Digging Deeper: Fellowship

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Author: Mr. Kenneth Frank | Faculty in Theology, Living Education

Estimated Reading Time: 8 min. 37 sec.

Did you know that what many Christians call fellowship is not exactly what the New Testament writings had in mind?

Some consider common chit-chat over refreshments, social events, politics, entertainment, or sports as fellowship. However, the word used in the New Testament has a different connotation. This Digging Deeper discovers its meaning so Christians will gain a better understanding of what is required in this special relationship.

Our focus verse is: “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42 KJV throughout). The Greek word koinonia, here translated fellowship, is the first of twenty occasions of this Greek word in our New Testament. In the King James Version, it is translated, depending on the context, as fellowship, communion, communicate, communication, contribution, and distribution. Vincent’s Word Studies provides a derivation of this Greek word: “From κοινός, common. A relation between individuals which involves a common interest and a mutual, active participation in that interest and in each other. The word answers to the Latin communio, from communis, common. Hence, sometimes rendered communion, as 1 Corinthians 10:16; 2 Corinthians 13:14. Fellowship is the most common rendering” (e-Sword 13.0.0).

David Guzik in his Enduring Word Commentary defines the word: “The Greek word koinonia has the idea of association, communion, fellowship, and participation; it means to share in something” (e-Sword 13.0.0). Additionally, James Hastings’ Great Texts of the Bible explains: “The word translated ‘fellowship’ (cf 2 χοινωνία) comes from a root which means literally sharing in common. The practical nature of the fellowship is very clearly seen by comparing the ways in which the same word is translated in other places in the New Testament. As a rule Scripture is its own best interpreter” (Ibid.).

It’s about sharing

The NET Bible associates it with relationships: “Fellowship refers here to close association involving mutual involvement and relationships” (e-Sword 13.0.0). This sharing is further defined in the Bridgeway Bible Dictionary: “According to its basic biblical meaning, fellowship is concerned…with people participating together in something. Fellowship is communion – having a share in something” (Ibid.). With other believers, we share a relationship through the fellowship of the Spirit (Philippians 2:1-2). Its focus is not so much social as it is spiritual.

The CARM Theological Dictionary illustrates this relationship: “There is no specific definition given in the N.T. But we are called into fellowship with one another (1 John 1:3), with Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:9), with the Father (1 John 1:3), and with the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14). Fellowship implies sharing common interests, desires, and motivations. Fellowship requires that time be spent with another communicating, caring, etc. It carries with it a hint of intimacy. As Christians we fellowship with one another because of our position in Christ, because we are all redeemed and share an intimate personal knowledge of Jesus. We share a common belief (Acts 2:42), hope (Hebrews 11:39-40), and need (2 Corinthians 8:1-15)” (e-Sword 13.0.0).

The Bridgeway Bible Dictionary illuminates this common faith: “There is therefore a sense in which they have fellowship with one another, but again this fellowship is usually in someone or something that they have as a common possession (Philippians 1:7; Hebrews 3:14; 2 Peter 1:4). Their fellowship is a joint sharing in a common faith (Titus 1:4), in a common salvation (Jude 1:3) and even in their common sufferings (2 Corinthians 1:7; Revelation 1:9).” (e-Sword 13.0.0). David Guzik’s Enduring Word Commentary adds even more: “As Christians, we share the same Lord Jesus, we share the same guide for life, we share the same love for God, we share the same desire to worship Him, we share the same struggles, we share the same victories, we share the same job of living for Him, we share the same joy of communicating that gospel to others” (Ibid.).

Practical fellowship

In 1 Corinthians 10:16 the word communion is translated from this same Greek word. Through the centuries, many have referred to the ceremony of Christians memorializing Jesus’ death with bread and wine as Communion. However, The Preacher’s Homiletical corrects this notion: “…’fellowship’ was not used to mean communion in the Lord’s Supper before the fourth century” (e-Sword 13.0.0). Rather than refer to this ceremony as communion, Christians today refer to it as Christian Passover. What Paul meant by communion is that which Christians share in this sacred service—the sacrifice of Christ for their sins. It was not intended as the name for the service.

