Tag Archive for: Forum Summaries

Author: David Markopoulos | Living Education

Mr. Dexter Wakefield, a long-time minister serving as the Director of Legal Affairs at Headquarters, has a long background in finance, business, and entrepreneurship. In a recent forum to the Living Education students, he addressed a growing trend in our modern culture toward socialism, its implications, and the problem with this school of thought.

Socialism on the Rise

With the recent election of a Democratic Socialist, Zohran Mamdani, to the role of New York City mayor, socialism has come to the forefront of America’s attention lately. Mayor-elect Mamdani has been a vocal critic of capitalism, calling it “theft.” But is this the most accurate descriptor of the capitalist model, and is socialism a safe alternative?

Labor Theory of Value

One element of Socialism is the Labor Theory of Value. This rule dictates that the value of a product can only be equal to the labor that went into it. Looking at economics from this standpoint means that any price not determined by these factors would seem unfair. Further, in order to make any kind of profit, you have to pay workers less than what is “fair.” However, the issue is that this does not account accurately for supply and demand, and a consumer’s personal judgment on utility. A consumer will typically pay the price they personally deem the best—meaning their notion of value supersedes the thought process behind why that item was marked as such to begin with.

Creation of Wealth

Creation involves destruction—or, in a more economic sense, to create products, you have to destroy the raw materials as you found them and put them back together to make something new. Raw metals mined in the earth need to be refined and shaped. This process carries risk—not just physical risk, but financial and legal risk. As Mr. Wakefield pointed out, with all the unknowns that lie along the creative process, the ultimate value of a product depends greatly on how well you manage risk. This adds a completely new dimension to the discussion that socialism often fails to account for.

Mr. Wakefield also pointed out that economics is not “trickle-down,” but rather “ripple-out.” Capitalist societies are typically much more stable than socialist societies because they account for these factors. It also creates more room for innovation and long-term growth. This is missing from socialism, where autocrats make top-down decisions for the people.

Pillars of Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs and businessmen have a difficult job competing in the market. However, understanding the democracy of the market is a critical skill, and it is important to understand the principles of the economic climate in which we operate. Understanding what goes into a product, what determines its price, and the service it provides is an important focus for entrepreneurs and for those living and operating in a capitalistic society.

David Markopoulos is a Living Education alumnus from the 2023-2025 school years. Originally hailing from Chicago, he currently works for the Living Education program.

Author: David Markopoulos | Living Education

Mr. Lambert Greer is a longtime minister in the Church of God with many years of pastoral experience. In a recent forum addressed to the Living Educations students, he took the time to explain Jesus’ command in Matthew to “enter by the narrow gate.” Mr. Greer used this example to relate important principles regarding our Christian walk in life.

The Importance of Gates

Matthew 7:13 states: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

Mr. Greer explained the principle of a gate—for a fortified city, gates led directly inside and were the first point of contact and entry. Some ancient cities would have narrow gates to improve defensive capabilities—however, that proverbial narrow path and gate are, by their nature, difficult to traverse. 

Our Path

As it relates to our Christian journey, the path we walk can be a hard one. Life is filled with hardships, temptations, and risks that can take us from one side of the road to the other. When we reach the point of being glorified as members of God’s Family, we will have overcome the world and its snares.

By contrast, the wide gate and the broad way reflect a way of life that is carefree and easy. It is smooth and inviting, but ultimately leads to destruction. The temptations and pitfalls that lie along this path can easily draw us in, and away from the narrow way.

Difficulties of the Narrow Way

Mr. Greer acknowledged that the narrow way is difficult, and that as we walk down it, there can be a temptation to veer to one side or the other. That is why balance can be a key issue for many trying to walk with God. 

Many things are laid out clearly in Scripture, but there are also many things that we can only do according to our best understanding of the principles given by God. Our challenge is to learn to understand God’s mind and will as we seek to apply those principles daily. It can be easy to be too passive, disengaged, or lax in our spiritual life, which is a dangerous recipe for losing our zeal. And it can be just as easy to be overly harsh, rigid, and Pharisaical. Leaning too far toward this extreme shows a lack of understanding of God’s principles—God’s way accounts for mercy and balance. 

