E-Herald of the

Coming Kingdom
Volume 1 October, 2009 Issue 10

“The time has come, and the

Kingdom of God is near. Change
the way you think and act, and
believe the Good News.”
Mark 1:15 GW

In this Issue:
Back to Basics
News from the Conferences
Of Shangri-Las and Utopias
Bible Studies
Dedicated To Spreading The Good News Of God’s Coming
Kingdom To Be Established When Jesus Returns
Page 2 – Editorial

Co-Editors: Kent Ross and Pastor Wally Winner

The idea of an electronic magazine is not original with us. It has been discussed at
Minister’s meetings, state conference and in casual conversations for some time.
It was some recent discussion with Wally Winner and others that provoked the two
of us to move ahead and simply do it. It will evolve as new ideas come in from our
subscribers, as they share their own desires for an electronic version that comes into their
homes and can be read at leisure and stored as desired.
It will be sent electronically using Arial, 12 point type, but because it is electronic, it
can be enlarged and read in whatever font size you find easiest for you. It is not copy-
righted. We only ask that if used in print, it be identified as having come from this E-Herald
of the Coming Kingdom.
As we discussed what should be and could be in it, one of the things we felt important,
even vital, as to be strong in our putting forth Biblical doctrines, maintaining integrity with
Biblical positions that have been commonly held among us down through the years.
We wanted to have articles that presented materials that could be used in teaching,
but that could also be a blessing to the casual reader. We intend to always have certain
sections, such as a Prophecy portion, a weekly Bible lesson, articles on living out the
Christian walk.
It will also contain news from our churches and state conferences that will help keep
us informed and encouraged in our mutual work across the land, and even across the
globe. It will try to make us all aware of coming events to encourage attendance as
opportunities arise.
Though we have a staff of writers who have indicated a desire to be regularly involved,
we also want to encourage any and all to submit materials they may have written, and to
feel a part of what is intended to be one of OUR publications. We will also publish letters
that are germane to the intent of the magazine’s intent.
It is sent freely and can be used freely as you desire. We will be doing a monthly
issue that is intended to come to you within the first five days of each month. If you know of
some who would like to receive it, or could benefit from receiving it, all we ask is for their
name, state and e-mail address, so we can enter it into our data base.
Page 3
Page - 4

cogcast
a broadcast ministry of the Church of God of the Abrahamic Faith
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17

Broadcasting daily on the internet the unique focus of praise to the

King, preparation for and the proclamation of His Coming Kingdom.

http://www.cogcast.org/
Once on the web site, find the microphone and click on it.
Higher speed connections are recommended

You will be glad you stopped by to listen to some of the music, messages,
and speakers from the Church of God of the Abrahamic Faith. Our file-
streaming webcast primarily features original sermons and messages,
prayers, music, and public domain songs and hymns throughout the
programming as spoken and performed throughout our church body. We
hope that as you listen you will be blessed by the word of God. Please
continue to keep this ministry in your thoughts and prayers as we strive to
spread and grow the message and the membership in the coming Kingdom
of God!

Join us for our worship service video broadcasts live at Joy Fellowship
each Saturday starting around 5:00 p.m. EST

We are now podcasting selected messages. Look forThe COGcast

Podcast on the web or in the iTunes store, and subscribe for free.
Page 4

Of Shangri-Las and Utopias

By Wally Winner

Ponce de Leon spent 18 years looking for the fabled

“Fountain of Youth”. He bathed in every waterfall and
stream he came across.

Four hundred years ago, Sir Thomas More wrote about

a world where everything was perfect. He called that
place UTOPIA.

Plato, the Greek philosopher, wrote about an ideal

government. This government was perfect in
organization and rulership. He wrote about it in a book
called “THE REPUBLIC”.

James Hilton wrote in his book called “LOST HORIZON”

about a land that had the very best included and the
worst excluded. He called the place “Shangri-La”.

A place where everything is perfect has been the ultimate dream of people everywhere through all
ages. I can’t think of a religion of the world that does not stress that there is something better than
what we presently have. A place where we can pick an apple and lay under the tree eating the fruit in
the shade. And when we get tired of that we could get up and stroll over to the peach tree and go
through the whole process again.

God has outlined a Kingdom in the Bible. It is one that takes the best of all the dreams.

Where Will This Kingdom Be?

Land…real land was promised to Abraham (Genesis 13:14-17; 17:7-8). The same promises were
given to his son Isaac (Genesis 16:1-3) and on to Jacob (Genesis 28:10-15). They never received
the land, but knew they would someday (Hebrews 11:13).

The land is also reserved for the spiritual seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:29). That is why the scripture
tells us such things as, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5 See also
Revelation 5:9, 10).

From the description of the reign of the Messiah in Psalm 2 to the Lord’s prayer, we see the promise
to make this earth our habitation (Psalm 2:6, 8; 25:13; 37:3, 9, 11, 22, 29, 34; Proverbs 10:30; Isaiah
57:13; Zechariah 9:10; Matthew 6:10).

So God’s kingdom will be on the earth.

What About The Kingdom Of Heaven?

Doesn’t Matthew also say, “Blessed are the pure in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matt.
5:3)?
Page 5

The kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God are interchangeable terms. Matthew is the only
writer to use the term “kingdom of heaven.” It is for a very good reason. He was writing to the Jewish
people. It was forbidden for a Jew to utter the name of God or write it. They would use the typogram
or make a reference that was undoubtedly a replacement for God.

Matthew used the term kingdom of heaven then to refer to the kingdom of God. Matthew uses the
term 32 times.