In a related matter, some claim that breaking of bread in Acts 2:42 refers to partaking of Communion or The Lord’s Supper. On the contrary, Ethelbert Bullinger explains in his Companion Bible that “This was the common meal” (e-Sword 13.0.0). We read examples of an ordinary meal during Jesus’ ministry in (Luke 24:30, 35). These new followers broke bread together.

Later in Acts 2, Luke described the new believers’ practical fellowship expressed by sharing their possessions with believers in need (Acts 2:44-45). On the Day of Pentecost, Jews had come from all over the Roman world. Many decided to stay in Jerusalem for a time after receiving the Holy Spirit. Resident Jews distributed their possessions with those who stayed there longer than expected. The NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible comments: “Luke depicts the Jerusalem church as a loving, caring, and supportive community” (Tecarta Bible App).

Later in our New Testament, Paul encouraged similar generosity using a related word: “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate [koinonikos]” (1 Timothy 6:17-18).

Sharing in suffering

Nowhere in the NT does fellowship refer to “fun times.” Numerous times it included hardship, persecution, and suffering. For example, Paul used the term when he was sitting under house arrest in Rome: “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3-5). In the same book, Paul described his fellowship with Christ: “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death” (Philippians 3:10).

Indeed, Paul did share Jesus’ sufferings throughout his ministry (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). The Bridgeway Bible Dictionary explains this aspect: “Fellowship with Christ means not only sharing in the blessings that come through his sacrificial death, but also sharing in the sufferings that he endured (Philippians 3:10; 1 Peter 4:12-14; Revelation 1:9). But if people have fellowship with him in his sufferings, they will also have fellowship with him in his glory (2 Timothy 2:11-12; 1 Peter 5:1)” (e-Sword 13.0.0).

Have no fellowship with sin

What destroys fellowship in God’s family is sin. The Bridgeway Bible Dictionary admonishes Christians: “Sin spoils the believer’s fellowship with God. Those who think they can sin as they please and still have fellowship with God are deceiving themselves. By contrast those who live righteously will enjoy unbroken fellowship with God, because God in his grace cleanses the sins that they unknowingly commit (1 John 1:6-7)” (e-Sword 13.0.0). This demonstrates the need for continual repentance so that our fellowship remains unbroken.

To elaborate further, this source continues: “There are certain things that Christians are not to have fellowship with, not to share in, not to participate in. They are not to identify with others in a way that signifies a sharing in the wrongdoings of such people (1 Timothy 5:22; 2 John 1:10-11). Neither are they to share in marriage with non-believers (2 Corinthians 6:14-15) or in religious feasts where food has been offered to idols (1 Corinthians 10:20-21). They are to have no part, no share, in anything that is sinful (Ephesians 5:11; Revelation 18:4)” (e-Sword 13.0.0).

Examine your fellowship!

In Sabbath conversation, how often do Christians converse about spiritual things? Some are hesitant to do so. However, notice Malachi 3:16 “Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.” These believers communicated to each other about God.

James Hastings’ Great Texts of the Bible admonishes with this solemn note: “I fear this aspect of fellowship has been sadly lost in these days. How seldom we talk about God! We talk about anything—everything else—about leaders, teachers, sermons, books; but how seldom do we find the conversation, even among a party of Christians, centring round God; and yet one of the sweetest of the ‘precious and exceeding great promises’ is given to those who practise the habit of speaking about God, and the things of God” (e-Sword 13.0.0).

General chit-chat about work, sports, politics, shopping, entertainment, etc. does not satisfy these fellowship descriptions. After reading these rousing Scriptures, let us consider how we fellowship next time we gather with fellow believers: “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” (Hebrews 10:24). Before our next worship service, let us pray: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).

Kenneth Frank headshot

Kenneth Frank was born and raised in New Jersey, USA, and attended Ambassador College, graduating in 1973. He served in the Canadian ministry from 1973-1999, after which he returned to the USA to pastor churches in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina for 15 years. Having earned a BA degree from Ambassador College he later earned a MA degree from Grand Canyon University before being assigned to the Charlotte office to teach at Living University, now Living Education. Currently, he teaches the Survey of the Bible course to the on-campus students and writes the Digging Deeper column for our online Bible study program. He is married, has four children, and seven grandchildren.

