P. O.  Box 893909 Temecula, CA 92589

                                                                                  May 2, 2005            

          Dear Brethren:         

I hope all of you had a very memorable Passover (commemorating Christ’s death on our behalf) as well as having a wonderful and inspiring Festival of Unleavened bread, by which we are annually reminded of God’s commands which tell each of us that, with His assistance, we must overcome Satan, society and self!

            PREPARE FOR THE FEAST OF PENTECOST. God’s Festival of Pentecost is fast approaching, and His people,  scattered as they are around this whole earth, are looking forward to that wonderful Feast, when we will be reminded of what this important Festival really pictures in God’s Master Plan of Salvation:

            1) God isn’t calling many out of this world now at this time. Only a very few have been called and chosen by our Father to be granted salvation in this age, as God’s precious “firstfruits,” who will be crowned with glory, honor and immortality at Christ’s Second Coming (2 Cor. 15:22-23; Rom. 2:7).

             2) Pentecost also reminds us that Jesus Christ founded His Church on the Day of Pentecost, in 31 AD, and that we, the N.T. “firstfruits,” are highly privileged to have been granted the “firstfruits of the Spirit” (Rom. 8:23), the very “germ” of eternal life (John 6:47-58; 1 John 2:25; 3:1-9).

            As we prepare ourselves to observe this meaningful Feast of Pentecost, let us never forget that we are “a kind of firstfruits of His creatures” (Jas. 1:18), and that, if we endure unto the end, we will have the great honor of being included among the comparatively few “fistfruits unto God [the Father] and to the Lamb” (Rev. 14:4; 1 Cor. 15:20-23).

            THE PAPACY IN PROPHECY.  I have written and am posting on my Website (cog21.org) an interesting and informative 14-page article titled, “The Papacy in Bible prophecy… ‘MOTHER ROME’ and Her ‘DAUGHTERS.” Some of you have already seen this article on my Website. If not, I suggest you may want to print your own copy of this important article for easy reference.

            This is a very timely article, showing that God’s Word has numerous prophecies which, right now, are in the process of being fulfilled. We need to be ever watchful to note what the Vatican and the Roman Catholic Church are doing, for prophecy reveals that they are destined to play a major role in world events in the near future. As we know, about one third (some say one-quarter) of the Bible is prophecy. God’s Word reveals that prophecy is very important as a means of informing us of future events well in advance of their happening (1 Cor. 14:1- & 1 Thes. 5:20). “Surely the LORD God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7)!

            If you do not have the equipment to access my article on the Internet, or don’t have the equipment to print such material off the Internet, and if you would like to receive a “hard copy” of this article, then please request it. It will save considerable time and expense if we do not have to print and mail out many of these 14-page articles.

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            DID SIMON MAGUS GO TO ROME TO PERFORM HIS EVIL WORKS? In the above-mentioned article, I show that the Papacy and the Catholic Church do not have a leg to stand on when they claim that Christ built His Church (Matt. 16:18), on the foundation of Peter. Instead, God’s Word reveals that He built His Church on Himself, the apostles and prophets, who together make up the foundation of the “Church of God” (Eph. 2:19-22). I also point out that Christ gave the “keys of the Kingdom” to ALL of His APOSTLES—not just to Peter, as Roman Catholics claim!

            Furthermore, I explain that there is absolutely nothing in either biblical or secular history that says “Simon Peter” ever went to Rome, whereas we know that Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, did go to Rome, where he spent several years teaching and strengthening the brethren in that City.

            I also briefly explain that another “Simon,” who is mentioned in the Bible, did go to Rome, and His name was “Simon Magus” (Simon, the magician/sorcerer). While working with converts in “Samaria,” the Apostle Peter confronted that wicked man and sternly rebuked him because he tried to purchase the Holy Spirit with money (Acts 8:5-24). Peter then told Simon: “Your money perish with you, because you have thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For

I see that you are poisoned by BITTERNESS, and bound by INIQUITY” (vv. 20-23).          Peter’s words were prophetic of how Satan would later use this man “Simon” to resist, and attempt to thwart Christ’s apostles in their work of preaching the true Gospel.

