Why prophecy?

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“If at first you don’t succeed; fail, fail and fail again” seems to be the mantra of those who make it their business to predict the end of the world. You’d think they would learn.

Sadly, they never do. They have convinced themselves and their followers that the Bible is a kind of crystal ball, through which they can predict the course of world events and the date of the Second Coming. Although they never get it right, they keep going. Incredibly, some people keep believing them.

Do you remember Harold Camping, the Christian radio broadcaster who predicted that Christ would return on May 21, 2011? His prophecy made national news. Many of his followers paid for billboards, took out full-page ads in newspapers. When May 21 came and went as normal, Harold Camping revised his prediction to October 21, 2011. Of course, that prediction failed too.

Another wannabe prophet, currently serving a jail term for tax fraud and hiding money in a Swiss bank account, is still predicting when Christ will return. His latest speculation is for Pentecost of this year. Don’t hold your breath.

prophesy — Copyright © 2013 Christianity Today International and Doug Hall. Used by permission.

How many times will these folks get it wrong before they realize there is something more than just faulty calculations that they are missing? As you know, our own founder also made the mistake of setting dates for the end. In 1939, in the August Plain Truth magazine, Herbert W. Armstrong wrote, “But this you MAY KNOW! This war will be ended by CHRIST’S RETURN! And MAY start within six weeks! We are just THAT NEAR Christ’s coming!”

Thankfully, GCI learned the lesson. We no longer indulge in speculative prophecy. Our focus is to preach the good news of the gospel. I wish I could say the same for our many splinters and off-shoot groups, but most of them still seem to think that predicting the end of the world is the gospel. One of our former pastors, who now leads his own group, said in a sermon eight years ago: “Take a good look—study it carefully—scrutinize all that is going on, because this Pope [Benedict XVI] is the last one you’ll ever see on this earth ever! You can go to the bank with that statement.” I hope no one did!

He also predicted that something of dramatic significance would happen on January 16, 2010, the day which, according to him, ended “one more 19-year time cycle in the Elijah work.” Out of interest, I checked the news archives. January 16, 2010 seems to have been a rather quiet day. Wrong again.

Predicting the end of the world is a sure way to get attention. If all it did was provide some religious comic relief, I suppose no harm would be done. Unfortunately, it does influence impressionable people and divert their attention away from the real message of hope that is in the scriptures. The Bible does not tell us the date of the end of the world, but it is clear about how we should regard those who think it does:^“If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously, so do not be alarmed” (Deuteronomy 18:22).

prophesy 2 — Copyright © 2012 by Piraro. Used by permission.

Our modern false prophets have not failed because they haven’t figured out how to break the code they think is hidden in the scriptures. They have failed because that information is just not there. It is not for me to judge the sincerity (or sanity) of these purveyors of gloom. After all, certain prophecies are a part of the Bible, and they must mean something. And of course, they do.

As Jesus told the Pharisees, another group who tried to use the scriptures to shore up a false premise, the prophecies pointed to him. Studying prophecy should lead to an understanding of who Jesus is and what God has done through him. Knowing Christ now is the focus of the Christian life, not knowing exactly when he is coming back.

“Eschatology” is a term that refers to the study of the teaching of Scripture concerning “last things” and the “age to come.” Though it is a legitimate area of study, we must scrupulously avoid using it for any purpose other than that intended by the biblical authors, which is hope, not prediction. In the Greek New Testament, Jesus is called the Eschatos (Revelation 1:17; 2:8; 22:13), meaning the “Last One.” It is from this title for Jesus that we get the term eschatology. Jesus himself is the fulfillment of all history—he is our ultimate hope. That is what we need to know; that is the focus of Bible prophecy. How sad that many of our former colleagues still are obsessed with predicting the end times: “Always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7).

It’s vital that we orient our study around the Bible’s real message. I believe you will find Gary Deddo’s series on interpreting scripture to be of great help for this. The first installment is posted at https://update.gci.org/2013/04/scripture-gods-gift/. I hope you will read it and share it with others. The second installment will be posted next week.

