in our sins-notby deceiving Himself into counting usrighteous by imputing Jesus' righteousness to us while we remain unrighteous-BUT BY SAVING US FROM OUR SINS,by giving us His very own Spirit-HisPOWER to overcome these cantankerousselves, His LOVE to actually fulfill Hislaw, His PEACE to avoid strife with enemies and resentment and bitterness attheir injustices, His PATIENCE to endure!We can't save ourselves-----GOD mustsave us! But He does it by changing us,thru His indwelling divine supernatural power, from what we have beeni11l0 the holy, r ighteous characters Hewills to make of us! He does it by forgiving past sins not only, bu t cleansingus from sinning now and in the future!God does not look upon our hopelessplight-our evil natures, our weaknessesand inabilities-and say, "Poor, helplesshumans! Since they are unable to masterand overcome their evil natures, to keepmy Law, to endure trial and test andtemptation, and to grow into holy characters; I'll be merciful and have mySon do it for them, and save them JUStas they are in all t heir sins."Instead, God who knows our everyweakness, and who Himself is responsi-ble for this human nature in every oneof us, sent His Son into the world toproclaim HIS MESSAGE to us that wemust yield to GOD'S government over ourlives-that we must REPENT and turnfrom our filth of the flesh and prideof mind and heart; He sent His Soninto the world to be tempted in allpoints as we are-human as we are to prove that a human can, with thehelp of the Spirit of God, live withoutsin-TO SET AN EXAMPLE FOR USTHAT WE SHOULD FOLLOW HIS STEPSand live also withou t sinning! He sentHis Son into the world to die for us,- no t living a good life in our stead,but paying the penalty of our past sinsin our stead-that we might be reconciled to God, so tha t we might receiveHis Spirit, bege tt ing us as His SONSso that God rhru the power of HisSpirit may CHANGE us from mortal sin-(Please continue on page 8)


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Let's Look at OurselvesHere is an intriguing ins ight into human nature and what YOUcan do about it, by the Dean of Students at Ambassador College.

by Jack R. Elliott

CHILDREN seem such lovable creatures, but have you ever noticedthe selfishness in their littlehearts?When a dessert dish is passed aroundthe table, they usually take the most appetizing piece without giving a thoughtabout what is left for the next fellow.Or when Johnnie arrives home fromschool and enters the pantry, he willtake an abundance of fruit , not thinkingwhether there will be enough left forDad, Mom, and Sis.When you show him his selfishness,he will defend himself by saying, "Oh,I'm not selfish! I just didn't think."I JUST DIDN'T THINK-that is thebest deliuition uf selfishness I know.What he means to say is "I just didn'tthink of them. I was only concernedabout MYSELF."

How Selfishness ActsThe carnal mind which is in everyoneof us has a deep rooted concern for"self." Certain privileges and courtesiesare extended to others, certainly; but

there is no serious concern for theirwelfare.Take the typical example of a manlate for work-speeding at 45 mph ina 25 mph zone. Here are some of thethoughts that whir th rough his mind:"I f my wife were a li ttle more efficient,and had prepared my breakfast earlier,I wouldn't have been late Whycan't wives be more efficient? Thatold lady driv ing the car up ahead, she isjust poking along. I wonder how shegot a driver's license anyway. The community would be better off if she andher old rattle trap were not allowed onthe road. (Blows horn loud and long). . . Ah, at last! I made it around her. . . What time is it? Oh my! Fifteenminutes late already ... Now look!A red light. Why in the world do thesecity officials pu t a red light out here inthe middle of nowhere!"

Had a child run across the street andbeen hit by this driver, while he wasspeeding along with his mind fastenedon HIMSELF, he would have declaredsadly that it was an "unavoidable accident." He would have resented it ifanyone would dare term it carelessness.