Programme biblique pour enfants : niveau 2 – NT leçon 10 “La trahison d’un disciple”

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Passage étudié : Jean 13

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Après la résurrection de Lazare, Jésus Se rend à Jérusalem avec Ses disciples. C’est peu de temps avant le début de la Fête des Pains sans Levain. Jésus passe beaucoup de temps avec les gens pour les enseigner, mais les dirigeants juifs sont très jaloux. Ils ne veulent pas que les gens suivent Jésus, au lieu de les suivre eux. Alors, ils commencent à comploter sur la façon dont ils pourraient tuer Jésus, et Lazare. Le seul problème, c’est qu’ils ne savent pas comment se saisir de Lui sans être mal vu par le peuple. Un jour, un homme vient les voir en cachette pour leur dire qu’il est prêt à les aider pour attraper Jésus, à condition qu’ils le payent. Les responsables juifs sont heureux, car ils ont maintenant les moyens de réaliser leur méchant complot, grâce car l’un des propres disciples de Jésus, qui accepte de saisir le bon moment pour Le trahir.

Discussion :

  1. Quelle Fête Jésus et Ses disciples ont-ils célébrée lorsqu’ils ont pris un repas ensemble ?
  2. Pourquoi Jésus a-t-Il lavé les pieds de Ses disciples ? Quelles leçons pouvons-nous apprendre par Son exemple ?
  3. Qui était le disciple qui a trahi Jésus ? À ton avis, comment Jésus savait-Il quel disciples allait Le trahir ?
  4. Judas a quitté le souper après que Jésus lui ait donné le morceau de pain. À ton avis, pourquoi Jésus lui a-t-Il dit : “Ce que tu fais, fais-le promptement” ? Comment les autres disciples ont-ils interprété cette phrase ?
  5. Après le départ de Judas, qu’a dit Jésus à Ses disciples ? Pourquoi Jésus les a-t-Il encouragés à se souvenir qu’ils devaient s’aimer les uns les autres ?
  6. À ton avis, comment Jésus S’est-Il senti d’être trahi par Son ami ? Que nous apprend cette histoire sur ce qu’est être un bon ami loyal ?
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Mémorisation

Jean 13:34-35

“Je vous donne un commandement nouveau : Aimez-vous les uns les autres ; comme je vous ai aimés, vous aussi, aimez-vous les uns les autres. À ceci tous connaîtront que vous êtes mes disciples, si vous avez de l’amour les uns pour les autres.”

Programme biblique pour enfants : niveau 1 – NT leçon 2 “Jésus est né”

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Passage étudié : Luc 2

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Joseph et Marie vivent dans une ville appelée Nazareth, et ils partent en voyage à Bethléhem. Marie attend un bébé, et comme l’ange le lui a dit, elle doit L’appeler Jésus. Lorsqu’ils arrivent à Bethléhem, il n’y a plus de place pour eux à l’auberge, alors ils s’installent dans une étable, et c’est là que Jésus naît. La nouvelle se répand alors en annonçant ce miracle exceptionnel, mais quelques personnes commencent à réaliser que ce n’est pas un garçon ordinaire.

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Discussion :

  1. Pourquoi Joseph et Marie sont-ils allés à Bethléhem ?
  2. Quelles ont été les premières personnes à entendre parler de la naissance de Jésus ? Comment l’ont-elles apprise ? Qu’ont-elles fait après avoir appris la nouvelle ?
  3. Lorsque les parents de Jésus L’ont emmené au temple, qui ont-ils rencontré ? Qu’a fait Siméon quand il a vu Jésus ?
  4. Qui était Anne ?
  5. Où Jésus a-t-Il grandi ?
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Mémorisation :

Luc 2:11

“…aujourd’hui, dans la ville de David, il vous est né un Sauveur, qui est le Christ, le Seigneur.”

