Never has a Church of God persevered more than the Living Church of God. As one splinter group splits off from it after another, it perseveres on! They need to hold fast so no one can take their crown even as intense persecution is swiftly coming their way.
Living Church of God always seems to be a bridesmaid and never the bride as their record is still stuck on the same grove for 20 some years now. Someone get them some oil for their candles so they can be a light to the world!
Perseverance—A Vital Quality: Perseverance is an important law of success. The word “perseverance” is defined as tenacity, remaining steadfast under pressure, and determined continuation along a chosen course in spite of difficulties and opposition. The Scriptures emphasize the importance of this vital quality. Solomon wrote, “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small” (Proverbs 24:10). Jesus stressed, “he who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22; 24:13). The Parable of the Sower explains the consequences of compromising when we face temptations or become distracted or discouraged or buckle under when we encounter difficulties and trials (Matthew 13:18–23). The Apostle Paul warned, “let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9). The Apostle John offers the same advice to the Philadelphia Era of the Church: “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world…. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown” (Revelation 3:10–11). When trials and difficulties come our way, let’s remember this important advice and be determined to persevere!
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
3 comments:
LCg. Lipstick on a pig.
Its time to quite calling all the divisions "splinter groups". SPHINCTER GROPS is probably the more appropriate term.
This sect actually has a remarkable record of perseverance. I don't think anyone can fault them for a lack of resolve. The Golden Age of William Miller was around 1844. The horse the Millerites rode back then was young and strong. Now it is an old broken down nag and needs to be turned out to pasture. But they are still riding it. They saddle it up every new day and apply the quirt.
In the footsteps of William Miller came Gilbert Cranmer and then Herbert W. Armstrong. For almost 200 years, Christ has been expected at any moment with all the excitement, chaos and finally disappointment that this belief generates. One Millerite group, the Branch Davidians, were apparently overtaken by impatience. For them Christ did come - his name was Vernon Howell.
Other sects have also had a preoccupation with prophecy. The Plymouth Brethren, for instance. Their beliefs may be what nurtured the "Left Behind" movement that is so popular in North American evangelicalism. But I don't think any of the other End Times fans outshine the Apocalyptic Millerites for sheer, grim, dogged perseverance.
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