The term “Kingdom of God” is used five times in Matthew, 15 times in Mark, 33 times in Luke, two
times in John and 16 times in the rest of the New Testament.

Jerusalem Will Be The Central City

Jerusalem is God’s capitol city (Zechariah 1:17; Psalm 48:1, 2; Micah 4:1, 2, 7). It will be the center
of activity and worship.

“For the Lord God shall dwell in Zion and we shall see him as He is,…face to face” (Joel 3:17; see
Revelation. 22:4).

What Will the Kingdom Be Like?

There will be peace among people (Isaiah 2:4). There will be peace among animals. Peace between
people and animals (Isaiah 11:6-9). I don’t know if it is possible, but I will put this theory forth: women
will no longer jump when they see a mouse (some of you men, too). It will be a world completely at
peace (Micah 4:3).

We won’t have to worry about record low weather, frozen water pipes, cars that won’t start and long
underwear. Nor will be have to worry about suffering through heat waves, sweating and high humidity.

All the disabilities of man will be healed. God shall “strengthen the feeble arms, steady the tottering
knees. Then shall the blind man’s eyes be opened and the ears of the deaf be unstopped. Then
shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb shall shout aloud” (Isaiah 35:4-6).

There will be no more pain, sorrow or death (Isaiah 65:20; 1 Corinthians :15:26, 54, Revelation 21:4).

Which Pursuit?

Oh, people will continue to chase after the dreams of Utopias and Shangri Las, but they could have
the reality of the Kingdom of God. Why will they fritter away their time on lost dreams of perfect
worlds? Why will they spend time looking for the elusive “Fountain of Youth”?

No other thought or pursuit is as important right now as the soon-coming Kingdom of God.
 Page 6

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Page 7

Back to the Basics . . .

What’s Next?
Preached at the Church of God Iowa State Conference
August 9, 2009 - Russ Magaw, Speaker

Objective: We’ve long understood the basics of the faith.

Now, what do we do with them?
Text: Hebrews 6:1-10

Start Your Engines . . .

We’ve just celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary with an open house at the Oregon Church of God.
All of our brothers and sisters came. All of our children and grandchildren were there. Our daughter did
a great job planning, decorating, and preparing everything for the event. Our children and grandchildren
and other relatives and friends pitched in to help make it a success.
What we needed to do to make it a success was to make it together for 50 years. That was basic.
Also basic was to have a grand family. What was done with all that is now happening. Grandchildren are
here. What it means to be our family is being created as we go on. So, you see, we have the basics.
We’ve revisited the basics with the celebration. Now what we do with those basics depends on family
members to pull their weight, do their part, increase the values and persons of the family.
What is true in family is also a picture of what is true in the church. We have the basics, but where
do we go from here? Maybe we need to revisit the basics briefly. We’ve talked about them at this
conference.

I. The Basics Briefly . . .

Stated in Hebrews 6:1-3
 1 Therefore, leaving the elementary message about the Messiah, let us go on to maturity, not laying
again the foundation of repentance from dead works, faith in God, (A) 2 teaching about ritual washings, [a]
laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. (B) 3 And we will do this if God
permits.

II. Where to from here? Heb. 6:9-12

How about working love? “He will not forget your work and the love you showed for His name when you
served the saints—and you continue to serve them.” We serve the saints by: phone calls, personal visits
and writing them via email, letters, etc., bringing food, cleaning yard, painting, sharing Bible
thoughts.
How about being diligent with our hope? We “demonstrate the same diligence for the final
realization of your hope.” Push the envelope of studying Scripture and how to carry its hope to a changing
world. That means we know our hope so well that we first show persons true love in meeting their needs.
We then earn the right to share our hope. That sharing done the same way as serving saints. We must
also take advantage of all the new technology in spreading the good news. Websites, email, Facebook,
Twitter, etc. Can someone show me how to better use these social networks? The methodology is now
global. Our touch is felt by persons all over the world who have access to smart phones, laptops,
computer kiosks, etc.
As always, use of these possibilities requires putting our best presentation out there. If we fail
to do so, we are better off to wait until we have found someone who have the skills needed to help.
Worship of God must be interactive . . . Upbeat music, drama, sciences and the arts.
Page 8

However, it all begins with word of mouth At work, shopping malls, restaurants, open spaces,
family events, entertainment, etc.
What about an active faith? We become “imitators of those who inherit the promises through
faith and perseverance.” In spite of our socioeconomic station in life, regardless of our standing in the
religious world, and caring for the political and moral degradation of our country, we press on in faith. We
never flag in zeal for the God’s truth.

III. What Is our Motivation to press on? Heb. 6:4, 5.

We have been “enlightened.” God’s light shines on us, in us, through us to reach out to others.
We have “tasted the heavenly gift.” We are savoring God’s salvation for us (Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:8).
We have “become companions with the Holy Spirit.” God’s power came on us at baptism (Acts
2:38) and recharges us for each new day.
We have “tasted God’s good word.” Each day we study from the Word and are motivated by our
study.
We have tasted of the “powers of the coming age.” Eternity is in view and it is a great vision! We
will never flag in our press to find it!
The “Age to come” is pictured by the Old Testament prophets as a time of peace and serenity
when we enjoy the fruit of our labors, live in a new Jerusalem free of evil, degradation, and harm. Isaiah
35 is an example. It finishes with “the ransomed of the LORD will return and come to Zion with singing,
crowned with unending joy. Joy and gladness will overtake [them], and sorrow and sighing will flee.”
The New Testament Apocalypse pictures eternity in that same way. The New Jerusalem that is a
1500 mile cube, complete with gleaming gold and precious gems, and a perfect worship of God and the
Lamb. John climaxes his vision with these words from the throne: “Look! God’s dwelling is with men,
and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will exist no longer; Then the One seated on the
throne said, Look! I am making everything new.” He also said, “Write, because these words are faithful
and true.” And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I
will give to the thirsty from the spring of living water as a gift. The victor will inherit these things, and I will
be his God, and he will be My son “ (Rev. 21:3-7, HCSB).