Forum Summary: The Future is in God’s Hands

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Author: Ryan Price | Student, Living Education – Charlotte 2021/22

Estimated reading time: 2 min.

For the forum this week, Mr. Gaylyn Bonjour addressed the topic of the future, asking, “What are you going to do six months from now?

You don’t know, because you don’t know what the world is going to do.” We face an unknown future, and we don’t always have control over what happens in our lives—but when we involve God, He guides us in the direction we should go. 

Mr. Bonjour used the story of Job as an example; he asked, “Do you think Job knew what was going on when he was going through all his trials?” What happens to us isn’t as important as how we handle it—that’s what really counts. Physically speaking, we can’t plan for much in this life. Yet, spiritually, we are gifted with an understanding of God’s plan, and with that, we can prepare for the time to come.

Life’s Unexpected Turns

Life will often take us in directions we don’t expect. Take Moses, for example; he didn’t expect to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. And look at David; he was just a simple shepherd, who couldn’t have known he would become the greatest king that Israel would ever have. Life happens, and we have to make the best of the opportunities that God brings us. 

Mr. Bonjour read from an article entitled “Following Christ at Any Stage of Life” by Mr. Davy Crockett III: “Life passes through stages, and our activities and our understandings change with the seasons of life.” As we mature, our perception changes. Things that are important to us when we’re young will likely mean less to us when we’re middle-aged. We are constantly learning, and we are ultimately a product of what we go through. Mr. Crockett’s article continues, “At each stage of life, we learn new lessons that are unique to that phase of our existence. We understand things at age 30 that we could not grasp at age 20.”

Stick with God and Things will Work Out

Sometimes, bad things will happen to us even when we haven’t caused them. There are problems and disappointments in everyone’s life. Yet it’s been said that “character is built in the crucible of adversity.” God allows bad things to happen to us so that we can build His character. We are facing an unstable world, and none of us really know what next year might hold—but if we let God guide us, no matter which way the world goes, we can be confident in His perfect will.

Programme biblique pour enfants : niveau 2 – NT leçon 11 “Le tombeau vide”

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Passage étudié : Jean 20

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Après avoir été trahi, Jésus est arrêté et tué, alors qu’Il n’a rien fait de mal. Il est mort pour les péchés de chaque personne dans le monde (Jean 1:29 ; 1 Corinthiens 5:7). Son corps est déposé dans un tombeau, et Ses disciples sont très tristes, mais le plan de Dieu n’est pas terminé. Trois jours après Sa mort, quelques femmes viennent voir le tombeau, tôt le matin. Elles sont surprises parce que la pierre qui fermait l’entrée du tombeau a été déplacée. Elles courent prévenir les autres disciples pour qu’ils viennent voir. L’une des femmes, Marie de Magdala, pleure car elle pense quelqu’un a volé le corps de Jésus. Mais un homme, qu’elle prend pour le jardinier, lui parle.

Discussion :

  1. Quand les femmes sont-elles venues sur la tombe ?
  2. Quelles sont les premières personnes que les femmes ont prévenues que le tombeau avait été ouvert ? Qu’ont fait ces gens en apprenant la nouvelle ?
  3. Pourquoi le tombeau a-t-il été ouvert ? Où était Jésus ?
  4. Qui Marie a-t-elle vu en regardant une nouvelle fois dans le sépulcre ?
  5. À qui le Christ est-Il apparu pour la première fois ? Pourquoi Jésus a-t-Il demandé à Marie de ne pas Le toucher ?
  6. Quand les disciples ont-ils vu Jésus-Christ, après Sa résurrection ? Essaie d’imaginer la scène lorsque Jésus est apparu à Ses disciples.
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Mémorisation

Jean 20:31

“Mais ces choses ont été écrites afin que vous croyiez que Jésus est le Christ, le Fils de Dieu, et qu’en croyant vous ayez la vie en son nom.”