            But “Simon,” the “sorcerer” (vv. 9-11), did not repent, even though he pretended to do so, and was even “baptized” (vv. 13-14). What did he do after Peter sternly rebuked him? The Bible does not tell us, but secular history does explain what he did, after his rebuke by the Apostle Peter. Simon Magus, the Samaritan, then went to Rome, with his female consort, Helena, and continued performing great miracles. The Romans, like the Samaritans, then began to look upon him as a mighty man of God: “This man is the GREAT POWER OF GOD” (Acts 8:10).

            IMPORTANT TESTIMONY BY JUSTIN MARTYR  (c. A.D. 100-65). The first church historian to mention Simon’s move to Rome, and his evil deeds in that city, was a second century historian called Justin Martyr. What did he say about this wicked sorcerer, “Simon Magus,” going to Rome, and about his evil workings there?

            Volume IV of Dr. James Hastings monumental work makes the following interesting remarks regarding Simon Magus: “The earliest information outsides the NT comes from Justin Martyr, c. 150 (Apol. i. 26, 56 [cf. Eus. HE ii. 13. 14]; Dial. 120). He tells us that Simon was a Samaritan, of the village of Gitta; he came to Rome in the time of Claudius Caesar [141-154 AD]; by the power of the demons he worked miracles, and was honoured in Rome as a god, so that a STATUE was erected in his honour by order of the Senate and people, between the two bridges, bearing the inscription SIMONI DEO SANCTO. Almost all the Samaritans and a few of [the] other nations honour him as the first god…. He took about with him a woman called Helena, who had formerly been a prostitute, and whom he is said to have called the first conception…which came forth from him. He is described as God above ‘all rule and authority and power.’ We also gather that Justin looked upon him as the originator of heresy and the source whence all later heresies were derived” (ibid. p. 520).

            FURTHER TESTIMONY RE SIMON MAGUS.  Justin Martyr also reveals some of Simon’s heresies saying, “He allowed himself to be called by whatsoever names they liked. He thus succeeded in saving Helena, as she expected. He brought man to a knowledge of himself, and liberated the world and those who were his from the rule of those who had made the world [that is, God]….  He [Simon] appeared among the Jews as the Son, in Samaria as the Father, in other nations as the Holy Spirit…. The Jewish prophecies, he said were inspired by the angels…. Therefore those who had hope in him and Helena need no longer care for them [the Old Testament prophecies], but might freely do as they would, for men were saved according to his GRACE and not according to good works…. The morality of the sect [guided by Simon] was, we are told, in accordance with these principles. Their priests…lived lascivious lives, used magic and incantations, made philters, had familiar spirits, and had IMAGES of SIMON and HELENA made in the form of Zeus and Athena.”

            It is easy to see why the Apostle Jude warned the brethren, “Beloved…I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the GRACE OF GOD into LICENTIOUSNESS [that is, liberty to sin] and deny the only [true] Lord God our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 3).

            Hastings Dictionary also says, “EUSEBIUS (c. 324-240 A.D., HE ii. 13, 14) gives an account of Simon Magus from Justin Martyr and Irenaeus…. He then goes on to refer to a contest with Peter, first in Judea, then in Rome. ‘Forthwith,’ he says, ‘the above-mentioned impostor was smitten in the eyes of his mind by a Divine and wonderful light, and when first he had been convicted in Judea by the Apostle Peter of the evil deeds he had committed, he departed in flight on a great journey over the sea from East to the West, thinking in this way only he would be able to live as he wished.’ He tells us that he came to Rome, was assisted there by the DEVIL, obtained great influence, and was honoured by a STATUE. But during the reign of Claudius [AD 141-54], Peter himself came there, ‘And when the Divine word thus made its dwelling there, the power of Simon and the man himself were immediately quenched’” (Dict. of the Bible, 1960 ed., vol. iv, pp. 521-522).

            Here is one more very interesting comment from volume 6 of The Anchor Bible Dictionary: “Justin Martyr, writing near the middle of the 2nd century, cites Simon as an example of the way in which demonic forces could mimic Christianity (apol. 1:26). He reports that Simon came from the Samaritan village of Gitta. During the reign of Claudius, Simon worked his wonders in Rome by means of demons. Justin says that Simon was accompanied by a former prostitute named Helen. She was identified as the first thought…of the first god, namely Simon. Justin indicates that Simon had a large following in Samaria and that SIMONIANS in Rome and other regions were called Christians…. Irenaeus, writing around 180 A. D., was the first to identify Simon as the source of all heresies (Haer. 1.23-27)” (ibid. VI, p. 31).