Finally . . .
Each of us have precious memories of our family life. Some of you have celebrated 50 years of marriage
and know how valuable family is to you. Others of you are somewhere the large experience of life and
family. You are struggling with the issues which mark out the process. You have established those things
which are basic to who you are.
The same is true in the life of the church. In this conference we have touched on the basics of
who we are. Now we press on to where God is taking us as a conference of churches. My hope is that
we have shared some of the ideas and methods which will help spread the good news. By taking
advantage of Information Technology we shall find more people to join with us in the Age to Come when
God dwells with us all.
The key to all this is the three ingredients we found from our texts in Hebrews 6. Love is a
prerequisite to all our work. Hope pushes us on in this work. Faith is the motivation that sees us through
so that we will not fail.
God bless you all! Church of God
Iowa State Conference
Waterloo, IA
Sunday Morning • August 9, 2009
Russ Magaw, Guest Speaker
Page 9
Among the Churches
2009 Minnesota June Conference
Over the weekend of June 12-14, 2009 the Minnesota Conference held its 135th annual conference
at the Long Lake Campground north of Eden Valley. Our special guest speaker this spring was Pastor
Jeffrey Fletcher from the Bethel Church of God in Pelzer, South Carolina. Jeff’s topic was: “From Milk to
Meat” which focused on spiritual growth.
Our Minnesota State conferences are special events of 43 + hours from Friday evening to Sunday
afternoon. Many people come and stay at the campground where sleeping and cooking facilities make
for a beautiful quiet weekend get-a-way.
Long Lake Campground is on an island accessible by a small land bridge and surrounded by
Long Lake. It is a property that was purchased by the Minnesota Conference back in the 1950’s as a
place of retreat from the pressures of the world in order to attain spiritual refreshment. The campground
is a beautiful place of solitude that has seen its share of spiritual births with many baptisms taking place
over the years in Long Lake.
State Conferences are held at the campground in the spring and fall each year, (June and
September in Minnesota). Our conferences, which we sometimes call “get-togethers”, include activities
for adults, youth and children. As a result we continue to promote a family atmosphere to carry on the
precious faith, which was once given to the saints from one generation to the next.
Our campground has been a real blessing, but there are always changes, upgrades and
improvements that have to be made due to state, county and local governmental codes. Currently we
are making improvement to the kitchen by taking out old hard wood butcher block style counter tops and
replacing them with code approved stainless count tops. As a fund raiser to help in camp upgrades,
campground caretaker, Jon Lapp, made a number of souvenir style cutting boards out of the old butcher
block counter tops. They all sold rapidly as they will be life-long mementos from the campground we all
love.

2009 Missouri State

Youth Camp
The 2009 MO State Youth Camp
was held June 28 – July 4 at Camp
Wilderness; an Advent Christian camp
near Iberia, MO. There were 32
campers along with 15 staff members
making a total of 47 in attendance.
“LIGHT THE FIRE: Igniting Your
Passion for Christ” was the theme
which encouraged campers and staff
to be passionate about their relationship
with Christ and about their ministries.
The classes taught about people who
were passionate for God and His Son
Jesus; people like Elijah, Daniel,
Abraham, Peter and Paul. In the
evenings Camp Director Jon Welch
spoke on what it means and what it takes to be passionate for Christ. Being passionate means counting
the cost, not conforming to the world, and understanding that God helps us face things both large and
small in life.
Page 10

One of the fun highlights of the week was

on W ednesday when the staff initiated
“Midweek Madness.” They arrived at breakfast
with multi-colored hair, bubba teeth and fire print
bandanas much to the amusement of the
campers. Dinner was served for breakfast,
breakfast for lunch and lunch for dinner. There
are no swimming facilities at Camp Wilderness
so in the evening we rented the local pool and
enjoyed a relaxing evening in the water.
Another highlight of the week was when
the country music duo Brooks & Dunn showed
up and sang at Talent Night. Actually it was
Sally “Brooks” and Lacey “Dunn” dressed in
their best country attire singing “My Rio” to the tune of “My Mari”.
The best things that happened at camp were the personal decisions for Christ made by two of the
young people. Praise the Lord!
All in all it was a good week because God was glorified and Christ was King.

2009 Northeast Conference Summit

A Superhero Camp Success Story for SUMMIT 2009!