Programme biblique pour enfants : niveau 1 – NT leçon 3 “Jésus et les affaires de Son Père”

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Passage étudié : Luc 2

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Dieu a choisi Marie et Joseph pour être les parents de Son Fils, sur la terre. Ils sont tous les deux issus de la famille du roi David, et ils obéissent aux lois divines. Ils prennent soin de Jésus quand Il est enfant, et ils L’enseignent du mieux qu’ils peuvent. Dieu guide et dirige cette famille. Et à mesure que Jésus grandit, Il commence à apprendre qui Il est, et ce qu’Il doit faire sur la terre.

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Discussion :

  1. Pourquoi Jésus et Sa famille étaient-ils à Jérusalem ?
  2. Où Joseph et Marie ont-ils retrouvé Jésus, après L’avoir cherché pendant 3 jours ? Que faisait-Il ?
  3. Quel âge faut-il avoir pour commencer à apprendre à connaître Dieu ?
  4. À ton avis, pourquoi les docteurs (ou les enseignants) du temple ont-ils été surpris lorsque Jésus leur parlait et leur posait des questions ?
  5. Lorsque Jésus a dit qu’Il devait S’occuper “des affaires de [Son] Père”, de qui parlait-Il ?
  6. Que signifie le verset : “Jésus croissait en sagesse, en stature, et en grâce, devant Dieu et devant les hommes” ? Quelles sont les choses que tu peux faire, dès maintenant, pour suivre l’exemple que Jésus a donné quand Il était jeune ?
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Mémorisation :

Luc 2:52

“Et Jésus croissait en sagesse, en stature, et en grâce, devant Dieu et devant les hommes.”

Assembly Summary: The Suppression of Males in Israelite Society

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Author: Yolanda Watt | Student, Living Education – Charlotte 2021/22

Estimated reading time: 3 min.

Mr. Stuart Wachowicz started his lecture by referring us to his Tomorrow’s World Viewpoint video “Do Schools Discriminate Against Boys?”

He then went on to mention the prophecy given in Isaiah 3:12: “As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people! Those who lead you cause you to err, and destroy the way of your paths.” This serious warning is one of many prophetic scriptures about the fall of Israel at the end of the age. 

This prophecy is descriptive of social conditions, and one of the issues it highlights is children being our oppressors. Mr. Wachowicz stated that children being our oppressors can be seen one of two ways—childlike or unwise leadership in society, or literal children oppressing society, such as children bringing their parents to court. 

“Women Rule Over Them”

The other element of this prophecy addresses women ruling the nation. One of the things we see happening around us is the suppression of males in society. “Do Schools Discriminate Against Boys?” shows that Dr. Jim Dueck, former deputy minister of education for the province of Alberta, Canada, examined the marks of twelfth-grade students in a classroom setting versus the marks of the same students when they were graded “blind”.  Dr. Dueck found that the marks given to the male students when thon those tests were generally higher than those given by teachers to the same students when they knew who they were. He also found that for female students, the opposite was true. 

These results led him to the conclusion that female students’ academic marks are being deliberately inflated. Scholarship eligibility is based on teacher-given exams, and this leads to a disproportionate number of scholarships going to female students; women make up a sizable majority in universities, especially in professional facilities in North America. 

The Bible prophesied these events over 2000 years in advance. Mr. Wachowicz drove his point home by showing a snippet of an interview by Mrs. Diane Watts titled “The History of Feminism and its Impact on Men,” where she explained the origin of the feminist movement. Interestingly enough, the feminist movement started as an effort to get women out of factories and back to their families—until Betty Friedan insisted that women in the home were living in “comfortable concentration camps” and that men were their oppressors.

How This Affects the Church

“Why is this significant to us in the Church of God?” Mr. Wachowicz asked. It is significant in terms of the people to whom we must preach the Gospel and give a warning. Many in modern Western nations have values and mindsets very different from those that were commonly held twenty years ago. 

Mr. Wachowicz closed his lecture by stating that “perhaps prophetically, we are over the tipping point where it is very difficult for our society to recover, and only God can do that for us.” He left us with some questions to consider: How do we preach the Gospel to a population that is so influenced in this manner?  Eighty percent of youth in Canada are unaware of any characters in the Bible and are even less aware of the Bible’s instructions. This is the environment that activists are striving to establish; they are seeking to eliminate knowledge of the past, so people will have no reference with which to analyze the present. This is the world in which God’s Church must preach the Gospel.