            The foregoing accounts of Simon Magus’ move to the city of Rome to carry on his sorceries and his heresies, by preaching a perverted “grace”—that included “license” to disobey God, and do what you please—should suffice to prove that Paul, Peter, John and Jude all knew what they were saying when they spoke of “iniquity” as already working, when they warned that “antichrists” and various “libertines” would “turn the grace of God into licentiousness” and thereby denied the true Jesus Christ (Jude 3-4).

            The Apostle Paul spoke of such evil men who would preach a spurious “Jesus,” would possess an ungodly “spirit,” and would proclaim “another gospel” (2 Cor. 1:1-4; cf. Gal. 1:6-7). “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ…. For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works” (vv. 13-14).

            GOD’S TRUTH SHOULD BE PLAIN TO SEE! Satan the Devil “deceives the whole world” (Rev. 12:9)! The Satanic lies and deceits which he inculcated into the minds of the ancient peoples of Chaldea/Babylonia, have radiated out from the Mideast into all the world. We have seen that Roman Catholicism got many of its major doctrines, not out of the Bible, but obtained them from the ancient “Babylonian mysteries” (The Two Babylons, Alexander Hislop). And the Roman Catholic Church rightly claims that the people in many Christian churches (such as Protestants and many Independents) got many of their major doctrines from “Mother Rome.”

            In fact, some of the teachings of modern Judaism, are not found in the Bible, but were acquired during past millennia as the Jews lived and worshipped in the ancient kingdom of Babylon. Also, Islam (known as “Mohammedanism”), was founded by Mohammed in the 7th century A.D. And a diligent study of the Mohammedan religion reveals that Mohammed himself was steeped in paganism (before his conversion to Islam), which had long gripped the Arabian Peninsula where he grew up. Furthermore, he was in contact with many Christians and Jews, many of whose doctrines can be traced back to the ancient mysteries of ancient Babylon (Isa. 47: & Rev. 17-18).

            When speaking of modern “Babylon,” the Bible reveals that the entire world system—including much of its religion, education, government, customs, tradition, philosophy, etc—all came out of “Babylon.” The Word of God says, “For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury…. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities…”—and, in the near future, Almighty God will judge this whole Babylonish system that grips the entire world (Rev. 18:3)! And “the inhabitants of the earth were made DRUNK with the wine [false doctrines] of her fornication” (17:2).

            “COME OUT OF HER MY PEOPLE!” Is it any wonder that Almighty God tells His people, “Come out of her [Babylon] My People” (Rev. 18)?  May the Great God inspire all of us to examine our beliefs, practices and ways to see if they came from God’s Word, or from Babylon! And may He inspire us to forsake the beliefs, customs and ways of modern Babylon: “Come out of her, My people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues” (v. 4)! 

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            FEAST OF TABERNACLE IN HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS.  Brethren, I wish to again remind you that the Church of God-21st Century will observe its annual Feast of Tabernacles in beautiful Hot Springs, Arkansas, October 18-25. Many have asked whether those who are not “members” of the Church of God-21st Century will be welcomed if they wish to attend this Feast site. Yes, we will warmly welcome all who sincerely wish to worship with us, and observe God’s commanded fall festival, the Festival of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day. Services will be held in the ballroom of The Velda Rose Resort Hotel and Spa in Hot Springs. Rates per night at this fine hotel will be as follows: Standard rooms—$55.00, and Deluxe rooms—$75.00.

            Many brethren have already made their reservations, but those who have not yet secured their room reservation at The Velda Rose Resort Hotel may reserve a room at the above rates by calling:1-888-624-3311, and be sure to mention that you are with the Church of God-21st Century!

            Here is a quote from one letter we received in regard to holding the Feast of Tabernacles in Hot Springs: “….It sounds like you selected a great Feast site! We have already rented a home and reserved a van! We are looking forward to spending time with God’s people after having to observe the Feast by ourselves the past 4 years. Have a wonderful and meaningful Spring Holy Day season!”

            Brethren, God has guided His ministers in selecting this very fine Feast site where He will place His name. My wife and I are looking forward to seeing you all there.

            NEW HOLY DAY CALENDAR CARDS. I am enclosing a few calendar cards, to replace the cards we sent with my last letter. Therefore, I suggest you replace the earlier cards we sent you with these newer, more attractive ones. Also, if you would like to receive a few more of these cards, please feel free to request them. (The previous cards included some errors in the dates for the year 2010.)