A gathering of seventy five young superheroes assembled for a week of intense super Biblical train-
ing June 20 – 25, 2009! Headquartered once again at Higher Ground Camp in the hills around Kiser
Lake State Park, this year’s Junior Youth Camp was another huge success. The theme for this year’s
camp was “SUPER SUMMIT!” Drawing their strength from God, an incredible reunion of creative
young sidekicks, dynamic duos, eleven teen civic SALT leaders, and an incredible all-star volunteer
crew of over thirty adults lined-up to form the most powerful crime/sin fighting team ever assembled!
Every summer a new Junior camp theme is developed for a week long faithful ministry of the
Northeast Conference – SUMMIT. SUMMIT stands for: Students Understanding Ministry Motivated in
Truth. It is a dynamic FAVORITE week where excited 3rd – 8th graders come and explore God’s Word
and develop inspiring relationships with peers and mentors. As kids mature and age out of the program,
10th – to 12th grade teens are given an opportunity to come back and serve during the week of SUMMIT
as SALT in a Junior Counselor type of position. SALT stands for: Student Action Leader Team and they
are truly an integral part of SUMMIT’s success each year as they partner with fantastic adult volunteers
to inspire and enlighten young minds.
Thank you to parents, churches, and the Northeast Conference for all your SUMMIT support!
We’re all looking forward to next year’s life-changing event and anyone interested in serving as SALT or
as an adult volunteer is encouraged to contact John Huston, Julie Driskill, or Susan Bradley as plans for
SUMMIT 2010 are already underway.
Page 11

2009 Washington Camp in the Northwest, 2009

An annual camp has long roots for the Church of God in
the Pacific Northwest. Starting in 1929, brethren have met
every year for fellowship, Bible study and worship except
one during World War II when gas rationing stamps were
not available for travel. Though the spiritual aspect is
uppermost, fun activities abound—swimming, hiking, crafts,
sports, games, visiting, etc. Not only the locals, but
brethren from many other states have experienced this
camping which has had a memorable and lasting impact
on lives.
The original camp routinely occurs during the last full
week of July. In more recent years a second camp has
been started which is held in August. I had the privilege to
attend both for the last two years and have enjoyed them and been spiritually enriched by each.
This year the first camp was held in the lush conifer forest near Lake Wenatchee. We were greeted
by a deer as we drove into Grouse Creek Campground and soon set up our tent near a proliferation of
ripe huckleberries. Our lessons were centered in the biblical prophecies which work out God’s redemptive
plan of the ages. The testimony of fulfilled promises provide the certainty of completion for those which
yet remain as prophecies. Our God is both faithful and able to perform what He has promised. As these
are considered from the pages of Scripture, our faith and hope is increased and the challenge of service
in these last days becomes an motive and imperative for living our faith and sharing the Gospel.

The second camp was located in the arid desert region of central Washington near Sun Lakes State
Park where we rented an environment education campground—Camp Delany. It is located in a sagebrush
coulee between towering palisades of basalt and lava rock. The camp caretaker introduced us to the
grounds by warning us of the presence of rattlesnakes and scorpions in the basalt outcroppings along
the trails and among which the cabins were nestled—”Keep the doors closed so they won’t find refuge
under the beds and in your clothes.” Only a few scorpions were seen, no snakes and no problem. The
theme of this camp was what the Word of God can do for us. A look at the practical aspect of Scripture—
its stories of promise and direction—was enlightening and encouraging. Dan Cain, Associate Pastor of
the Oregon, IL Church of God, travelled here to assist us. Our thanks to him and the congregation he
serves.
Should the Lord tarry and the kindness of civil authorities continue, we intend to gather after this
manner next year and the years beyond. The benefits of these experiences are innumerable and
Page 12
transforming. The true and complete value will be seen only in the Age-To-Come when waters break out
in the desert and the wilderness becomes like the Garden of Eden. Then shall we dwell with the Lord
forever and have constant fellowship with those of like precious faith.
–Arlen F. Rankin

2009 Virginia State Youth Camp

Jesus Taught Us How to Pray

By Chris Seiders

Ten young people from Virginia and West Virginia gathered at Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp in
Fort Valley, Virginia for Virginia Camp 2009 on August 16-20th. The theme of the camp was PRAY based
on Jesus’ model prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13. The lessons explained how prayer proclaims our
relationship to God, provides for our daily needs, promotes our connection to one another, and protects
us from temptation.
In addition to learning about the Lord’s Prayer, students created plaster plaques that included their
own praying hand to remind them to pray. The campers created a prayer sculpture outside of the main
lodge to reinforce the importance of prayer. One of the surprises of the week was how well the group
performed on the Community Dynamics course that emphasized communication and cooperation. It
was great to see them use their skills to work together and solve the problems set before them.
We concluded the week with a Family Night Celebration with more than twenty additional guests.
We sang a couple of songs, shared a meal together, and presented several awards to campers. Olivia
Montague received the badminton trophy; Brady Burner secured the basketball trophy, and Rebecca
Paulisch earned the bait casting trophy. Rebecca was also named Female Camper of the Year, while
Jared Seiders took the honor of Male Camper of the Year.
Special thanks to Ellie Seiders, who served as our Kitchen Coordinator and female counselor, and
Calvin LeBlanc, from Atlanta Bible College, who served as our male counselor. We could not have had
the successful week we had without their willingness to serve.

MIDWEST FAMILY CAMP

By Marcia Railton

The last week of June nearly 170 Church of God campers from near and far gathered on the beautiful
shores of Lake Waubee at Camp Mack for another tremendous week of Family Camp. What makes it
such a fabulous week is the great group of fun, talented, enthusiastic Christian believers - young and old
Page 13