Programme biblique pour enfants : niveau 1 – NT leçon 4 “Jésus Se prépare à enseigner”

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Passage étudié : Luc 3 et 4

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Jésus Se développe en stature et en grâce, devant Dieu et devant les hommes. Le beau-père de Jésus, Joseph, est charpentier ; Jésus apprend donc le métier de charpentier. Il travaille comme charpentier jusqu’à l’âge de 30 ans environ. Pendant ce temps, son cousin Jean enseigne aux gens qu’ils doivent se repentir de leurs péchés, et il baptise de nombreuses personnes dans le Jourdain. Jean-Baptiste est en train de préparer les gens à recevoir les enseignements du Messie. Jésus-Christ, le Messie, est sur le point de commencer l’Œuvre pour laquelle Son Père L’a envoyé.

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Discussion :

  1. Pourquoi Jean-Baptiste baptisait-il les gens ?
  2. Que s’est-il passé lorsque Jésus a été baptisé ?
  3. Pourquoi Jésus a-t-Il passé 40 jours dans le désert ? Que s’est-il passé quand Il était là-bas ?
  4. Pourquoi Jésus est-Il entré dans la synagogue ? Et qu’a-t-Il fait ?
  5. Qu’est-ce que les Nazaréens ont essayé de faire à Jésus ? Comment S’est-Il échappé ?
  6. Quels miracles Jésus a-t-Il faits ? Essaie d’imaginer ce que ce devait être lorsque Jésus faisait des miracles ?
  7. Quel message Jésus enseignait-Il au peuple ?
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Mémorisation :

Luc 4:43

“Mais il leur dit : Il faut aussi que j’annonce aux autres villes la bonne nouvelle du royaume de Dieu ; car c’est pour cela que j’ai été envoyé.”

Programme biblique pour enfants : niveau 1 – NT leçon 5 “Pêcheurs d’hommes”

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Passage étudié : Luc 5

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Jésus-Christ a affronté Satan et Il a gagné. Il peut maintenant S’occuper des affaires de Son Père en prêchant la bonne nouvelle du futur Royaume de Dieu. Jésus commence à prêcher aux habitants de la Galilée, Il accomplit des miracles étonnants et les gens commencent à Le suivent. Le plan de Jésus est de bâtir Son Église pour aider à propager l’Évangile, à former les gens et à les préparer pour le Royaume. Il va chercher douze hommes qui accepteront de Le suivre pour être Ses élèves – Ses disciples ! Un jour, alors que Jésus est en train d’enseigner devant une foule nombreuse, au bord de la mer de Galilée, les gens sont tellement serrés autour de Lui, qu’Il a besoin de plus d’espace. Il saute dans une barque qui appartient à un pêcheur local, et Il continue d’enseigner aux gens restés sur le rivage. Mais le pêcheur ne sait pas encore que Jésus a prévu de lui confier une mission très spéciale.

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Discussion :

  1. À qui appartenait la barque dans laquelle Jésus est monté pour prêcher à la foule restée sur le rivage ?
  2. Quel métier faisaient Pierre, André, Jacques et Jean ? Quels liens unissaient ces quatre hommes ?
  3. Pierre, André, Jacques et Jean avaient-ils réussi à pêcher la nuit précédente ?
  4. Pourquoi Pierre a-t-il été surpris lorsque Jésus lui a demandé de jeter son filet ? Que s’est-il passé lorsqu’ils ont ramené leurs filets ? Combien de poissons ont-ils pris ?
  5.  À ton avis, que signifie être “pêcheurs d’hommes” ?
  6. Comment Pierre, André, Jacques et Jean ont-ils réagi lorsque le Christ leur a demandé de Le suivre ?
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Mémorisation :

Marc 1:17

“Jésus leur dit : Suivez-moi, et je vous ferai pêcheurs d’hommes.”

Assembly Summary: Read Books!

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Author: Yolanda Watt | Student, Living Education – Charlotte, 2021-22

Estimated Reading Time: 5 min.