Mr. Greer admonished the students to “keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:34). God looks at the heart of an individual to see whether a person is committed to obeying Him, and allows them to be tested in order to help them develop His character. As we keep God’s commandments and learn to apply His principles, we come to know God better, which in turn helps us keep His commandments and observe those principles more effectively.

Challenges for the Church

We may be tested in our personal lives, but the Church also collectively experiences those tests at times. Mr. Greer reflected back on the apostasy that occurred in the Worldwide Church of God that led so many astray, and the difficulties that many members and ministers faced during that time. The examples of overemphasis or underemphasis on certain doctrines, extreme rigidity or lack of firmness where needed, and many other issues presented unique challenges for the Church as a whole. But, as Mr. Greer stated, we cannot judge God by the weaknesses and sins of men—we must stand before God on our own. Even when others fall off the path, we cannot always help them or push them to change—we have to make the best choices we can, be a positive example, and encourage them, but ultimately remember that we each have our own path.

Ultimately, Mr. Greer pointed out that we must be careful along the way, be attentive to our surroundings, and be on guard for things that can take us off the path—especially the small things. We have to see the big picture and avoid getting caught up in things that could take us away from our calling.

Draw Near to God

The narrow path on which we walk can be difficult, but the trials, tests, and difficulties we experience along the way are nothing compared to what we are offered at the end. As we strive for balance in our walk, we must stay on-track throughout our Christian walk, keeping the end goal in mind. Mr. Greer’s encouragement was to take advantage of what has been given to us, seek clarity and understanding from God, and to take ownership of what God has given us. We must pledge our heart to God and strive to stay the course of the narrow way.

David Markopoulos is a Living Education alumnus from the 2023-2025 school years. Originally hailing from Chicago, he currently works for the Living Education program.

Author: David Markopoulos | Living Education

In a recent forum, Mr. Michael Brown, a pastor serving in Manitoba, Western Ontario, and North Dakota, spoke to the students about important trends to be on guard for in the modern digital age. 

No one can deny that the world in which we now live has been following a trajectory of radicalism. Sociopolitical tension seems to be higher than ever, and all around us there is a deep-seated disdain for traditional values, the social order, and government as a whole. Many of these ideas are rooted in Marxist ideology, which involves the promotion of radical change through a violent overturning of the social order—a sentiment we see brewing in our own society today. We see distrust of the government, aversion to religion, and erosion of morals to the point of desensitization.

These trends, while dangerous, go further than Marxism—they are the result of targeted degradation of western Israelite-descended nations. When we see things that attack our morals outlined in the Bible, our guard should go up. Mr. Brown warned against two areas that operate as vehicles for these trends to take hold in society:

1. Universities & Mainstream Media

Universities and the mainstream news media are some of the most powerful vehicles for Marxist ideology to be spread. The education scene is dominated by idealists, political radicals, and progressives whose ideologies are often deeply at odds with the Christian values we have historically held in western Israelite-descended nations. The news media is also often a tricky realm to navigate, saturated with opinions and supercharged with sensationalized, carefully-curated talking points. One key example is the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which is the latest iteration of a long-term conflict between two states—on the one hand, Israel lays claim to its ancestral territory being occupied by outsiders, while the Palestinian state accuses the other side of genocide.

Mr. Brown pointed out Proverbs 18:17, which states: “The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him.” One side or the other can seem to make a convincing argument, but, as Mr. Brown stated, it is critical for us to avoid having emotional reactions in favor of one side or another. Most left-wing news sources omit the atrocities committed by the radical group Hamas against Israel. Their actions add a different dimension to the conflict as it is understood by most people casually following the news. 

2. Entertainment

Another place we see the lines blurred and our values challenged is the entertainment industry. Mr. Brown pointed out that we have been desensitized to the graphic entertainment being promoted today. Between intense gore and lewdness, our sense of what is appropriate, profitable, or harmful has come under attack. The truth is simple: prolonged exposure to sin dulls your sensitivity to its effect. 

The sinful messages and imagery that have become the norm for our society are deeply harmful to our relationship with God. We have a responsibility to take charge of our media usage and be intentional about what we allow to flood our minds. The messages to which we habituate ourselves are often deeply harmful, compromising our Christian values.