and every age in-between –

working, playing, eating,
worshiping, learning and
fellowshipping together. This year
our theme was ‘faithbook’. With
Hebrews 11 as our springboard
we explored many aspects of
Godly faith including what it is,
how to ignite faith, and keep it
growing, what is a dead faith and
how to share our faith.
Let me take just a moment to
explain our name. Officially we
are Midwest Family Camp.
Originally it was Indiana Family
Camp and then many years ago
Indiana and Michigan joined
forces to create Midwest Family Camp. Today, the ‘Midwest’ merely indicates the region in which
Family Camp is located (in Milford, IN) – and ALL regions are welcome. This past year we had campers
from Illinois and Ohio and Canada and as far away as Minnesota and Georgia. We love adding new
campers who bring new talents and skills and enthusiasm and experiences to the Camp Program – and
you don’t have to be from Indiana or Michigan.
Secondly, you MAY bring your whole family (or any part of it) – or you can just come be a part of the
great big Family Camp Family. Grandparents come, with or without their grandkids, sometimes just
mom or dad can make it away and bring the kids, and, we always welcome adults or youth coming
without other family, as long as they are in 3rd grade or older. Many of our youth (3rd grade and up) stay
in cabins with two “cabin moms” or “dads”. We also have cabins or lodges with rooms for families with
young children and all others who are not in youth cabins. You can’t be too young (our youngest on
record was 5 days old) or too old. This year we were privileged to have a newlywed couple spend the
second half of their honeymoon at Family Camp!
We welcome part-timers for those who can’t get
away for the whole week, or just want to sample
the week.
So, what is a day like at Family Camp? Our
schedule goes a little like this: after a warm and
filling breakfast we head out for our first morning
class.  The  morning classes are divided  by age
and the teachers have lots of exciting, age-
appropriate Bible lessons and activities to share.
What fun to hear kids say that their favorite part of
the week was the classes where they learned
about the Bible! Adults get to choose their class,
with some topics this past year being on marriage,
Christian Education, difficult texts, etc. Then, it’s
time for Morning Chapel and everyone heads to the majestic ‘tabernacle’ (for those with Camp Mack
memories the sawdust floor is now covered and the benches have been replaced with chairs). At
Chapel we have children’s songs – with the smiling kids up front, worship singing, skits, object lessons,
devotions and memory verse work to help the morning’s theme sink deep into our minds, hearts and
lives.  Then, it’s off to our second morning Bible Class – same groups of students, fresh new teachers
Page 14
and helpers! Next comes lunch and then all the adults
favorite – Quiet Time! This gives the kids in cabins a
chance to spend time with their counselor in their cabin,
while the little ones and some of the older ones get a
nice nap! And they will need it to prepare for the
afternoon and evening of activities!! We always have
plenty of sporting options (such as swimming, boating,
softball, b-ball, golf, tetherball, and a camp favorite for
all ages – 4-Square!) And then there’s the activities
for those who want to do a little less sweating: how
about cake decorating, cinnamon bun baking, bingo,
card-making, bug-catching and sidewalk chalk for the
preschool crowd, gathering to discuss your Bible questions, or just hanging out together in the air-
conditioned Becker lounge? Before you know it it’s time for supper –followed by another round of
activities: kid crafts or worship signing class or boating or playing at Arky Parky or relaxing on a porch
swing.  Then we all gather together in the tabernacle again for Evening Service.  What wonderful worship,
followed by Children’s Church and a thought-provoking sermon. The day is almost done, but we still
have time for a campfire or two (some nights we have an early campfire for families with young ones,
followed by a campfire for all the other “big kids”) and various evening activities. Whew! What a day!
Put four and a half days like that together, while being surrounded by a wonderful group of faithful,
loving followers of Christ – and you’ve got Family Camp! Many who have tried it can’t imagine a summer
without it! If you would like more information about Midwest Family Camp check us out online at
familycamponline.org.  We will soon be posting details for 2010.  We’d love to see you there! 
 

Pastor T.M. Ferrell discusses the meaning of life with

The Blanchard Church of God held an
one of the attenders at the Greenville (SC) Church
Open House so the community could
of God’s annual picnic. Pastor Ferrell will be cel-
meet their new pastor Mark DeYoung.
ebrating his 88th birthday in January. He has spent
They had 70 people attend the morning
almost 70 years in Church of God ministry. He be-
service and 72 for their afternoon
gan by hitchhiking on weekends to preach in Iowa
activities. The visitors commented on the
while a student at Oregon Bible College.
joy, and kindness of the Blanchard
congregation.
Page 15

Voice From the Past

THE BELIEVER AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

By Pastor C.F. Pryor

“If God can make of an ugly seed

With a bit of earth and air
And dew and rain, sunshine and shade,
A flower so wondrous fair,
What can He make of a soul like you,
With the Bible and faith and prayer,
And the Holy Spirit, if you do His will
And trust in His love and care.”

NEXT in importance to the coming of the Lord

Jesus Christ in the person of the Redeemer
of mankind is the coming of the Holy Spirit of
God on the Day of Pentecost.
Next in importance to our acceptance
of Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and
Lord is our recognition of the purpose and
work of the Holy Spirit of God in our lives.
Every Christian must rely upon the Holy Spirit.
Jesus told His disciples that it was expedient
(better) for them if He did go away, for if He
did nor go away, the Spirit would not come
(John 16:7). It was nor until Jesus ascended
into heaven and the Spirit was given on the
Day of Pentecost that the disciples were able
to understand the many truths that Jesus had
spoken to them (John 16:13).

The Holy Spirit at Pentecost

Jesus instructed His disciples to tarry in the
city of Jerusalem until they were endued with
power from on high (Luke 24:49). As Jesus
talked with the disciples, suddenly He began
to ascend into heaven and a cloud received
Him out of their sight. The disciples, no doubt,
were amazed and perhaps frightened a bit,
but they must have been more concerned with following the Lord’s commands. They returned to Jerusalem
where men from all parts of the country were beginning to gather for the great Jewish feast of Pentecost.
It was fifty days after the crucifixion of Jesus. From this time Pentecost was not to be a Jewish feast only,
but the dawn of a new day, the birthday of the Church of the living God. All believers during the Church
Page 16
Age should remember that Pentecost is the time when God’s Spirit returned to man to convince the
world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment (Acts 2:1-4: John 16:8).