Yet that is what it would be-selfishcarelessness, which is another way ofsaying lack of proper consideration forothers brought on by over considerationfor "self" and the things that concern"self:'Never would such a man look backover the morning's activities and seetha t by arising a little earlier and leaving home at a marc appropria te hour hecould have had enough time to look

out for the other fellow as well as himself. Even though he was late for work,that was no excuse for him to be so inconsiderate of the others' welfare.Love Means Consideration

Most of us have only a vague idea ofwhat true love is. Love is not some sentimental feeling veiled in sanctimoniousaction.True love is the deep down, mature,logical concern for those around us. I tis lived actively by endeavoring todiscipline ourselves so that our actionsare guided by the desires and welfareof others as well as our own.The human way, on the other hand,is not like God's love. People who "justdon't think" often times don't realizehow much suffering they cause others asa result of their selfishness. Aunt Jenniemay have said nothing the day you satwith dirty clothes in her prize loungechair, or the time you walked across herclean floor with mud on your shoes.Nevertheless it hurt her. Jus t becauseshe said nothing does not mean that shewill not long remember it. Your wifemay pick up the clothes you left on thefloor and say nothing.Careless people do not evoke happi

ness in the lives of others. They evokedisgust and misery instead.Natural Mind Doesn't Agreewith God

Viewed through the natural humancarnal eye, God is a conceited monarchwho wants us to give up all happinessand a "carefree" life in order to performacts that are not to our best interest justto appease His vanity. They view God asa God of hate, not love. They reasonthat if He were love, He would let

them have their own way and be selfish.The only consolation they have isthat God appears to be so weak andthe devil is giving Him so much troublethat He seldom gets a chance to punishpeople when they fail to appease him!Yet, they believe that it does not pay tospite Him tOO much because He maysingle them out for a dose of His wrath.They believe He causes all of their accidents to befall them, but they accredit

all their good fortunes to "Lady Luck."God is a God of love. He loves youas He loves all men. He would have usall follow the loving instruction thatwould make our lives, and the lives ofthose around us, full, happy, abundant,and just bubbling over with joy.God will never force anyone to livethe right way, if one insists, as theworld does, that his way is better.Let us all begin to be concernedwith the way we are living our lives.There is a way of living that will bringus, and those around us abundant joy, soisn't it worth at least a little of ourtime each day to seek it out and put itinto practice?I f we find ourselves prone to say, "Idid not think," or "I won't do this because I may get into trouble," or "otherpeople annoy me," or "I saw someoneelse do it also," and similar expressionsof self-love, then it is time we began toovercome and master the human naturewithin us. Let us begin to listen to God'sloving instruction and let him turn ourlives right side up.You can make the lit tle Spot in whichyou live much brighter for everyone,yourself included. Of course there willbe moments of sadness especially whenyou see loved ones, determined to livein thei r own way, unhappy and miserable.There will be times also when yourhappiness is impaired by the sins ofothers. God could save you from this,but He does not because it is part ofyour spir itual training. He will let suchthings happen as often as is necessaryto keep you conscious of the evils ofsin, how sin robs not only ourselves butthose around us of happiness. But despite all these little troubles, your lifewill still be filled with abundance.


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December, 1953

POSITIVE Christian(Continued from page 4)

demonstrating these qualities in theirlives, they proceed in a hesitant, apologetic, or sometimes a bell igerent attitude to try to "talk people into" some oftheir beliefs.Humanly, we all tend to do thesethings, and it is hard to overcome them.But God has given us the spirit ofPOWER to do so!From now on, instead of being "downon the world" in all of your talk and actions, try to show the world by actiont ha t you have found something better.Show your neighbors that your faithworks for good by doing good to them.Through God's Spirit within you,live up to what you believe and set ashining example before others. They maynor agree with all your doctrine, butthey will respect the results you achievein your life.Make an exciting g.lme out of l i feour of overcoming yourself and all theobstacles in the world. Accept yourselfas a bundle of possibilities-the soft,pliable clay Out of which God, the Supreme Potter-can fashion a characterand personali ty worthy of eternal lifein His kingdom.Try hard NOT to give others the impression that you are "queer," or "peculiar." Yom job is to show them theSpirit of a SOUND MIND in everythingyou do. I f people do ask you questionsconcerning your belief-which theywill if you are living i t -be preparedby diligent study to give them the answer in a non-argumentative, clear, andcommon-sense way. Show them thatGod's way makes seme-and is basedon a law of love which would preventwar, murdo and most of humanity'stroubles, if it were only taught andobeyed. But only tell people what theyask YOtt bon. Don't try to force roomuch new truth upon them all at once.Just show them by your words and ACTIONS tha t God's way is based on common sense and a sound mind.Continually ask God for the love,faith, and wisdom to be a POSITIVEChristian. Put a smile on your face, pullback your shoulders, and hold your headhigh as you step forward to meet theworld wi th God's LOVE in your hearttoward evetyone, with H is FAITH andPOWER to show others a positive example of the bless ing that comes froma life of love and service, and with theSpirit of a SOUND MIND that you maydemonstrate by your actions that God'sway is best, and could bring happinessto everyone.Even though you will still be persecuted by many, this positive attitude

