Letter to the Congregations: 21st September 2024

Our Dear Brethren,

Do you believe that the kingdom of God will be here on earth? Do you believe that Jesus Christ will return to set that kingdom up? If you do believe these things are true, do you live your life as if you are part of that kingdom now? Do you live your life in such a way that when the kingdom arrives you will fit in? Do you live in such a way that shows that you desire that kingdom to be here?

Who do you serve? If you believe that, the kingdom of God is the kingdom where you want to be, do you submit to the king of that kingdom, Jesus the Christ, above all other kings? What if there is pressure for you to submit to someone else above Jesus Christ? What if there was pressure for you to give in and live in sin to save your own life? What would you do?

The story of Daniel is a very powerful example. He lived in a country that was not his own. He lived in a country that was not ruled by his God. He lived in a country where the king did not submit to the real King of kings. How did Daniel react? How did he choose to live his life?

"Daniel purposed in his heart that he would" put his trust in his God and submit his life completely to Him. Daniel did his all he could to live according to the rules of the kingdom of God even though he knew well that he did not yet dwell in that kingdom. God had given this faithful man visions of the beginning of that kingdom, and also understanding that God's kingdom would never end:

"And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold--the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure" (Daniel 2:44-45).

Daniel was a truly great example of a true ambassador of Christ in Babylon, and God blessed him greatly for his faithfulness. Do we have the faith and courage to humbly and fully submit ourselves to our King? Do we have the trust and fortitude to live our lives as if His kingdom is already here even though we can easily see that it hasn't yet arrived? Are we preparing ourselves now for dwelling in that kingdom and reigning in that kingdom?

Our love is with you,

Lewis VanAusdle

Pastor, United Church of God

NYC, NJ, CT, Malawi, Zimbabwe