            I am again pleased to announce that we continue to receive good results from our articles in The Journal and from our Website. [Note. We have posted many of Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong’s books, booklets, articles and messages on our Website. You can access his material by clicking onto COG21.org, then click the “link” titled “Library/Archives,” then click the icon that says you “AGREE” to the conditions mentioned, then click the icon that says “WRITTEN WORD,” then click on the items displayed on a list (which will be displayed on your computer screen)—which list includes such items as “BOOKS” or “BOOKLETS,” etc. By clicking on any of the items in that list, you can open up the particular book or booklet you wish to look at].

            Also, please notice that we are posting more and more valuable articles, letters, booklets, books, on my Website, and will continue to do so. We still have a number of “links” on my Home Page which have not been “filled up.” I hope you will be patient in this matter, for it takes a lot of time to write, edit, scan, etc. and carry out the many functions necessary to put the various items on the Website.

            BAPTISMAL REQUESTS: I have recently received two requests for baptismal counseling. It is always a great joy to counsel anyone who is in the process of being called, and of coming to true repentance, so that he/she can be baptized, thereby receiving God’s precious Holy Spirit. Brethren, please pray for these two young men who are being counseled for baptism.

            INTERESTING COMMENTS FROM READERS. Before closing, I wish to quote from a few letters which show that many brethren appreciate the articles, booklets, letters and other materials which COG21.org now makes available.

            One young man wrote me saying, “I am writing to you because of a couple of reasons, one is to say that I am really glad to hear a servant of God preaching the truth with sincerity and directness. To keep holding fast to the truth taught through Mr. Armstrong and to gather those scattered in these troublesome times…. As a result I have sent a little first tithe money in an enclosed money order to help out in God’s work….

            “I am writing also because of my sincere need of a qualified servant of God to counsel with for baptism…. I’m looking for a counselor that is helpful and is truly sincere in counseling me on the journey of my baptism. So would just ask if you would be willing to guide me on the baptism path. With deepest regards.”

             [Note. It is always a tremendous joy to learn of anyone who has come to see his deeply felt need of God and His way, one who has a burning desire to cast aside his old life, and old ways, allowing the “old man” to be “crucified” and “buried” by baptism, through the efficacy of Christ’s shed blood (Rom. 6:3-7;  112:1-2). Such a person is then “renewed” in his mind by receiving the precious gift of God’s Holy Spirit.

            Recently, one couple wrote my wife and me saying, “This is a special gift to a true minister and his wife—a Shepherd of God’s sheep. May God bless your efforts.”

            Brethren, I am very grateful to God that He counted me faithful, and ordained me into His ministry over fifty years ago! But when God ordains any man into the ministry of Christ, he must always take this as a very serious responsibility. There is, always a heavy (though joyful) load on the shoulders of any true “shepherd” of God’s sheep.

            Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong often said his wife was half of his ministry. I also believe that my dear wife is a very important part of my ministry. I could not accomplish half as much in God’s work without her—a dedicated, capable, diligent “little server” assisting me. She works very hard laboring by my side, doing her very best to see that we don’t neglect anyone or anything. She writes many encouraging cards and letters, and assists in helping me edit my written materials.  She and I both deeply appreciate this unique God-given opportunity to serve you brethren. We also thank Almighty God that many of you have assured us of your regular prayers on our behalf.

            Brethren, my wife and I are very much encouraged by your e-mails, letters, phone calls, etc., and ask that you be patient as we try our best to see that all urgent letters and phone calls are taken care of. However, we sometimes find the volume of e-mails and letters which we receive is difficult to answer immediately. My wife and I work very hard doing the work of 5-6 people. We will endeavor to become even more efficient in serving your needs, and would appreciate your continued prayers!

            Before concluding, my wife and I want to HEARTILY THANK ALL OF YOU who have contributed so much by your generous support of God’s Work. God can do mighty things through a few Gideon-like servants who are willing to humble themselves, seek His sincere guidance and blessing in everything, and give Him the credit. Without Christ, we can do nothing (John 15:5; Zech. 4:6)! By His love, His power and His Spirit, there is no limit to what God can do through us—His people (Phil. 4:13)!

 

Sincerely, In Jesus Christ’s name, 

 

Raymond F. McNair

 

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