The Holy Spirit in the Early Church

Every time the message of redemption, which caused the church to be, is preached, the power of the
Spirit of God is manifest (See Gal. 3:1-4; 1 Thess. 1:2-6; Rev. 2: 7, 11, 17, 26-29:3:5, 6, 12, 13, 21, 22).
It is in the church and with fellowship with other Christians that the believer shares in the life of
the Spirit (Eph. 3:16-21). It is said of those that were present on the Day of Pentecost that “they were all
filled with the Holy Spirit.” This simply means that their intellects were illuminated, their wills strengthened,
and their emotions stirred by the power of God entering into every part of their being. This filling of the
life of the believer with the Holy Spirit of God was not to cease after Pentecost, but was promised to “as
many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:39).

The Indwelling Holy Spirit in Every Believer

The Bible plainly teaches that each believer is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul put
it this way: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” This
is a staggering truth. Consider the acts of the men in the Old Testament who possessed the Spirit of
God. The Holy Spirit dwelling in the life of every believer makes of that person “a new creature: old
things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor. 5:17). Since God gave of His Spirit
to dwell in man, Paul says, “Whoever from now on is a follower of Christ is a new creature” (2 Cor. 5:17,
Lamsa). He further states that we have received not the spirit of the world, “but the Spirit which is of God;
that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” The natural man cannot contain the
things of the Spirit of God, because they are spiritually discerned (See 1 Cor. 2:11-16).
It is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit of God that helps the believer live in communion with the
Father and with the Son as a child of God. The natural man, without the Spirit of God, is not a child of
God in a redemptive relationship. We may have been immersed in water but, unless we surrender to the
Spirit and allow God to control us and transform us info a spiritual person, we are none of His (Rom.
8:9). Paul also states, “As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Not only is our
communion and fellowship with out heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ determined by the measure
of the Holy Spirit we possess, the communion and fellowship we enjoy with other believers is determined
by the Spirit. Paul wrote in the Philippian letter, “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any
comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye my joy, that ye be
likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one
desire to repeat this with emphasis but, wish to quote this time
from another translation: “If, therefore, you have found consolation
in Christ or wholehearted love or fellowship of the Spirit or
compassion and mercies, complete my joy by being in one accord
and one love and one soul and one mind” (Phil. 2:1, 2, Lamsa).
The indwelling Spirit of God helps our infirmities or
weaknesses. This text from Romans 8:26 is in reference to our
prayer life. Often we become so confused that we do not know for
what we should pray. The Spirit of God will direct our minds that
we pray always “according to the will of God.” If we are truly “filled”
with the Spirit we will be like the Apostle Paul who said, “I am
persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities
[empires], nor powers [armies], nor things present, nor things to
come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able
to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our
Lord” (Rom. 8:38, 39).
Page 17

Lesson # 1
Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven
But God Has a Better Plan
By Kent Ross

Introduction:
“Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven, But Nobody Wants to Go Now?” is a popular Country-Western song by
Kenny Chesney. It’s a very catchy song, but it is precisely inaccurate in about every way imaginable, at least
according to the Plan God left us in the Bible. The author of Hebrews give a very different picture when he
wrote in Hebrews 11:39,40 – 39These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had
been promised. 40God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made
perfect.”

That entire chapter is devoted to reminding us of the people through the Old Testament who were
commended for their faith, but then the author reminds us that NONE of them received their reward.
Not because they were not faithful, nor promised a reward, but it was not then, when they died.
They all await the Resurrection with the promise of their reward when they together with us are all made
perfect.

Bible Learning:
1. Isn’t that what the Bible says? Well, that’s what we want to discover, believe and teach.
2. It’s important to listen to what the Bible says, more than what men say, or even what you may
have always been taught, as many today have been taught.
3. Some Applicable Scriptures to consider include:
a. Ecclesiastes 12:7 - 7 and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit
returns to God who gave it. It doesn’t say the soul returns to God, but the spirit, that spirit
which God breathed in to man’s lifeless, though formed body and that caused that lifeless
form to come alive and become a living soul (read Genesis 2:7)
b. Paul further clarified it for us when he wrote the church in Thessalonica:1 Thess. 4:13-18
- 13Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve
like the rest of men, who have no hope.14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and
so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According
to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of
the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord himself
will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and
with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still
alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the
air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18Therefore encourage each other with these
words.” That’s God’s sequence, His Plan. It is a Christ’s Return to this earth when those
faithful dead will receive their reward. It
c. Paul adds further details in writing to the church at Corinth, 1 Cor. 15:51-58 – “Listen, I tell
you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling
of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable,
and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and
the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable,
and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has
been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your
Page 18
sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God! He
gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58Therefore, my dear brothers, stand
firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because
you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Bible Application:
1. But wait, when do we go to heaven? Well, if we do go to heaven, and that is open to question, but
it isn’t an eternal location for our eternal residence.
2. Two Scriptures
a. If there is a time in heaven it could be construed from Revelation 19:6-9 – 6Then I heard what
sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder,
shouting “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7Let us rejoice and be glad and give
him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8Fine
linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the
saints.) 9Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding
supper of the Lamb!’ “ Now it may be that while God’s judgment is poured out on the earth,
Christians may gather in heaven for this promised Wedding Supper of the Lamb.
b. However Jesus makes it clear that the meek will inherit the earth, not heaven (read Matthew
5:5) Now those are Jesus’ own words. It’s hard, even dangerous to argue with what He says!
c. The Hope of the Christian, and those Old Testament saints is to inherit the earth, for that is
where Jesus, and even God, His Father, will be (Rev. 21:1-3) – 1Then I saw a new heaven and
a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer
any sea. 2I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem,coming down out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the
throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his
people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” Note that the Holy City, the new
Jerusalem comes down from heaven, and it further has testimony that God will dwell with them,
not them with Him in heaven!

