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PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, September 5, 1979
Page 6
FROM MINISTERIAL SERVICES
As the Feast of Tabernacles draws very near, we should already be reminding
the brethren of the tremendous purpose of the Feast, preaching powerfully
about what is truly foremost on God's mind--the restoration of His govern
ment on earth.
Notice Acts 3:19-21--this could be considered the most central and pivotal
passage in the whole Bible. Restitution means the restoring of something
that had been destroyed, or taken away, to its former state. There can
hardly be a more encouraging and absolutely thrilling topic than the end
of all the world's evils--no more disease, no more death, no more suffering,
no more tears--a new world under God's Government of Love where happiness
and world peace are a reality, no longer just man's elusive dream!
Let us never forget that God has raised up this Work to support His Apostle
in proclaiming that awe-inspiring message of hope, and that each individual's
part in that Great Commission is the means God has given each of us to pre
pare and qualify us for rulership under Christ when He comes.
Some have asked for a clarification of how they should handle hall rental
for the weekly Bible studies. If you do not presently have hall rental
taken care of from Pasadena, be sure to continue (or initiate if necessary)
holding. the weekly Bible studies in private homes until we can budgetarily
handle the costs. Forward all projected expenses for Bible study hall rent
to Ministerial Services before signing any lease agreements. Please contact
us if you have suggestions for raising hall rental funds in your own local
area.
It seems that some ministers have lost sight of the basic attitudes that
the calling of the ministry requires. Jesus commands in Matthew 6:19-21, "
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth, and rust
doth corrupt, and where thieves break in and steal: For where your treasure
is, there will your heart be also."
We need to think about this specifically in regard to purchasing homes.
Many ministers who have purchased homes, then received notice of transfer,
have immediately put their homes up for sale, packed up, and left. These
men have a right attitude of faith, realizing that God did not call them
to make profits on real estate investments, but to diligently serve Him.
Paul reminds Timothy in I Timothy 6:6-12,"But godliness with contentment
is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain
we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith
content. But they that will (want) to be rich fall into temptation and a
snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, wQ.ich drown men in destruc
tion and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which
while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith and pierced them
selves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these
things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience,
meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, where
unto thou are also called, and hast professed a good profession before many
witnesses."
Some ministers have found themselves unwilling to be subject to the govern
ment of God in His Church because of these "foolish and hurtful lusts."
Making money and physical gain has actually blurred the spiritual vision