With love in Christ’s service,

Joseph Tkach

PS: After seven years as editor of Christian Odyssey, John Halford has asked if he can step aside. John will continue to write and be involved with media projects, but he feels that since Christian Odyssey is now an online publication, it needs an editor who is more familiar with electronic publishing. I have appointed Rick Shallenberger to take his place. Rick worked in our editorial department and was editor of Youth magazine for several years before being hired into the field ministry. Rick will now join our media team on a part-time basis, while continuing to pastor one of our congregations in Cincinnati and serving as a district pastor.

Bob Regazzoli

“My heart’s desire is for all those who have been hurt by our past teachings and legalistic practices to be healed and to forgive, and for there to be reconciliation,” says Bob Regazzoli, pastor of GCI churches around Brisbane, Australia.

Bob grew up on a sugar cane farm in Ingham, North Queensland in Australia. “Growing up on a farm was a great start to life—the outdoor life, work and family being able to do so much together was a good grounding for the future.”

Bob was quite young when his father responded to a “Why Were You Born?” advertisement in Reader’s Digest and started listening to the Radio Church of God program in the early 60s. “The nearest congregation to us at the time was in Brisbane, 1500 kilometers away, so for the first seven years of our church life, the only contact we had was at the annual Festival and a ministerial visit every three or four years. Our parents were conscientious and we had regular Bible studies at home.” Bob said these family studies paid off. “Our immediate family, including my mother, two brothers and wives are still active members of GCI. My father died a number of years ago.”

When Bob was 16 years old, his family sold the farm and moved near Brisbane so they could attend church services. “During my last year of high school, I applied for Ambassador College and went to Bricket Wood, England as a 17-year-old. After two years there, I was transferred to Pasadena and graduated in 1974.”

Bob met his wife, Kathy, at Ambassador College. They married right after graduation. They have now been married 38 years and have three children. “We have two sons, Jonathan and Mark, who live in Brisbane, and a married daughter, Katie who with her husband, Andy, live in Frisco, Colorado.”

Bob was hired as a ministerial trainee after graduation and he and Kathy began their pastoral life in Melbourne. “After a year there, we were transferred. We have pastored in Ballarat, Bendigo, Perth and Sydney—and for the last 19 years in Brisbane and surrounding congregations.” What Bob enjoys most about pastoring is being involved in the members’ lives. “I find it a great privilege to be invited to share life experiences with our members—the joy of births, weddings, baptisms, as well as being there through the difficult times. I really enjoy the teaching aspect of the pastor’s role.”

Speaking of his wife, Bob said, “Kathy has been a great support in my ministry and has a real love for all our members and contributes in a number of areas in our congregation. Her professional life is as a teams coach with Medicare, and she has a strength in helping people utilize and develop their gifts.”

Bob’s most memorable moment as a pastor came in the midst of WCG doctrinal changes. “The most significant turning point in my ministry was in the midst of the major doctrinal changes in 1995 with all of the questions and turmoil, both internally and externally. It was then that the lights came on for me. It was a time of much study and prayer, and then the realization of what the new covenant was truly about, and then the ongoing understanding that this has led to, and our being ministers of the new covenant.”

When asked about being a part of GCI today, Bob said, “I believe that we are now at a wonderful stage in our journey as a fellowship. After 50 years of involvement with this fellowship, we have experienced the most remarkable changes. I wish the many who were part of our fellowship in the past could also come to experience the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit as we are being led to see and experience. Today we have many wonderful, mature Christians in our fellowship, including younger members who are enthusiastic about their life in Jesus.”

Bob said he considers the apostle Paul his greatest mentor. “I have found the epistles of Paul the most helpful guidance in pastoral ministry. In his writings we find the Holy Spirit’s expression through his heart and mind.”

When does Bob feel closest to God? “There are various times and locations, but coming to the Lord’s Table is no doubt the highlight. I love the lyrics by Getty and Townend in the song, “Behold the Lamb.”

