Letter to the Congregations: 10th August 2024

Our Dear Brethren,

"Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11). These were the words spoken by an angel to the disciples who had just seen Jesus ascend into heaven. For a moment they felt lost and alone, but were redirected to the work of God and the hope of the return of their Lord.

Do we have such hope? Do we believe the words that we read in the Bible? Have you and I proven for ourselves the veracity of the scriptures? Or do we have doubts?

There are many people who question the Bible. Some claim that since the accounts contained in its pages have been written down by men that they aren't to be trusted. And yet history books are trusted. Ancient records and shards of pottery are preserved and read and believed as true. Even words of wisdom spoken by men and copied and preserved by others seem to be taken as truth by many more quickly than they accept the words of the Bible.

One of the major differentiating factors in the wisdom of the Bible is the application of the words contained within it. The way of life given to us in Scripture is a way of life that actually works if we are willing to put it into practice. Jesus proved this way of life as He walked on the earth, living without sin, building strong relationships with people around Him. We who are His people, who have been baptized and forgiven of our sins, have been filled with the same Holy Spirit which His Father guided Jesus with. And we are to follow that lead as we follow Jesus.

Jesus said of His people, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand" (John 10:27-28). We have the choice to be His sheep and have the promise of eternal life. We make that choice by testing the instructions found in the pages of the Bible, by putting into practice the commands and examples of Jesus.

Once we figure out that the Bible is true, and that the promises that we have been given are going to happen, we can have hope of a very bright future. A future where there will "be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4). Do we believe that this future is promised to us? Do we believe that Jesus will return to set up that amazing Kingdom on the earth? Do we believe that He desires for us to be part of that Kingdom? Do we live our lives in such a way that we prepare ourselves now for dwelling in that Kingdom when it comes?

If you would like to learn more about Jesus Christ's Return and Coming Reign you can search this article on the topic: https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/bible-study-aids/fundamental-beliefs-of-the-united-church-of-god/jesus-christs-return-and-coming-reign.

Our love is with you,

Lewis VanAusdle

Pastor, United Church of God

NYC, NJ, CT, Malawi, Zimbabwe