Stay on Guard

Mr. Brown stated that no one gets ahead in life with eroded morals. No matter how much it seems that wicked people prosper or seem to enjoy success by this world’s standards, the things they stake their claim on will come to nothing. We cannot allow ourselves to slip in our Christian walk and compromise on our values. And as much as entertainment and media can damage our morals, the effect can even be exacerbated by others. It is difficult, and can even be harmful, to spend too much time with those in the world devoid of God’s Spirit. 1 Corinthians 15:33 states: “Do not be deceived: evil company corrupts good habits.” The people, perspectives, entertainment, and news sources with which we keep company can be corrosive to our morals.

Mr. Brown encouraged the students to seek out entertainment that is also productive—good books, music, documentaries on interesting topics, and more. He also encouraged them to seek wisdom in God’s word, to think critically about the perspectives and messages we hear, and to spend quality time with real people—taking the time to invest in stronger social bonds can take time and effort, but it will pay off. As iron sharpens iron, we should make the effort to strengthen each other in the faith as we apply wisdom to everything we hear and see.

David Markopoulos is a Living Education alumnus from the 2023-2025 school years. Originally hailing from Chicago, he currently works for the Living Education program.

Author: David Markopoulos | Living Education

In addition to instruction in Biblical topics, one important aspect of Living Education-Charlotte is the opportunity for students to learn practical life skills. The experiences and education offered at Living Education sets students up for success, and equips them to be more competent, conscientious young adults. In this past week’s forum, Mr. Jonathan McNair shared a series of PSA videos on safe driving principles to help better equip students with safe habits.

Keep Others in Mind While Driving

Mr. McNair reminded the students that accidents can happen at any point. It’s important to remember your priorities: keeping you, your loved ones, and others out of danger is a critical mindset while driving. To this point, he shared a video by the Smith System group, which further emphasized the importance of keeping a selfless, family-oriented focus while driving.

Smith System Keys to Defensive Driving

The Smith System method of defensive driving incorporates five distinct steps, each with an instructional video:

1. Aim High in Steering
2. Get the Big Picture
3. Keep Your Eyes Moving
4. Leave Yourself an Out
5. Make Sure They See You

Safe Habits are Important

Even if you consider yourself a safe driver, it’s no guarantee that others are as careful as you are. It’s important to stay alert, remain focused, and remember to look out for others—especially your own passengers. Having a proactive, defensive attitude while driving can reduce the risk of accidents and ensure the safety not of your own vehicle, but everyone around you.

David Markopoulos is a Living Education alumnus from the 2023-2025 school years. Originally hailing from Chicago, he currently works for the Living Education program.

Author: David Markopoulos | Living Education

Mr. Wyatt Ciesielka, a regional pastor serving in the eastern United States, delivered a forum message to the Living Education students. In his message, Mr. Ciesielka addressed a major doctrinal topic with important theological implications: the doctrine of the Trinity. The Trinity is one of the most important topics of discussion among theological circles, and many denominations have varying beliefs about it. However, as Mr. Ciesielka points out, the truth about this mainstream Christian doctrine is different from what many people realize.

Origins of the Mystery

Where did the idea of the Trinity originate? Long before Christianity, the ancient Babylonians worshiped a triune deity that formed the superlative basis for their pantheon. Alexander Hislop, in his book The Two Babylons, stated: “In the unity of that one Only God of the Babylonians, there were three persons, and to symbolize that doctrine of the Trinity, they employed… the equilateral triangle, just as it is well known the Romish Church does at this day.” Mr. Ciesielka presented numerous credible historic quotes, as well as pictures of ancient artwork, statues and stele on display at museums ranging from the Louvre to the Vatican. These ancient art and artifacts depicts not only ancient Babylonian worship of a triune godhead, or often a three-faced deity, which represented the principal member of their pantheon, but, as Mr. Ciesielka demonstrated, these same type of artifacts were also found in ancient Egypt, India, Persia and elsewhere.   