The GOOD NEWS10 Christian liv ing will ga in you newrespect in your community. You maythen be a positive influence for good.More important, this way of living faithand action will give your own life moremeaning, interest, and joy, and will prepare you to better serve as a King andPriest under Christ throughout life eternal. Use it.Ambassador Students ...nbat are they like?

by J. W. RobinsonWhen I arrived at Ambassador College, I was impressed by the friendliness of the older students. I had heardso much about the nature of the campuslife that I expected friendliness to prevail; but still I was amazed by the genuine spirit of love in the welcome extended to each new arrival. The olderstudents show in every way tha t theyhave made courtesy and kindness a part

of their daily lives. Complaints and dissension are conspicuous by their rarity.These characteristics, which are developed only by constant application ofGod's laws in every-day l iving, are therule rather than the exception.Very soon after my arrival, I noticedthe enthusiasm with which the studentsstudy, work, and play. Who would expect to see young and vigorous collegestudents diligently study a Bible forhours at a time when there are so manytheaters and other diversions downtown? Certainly it must seem strange tothe unconverted, but not to one whounderstands the desire for right knowledge that brought the students here.Although the older students are usually busily occupied in their own studies,they are never too busy to lend a helping hand to a freshman who needs assistance.As I look around me and observe thecharacter that has been developed in theolder students at Ambassador, I am surethat I have come to the right college.Only the Spirit of God and proper training in His way of life could pu t sucha feeling of love and consideration inevery heart.

NOTICE!We have had many more requestsfor God's Sacred Calendar than hadbeen printed. Since this year's HolyDays are past, we are preparing anew Sacred Calendar for next year.All of you who receive the "GoodNews" will automatically receivenext year's calendar.So please be patient. Your SacredCalendar will be sent in sufficienttime for you to plan for God's festivals next spring.

Page 7God DemandsTeamwork(Continued from page 2)

fore. A goodly number were converted-:-brought INTO the Truth by his preachmg in this six weeks' campaign-and alittle Church of 19 members the harvestof his own labors in the Lord was or-ganized. '

I t was about the time of the close ofthese meetings that the Church Boarddemanded that Mr. Armstrong preachand act unscripturally. Two human"wolves in sheep's clothing," seeking todevour the fiock, had come in from theoutside and managed to charm and deceive the layman board officials. So faras carrying Out the divinely commissioned PURPOSE of the Church-to proclaim Christ's Gospel to the worldthe Sardis Church died at that point.Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong voluntarily relinquished the small salary, and solemnlyplaced themselves in GOD'S HANDS relying solely and altogether upon 'GODfor guidance, for financial support andevery need from that time on.

"Philadelphia" Church EmergesAfter this, the DOOR WAS OPENED forthe broadcast and publishing work. Thebroadcast began the first Sunday in 1934.The P L A I ~ TRUTH began February lsr,1934. Apnl Is t that year a campaign indowntown Eugene resulted in anothersmall Church in Eugene, then late tha tfall and early winter another church of

15 members-all new converts-wasraised up at Alvadore. These three werethen combined into the one Church ofGod at Eugene, which has continued tothis day.And that was the actual beginning ofanother era-the "Philadelphia Church"era-in the true Church of God, ofwhich Jesus Christ is the Head. Sincethat time Mr. Armstrong has been solely, wholly, altogether UNDER THE DIRECT AUTHORITY OF JESUS CHRIST.What has been accomplished since thencould never have been brought about bymere human power. The fruits abundantly reveal the mighty Hand andPower of ALMIGHlY GOD, who has ruled,governed, guided and ditected-andblessed--this work ever since.Gradually, f rom that day to the present, the work of GOD'S CHURCH grew andgrew. The sick have been healed. Thetrue Gospel has been preached to allNorth America, and now to all Europe,and soon to ALL THE WORLD! Thousands of lives have been changed-converted into begotten children of God.

The same fruits have been borne as under the apostles in the first two 19-year


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good news 1953 (vol iii no 11) dec_w

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