Life Response:
1. How does this apply to us? It is evident that going to heaven, even if for a brief time, is not to be
where God’s people will dwell for eternity.
2. The Old Testament further confirms what actually is God’s Plan in Job 14:10-17 – 10 “But man
dies and is laid low; he breathes his last and is no more. As water disappears from the sea or a
riverbed becomes parched and dry, 12so man lies down and does not rise; till the heavens are no
more, men will not awake or be roused from their sleep. 13 “If only you would hide me in the grave
and conceal me till your anger has passed! If only you would set me a time and then remember
me! 14If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait for my renewal to
come.15 You will call and I will answer you; you will long for the creature your hands have made.16
Surely then you will count my steps but not keep track of my sin. 17My offenses will be sealed up
in a bag; you will cover over my sin.
3. But the end of the story is here on earth, as Peter writes in 2 Peter 3:8-13 – 13But in keeping with
his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.
14
So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found
spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 15Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation,
just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16He writes the
same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that
are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures,
Page 19

to their own destruction.17Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard
so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure
position. 18But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be
glory both now and forever! Amen.
4. That’s why Chesney is incorrect when he sings that everybody wants to go to heaven, because
God and His Son will rule here in a renewed earth, and that’s where God’s people want to be . .
with Him, the Lord God, and our brother, Jesus, our Christ.

THE PARABLE OF THE MIRRORS

A peddler stood in the city square and shouted, “My
merchandise can change your life!” A crowd quickly gathered.
and the peddler displayed a cart full of mirrors. “Preposterous!”
cried the crowd. “How can mirrors change our lives?” Most of
the people scoffed and walked away. But three women stayed
to take a closer look. Each finallv decided to buy a mirror.
The first woman bought a small, fancy mirror. “I do not want
to look at myself,” she thought as she walked home. “So the mirror will
have to change my life from another room.” She mounted the mirror in an
unused study where it was soon covered with dust and cobwebs.
As she walked home, the second woman said to herself. “I will not waste
my time looking into this mirror. It will have to change my life as I carry on
my daily duties.” She mounted her mirror in the hallway where she glanced
at it occasionally.
“If a mirror is to change my life,” the third woman thought. “I must get
as much out of it as I can.” She mounted the mirror in her room and stared
into it expectantly each morning. Soon she began to notice when her hair
was out of place, so she combed it carefully. She observed blotches of old
makeup on her face, so she washed them away. She saw that her dresses
were torn and plain-looking, so she mended them and added lace and
color.
Soon others began noticing the old woman who was using her mirror.
She was invited to tea by her neighbors; she was visited by new friends;
she was courted by the most eligible bachelor in town, whom she eventually
married.
One day the changed woman met the other two who had bought mirrors.
They were still unchanged. “We all bought life-changing mirrors,” the pair
said, “but our lives have not been changed like yours has. Why?”
The changed woman smiled. “It’s all in how you use the mirror,” she
said. “The more often you see yourself the way you are, the more you are
able to change.”
Think of one of these mirrors as a Bible. The first woman represents the
kind of person who buys a Bible just to say she has one. The second
woman symbolizes the person who has a huge family Bible on the coffee
table so that those who see it will think she is a religious person. But the
third woman stands for the Christian who reads and studies God’s Word to
learn what is wrong with her life and how to change it.
Page 20

Bible Lesson # 2

“Truth or Consequences”
By Kent Ross

Life Need:
Do you remember the old T.V. show “Truth or Consequences”? It started back in 1940 on radio,
and then 1954 on television and was a hit in both mediums.
The first host was Ralph Edwards, then Jack Bailey, then Bob Barker and then others into
syndication.
The premise for the show was to ask the Contestant some silly question of trivia. If they
answered incorrectly, or if Beulah the Buzzer rang (after about two seconds) they had to pay the
Consequences.
Now it was, I guess, a funny show, but I hated it and yet was fascinated by it. I dreaded hearing
Beulah the Buzzer, and I dreaded the consequences the poor contestants were going to have to endure.
Of course the consequences were actually inconsequential, but the question seemed so unfair to me
that the consequences seemed also unfair.
Of course that “game” is still being played, every day and by everybody. No, many don’t know
they’re even playing the “game.” And it isn’t really a game – it’s our lives! We need to know and learn the
truth or we will surely face the consequences, and these consequences are not inconsequential, but
eternal.