Philippine emerging leaders

GCI Philippines recently held a three-day-long seminar for a group of young emerging church leaders in Mindanao. Pastor Jerome Villamor Manriquez, Area Superintendent for Mindanao, opened the seminar with a presentation on trying hard vs. trusting God. Pastor Levi Yuson, Assistant Area Superintendent for Mindanao, gave a devotional on the true meaning of success. Pastor Rex Dela Peña gave a series of lectures concerning Incarnational Trinitarian theology and counseling members. GCI Philippines National Director Eugene Guzon encouraged the young leaders to continue serving the church, while resting in the love and grace of Jesus Christ. He noted that the Philippine National Office is committed to supporting and equipping the young emerging leaders.

The event was a great bonding experience. One participant noted that it was amazing to see leaders gathered with so much enthusiasm for knowing Jesus Christ and serving his people. This event was the second in a series for preparing young emerging leaders in Mindanao to serve as GCI pastors.

Guadalajara conference

This update is from Lorenzo Arroyo, GCI mission director for Mexico and a US regional pastor.

On March 29-31, GCI Mexico held its annual national conference and Easter celebration. Guest speakers were Joseph and Tammy Tkach, Gary and Cathy Deddo, Lorenzo and Rita Arroyo and Heber Ticas. Alfredo Mercado, national leader for GCI Mexico, hosted the event.

Guad speakers — Lorenzo Arroyo, Gary Deddo, Joe Tkach and Heber Ticas

During the first two days of the conference about 100 people participated in presentations related to pastoral ministry, women’s ministry, young adults in ministry and teen ministry. Gary Deddo gave plenary presentations on universalism and the Atonement, noting that in doing theology we must begin with who God is revealed to be in Jesus Christ—the triune God of love. Heber gave a plenary session entitled “Fishers of Humanity” that addressed reaching out to the unchurched with Christ’s love. Heber and Samuel Mercado, along with Venegas Parra, did a wonderful job translating for those speakers not fluent in Spanish.

Guad female speakers — Cathy Deddo, Rita Arroyo and Tammy Tkach

In presentations ministering to the women, Tammy Tkach, Cathy Deddo and Rita Arroyo addressed the freedom of God’s grace, sharing our faith with others, and the priority of love. The response included tears of joy. Cathy also gave a plenary session entitled, “Meeting God in His Word,” which addressed basic Bible study principles.

Samuel Mercado and Heber Ticas addressed about 30 youth and helped make plans for Mexico’s third national camp to be held in November. The youth were upbeat and engaged throughout the conference. In the plenary sessions, three of them movingly shared their journey of faith in Jesus.

Natanael Cruz leads worship — Nathanael Cruz leads worship

The conference high point was the Easter service with 150 in attendance. Nathanael Cruz, pastor of the GCI Mexico City church and a talented musician and songwriter, led worship. He played his own arrangements of contemporary praise songs on keyboard, “rocking the building” with adoration and worship toward Jesus Christ. Joseph Tkach then gave the sermon entitled, “The Risen Lord and the Empty Tomb.” Appreciation and affection for Dr. Tkach was shown through enthusiastic applause.

A joyful additional benefit of the conference was the involvement of Jose Vasquez and his family from central Mexico who attended at the invitation of Jose’s brother, a GCI member in the US. Jose recently began a small group of about 25 people in his hometown. He was so overwhelmed by his exposure to GCI at the conference that he agreed to be commissioned as GCI’s representative in leading his small group. Joseph Tkach welcomed Jose to GCI.

In addition to the meetings, the conference provided ample time for meals and informal fellowship. In the evenings several dined at area restaurants and enjoyed cultural events in Guadalajara. Many commented that these Mexican conferences are getting better every year. Planning is underway for the next one to be held on Easter weekend 2014.