Mr. John Strain used his lecture to give us some books that would help us understand “what’s behind the pastoral information and things that we believe.”

He commented that the Living Church of God’s Official Statement of Fundamental Beliefs represents what we believe, what we teach, and what we should be practicing. It also defines why we are in the Living Church of God and not somewhere else. Mr. Strain reminded us that though there are different Church of God groups and some think they are all alike, we do not believe all the same things. He challenged us to think about the question “Why are you here?”

Books Recommendations

1. Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstong, vol. 1

The first book Mr. Strain recommended for us to read was the first volume of the Autobiography of Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong. We are continuing the work that was started by Mr. Armstrong, and this book tells us how he was called and how he began the work as we know it today.

2. The Mystery of the Ages, by Mr. Herbert Armstrong

Mr. Strain commented that Mr. Armstrong wrote the book when he was about 93 years old. This book can serve to augment our beliefs in the Living Church of God, as it addresses seven mysteries that the world does not understand.

3. The United States and British Commonwealth in Prophecy by Herbert Armstrong

Even though we have a booklet on the subject written by Mr. John Ogywn, because Mr. Armstrong wrote extensively on the subject and it is a part of our fundamental beliefs.

4. Empire: How Britain Made the Modern World by Niall Ferguson

We’ve heard the statement that the sun never set on the British Empire, and this book goes into details that reveal how this small nation became as dominant as it did. This book can help us understand the physical realities of the The United States and British Commonwealth in Prophecy 

5. The Coming Fury by Bruce Catton

This book deals with the American Civil War and its causes. American society has been torn apart by social constructs, and The Coming Fury illustrates the reasons behind this and gives a history of modern-day Manasseh. Mr. Strain believes that God allowed the American Civil War to happen so that the United States would not be permanently divided.

6. Lincoln by David Herbert Donald

President Lincoln was criticized for being undereducated but ended up with one of the most famous speeches ever written. We were advised to go back and read Mr. Lincoln’s speeches if we wanted to know how to communicate and stir people. Mr. Lincoln was well educated because of all the reading he did.

7. Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin

After Mr. Lincoln was nominated as the Republican Party’s presidential candidate, he unexpectedly won the presidency. William Seward was secretary of state under President Lincoln, who was convinced that America should buy Alaska. Alaska is a strategic location for protecting the United States, which makes it an important part of God’s plan. Salmon Chase, Edwin Bates, and William Seward were vying for the presidency at that time and were rivals. Once Lincoln won, he put all three men in his office because of their skills and knowledge that he did not have himself.

8. The Proud Tower by Barbara Tuchman

This book describes the events led to World War I, highlighting that the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand triggered the war. Describing the years leading up to Ferdinand’s assassination, this book details the social, industrial, and political structure that led to the war. The Balfour Declaration, stating that the Jews should have a homeland to return to, in turn led to them making enemies with the Arab nations. Britain prolonged the fulfilment of the declaration, which then led to World War II. 

9. The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William Shirer

A history of Hitler and the Nazi party, this book describes Hilter’s chancellorship, dominance during World War II, and the fall of the Third Reich. What struck Mr. Strain most about this book was that people who are passionate, even if they are passionate about the wrong things, can be very influential in a society. 

10. O Jerusalem! by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre

This book details what the Jews did to prepare themselves when the last Jewish ship left Britain to depart to the Middle East. They knew that the surrounding nations did not want a Jewish nation, and would try to drive them into the sea. The Jews were ultimately successful in expanding their territory. Britain was able to declare the Jews deserving of a homeland due to General Allenby freeing Jerusalem in 1917. Britain was then the caretaker for Palestine and had command over what happened there. 

Why Read?

“Reading gives you a chance to study things, draw your own opinions, put perspective behind what you know to be the truth of God,” said Mr. Strain. He recommended one final book that had been recommended to him by Mr. Weston, This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends by Nicole Perlroth, which is about cyber warfare affecting our world today. While the students are unable to read these books now, we are encouraged to do our own reading when we have time. We will have to manage our time in order to read. Mr. Strain said in closing, “Don’t let social media… dominate your life.”