Christianity Adopted Paganism

Over time, a change in how this early deity was most commonly depicted occurred. Rather than a single god with three faces, a “triune” god-head began to be worshiped as three distinct gods. The reason for this change is shown in the story of Nimrod, Semiramis, and Tammuz – three figures who embodied the role of a major god, his consort, and the reborn son. This concept of three primary deities over all the rest was found in every major world religion, including in “pre-Christian” times.  As fledgling Christianity came into contact with the cultures of various nations, it was not difficult for syncretism to occur. Will Durant, in his book Caesar and Christ, pointed out: “Christianity did not destroy paganism; it adopted it… Christianity was the last great creation of the ancient pagan world.”

The Catholic Church

Today, the Catholic Church holds the doctrine of a triune God as its central theological pillar. Catechism 234 of the Catholic Church states that “The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of Christian faith and life. It is the mystery of God in himself. It is therefore the source of all the other mysteries of faith, the light that enlightens them. It is the most fundamental and essential teaching in the ‘hierarchy of the truths of faith.’” And Catechism 738 states that it is the Catholic Church’s “mission” to “spread the mystery of the communion of the Holy Trinity.”  As Mr. Ciesielka noted, it is no understatement to say that trinitarianism—the origins of which can be clearly proven to be pre-Christian and pagan—is the most important doctrinal point of the Catholic religion.

What is the Holy Spirit?

If God is not described as a Trinity in the Bible, how can we account for the seeming presence of a third member of the Godhead? Most people assume the Holy Spirit—often referred to as a “He”—is a deity in itself, which not only the Catholics teach, but as was demonstrated, Protestant and many Messianic or Hebrew Roots churches also teach. But this is based on an incorrect interpretation of Scripture that is used to justify what can be proven as a false, pagan doctrine. 

The Holy Spirit is never addressed as a person by the apostles, as opposed to the Father and Jesus Christ, and Mr. Ciesielka presented numerous quotes from Dr. Meredith, Mr. Weston, Mr. John Ogwyn, Mr. Armstrong, and others to help make this point. As he explained the Church has long taught, in the Greek language of the New Testament, just like in French or Spanish, or many other languages, the use of the masculine pronoun, “he”, does not necessarily mean that the thing being referred to is a “male” in gender, or is even an animal or a person. However, one grammar argument which he wanted the students to be aware of, and which some advocates of the Trinity will use to make an erroneous grammatical argument, is based on John 14:26, where a neuter noun is used. Mr. Ciesielka showed an example of where some trinitarians will use this Scripture to argue that the writer had “a choice” in whether he used a masculine or neuter pronoun. 

Since the Gospel writer supposedly “chose” to use the pronoun “he”, instead of “it” in this passage, then the argument goes that that was supposedly a way in which the Gospel of John is conveying that the Holy Spirit is “a person.” However, in reality, in John 14:26 the “he” pronoun refers to “the Helper, the Holy Spirit.” The term for the Holy Spirit in Greek, pneuma, is a neuter word which, in this context, serves as the apposition to the word for Helper—parakletos—which is a male noun, and the subject of the sentence. The pronoun used in this sentence must take on the gender of the subject (Helper), rather than the apposition (Spirit)—so the writer had no “choice” in which pronoun he used.  This has been frequently cited as an important verse proving the nature of the Holy Spirit, when in reality the opposite is true: the Holy Spirit is not a “being”, but is God’s essence and His power, enabling us to be transformed into the very nature of the true God Himself.

What God Tells Us

Throughout the pages of the Bible, God has never been secretive about how He wants to be worshiped, or who He is. He has never demanded that we accept an “unknowable” God, or an “unknowable mystery”, which is how Trinitarians describe the nature of the Trinity. Instead, we find consistent examples affirming that God does not operate or reveal doctrine through “mystery religions” or sacramental ritualism. A Scripture Mr. Ciesielka used to make this point was Jesus’ own words in John 4:22, where He stated: “You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship.” God has always been clear, consistent, and honest with His worshipers about what He expects from them, as well as on the subject of His own divine nature—and the description of a triune God is nowhere to be found in Scripture. As believers in Christ and partakers of His Holy Spirit, we have what no other god offers—the chance to truly know our God and Savior, and to become like Him as part of His Family.

David Markopoulos is a Living Education alumnus from the 2023-2025 school years. Originally hailing from Chicago, he currently works for the Living Education program.