Easter sermon

Below is a video produced by NewLife Fellowship showing a sermon that Dan Rogers gave on Easter in Southern California. It serves as a source of sermon ideas and an example of expository preaching.

http://youtu.be/M4q7F-Ygzyg

LaVerne Wyatt-Paige

As reported in an earlier prayer update, LaVerne Wyatt-Paige, wife of GCI Phoenix pastor Michael Wyatt-Paige, has been battling cancer. Though she had shown remarkable improvement, she has recently taken a turn for the worse and was moved into hospice care a few days ago. She is no longer strong enough to take liquid orally. Michael reports that she may not survive more than a few days. Their two children are with their mother in Phoenix now. Please pray for LaVerne and the entire family.

Cards may be sent to:

Michael Wyatt-Paige

1928 E Highland Ave #104 PMB 200

Phoenix, AZ 85016-4626

Death of Perskys’ son

We are greatly saddened to learn that Michael Ted Persky, son of GCI Dallas pastor Bob Persky and his wife Kay, died on April 7. Ted, who graduated from Ambassador University, Big Sandy, in 1994, was living with his parents in Dallas. They were in the process of purchasing a larger home together, so that Ted’s children would have more room when they came for visits.

Bob reported that Ted had not been feeling well, and everyone had encouraged him to get things checked out. Plans had been made to go to the hospital the morning of April 7. Early that morning when Bob went to see if Ted was getting ready, he found his son lying on the floor. Emergency workers indicated that Ted had passed away at least four hours earlier.

Please pray for Bob and Kay and for their whole family, including Ted’s daughter Hannah (age 6), his son Blake (age 4), and his brothers.

Ted’s funeral is scheduled for April 10 in Justin, Texas.

Cards may be sent to:

Bob & Kay Persky

118 Hummingbird Lane

Justin, TX 76247-5806

Lexie Ellis

Last week, we asked for prayers for Lexie, who had come through an operation to remove a brain tumor. The surgeon had expressed concern that after the operation she might have to learn to walk again. However she is able to walk, and currently is resting and recovering slowly. The diagnosis is stage four metastatic melanoma, which will require constant monitoring and corresponding treatment. Lexie is remaining positive and realistic, knowing her life is in God’s hands. Thank you for your continuing prayers for Lexie, Mark and the family—they are much appreciated.

Cards may be sent to:

Mark and Lexie Ellis

27 Oppermann Drive

Ormeau, Qld, Australia 4208

Hillary Irusta ordained

We are pleased to announce that Hillary Irusta was ordained an elder in GCI on March 17.

Last December, Hillary completed her GCI pastoral internship, which was supported by the denomination, her home congregation in Greensboro, North Carolina and other churches in her church district.

Hillary now serves as associate pastor in her home church where her father, Joel Irusta, is the senior pastor. She also is working on a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree at Wake Forest University, School of Divinity.

Congratulations Hillary!

NAE Update

Here are excerpts from the April issue of “Update” from the National Association of Evangelicals.

Evangelical Day of Prayer & Action for Immigration Reform. On April 17, a unified evangelical voice will echo through the halls of Congress proclaiming a biblical vision for immigration reform that respects the rule of law, reunites families and upholds human dignity. Join Bill Hybels, Stephen Bauman and others in Washington, D.C., to pray and advocate on behalf of immigrants. (read more)

Once-a-Month Communion is the Norm. Wine or grape juice, bread or wafers, intinction or separate actions, served at the front or in the pew. There are many decisions evangelical churches and denominations make when setting up the Lord’s Table. But the question posed in the February Evangelical Leaders Survey was on frequency: How often does your church serve communion? The vast majority (70 percent) said once a month. (read more)

Faith & Family Foundation. This NAE member Foundation was formed to build and support Christian families with biblical values. It work and resources cover all aspects of Christian family care, including pre-marriage counseling, marital guidance and counseling, family-raising, childcare, children’s education and senior care. (read more)

If the Supreme Court Legalizes Same-sex Marriage Nationally, How Should Churches and Pastors Respond? This question is addressed in the April 2013 edition of Christianity Today. (read more)