Bible Learning:
1. Jesus said in John 8:31,32 - 31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to
my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you
free.”
a. Notice Jesus stressed that to really be His disciples, you needed to hold to His teaching.
Then, and only then, will the truth really set you free from the slavery to sin and the
consequences of death, eternal death.
b. He stressed that we need to hold to His teachings, not those of the early church councils,
which has led to disastrous misunderstandings of His teaching. That is why the early
church first devoted themselves to the Apostles Doctrine. They wanted to know what
Jesus taught for He is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6).
c. Then, and only then are you really His disciples. Then, when you know the truth, it will
set you free and for you there will be no Beulah the Buzzer, and no deadly, eternal
consequences.
2. People don’t realize, or think there are any consequences to knowing or not knowing “the
truth.” But truth can’t be the multiplicity of things taught, some of which are diametrically opposed
to each other. Either at death you go to heaven or “hell,” or you wait in the grave until Jesus
Returns. Either Jesus is the Son of God, or He is God the Son. Both can’t be true. You need to
now and discover the truth as revealed in the Bible. Paul said (2nd Timothy 3) that “14But as for
you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know
those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures,
which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-
breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that
the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Page 21
3. That is why Paul commended the Bereans who were more noble than those in Thessalonica
(Acts 17:11) – 11Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for
they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to
see if what Paul said was true.
4. Paul adds to the importance of the truth when he wrote in 2nd Thessalonians 2 – “9The
coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of
counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, 10and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are
perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11For this
reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12and so that all will
be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness. They perish
because they refused to love the truth!” They didn’t care to make the effort to learn the truth, or
had no one to help them discover it, and tragically God lets them believe the lies of untruth that
will end with dire consequences, very unlike the consequences when Beulah the Buzzer
sounded. This time it will be at the Sound of the Trumpet call of God!
5. Paul goes on in that same chapter, in 2nd Thessalonians 2 –”13But we ought always to thank
God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be
saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14He called you
to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15So then,
brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth
or by letter.”

Bible Application:
1. Now what lies are not the truth? Is going to heaven or waiting for Christ’s Return and God’s
Kingdom here on this earth – which is true, or are both “sort’a” okay? What about this? Is
Jesus the Son of God or God the Son – does it matter? Is there one God, or does He exist in
three persons – truth or consequences?
2. But, of course it matters, just as it is prophesied by Paul in 2nd Thess. 2: – “1Concerning the
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, 2not to
become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come
from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. 3Don’t let anyone deceive you in
any way, for (that day will not come) until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is
revealed, the man doomed to destruction.”
3. And the falling away has already begun. Many of our churches don’t have Sunday School
for their children and they don’t understand the true teachings of the Bible. Our children don’t
know moral principles and so they get pregnant, marry, though anymore even that is optional,
and then divorce and move on to other relationships.
4. If we can’t entertain them with exciting music and youth activities, they’ll persuade their
parents to take them to a church where things are really happening! Well, all except that the
truth is not being taught and preached.
5. But it does matter. God forgive us for not doing more for our children and our grandchildren.
I know, we can’t save them all, but I am unwilling to sacrifice my own children or grandchildren
without more effort!

Life Response:
In Jude 3 the author writes, “3Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the
salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for
all entrusted to the saints.” Yes, we can, should and do rejoice in our hope of the Kingdom, but
that faith once for all delivered, must be preserved and taught to our children and the
generations that follow . . . the faith once for all delivered to us!
Page 22
Listen further to Jude, “17But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord
Jesus Christ foretold. 18They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow
their own ungodly desires.” 19These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts
and do not have the Spirit. 20But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and
pray in the Holy Spirit. 21Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord
Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 22Be merciful to those who doubt; 23snatch others from the
fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by
corrupted flesh.”
So build yourselves up in faith and the truth that saves. Snatch some because we can’t
get them all, as much as we would like.
Remember that it is either “the truth,” or you will face consequences, and that is true for
every one of us.
It is Truth or Consequences, but this time it is not a game.

I AM
THE BIBLE

I am the Bible, God’s wonderful library. I am always—and

above all—the truth.
To the weary pilgrim, I am a strong staff.
To the one who sits in darkness, I am glorious light.
To those who stumble beneath heavy burdens, I am
sweet rest.
To him who has lost his way, I am a safe guide.
To those who are sick in sin, I am healing strength and
forgiveness.
To the discouraged, I am a glad message of hope.
To those who are distressed and tossed about by the
storms of life, I am an anchor, sure and steady.
To those who search for salvation, I reveal the
Savior of the world.

I am the Bible—God’s holy Word.

 God’s Blueprint for Christian Family Living
(Outline by Pastor Burnett/1965 while pastoring at Brushcreek, Ohio)

A. Proverbs 1:8, 9
B. Proverbs 6:20, 21
C. Exodus 20:12

1. One of the greatest needs in modern living is a return to God’s plan for individual
happiness in Christian Family Living.

I. The Architect
A. A blueprint comes from an architect.
1. Psalm 127:1
B. God has always blessed and sanctioned family life.
1. Adam — was to be fruitful
2. Noah — took his family into the Ark
3. Jacob & sons — became father & families of Israel
4. The Church - referred to as a household & its people as sons & daughters
of God.
C. God is the Architect & Builder of the Christian home.
1. Christian - putting Christ in the home.

II. The Blueprint

A. The commandment of honor.
1. Ephesians 6:1-4
a. “in the Lord”
b. Colossians 3:20
c. Commandment of God - obedience.
2. “ye fathers provoke not” (mothers, too)
a. Do not embitter or enrage
3. “but bring them up in the... of the Lord”
a. Deuteronomy 6:7
b. Fathers examine doings of this year
4. “spare the rod and spoil the child”

III. The Building

A. No matter how great the architect and how well planned the blue prints, the
house is built by long, hard work.
1. Jesus at the age of 12, was about His Father’s business.
B. Growth - Jesus increased in wisdom & stature
1. Ephesians 4:15/compare with I Samuel 3:13
C. Respect for the past - abide by God’s Word.
1. Ephesians 2:10